Arizona MEP and Life Startup Essentials Work Together to Improve Business Fundamentals
Life Startup Essentials (LSE) was founded by leaders with years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness through government housing programs. The organization was created to improve long-term success for individuals and families transitioning into permanent housing.
LSE provides pre-packaged “Welcome Home Kits” to social service agencies, which distribute them to newly housed individuals. These kits include kitchenware, bedding, cleaning supplies, and bathroom essentials, everything needed to establish a stable, self-sufficient home environment.
Strategic Goals and Business Assessment
Started by three family members responding to a clear community need, Life Startup Essentials experienced early success. However, operating a growing business was new territory for the founders.
COO Anthony Newell attended an Arizona MEP workshop focused on Lean principles and OSHA compliance to build foundational operational knowledge. Following the workshop, Arizona MEP Senior Client Advisor Tanya Perkins connected with CFO Courtney Newell to better understand LSE’s business goals. This led to a comprehensive assessment and the development of a strategic plan.
Key priorities identified included documenting and improving the kitting process, cross-training employees to ensure business continuity, hiring new staff, developing a sales process, implementing safety training, and selecting an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Improving Workflow Through a Lean Mindset
According to Courtney Newell, one of the most valuable areas of training was learning how to apply Lean tools to improve the efficiency and flow of the kitting process.
Arizona MEP Continuous Improvement Expert Kyle Randels led the team through Lean simulations before working directly with staff to apply those concepts to real-world operations. By observing and timing the kitting workflow, Arizona MEP and LSE were able to redesign the process.
The results were immediate and measurable. The improvements reduced assembly time by four minutes per kit, resulting in an estimated five hours of labor savings per week.
Positioning the Organization for Future Growth
As the company grew, LSE began expanding beyond family members to fill key roles. Recruiting and onboarding new employees can be time-consuming and expensive, so LSE partnered with Arizona MEP on a custom-designed, flat-fee human resources solution.
Arizona MEP’s HR expert developed job descriptions, conducted interviews, and supported onboarding for three new employees. Looking ahead, LSE plans to conduct DISC behavioral assessments to better understand employee strengths and build more effective teams.
Arizona MEP also developed a nine-month sales training program for LSE that included one-on-one coaching and practical learning focused on lead capture, qualification, and follow-up. Additional funding was secured through a City of Phoenix grant, which covered the creation of an employee handbook and monthly QuickBooks® training.
Streamlining ERP Selection and Implementation
To support continued growth, Arizona MEP helped LSE define system requirements and create a specification document for selecting an ERP system. Arizona MEP then guided the evaluation and testing process to ensure the chosen platform aligned with LSE’s operational needs.
“We’re currently migrating data and receiving training,” said Courtney Newell. “Even before full implementation, I can already see how the new system will be a lifesaver. We’re moving from multiple disconnected systems into one centralized platform that will save time and improve efficiency.”
On Track for Long-Term Success
With Arizona MEP’s support, Life Startup Essentials is well positioned for long-term growth. ERP implementation is underway, Lean process improvements are in place, and ongoing training continues to strengthen the organization.
Reflecting on the partnership, Courtney Newell said, “When we started the business, we saw the need in the community, but we didn’t have experience with kitting, inventory management, or shipping. We were piecing training together as we went. When Arizona MEP shared the resources they could provide, it opened a new world for us. They’ve been a great partner and have positively impacted our operations and growth.”