James, thanks for asking. Long ago I found "The Race" in a used bookstore. Intriguing.

Some time after that, I worked a few years in the computers at a major manufacturer. The department had to radically streamline operations and improve efficiencies. My manager brought in experts from MIT in Lean Manufacturing. I became fascinated by their application of Toyota, Deming, and 6 Sigma concepts.

I continued studying these concepts on my own after leaving that company. I read much from Goldratt, Lang Dettmer, Boyd, and the TRIZ authors. Next to read: Ricketts' "Reaching the Goal."

I'm now assembling a business plan to offer consulting to small to medium businesses. I figure that the combination of Jay Abraham/IM influenced marketing, with TOC based operations, should help many companies improve their success.

And not just a conversation starter... I really do see a natural fit between TOC/Lean and the famous Kiwi attitude to innovation.

Thanks for asking!

Regards,
Allen

hi allen - what's your TOC background?