Podcasts about xcelerate

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Adam Zurligen, Process Engineer at Country Morning Farms about "eMaint and Milk Processing". Overview Adam Zurligen, a process engineer and reliability engineer, discussed his role at Country Morning Farms, a family-owned dairy operation in Warden, Washington. Adam implemented Fluke's eMaint x5 to track maintenance costs, which had doubled in 2025. He highlighted the use of GPS trackers on mobile equipment to automate maintenance tasks and reduce costs. Adam also mentioned the integration of AI-powered capabilities to streamline data entry. Despite a small maintenance team, early results showed improved efficiency and reduced downtime. Adam's story underscores the importance of technology in managing assets and costs in the dairy industry. Outline Fluke Xcelerate Event Overview Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting Fluke's Xcelerate event.The event featured high-energy keynotes, hands-on predictive maintenance tools, and breakthrough AI diagnostics.Fluke Xcelerate is described as a launch pad for smarter, faster, and more reliable operations.Listeners are encouraged to visit fluke.com for more information. Introduction to Adam Zurligen Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals.Adam Zurligen is introduced as a mechanical engineer with experience in manufacturing and tooling design.Adam shares his background, including his role as a reliability engineer at a French fry production facility in Eastern Washington.Scott and Adam discuss their familiarity with the area and companies like Simplot and McCain Foods. Adam's Role at Country Morning Farms Adam explains his current role at Country Morning Farms, a family-owned dairy operation in Warden, Washington.The company farms its own feed, milks cows at two dairies, and operates a bottling plant for milk distribution.Adam highlights the unique aspect of having all operations within one business, which is rare in the dairy industry.Scott expresses interest in visiting the farm and learning more about the operations. Challenges and Solutions at Country Morning Farms Adam discusses the main challenge of managing maintenance costs, which have doubled in the last year.The company lacked a maintenance management system, relying on financial tracking for maintenance costs.Adam was brought on board to implement a software solution for work order tracking and inventory management.The implementation of eMaint x5 is underway, with initial data entry and setup ongoing. Implementation of eMaint x5 Adam describes the early stages of implementing eMaint x5, including adding assets and maintenance tasks.The process of manually entering data into the system is time-consuming, but necessary.Adam mentions the potential for AI-powered capabilities to automate data entry and import maintenance procedures.The company is participating in a beta program to test the new AI features of eMaint. Impact of eMaint x5 on Operations Adam shares early successes with the GPS tracker system, which provides real-time alerts for equipment issues.The system allows for quicker response times and prevents catastrophic failures by addressing issues promptly.The integration of GPS trackers with eMaint x5 is improving maintenance tracking and reducing costs.Adam highlights the importance of having dedicated staff to manage the new system and ensure its effectiveness. Future Plans and AI Integration Adam discusses the company's plans to expand and increase capacity at their dairies.The next generation of family ownership is excited about utilizing AI tools to stay competitive.Adam is eager to test the new AI-powered capabilities of eMaint to streamline data entry and maintenance procedures.The company aims to continue improving their maintenance processes and reducing costs through better tracking and management. Conclusion and Contact Information Scott wraps up the conversation, expressing excitement about Adam's story and the potential of eMaint x5.Adam provides his contact information, encouraging listeners to reach out to him on LinkedIn.The podcast encourages listeners to connect with Industrial Talk for more stories and to share their own experiences.The importance of attending events like Fluke Xcelerate to learn about new technologies and network with industry professionals is emphasized. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! ADAM ZURLIGEN'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamzurligen/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/country-morning-farms/ Company Website: https://countrymorningfarms.com/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/GgdAKKi3vDo THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

Mentorship gets talked about a lot in business, but what does it actually look like in practice? In this episode, Brandon and I unpack the difference between teaching, coaching, and true mentorship, and why most leaders struggle to develop people effectively. We explore the two ingredients every great mentor needs: experience and visibility. It's not enough to know what good looks like, you have to understand what's actually happening in someone's day-to-day work before you can help them improve. That conversation leads us into how technology is changing leadership, coaching, sales management, and technician development in ways we couldn't have imagined a few years ago. We also share lessons from our own families, the mentors who shaped us, and the responsibility leaders have to intentionally pass knowledge, perspective, and wisdom to the next generation. Whether you're leading a sales team, managing technicians, or raising kids, the principles are surprisingly similar. If you're trying to build stronger people, stronger teams, and a stronger culture, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and mentorship. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:08:01] Why entrepreneurial success often disappears by the second generation and what leaders can do to intentionally pass on mindset, not just resources [00:17:17] The difference between teaching, coaching, and true mentorship, and why visibility is the missing ingredient in developing people [00:29:42] What listening to 100 real customer conversations revealed about sales performance, close rates, and frontline leadership [00:39:28] How top organizations are using technology to create better accountability, faster learning, and more effective employee development [00:46:10] Why human connection, customer experience, and mentorship may become the most valuable skills in an AI-driven future Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Phillip Schupp, Reliability Engineering Manager at Mauser Packaging Solutions about "eMaint Deployment". Overview At Fluke's Xcelerate 2026 event, Phillip Schupp from Mauser Packaging Solutions discussed his role in implementing eMaint x5 across 17 facilities, training over 300 users. Phillip highlighted the challenges of migrating from the legacy system Hippo, emphasizing the importance of executive buy-in and a well-prepared team. He noted improvements in PM compliance and completion rates post-implementation. Phillip also shared his focus on rolling out a predictive program enterprise-wide, leveraging new tools like the II 905 acoustic imager and TI 75 plus thermal imager. The goal is to make the program self-funded and expand its reach. Outline Fluke's Xcelerate Event Overview Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting Fluke's Xcelerate event.The event featured high-energy keynotes, hands-on predictive maintenance tools, and breakthrough AI diagnostics.Xcelerate proved to be a launch pad for smarter, faster, and more reliable operations.Listeners are encouraged to visit fluke.com for more information. Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott is dedicated to transferring industry-focused innovations and trends.The podcast aims to highlight the men and women who keep the world moving.Listeners are encouraged to put on their hard hats and work boots. Welcome to Xcelerate 2026 Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, broadcasting from Xcelerate 2026.The podcast celebrates industry professionals who innovate, collaborate, and solve problems daily.Scott mentions the presence of Fluke technology solutions at the event.Phillip Schupp from Mauser Packaging Solutions is introduced as the first guest. Phillip Schupp's Background and Role Phillip Schupp introduces himself as a reliability professional with a background in maintenance.He manages enterprise systems for Mauser Packaging Solutions, overseeing 24-25 sites across North America.Phillip led the implementation of eMaint x5 at 17 facilities last year, training over 300 users.He is currently working on migrating six remaining facilities to x5 from a legacy system called Hippo. Implementation of eMaint x5 Phillip discusses the challenges and successes of implementing eMaint x5 at Mauser.The project was driven by the need to replace the outdated Hippo system by December 2025.The implementation involved a 12-week Golden Master setup, followed by a site-by-site rollout.Phillip highlights the importance of executive buy-in and the involvement of reliability and operations teams. Challenges and Strategies in Implementation Phillip shares the challenges faced during the implementation, including data quality issues from the legacy system.He created a separate entity in eMaint to store legacy data for compliance purposes.The implementation team conducted a customer success factor workshop to refine their approach.Phillip emphasizes the importance of using standards based on best practices from different sites. Benefits of eMaint x5 Implementation Phillip notes that the implementation has led to more consistent and effective PMs.The compliance and completion rate of PMs have improved, as the focus shifted from quantity to quality.The new system has helped manage work orders better and prioritize tasks more effectively.Phillip plans to roll out a predictive program enterprise-wide, using new tools like the II 905 acoustic imager and TI 75 plus thermal imager. Future Focus and Predictive Program Phillip's new focus is on rolling out a predictive program enterprise-wide.He has already seen cost savings and success stories from pilot sites.The goal is to make the predictive program self-funded and justify headcount to expand the program.Phillip has been collaborating with industry experts to refine the predictive program. Closing Remarks and Contact Information Scott congratulates Phillip on his successful implementation and predictive program rollout.Phillip shares his contact information for listeners interested in learning more about eMaint and predictive programs.The podcast encourages listeners to reach out to Phillip for insights and advice on implementing reliability and predictive programs.The episode concludes with a reminder to stay tuned for future conversations on the Industrial Talk podcast. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! PHILLIP SCHUPP'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-schupp-cmrp-077a91278/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mauser-packaging-solutions/ Company Website:  https://mauserpackaging.com/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/c69bbj3sE2Y THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

In this episode, I sit down with former NCAA champion and Olympian Les Gutches for one of the most fascinating conversations we've had on the show. What started as a conversation about wrestling quickly turned into a masterclass on resilience, discipline, business, leadership, and life. Les shares stories from his childhood in Southern Oregon, growing up fast while helping care for his sick mother, and how those early experiences shaped his mindset forever. We dig into the relentless work ethic that carried him from local wrestling clubs all the way to undefeated NCAA championship seasons and the Olympics. Les talks about getting thrown into practices with older, tougher athletes from a young age, and how constantly being pushed beyond his comfort zone became one of the biggest advantages of his career. But what really surprised me was hearing how much of his success in business came from lessons learned off the mat. Les explains how working as a commercial lender taught him to read financials, recognize patterns, and learn directly from wealthy business owners. We also unpack his framework for successful partnerships, why every business needs a gas pedal, a brake pedal, and a transmission, plus some incredible stories from his real estate, gym, and liquor store ventures. We finish with a conversation about health, longevity, and discipline as a business owner. At 53, Les is still training consistently and thinking long-term, not just about money or success, but about having the energy and physical capacity to enjoy life decades from now. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and stories I know you'll remember. Hope you enjoy -Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:05:00] Les shares the responsibility and pressure of helping care for his sick mother as a young child — and how those early experiences shaped his mindset [00:08:30] How constantly training with older, tougher wrestlers built the resilience that eventually carried him to NCAA and Olympic success [00:17:20] A powerful story about quitting wrestling, learning ownership, and the parenting lesson that changed his trajectory [00:27:45] Why real confidence comes from preparation — and how that applies in sports, business, and leadership [00:44:50] Les breaks down his “gas pedal, brake pedal, transmission” framework for business partnerships and why most entrepreneurs build teams the wrong way [01:00:20] A practical conversation on health, longevity, and why successful business owners can't afford to neglect their physical fitness Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Nikki Smith with Lineage and Niccolette Hyland with Fluke about "Women in Reliability". Overview The Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by Fluke, featured a discussion on women in reliability with Nikki Smith and Niccolette Hyland. Nikki, with 18 years in reliability, shared her journey from safety to engineering after her husband's workplace accident. Niccolette , in marketing, highlighted the importance of women in engineering and reliability, citing her experience with male-dominated fields. They discussed the cultural impact at Fluke, emphasizing teamwork and psychological safety. Nikki mentioned Lineage Logistics' 500+ sites and their CMMS implementation, aiming for 100% completion in North America. The conversation underscored the need for diverse perspectives in reliability and the potential of AI to enhance maintenance. Outline Fluke's Xcelerate Event Overview Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by Fluke, highlighting the Xcelerate event.Scott praises industry professionals for their innovation and collaboration, promoting the event in Austin, Texas.The podcast aims to celebrate industry heroes and their contributions to making the world a better place. Introduction of Women in Reliability Panel Scott introduces the panel on women in reliability, featuring Niccolette and Nikki.Scott acknowledges the male-dominated nature of the industry and expresses excitement about the female participants.Nikki Smith, shares her background, working for Lineage Logistics in reliability for 18 years.Nikki mentions her Canadian background and her journey into reliability after her husband's workplace accident. Niccolette's Background and Event Planning Niccolette, introduces herself, mentioning her role in marketing and event logistics.Niccolette discusses her transition from a male-dominated field to event planning and her passion for women in engineering and reliability.Scott and Niccolette discuss the importance of women in reliability and the need for diverse perspectives.Niccolette shares her experience with Fluke's Women in Utility conference and the success of the women in reliability panel at Xcelerate. Nikki's Journey into Reliability and Safety Scott asks Nikki about her journey into reliability and safety.Nikki recounts her husband's workplace accident and her subsequent focus on safety and reliability.Nikki describes her role at Lineage Logistics, a global organization with 500+ sites, and their focus on food logistics.Nikki discusses the implementation of CMMS systems at Lineage, starting with x4 and transitioning to x5 for better enterprise-wide visibility. Challenges and Successes in Implementing CMMS Systems Scott inquires about the challenges and successes of implementing CMMS systems at Lineage.Nikki explains the importance of standardization and framework for successful implementations.Nikki highlights the ongoing implementation journey, with 104 sites live on x5 and the goal of completing North America within three months.Nikki emphasizes the need for user engagement and feedback to build a better system. Women in Reliability and Diversity in Teams Scott and Nikki discuss the importance of diversity in reliability teams.Nikki explains how different perspectives from women bring new ideas and improve reliability.Nikki shares her experience with mentors and the value of having supportive men in the industry.Nikki encourages women to step up and take opportunities in male-dominated fields. Fluke's Culture and Client Impact Scott and Niccolette discuss the culture at Fluke and its impact on clients.Niccolette highlights the supportive and collaborative environment at Fluke, which helps clients feel comfortable and engaged.Niccolette shares her experience with client interactions at Xcelerate and the positive feedback from clients.Nikki adds that Fluke's team approach and willingness to help create a positive work environment. The Role of Culture in Attracting Talent Scott and Niccolette discuss the role of culture in attracting and retaining talent.Niccolette emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for employees.Niccolette shares her experience with Fluke's autonomy and support for special projects and team collaboration.Nikki adds that a positive culture helps in attracting young talent and fostering a sense of belonging. The Future of Reliability and AI Scott and Niccolette discuss the future of reliability and the role of AI.Niccolette highlights the new AI features launched by Fluke and their potential to revolutionize reliability and maintenance.Niccolette emphasizes the need for companies to push the envelope and adopt new technologies.Niccolette shares examples of how AI can improve efficiency and reduce frustration in reliability tasks. Conclusion and Contact Information Scott wraps up the conversation, expressing gratitude to Nikki and Niccolette for their insights.Scott provides contact information for Nikki and Niccolette for listeners interested in reaching out.Scott encourages listeners to connect with Industrial Talk and share their stories to inspire the next generation of industrial leaders.Scott promotes the upcoming conversations and events from Xcelerate, highlighting the importance of celebrating industry professionals. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! NIKKI SMITH'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smith-nikki-260a3786/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onelineage/ Company Website: https://www.onelineage.com/ NICCOLETTE HYLAND'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niccolette-h-4214505b/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/ Company Website: https://www.fluke.com/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/xjGsHvf5awo THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial...

In this episode of Head, Heart and Boots, Brandon and I sat down with J. Brad Britton for one of the most meaningful conversations we've had on the podcast. J. Brad spent decades leading inside the Cutco and Vector organizations, but this episode centers on something far deeper - his relationship with his son Sam and how that journey completely changed the way he thinks about leadership, communication, and human potential. What stuck with us most was hearing J. Brad talk about realizing Sam understood far more than anyone had assumed for years. It forced him to rethink not only his parenting, but the way we all judge people based on surface behavior instead of curiosity and empathy. We also dug into leadership lessons from Cutco, coaching young salespeople, and why presence and encouragement matter so much when developing people. This episode is thoughtful, emotional, and packed with perspective that applies far beyond business. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:05:42] The moment J. Brad realized his son understood far more than anyone had believed for years [00:14:18] How raising a child with apraxia reshaped his perspective on leadership, patience, and communication [00:24:07] Why curiosity and empathy matter more than assumptions when working with people [00:36:12] Leadership lessons from decades inside the Cutco and Vector organizations developing young salespeople [00:49:03] A powerful conversation about fatherhood, encouragement, and learning to truly see the people in front of you Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with our teammate Clinton Tierney to talk sales, leadership, and the mindset it takes to win in today's restoration market. Clinton's story is incredible—college athlete turned mold technician turned multi-million dollar producer and sales leader—and you can hear how every season shaped the way he approaches business development today. We spent a lot of time unpacking what actually creates successful salespeople. Not gimmicks or scripts, but consistency, volume, discipline, and learning how to fall in love with the process instead of obsessing over the outcome. Clinton shares some really practical insight from his years in the field, including how he built relationships, uncovered customer pain points, and developed the habits that made him successful. One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing Clinton talk about coaching sales reps. So many companies promote great producers into leadership roles, only to realize later that coaching people requires a completely different skill set. Clinton has a real gift for developing others, and that comes through loud and clear in this episode. If you lead a sales team, own a restoration company, or are just trying to become better at business development, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways and a ton of encouragement. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:07:08] How Clinton went from an $8-an-hour mold tech to a multi-million-dollar producer in restoration sales [00:10:20] The sales culture lessons he learned inside a company that scaled from $3M to over $50M [00:21:22] Why great salespeople fall in love with the process—not just the outcome [00:24:26] The two sales disciplines Clinton says matter most: volume and face-to-face meetings [00:35:03] What Clinton learned transitioning from top producer to sales leader—and why most reps struggle in management roles Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Salim Jaffer, Strategic Account Manager at Mobius Institute about "Reliability success = Culture". Overview The conversation features Salim Jaffer, a strategic account manager at Mobius Institute, discussing his extensive experience in the industry, particularly in reliability and root cause analysis (RCA). He highlights his background with companies like Bentley Nevada, GE, Baker Hughes, and Emerson, and his current role in developing partnerships and training in the Gulf Coast region. Jaffer emphasizes the importance of RCA, the need for a cultural shift towards reliability, and the role of data in predictive maintenance. He also promotes Mobius Institute's professional training programs, which cover various aspects of asset management and reliability, including vibration analysis, lube oil analysis, and ultrasound training. Outline Fluke Xcelerate Event Overview Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by Fluke, highlighting the Xcelerate event.The event focused on reliability, predictive maintenance tools, and AI diagnostics.Scott emphasizes the importance of real-world strategies for teams to use today.Fluke is praised for their contributions to smarter, faster, and reliable operations. Introduction to the Podcast and Salim Jaffer Scott reiterates the podcast's mission to celebrate industry professionals and their contributions.The event, Xcelerate, is being held in Austin, Texas, and is sponsored by Fluke.Salim Jaffer is introduced as the guest, representing Mobius Institute and other organizations. Salim Jaffer's Background and Experience Salim Jaffer shares his extensive experience in the industry, including 30+ years with various companies.He details his time with Bentley Nevada, GE, Baker Hughes, and Emerson, focusing on reliability solutions.Salim is currently a strategic account manager for Mobius Institute, covering the Gulf Coast region.He discusses his role in developing partnerships and representing the Mobius Institute brand. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Human Nature Salim explains his three-hour session on root cause analysis (RCA) at the Xcelerate event.He emphasizes the importance of RCA and shares personal anecdotes about his instinctive problem-solving nature.The conversation touches on the challenges of human nature in plant operations and the need for a collective approach to reliability.Salim highlights the importance of training and cultural change to foster a shared responsibility for reliability. Challenges in Plant Operations and Reliability Culture Salim discusses the common issue of plant managers claiming everything is fine, despite obvious problems.He shares examples of hidden issues, such as broken sensors and improperly set-up equipment.The conversation explores the need for a culture where everyone understands and supports reliability efforts.Salim mentions the General Electric (GE) culture change training and its effectiveness in fostering a shared responsibility for reliability. The Role of Technology and Data in Reliability Salim and Scott discuss the evolving role of technology, particularly AI, in predictive maintenance.Salim shares his experience with AI and neural networks in the early 2000s, emphasizing the importance of data.The conversation highlights the need for clean data and the challenges of working with historical data.Salim promotes Mobius Institute's training programs, which include hands-on experience with data and tools. Mobius Institute's Training and Certification Programs Salim provides an overview of Mobius Institute's professional training programs.The training covers various aspects of reliability, including vibration analysis, lube oil analysis, and ultrasound.Salim emphasizes the importance of the Asset Reliability Professional (ARP) program, which is certified by ISO.The ARP program offers training at different levels, from entry to leadership, focusing on improving reliability through systematic methodologies. Conclusion and Contact Information Salim reiterates the importance of education and continuous improvement in the field of reliability.He encourages listeners to reach out to him via LinkedIn for further discussions.Scott Mackenzie wraps up the podcast, highlighting the importance of human connection and storytelling in the industrial field.The podcast concludes with a reminder to visit Mobius Institute's website for more information and to stay tuned for future episodes. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! SALIM JAFFER'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salimjaffers/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobius-institute-north-america/ Company Website:  https://www.mobiusinstitute.com/mina/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ST8wcA3UBkk THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

In this episode of Head, Heart and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Nick D'Urbano again- this time not to talk AI, but to dig into branding. And honestly, this one hit different. Nick's built and scaled multiple 8- and 9-figure brands, and what stood out is how clearly he sees something most of us miss: brand isn't your logo, your colors, or your website- it's how people feel when they interact with your business. We spent most of the conversation unpacking that idea. What does it actually mean to build a brand? It starts way deeper than marketing. It's your principles, your standards, how your team behaves, how you treat customers, and whether all of that is consistent. If you ask 10 people what your company stands for and get 10 different answers, you don't have a brand. Nick also challenged the way most restoration companies think about this. In an industry where people are going through some of the hardest moments of their lives, there's a massive opportunity to build a brand around how you show up for them, not just the job you do. That idea of being “human-centered” stuck with me. We wrapped this by connecting it back to execution- how communication, consistency, and even AI tools like Distance play a role in reinforcing your brand at scale. Because at the end of the day, your brand is being built whether you're intentional about it or not. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:02:10] Why most people misunderstand branding and how it goes far beyond logos, colors, or marketing [00:08:34] How to define real company principles that actually guide decisions instead of just sounding good on a wall [00:16:12] Why consistency across your team and customer experience is what truly builds a strong brand [00:27:45] The opportunity restoration companies have to create a human-centered experience in high-stress situations [00:38:20] How communication, systems, and even AI tools can reinforce your brand as you scale Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Jake Rearden and Nolan Boswell with Green River Distilling Company about "Operational maintenance". Overview Jake and Nolan from Green River Distilleries discussed their implementation of Fluke's Xcelerate system. Green River, the 10th oldest distillery in Kentucky, employs around 50 people across 28 acres plus two warehousing sites. They introduced Xcelerate in 2021, initially underutilized, but significantly improved its use in 2023. They highlighted a 50% increase in preventative maintenance, extending asset life, and reducing reactive maintenance. They plan to integrate Ignition software for real-time data and AI for predictive analytics. Contact details for Jake and Nolan are available for those interested in their insights and strategies. Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and solving today's problems.The podcast is broadcasted from Xcelerate, sponsored by Fluke, and aims to provide insights on reliability, asset management, and maintenance.Scott introduces Jacob and Nolan from Green River Distilleries, who will discuss their implementation of Xcelerate. Background of Green River Distilleries Jacob shares his background, mentioning his three years as a maintenance manager and his experience in various roles before that.Nolan has been with Green River for five years, starting as a senior and now serving as the maintenance supervisor.Green River Distilleries employs around 50 people and operates on a 28-acre main site, with additional warehousing facilities of 60 and 50 acres.The distillery uses natural water from four wells for cooling and maintaining the quality of their products. Challenges and Achievements at Green River Distilleries Jacob explains the history of Green River, which was revived by a group in 2015 and is now the 10th oldest distillery in Kentucky.Nolan discusses the initial challenges with the Xcelerate system, which was not fully utilized until Jacob's arrival in 2023.The implementation of Xcelerate has significantly improved preventative maintenance, making it the heartbeat of the maintenance department.Jacob emphasizes the importance of change management and getting buy-in from the team to effectively utilize the system. Impact of Xcelerate on Maintenance and Production Nolan highlights the significant increase in preventative maintenance (PMS) and the daily use of the Xcelerate system.Jacob shares a success story about extending the life of a bearing from three to five weeks to two years through condition monitoring.The use of Xcelerate has led to better asset utilization and reduced reactive maintenance, leading to cost savings and improved productivity.Nolan discusses the implementation of good lubrication strategies, ensuring proper greasing at different speeds and RPMs. Future Plans and AI Integration Jacob outlines the next steps, including integrating Ignition software with Xcelerate to provide real-time data and trigger work orders based on failure modes.The goal is to use AI to analyze data and identify top failure modes, allowing technicians to focus on solving problems efficiently.The integration of AI will help Green River Distilleries become more proactive and reduce downtime, ultimately improving overall efficiency.Nolan and Jacob provide their contact information for listeners interested in reaching out for advice or insights on their implementation journey. Closing Remarks and Contact Information Scott thanks Nolan and Jacob for their flexibility and insights, emphasizing the importance of their work in the distillation industry.The podcast is broadcasted from Xcelerate 2026, sponsored by Fluke, and encourages listeners to visit fluke.com for more information.Scott highlights the success of Green River Distilleries and the importance of sharing their story to inspire others in the industry.Contact information for Nolan and Jacob is provided, inviting listeners to reach out for further discussions or site visits. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! JAKE REARDEN'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-rearden/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenriverwhiskey/ Company Website: https://greenriverwhiskey.com/ JAKE REARDEN'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-boswell-334a6427a/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/pCJ_W5JKg90 THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

Welcome to another episode of Gen Z in Manufacturing, a podcast that asks young people about their journeys in manufacturing, how they intend to influence the industry and what they are looking for from an employer.For this episode, I welcome Xavier Gonzalez and Jesse Tabango, two HVAC students at Texas State Technical College. We recorded the conversation live at Fluke's Thought Leadership Day during the company's Xcelerate conference in Austin, Texas.  In this episode, Gonzalez and Tabando discuss: • (:55) Aspects of skilled trades that attract young people• (5:01) What surprises Gen Z at their first manufacturing job• (7:12) How the Gen Z workforce wants to be trained• (13:16) How young workers view growth and where they find a sense of purpose Please make sure to like and share this episode of Gen Z in Manufacturing. To view previous episodes, visit manufacturing.net. If you are a member of Gen Z and would like to discuss your experience in the manufacturing industry, please get in touch with me, Nolan Beilstein, at nolan@ien.com.#GenZ, #manufacturing, #skilledtrades, #workforce, #futureofwork, #HVAC, #tradesjobs, #careers, #podcast, #manufacturingjobs, #industry40, #automation, #youngprofessionals, #workforcedevelopment, #careergrowth, #training, #education, #techcareers, #industrialcareers, #nextgen

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Rocky Hensley to break down his latest exit and what actually drove the valuation behind the deal. Rocky shares how private equity approached the opportunity, why he chose his partner, and what most owners misunderstand about timing a sale. We dig into the simple framework he uses to build valuable companies, centered around strong profitability and removing owner dependency. Rocky explains why these two factors matter more than anything else when it comes to scaling and eventually selling a business. The conversation also dives into growth strategy, including why sales is the true driver of scale and how plumbing and restoration can work together when executed the right way. Rocky challenges the way most operators think about expansion and where they spend their time. This episode is a look at where the industry is heading, from private equity trends to the shift toward owning the full customer relationship. If you are building, scaling, or thinking about an exit, this one will give you a clearer lens on what actually matters. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:00:43] Inside Rocky Hensley's latest exit—and why private equity paid future earnings at an 18x multiple [00:07:12] The simple 2-rule framework Rocky uses to decide when to sell a business (and why most owners get it wrong) [00:12:10] The “20% net profit + no owner dependency” formula that makes a company instantly valuable [00:25:19] Why sales—not operations—is the real driver of scale (and the costly mistake most owners make) [00:33:00] Why most restoration companies fail to leverage plumbing—and how the top operators actually win with it [00:45:53] Where private equity is really going: owning the entire customer, not just one service line [00:54:41] The hiring philosophy that got validated in a massive PE deal—and why “good” employees are a liability Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Lee Morgan, Sr. Manager, Global Product Marketing at Fluke about "Customer's are vital to innovative success". Overview The Industrial Talk podcast, hosted by Scott Mackenzie, features Lee Morgan from Fluke discussing the company's new products and strategies at the Xcelerate event. Morgan highlights the interactive breakout sessions and the importance of customer feedback in product development. He introduces the new Rotaline Core and Rotaline Elite alignment tools, which include a built-in ROI calculator to demonstrate energy savings. The video replay feature allows for more accurate data collection. Fluke has streamlined its portfolio to two main products, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness. The conversation also touches on the broader benefits of proper shaft alignment in terms of energy savings, reliability, and maintenance costs. Outline Fluke Xcelerate Event Overview Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting the Fluke Xcelerate event.The event featured high-energy keynotes, hands-on predictive maintenance tools, and breakthrough AI diagnostics.The event aimed to deliver real-world strategies for smarter, faster, and more reliable operations.Scott encourages listeners to visit fluke.com for more information. Introduction to Lee Morgan and Industrial Talk Podcast Scott celebrates industrial professionals, describing them as bold, brave, and innovative problem solvers.The podcast is recorded at the Fluke Xcelerate event, focusing on solving industrial problems.Scott introduces Lee Morgan from Fluke, who will discuss new products. Lee Morgan's Experience at the Fluke Xcelerate Event lee shares his positive experience at the Fluke Xcelerate event, noting good engagement and interactive breakout sessions.The breakout sessions are designed to be interactive, allowing for customer feedback and learning.Lee emphasizes the importance of the Voice of Customer (VoC) in product development.The event helps Fluke understand customer problems and develop solutions to address them. Innovation and Customer Feedback in Product Development Lee explains how Fluke gathers customer feedback through a "three wishes" approach.The company synthesizes customer feedback to develop new solutions that meet their needs.Lee introduces the new alignment portfolio, including the Rotaline Core and Rotaline Elite.The new products include a built-in ROI calculator to help customers justify the cost of alignment tools. Energy Savings and Reliability Benefits of Alignment Tools Lee discusses the significant energy savings achieved through proper shaft alignment.Misaligned motors can cost up to $500 per year in energy alone, and proper alignment can prevent catastrophic failures.Scott and Lee discuss the broader costs associated with motor failures, including downtime and maintenance.The new alignment tools help customers demonstrate the ROI of their alignment services. Video Replay Feature and Streamlined Portfolio Lee introduces the video replay feature, which allows users to review and correct inaccurate readings.The feature helps avoid delays in getting plants back online and saves additional costs.Fluke has streamlined its portfolio to two main products: the Rotaline Core and Rotaline Elite.The streamlined portfolio offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness, allowing customers to choose the features they need. Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance Lee explains the importance of condition monitoring and predictive maintenance in preventing failures.Fluke's condition monitoring portal can predict failures months in advance, allowing for timely maintenance.The portal provides data on vibration levels and potential faults, helping customers justify the cost of maintenance.Scott and Lee discuss the benefits of a comprehensive reliability program. Fluke's Brand and Market Strategy Lee discusses the consolidation of Fluke's brands under the Fluke Condition Monitoring umbrella.The consolidation aims to simplify the customer experience and leverage Fluke's trusted brand.Scott appreciates the streamlined approach, noting the familiarity of the Fluke brand.The consolidation helps customers avoid confusion and trust in Fluke's products. Future Innovations and AI Integration Lee hints at future innovations, particularly the use of AI in product marketing and customer engagement.AI tools help customers choose the right products and understand their needs better.Scott praises Lee Morgan for his insights and the exciting developments at Fluke.The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to connect with Lee Morgan and explore Fluke's solutions. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! LEE MORGAN'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-morgan-fluke/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/ Company Website:  https://www.fluke.com/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/qBlTrvqKtSw THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Chris Matts, founder of Marketing Ninjas, to talk about what actually drives growth in restoration and why most marketing misses the mark. Chris shares his path into entrepreneurship, how he found the restoration industry, and why he chose to focus on helping companies generate more opportunities through outbound and relationship-driven strategies. We dig into the difference between branding and direct response, why business development reps are still one of the most important roles in a restoration company, and how marketing should support, not replace, relationship building. This conversation is a practical look at how work really flows in this industry and what it takes to stand out in a crowded market. Hope you enjoy Chris If you're interested in Marketing Ninjas - check out more at this LINK Why You Should Listen: [00:06:12] How Chris Matts found the restoration industry and why he saw it as a massive, underserved opportunity [00:14:27] Why most restoration marketing fails and the common mistake of relying too heavily on ads instead of relationships [00:21:05] The real role of business development reps and why they are still the most consistent driver of revenue [00:30:18] The difference between branding and direct response and how to use both effectively in your market [00:42:11] How top restoration companies actually generate work by owning referral relationships, not just waiting on inbound leads Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Will Ocean, Managing Director with Maintain Reliability about "Operational success starts with reliability". The conversation revolves around the Fluke Xcelerate 2026 event, which focused on reliability, predictive maintenance, and AI diagnostics. Scott MacKenzie, the host of the Industrial Talk Podcast, interviews Will Ocean, a Managing Director at Maintain Reliability, about the importance of culture and technology in industrial operations. They discuss the challenges of implementing reliability strategies, the need for mentorship and training, and the difficulty of measuring the ROI of preventive measures. Will emphasizes the importance of a cultural shift towards reliability and the role of thought leaders in inspiring and educating the next generation of industry professionals. Outline Fluke's Xcelerate Event Overview Scott introduces the Fluke's Xcelerate event, highlighting its focus on reliability and innovation.The event featured high-energy keynotes, hands-on predictive maintenance tools, and AI diagnostic breakthroughs.Scott emphasizes the event's real-world strategies that teams can implement immediately.The event is described as a launch pad for smarter, faster, and more reliable operations. Introduction to the Industrial Talk Podcast Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industry professionals worldwide.The podcast aims to highlight the bravery, innovation, and problem-solving skills of industry professionals.Scott mentions the importance of celebrating industry heroes and their contributions to making the world a better place. Meeting Will Ocean and Initial Impressions Scott introduces Will Ocean, a legend in the industry, and mentions his great accent.Will Ocean expresses gratitude for being invited and shares a light-hearted moment about never bringing Scott to England.The conversation touches on the positive energy and culture at the Xcelerate event.Will Ocean discusses the importance of resonance and the positive energy felt at the event, emphasizing the passion and importance of the topics discussed. The Importance of Passion and Mentorship Will Ocean talks about the passion and drive behind thought leadership at the event, highlighting the involvement of apprentices.He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and inspiring people, sharing his own experience with the Reliability Gang podcast.Scott agrees on the need to inspire the next generation of leaders and the importance of telling industry stories.Will Ocean discusses the challenges of sharing knowledge and the skills gap in the industry, advocating for making industry conversations accessible and relatable. Cultural and Technological Challenges in Industry Scott and Will Ocean discuss the cultural challenges in the industry, particularly the slow pace of cultural change compared to technological advancements.Will Ocean uses the analogy of going to the gym to explain the long-term effort required to change industry culture.They discuss the importance of having the right conversations and the need for patience and empathy in cultural change.Will Ocean highlights the need for thought leaders to spread awareness and empathy, and the importance of understanding the conditioning of experienced industry professionals. Will Ocean's Background and Maintain Reliability Will Ocean shares his background, starting in the electric and mechanical trades and moving to condition monitoring and vibration analysis.He discusses the transition from being a problem giver to a solutions provider and the importance of understanding the root cause of problems.Will Ocean emphasizes the need for a roadmap to address gaps within organizations and the importance of adding value first.He shares his experience with Maintain Reliability, focusing on the importance of tools, training, and progression for employees. The Role of Culture in Sustaining Reliability Will Ocean discusses the importance of reliability being ingrained in the culture of an organization.He highlights the challenges of sustaining reliability when senior leadership changes and the need for a strong culture to support long-term goals.Scott and Will Ocean discuss the difficulty of measuring the return on investment for reliability efforts that prevent failures.Will Ocean emphasizes the need for awareness and a long-term vision for the plant, advocating for a marathon approach to reliability. The Importance of Problem-Solving and Adaptability Will Ocean discusses the importance of problem-solving and the need for flexibility in roadmaps for different organizations.He shares an example of a manufacturing facility using diagnostic equipment without a clear plan, highlighting the need for proper utilization of tools.Will Ocean emphasizes the importance of addressing gaps and adding value first, using a roadmap tailored to the specific needs of the organization.He discusses the challenges of measuring the value of reliability efforts that prevent failures and the need for a cultural shift to see reliability as a long-term investment. Future Excitement and Contact Information Scott asks Will Ocean about what excites him in the industry, and Will Ocean expresses his passion for spreading the word of reliability and inspiring people.Will Ocean shares his contact information, encouraging listeners to follow him on the Reliability Gang podcast and connect with him on LinkedIn.Scott praises Will Ocean's high "beer factor," describing him as passionate, skilled, and a great person to hang out with.The conversation concludes with a reminder to follow Will Ocean and attend the Xcelerate event, emphasizing the importance of people and conversations in the industry. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! WILL OCEAN'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willocean/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maintainreliability/posts/?feedView=all PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/nKUB5KV4oL8 THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader):

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Sam Chapman, owner of Merit Restorations and partner in CaseCo and 1-Tom Plumber, to talk about building businesses, leading people, and the real work behind growth. Sam shares his journey from a blue collar upbringing to building multiple companies, and how he's approached scaling through partnerships, culture, and intentional leadership. We also get into the hard lessons. From avoiding accountability to rebuilding a broken culture, Sam walks through what it took to reset his team and raise the standard across the business. This is a conversation about ownership, discipline, and doing the internal work required to lead well at home and in business. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:02:48] Sam's origin story growing up in a blue collar family and how watching his dad build a business shaped his drive to create something of his own [00:16:14] How CaseCo evolved from flipping houses into a high end custom home and commercial construction company and the strategic decisions behind that growth [00:22:32] Why Sam partnered with 1-Tom Plumber and how he's using it to drive more mitigation opportunities and expand his restoration business [00:29:42] The moment his restoration company's culture broke and what it took to rebuild the team, reset standards, and create real accountability [00:46:43] A raw look at the mental and emotional toll of entrepreneurship and the personal work required to lead well at home and in business Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Julian Knabe, Senior Director with Fluke  about "Leverage AI and Technology to adapt and evolve to market demands". The conversation features Scott Mackenzie from the Industrial Talk podcast discussing the Fluke Xcelerate event in Austin, Texas, with Julian Knabe, a finance professional at Fluke. Julian shares his experience transitioning from cost-cutting to strategic finance, focusing on growth and customer impact. He highlights Fluke's extensive product portfolio, including over 50,000 SKUs, and identifies high-growth markets like data centers, distributed energy, renewables, and defense. The discussion emphasizes the importance of AI and technology in enhancing efficiency and customer workflows, and the need for companies to adapt and innovate to meet evolving market demands. Outline Fluke Xcelerate Event Overview Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting the Fluke Xcelerate event in Austin, Texas.The event focused on reliability, predictive maintenance tools, and AI diagnostics.Fluke's commitment to smarter, faster, and reliable operations was emphasized.Listeners are encouraged to visit fluke.com for more information. Introduction to Julian Knabe Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast and celebrates industry professionals.Julian Knabe, a finance professional from Fluke, is introduced as the guest for the podcast.Julian shares his background, including his recent move to Fluke and his previous roles in Europe and the US.Julian discusses his transition from cost-cutting to strategic finance at Fluke. Market Landscape and Growth Areas Julian explains Fluke's extensive product portfolio with over 50,000 SKUs.He identifies high-growth markets such as data centers, distributed energy, renewables, and defense.The importance of innovation and the need for fast customer support in these markets are discussed.Julian highlights the role of Fluke's tools in helping customers maintain smooth operations. Challenges and Solutions in Data Center Maintenance Scott and Julian discuss the challenges of maintaining data centers, including power needs and cooling capabilities.Julian emphasizes the importance of preventing disruptions to ensure smooth operations.Fluke's portfolio of devices and solutions play a crucial role in maintaining data center reliability.The conversation touches on the evolving nature of the data center market and the need for continuous innovation. Fluke's Adaptability and Innovation Julian credits Fluke's teams for their ability to adapt to rapid changes and maintain high operational speed.The company's flexibility and adaptability, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, are highlighted.Fluke's brand recognition and reputation for reliability are discussed.The increasing role of software in Fluke's product offerings is noted. AI and Technology Integration Scott and Julian discuss the integration of AI and technology in Fluke's solutions.The importance of understanding customer workflows and simplifying their processes is emphasized.Fluke's AI innovations, including AR and AI offerings, are mentioned.The conversation highlights the role of AI in enhancing efficiency and learning within the industry. Future of Work and Talent Retention Julian discusses the importance of attracting and retaining talent in the industry.The role of technology in making work more efficient and accessible for younger professionals is highlighted.The conversation touches on the need for companies to invest in and support the development of new skills.The potential for AI to bridge the knowledge gap between older and younger technicians is discussed. Distributed Energy and Market Trends Julian shares insights on the growth and challenges of the distributed energy market.The importance of flexibility and competitive advantages in the energy market are discussed.The conversation touches on the impact of global events, such as the crisis in the Gulf region, on the energy market.The role of new technologies, such as small nuclear power plants and fusion energy, in the future of energy is highlighted. Fluke's Market Presence and Customer Satisfaction Julian discusses Fluke's presence in various markets, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and defense.The company's reputation for reliable products and customer satisfaction is emphasized.The conversation highlights the importance of listening to market needs and continuously innovating.Julian shares his pride in working for a company that makes customers happy and proud of their products. Closing Remarks and Future Plans Scott and Julian discuss the importance of inspiring the next generation of industrial leaders.The conversation emphasizes the need for consistent communication and storytelling within the industry.Julian shares his excitement about the future and the potential for exponential growth in technology.The podcast concludes with a call to action for listeners to connect with Julian and stay tuned for future updates from Fluke. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! JULIAN KNABE'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianknabe/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/ Company Website: https://www.fluke.com/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/0-3D18QPJpA THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR...

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, I sit down with Lane Larsen, founder of Clean Claims, to unpack what is happening at the intersection of restoration, technology, and insurance. As the industry continues to evolve, Lane brings a unique perspective on how software, data, and process are reshaping the way claims are handled and how contractors can position themselves to win in a more complex environment. We dig into the origin of Clean Claims, the problem it was built to solve, and how improving claim quality, documentation, and communication can create better outcomes for contractors, carriers, and homeowners alike. Lane shares how fast technology is moving, what that means for operators on the ground, and why those who embrace better systems and cleaner processes will have a major advantage in the years ahead. This conversation is both strategic and practical. From reducing friction in the claims process to building stronger relationships with carriers and adjusters, it is a look at how the right tools and mindset can elevate the entire business. If you are trying to stay ahead of where the industry is going, this one will help you think differently about what comes next. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:03:15] How Clean Claims is simplifying field documentation, remote monitoring, and process enforcement by replacing multiple apps with one technician-friendly system [00:08:17] Why “process enforcement” matters so much in restoration and how removing human inconsistency can improve documentation, compliance, and payment speed [00:17:09] What it looks like to onboard new technicians fast and why simple, intuitive software can dramatically shorten the learning curve [00:31:10] A look at where AI, estimating, ESX integration, and automated rebuild scoping are headed and how quickly field operations may change [00:38:29] Why Lane believes restoration still operates like the Wild West and how better standardization could improve trust between contractors and carriers Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Nick Rahn, founder of Warriors Next Adventure, for one of the most intense and powerful conversations we've had on the show. Nick shares his journey from a turbulent childhood and multiple combat deployments in the Air Force to hitting rock bottom after leaving the military, battling addiction, and nearly ending his life in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota. What follows is a story of transformation. Nick walks us through the moment that changed everything, the internal work required to rebuild his identity, and how he developed a set of principles that helped him move from survival to purpose. We explore how those same principles now serve as the foundation for Warriors Next Adventure, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans navigate PTSD, mental health struggles, and life after service through deep conversations, jiu jitsu, and challenging outdoor experiences. This episode is raw, emotional, and ultimately hopeful. From stopping suicides through a 24/7 crisis line to taking veterans into the mountains to confront their past and reclaim their future, Nick's work is a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that purpose often comes from the hardest chapters of our lives. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:03:14] How Nick's military career and post-service struggles led to a loss of identity, purpose, and direction that many veterans quietly face [00:10:18] The powerful story of a failed suicide attempt that became the turning point for rebuilding his life and redefining who he wanted to become [00:15:04] How the “six principles” were developed through real experience and became a framework for overcoming trauma, addiction, and self-doubt [00:31:44] Why letting go of resentment, taking ownership, and dropping the “anchors” from your past can radically change your present and future [00:56:56] How Warriors Next Adventure is helping veterans through crisis intervention, jiu jitsu, and extreme outdoor experiences that force real transformation Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Mark Pattison, NFL 2 Seven Summits  about "Finding your summit". Mark Pattison, a former NFL player and keynote speaker at Fluke's Xcelerate event, shared his journey of climbing Mount Everest and the Seven Summits. He discussed overcoming public speaking fears, dealing with snow blindness at 26,500 feet, and the challenges of high-altitude climbing. Pattison emphasized the importance of resilience, faith, and daily discipline. He also highlighted his new book, "Finding Your Summit," and his involvement with Higher Ground, a nonprofit supporting military and first responders. Pattison's story underscored the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of setting and achieving ambitious goals. Outline Fluke's Xcelerate Event Overview Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting Fluke's Xcelerate event.The event featured high-energy keynotes, hands-on predictive maintenance tools, and breakthrough AI diagnostics.Real-world strategies for teams to use today were emphasized.Xcelerate proved to be a launch pad for smarter, faster, and more reliable operations. Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott is dedicated to transferring industry innovations and trends while celebrating industry professionals.The podcast aims to highlight the men and women who keep the world moving.Scott encourages listeners to put on their hard hats and work boots for the discussion. Mark Pattison's Keynote and Public Speaking Scott introduces Mark Pattison, the keynote speaker at the Xcelerate event.Mark shares his experience of overcoming the fear of public speaking.He recounts his story of climbing Mount Everest, facing snow blindness, and dealing with extreme conditions.Mark emphasizes the importance of delivering information and having a compelling story arc. Challenges of Climbing Mount Everest Mark describes the extreme conditions on Mount Everest, including temperatures ranging from 90 to below zero.He explains the challenges of consuming calories and dealing with frozen food at high altitudes.Mark shares his personal experience of snow blindness and the impact it had on his climb.He discusses the logistics and details required to succeed in climbing the highest peaks. Inspiration and Training for the Seven Summits Mark reveals that he first shared his plan to climb the Seven Summits with his high school friend, Hugh Millin.Hugh supported Mark's decision and even contributed to his new book, "Finding Your Summit."Mark began training for the climb, starting with easier peaks like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus.He moved to Sun Valley, Idaho, to train at higher altitudes, which helped him acclimate better for Everest. Mark's Personal and Professional Transition Mark discusses his move from Manhattan Beach, California, to Sun Valley, Idaho, and its impact on his training.He shares a story about buying a house in Sun Valley and how it helped him prepare for high-altitude climbs.Mark recounts his experience of spending a night at high camp on Mount Everest without oxygen.He describes the importance of having a tent mate and the support he received from his team. Mark's Faith and Resilience Mark talks about the role of faith and resilience in his climbs.He shares a story of a Russian climber who helped him get oxygen at the top of Mount Everest.Mark reflects on the importance of having faith in a system and the daily discipline required for success.He emphasizes the need to be process-driven rather than results-oriented. Mark's Book and Public Speaking Career Mark discusses his book, "Finding Your Summit," and its focus on building resilience and faith.He explains how the book draws from his personal experiences and the lessons he learned from climbing mountains.Mark shares his new podcast, also called "Finding Your Summit," and its goal to inspire and motivate others.He talks about his upcoming event, Seven Summits Summit, which aims to bring together aspiring leaders and raise awareness for a nonprofit. Mark's Nonprofit Work and Personal Impact Mark explains the mission of Higher Ground, a nonprofit that empowers military and first responders.He describes the various activities and programs Higher Ground offers to help these individuals regain confidence and adapt to life changes.Mark shares his personal connection to Higher Ground through his daughter, who has epilepsy.He discusses the importance of raising awareness and funds for organizations like Higher Ground. Mark's NFL Film and Emmy Award Mark recounts the story of how the NFL approached him to create a film about his climb of Mount Everest.He describes the challenges of filming during the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions placed on the film crew.Mark shares the success of the film, which was nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Picture.He reflects on the impact of the film and how it helped raise awareness for his daughter's foundation, Millie's Everest. Mark's Future Plans and Final Thoughts Mark talks about his desire to climb Mount Elbrus again and the lessons he learned from his previous climbs.He reflects on the importance of perseverance and the daily discipline required to achieve his goals.Mark shares his plans to continue public speaking and inspiring others through his book and podcast.He concludes by encouraging listeners to tell their stories and engage the next generation of leaders. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! MARK PATTISON'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-pattison/ Company Website: https://markpattisonnfl.com/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/uDXdRE07bJE THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of...

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, we sit down for a conversation to unpack a fresh perspective on leadership, pressure, and the internal narratives that shape how we show up in business and in life. This episode is less about tactics and more about awareness. It is about recognizing the stories we tell ourselves when things get hard and how those stories either limit us or push us forward. We talk through how easy it is to default into frustration, comparison, or self-doubt when results do not match expectations, and why so much of leadership growth comes from learning to reframe those moments instead of reacting to them. From the pressure to perform, to the temptation to measure progress against others, to the quiet ways we avoid responsibility by externalizing problems, this conversation challenges listeners to take a more honest look at what is really driving their decisions. This episode is a reminder that leadership is not just about strategy or execution. It is about ownership, perspective, and the discipline to choose a better narrative when the default one is working against you. If you have felt stuck, frustrated, or out of alignment, this one will give you something real to wrestle with. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:02:11] How the stories you tell yourself under pressure shape your decisions, your leadership, and your long-term outcomes [00:06:48] Why comparison and unmet expectations quietly create frustration, and how to reframe them into something productive [00:12:03] The difference between reacting to problems and taking ownership of your role in them [00:18:27] How internal narratives can either limit your growth or become the fuel that drives better performance [00:25:10] A practical way to catch yourself in negative patterns and choose a more intentional response in real time Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer with Fluke about "Busting the AI myths with reliability". Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer at Fluke, discussed his journey from mechanical engineering to leading product development at Microsoft and Amazon, and his current role at Fluke. He emphasized the importance of breaking myths about AI, particularly in industrial reliability, and highlighted Fluke's efforts to enhance technician efficiency using AI and AR. Thuvara shared that Fluke's new sensors and software aim to reduce unplanned downtime, which costs $50 billion weekly, by providing real-time, accurate data and insights. He also discussed the potential of AR glasses to improve safety and efficiency in technical fields. Outline Fluke Xcelerate Event Overview Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting the Fluke Xcelerate event.The event featured high-energy keynotes, hands-on predictive maintenance tools, and breakthrough AI diagnostics.Fluke's Xcelerate event is described as a launch pad for smarter, faster, and more reliable operations.Listeners are encouraged to visit fluke.com for more information. Introduction to Vineet Thuvara Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast and thanks them for their support.Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer at Fluke, is introduced as the guest for the episode.Vineet shares his background, including his education, work experience, and career transitions.Vineet discusses his excitement about joining Fluke and the company's culture and people. Vineet's Career Journey Vineet details his educational background, including mechanical engineering and industrial design.He shares his experience working at Microsoft, leading various product teams, including Xbox Kinect and Surface devices.Vineet's tenure at Amazon, where he led the product team for Echo devices, is also mentioned.He explains his transition to Fluke, driven by the company's culture and his personal connection to the brand. Fluke's Culture and Brand Loyalty Vineet talks about Fluke's long history and the loyalty of both employees and customers.He shares a personal anecdote about his father using Fluke tools in the Indian Air Force.Vineet emphasizes the importance of the transition from consumer electronics to industrial applications.He discusses the goal of building a connected ecosystem of Fluke devices and software for predictive reliability. Challenges and Opportunities in Industrial Reliability Scott and Vineet discuss the challenges of running operations and the importance of proactive diagnostics.Vineet highlights the need for seamless and efficient operations in the industrial space.The conversation touches on the rapid advancements in technology and the human spirit's role in innovation.Vineet shares his optimism about the future of industrial reliability and the potential of AI and connected devices. Myths and Misconceptions in AI Adoption Vineet introduces the topic of his presentation at the Fluke Xcelerate event, focusing on myths about AI.He shares insights from a dinner with CXOs discussing the challenges of AI adoption.Vineet explains the importance of breaking myths and assumptions to drive AI acceptance.He uses the analogy of an elephant with a chain to illustrate the need to question long-held assumptions. The Role of AI in Industrial Reliability Vineet discusses the potential of AI to transform the workflow of technicians and improve efficiency.He outlines the steps involved in a technician's workflow and the drudgery associated with it.Vineet emphasizes the need for new tools and AI to automate repetitive tasks and improve data collection.He highlights the importance of human involvement in the process to ensure accuracy and accountability. Addressing the Data Tsunami Vineet addresses the common myth that AI creates too much data, leading to information overload.He explains how new tools and AI can help derive meaningful insights from large datasets.Vineet mentions a partnership with Treon to showcase new sensors and data collection tools.He discusses the importance of maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio in data collection. AI's Impact on Human Productivity Vineet addresses the myth that AI will eliminate the need for human involvement.He argues that AI accelerates human efforts and transforms the nature of work.Vineet shares examples of how AI is used in product management and research at Fluke.He emphasizes the importance of human accountability and oversight in AI-driven processes. Enhancing Technician Efficiency with AI Vineet discusses the potential of AI to improve technician efficiency and reduce costs.He highlights the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the challenges of managing large manuals.Vineet explains how AI can automate the process of accessing and using SOPs.He shares examples of how AI can streamline data collection and reporting for technicians. The Future of AR in Industrial Applications Vineet introduces the concept of using AR glasses to enhance technician interactions with devices.He explains how AR can provide hands-free data collection and analysis.Vineet discusses the benefits of AR for new career technicians and experienced professionals.He highlights the potential for AR to improve safety and efficiency in industrial settings. Conclusion and Contact Information Scott wraps up the conversation, emphasizing the importance of networking and learning at events like Fluke Xcelerate.Vineet provides his contact information, encouraging listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn.Scott reiterates the importance of the Fluke Xcelerate event and the value of connecting with industry professionals.The episode concludes with a reminder to visit industrialtalk.com for more information and to connect with the podcast. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! VINEET THUVARA'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tvineet/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/ Company Website: https://www.fluke.com/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/wdFNW9RB5yM THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: 

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Jay Hack and Navin Kulkarni about "eMaint and the impact AI has on asset management". At Fluke's Xcelerate 2026 event, Jay Hack and Navin Kulkarni introduced new AI features in eMaint, a maintenance management system. They highlighted four key features: AI-driven email data interaction, SOP generation from OEM manuals, natural language work order creation, and multilingual document translation. The AI features received significant interest, with 40 customers eager to join the beta test. The system ensures data quality, supports structured data ingestion, and allows for real-time updates. Future plans include enhancing work order management and leveraging historical data for better decision-making and asset management. Outline Xcelerate 2026 Event Overview Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting the importance of industrial professionals and the event Xcelerate 2026.Scott mentions the event's focus on real-world strategies, predictive maintenance tools, and AI diagnostics.Scott emphasizes the importance of attending the event and mentions the swag received on site.Scott introduces Jay Hack and Navin Kulkarni, who have been on the hot seat before. Introduction of AI Features in eMaint Jay Hack announces the launch of their first AI features in eMaint, which were well-received during the intro presentation.Jay mentions that 40 customers in the audience wanted to sign up for the beta test immediately.Navin confirms positive feedback from customers and customer success managers.Jay and Navin discuss the importance of AI in improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. AI Assistant for Email Data Interaction Jay explains the AI assistant feature that allows users to interact with email data in a chat GPT-style fashion.Jay provides a use case where users can query the system to get intelligent responses about asset information.Navin discusses how the AI assistant improves access to historical work orders and other data without the need for additional queries.Jay emphasizes the importance of having good quality data for the AI assistant to be effective. SOP Generation and Document Digitization Jay introduces the SOP generation feature, which allows users to upload OEM repair manuals and generate preventive maintenance procedures.Jay explains that the SOPs need to be validated by the customer to ensure accuracy.Navin discusses the process of digitizing user manuals and other documents to make them accessible through the AI assistant.Jay and Navin highlight the benefits of having the latest and most accurate documentation available in real-time. Work Order Generation and Prioritization Jay introduces the work order generation feature, which allows users to create work orders by speaking into their smartphones.Navin discusses how the feature can help prioritize work orders based on their criticality and importance.Jay and Navin emphasize the importance of having a complete and contextualized work order to improve maintenance operations.Navin mentions that the roadmap includes allowing users to close work orders through the system. Translation and Language Support Jay introduces the translation feature, which allows users to translate dense documentation into other languages.Jay explains that the feature is particularly useful for customers operating in multiple countries.Navin discusses the process of validating translated information and the importance of having accurate translations.Jay and Navin highlight the benefits of having a multilingual AI solution to support global operations. Future of AI in Maintenance Operations Jay discusses the future possibilities of using AI to track and analyze asset data and maintenance tech proficiency.Jay mentions that AI can help infer the rate of learning and competency of maintenance techs.Navin discusses the potential for normalizing data across different geographic locations to improve decision-making.Jay and Navin emphasize the importance of having a secure and reliable AI solution to support maintenance operations. Conclusion and Contact Information Jay and Navin provide their contact information for listeners who want to connect with them on LinkedIn.Scott wraps up the podcast, encouraging listeners to attend Xcelerate 2027 and connect with industry professionals.Scott emphasizes the importance of being bold, brave, and innovative in the industrial field.The podcast concludes with a reminder to stay tuned for future episodes and events. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! JAY HACK'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayhack1/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/ Company Website: https://www.fluke.com/ NAVIN KULKARNI'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navinkulkarni/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/rDm5_CQtkIU THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader): Business Beatitude the Book Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES! Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I dig into something that feels bigger than business but is showing up inside every business anyway: loneliness, disconnection, and the emotional fragility many people are carrying into work right now. We unpack how remote work, constant digital distraction, and the erosion of real face-to-face relationships are reshaping not only mental health, but also trust, confidence, and the way teams respond to pressure and change. We talk candidly about what it feels like to lead in an environment where people seem more depleted, more anxious, and less resilient than they did just a few years ago. From the loss of natural boundaries between work and home, to the challenge of building genuine relationships with employees while still holding clear standards, this conversation wrestles with the tension every owner and leader feels but rarely names out loud. This episode is not about easy answers. It is about recognizing the reality in front of us and asking better questions about how we lead, hire, communicate, and create environments where people can actually feel seen without losing accountability. If you have felt the weight of leading tired people while being tired yourself, this one will hit close to home. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:03:12] Why loneliness and social disconnection are quietly reshaping workplace behavior, resilience, and team dynamics [00:09:48] How remote work and digital life have blurred the lines between personal identity, relationships, and professional performance [00:17:26] The leadership challenge of balancing empathy with accountability when employees are struggling emotionally [00:24:41] Why many leaders feel exhausted trying to carry the emotional weight of their teams while still pushing for results [00:33:05] A candid look at how rebuilding real connection and trust inside teams may be one of the most important leadership skills moving forward Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I tackle a shift that many restoration companies are starting to feel but may not fully understand yet. The traditional flow of insurance work is changing. Claim volumes are tightening, TPAs are producing fewer opportunities, and customers are becoming more cautious about filing claims due to rising deductibles and policy pressure. That shift is forcing restoration companies to confront something the retail contracting world has been dealing with for decades: selling. We unpack what it means to operate more like a retail contractor and why learning to earn the customer's trust, present real numbers, and guide clients through decisions is becoming a core skill set for the industry. We talk through practical examples like offering financing, training teams to present rough order of magnitude estimates, using tools like Loom for better communication, and building a process that gives customers confidence before asking for their commitment. This conversation is less about tactics and more about mindset. The companies that embrace the shift toward proactive sales, better communication, and stronger client experience will be the ones that continue to win as the landscape evolves. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:02:27] Why claim volumes and TPA lead flow are tightening and how insurance industry changes are forcing restoration companies to rethink their business model [00:04:49] How offering financing solutions can remove friction for customers and help companies close jobs that might otherwise disappear [00:07:10] What restoration companies can learn from retail contractors about selling, presenting estimates, and winning work in competitive environments [00:18:51] How better communication tools like Loom can dramatically improve customer trust and engagement during the sales and project process [00:23:39] Why the future of restoration will require teams that are skilled at relationships, persuasion, and customer experience rather than just task execution Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, we sit down with Johnny Gabe for a raw and deeply personal conversation about redemption, reinvention, and what real leadership transformation looks like over time. Johnny shares his journey from growing up in a violent environment in Philadelphia, surviving being shot at fourteen, and carrying that trauma into adulthood, to building multiple successful home service companies grounded in culture, accountability, and service. We unpack the early years of his construction and restoration businesses, the ceiling he kept hitting, and the pivotal decision to launch a 1-Tom Plumber franchise that changed the trajectory of his growth. Johnny opens up about nearly losing his marriage, battling crippling anxiety and panic attacks, and the hard internal work required to become a steadier husband, father, and leader. The conversation dives into culture meetings, mentorship inside the company, hiring for character over experience, and Johnny's long-term vision to build a trades-based training pipeline that gives young people a different path forward. This is not just a business growth story. It is a story about confronting your past, doing the work to change, and building something meaningful enough to impact the next generation. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:05:54] How Johnny broke through the million-dollar ceiling in restoration and what finally changed when he embraced coaching and accountability [00:08:34] The plumbing catalyst story that exposed a massive opportunity gap and led to launching a One-Tom Plumber franchise [00:24:22] A raw look at battling severe anxiety, panic attacks, and nearly losing everything before rebuilding from the inside out [00:31:36] How surviving violence at fourteen shaped his early leadership style and the transformation that followed years later [00:45:20] Why culture meetings, mentorship, and hiring for character over experience are now the backbone of his company's explosive growth Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews. More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. ● Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST. Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it. Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle. See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Andrew Dobson, owner of ServPro Team Dobson, one of the largest ServPro operators in the country with nineteen licenses across multiple markets. Andrew shares the full origin story of how he grew up in a family cleaning business, left a creative path that once pointed toward Pixar, and slowly built a restoration operation grounded in process, precision, and relentless attention to detail. We dig into Andrew's partnership with his father, what it takes to successfully merge family businesses, and how clearly defined roles, operating agreements, and trust allowed them to scale without breaking the relationship. Andrew unpacks his obsession with design and user experience, explaining how lessons from web design, baseball, and usability testing shaped everything from warehouse layout to truck setups to customer-facing processes. The conversation goes deep into leadership development, soft skills, and why technical excellence alone is not enough to win in restoration. Andrew shares hard-earned lessons about first impressions, customer perception, sales and operations alignment, and the mistake he made trying to hire leaders without enough industry depth. We also explore his newest venture, Certified Restoration Training, and his mission to raise the standard of professionalism across the industry through technical training and soft skills education. This episode is packed with practical insight for owners trying to scale, leaders developing teams, and anyone who believes that inches add up to miles when it comes to building a great company. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:04:17] How Andrew went from a family cleaning business and a near-career in animation to building one of the largest ServPro teams in the country [00:10:19] What it really takes to successfully partner with family, including operating agreements, role clarity, and navigating shared risk [00:17:54] How an obsession with process, usability, and design transformed warehouses, trucks, and field execution into a competitive advantage [00:26:21] A powerful lesson on first impressions, soft skills, and why customer perception matters more than effort or intent [00:48:17] Why hiring professional managers without deep industry understanding became a leadership mistake, and what Andrew learned about developing true operators and leaders Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I dig into a simple but surprisingly powerful framework that has been shaping how we think about performance, leadership, and execution. We unpack the equation of focus, faith, and effort, and why missing any one of those variables quietly sabotages outcomes in business, leadership, and personal growth. We explore how leaders often overestimate readiness, underestimate cost, or lose confidence midstream, and how each of those breakdowns shows up differently inside teams. From imposter syndrome and emotional decision-making to role misalignment and unrealistic expectations, this conversation offers a practical lens for diagnosing why plans stall and people struggle. This episode is less about motivation and more about clarity. It is a tool for slowing down, asking better questions, and helping yourself and your team understand what is truly required to win before committing to the outcome. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:01:24] A simple three-part equation that explains why capable people still fail to execute [00:04:33] How confidence, focus, and effort must work together and why overestimating any one of them breaks the outcome [00:08:07] Why leaders often fail to count the true cost of success and how that creates burnout, frustration, and stalled growth [00:11:01] How misalignment shows up in hiring, promotions, and role expectations when effort does not match responsibility [00:14:33] A practical coaching framework leaders can use to diagnose performance issues without defaulting to emotion or blame Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I wrestle with one of the most difficult leadership disciplines to master: staying emotionally grounded when everything around you feels chaotic. We talk candidly about the emotional whiplash of entrepreneurship, how quickly even the best intentions and plans can get derailed by fires, and why reactivity quietly destroys momentum inside growing companies. Brandon shares his commitment to becoming a more stoic, stabilizing force for his teams - not by ignoring problems, but by slowing down, asking better questions, and anchoring decisions to a clear plan instead of emotion. We unpack how leaders unintentionally drag their teams through emotional cycles, why delayed gratification makes strategic work so hard to stick with, and how confidence is built by returning to the plan when pressure rises. This conversation is practical, uncomfortable, and deeply relatable for anyone leading people, managing clients, or trying to grow a business without burning themselves - or their team - to the ground. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:02:17] Why emotional volatility - not lack of intelligence or effort - derails more leaders than bad strategy [00:04:53] How even well-thought-out plans collapse when leaders default to reaction instead of discipline [00:07:20] Why delayed gratification is one of the hardest skills in entrepreneurship - and how to stay committed long enough to see results [00:15:25] How slowing down, asking better questions, and refusing to emotionally “side up” can defuse client and team chaos [00:21:13] Why being a calm, steady presence builds trust, confidence, and long-term momentum inside your organization Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I have one of our most personal and vulnerable conversations to date. We step into a topic that's often misunderstood, stigmatized, or avoided altogether - alternative medicine and the role psilocybin has played in my own mental, emotional, and relational health. I share my background growing up in a deeply religious environment, my initial skepticism, and the long road that led me to explore psilocybin in a clinical, intentional setting. We talk openly about emotional reactivity, anxiety, ADD, anger, self-criticism, and the hidden cost many high-performing leaders carry as they chase growth, success, and legacy. This isn't about escapism or chasing an experience - it's about healing, stability, and building emotional margin so we can show up better for our families, our teams, and ourselves. This conversation isn't prescriptive or promotional. It's an honest exploration of curiosity, research, personal experience, and the growing body of evidence showing how some leaders are finding lasting change by addressing the battle between their ears - not just their to-do lists. Hope you enjoy, Chris Why You Should Listen: [00:02:44] Why emotional stability - not motivation or discipline - may be the missing piece for leaders stuck in anxiety, anger, or burnout [00:06:45] How psilocybin therapy moved from military PTSD research into the lives of high-performing professionals seeking lasting mental health [00:11:24] What a single therapeutic experience can reveal about self-criticism, reactivity, and the hidden narratives shaping your behavior [00:22:00] How increased emotional margin can transform relationships with spouses, kids, and teams, not just productivity [00:31:37] Why intention, environment, and facilitation matter, and how misuse versus medicine creates radically different outcomes Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I dig into one of the most overlooked drivers of growth in service businesses: the client experience. Sparked by a frustrating real-world story, we unpack how even well-intentioned teams can slowly erode trust through poor communication, missed expectations, and a lack of follow-through - and why those failures compound over time. We talk candidly about how competition in restoration and home services is changing, why today's customers are more informed and more skeptical than ever, and how growth, PE-backed operators, and higher deductibles are raising the bar for professionalism across the industry. From engineering a client experience instead of relying on heroics, to setting expectations early, owning the hard parts of the process, and designing workflows that protect trust, this episode is a practical reminder that growth doesn't come from doing more work - it comes from doing the work better. If you're a business owner or leader trying to scale without sacrificing reputation, referrals, or sanity, this conversation is a must-listen. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:02:45] How a single bad customer experience exposed the quiet ways service quality erodes - even inside well-run companies [00:06:09] Why growth, higher deductibles, and more sophisticated competitors are forcing service businesses to rethink how they win and retain clients [00:09:45] How poor communication and unmanaged expectations turn customers into project managers - and destroy trust in the process [00:18:08] Why engineering a client experience beats relying on individual heroics — and how workflows protect both customers and teams [00:29:27] How setting expectations early, telling clients the hard truths, and embracing friction can actually become your biggest competitive advantage Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down for a raw, unfiltered look at the last 60 days - the travel, the pressure, the wins we haven't slowed down to celebrate, and the realities of running two fast-moving companies at the same time. We talk about what it feels like when your business hits a streak of negative momentum, how long it takes to turn the ship, and why even small signs of stabilization matter more than you think. We get into the personal side, too - the exhaustion of constant context-shifting, how hard it's been to hold routines together, and what we're learning about rest, recovery, and leadership when everything speeds up at once. From supporting two teams across time zones, to protecting focus, to the conversations that are shaping our 2026 planning, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the real rhythms of entrepreneurship. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:01:20] What the last 60 days looked like inside two growing companies - and how to recognize when negative momentum starts, stops, and finally stabilizes [00:03:49] Why celebrating wins matters (even when you're exhausted) and how missing those moments creates long-term burnout for founders and teams [00:07:26] The truth about routines under pressure - how travel, growth, and leadership demands quietly erode the habits that keep you grounded [00:24:13] How “context shifting” destroys focus, drains leaders, and impacts entire organizations - and why reducing it may be the key to a healthier 2026 [00:38:47] A candid look at stress, mental resets, and the tools leaders are turning to - from saunas to silence to psychedelic therapy Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Claire Carreras, a musician, comedian, fashion entrepreneur, and now co-owner of 1-Tom Plumber Austin to unpack one of the most unexpected and compelling career journeys we've ever featured. Claire opens up about a childhood marked by constant relocation across multiple countries, how creativity and performance became her anchor, and how those early experiences shaped the grit and resourcefulness she now brings to building service businesses. We explore the rise and collapse of her fashion brands, the financial devastation of COVID, and what it took to rebuild her life from scratch in a new country. Claire shares the mindset shifts that helped her scale restoration and plumbing operations, the leadership lessons she brought from stages and tour vans, and her refreshingly honest view on managing people, burnout, and generational differences inside a 24/7 business. If you're drawn to real entrepreneurial stories, the raw ones, with bruises, resilience, and reinvention; this conversation is worth every minute. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen... [00:05:15] How a turbulent childhood, constant relocation, and exposure to wildly different cultures forged Claire's resilience and leadership instincts [00:13:03] How acting, stand-up comedy, and 15 years of international touring built the confidence, grit, and communication skills she now uses to scale home-service companies [00:20:27] What three failed fashion businesses taught her about timing, financial risk, market collapse, and how to recover when everything falls apart [00:28:14] Why she jumped into One-Tom Plumber after COVID wiped out her income, and how she built a 5-truck operation in months by leaning into clarity, systems, and urgency [00:45:06] How Claire motivates teams through uncertainty, connects personally without lowering standards, and navigates generational differences around pressure and mental health Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, I sit down with Nilo Quiroz and John Villon to unpack their unlikely path from oil-and-gas engineers to running one of the fastest-growing PuroClean and 1-Tom Plumber operations in the country. We get into how early failures shaped their mindset, why putting ego aside became the key to their partnership, and how saying yes—long before they felt ready—helped them accelerate past the typical startup grind. From feeding thousands of hurricane responders to tearing out their first flooded home with support from the franchise network, their journey is a masterclass in hustle, humility, and learning fast. Hope you enjoy. Chris Why You Should Listen [00:07:36] How two radically different personalities learned to set ego aside and build a partnership that actually works under pressure [00:18:36] Why saying “yes” to unfamiliar work (and figuring it out later) became their biggest accelerator in the early years [00:24:45] What their first hurricane deployment taught them about learning fast, asking for help, and leveraging a franchise network [00:33:00] How diversification—contents, reconstruction, bio, plumbing—kept their business alive when mitigation slowed down [00:43:45] Why they see business as a marathon, not a sprint, and how that mindset helped them survive failures and grow multiple companies Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with Alejandro to unpack what ten years inside one of the toughest jiu jitsu cultures in the country can teach us about leadership, loyalty, and personal growth. We dig into how a broken season in his life led him to a mentor who changed everything, why the Daisy Fresh laundromat became a proving ground for world class competitors, and how the same principles that shape great fighters also shape great teams. Hope you enjoy Chris Why You Should Listen [00:02:36] How one mentor's belief and availability created lifelong loyalty and a culture people wanted to be part of [00:11:03] What living and training in an old laundromat taught fighters about discipline, discomfort, and eliminating excuses [00:21:00] The long, unglamorous process behind becoming a world class grappler and why consistency beats talent over time [00:25:39] How wrestling and jiu jitsu build confidence, emotional control, and character in kids and adults alike [00:36:05] How Alejandro revived a dead high school program by applying the same leadership principles that shaped him on the mat Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I dive into what Netflix got right about radical candor and how restoration leaders can use it to build healthier, faster-growing teams. We pull insights from No Rules Rules, share how we're applying those same principles inside FP Restoration, and talk about how fear of feedback quietly kills trust, growth, and leadership potential. hope you enjoy - Chris Why You Should Listen [00:03:40] How Netflix built a culture of radical candor and why it became a competitive edge [00:10:00] What happens when leaders reward truth instead of politics [00:18:00] How we're using radical candor inside FP Restoration to drive real growth [00:27:00] Creating safety and structure so your team can speak up with honesty [00:38:00] Why someone has to go first if you want a culture built on trust Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

I'll be real. Finance used to feel like the boring side of business. But the deeper we've gone, the more I've realized the numbers tell the story. In this one, Chris and I sit down with Jim Emerich of Backbone CFO to talk about how to turn financial chaos into clarity, and clarity into growth. Jim breaks down what most owners get wrong about money, how to build incentive comp that actually pays, and why mastering cash flow is the key to scaling without stress. Thanks for Listening, Brandon Key Takeaways [00:01:00] Why finance isn't boring, it's your growth engine [00:06:00] Ambition vs. contentment, the mindset that keeps you sane [00:10:45] Incentive comp that motivates and pays out [00:17:30] Open-book management and the power of transparency [00:25:40] Avoiding the owner's draw trap [00:32:00] Lifestyle business vs. enterprise value [00:38:50] Pricing, margins, and funding real growth [00:45:10] Building a business banks and buyers love [00:52:00] Final gut check, are you the constraint Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

I'm Chris, and in this episode Brandon and I talk about what year-end planning really looks like when you stop chasing perfect dashboards and start leading with purpose. We unpack what worked for Floodlight this year, how we intentionally ran lean to leap ahead, and why your team's buy-in depends on more than KPIs. What We Cover [00:01:12] Planning Q4 like an investor and how we turned red months into green growth [00:05:11] Why most leaders undervalue strategic planning and treat it like a checklist [00:08:57] Mission before metrics and how to build KPIs that actually drive vision [00:14:25] The “100 Point Week” system for sales reps and why simple wins [00:20:06] How C-suite dashboards actually work with 3 to 4 key metrics [00:31:38] Aligning sales and operations around customer experience, not just numbers [00:53:36] Tommy Mello's story about building a dream big enough for others to fit inside it Key Takeaways Plan on purpose, not by habit. Use fewer, clearer KPIs. Simplify tracking so reps can sell, not babysit CRMs. Make your mission about people, not profit. Audit your own leadership because culture is the real KPI. If you're leading a restoration or home-service company and planning for next year, this episode is your field guide for making 2026 different. Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Michael DeMaria, Director, Product Management at Fluke Reliability about "Prepare, Predict, Prevail". Scott Mackenzie and Michael DeMaria discuss the industrial trends and innovations at the Xcelerate 2025 event in Austin, Texas. Michael, a product manager at Fluke Reliability, highlights the importance of collaboration and learning from each other in the industry. He outlines the "Prepare, Predict, Prevail" theme, emphasizing the need for data-driven insights and automation to manage work orders effectively. Michael also addresses the generational gap in the workforce, stressing the importance of technology and communication to bridge this divide. The conversation underscores the role of Industry 5.0 in integrating human expertise with advanced technology. Action Items [ ] Explore ways to automate the work order creation and management process to handle the increasing volume of data and insights.[ ] Investigate how to better communicate the value of reliability and maintenance initiatives to upper management.[ ] Develop strategies to bridge the generational gap and enable knowledge transfer from the retiring workforce to the new generation of workers. 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 MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, highlighting the importance of industry professionals and their contributions.The podcast is broadcasting live from Accelerate 2025 in Austin, Texas, sponsored by Fluke Reliability.Scott MacKenzie introduces Michael de Maria, a seasoned industry professional, and sets the stage for their discussion. Michael de Maria's Background and Role at Fluke Michael DeMaria shares his extensive experience in the industry, starting in 1980.He discusses his role as the product manager for the software and services solution at Fluke.Michael explains the three pillars of Fluke: Reliability Proof, Technic, Azema DLI, and Emerson.He provides a brief history of Azema DLI, its origins, and its significant Navy contracts. Discussion on Prepare, Predict, and Prevail Michael outlines the theme of the event: Prepare, Predict, and Prevail.He explains the importance of identifying needs and understanding machinery in the Prepare phase.The Predict phase focuses on making insights from data and creating actionable understanding.The Prevail phase involves automating work orders and ensuring efficient execution. Challenges and Solutions in Data Management Michael discusses the challenges of managing a vast amount of data, including 100 trillion data points.He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing data and leveraging limited skilled resources.The conversation touches on the criticality assessment of assets and its impact on data analysis.Michael highlights the automation of data capture and analysis to streamline processes. Automation and Work Order Management Michael explains the automation of work order creation and its benefits.He discusses the challenges of managing a backlog of work orders and the importance of prioritization.The conversation covers the need for daily management of data and work orders.Michael emphasizes the role of dashboards in presenting actionable information. Generational Gap and Technology Adoption Michael and Scott discuss...

In this episode, Brandon and I wrestle with a tough reality: what happens when disagreement turns into dehumanization, and free speech no longer feels safe? I share how one of my posts spiraled into thousands of views and heated comments, leaving me questioning how we've arrived at a place where words can provoke violence, and why leaders often stay silent. Brandon brings a veteran's perspective on what's at stake when we forget the sacrifice that secured our ability to speak freely. This isn't about politics-it's about leadership, humanity, and protecting the freedom to have hard conversations. -Chris Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Curt Chamberlain, Managing Consultant at Utility Performance Consultants about "Leveraging the EMaint solution for the Utility Market". Scott Mackenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Curt Chamberlain, a consultant with extensive experience in the energy and utility sectors. Chamberlain discusses his work with utilities like OG&E and a large Northeast utility, focusing on SAP implementations to cut OPEX by a billion dollars. He also details his projects with EMaint and Deep Blue, including a tight five-month implementation of EMaint for a pipeline company and a subsequent 18-month transition to EMaint's X5. Chamberlain highlights the challenges of regulatory compliance and the potential of AI in maintenance, emphasizing the need for substantial data to drive AI effectiveness. Action Items [ ] Connect with Curt Chamberlain on LinkedIn to continue the conversation. Outline Introduction and Welcome to the Podcast Speaker 1 introduces Scott Mackenzie as the host of the industrial talk podcast, highlighting his dedication to industry innovations and trends. Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, emphasizing the importance of industry professionals and their contributions. Scott mentions the early morning conversation at the Accelerate conference, sponsored by Fluke Reliability. Scott promotes Fluke Reliability, encouraging listeners to visit their website for more information on asset management, maintenance, and reliability. Discussion on Autonomous Vehicles and Personal Experiences Scott and Curt discuss their experiences with autonomous vehicles, including taking one to a cigar shop and a short ride in another one. They share their thoughts on the comfort and safety of autonomous vehicles, with Speaker 2 expressing a desire to take one to the airport. Scott and Speaker 2 talk about the strange feeling of being in a car with no visible driver and the future of autonomous vehicles. Background on Curt Chamberlain Curt introduces himself as a consultant with extensive experience in the energy and utility business, particularly in maintenance and process improvement. He shares his background in the utility industry, starting in the mid-90s, and his work with various utilities, including OG and E. Curt describes his role in implementing SAP for OG and E, including payroll, maintenance, and other business systems. He mentions his recent work with a large utility in the Northeast, focusing on cutting a billion dollars in operating costs through SAP implementation. Implementation of E-Mate and Challenges Curt discusses his work with EMaint, a crude pipeline company, and the implementation of their asset management system. He describes the tight deadline and the challenges of transferring 389,000 historical work orders from the old system to E-Mate. Curt explains the regulatory requirements for maintaining historical data and the complexity of the implementation process. He shares the success of the implementation and the transition to E-Mate's new product, X5, which was pioneered by his team. Transition to Deep Blue and Current Projects Curt talks about his retirement and subsequent return to work with Deep Blue, a company in the water business. He describes the company's operations in Midland, Texas, and their role in treating and disposing of water used in hydraulic fracking. Curt explains...

In this one, Chris and I talk fitness, sleep, supplements, and how to keep your body in the game while leading in the restoration industry. Late-night emergency calls, unpredictable schedules, and high-stress jobs can wreck your health if you don't have a plan. We share how morning training, sleep tech, diet balance, and smart supplementation keep us sharp so we can show up strong for our teams and clients. We even dig into creatine for brain energy and the truth about TRT vs. enclomiphene. Thanks for listening, Brandon Key Takeaways [00:04:30] Morning training: 4:15 a.m. alarm = momentum and accountability. [00:06:30] Injury hacks: Train smart with machines/isolation to stay strong under stress. [00:13:50] Creatine boost: 5g for muscle, 15g supports brain energy—huge for long shifts. [00:18:30] Sleep tech: Pod covers, less caffeine/screens, smarter wake-ups for recovery. [00:26:50] Diet freedom: 1g protein/lb, meat + fruit, and guilt-free “when in Rome” meals. [00:34:20] Hormones: Low T? Get labs. Options from enclomiphene to TRT explained. [00:45:30] Energy hack: Exogenous ketones give clean focus without the crash Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies Spotlight on Floodlight: Your Secret Weapon for Sales & Scaling This isn't a paid plug. It's real talk from the front lines. If you've ever thought, “How do I get a VP-level sales leader or even a sales team without hiring full-time?” Floodlight has the answer. Fractional Sales Leadership They act as your outsourced VP of Sales, taking full responsibility for training, managing, and growing your sales team. No six-figure hire needed. Clients often close 20 to 50 percent more deals within six months, thanks to data-driven coaching, CRM setup, scripts, and performance reviews.More at floodlightgrp.com/sales Commercial Sales MasterCourse A self-paced, video-driven B2B sales course designed specifically for restoration teams. Perfect for building commercial revenue and getting free from TPA handcuffs. Covers mindset, prospecting, pipeline building, LinkedIn lead generation, and includes a $250 discount with code SALESBOOST.Details at floodlightgrp.com/courses Tailored Consulting & Coaching Floodlight's Propel Your Business methodology offers a full-circle roadmap: financials, sales, marketing, leadership, recruiting, productivity. All built for contractors. These aren't “life coaches.” They're former restoration owners who've lived the chaos and know how to scale out of it.Explore more at floodlightgrp.com Live Training, Tools & Strategic Partnerships Floodlight also delivers live onsite and virtual training, keynote speaking, and leadership tracks covering operations, project management, and strategic growth. Bonus: They've vetted tools like Xcelerate, Liftify, and Sureti. Floodlight clients get access to exclusive discounts on tech that actually moves the needle.See all partnerships at floodlightgrp.com/partners Why it matters for you as a listener You don't need to figure this stuff out alone. If you're serious about sales growth, operational clarity, exit readiness, or leadership development, Floodlight is already helping folks like you scale smarter. And you get it from industry insiders. People who've sat in your chair, survived the fires, and built systems that actually work.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Michael Mills, Technical Sales Manager at Fluke Reliability about "Connected Reliability with EMaint". Scott MacKenzie interviews Michael Mills, Technical Sales Manager at Fluke Reliability, about the eMaint X5 system. X5, the third version in three years, is a scalable, cloud-based system designed for global deployment, integrating data from various locations and currencies. It supports standardized benchmarking and offers a unified dashboard for executive views. X5 also includes a spare parts inventory section and integrates with Azima's vibration analysis for automated work order generation. Future developments focus on standardization, mobile enhancements, and AI/machine learning to improve data accuracy and user experience. Action Items [ ] Reach out to Michael Mills on LinkedIn to connect and learn more about email and Fluke Reliability's solutions. Outline Introduction and Welcome Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting its focus on industry professionals and innovations. Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners and thanks them for their support, mentioning the platform's celebration of industry professionals. Scott MacKenzie announces the broadcast from the Accelerate 2025 event, sponsored by Fluke Reliability. Scott MacKenzie introduces Michael Mills, the Technical Sales Manager with Fluke Reliability, and expresses excitement about discussing various topics. Discussion on Autonomous Cars and Personal Backgrounds Scott MacKenzie and Michael Mills discuss their experiences with autonomous cars, specifically Waymo. Michael Mills shares his positive experience with the autonomous car, noting the absence of a driver. Scott MacKenzie mentions his son's experience with the autonomous car and expresses excitement about the future of such technology. Michael Mills provides a brief background on himself, mentioning his 10-year tenure with Fluke Reliability and his focus on software and integrated systems. Overview of eMaint X5 System Scott MacKenzie expresses enthusiasm for the connected reliability effort at Fluke Reliability. Michael Mills explains the evolution of the eMaint system, from X3 to X5, highlighting the modern technology and scalability of X5. Michael Mills discusses the global deployment capabilities of X5, including support for different currencies and time zones. Scott MacKenzie inquires about the system's ability to provide an executive view of data across multiple sites, and Michael Mills confirms its capabilities. Currency and Scalability of eMaint X5 Scott MacKenzie asks about the system's handling of currency and exchange rates, and Michael Mills confirms its ability to pull and translate data from different databases. Michael Mills discusses the ongoing development and integration of new technologies like Zima and Proof Technica into the eMaint system. Scott MacKenzie and Michael Mills discuss the architectural vision of eMate as a hub for seamless connectivity and integration with other systems. Michael Mills emphasizes the importance of standardization and the ability to scale the system across multiple locations. Cloud Transition and Support Scott MacKenzie and Michael Mills discuss the transition from on-premise to cloud-based systems, with eMaint being one of the first to adopt a SaaS platform. Michael Mills highlights the benefits of cloud-based systems,...

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Leandro Escobar, Director, Business Development at Timenow about "AI Driven Project Management Solution". Scott Mackenzie interviews Leandro Escobar from Time Now, a Brazilian consulting firm expanding in the US, at the Xcelerate 2025 conference in Austin, Texas. Leandro discusses the firm's AI-driven solutions, including their large language model, Keno, and project management tool, Time Connect. Time Now offers consulting services for asset management, reliability, and project management, helping clients with criticality assessments, training, and technology integration. They also provide temporary skilled labor to address industry shortages. Leandro emphasizes the importance of bridging generational knowledge gaps and leveraging AI to improve industrial asset management and reliability. Action Items [ ] Visit Time Now's website at www.timenowglobal.com. [ ] Connect with Leandro Escobar on LinkedIn. Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott Mackenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting its focus on industry professionals and their innovations. Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners and thanks them for their support, emphasizing the platform's celebration of industry professionals. The podcast is broadcasting live from Xcelerate 2025 in Austin, Texas, showcasing problem solvers and innovations. Scott MacKenzie introduces Leandro Escobar, a problem solver and former neighbor, to the conversation. Leandro Escobar's Experience at Xcelerate 2025 Leandro Escobar shares his positive experience at the conference, mentioning insights on AI and machine learning in asset management. Leandro discusses the importance of understanding market trends and positioning companies ahead of the competition. Scott MacKenzie clarifies the difference between large and small language models, with Leandro explaining their role in reliability and training technicians. Leandro mentions their AI-based tool, Keno, which uses historical data to support clients in project and asset management. Overview of Time Now and Its Services Leandro provides an overview of TimeNow, a large consulting engineering firm in South America, now expanding in the US. Time Now started as a project management consulting firm and has grown to include engineering, asset management, and reliability tools. The company supports clients from the beginning of a project's life cycle to its commissioning, covering all aspects of asset management. Scott MacKenzie asks if Time Now's services are more suited for Greenfield projects or existing manufacturers, with Leandro confirming they support both. Consulting and Technology Solutions by TimeNow Leandro explains that Time Now offers consulting services, including program management and asset management support for existing clients. The company partners with Fluke Reliability to provide training and support for clients implementing their solutions. TimeNow helps clients revise their equipment criticality, hierarchy, and response plans, and integrates real-time monitoring sensors. Scott MacKenzie inquires about TimeNow's technology solutions, with Leandro mentioning their AI-based tools like Keno and Time Connect. AI and Technology Integration in Time Now's Solutions Leandro describes Time Connect as a project management and shutdown planning tool that integrates schedules from different...

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Gary Wood, Customer Success Manager at Fluke Reliability about "You reliability journey today into the future". Scott Mackenzie interviews Gary Wood, a passionate industry professional and Customer Success Manager at Fluke Reliability, at the Accelerate 2025 event in Austin, Texas. Gary shares his journey from a military background to a career in manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and team buy-in in maintenance and reliability. He discusses the challenges of implementing and sustaining condition-based monitoring (CBM) systems, the role of technology in improving asset management, and the necessity of demonstrating return on investment (ROI) to executive leadership. Gary also highlights the evolving capabilities of CBM tools like Azima, Connect Assets in enhancing predictive maintenance and reducing downtime. Action Items [ ] Reach out to Gary Wood on LinkedIn to connect and learn more about Fluke's solutions. [ ] Explore the use of condition-based monitoring and Azima technology to improve asset management and maintenance practices. [ ] Prepare financial data and "receipts" to demonstrate the return on investment of a reliable maintenance program when presenting to executives. Outline Introduction and Technical Issues Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations. Scott mentions the current event, Accelerate 2025, and the technical issues faced during the broadcast. Scott humorously suggests using older versions of technology to resolve issues. Scott introduces Gary Wood, highlighting his passion and experience in the industry. Gary Wood's Background Gary Wood shares his background, mentioning his military service and his father's influence in the manufacturing industry. Gary describes his career progression from a maintenance technician to a plant manager. He emphasizes the importance of learning and the relationships built throughout his career. Scott and Gary discuss the long-standing issues of maintenance, reliability, and asset management in the industry. Challenges in Maintenance and Reliability Gary talks about the current state of the industry, noting that people are less focused on internal improvements. He stresses the importance of personal connections and care within maintenance teams. Gary shares his experience with a technician who was initially resistant to change but later became a dedicated team member. Scott and Gary discuss the necessity of creating a culture of pride and focus in maintenance and reliability. Gary's Role at Fluke Gary explains his role as a Customer Success Manager at Fluke, focusing on implementing and nurturing CMS systems. He describes the importance of taking clients through the future and adapting CMS systems to their evolving needs. Gary discusses the challenges of preventing pencil whipping and the importance of internal strength and KPIs. He emphasizes the human factor in maintenance and the need for continuous improvement. Creating a Reliability Culture Scott asks about creating a reliability culture within an organization. Gary shares an example of a successful transformation in a Michigan-based company. He explains the importance of explaining the benefits of new technologies and gaining team buy-in. Gary highlights the...

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Joe Anderson, Chief Operating Officer at ReliabilityX about "Reliability is all about the people". At the Xcelerate 2024 conference in Austin, Texas, Scott Mackenzie and Joe Anderson discussed the importance of empathy and human connection in leadership. Joe, co-founder and COO of Reliability X, emphasized the need for leaders to treat employees with respect and invest in their development. He highlighted the challenges of organizational instability and the necessity of designating a champion for sustainable success. Joe shared a case where a successful pilot line was disrupted due to lack of investment in people. They also touched on the skilled trade shortage, the need for better PR in promoting trades, and the impact of educational systems on career choices. Action Items [ ] Connect with Joe Anderson on LinkedIn [ ] Reach out to Joe Anderson via email Outline Accelerate 2024 Conference Introduction Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast and welcomes listeners to the Accelerate 2024 conference in Austin, Texas. Scott highlights the conference's focus on celebrating industrial professionals who are bold, brave, innovative, and collaborative. Joe Anderson is introduced as a positive and passionate industry professional who will be part of the conversation. Scott and Joe discuss the conference's theme of integrating technology with people, emphasizing empathy and leadership. Leadership and Empathy in Industrial Settings Joe Anderson discusses the importance of empathy in leadership, noting that leaders often treat employees like numbers rather than human beings. Joe shares his experience of touring plants where senior leaders fail to acknowledge workers, which negatively impacts morale and retention. Scott mentions a study by GE that showed improved production when management paid attention to frontline workers. Joe emphasizes that showing care and acknowledgment can significantly improve employee morale and reduce mistakes. Introduction to Reliability X Joe Anderson introduces himself as the co-founder and COO of Reliability X, a company that helps organizations become highly profitable by developing people. Scott praises Reliability X's reputation in asset management and technology. Joe explains that Reliability X focuses on the human element, emphasizing the importance of developing people rather than relying on technology alone. Scott and Joe discuss the common pitfall of relying too heavily on technology without considering the human element. Challenges in Organizational Stability Joe highlights the issue of instability in companies due to frequent management changes, which hinders the development of sustainable practices. Joe explains that his business model is to develop champions within organizations to ensure long-term success. Scott asks for an example of a successful implementation of Reliability X's methods, and Joe shares a story about a client who initially did not designate a champion. Joe describes how the client's employees revolted when they were moved to other lines, highlighting the importance of investing in people. The Role of Champions in Organizational Success Joe discusses the importance of selecting the right champion for Reliability X's programs, noting that not everyone may be suitable. Scott and Joe talk about the process of identifying and developing champions within...

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Austin Anderson, Product Owner, Condition Monitoring at Fluke Reliability about "Azima's Powerful AI Vibration Platform". Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting industry innovations and trends. He introduces Austin Anderson, who discusses Azima's diagnostic system and its integration with Fluke Reliability. Anderson explains the standardization of data collection over 15 years, emphasizing the importance of accurate data for reliability. He details the integration of Azima's AI with human analysts for 85% accuracy and the development of a user-friendly interface. The conversation also covers the future of Azima, including expansion into oil analysis and thermography, and the importance of efficient data storage and management. Anderson can be contacted via LinkedIn for more information. Action Items [ ] Rebuild the Azima user interface to make it more user-friendly and easily accessible. [ ] Integrate Azima's data and insights with Fluke's other reliability solutions, such as alignment and balancing, to provide an end-to-end connected reliability offering. [ ] Enhance the Azima platform to include additional reliability data sources beyond just vibration, such as oil analysis and thermography. [ ] Develop a solution that can automatically translate Azima's problem identifications into work orders in the customer's CMMS (e.g., eMaint). Outline Introduction and Overview of Industrial Talk Podcast Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industrial innovations and trends. Scott highlights the free ebook and workbook available on Industrial Talk, which expands on five elements of successful companies: educate, collaborate, innovate, invest in culture, and communicate effectively. Scott MacKenzie thanks listeners for their support and celebrates industrial professionals for their boldness, bravery, and problem-solving skills. Introduction of Austin Anderson and Azima Scott MacKenzie introduces Austin Anderson, who will discuss the product Azima. Austin Anderson shares his background, mentioning his three-year tenure with Azima and his role in developing the diagnostic system. Scott MacKenzie inquires about the accuracy of the data stored in Azima, to which Austin explains the standardized method of data collection and its relevance over the years. Austin discusses his background in vibration analysis and his previous work with the Navy, highlighting his expertise in the field. Strategic Path and User Experience of Azima Austin outlines the strategic path for Azima, focusing on making reliability engineers superstars and providing useful insights for top-level executives. Scott MacKenzie asks about the integration of Azima with Fluke Reliability, and Austin explains the goal of making the platform user-friendly and value-added. Austin describes the end-to-end connected reliability solution offered by Fluke Reliability, including hardware, software, and alignment and balancing services. Scott and Austin discuss the importance of user experience and the redesign of the user interface to make it more accessible and user-friendly. Data Accuracy and Integration with Fluke Reliability Scott MacKenzie inquires about the accuracy of the diagnostic system, and Austin explains that AI can achieve 85% accuracy, with the remaining 15% covered by human analysts. Austin discusses the integration of Azima with Fluke Reliability's x5...

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Jeremiah Woodford, Chief Revenue Officer at Verusen AI about "MRO powered by AI". Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting five elements of successful companies: education, collaboration, innovation, culture, and communication. At the Xcelerate 2025 event, hosted by Fluke Reliability, Scott interviews Jeremiah Woodford from Verison AI, a company leveraging AI to optimize industrial maintenance and inventory management. Versen's technology, trained on MRO data, helps companies determine stocking levels and optimize spare parts inventory by integrating with ERP and EAM systems. The AI identifies duplicates, normalizes data, and makes stocking recommendations, improving reliability and uptime. Verison aims to automate processes, reducing the need for manual data entry and increasing efficiency. Action Items [ ] Connect with Jeremiah Woodford on LinkedIn or visit Versen.com to get a demo of the software. [ ] Explore how Versen's AI-powered technology can help optimize MRO inventory and improve maintenance and reliability at your industrial facility. Outline Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast and Xcelerate 2025 Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations. Scott thanks listeners for their support and highlights the importance of education, collaboration, innovation, and effective communication in industrial success. Scott mentions the Accelerate 2025 event, hosted by Fluke Reliability, and encourages listeners to connect with them for better reliability, maintenance, and asset management. Scott introduces Jeremiah Woodford, a key figure in the industrial maintenance field, and provides a brief background on his career and company, Verison. Jeremiah Woodford's Background and Career Journey Jeremiah Woodford shares his 20+ years of experience in heavy industrial maintenance, starting in the oil fields of Southeast Texas. He discusses his transition from being a roughneck to an outdoor machinist in refineries and chemical plants, and later earning a computer science degree. Jeremiah explains his involvement in maintenance software and his return to the plant environment. Scott and Jeremiah discuss the evolution of technology and its impact on leveraging solutions effectively in the industrial sector. Introduction to Versen and AI Technology Jeremiah explains the origin and meaning of Versen, which means "truth" in Latin. He describes Verison as an AI company focused on leveraging large language models trained on MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) data. Jeremiah shares his excitement about the technology and how it was developed through a joint venture with Georgia Tech and Stanford. Scott asks Jeremiah to explain MRO, and Jeremiah provides a detailed definition and its relevance to industrial maintenance. Versen's Mission and AI Capabilities Jeremiah outlines Versen's goal of helping industrial companies determine the stocking levels of maintenance spare parts by integrating with ERP and EAM systems. He explains how Versen's AI technology can make sense of large amounts of data, often perceived as bad, and improve inventory management. Jeremiah provides an example of how the AI can normalize data and identify duplicates, optimizing inventory levels across multiple plants. Scott and Jeremiah discuss the challenges of data normalization and the importance...

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Alexa Rodriguez and Angela Bello at Mobius Institute about "Asset Management education for long-term success". Scott MacKenzie introduces an e-book titled "Today's Industrial Renaissance," a compilation of insights from industry leaders, available for free download on Industrial Talk. At the Xcelerate 2025 conference, hosted by Fluke Reliability, Scott interviews Alexa and Angela from Mobius Institute about their educational offerings. Mobius Institute, celebrating its 25th anniversary, offers various courses in vibration analysis, asset reliability, and other technologies, with over 9,000 students trained last year. They emphasize interactive, fun learning and keep their curriculum updated with new simulators and content. Contact information for Mobius Institute and Mobius Connect is provided for those interested in their courses and events. Action Items [ ] Follow up with Angela Bello (angela.bello@mobiusinstitute.com) for more information about Mobius Institute's courses and educational offerings. [ ] Check out the Mobius Institute website (mobiusinstitute.com) and Mobius Connect platform (mobiusconnect.com) to explore the available resources. [ ] Consider reaching out to Mobius Institute if interested in having Scott MacKenzie as a voice for their events or content. Outline Introduction to the Industrial Renaissance E-Book Scott MacKenzie introduces the e-book titled "Today's Industrial Renaissance," which is a compilation of conversations with industry leaders. The e-book aims to address challenges, problems, solutions, strategies, and tools in the industrial sector. Scott emphasizes that the e-book is free and available on the Industrial Talk website, encouraging listeners to download it. The e-book is inspired by conversations with industry leaders over the past seven years. Welcome to the Industrial Talk Podcast Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting its focus on celebrating industry professionals. Scott mentions the current event, Xcelerate 2025, sponsored by Fluke Reliability, and introduces the guests, Alexa and Angela from Mobius Institute. The discussion will focus on education, which is crucial for the industrial sector. Experiences at Xcelerate 2025 Scott asks Alexa and Angela about their experiences at Xcelerate 2025, noting the importance of face-to-face interactions. Angela shares that it's her second or third year attending the event, while Alexa is attending for the first time. Angela mentions that meeting people in person helps resolve issues quickly, as seen in a specific case where a problem was solved in 10 minutes. Scott highlights the interest in the education component of the event. Mobius Institute's Role in Education Alexa explains that Mobius Institute is well-known for vibration analysis but also offers courses in other areas like condition monitoring. Scott recalls a speaker at the event who was certified through Mobius Institute. Angela introduces herself as the Business Development Director for North America and Australia, overseeing courses and partners. Alexa describes her role as the Business Development and Events Manager, dealing with partners and instructors in North America and Australia. Mobius Institute's Certification Program Scott asks about the differences between Mobius Institute's certification program and other certifications in the reliability...

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Lisa Pansing, Key Account Manager at Fluke Reliability about "Powerful Vibration Asset Management Solution". Scott MacKenzie promotes the MEDivice 2025 event in Boston, organized by Informa, highlighting its importance for the medical device industry. At the Xcelerate 2025 event in Austin, Texas, hosted by Fluke Reliability, Lisa from Azima discusses the advancements in maintenance, reliability, and operations. Lisa emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, the role of AI and ML in predictive maintenance, and the benefits of Azima's wireless and wired solutions for vibration and temperature monitoring. She also touches on the future potential of augmented reality in maintenance. Scott encourages listeners to connect with industry professionals and stay updated on industry trends. Action Items [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Promote the ME Device Boston event on September 30 - October 1, 2025. [ ] Reach out to Lisa on LinkedIn to discuss Azima's solutions further. Outline MEDevice Boston Event Overview Scott MacKenzie introduces the MEDevice Boston event, scheduled for September 30 through October 1, 2025. The event is organized by Informa and is aimed at professionals in the medical device industry. Scott emphasizes the importance of education, collaboration, and innovation at the event. The event is described as a significant opportunity for networking and learning within the industry. Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott thanks the audience for joining the top industry-related podcast in the universe. The podcast celebrates industry professionals who innovate, collaborate, and solve problems daily. Scott mentions the current location of the podcast, Xcelerate 2025 in Austin, Texas, organized by Fluke Reliability. Interview with Lisa from Fluke Reliability Scott introduces Lisa, who is with the Azima brand at Fluke Reliability. Lisa shares her background in maintenance, reliability, and operations, highlighting her experience over 20 years. Discussion on the advancements in technology, such as AI, augmented reality, and virtual reality, in the manufacturing world. Scott and Lisa talk about the ongoing conversations around reliability and the slow adoption of wireless technology by some companies. Challenges in Reliability and Maintenance Lisa discusses the importance of understanding the reliability journey of companies. Scott and Lisa talk about the challenges of reactive thinking and the need for continuous training and improvement. The conversation touches on the importance of providing more than just financial compensation to retain employees. Scott emphasizes the need for stringent technology solutions to address the challenges of attracting and retaining talent. Azima Solutions and Their Impact Lisa explains the history and capabilities of Azima DLI, which started with analysis for the Navy in the 1960s. Discussion on the various solutions offered by Azima, including wireless and wired solutions for vibration and temperature monitoring. Scott and Lisa talk about the importance of catching equipment issues early to prevent catastrophic failures. The conversation highlights the benefits of Azima's cloud-based solutions and the role of AI and ML in providing actionable insights. ...