Our Story

THE BACKGROUND

The idea for System Stream came from Lamar's past experience:

Lamar has spent over 30 years building expertise in problem solving, developing and managing effective teams, and working with large organizations to deliver value that aligns with their mission.  Experience includes Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Business Coach, Business Analyst, Business Consultant, and Business Developer.  

THE PROBLEM

For a Tier 1 Supplier, driving cost reduction while increasing value is a primary goal and a huge challenge.  Most suppliers struggle to deliver meaningful cost savings to their clients.  Lamar's previous company was among many that were called into Auburn Hills, Michigan for a Tier 1 Suppliers Conference.  The message that day was a mandatory 5% reduction across the board for all suppliers.  Figure it out or be replaced.  

When a supplier's margins are already razor thin, how do they reduce prices even further without negatively impacting the quality of service being provided to the client? Unless a supplier has been through these trenches before, it is very hard for them to figure things out on their own.  

On the other hand, if there is no mandate by the client for cost reduction, most suppliers simply keep with the status quo.  Periodic price increases are usually the result. There's no incentive for the supplier to figure out how to reduce pricing further and deliver more value.  At least, not until their contract is up and another RFP hits the street.  That could be 2-5 years in some cases.  Which could equate to millions in lost expense reduction opportunities. 

THE VALUE OF INNOVATION

Lear Corporation also had a 5% price reduction mandate.  However, they took a different approach.  Lamar developed a price reduction program that highly intrigued Lear.  They took the leap of faith and gave it the green light.  In short, instead of just saving Lear the mandatory 5% savings, Lamar's company delivered over 20% in costs savings on a national contract.  The success of the program lead to a nomination by Lear for Supplier of the Year. 

When partnership intersects with innovation and a little leap of faith, success is just around the corner.  The success at Lear led to Lamar's company generating over $30M in new business opportunities within the automotive industry. 

THE SOLUTION

System Stream focuses on one main goal... expense reduction.  We are an alliance network of expense reduction experts.  Our mission is to drive a positive financial impact for your organization and your suppliers.  We are your additional resource to support your expense reduction initiatives.  For your suppliers, we are that 3rd party resource that helps them figure out how to reduce their expenses so they can increase the value they deliver to your organization.  For your diversity goals, identifying and introducing diverse suppliers is integrated into our process on all projects.

THE TEAM

Our growing Alliance Partnership Network includes: