Talking Industrial Automation

Adam Gluck of Copia Automation | Episode 96

Can we be solving hard problems that make the economy work better? That make the world a more efficient place? Those are the questions that inspired Adam Gluck to leave his engineering job at Uber and found Copia Automation, which brings modern DevOps tooling to industrial automation, standardizing processes to drive quality, efficency, and uptime at scale. Hear all about the past, present and future of this up and coming start up -- as well as its founder -- in this episode of Talking Ind...

Sandy Gennaro Professional Speaker and Drummer | Episode 95

It's not often that an industrial autlomation podcast features a rockstar as a guest -- but it's happening today.  Sandy Gennaro -- former drummer for bands as diverse as The Monkees to Joan Jett to Cyndi Lauper -- is here to tell you about his lessons learned from life on the road and other musings. Full disclosure: He is also a keynote speaker for the upcoming CSIA Conference, where he will parlay his experience as a drummer in rock band to leading successful teams.  You also migh be s...

Ken Hackett of General Control Systems | Episode 94

Meet Ken Hackett, who is Director of Business Development for General Control Systems. In this role, he uses his 30 years of expertise in engineering design, sales, service, and installation of process controls, instrumentation, and electrical systems to partner with clients in the life sciences, industrial, and food beverage sectors. In addition, for the past three years, he has served as President of the ISA Eastern Chapter. Finally, full disclosure, Ken will be a speaker at the upcomi...

Crossover Episode with the Rivergate Marketing Podcast

We are doing something a little different with this episode of Talking Industrial Automation because TIA host Lisa Richter was invited to be a guest on the Rivergate Marketing Podcast,  produced by Rivergate Marketing, a full-service digital marketing company and CSIA member. This episode touches on a little bit about a lot of things – from marketing to the CSIA Conference to the upcoming CSIA Makreting workshop.  Even if you don’t plan to attend the conference, this crossover episode st...

Dave Bader of Eurotech | Episode 92

Over the course of three decades, Dave Bader, who is Vice President of Business Development at Eurotech, has been involved in several automation revolutions including the evangelism of artificial intelligence at the edge, industrial IoT, and autonomous mobile robotics for industrial and warehouse applications. Serving as the Head of Sales, National Business Develop Manager, National Sales Manager, and Global Channel Manager for a variety of automation and robotics companies, Dave brings ...

Karen Griffin of Hargrove Controls and Automation | Episode 91

Finding a role that allowed her to advance her technical skills while also progessing her career was exactly what Karen Griffin was looking for when she landed at Hargrove Controls and Automations.  She went on to serve in various automation roles over the next 10 years such as engineering leader, main automation contractor program sponsor, senior program manager and controls and automation engineer for the refining, oil and gas, chemicals and pulp and paper industry. Today, Karen ...

Ira Sharp with Phoenix Contact | Episode 90

With more than 18 years of experience in industrial automation with a focus on Open Control, IIoT Industry 4.0, Networking and Cybersecurity, Ira Sharp, director of product marketing automation at Phoenix Contact USA, has seen a few things.  Based on this experience -- and his  active digital presence as a LinkedIn Content creator focused on automation -- Ira share's his thoughhts on where the industry is headed and how system integrators and others can make the most of it in this episode...

Ben Durbin of Cybertrol Engineering | Episode 89

Joining the company just one year after inception, Ben Durbin has climbed through the Cybertrol Engineering ranks to the top spot: CEO. Along the way he's gained on-the-job experience in every corner of the business -- from programming to sales. Hear about his career journey -- and his advice for newer folks -- in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.

Greg Jackson of SmartSights | Epsiode 88

After decades of living in the same ecosystem, WIN-911 and SyTech merged to form SmartSights, blending the best of both and triggering a fresh look, brand and approach. Hear all about it in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation from SmartSights CEO Greg Jackson. Greg also reveals what he has learned from his experience as a strategic leader with a unique blend of 30 plus years’ experience and achievements in international sales, business development, operations and product solutio...

Andrew Thomas of Skkynet | Episode 87

Frustrated with the lack of tools to reliably communicate among different process areas, Andrew Thomas decided to do something about it. So in 1995, he and a partner developed real-time communication software that resulted in a program called Cogent Real Time Systems. Over the following two-plus decades, he continued to reiterate eventually resulting in what is now called Skkynet -- a platform that enables real-time data connectivity for industrial, embedded, and financial systems, with no...

What's New in the Best Practices Manual 6.0 with Tony Valasek | Episode 86

For many CSIA members, the Best Practices Manual is THE reason they joined the association -- and for good reason. The BP Manual Best Practices Manual is the most comprehensive collection of best practices within a system integrators industry. This crowdsourced, comprehensive document -- written by integrators for integrators -- represented hundreds of hours of collective wisdom going back to the early 1990s. The latest version -- 6.0 -- was released just last month. The BP Committee Chair...

Growing Into Leadershop Roles with CSIA Emerging Leaders SIG | Episode 85

"People are like an unstable PID loop," jokes Keith Mandachit of Huffman Engineering in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Hear what else he and his fellow panelists Andrew Palmberg (Technical Systems Inc) and Becca Johnson (Gray Solutions) have to share about growing into a leadership role during the encore presentation of a CSIA Emerging Leaders SIG virtual event from 2021.  The discussion is led by John Sullivan of DMC, who is chair of the CSIA Emerging Leaders SIG.  You c...

Growing Into Leadership Roles with CSIA Emerging Leaders SIG | Episode 85

"People are like an unstable PID loop," jokes Keith Mandachit of Huffman Engineering in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Hear what else he and his fellow panelists Andrew Palmberg (Technical Systems Inc) and Becca Johnson (Gray Solutions) share about growing into a leadership role during the encore presentation. (This content originally appeared on the www.controlsys.org website as part if CSIA's Emerging Leaders SIG.)

Dino Busalachi of Velta Technology Episode 84

Dino Busalachi of Velta Technology | Episode 84

Dino Busalachi is CTO and Co-Founder of Velta Technology, a company that provides digital safety as a service. Dino has close to 4 decades of global experience across information technology, engineering, and industrial control systems with multiple globally-recognized brands including Rockwell Automation, Anheuser-Busch, American Standard, and General Motors.   

Lisa Ryan of Grategy | Episode 83

Drawing on her experience as a certified speaking professional and best selling author, Lisa Ryan offers some advice for companies that want to retain talent and build a company culture that makes employees  want to stay. Along the way, she also gives some tips on public speaking, networking and navigating social awkwardness.  If you want to hear more from Lisa, she will be one of the CSIA Executive Conference’s keynote speakers. 

Mike Bradshaw of Stratus Technologies | Episode 82

Since April 2019, Stratus has completely revamped its partner ecosystem and the programs that support it, providing greater benefits to the partners while driving double digit growth for Stratus reports Mike Bradshaw, Senior Director - Global Channels and Partner Ecosystem. He explains why in this episode as well as revealing why his kids think he is a spy!

Theresa Benson | Part 2 | Episode 81

A former colleague once called Theresa Benson “corporate spackle” because she comes in and fills in the gaps quickly, diagnosing issues and moving people forward in the face of ambiguity. As a product storyteller and strategist with over 20 years of experience in high tech, Thersa is currently helping her clients understands what makes something valuable and then helps them tell their story in the way that their market needs to hear. Hear more about her journey in this episode of the pod...

Theresa Benson | Part 1 | Episode 80

A former colleague once called Theresa Benson “corporate spackle” because she comes in and fills in the gaps quickly, diagnosing issues and moving people forward in the face of ambiguity. As a product storyteller and strategist with over 20 years of experience in high tech, Thersa is currently helping her clients understands what makes something valuable and then helps them tell their story in the way that their market needs to hear. Hear more about her journey in this episode of the pod...

Alicia Gilpin and Nikki Gonzales of Automation Ladies Part 2 | Episode 79

As hosts of Automation Ladies -- the only podcast -- that we know of -- where women (mostly) talk about Industrial Automation, Alicia Gilpin (Ali G.) and Nikki Gonzales provide a unique perspective on the industrial automation industry. For their day jobs, Ali G. is owner of Process and Controls Engineering LLC. while Nikki is is building an online marketplace and workflow automation platform for industrial automation distributors and their customers to collaborate and bring some sanity to t...

Alicia Gilpin and Nikki Gonzales of Automation Ladies Part 1 | Episode 78

As hosts of Automation Ladies -- the only podcast -- that we know of -- where women (mostly) talk about Industrial Automation, Alicia Gilpin (Ali G.) and Nikki Gonzales provide a unique perspective on the industrial automation industry. For their day jobs, Ali G. is owner of Process and Controls Engineering LLC. while Nikki is is building an online marketplace and workflow automation platform for industrial automation distributors and their customers to collaborate and bring some sanity to t...

Pod in a Box | Episode 77

In this episode, we’re talking industrial automation as usual but instead of hearing from one or two guests, you’re going to get to hear from a lot of them – hot mike style-ish because I grabbed random 2022 Rockwell Automation Fair attendees as they stopped by the CSIA booth and hit record. So what you are about to listen to is a series of micro-interviews from people in all kinds of roles from around the world who were brave enough to step up and talk into the Yeti microphone I set up in ...

Daren Dieleman of Interstates | Episode 76

Daren Dieleman parlayed a background in accounting and finance into a 10-year career with a worldwide system integration firm, Interstates. He spent most of that time leading the automation delivery teams, but recently he transitioned to a senior leadership role driving company strategy and strategic partnerships.  Hear more about Daren -- including his dream job -- in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.

Dan Barrera of Bosch Rexroth | Episode 75

Fresh out of college, Dan Barrera had three offers -- including his dream job. But he turned it down for one with an automation company. And he's never looked back. Today is is a product manager at Bosch Rexroth where he is product manager for one of the company's latest controls platform: ctrlX AUTOMATION. Hear about his journey and why he is so passionate about the industry in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.

Shawn Tierney of Insights in Automation | Episode 74

Technology enthusiast and entrepreneur Shawn Tierney took two decades of experience as an automation specialist and turned it into content development and training business with more than  75,000 followers across his blog, podcast and YouTube platforms. Hear how and why he built this whole new career in industrial automation in this episode.

Wendy and Howard Huffman of Huffman Engineers | Episode 73

After moving their family out of state to start Huffman Engineering based on a PO, Wendy and Howard Huffman were handed a piece of paper that said the project they left everythy for was cancelled. But despite that setback -- and early Hot Stove Lession -- the Huffmans went on to spend the next three decades building a business they can feel proud of.  Hear about their journey, core values and success stories in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.

Cody Bann of WIN-911 | Episode 72

Did you know NASA uses WIN-911 software to test the rockets for the new Artemis program? Hear about other examples -- such as how Dubai keeps aquatic species alive in the middle of the desert, New Zealand monitors seismic activity and UK company in its environmental remediation across Europe from Cody Bann, WIN-911 Software's director of engineering. Plus, find out the Win-911 origin story and more in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.

Cassy Gardner of Banks Integration | Episode 71

System integrators are in a unique position to impact billions of peoples' lives, which makes it imperative that the industry take DE&I seriously exlains Cassy Garner in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. She also believes its just plain good for business -- which is backed d up with data -- and solving other challenges like recruitment and retention. Cassy also provides other persepctives about life at Banks Integration -- the West Coast branch of E Tech Group doing work in ...

Cassy Gardner of Banks Integration

System integrators are in a unique position to impact billions of peoples' lives, which makes it imperative that the industry take DE&I seriously exlains Cassy Garner in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. She also believes its just plain good for business -- which is backed d up with data -- and solving other challenges like recruitment and retention. Cassy also provides other persepctives about life at Banks Integration -- the West Coast branch of E Tech Group doing work in ...

Business Value: GPS for Your Business | Episode 70

The concept of business value can be used like GPS to help businesses find the best route. In this encore presentation moderated by Bryan Powrozek of Clayton & McKervey, panelists Jane Tereba (Capital Valuation Group), Ben Smith (Clayton & McKervey) and Clint Bundy (The Bundy Group) as they discuss the key factors in determining a business's value -- and how to manipulate those levers strategically to position it for growth, and, ultimately, develop a succession plan. Even if your day-to...

Xavier Mesrobian of Skkynet | Episode 69

With more than 20 years experience in sales and marketing, Xavier Mesrobian has witnessed first-hand how industrial automation has evolved. Cybersecurity, remote monitoring, predictive analytics and artifical intelligence are just a few topics he covers in this epsiode of Talking Industrial Automation.

Crossover Episode with The Sound of Automation | Episode 68

The Future of Work, the importance of benchmarking and even a bad pun or two make an appearance during this special crossover episode with the host of The Sound of Automation, Bryan Powrozek of Clayton & McKervey. Plus, you'll also get a sneak peak into the agenda for the upcoming CSIA Executive Conference.

Tony Valasek of EOSYS | Episode 67

To emphasize its unique business model as an employee-owned organization, PRemier System Integration re-branded to EOSYS in 2021. What does that mean exactly? Tony Valasek breaks it all down and more in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.

Walker Mattox of Gray Solutions | Epsiode 66

Meet Walker Mattox, who self-identifies as a recovering serial entrepreneur who finally found home as the founder of Gray Solutions, a Gray company in 2018, and hasn't looked back.  Hear how, as founder, he led the exponential growth of Gray Solutions from two solutioneers to the 12th largest system integrator as recognized by Control Engineering in this episode.

Tor-Inge Eriksen of Clarify | Episode 65

With an interest in the intersection between people, software and the physical world, Tor-Inge Eriksen started as a consultant, where he worked on projects in agriculture, health care, aquaculture, shipping and manufacturing. He soon realized that the knowledge of people in the field was underused, and decided to commit to building a software as a service product with his co-founders. In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, you;ll discover how Tor and his company, Clarify, comb...

Bob Vavra of Endeavor Business Media -- Episode 64

Sportswriter, radio host, emcee, trade publisher – and even a Jeopardy contestant, Bob Vavra’s seen it all. But at the heart of everything he is – and always will be – a storyteller. These days, he is senior content director for Machine Design and Power & Motion where he uses his 18 years covering manufacturing to find smart people and give them a forum. Hear how he has ridden the wave of digital transformation in publishing and what trends he sees in his unique position as a conduit for the...

Kerry Grimes of Aveva

Kerry Grimes leads AVEVA’s worldwide sales go-to-market strategy for all AVEVA partners, which consists of more than 5,000 distributors, solution providers, global and regional system integrators, and technology providers selling, servicing, and supporting AVEVA’s entire product portfolio. Hear how he got there -- and where he's going -- in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.

Adrian Fahey of Sage Group - Episode 62

Leading a team of more than 500 people over two continents and four different brands, SAGE Group Managing Director and CEO Adrian Fahey  built a resilient company that offers a comprehensive suite of industrial digitalization solutions. In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, you'll hear how Adrian and the company founder, Andrew Dunst, built this Australian powerhouse and where he thinks the company is headed next.  

Sam Cafferata of Concept Systems - Episode 61

A passionate controls system integrator with more than 25 years of industrial automation experience, Sam Cafferata has specific experience in recycling, food processing, bulk material handling, wood products, aerospace and plastics. In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, you'll hear why Sam's  favorite part of his job is helping his team at Concept Systems and partnering with his customers to have fun and succeed. This episode is sponsored by Xometry.

Steve March of Schneider Electric -- Episode 60

Hear how Steve March leveraged his 15 years managing marketing, sales and business development efforts for engineering design and system integration firms, to manage Schneider Electrics program and strategy in the U.S. for partnering with companies like those he used to work for in this episode. Steve also dives into the trends and challenges facing the industry right now -- and what opportunities are cropping up in industrial automation.  

Brandon Ellis of Ellitek Episode 59

Having worked in various capacities within the industrial automation market for nearly 25 years, Brandon Ellis, founder and president of elliTek, funnels his experience into developing elliTek’s data commander MES Gateway Appliance and Industrial Internet of Things Appliance, which are designed to simplify secure data movement between plant floor machines at enterprise level databases. Brandon also founded elliTek University’s Training Center where he builds workforce development programs ...

John Weber of Software Toolbox -- Episode 58

Find a need and fill it, goes the old saw, and that's exactly what John Weber did more than 25 years ago when he booted up Software Toolbox. Hear how he did it -- and a little bit of history -- in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Plus, you'll get his advice for selecting vendors and building a career in industrial automation. 

Luke Stephenson and Josh Riley of Enterprise Automation -- Episode 57

You don't often think of unicorns when it comes to industrial automation, but Enterprise Automation just might be the one to change that. With two top-tier, invitation-only certification partnerships -- Aveva and Schneider Electric -- EA is the only integrator in the world that has earned this unique, combo endorsement. In this bonus episode, EA's Principal Joshua Riley and Business Manager Luke Stephenson recount their origin story as well as what they forecast for the next 24 months. T...

David Musto of Thermo Systems -- Episode 56

After starting Thermo Systems in New Jersey in 1998, CEO and President David Musto and his co-founder Gregory Smith have grown the full-service control systems integration firm into a team of 180 plus engineers and controls professionals based in more than 16 locations globally.  In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, he shares his growth story -- as well as his philosophies about customer service, team building and keeping the talent pipeline flowing.

Bryan Powrozek of Clayton & McKervey -- Episode 55

Digital transformation is not just happening on the plant floor. All areas of a business are getting a digital makeover. Bryan Powrozek of Clayton & McKervey reveals some of the ways the back office can achieve efficiencies -- and even increase revenues -- in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Plus, you'll hear how, after 12 years in the auto industry doing product development and systems engineering for a supplier and then in 2011, he changed careers, and is now a manager in t...

Barry Anderson of Latsa -- Episode 54

Former SI and seasoned estimation pro Barry Anderson of Latsa Consulting offers his tips for winning the right business in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Plus, he reveals why he thinks the future of automation is so bright.

Pat Miller of Engineered Energy Solutions -- Episode 53

With decades of experience under his belt, Chair and Founder of Engineered Energy Solutions Pat Miller is once again re-iterating his business to meet the challenges of the current work environment. In addition, Pat reveals how his lifelong passion for energy efficiency has not only fueled his business model but come full circle, as organizations of all types are re-thinking how they can meet the demands of a changing climate and deepening their interest in energy efficient solutions in th...

Kirk Byles of Freewave Technologies -- Episode 52

First-time CEO Kirk Byles reveals how he overhauled a 25-year-old company -- Freewave Technologies -- to meet the demands of the future in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Plus, he candidly recounts the bumps along the way, lessons learned and why he is optimistic about the future of industrial automation.

Jim Mansfield of Matrix Technologies -- Episode 51

For more than 30 years, Senior Manager Jim Mansfield of Matrix Technologies Inc. has led manufacturing and operational transformation teams within the food and beverage, discrete manufacturing, metals and mining and consumer products industries. In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, Jim reveals how he draws on his decades of experience to helps clients navigate the operational excellence journey by enabling the connected plant and enterprise.

Steve Pavlosky of GE Digital -- Episode 50

Delving into more than 30 years in the industry, GE Digital's Steve Pavlosky discusses how GE Digital creates value from data across a wide variety of industries in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Plus, he offers his advice on the historians vs relational databases -- and how to future proof your business.