From Leadership Gaps to Unified Growth
SCI Manufacturing - Chemical manufacturing company in Mobile, Alabama - 18 years in business
The Challenge
SCI Manufacturing, a chemical manufacturing company based in Mobile, Alabama, had built a strong reputation for quality and reliability over 18 years. But as the business grew under owner Matt Jacobs, leadership strain began to show. Matt had worked with multiple consultants over the years—leadership coaches, corporate trainers, and business advisors—but none truly understood the manufacturing environment. Most offered surface-level advice that didn't translate to the realities of running a plant.
The result was wasted time, frustrated managers, and declining accountability. Without clear leadership structure and communication, performance issues began to impact both efficiency and morale. Matt needed guidance that was grounded in execution—not theory.
Departments operated in silos with limited cross-functional alignment
Production managers lacked clear communication structure
Inconsistent communication across shifts impacting efficiency
Previous consultants lacked manufacturing expertise, offering only surface-level advice
Declining accountability and team morale
The Sobo Solution: Building Trust and Accountability
Matt turned to Sobo, a platform designed to connect business owners with proven, industry-specific experts. Using its AI-powered diagnostic process, Sobo identified leadership and communication as SCI's core improvement areas. The platform paired SCI with Bruce Witt, a vetted leadership coach experienced in industrial and manufacturing environments, and established clear deliverables, timelines, and check-ins to ensure measurable progress.
AI-Powered Diagnostic
Revealed gaps in accountability, communication, and team alignment that were stalling operational growth
Smart Matching
Paired SCI with Bruce Witt, a vetted leadership coach experienced in industrial and manufacturing environments
Engagement Assurance
Established clear deliverables, timelines, and check-ins to ensure measurable progress and alignment
Dedicated Engagement Manager
Ensured Matt, Bruce, and SCI's leadership team stayed focused on goals throughout the engagement
The Results
Within just four months of working with Sobo and Bruce Witt, SCI Manufacturing experienced transformational improvements across leadership, operations, and team dynamics. The focused engagement delivered measurable outcomes that directly impacted both efficiency and company culture.
| Metric | Before Sobo | After Sobo | ROI / Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leadership Alignment | Departments in silos | Clear structure & accountability | Cross-functional collaboration |
| Communication | Inconsistent across shifts | Consistent protocols established | Reduced production errors |
| Team Accountability | Declining ownership | Proactive problem-solving | Improved morale & efficiency |
| Owner Confidence | Overwhelmed, distracted | Trust in management restored | Focus on strategic growth |
"Before Sobo, I couldn't find anyone who truly understood what leadership looks like inside a manufacturing company. Bruce helped me rebuild trust, structure, and confidence—and the results showed fast."— Matt Jacobs, Owner, SCI Manufacturing
Why It Matters
Sobo gave Matt Jacobs access to a leadership expert who spoke his language—manufacturing. By focusing on accountability, trust, and real-world results rather than theoretical frameworks, Sobo helped SCI Manufacturing turn leadership strain into scalable growth.
The platform's unique combination of AI-powered diagnostics, industry-specific expert matching, and dedicated engagement management ensured that the consulting relationship delivered tangible value from day one.
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