Episódios

  • Mike Beehler with MBA, LLC

    Mike Beehler with MBA, LLC
    May 22 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Mike Beehler, Founder and COO at MBA, LLC about "Responding to the Rapidly Changing Utility Market". Scott MacKenzie promotes the Boston MEDevice event on September 30-October 1, 2025, organized by Informa, emphasizing education and collaboration in the medical device industry. At DistribuTech in Dallas, Mike Beehler discusses the Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative (PDI2). He highlights the need for significant investments in the electric grid, noting Texas's plan to double infrastructure spending. Beeler emphasizes the importance of efficient, resilient, and affordable grid systems, including the potential benefits of underground transmission lines. He also discusses the challenges of public safety power shutoffs and the advanced technology available today for grid maintenance and upgrades. Action Items
    • [ ] Attend the ME Device Boston event on September 30 - October 1, 2025.
    • [ ] Connect with Mike Beeler, Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative, at m.beeler@pdi2.org or on LinkedIn.

    Outline Medical Device Event Announcement
    • Scott MacKenzie announces the ME Device Boston event from September 30 to October 1, 2025, emphasizing its importance for professionals in the medical device industry.
    • The event is organized by Informa, known for their educational and collaborative events.
    • Scott encourages attendees to mark their calendars and participate in the event.
    • The event aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the medical device industry.

    Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott thanks listeners for their support and celebrates industrial professionals for their contributions to society.
    • The podcast is sponsored by Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software, encouraging listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.
    • Scott mentions the current broadcast location at Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, and introduces Mike Beeler as a guest.

    Discussion with Mike Beehler on Power Delivery Intelligence
    • Mike Beehler introduces himself and his role in the Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative (PDI2).
    • Mike shares his experience moderating a panel on investment strategies for the electric grid, emphasizing the significant investments planned.
    • The Texas "miracle" is discussed, highlighting the state's economic growth and the need for increased infrastructure investment.
    • The conversation touches on the challenges of rate recovery and affordability in the context of grid modernization.

    Challenges and Solutions in Grid Modernization
    • Mike discusses the need for more efficient and resilient grid infrastructure, using newer technologies.
    • The regulatory process for setting utility rates is explained, including the importance of keeping rate increases below the cost of inflation.
    • The conversation highlights the impact of grid inefficiencies on affordability and the need for a more reliable and resilient grid.
    • Scott and Mike discuss the importance of consumer expectations for quality electricity and the challenges of public safety power shutoffs in wildfire areas.

    Underground vs. Overhead Transmission Lines
    • The discussion shifts to the pros and cons of underground vs. overhead transmission lines.
    • Mike explains the higher initial cost of...
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    20 minutos
  • Paul Jackson with Method

    Paul Jackson with Method
    May 20 2025
    Scott MacKenzie hosts Paul Jackson on the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting the renaissance in the industry and the importance of innovation, collaboration, and education. Paul Jackson, CEO of Method.me, discusses their no-code CRM platform designed for small businesses, particularly those using QuickBooks. Jackson shares a case study of a custom medical cabinet manufacturer who used Method.me to streamline their estimate process, saving time and costs. He emphasizes the potential of no-code solutions to adapt to business changes and predicts AI integration for future customization. Jackson also mentions the challenges of ERP systems and the importance of adopting technology to avoid business plateaus. Action Items
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Consider attending the Boston ME Device conference in September 30 - October 1, 2025, as it may be relevant for businesses in the medical manufacturing industry.
    • [ ] Reach out to Paul Jackson at method.me/industrial-talk to learn more about the platform and how it could benefit your business.
    • [ ] Explore the evaluation process and checklist that method.me provides to help businesses determine their software needs.

    Budget
    • Custom estimate screen for a client cost $1,500.
    • Method is cheaper and less time-consuming than ERP solutions.

    Competition
    • ERPs were mentioned as complex and costly alternatives.
    • Excel and pen/paper are common alternatives used by 62% of Method's customers.
    • SOS inventory mentioned as complementary solution for stronger inventory management.

    Objections
    • Cost might be a shock for those not used to custom solutions.
    • Biggest competition is not using anything, relying on Excel or pen and paper.
    • Adoption of technology versus current practices can be challenging for small businesses.
    • Small business owners often become bottlenecks, struggling to automate processes.

    Need
    • Custom medical cabinet manufacturer struggled with complex estimation process.
    • Owner became bottleneck for company growth due to manual processes.
    • Businesses struggle to adopt technology, often using Excel or pen/paper.
    • Companies hit roadblocks when scaling, needing customizable software solutions.

    Sentiment
    • The tone was overwhelmingly positive, with Scott expressing excitement about the solution.
    • Paul shared success stories and benefits of Method's no-code platform enthusiastically.
    • Scott described the conversation as "great" and the solution as "impressive".

    Outline Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Speaker 1 introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott MacKenzie, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of industrial professionals, encouraging them to own their achievements.
    • Scott MacKenzie discusses the current renaissance in the industry and the excitement surrounding new technologies and solutions.
    • Scott MacKenzie mentions his upcoming book, which will provide strategies for solving pain points in the industry, and encourages listeners to download it.

    Introduction of Paul Jackson and Method.me
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces Paul Jackson, founder and CEO of Method.me, a CRM platform designed for small businesses.
    • Paul Jackson's background is briefly discussed, including his experience in running a service business and his transition to software development.
    • Scott MacKenzie emphasizes the importance of educating, collaborating, and innovating in the...
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    38 minutos
  • Dan Joe Barry with Configit

    Dan Joe Barry with Configit
    May 15 2025
    Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their innovations. He introduces Dan Joe Barry from Configit, discussing their advanced value-added solution for manufacturing. Configit's technology, developed over 25 years, addresses the complexity of configuring products with numerous options. They use virtual tabulation, a type of AI, to compile valid configurations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Dan Joe emphasizes the importance of aligning data from various systems like ERP and CRM. Configit's solution helps manufacturers manage product configurations, reducing errors and improving customer satisfaction. Scott also mentions his upcoming e-book and the Boston Med Device Conference. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Dan Joe Barry on LinkedIn to learn more about Configit's solution.
    • [ ] Check Configit's website for more information on their technology and approach.

    Outline Introduction and Overview of Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott highlights the current industrial renaissance, describing it as a frothy and energetic period.
    • Scott mentions the upcoming e-book, which will summarize conversations with industry leaders and address pain points and solutions.
    • Scott promotes the Boston Med Device Conference, scheduled for September 30 to October 1, and encourages listeners to attend.

    Introduction of Dan Joe Barry and Configit
    • Scott introduces Dan Joe Barry, the guest for the episode, and emphasizes the importance of his company, Configit.
    • Dan Joe Barry is introduced as Dan Joe, and Scott advises listeners to refer to him as such.
    • Scott describes Configit's advanced value-added solution, which is particularly beneficial for the manufacturing industry.
    • Dan Joe Barry joins the conversation, and Scott thanks him for his time and insights.

    Dan Joe Barry's Background and Personal Life
    • Dan Joe Barry shares his background, mentioning that he moved from Ireland to Denmark in 1991 and has been living there since.
    • Dan Joe talks about his family, including his Danish wife and two daughters in their 20s.
    • Scott and Dan Joe discuss the differences in Guinness and Carlsberg between Ireland and Denmark, highlighting the impact of local water on beer quality.
    • Dan Joe shares an anecdote about a Guinness supply chain issue, illustrating the challenges of managing global demand.

    Configit's History and Purpose
    • Dan Joe explains the history of Configit, which has been focused on product configuration for 25 years.
    • He describes the complexity of managing product configurations, especially for complex products like cars, pumps, and valves.
    • Dan Joe explains the concept of configure-to-order (CTO) business models and their advantages.
    • He highlights the challenges of managing product configurations using traditional methods like Excel sheets and the benefits of Configit's approach.

    Configit's Technology and Implementation
    • Dan Joe introduces the concept of configuration lifecycle management and the importance of aligning information from different systems.
    • He explains how Configit's virtual tabulation technology compiles all valid configurations into a lookup file, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
    • Dan Joe discusses the implementation process, including importing information from existing systems and building integrations for synchronization.
    • He emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive product model that includes all relevant...
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    43 minutos
  • David Moncur and Jordan Manalili with Moncur

    David Moncur and Jordan Manalili with Moncur
    May 13 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to David Moncur and Jordan Manalili with Moncur about "Branding for success". David Moncur and Jordan Manalili from Moncur, a branding agency, discussed challenges in the power generation industry at the PowerGen conference in Dallas. They highlighted the difficulty companies face in differentiating their products, often commoditized due to similarities. David emphasized the importance of strategic messaging and branding to avoid commoditization and maintain pricing. Jordan introduced their Brand Framework, which helps companies communicate effectively by aligning their messaging with client needs. They stressed the value of proactive branding and strategic planning to stay relevant and competitive in the rapidly evolving industry. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to David Moncur on LinkedIn to discuss Moncur's branding and messaging services.
    • [ ] Connect with Jordan Manalili on LinkedIn to learn more about Moncur's process for translating technical information into compelling messaging.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott welcomes David and Jordan, highlighting their roles and the company they represent, Moncur.
    • Scott mentions the conference location, Power Gen in Dallas, Texas, and the purpose of the event.
    • David and Jordan provide brief introductions about their roles and backgrounds.

    David's Background and Company Overview
    • David explains his role as the principal of Moncur, a branding agency headquartered in Southfield, Detroit metro area.
    • He shares his career specialization in marketing, strategic messaging, and branding, with a team of 40.
    • David discusses the company's focus on construction, engineering, manufacturing, and tech SaaS sectors.
    • Scott and David talk about the challenges faced by power generation companies and the importance of differentiation.

    Challenges in Power Generation and Strategic Messaging
    • David identifies common challenges faced by B2B companies in the power generation sector, such as differentiation and broader awareness.
    • Jordan adds that strategic messaging is a significant issue for many companies, as they struggle to communicate their unique value proposition.
    • Scott and Jordan discuss the problem of commoditization in the industry and the need for effective messaging to avoid it.
    • David emphasizes the importance of differentiation and specialization to maintain pricing and market position.

    Brand Framework and Strategic Messaging Process
    • Jordan introduces the concept of Brand Framework and strategic messaging, which helps companies communicate effectively.
    • He explains the challenge of translating technical jargon into client-friendly language.
    • Jordan highlights the importance of understanding both the company's strengths and the client's pain points to create a compelling message.
    • Scott and Jordan discuss the process of shifting messaging to avoid commoditization and achieve premium positioning.

    Proactive vs. Reactive Branding Strategies
    • David advises companies to invest in branding proactively rather than waiting for problems to arise.
    • He explains that a strong brand helps attract top talent and maintain a competitive edge.
    • Scott and David discuss the importance of planning ahead and investing in brand strategy to avoid costly mistakes.
    • Jordan shares examples of companies...
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    23 minutos
  • Robert Brook with Neara and Brian Reed with Osmose

    Robert Brook with Neara and Brian Reed with Osmose
    May 9 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Robert Brooks with Neara and Brian Reed with Osmose about "Technology and Pole Inspection". Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast from Distribute Tech in Dallas, highlighting the importance of data management in the utility sector. Guests Robert Brook and Brian Reed from Neara and Osmose, respectively, discuss their partnership to enhance utility data integration and decision-making. NIRA's platform creates a digital network model using various data sets, including LiDAR and GIS, to simulate asset performance under different conditions. Osmose provides detailed asset records and preservative treatments to ensure data accuracy. The collaboration aims to improve strategic resiliency plans by prioritizing asset upgrades and optimizing investment strategies. Action Items
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Discuss the process of keeping the digital network model up-to-date as utility assets change over time.
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Follow up with Brian Reed on LinkedIn to learn more about Osmose's pole inspection and maintenance services.
    • [ ] Explore the Neara platform and its capabilities further.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott thanks the listeners for joining and highlights the importance of industry professionals in solving global problems.
    • The podcast is sponsored by Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software, encouraging listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.
    • Scott mentions the current broadcast location at Distribute Tech in Dallas, describing it as a massive event for utilities and other related industries.

    Introduction of Guests and Event Overview
    • Scott introduces the guests, Robert Brook and Brian Reed, and mentions their roles in the industry.
    • Robert and Brian discuss the importance of data management in the utility sector and the significance of the Distribute Tech event.
    • Scott shares a personal anecdote about using Osmose services during his utility days, highlighting the reliability of their inspections.
    • Robert and Brian provide background information about their companies, Neara and Osmose, and their respective roles within them.

    Neara and Osmose Partnership and Data Integration
    • Brian explains the partnership between Neara and Osmose, focusing on the challenges utilities face in managing data across different departments.
    • The partnership aims to consolidate data into a single source, enhancing risk-based decision-making for utilities.
    • Robert describes Neara's platform, which builds a digital network model using various data sets, including LiDAR and GIS information.
    • The platform provides a highly accurate and engineering-based relationship between assets, enabling better decision-making for utilities.

    Use Cases and Practical Applications
    • Brian provides a use case for the partnership, focusing on strategic resiliency plans for Texas utilities.
    • The platform helps utilities prioritize assets for upgrades, considering factors like wind loads and storm conditions.
    • Scott inquires about the practical aspects of using the platform, including how utilities can access and interpret the data.
    • Brian explains the self-service capabilities of the platform, allowing utilities to perform simulations and prioritize circuits and structures.

    Data Management and Platform Capabilities
    • Robert discusses the scalability
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    24 minutos
  • Samantha LeSesne with Fluke Reliability

    Samantha LeSesne with Fluke Reliability
    May 6 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Samantha LeSesne, Implementation and Services Director at Fluke Reliability about "Process Mapping, Successful Implementations". Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industrial professionals and their innovations. At the Accelerate 2025 event in Austin, Texas, sponsored by Fluke Reliability, he interviews Samantha LeSesne, who discusses her journey from teaching to her current role as Implementation and Service Director at Fluke. Samantha emphasizes the importance of process mapping, both internally and for customers, to identify gaps and improve efficiency. She highlights the need for customization in EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) solutions to meet specific customer needs. Samantha also touches on the role of AI in enhancing EAM, stressing the balance between technology and practical, on-the-floor applications. Action Items
    • [ ] Connect with Samantha LeSesne Fluke on LinkedIn to discuss processes and solutions.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industrial professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott welcomes listeners to the podcast, highlighting the event Accelerate 2025 in Austin, Texas, sponsored by Fluke Reliability.
    • Scott provides information on how to find Fluke Reliability online, encouraging listeners to visit their website for asset management solutions.
    • Scott introduces Samantha, the guest for the episode, and asks her to pronounce her last name, which she spells out as "LeSesne."

    Samantha's Background and Role at Fluke
    • Samantha shares her background, mentioning her experience as a teacher in New York City and her transition to working with Fluke eight years ago.
    • She discusses her roles in product marketing, product management, and her current position as the implementation and service director for EAM.
    • Samantha explains her responsibilities, including working with teams and customers to ensure the successful implementation of EAM solutions.
    • Scott and Samantha discuss the importance of understanding and addressing customer needs to make EAM solutions effective.

    Understanding Processes and Mapping
    • Samantha explains the concept of a process, using a visual example of moving from point A to point B.
    • She emphasizes the importance of simplifying processes to make them more effective and less complicated.
    • Samantha discusses the importance of aligning processes with customer goals and timelines to avoid frustration and ensure successful implementation.
    • Scott and Samantha talk about the importance of mapping current and future states of processes to identify gaps and improve efficiency.

    Implementation and Customization of EAM Solutions
    • Samantha describes her two core teams: the implementation team and the product specialist team.
    • The implementation team focuses on getting customers up and running with EAM solutions, while the product specialist team handles customization and integration with other systems.
    • Samantha highlights the importance of customization to meet the unique needs of different sites within a company.
    • Scott and Samantha discuss the challenges of standardizing EAM solutions while accommodating individual site requirements.

    The Role of AI and Data in EAM
    • Samantha discusses the potential of AI in enhancing EAM solutions, emphasizing the need for AI to analyze large amounts of data.
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    24 minutos
  • Matt Burton with Siemens

    Matt Burton with Siemens
    May 2 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Matt Burton, Vice President at Siemens Grid Software about "Grid solutions that improves resiliency and reliability". Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Matt Burton, VP of Software Sales for Siemens' US and Mexico grid software. They discuss the shift from linear to non-linear power systems due to distributed energy resources (DER). Burton highlights the need for technology and change management to adapt to this new landscape. He emphasizes the importance of data management for efficiency and the role of regulatory bodies in facilitating these changes. Burton also notes the global nature of these challenges, with similar issues in Europe, Australia, and Asia. He concludes by discussing the potential for small modular reactors and the future of load growth and power conditioning. Action Items
    • [ ] Attend the Distributech conference next year to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the power industry.
    • [ ] Reach out to Matt Burton at Siemens (matt.burton@siemens.com) to discuss grid software solutions.

    Need
    • Data management: centralizing data to improve efficiency and reduce manual updates.
    • Managing distributed energy resources and their impact on the grid.
    • Addressing load growth, particularly from data centers and sensitive industries.
    • Dealing with aging infrastructure and orchestrating diverse assets.
    • Maintaining grid stability with increased renewable and inverter-based resources.
    • Ensuring power reliability for sensitive industries like chip manufacturing and data centers.

    Sentiment
    • The tone was positive, discussing exciting developments in the power industry.
    • Matt expressed optimism about industry changes and technological advancements.
    • Scott described the event as "exciting" and "dazzling".

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
    • Scott thanks the listeners for joining and highlights the importance of celebrating industry professionals.
    • The podcast is sponsored by Siemens, specifically Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software.
    • Scott mentions the current broadcast location at Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, and encourages listeners to attend next year.

    Introduction of Matt Burton from Siemens
    • Scott introduces Matt Burton, VP of Software Sales for US and Mexico Grid Software at Siemens.
    • Matt provides a brief introduction about his role and responsibilities at Siemens.
    • Scott and Matt engage in a light-hearted conversation about their physical activities and health.
    • Matt explains his involvement in various aspects of grid software, including transmission, distribution planning, and distributed energy resources.

    Challenges and Changes in Grid Software
    • Scott discusses the linear nature of traditional power systems and the challenges of managing distributed energy resources (DER).
    • Matt explains the shift from centralized generation to distributed energy resources and the impact on the power grid.
    • Scott expresses concerns about the complexity of managing a non-linear power system and the need for technology solutions.
    • Matt emphasizes the importance of both technology and people in adapting to...
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    19 minutos
  • Tom Poteet with Mesa Natural Gas Solutions

    Tom Poteet with Mesa Natural Gas Solutions
    Apr 30 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen 2025 and talking to Tom Poteet, Sr. Vice President at Mesa Natural Gas Solutions about "Modular power solutions for a hungry energy market". Scott MacKenzie interviews Tom Poteet, Senior VP of Corporate Development at Mesa Solutions, at Power Gen in Dallas, Texas. Mesa Solutions, celebrating its 11-year anniversary, specializes in natural gas generators for oil and gas sites, capable of running on unrefined gas and switching to propane without power interruption. Their generators can handle a wide BTU range, ensuring steady power output. Poteet discusses their expansion into commercial and industrial applications, including data centers, and their new venture with Modern Hydrogen to develop hydrogen-powered generators. Mesa Solutions is vertically integrated, with manufacturing facilities in Colorado and Wyoming. Action Items
    • [ ] Explore Mesa Solutions' natural gas and hydrogen-powered generator offerings for potential applications in the power generation industry.
    • [ ] Reach out to Thomas Poteet, Senior VP of Corporate Development at Mesa Solutions, on LinkedIn.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott highlights the importance of industry professionals in solving problems and collaborating.
    • The podcast is broadcasting from Power Gen in Dallas, Texas, showcasing a collection of problem solvers and solutions.
    • Scott introduces Tom Poteet, Senior VP of Corporate Development at Mesa Solutions, as the guest for the episode.

    Tom Poteet's Background and Company Overview
    • Tom Poteet shares that his company, Mesa Solutions, celebrated its 10-year anniversary last spring and is coming up on 11 years.
    • Mesa Solutions specializes in making generators that run off natural gas, primarily for production oil and gas sites.
    • The company's generators can run on prime power using unrefined gas, making them unique in the market.
    • Tom explains the innovation of their generators, which can switch from natural gas to propane without dropping the load, avoiding power interruptions.

    Technical Details and Market Applications
    • Scott inquires about the business reasons behind using both natural gas and propane.
    • Tom explains that their engine can run on a wide BTU range, making it suitable for varying fuel qualities.
    • The engine's control system rapidly reads the fuel composition, ensuring steady power output and preventing mechanical damage.
    • Tom discusses the reliability and high service levels required in the oil field, which has led to their success in other industrial and commercial applications.

    Expansion into Commercial and Industrial Applications
    • Tom mentions that their generators are now used in commercial and industrial sites, including retail markets and data centers.
    • Scott and Tom discuss the growing demand for power in data centers and the potential for large-scale energy solutions.
    • Tom explains the concept of "swarm resilience," where multiple generators can be paralleled to maintain power even if one fails.
    • The conversation touches on the scalability of their generators, which can be used in projects involving hundreds of generators.

    Manufacturing and Supply Chain
    • Tom
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    20 minutos