Randy Phares, President of Dr. Box Consulting, is a visionary leader who excels in transforming businesses across all sectors with special expertise in packaging and transportation. With extensive experience in global consulting and executive coaching, Randy leverages his expertise to uncover innovative solutions that drive operational excellence and financial growth. His commitment to ethical leadership and dedication to mentoring the next generation of business leaders set him apart in the industry.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Innovator: A Journey Fueled by Passion and Purpose
Randy’s journey from humble beginnings to industry leader exemplifies perseverance, innovation, and passion. Growing up with Tourette’s Syndrome and ADHD, he learned the value of hard work and learning everything he can from his father, a field laborer turned teacher, and his mother, a legal clerk. Although he never finished college, his entrepreneurial spirit emerged early. “In the 8th grade, I read a book about starting my own business and decided to be an entrepreneur one day,” Randy recalls.
After starting in construction, he transitioned to manufacturing as a general laborer at Gaylord Container, quickly rising to department head within a year and a half. He achieved breakthroughs others deemed impossible, such as solving complex printing issues. “I solved the problem the day after the suppliers and corporate gurus gave up,” he reflects.
Randy helped transform underperforming plants using Lean and Six Sigma as well as other methodologies. At Stone Container, he pioneered the “Cooperative Alliance,” working on-site addressing major supply chain problems for their largest customer in Mexico, which led to keynote speaking engagements and a magazine cover in the 1990s.
After the merger of Jefferson Smurfit and Stone, he joined the Merger Mobilization team, contributing to over $100 million in cost savings. Defined by problem-solving and innovation, Randy’s career is a testament to his passion and relentless drive. “It’s about finding solutions, no matter the challenge,” he emphasizes.
“Your mind is like a muscle; the more you work it, the stronger it gets.” – Randy Phares
Turning Challenges into Triumphs: A Journey of Leadership and Transformation
Randy’s career is defined by his ability to turn struggling businesses into success stories. As General Manager at Temple-Inland, he faced one of his most pivotal challenges — saving a multi-national business unit from closure. The stakes were high, but Randy’s leadership proved critical. “We achieved a top 5 financial turnaround in their 110-year history out of 64 plants,” Randy recalls.
Under his guidance, the unit not only survived but thrived, earning the “Best Achievement of Organizational Business Improvement in Manufacturing Award” from the Global Six Sigma and Business Improvement Awards. His reputation as a turnaround expert was firmly established, and his passion for driving transformation continued to grow.
Randy’s success led him to a personal decision. His family wanted to relocate to Arizona, and with his track record in business improvement, he saw an opportunity to apply his expertise on a larger scale. He launched Dr. Box Consulting, Inc. and Packaging Recruiters, with a mission to help companies lead world-class transformations. “I had proven myself repeatedly as a business improvement specialist,” Randy says, reflecting on his decision to start his ventures and continue his passion for building lasting change in the industry.
“If you want to win an Oscar-level job, you must deliver an Oscar-level performance.” – Randy Phares
Evolving Leadership to Drive Uncommon Results
Randy’s leadership approach is focused on creating a winning culture while recognizing the need for balance — setting clear expectations and fostering personal growth. “I learned early to set clear goals, hold people accountable for poor performance, and praise good performance,” he shares, highlighting his foundational principles.
His experience managing multi-site operations and turnaround projects deepened his understanding of leadership’s complexities. Randy discovered that effective leadership extends beyond setting goals and managing outcomes; it involves pushing past comfort zones. “To be a good leader, you must be comfortable with being uncomfortable and overcome psychological obstacles to reach the next level,” he explains.
This evolution shaped his ability to achieve extraordinary results. For Randy, leadership means aligning teams on achievable goals, recognizing and developing talent, and addressing challenges directly — all while maintaining integrity. “You must always do what is right to achieve uncommon results,” he emphasizes, reflecting the passion and purpose driving his leadership style.
“Breakthroughs come from many small incremental improvements in all areas of your company and your life.” – Randy Phares
Balancing the Demands of Consulting with Quality Time
Randy’s approach to work-life integration focuses on maximizing efficiency while creating meaningful personal experiences. Since 2010, he has used Virtual Assistants and international contractors, mastering delegation to balance his growing consulting business. “I became an expert at delegation,” Randy notes.
When his business expanded, he homeschooled his son, taking him on projects for quality time. “I took him on projects, allowing us to have quality time together,” he recalls. Now, with 97 percent of his work done remotely, Randy structures long workdays around family schedules, prioritizing time with loved ones.
Even work trips become family vacations. “When I travel for work, I take one or both with me,” Randy says. By cutting out time-wasters like television, he gains hours for exercise, healthy eating, and early starts. “Effective prioritization makes this possible,” he explains, ensuring balance in both work and life.
Transforming Corporate Culture Through Leadership and Accountability
Randy’s success at Temple-Inland and Gaylord Container Corporation came from his ability to shift organizational culture through clear goals and decisive leadership. “To change culture, you need to break old habits,” he says, highlighting the need for urgency to drive transformation. By creating a focused, results-oriented environment, Randy ensured that team members aligned with the company’s vision.
“If they are not part of the solution, I will replace them with someone who is,” Randy emphasizes, underscoring the need for commitment. He also rejects the idea that employees want a hands-off boss, insisting that true leadership involves setting clear goals and recognizing both good and poor performance. “People want a moral and ethical leader who cares about them,” Randy explains, stressing that employees need to feel valued to perform at their best.
Emerging Trends in Packaging and Transportation Industries
Randy sees significant shifts in both the packaging and transportation sectors, driven by technological innovation and sustainability efforts. With his experience as a consultant, Randy has helped many clients save millions in supply chain and operational costs while expanding their sales. Randy also is an Expert Witness doing forensic analysis for legal cases.
He identifies key trends shaping the future, particularly in the packaging industry. “The trend is moving toward digital printing, alternatives to plastic, biodegradable coatings, and certified sustainable forests,” he explains, emphasizing the growing focus on eco-friendly solutions.
Randy notes that over 93 percent of corrugated packaging is recycled — far surpassing the recycling rates for aluminum cans (67 percent) and plastic (9 percent). This push for sustainability is likely to drive further innovation in packaging materials and processes.
In the transportation sector, Randy highlights the development of autonomous vehicles and the increasing globalization of logistics. These trends are set to transform how goods are moved across borders, making transportation more efficient and integrated.
Leadership Without Ego: Guiding the Next Generation in Consulting and Manufacturing
Randy believes that aspiring leaders in consulting and manufacturing must approach their careers with humility, curiosity, and a focus on continuous growth. “New leaders must put their egos away and appreciate opportunities for more responsibility, even without more pay,” Randy advises, stressing the value of learning on the job.
To him, every additional responsibility is a chance to expand one’s knowledge and make a tangible impact on the company. For Randy, leadership isn’t about completing daily tasks but about driving long-term improvements. “Your job isn’t to do daily tasks but to make your company better every day,” he says.
Randy encourages future leaders to seek out company-wide challenges, even beyond their own departments. By identifying problems, proposing solutions, and taking ownership, leaders can truly stand out. “Real leaders grab a problem and wrestle it to the ground,” he emphasizes, capturing his belief in proactive, hands-on leadership.
Developing world-class skills — particularly in interviewing and communication — is also key. Randy observes that even the best leaders can lose out on jobs to less capable candidates because they fail to demonstrate their value in job interviews. “The best people in the world lose jobs to less capable leaders because they can’t prove they will transform the company,” he explains.
His upcoming book, The Ultimate Interview Guide, aims to address this very challenge, helping senior managers and executives succeed in interviews and secure their dream roles.
Inspiring Future Leaders: Embracing Fearlessness and Potential
Randy understands that the practices and innovations he introduces will shape the next generation of business leaders, particularly in the packaging sector. “I set paper and packaging standards and improved the entire economy of the country of Georgia by bringing new ideas and technologies to its packaging sector,” he shares.
A key lesson he imparts is the value of becoming a “Fearless Achiever.” Randy emphasizes that individuals often limit themselves, becoming their own worst enemies. “We are our worst enemy by holding ourselves back from our true potential,” he states. Through coaching, speaking, and consulting, he inspires others to recognize their capabilities and strive for more.
Randy firmly believes anyone can overcome past challenges to reach their full potential. “If you make the right choices, you can overcome your past, challenges, and handicaps, to be the best ‘You’ you can be,” he asserts. However, he recognizes this journey is not solitary.
Drawing from his experience, he highlights the importance of coaches and mentors. “I have coaches and mentors who helped me grow into the leader I am today,” he reflects, urging others to seek guidance for overcoming obstacles and achieving world-class results in both their professional and personal lives.
“Success at anything always requires valiant effort and expert guidance.” – Randy Phares
Ethics and Impact: Defining Moments in Leadership
Randy reflects on a career defined by impactful achievements and unwavering ethical standards. One of his proudest accomplishments is assisting the war-torn country of Afghanistan in launching four new industries with support from the U.S. and Afghan governments. “I am glad I had the opportunity to help them grow more fruits and vegetables to feed their country and export them to neighboring countries,” he notes, underscoring his commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability in challenging environments.
However, his dedication to ethics often faces real-world challenges. Randy believes that true leadership hinges on strong ethical principles, stating, “You can’t be a true leader without having strong ethics and a commitment to doing what is right over what is easy or comfortable.” This commitment was tested when he lost his largest customer in Mexico due to a competitor’s bribery.
Despite offering superior quality, service, and pricing, Randy refused to compromise his values. “We walked away from $12 million in revenue and shut down a warehouse because it was the right thing to do, not the easy one,” he asserts. Remarkably, this decision did not hinder his success; he emphasizes that they still had a strong financial year, reinforcing the notion that integrity can lead to long-term success.
“If you are not memorable, you will be forgotten.” – Randy Phares
Global Insights and Local Impact: A Vision for Consulting Excellence
Randy’s extensive experience in consulting across various continents has shaped his understanding of global business practices. He emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness, stating, “When working on global projects, you need at least some understanding of the cultures and ancillary costs involved in doing things internationally.” He notes that each country possesses unique strengths, enabling the exchange of insights that refine knowledge and foster innovative solutions.
What sets Dr. Box Consulting apart in the competitive landscape is its ability to uncover hidden solutions. Randy explains, “We explore all potential ways to determine the best solution based on cost, time, and impact.” By harnessing the talents of his clients alongside his own, the firm maximizes knowledge and skills to develop effective solutions. He highlights the importance of aligning processes and maintaining strong, effective communication throughout every step.
Looking to the future, Randy envisions Dr. Box Consulting as a leader in innovation, aspiring to be the most sought-after consulting firm in its niche. He expresses a deep commitment to helping others, stating, “I want to help as many people as possible through my Executive Group Coaching and One-on-One coaching.”
This mission aligns with his personal growth, as he aims to empower world-class leaders to accelerate their careers while achieving a fulfilling work-life balance. Driven by purpose, he affirms, “God has called me to this mission and blessed me with some wisdom that I need to share,” demonstrating his dedication to sharing insights with the world.
Conclusion
Under Randy’s guidance, Dr. Box Consulting continues to lead innovation, empowering organizations to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. His passion for helping others achieve their fullest potential, combined with his deep understanding of global business practices, positions him as a key influencer in shaping the future of consulting and leadership.
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