Industrial Talk Media

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Mike Beehler, Founder and COO at MBA, LLC about "Responding to the Rapidly Changing Utility Market".

Scott MacKenzie promotes the Boston MEDevice event on September 30-October 1, 2025, organized by Informa, emphasizing education and collaboration in the medical device industry. At DistribuTech in Dallas, Mike Beehler discusses the Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative (PDI2). He highlights the need for significant investments in the electric grid, noting Texas's plan to double infrastructure spending. Beeler emphasizes the importance of efficient, resilient, and affordable grid systems, including the potential benefits of underground transmission lines. He also discusses the challenges of public safety power shutoffs and the advanced technology available today for grid maintenance and upgrades.

Action Items
[ ] Attend the ME Device Boston event on September 30 - October 1, 2025.
[ ] Connect with Mike Beeler, Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative, at m.beeler@pdi2.org or on LinkedIn.
Outline
Medical Device Event Announcement
Scott MacKenzie announces the ME Device Boston event from September 30 to October 1, 2025, emphasizing its importance for professionals in the medical device industry.
The event is organized by Informa, known for their educational and collaborative events.
Scott encourages attendees to mark their calendars and participate in the event.
The event aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the medical device industry.
Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott thanks listeners for their support and celebrates industrial professionals for their contributions to society.
The podcast is sponsored by Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software, encouraging listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.
Scott mentions the current broadcast location at Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, and introduces Mike Beeler as a guest.
Discussion with Mike Beehler on Power Delivery Intelligence
Mike Beehler introduces himself and his role in the Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative (PDI2).
Mike shares his experience moderating a panel on investment strategies for the electric grid, emphasizing the significant investments planned.
The Texas "miracle" is discussed, highlighting the state's economic growth and the need for increased infrastructure investment.
The conversation touches on the challenges of rate recovery and affordability in the context of grid modernization.
Challenges and Solutions in Grid Modernization
Mike discusses the need for more efficient and resilient grid infrastructure, using newer technologies.
The regulatory process for setting utility rates is explained, including the importance of keeping rate increases below the cost of inflation.
The conversation highlights the impact of grid inefficiencies on affordability and the need for a more reliable and resilient grid.
Scott and Mike discuss the importance of consumer expectations for quality electricity and the challenges of public safety power shutoffs in wildfire areas.
Underground vs. Overhead Transmission Lines
The discussion shifts to the pros and cons of underground vs. overhead transmission lines.
Mike explains the higher initial cost of underground lines but their lower long-term maintenance costs.
The conversation covers the challenges of converting an entire grid to underground lines and the need for a balanced approach.
Scott shares a personal anecdote about underground distribution work in Long Beach, California, and the advanced technology used today.
Case Study: 500 kV Underground Transmission Line
Mike shares a case study of a 500 kV underground transmission line project in Chino Hills, California.
The project faced public opposition but was ultimately completed due to its importance for renewable energy transmission.
The conversation highlights the critical nature of splicing and termination processes in underground transmission lines.
Mike emphasizes the importance of advanced technology and material sciences in modern grid infrastructure.
Future of the Power Industry
Mike discusses the future of the power industry, emphasizing the influx of talented young professionals with advanced degrees.
The conversation covers the electrification movement in the U.S. and the exciting opportunities in the power industry.
Mike shares his contact information for listeners interested in connecting with him.
Scott wraps up the conversation, encouraging listeners to connect with Mike and stay tuned for more content on Industrial Talk.

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2025. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

MIKE BEEHLER'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeehler/

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Scott MacKenzie hosts Paul Jackson on the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting the renaissance in the industry and the importance of innovation, collaboration, and education. Paul Jackson, CEO of Method.me, discusses their no-code CRM platform designed for small businesses, particularly those using QuickBooks. Jackson shares a case study of a custom medical cabinet manufacturer who used Method.me to streamline their estimate process, saving time and costs. He emphasizes the potential of no-code solutions to adapt to business changes and predicts AI integration for future customization. Jackson also mentions the challenges of ERP systems and the importance of adopting technology to avoid business plateaus.

Action Items
[ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Consider attending the Boston ME Device conference in September 30 - October 1, 2025, as it may be relevant for businesses in the medical manufacturing industry.
[ ] Reach out to Paul Jackson at method.me/industrial-talk to learn more about the platform and how it could benefit your business.
[ ] Explore the evaluation process and checklist that method.me provides to help businesses determine their software needs.

Outline
Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast
Speaker 1 introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott MacKenzie, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of industrial professionals, encouraging them to own their achievements.
Scott MacKenzie discusses the current renaissance in the industry and the excitement surrounding new technologies and solutions.
Scott MacKenzie mentions his upcoming book, which will provide strategies for solving pain points in the industry, and encourages listeners to download it.
Introduction of Paul Jackson and Method.me
Scott MacKenzie introduces Paul Jackson, founder and CEO of Method.me, a CRM platform designed for small businesses.
Paul Jackson's background is briefly discussed, including his experience in running a service business and his transition to software development.
Scott MacKenzie emphasizes the importance of educating, collaborating, and innovating in the industry.
Paul Jackson's company, Method.me, is highlighted as a nimble and powerful CRM platform that syncs well with QuickBooks.
Paul Jackson's Background and Method.me's Purpose
Paul Jackson provides a detailed background, including his education in finance, his experience running a service business, and his transition to software development.
Paul Jackson explains the concept of Method.me as a no-code platform designed to help small businesses create their own apps and customize their CRM.
The initial idea behind Method.me was to solve the scaling problem faced by small businesses as they grow.
Paul Jackson discusses the importance of understanding customer pain points and providing relief through customizable solutions.
Case Study: Custom Medical Cabinets
Paul Jackson shares a case study of a company that creates custom medical cabinets and uses Method.me to streamline their estimation process.
The company had outgrown their previous software and needed a more flexible solution to manage their complex estimation process.
Method.me helped the company create a custom app using drag-and-drop tools, which significantly improved their efficiency and accuracy.
The custom app allowed the company to track cabinet configurations, manage warranties, and provide better service to their customers.
No-Code Solutions and QuickBooks Integration
Paul Jackson explains the concept of no-code solutions and how they allow small businesses to create their own apps without needing to code.
Method.me integrates well with QuickBooks, making it easier for businesses to manage their financial data and automate workflows.
Paul Jackson discusses the benefits of no-code solutions, including cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and the ability to customize software to meet specific business needs.
The conversation touches on the limitations of traditional ERP systems and how no-code solutions can provide a more tailored and efficient solution for small businesses.
Future of No-Code and AI Integration
Paul Jackson discusses the future of no-code solutions and their potential integration with AI to create more customized and automated software.
The vision is for AI to be able to generate custom software based on user inputs, eliminating the need for traditional coding.
Paul Jackson shares his excitement about the potential of AI to revolutionize the way businesses create and manage software.
The conversation highlights the importance of staying ahead of technological advancements and adopting innovative solutions to improve business efficiency.

PAUL JACKSON'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulalexjackson/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/method-integration/
Company Website: https://www.method.me/

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

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Dan Joe Barry on LinkedIn to learn more about Configit's solution.
[ ] Check Configit's website for more information on their technology and approach.
Outline
Introduction and Overview of Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
Scott highlights the current industrial renaissance, describing it as a frothy and energetic period.
Scott mentions the upcoming e-book, which will summarize conversations with industry leaders and address pain points and solutions.
Scott promotes the Boston Med Device Conference, scheduled for September 30 to October 1, and encourages listeners to attend.
Introduction of Dan Joe Barry and Configit
Scott introduces Dan Joe Barry, the guest for the episode, and emphasizes the importance of his company, Configit.
Dan Joe Barry is introduced as Dan Joe, and Scott advises listeners to refer to him as such.
Scott describes Configit's advanced value-added solution, which is particularly beneficial for the manufacturing industry.
Dan Joe Barry joins the conversation, and Scott thanks him for his time and insights.
Dan Joe Barry's Background and Personal Life
Dan Joe Barry shares his background, mentioning that he moved from Ireland to Denmark in 1991 and has been living there since.
Dan Joe talks about his family, including his Danish wife and two daughters in their 20s.
Scott and Dan Joe discuss the differences in Guinness and Carlsberg between Ireland and Denmark, highlighting the impact of local water on beer quality.
Dan Joe shares an anecdote about a Guinness supply chain issue, illustrating the challenges of managing global demand.
Configit's History and Purpose
Dan Joe explains the history of Configit, which has been focused on product configuration for 25 years.
He describes the complexity of managing product configurations, especially for complex products like cars, pumps, and valves.
Dan Joe explains the concept of configure-to-order (CTO) business models and their advantages.
He highlights the challenges of managing product configurations using traditional methods like Excel sheets and the benefits of Configit's approach.
Configit's Technology and Implementation
Dan Joe introduces the concept of configuration lifecycle management and the importance of aligning information from different systems.
He explains how Configit's virtual tabulation technology compiles all valid configurations into a lookup file, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Dan Joe discusses the implementation process, including importing information from existing systems and building integrations for synchronization.
He emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive product model that includes all relevant options and rules.
AI and Configit's Future
Scott and Dan Joe discuss the role of AI in Configit's technology, with Dan Joe explaining the differences between Gen AI and neuro-symbolic AI.
Dan Joe highlights the predictability and accuracy of Configit's AI, which is designed to ensure valid configurations.
He mentions the ASCO pilot project, which uses AI to build product models quickly and efficiently.
Dan Joe shares his vision for the future of AI in manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of combining different AI technologies to achieve better results.
Conclusion and Contact Information
Scott wraps up the conversation, expressing his admiration for Configit's solution and its potential to add value to the manufacturing industry.
Dan Joe provides his contact information, encouraging listeners to reach out to him on LinkedIn or through Configit's website.
Scott reiterates the importance of Configit's solution and encourages listeners to explore the company's website for more information.
The episode concludes with Scott thanking Dan Joe and listeners for their time and interest in the Industrial Talk Podcast.

DAN JOE BARRY'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danjoebarry/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/configit/
Company Website: https://configit.com/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to David Moncur and Jordan Manalili with Moncur about "Branding for success".

David Moncur and Jordan Manalili from Moncur, a branding agency, discussed challenges in the power generation industry at the PowerGen conference in Dallas. They highlighted the difficulty companies face in differentiating their products, often commoditized due to similarities. David emphasized the importance of strategic messaging and branding to avoid commoditization and maintain pricing. Jordan introduced their Brand Framework, which helps companies communicate effectively by aligning their messaging with client needs. They stressed the value of proactive branding and strategic planning to stay relevant and competitive in the rapidly evolving industry.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to David Moncur on LinkedIn to discuss Moncur's branding and messaging services.
[ ] Connect with Jordan Manalili on LinkedIn to learn more about Moncur's process for translating technical information into compelling messaging.
Outline
Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
Scott welcomes David and Jordan, highlighting their roles and the company they represent, Moncur.
Scott mentions the conference location, Power Gen in Dallas, Texas, and the purpose of the event.
David and Jordan provide brief introductions about their roles and backgrounds.
David's Background and Company Overview
David explains his role as the principal of Moncur, a branding agency headquartered in Southfield, Detroit metro area.
He shares his career specialization in marketing, strategic messaging, and branding, with a team of 40.
David discusses the company's focus on construction, engineering, manufacturing, and tech SaaS sectors.
Scott and David talk about the challenges faced by power generation companies and the importance of differentiation.
Challenges in Power Generation and Strategic Messaging
David identifies common challenges faced by B2B companies in the power generation sector, such as differentiation and broader awareness.
Jordan adds that strategic messaging is a significant issue for many companies, as they struggle to communicate their unique value proposition.
Scott and Jordan discuss the problem of commoditization in the industry and the need for effective messaging to avoid it.
David emphasizes the importance of differentiation and specialization to maintain pricing and market position.
Brand Framework and Strategic Messaging Process
Jordan introduces the concept of Brand Framework and strategic messaging, which helps companies communicate effectively.
He explains the challenge of translating technical jargon into client-friendly language.
Jordan highlights the importance of understanding both the company's strengths and the client's pain points to create a compelling message.
Scott and Jordan discuss the process of shifting messaging to avoid commoditization and achieve premium positioning.
Proactive vs. Reactive Branding Strategies
David advises companies to invest in branding proactively rather than waiting for problems to arise.
He explains that a strong brand helps attract top talent and maintain a competitive edge.
Scott and David discuss the importance of planning ahead and investing in brand strategy to avoid costly mistakes.
Jordan shares examples of companies that have benefited from their branding efforts and the positive impact on their business.
Advocating for Clients and Overcoming Communication Barriers
Jordan talks about advocating for clients and helping them see the value in effective communication.
He explains that many clients are passionate about their work but struggle to communicate it effectively.
Jordan emphasizes the importance of proactive branding and strategic messaging to overcome these challenges.
David adds that a well-executed brand strategy makes it easier for companies to communicate their value proposition.
The Role of Technology and Future Trends in Branding
Scott asks David about the impact of technology and future trends on branding in the manufacturing sector.
David highlights the importance of being present and engaging in industry dialogues to stay relevant.
He explains that companies need to develop a clear communication strategy and brand assets before going public.
David emphasizes the role of a strong brand in attracting top talent and maintaining a competitive edge.

DAVID MONCUR'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmoncur/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moncur/
Company Website: https://www.thinkmoncur.com/
JORDAN MANALILI'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-manalili-4932b716a/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Robert Brooks with Neara and Brian Reed with Osmose about "Technology and Pole Inspection".

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast from Distribute Tech in Dallas, highlighting the importance of data management in the utility sector. Guests Robert Brook and Brian Reed from Neara and Osmose, respectively, discuss their partnership to enhance utility data integration and decision-making. NIRA's platform creates a digital network model using various data sets, including LiDAR and GIS, to simulate asset performance under different conditions. Osmose provides detailed asset records and preservative treatments to ensure data accuracy. The collaboration aims to improve strategic resiliency plans by prioritizing asset upgrades and optimizing investment strategies.

Action Items
[ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Discuss the process of keeping the digital network model up-to-date as utility assets change over time.
[ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Follow up with Brian Reed on LinkedIn to learn more about Osmose's pole inspection and maintenance services.
[ ] Explore the Neara platform and its capabilities further.
Outline
Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
Scott thanks the listeners for joining and highlights the importance of industry professionals in solving global problems.
The podcast is sponsored by Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software, encouraging listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.
Scott mentions the current broadcast location at Distribute Tech in Dallas, describing it as a massive event for utilities and other related industries.
Introduction of Guests and Event Overview
Scott introduces the guests, Robert Brook and Brian Reed, and mentions their roles in the industry.
Robert and Brian discuss the importance of data management in the utility sector and the significance of the Distribute Tech event.
Scott shares a personal anecdote about using Osmose services during his utility days, highlighting the reliability of their inspections.
Robert and Brian provide background information about their companies, Neara and Osmose, and their respective roles within them.
Neara and Osmose Partnership and Data Integration
Brian explains the partnership between Neara and Osmose, focusing on the challenges utilities face in managing data across different departments.
The partnership aims to consolidate data into a single source, enhancing risk-based decision-making for utilities.
Robert describes Neara's platform, which builds a digital network model using various data sets, including LiDAR and GIS information.
The platform provides a highly accurate and engineering-based relationship between assets, enabling better decision-making for utilities.
Use Cases and Practical Applications
Brian provides a use case for the partnership, focusing on strategic resiliency plans for Texas utilities.
The platform helps utilities prioritize assets for upgrades, considering factors like wind loads and storm conditions.
Scott inquires about the practical aspects of using the platform, including how utilities can access and interpret the data.
Brian explains the self-service capabilities of the platform, allowing utilities to perform simulations and prioritize circuits and structures.
Data Management and Platform Capabilities
Robert discusses the scalability of the Neara platform, which can handle large-scale data analysis across millions of assets.
The platform offers a visual and interactive environment, combining GIS-style visuals with tabular outputs for easy communication.
Scott asks about the platform's ability to handle different types of assets, including distribution and transmission poles.
Robert explains the platform's flexibility in simulating various scenarios, such as wind conditions and vegetation management.
Ensuring Data Accuracy and Currency
Scott raises concerns about keeping the data current, given the dynamic nature of utility assets.
Brian emphasizes the importance of proactive data capture and regular inspections to maintain the accuracy of the model.
Robert highlights the role of Osmose in providing detailed asset records and historical data, ensuring the platform's data is accurate and up-to-date.
The discussion touches on the importance of change management and coordination within utilities to ensure the model remains current.
Pole Inspection and Maintenance Practices

ROBERT BROOK'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbrook/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neara/
Company Website: https://neara.com/

BRIAN REED'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-reed-0324a06/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/osmose/
Company Website: https://www.osmose.com/

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