Perry Thompson: A Lean Leadership & Storyteller

Perry Thompson wears many hats—a certified instructor, a lean enthusiast, and a devoted family man. His passion for lean principles and the art of storytelling has shaped both his professional and personal life.

As a certified instructor for the Lean Construction Institute (LCI), Perry has guided countless students on their lean journey. He served on the LCI education board, contributing to the growth of lean practices in the construction industry. But Perry’s influence extends beyond LCI; he’s also a certified instructor for Jeff Liker’s Lean Leadership Institute (LLI). When Perry retired, he started his own Lean coaching company called Lean Ready Coaching.

Together with George Trachilis, CEO of LLI, Perry authored books on Parson’s Leon Black Belt Program: Construction Leaders—a Trade Partner’s guide to lean construction and P4 Construction Kaizen—The Four Steps to Continuous Improvements. 

But perhaps Perry’s greatest joy lies in sharing stories with his grandchildren. Whether exploring the great outdoors or crafting magical narratives, these moments are filled with laughter, wonder, and the timeless magic of storytelling. Perry’s bond with his grandchildren not only enriches his life but also fuels his creative spirit. From these experiences, he is spending his free time writing children’s stories to delight generations of kids and parents. Look for his newest book, The Forbidden Cave.

So, next time you encounter a lean leader with a twinkle in their eye, remember Perry Thompson—the man who wove lean principles into the fabric of his life, one story at a time.