EPIC Consultants

12/11/2023

Last week EPIC had the pleasure to host a very timely session on Developing Multicultural Thought and Skills with the team and Fernando Parrado from . GHT is a US based corporation that leads strategic processes and provides support services to a network of companies in the flower industry, in Colombia, Ecuardor and across the US. Fernando is an international business consultant, expert in intercultural communication and negotiation and cultural transformation.

The event was incredible! It shed so much light on the challenges and opportunities that come from multicultural teams and the new skills required to navigate the global space. The key takeaways:
- Remember that cultural understanding is a two-way street where both sides must be conscious of the cultural differences. Be flexible, it’s another culture!
- Think about your own culture and bias. A good intercultural communicator doesn’t only look the point of view of the other culture but also one’s own. Take the time to look at your style of communication, management, and motivation.
- Explore and understand cultural diversity is a key element for endless growth and innovation.
- Cultural intolerance has been the cause of numerous conflicts in the world. Value diversity and enrich yourself with the differences!

How do you handle cultural differences in your organization? What are you biggest challenges?

11/10/2023

Veterans Day is a reminder that freedom comes at a price, a price borne by our servicemen and women who have stood on the front lines, ensuring our safety and security. These remarkable individuals embody values and principles that are deeply ingrained in our company's culture. As said by Johnny Rojas, our founder and VP of Operations, "As a veteran, I can truly appreciate the values of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. I'm proud and grateful to say that these qualities, highly upheld in our armed forces, have been deeply embedded within the very fabric of our team through the numerous veterans who have come to join it. Our veterans' service is a never-ending source of inspiration to us all."

Thank you to all the veterans for your service and Happy Veterans Day.
And to those who serve or served in the Marine Corps, we say, Semper Fi, devil dogs! Happy Birthday!

>> Read more at https://www.epic-construction-co.com/honoring-our-heroes-celebrating-veterans-day-and-our-marines-corps

09/26/2023

Lean Six Sigma is a Lean Six Sigma is a great path to transformation, a dynamic methodology that merges the principles of Lean (maximizing value while minimizing waste) and Six Sigma (process improvement and quality control). Together, the two approaches allow you to plan integrated actions in a more intelligent way, optimizing workflows and production control. This enhances process improvements, decreases production variation and reduces waste.

With over 20 years of experience, EPIC Consultants aims to deliver results that really matter. That's why we've embraced the power of Lean Six Sigma, mastering this method to perfection.

Whether it's streamlining processes, optimizing resource utilization, or enhancing product quality, our Lean Six Sigma experts are armed with the tools and techniques to create tangible and sustainable improvements. We believe that achieving excellence is a continuous journey.

Join us on this journey of continuous improvement as we harness the power of Lean Six Sigma to make things better, one optimized process at a time.

Unlock excellence with Lean Six Sigma at EPIC Consultants!

09/21/2023

In the midst of uncertainty and economic challenges, EPIC Consultants faced a pivotal moment that tested resilience and adaptability. It was the year 2008, and the world was grappling with the recession. While we had some loyal customers, it was a time when many businesses contemplated giving up and Johnny Rojas, wasn’t different. “It was a very challenging time and I asked myself if we should continue.”However, EPIC chose a different path—to stay open to new possibilities.

Their story shifted when a late-night call from a General at "Point Blank Solutions," renowned for producing government bulletproof vests, affirmed their path. This company, grappling with its own challenges, sought to implement a quality management system. Johnny recalls, "The phone rang. We talked briefly, and suddenly the General asked, 'Why are you taking this call past 7 pm?' I replied, 'That's what we do! We're always available to our customers.’ I believe this played a crucial role in securing the project, a commitment we continue to uphold."

EPIC, always up for a challenge, initiated an ISO Implementation project with Point Blank Solutions. The general's unwavering determination to see the project through was a testament to the trust they had in EPIC's capabilities, as they tackled this demanding task with non-negotiable deadlines, navigating the complexities of an unconventional partnership. EPIC had to navigate through the complexities of working with a company that was unlike any they had encountered before.

Amidst a changing world, EPIC thrived on uncertainty, seizing opportunities. This partnership showcased EPIC’s adaptability and ability to turn challenges into triumphs. It was a reminder that even in the most challenging times, embracing new possibilities can yield remarkable results.

Celebrating two decades of EPIC success, let this story testify to resilience and change. Here's to more adventures, where EPIC thrives on opportunities, conquers obstacles, and leaves a lasting project mark. Share your stories with us and let's inspire each other to keep pushing boundaries.

09/18/2023

On the 76th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, we cannot overlook the celebration of an institution whose core values closely align with ours.

Honoring the past and embracing the future.

09/14/2023

Amidst the success of EPIC's training sessions, new opportunities arose, cementing our path to success.
Our journey into continuous improvement immersed us in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, unveiling a demand for comprehensive training. From Lean Systems, we expanded to include Lean Six Sigma green belt, Black belt courses, supply chain management, and more.

Johnny recounted a funny story where students started asking for snacks during class and a tradition began. Alfredo chimed in with a laugh, "We used to have this blue cooler, like the beach cooler with a handle. And before every class, we would go buy cheap pastries, like cupcakes, not even the good cupcakes, two-liter Coke, and a three-liter bottle of Pepsi." “It was embarrassing”, Johnny said.

But it’s not all about food. From the beginning, our training was different. Our classes presented concepts curated by practical experience. Participants left each session with tools and answers they could immediately implement. All that was done in a friendly and engaging way.

EPIC's courses began to gain popularity, people started to take notice, and classes grew in size. By 2006, EPIC was offering several courses with as many as 25 participants each, a testament to their success.

Over the years, we've expanded our training from South Florida to Colombia, Brazil, and Nicaragua, introduced Project Management, Agile, among others, and unified our programs into a unique integrated solution. This delivers customized professional development, team building, and instant results for groups of varying sizes and industries.

As we celebrate two decades of EPIC achievements, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who played a role in our journey where we've not only nurtured relationships but also managed to keep our students well-fed, one snack run at a time! Here's to many more exciting adventures ahead, filled with knowledge, camaraderie, and perhaps a few better cupcakes along the way! Share your catering suggestions with us, and let's continue building meaningful connections.

09/11/2023

"No day shall erase you from the memory of time"
Virgil

EPIC Consultants plans and implements business improvement solutions that build leadership, efficiency and drive results, through professionals who have the knowledge – and scars – that come from being on the frontline and in the boardroom.

09/06/2023

Celebrating 2 Decades of Excellence! Join us on our journey through EPIC history.

# 3 Stay connected to your roots.

EPIC’s journey was shaped by the connections it nurtured over the years. One pivotal figure in this journey was Dr. Shig-Ming Lee, former Chairman of the Industrial Engineering Department at FIU’s Center for Engineering and Computing. His wisdom and guidance opened doors and laid the foundation for EPIC’s success.

Johnny and Alfredo ventured deeper into the world of continuous improvement and decided to return to FIU-CEC to talk to former professors Mario Sanches and Dr. Lee, both of whom became great allies.

Dr. Lee, as the director of FIU’s Department of External Programs, seized the chance to introduce a Lean Management class. Johnny and Alfredo swiftly developed the program, enlisting the assistance of MEPs Phil Centoze, Gil Lugo, and Ernesto Castano, resulting in its immediate success.

Around that time, J’s brother, Gubiath Rojas was working at Caterpillar and was heavily involved in their Six Sigma program, giving him great expertise very early on. Johnny saw the opportunity and worked with Gubiath in the design of EPIC’s first lean six sigma green belt.

EPIC’s commitment to build meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships extended beyond the classroom. A weekend course with Bright Star led to a significant project and the introduction of another important name in EPIC’s history: Marcos Rossi, a Supply Chain Director at Bright Star who later developed and taught EPIC-FIU's Supply Chain Management class.

“And it all goes back to that guy.” - remembers Alfredo. “Always smiling and willing to help, there’s just so much we owe to Dr. Lee and to FIU.”

As EPIC celebrates two decades of excellence, we express great gratitude to Dr. Lee and all the FIU-CEC team who helped shape this remarkable journey.

EPIC Consultants plans and implements business improvement solutions that build leadership, efficiency and drive results, through professionals who have the knowledge – and scars – that come from being on the frontline and in the boardroom.

09/04/2023

Our deepest appreciation and respect for those who work hard in always making things better.

Celebrate a job well done!

09/01/2023

Celebrating 2 Decades of Excellence! It's been an EPIC journey indeed! This year marks 20 years of innovation, collaboration, and growth at EPIC. To celebrate, we will share short stories and lessons from our incredible journey.


#2 – Create your Opportunities

EPIC Consultants was established in 2003, but our journey actually began in 1999, when Johnny and Alfredo met. Johnny, a Navy veteran and FIU graduate in Industrial and System Engineering, joined Alfredo at the US Foundry. They immediately hit it off!

Early on, we learned that success required pursuing our goals and forging opportunities. Our quest for alliances led Alfredo to meet Phil Centoze, Gil Lugo, and Ernesto Castano from the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). MEP supported local manufacturers with process improvement, sponsored by the State of Florida. Alfredo showcased our capabilities, leading to EPIC's first contract—a small project with a vitamins and supplements manufacturer.

Around that time, Alfredo met with a friend, Jorge Garcia, a Sales and Marketing professional who had established ODM Performance Solutions. “When he saw our material, he said we needed to ‘structure ourselves a little better’ (he probably said something a lot more direct than that)” Alfredo remembers, laughing. So, we invested all the money from our first project to hire ODM to help us with EPIC’s first strategic plan. This move led to our first major project with Caribbean Star and Caribbean Sun Airlines (World Atlantic Airlines). Johnny recalls, “It was a long project that took us all over the Caribbean”, remembers Johnny. “We were really excited, but it was rough! We would leave early in the morning and come back late at night. We were beat up!”

Jorge remained a vital part of our journey, supporting us through numerous projects. As we celebrate two decades of EPIC achievements, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the team from MEP and to Jorge Garcia, who gave us our initial push, the thrust that got this EPIC wheel in motion.

Here's to 20 years of EPIC success, and to many more exciting adventures ahead! Share your memories with us!

08/29/2023

When companies decide to put new projects in progress, it is common to find it difficult to allocate the time and energy that this requires, especially when working with scarce teams and resources. Carrying out a new project requires detailed planning and analysis, but also dedicated and experienced management of the process.

This can save a lot of time and money and minimize disruption of your daily activities, allowing the business to continue to run smoothly.

The reduction of operational costs is one of the many benefits of a structured project management. If your team is in need of an additional hand, EPIC Consultants is here, ready to help to make it better.

08/24/2023

Celebrating 2 Decades of Excellence! It's been an EPIC journey indeed! This year, we commemorate 20 remarkable years of innovation, collaboration, and growth at EPIC. To celebrate, we will be posting short stories with special moments and lessons we’ve learned throughout this incredible journey.

Come along and comment any memory you may have with us!

#1: Show up!

A key lesson we learned as maybe the most important thing of starting a business is to show up. Over and over again.

EPIC’s first marketing event was sponsored by the Hialeah Chamber of Commerce. They would give us a place to do an informal presentation and then send the info to all their members. Alfredo and Johnny created a pamphlet and would walk around Hialeah, distributing them door to door inviting companies to attend. “Some companies gave us a hard time for soliciting, but we kept on going, day after day. In the beginning, maybe 50% of the people (or actually, more like 70%) were friends we asked to show up so we would not have all the chairs empty. We did it several times there and at FIU, sponsored by Dr. Lee.” Remembers Johnny.

The audience slowly grew, “It was funny when, sometime later, this random guy we did not know came to me and said ‘Johnny shouldn’t speak at these events’ (laugh). I guess he was mumbling, he wasn't speaking loud enough, I don't know what that guy saw but he came up to me and told me the feedback.” Laughs Alfredo.

Look at where we are now! If you have worked with them, you probably get the irony. Boy, Johnny can talk! And he is really good at it. He is always praised for his engaging and enlightening trainings that by now has affected over 40,000 people in the US and abroad.

As we celebrate these two decades of EPIC achievements, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to these two guys, Alfredo and Johnny, who started it all and gave EPIC its grit and commitment to make things happen!

Here's to 20 years of EPIC success, and to many more exciting adventures ahead!