Industrial Talk Media

Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Dr. Karl Hoffower, Executive Director at Failure Prevention Associates about "Industrial Skills Gaps".

Scott Mackenzie and Dr. Karl Hoffower discuss the importance of asset management and reliability in industrial settings. Dr. Hoffower, former Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehab, now leads Failure Prevention Associates, which provides diagnostic tools and services for asset condition monitoring. They highlight the parallels between healthcare diagnostics and asset monitoring, emphasizing the need for human expertise to interpret AI-generated data. Dr. Hoffower also addresses the skills gap in the labor force, noting a decline in labor participation rates to 63% from 80%. They stress the importance of education and training to inspire the next generation and ensure the success of IoT and wireless sensor technologies.

Outline
Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott MacKenzie introduces himself and the podcast, highlighting IRISS as the global leader in electrical maintenance safety.
Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industrial professionals worldwide.
Scott MacKenzie mentions the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas, and introduces Dr. Karl Hoffower.
Dr. Karl Hoffower joins the conversation, and Scott MacKenzie comments on the hurricane that disrupted the previous year's conference.
Dr. Karl Hoffower's Background and Transition to Asset Condition Monitoring
Dr. Karl Hoffower shares his background as a former chief of Physical Medicine and Rehab in Silicon Valley.
He explains his transition from healthcare to asset condition monitoring, drawing parallels between diagnostic tests in healthcare and asset monitoring.
Dr. Karl Hoffower discusses the founding of Failure Prevention Associates and its move to Houston, Texas.
He describes the company's services, including selling diagnostic tools, training, and providing assessment services.
Tools and Services Offered by Failure Prevention Associates
Dr. Karl Hoffower lists the tools and services offered by Failure Prevention Associates, including vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and motor circuit testing.
He mentions their partnership with PDMA for electric motor testing and other companies for various diagnostic tools.
Scott MacKenzie shares a personal anecdote about using a vibration device introduced by Dr. Karl Hoffower.
Dr. Karl Hoffower highlights the importance of understanding the depth and breadth of diagnostic needs for different industries and processes.
Challenges and Opportunities in Asset Condition Monitoring
Dr. Karl Hoffower discusses the role of AI in asset condition monitoring and its limitations.
He emphasizes the need for human intelligence and expertise to interpret AI-generated data accurately.
Scott MacKenzie and Dr. Karl Hoffower agree on the importance of human interaction in the use of AI.
Dr. Karl Hoffower shares his perspective on the skills gap in the labor force and the need for better education and training.
Labor Participation and Immigration Challenges
Dr. Karl Hoffower discusses the decline in labor participation rates and the impact of immigration policies on the workforce.
He shares a personal story about his grandfather, a border patrol agent, and the challenges faced by immigration agents.
Dr. Karl Hoffower advocates for better funding and streamlining of immigration processes to address the labor shortage.
Scott Mackenzie and Dr. Karl Hoffower discuss the renaissance of manufacturing in the United States and the need for a skilled workforce.
Education and Training for the Next Generation
Dr. Karl Hoffower highlights the importance of educating the next generation in industrial professions.
He mentions the role of community colleges and industry partnerships in providing craft training.
Scott Mackenzie and Dr. Karl Hoffower discuss the need for inspiring young people to pursue careers in industrial professions.
Dr. Karl Hoffower shares his personal approach to teaching his children practical skills, such as jumping a car battery.
Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Dr. Karl Hoffower provides contact information for Failure Prevention Associates and encourages listeners to reach out for more information.
Scott MacKenzie reiterates the importance of attending the SMRP conference and the value of the insights shared by Dr. Karl Hoffower.
The conversation concludes with Scott Mackenzie promoting the Industrial Talk podcast and its mission to celebrate industrial professionals.
Scott MacKenzie emphasizes the need for collaboration, education, and innovation in the industrial sector.

DR. KARL HOFFOWER'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karl-hoffower-dc-crl-28a28315/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/failure-prevention-associates-inc./posts/?feedView=all
Company Website: https://failureprevention.com/

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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.

WILL OCEAN'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willocean/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maintainreliability/posts/?feedView=all

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Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Tyson Robinett and Alex Hawes with Central Power Systems and Services about "A hungry energy market".

The conversation features Scott Mackenzie hosting the Industrial Talk podcast at Power Gen in San Antonio, featuring guests Tyson Robinett and Alex Hawes from Central Power Systems and Services. Tyson has been with the company for 27 years, primarily in the generator sector, while Alex has been there for five years, previously in sales for VA Supply. They discuss the company's role as a solutions provider rather than just a generator manufacturer, emphasizing their ability to provide multi-fuel generators and customized solutions for various industries, including data centers and oil and gas. They highlight the challenges of meeting market demand, particularly due to supply chain issues and the need for fast power solutions. The conversation also touches on the importance of human interaction in business and the role of venture capital in financing projects.

Outline
Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
Industrial Talk, sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council.

Scott emphasizes the importance of celebrating industry professionals and their contributions to solving global problems.
The podcast is broadcasting live from Power Gen in San Antonio, showcasing problem solvers and innovators in the industry.
Introduction of Guests: Tyson Robinett and Alex Hawes
Scott introduces the guests, Tyson Robinett and Alex Hawes, from Central Power Systems and Services.
Tyson Robinett shares his 27-year tenure with Central Power, primarily on the generator side, and his experience during the dot-com boom.
Alex Hawes has been with Central Power for five years, previously working in sales and sales management for VA Supply in Kansas City.
Both guests express their positive experiences at the event, mentioning the good turnout and the importance of networking.
Discussion on Human Interaction and AI
Scott discusses the importance of human interaction in the age of AI, emphasizing the need for personal connections and trust.
Alex Hawes shares his background in sales and sales management, highlighting his experience with power distribution and electrical products.
Tyson Robinett talks about the growth of Central Power since 1999 and the changes in the industry over the years.
The conversation touches on the importance of human interaction in building relationships and trust in business.
Central Power Systems and Services: Solutions Provider
Alex Hawes explains how Central Power differentiates itself as a solutions provider rather than just a generator company.
The company works with partners to find the right fit solutions for customers, focusing on timelines and product availability.
Tyson Robinett discusses the challenges of meeting market demands, including the need for distribution gear, transformers, UPS systems, and busway.
Central Power addresses supply chain issues by working with various suppliers and custom builders to meet customer needs.
Multi-Fuel Capabilities and Scalability
Alex Hawes highlights Central Power's multi-fuel capabilities, including diesel and natural gas generators for different applications.
Tyson Robinett explains the scalability of Central Power's solutions, from single units to large parallel systems.
The company can handle projects up to 103 megawatts and provides bridge solutions for data centers needing fast power.
Central Power's natural gas product up to 2.7 megawatt is soon to be released, offering more fuel-efficient options.
Challenges in the Market: Utility Power and Supply Chain
Tyson Robinett identifies utility power as a significant challenge for customers, often leading to the need for bridging solutions with generators.
The industry is stretched thin with various supply chain and manufacturing challenges, but also presents opportunities.
Alex Hawes discusses the impact of the AI boom on the data center market, driving demand for fast equipment turnaround.
The conversation touches on the financial challenges of securing capital for projects and the importance of venture capital and private equity.
Future Trends and Market Dynamics
Alex Hawes predicts the data center market will continue to drive demand, with a focus on lead times and equipment availability.
The supply chain issues are similar to those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated by the AI and data center boom.
Tyson Robinett emphasizes the importance of addressing supply chain challenges and finding innovative solutions.
The discussion highlights the need for collaboration and customized solutions to meet market demands.

TYSON ROBINETT'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-robinett-0720ba8/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpowersystems/
Company Website: https://cpower.com/
FRANK MOYER'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-hawes-3ba305b7/

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Industrial Talk is talking to Tony Paine, Co-Founder/CEO at HighByte about "Data insights solutions for your operational technology stack".

Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industry professionals and discussing innovations. In this episode, he interviews Tony Paine, co-founder and CEO of HighByte, a company that specializes in data management and intelligence. Tony shares his 30-year experience in industrial automation, highlighting Hi By's role in standardizing and structuring data across enterprises. He emphasizes the importance of AI in preparing data for consumption and the need for a collaborative approach between IT and OT teams. Tony also discusses HighByte's implementation strategy, focusing on small, proof-of-value projects to demonstrate value and ease subsequent implementations. The conversation underscores the critical role of data in driving efficiency and resilience in manufacturing.

Outline
Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing the importance of industry professionals.
Scott praises industry professionals for their boldness, bravery, and problem-solving skills.
Scott introduces Tony Paine, the guest of the episode, and sets the topic of the conversation: data.
Importance of Data and Technology in Industry
Scott discusses the significance of data and the need to normalize and bring real insights from it.
Scott emphasizes the role of technology in pushing boundaries and the importance of perseverance.
Scott promotes the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting its extensive coverage of industry topics.
Scott stresses the human element in industry success, noting that AI helps humans deliver better insights and solutions.
Challenges in Industry and the Role of Young Leaders
Scott addresses the challenge of finding and training new industry professionals.
Scott uses SpaceX as an example of youthful energy and innovative solutions.
Scott emphasizes the need for industry leaders to tell their stories and inspire the next generation.
Scott offers to help organizations communicate and inspire their employees and the industry.
Introduction of Tony Paine and His Background
Scott introduces Tony Paine, co-founder and CEO of HighByte, and provides a brief background on Hi By.
Tony Paine shares his experience in the industrial automation space for 30 years and his early interest in computers and software.
Tony Paine discusses his time at Kepware, focusing on data collection and making raw data available to various applications.
Tony Paine explains the evolution of HighByte, emphasizing the addition of intelligence and context to data.
HighByte's Role in Data Management and AI Impact
Tony Paine explains the founding of HighByte in August 2018 and its focus on managing and providing insights from data.
Tony Paine highlights the role of AI in driving the need for prepping and making data available for consumption.
Tony discusses the challenges of managing data speed and the importance of standardizing data across multiple sites.
Tony emphasizes the need for a platform like HighByte to tie into existing technologies and make them work together seamlessly.
HighByte's Implementation Strategy and Change Management
Tony outlines HighByte's implementation strategy, starting with a small use case to prove value.
Tony explains the importance of a platform like HighByte in tying into existing technologies and making them work as a whole.
Tony discusses the role of change management and the integration of HighByte with existing DevOps tools.
Tony Paine highlights the importance of executive support and the role of AI in driving data usability.
Handling Questionable Data and Reporting
Tony explains the concept of data pipelines in HighByte, which transforms raw data into usable data.
Tony discusses the use of AI agents to identify and report abnormal data patterns.
Tony emphasizes the importance of providing visualizations in the platform to see data flow and diagnose issues.
Tony explains the flexibility of HighByte in handling different data assets and normalizing them for enterprise-wide use.
Overcoming Market Roadblocks and Final Thoughts
Tony Paine identifies cultural resistance and existing infrastructure as common roadblocks in implementing HighByte.
Tony explains how HighByte extends the Purdue model to move data effectively between different layers without impacting existing systems.
Tony emphasizes the importance of adapting existing systems without disrupting their functionality.
Scott concludes the conversation by encouraging listeners to connect with Tony Paine and HighByte for more information and solutions.

TONY PAINE'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonypaine/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/highbyte/
Company Website: https://www.highbyte.com/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Matthew Garcia, Regional Sales Manager with with Kawasaki Robotics about "AI and Vision guided robots".

Matthew Garcia, Regional Sales Manager at Kawasaki Robotics, discussed the company's history and innovations at MD&M West. Kawasaki, a $15 billion company with roots in shipbuilding, introduced the first hydraulic robot in the late 60s. They now offer robots from 3 kg to 1500 kg, catering to various industries like food and beverage, automotive, and aerospace. Garcia emphasized Kawasaki's focus on partner support and personalized attention. He highlighted recent advancements in AI and vision-guided robots. Despite tariffs, Kawasaki's Japanese manufacturing and shipping line help maintain competitiveness. Garcia provided his contact information for further inquiries.

Outline
Introduction and Overview of MD&M West
Scott introduces the episode of Industrial Talk, sponsored by MD&M West and the News and Brews team.

Scott mentions the technical issues faced during the recording and thanks the audience for their support.
Scott emphasizes the importance of celebrating industry professionals who solve today's problems and innovate.
Introduction of Matthew Garcia and Kawasaki Robotics
Scott introduces Matthew Garcia, the regional sales manager at Kawasaki Robotics, and mentions the upcoming MD&M West event.
Matthew Garcia thanks Scott for having him on the podcast and confirms he is having a great show.
Matthew discusses the benefits of attending MD&M West as a robotics supplier, meeting like-minded professionals, and getting high-quality leads.
Matthew mentions the importance of meeting serious partners and automation partners at the show.
Matthew Garcia's Background and Kawasaki Robotics' History
Scott asks Matthew Garcia to provide a brief bio and discuss Kawasaki Robotics.
Matthew Garcia shares his 30-year experience in robotics, starting from the origins of industrial robotics to the latest advancements in AI and vision-guided robots.
Matthew Garcia highlights Kawasaki's history, starting from building ships in the 1800s to becoming a $15 billion company involved in various industries.
Matthew Garcia explains Kawasaki's involvement in manufacturing robots for different industries, from food and beverage to automotive and aerospace.
Kawasaki Robotics' Unique Solutions and Market Position
Scott inquires about how Kawasaki Robotics differentiates itself in the market.
Matthew Garcia explains that Kawasaki was the first robotics supplier in the late 60s and has extensive experience in the field.
Matthew Garcia mentions that Kawasaki uses its own robots in its manufacturing processes and supports partners with personalized attention.
Matthew Garcia discusses the company's focus on specific partners and the benefits of working through a smaller network for better support.
Challenges and Innovations in Manufacturing
Scott asks how Kawasaki keeps up with the rapid changes and innovations in manufacturing.
Matthew Garcia explains that Kawasaki listens to its partners and end users to understand their needs and stay updated on industry trends.
Matthew Garcia mentions the importance of having a full engineering team to size and simulate the correct robots for specific applications.
Matthew Garcia discusses the manufacturing process, with all robots being made in Japan and shipped to the United States.
Impact of Tariffs and Future Trends
Scott brings up the topic of tariffs and their impact on manufacturing.
Matthew Garcia explains that Kawasaki has its own shipping line, which helps manage tariffs to some extent.
Matthew Garcia discusses the advantages and challenges of shipping from Japan to different regions, including Canada and Mexico.
Matthew Garcia shares examples of conversations at the trade show, highlighting various applications for Kawasaki robots in different industries.
Contact Information and Conclusion
Scott asks Matthew Garcia how listeners can get in touch with him for more information about Kawasaki Robotics.
Matthew Garcia provides his email address and direct phone number for contact.
Scott thanks Matthew Garcia for his flexibility and willingness to participate in the podcast.
Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Matthew Garcia and highlights the importance of storytelling in inspiring the next generation of industrial 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!

MATTHEW GARCIA'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-garcia-b660b7183/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kawasaki-robotics/

Company Website: https://kawasakirobotics.com/

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