The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast

Artificial intelligence isn't replacing sewer inspectors — it's empowering them.In this episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Chris Koch, Co-Founder of Pallon (Switzerland), to explore how AI-driven inspection data and human expertise are working together to transform the way we manage underground infrastructure.With Europe years ahead in adopting hybrid AI models for CCTV pipeline inspection, Chris reveals how North America can leverage the same strategies to improve accuracy, reduce data subjectivity, and solve skilled-labor shortages — without replacing people or disrupting existing workflows.From integration with tools like PipeTech and Rhino Vision to real-world examples from the U.S. and Canada, this conversation uncovers how the future of inspection is hybrid — AI + humans working side by side for better, faster, and more reliable results.

What Your Customers Aren't Telling You: The Silence That Can Impact Your Bottom Line | Paty RubioWhat if your quiet customers are the ones most likely to leave you — without warning?In this episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Patricia “Paty” Rubio, customer-insight strategist and founder of Customers Fit, to uncover the power of what your customers aren't saying — and why silence can be the biggest threat to growth in the water, wastewater, utility, and service-based industries.Whether you operate a municipal utility or run a contracting, plumbing, septic, or infrastructure services company, this conversation will help you identify hidden customer dissatisfaction, uncover lost opportunities, and strengthen loyalty through better listening and unbiased customer intelligence.

In this inspiring episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor continues her conversation with Dr. Farokh Kakar, founder of Blue College, to explore one powerful truth every water professional needs to hear — everything is a project.From treatment plant operations to capital improvements, reporting, budgeting, and daily problem-solving, project management skills are at the heart of every successful career in the water and wastewater industry. Dr. Kakar shares her remarkable journey from refugee to PhD and industry leader, revealing how project management training and PMP certification can open new career doors, reduce burnout, and reignite your passion for the work you do.Whether you're an operator, engineer, or manager, this episode will help you see your role—and your future—through a new, empowered lens.

In this inspiring episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor continues her conversation with Dr. Farokh Kakar, founder of Blue College, to explore one powerful truth every water professional needs to hear — everything is a project.From treatment plant operations to capital improvements, reporting, budgeting, and daily problem-solving, project management skills are at the heart of every successful career in the water and wastewater industry. Dr. Kakar shares her remarkable journey from refugee to PhD and industry leader, revealing how project management training and PMP certification can open new career doors, reduce burnout, and reignite your passion for the work you do.Whether you're an operator, engineer, or manager, this episode will help you see your role—and your future—through a new, empowered lens.

In this episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with engineer, educator, and innovator Farokh Kakar to expose the urgent cybersecurity threats facing water and wastewater utilities today. As cyberattacks on SCADA systems and public infrastructure continue to rise, Farokh explains why utilities must stay ahead of hackers—and how training, awareness, and proactive defense strategies can protect both operations and public health.Farokh also shares her powerful personal journey—from refugee life to becoming a PhD, professor, and founder of Blue College, where she is on a mission to close the cybersecurity skills gap in the water sector.

In this episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Steve Selengut, investment veteran and author of Retirement Money Secrets, to reveal how Closed-End Funds (CEFs) can unlock steady, tax-efficient income for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners.

In this powerful conclusion to our three-part series, host Suzan Chin-Taylor of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast sits down once again with Dr. Heather Fenyk, Rutgers University lecturer and President of the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, to explore how environmental justice, data-driven science, and green infrastructure can transform the way we manage water.

In this episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor continues her insightful conversation with Dr. Heather Fenyk, Founder & Board President of the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership. Together, they explore the fascinating world of historic hydrology—and how uncovering old maps and hidden waterways can help shape smarter decisions for today's urban planning, stormwater management, and climate resilience.Dr. Fenyk explains how communities can use historic maps, LIDAR technology, and creative outreach to rediscover long-lost streams, better understand flood risks, and inspire community-driven solutions. From painting stream paths on sidewalks to engaging schools and municipalities, this episode highlights the powerful blend of science, history, art, and civic engagement in building sustainable and resilient communities.✨ Key Takeaways:- What historic hydrology is and why it matters for future-ready communities- How long-lost streams influence today's flood risks- Innovative ways the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership uses art and education to engage the public- Practical strategies for stormwater management and green infrastructure- Why community awareness and buy-in are essential for flood resilienceContact Information:Dr. Heather FenykFounder & Board PresidentLower Raritan Watershed PartnershipEmail: hfenyk@lowerraritanwatershed.orgWebsite: https://lowerraritanwatershed.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lowerraritanwatershed?fref=tsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowerraritanwatershed/Youtube: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCHqeSD5CAg8YhJRGWshA5ogDon't forget to subscribe to the Smells Like Money Podcast for more insights and innovations in the wastewater industry. Follow us on creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast for updates and more episodes.I hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: raven@creativeraven.com Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#SmellsLikeMoneyPodcast #HistoricHydrology #StormwaterManagement #UrbanPlanning #FloodResilience #ClimateResilience #GreenInfrastructure #WaterManagement #SustainableCommunities #WatershedProtection #EnvironmentalPlanning #CommunityEngagement #ResilientFuture #Hydrology #EnvironmentalJustice

Welcome to another episode of the DooDoo Divas Smells Like Money Podcast!

In this episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor continues the conversation with John Soulliere, former Director of the Desert Hot Springs Water and Sanitation District.John shares the behind-the-scenes story of how a groundbreaking community project transformed wastewater management through trust, transparency, and innovative funding. From navigating Proposition 218 to securing federal support, his team turned a once “impossible” challenge into a celebrated success.What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What happens when a small, economically challenged community faces a $70 million wastewater crisis? In this episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with John Soulliere to uncover how Desert Hot Springs turned an impossible infrastructure challenge into a success story.

What if one of the biggest threats to our sewer systems, public health, and city budgets was something we barely notice every day? In this episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Eric DuPre, Founder & President of Texas Infragroup, to uncover the surprising role of the manhole cover in inflow & infiltration (I&I) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs).

Today on The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Jim Aanderud, President of Permidian Technologies, to uncover why some contractors thrive financially while others struggle.Moving from a W-2 job into entrepreneurship is exciting—but without strong financial skills, profitability can be elusive. Jim, creator of the Profitability Playbook, shares why understanding money is the key to success, how to overcome the stigma around profit, and what skills every business owner needs to grow sustainably.

In this powerful episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor continues the conversation with Mike Hoffmaster, VP of OBIC Products, to expose a critical infrastructure issue hiding in plain sight—our aging and failing stormwater systems.With climate change accelerating extreme weather, storm drains across the U.S. are under immense strain. Mike shares how trenchless solutions like spray-applied polymerics, CIPP, and OBIC's structural liners offer effective, budget-conscious alternatives to dig-and-replace. He also dives into proper pipe prep, environmental protections, and why stormwater is directly tied to the health of our entire water system.

In this episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Mike Hoffmaster, VP of OBIC Products, to uncover how OBIC's unique business model is transforming the trenchless infrastructure industry. From structural liners and industrial coatings to a real 10-year warranty and rigorous installer training, OBIC isn't just meeting expectations—they're raising the bar.

In this episode, we dive into the chemistry and strategy behind single vs. dual component polyurethane grouts with Charlie Lerman, Western Regional Manager at NCFI Geotechnical. From cost and equipment considerations to environmental impact and field application tips, Charlie breaks down how to choose the right grout—and why sometimes the smartest move is to use both. If you're in the wastewater or infrastructure industry, this is a must-hear masterclass in smart grouting!

In this episode, Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Charlie Lerman a.k.a. The Grout Geek, to demystify the real differences between hydrophilic and hydrophobic polyurethane grouts. It's more than just water-loving vs. water-repelling—this episode dives into flexibility vs. rigidity, reaction times, environmental conditions, and why real-world field performance often differs from lab tests.Whether you're dealing with crack sealing, I&I control, or freeze-thaw environments, this episode will help you choose the right product for the job—and avoid costly rework.

In this episode, Suzan continues her fascinating conversation with Hye Jin Lee to explore how the City of Chino is reimagining wastewater as a sustainable community asset. Discover how Chino built a 34-mile recycled water system over the past 30 years, now used to keep Ayala Park's 144 acres green, support local agriculture, and earn potable water credits—all while reducing stress on regional water supplies.Learn how the city's partnership with the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IUA) enables tertiary water treatment and long-term resilience against drought conditions. Hye Jin also shares insights into the environmental impact, cost/resource savings, and how other communities can adopt similar water reuse strategies.

In this episode, we dive into how the City of Chino is transforming its aging sewer infrastructure through proactive planning and smart investments. Hye Jin Lee joins us to share how Chino is leading the way in I&I reduction by partnering with the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), utilizing trenchless CIPP lining, addressing lateral repairs, and conducting CCTV inspections to guide their capital projects.You'll learn how mutual aid, resident education, and real-time system data are helping Chino build a more resilient and efficient wastewater system. Perfect for civil engineers, municipal leaders, and wastewater pros looking for real-world solutions.

In this thought-provoking episode, Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Daniel Dominguez from the WHY Institute to discuss how discovering your WHY can revolutionize how you hire, retain, and promote talent—regardless of the industry you're in.

In this powerful episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Allison DePaoli, founder of Altiqe Consulting, to uncover innovative and cost-effective healthcare strategies for small and mid-sized businesses.Think you're too small to negotiate better healthcare? Think again. Allison breaks down how even companies with just 2 employees can take control of their healthcare costs, using tools like level-funded plans, direct primary care (DPC), and workers' comp integration.

In this episode, we're diving into a game-changing trenchless technology for pressure pipeline rehabilitation—the Bullet Liner System from CPM Pipelines. If you thought CIPP was your only option, think again. This episode breaks down how this innovative solution is reshaping the industry with no curing, no resin, and no UV.

Success is a Double-Edged Sword | Smells Like Money Podcast S14 E4

In This Episode: Twist & Shout – Aeration Tech to Tell All Your Friends About

In this powerful episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor continues the conversation with Scott Tackett, Senior Advisor and Director of Organizational Development at Violand Management Associates. Together, they dive deep into how to create a culture of change in the workplace without triggering fear or resistance.You'll learn how to:✅ Overcome the fear of change✅ Align your mission, vision, and core values✅ Get real employee buy-in for lasting transformation✅ Use data and structured processes to guide change✅ Lead with empathy using transformational leadership✅ Balance employee engagement and organizational growthThis episode is a must-listen for leaders in the wastewater industry, business owners, and anyone committed to continuous improvement and strategic planning.

In this episode of the DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Scott Tackett, Senior Advisor and Director of Organizational Development at Violand, to explore the art of managing for accountability. This conversation goes beyond just setting expectations, diving into Scott's powerful four-pillar framework:

Stop Exposing Yourself – The Power of the 831(b) Plan | Smells Like Money PodcastIn this eye-opening episode, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Van Carlson, founder and CEO of SRA 831(b) Admin, to uncover a powerful but often-overlooked strategy for business owners – the 831(b) plan. This episode, titled “Stop Exposing Yourself”, dives into the hidden financial vulnerabilities facing small to mid-sized businesses and reveals how to shield your revenue streams with a smarter risk mitigation framework.In this episode, you'll discover:✅ What an 831(b) plan is and how it empowers businesses to self-insure against unforeseen risks✅ The dangers of relying solely on traditional insurance – and why it might leave you exposed✅ Real-world examples of revenue disruptions that aren't covered by typical insurance (like pandemics, labor strikes, and supply chain breakdowns)✅ How the 831(b) plan can also serve as a wealth-building and tax-deferral tool✅ Why businesses with recurring revenue and under $100M in annual revenue are ideal candidates

In this episode, we discuss how Bravo Systems is transforming small-diameter pipeline rehab with their innovative Bravo Magnavity SX UV LED curing system. Suzan Chin-Taylor speaks with Andrew Marshall, Sales Director for North America, to explore how this one-access-point system, complete with magnetic pull-in, dual cameras, and a “Turtle Mode” for precision curing, is streamlining installs and cutting risks for contractors.Whether you're just entering the trenchless rehab market or looking to scale your services, this episode will show you how Bravo makes growth simple—with U.S.-based support, modular expansion options, and stress-free curing technology that works around bends and tight spaces.

In this episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, we dive into why training is the key to retaining top talent. Host Suzan Chin-Taylor continues her insightful conversation with Danielle Wernert of UpSkilled Consulting, this time focusing on how well-designed training programs can boost employee retention, enhance business value, and even unlock financial support opportunities like the Veterans Education Program.

In this episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money, host Suzan Chin-Taylor chats with Danielle Werner of Upskilled Training about how to attract, evaluate, and retain top talent in the wastewater industry. From interview strategies to leveraging veterans' education benefits, Danielle offers practical tips to build a team that lasts.Key Highlights:Why soft skills and cultural fit matter more than techThe value of in-person interviewsHow to ask scenario-based questions that reveal candidate potentialTraining your interviewers to avoid legal pitfallsPromoting your culture year-round via social mediaBoosting retention with structured training programsTapping into Veterans Education Benefits for workforce developmentConnect with Danielle Werner:

In the final episode of this 3-part series, host Suzan Chin-Taylor is joined once again by Jeff Jones to talk about one of the most important success factors for trades businesses today: branding and differentiation.As AI transforms how customers search, make decisions, and engage with service providers, standing out from the crowd has never been more crucial. Jeff and Suzan explore how skilled trades businesses can adapt to this shift and create a brand that truly resonates with their community.

Maximize Results, Minimize Stress: The Fractional CMO Solution | Smells Like Money Podcast

S13 E3: Smells Like Money Podcast – Conflict: Yes, It Can Be ProductiveConflict in the workplace is inevitable—but it doesn't have to be destructive! In this episode, Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Clare Monteau to explore how conflict, when managed effectively, can drive innovation, strengthen teams, and improve workplace culture.

S13 E2: The Hidden Drain on Your Organization's Bottom Line | Smells Like Money Podcast

In this episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Dr. Clare Monteau, leadership expert and CEO, for the first installment of a three-part workforce development series. They dive into the lasting impact of COVID-19 on workplace culture, the importance of trust and consistency in leadership, and practical strategies to create a healthy, productive work environment.Topics Discussed:✅ The Impact of COVID-19 on the Workplace✅ Building a Culture of Trust✅ Leadership Starts with Self-Awareness✅ The Power of Consistency in Leadership✅ Managing Stress & Resetting Your Mindset✅ THINK Before You Speak – A Simple Communication Framework

Bridging the Engineering Divide: Enhancing Collaboration Across Disciplines & Roles Chuck McDonald ~ Improving communication for better infrastructure outcomes In this episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with Chuck McDonald, PE, Quality Control Manager at Windsor Engineers, to explore the disconnects between engineers, technicians, and field operators—and how better communication can revolutionize infrastructure projects.

In this episode, Suzan Chin-Taylor, the DooDoo Diva, sits down with Drew Lewis of Reline America to explore the ins and outs of UVGRP (ultraviolet glass-reinforced polymer) for pipeline rehabilitation. Whether you're an engineer, asset owner, or contractor, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions for your projects.

Join host Suzan Chin-Taylor as she continues her insightful conversation with Andrew "Drew" Lewis of Reline America. Discover the transformative potential of UVGRP (Ultraviolet Glass Reinforced Pipe) for rehabilitating aging stormwater systems while meeting environmental and infrastructure challenges.

Join host Suzan Chin-Taylor as she continues her insightful conversation with Andrew "Drew" Lewis of Reline America. Discover the transformative potential of UVGRP (Ultraviolet Glass Reinforced Pipe) for rehabilitating aging stormwater systems while meeting environmental and infrastructure challenges.

In this episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor speaks with Chad Morin, co-owner of Gould Solenoid Valves, a fourth-generation family business with nearly 75 years of experience. Together, they explore the critical role of solenoid valves in wastewater and industrial operations and discuss how small investments in quality can save significant downtime costs.

Join Suzan Chin Taylor, the Doo Doo Diva, as she explores actionable strategies for financial wellness and retirement planning with investment expert Steve Selengut. In this episode, discover Steve's six key principles for DIY investing, including quality investments, diversification, income production, and mindset shifts to achieve financial independence and secure retirement. Learn how closed-end funds and clear financial goals can maximize your income while minimizing risk. Perfect for wastewater pros preparing for their “silver tsunami” moment!