Brandon Young with Young Management and Consulting

Scott MacKenzie introduced his new eBook, “Today's Industrial Renaissance,” highlighting challenges and strategies for industrial professionals. The podcast featured Brandon Young, President and CEO of Young Management and Consulting (YMC), discussing his company's growth, international presence, and innovative solutions in the utility sector. YMC focuses on capital projects, data analytics, and project management, employing 120 individuals across the US, UAE, and Dubai. Young emphasized the importance of technology, AI, and safety in the industry, noting YMC's zero-incident record. He also discussed recruitment strategies and the future of work in the utility industry.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Brandon Young to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.
• [ ] Explore the use of technology and data analytics solutions offered by YMC to improve reliability and efficiency of utility operations.
• [ ] Consider implementing a safety-first culture and leveraging technology to enhance field crew productivity and safety.

Outline

Introduction of Scott MacKenzie's eBook

• Scott MacKenzie introduces his new eBook titled “Today's Industrial Renaissance,” which he wrote after 3000 conversations with industrial leaders.
• The book addresses challenges, pain points, strategies, and tools for the industrial sector.
• Scott encourages listeners to download the eBook from industrialtalk.com, emphasizing that he won't spam them.
• The eBook is designed to help industrial professionals succeed without unnecessary complications.

Welcome to the Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the number one industrial-related podcast, celebrating industrial professionals who are bold, brave, and innovative.
• Scott mentions the support from Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software, encouraging listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.
• The podcast is broadcasting live from Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, targeting professionals in distribution, transmission, and related equipment.

Interview with Brandon Young at Distribute Tech

• Scott MacKenzie introduces Brandon Young, who is attending the conference for the fourth year, and highlights the conference's growth and importance.
• Brandon Young shares his background, mentioning his education at Auburn University and his role as President and CEO of Young Management and Consulting (YMC).
• YMC has grown internationally, serving a team of 120 individuals across the US, UAE, and Dubai.
• Brandon discusses the company's focus on providing innovative solutions, data analytics, software solutions, and project management services.

Technological and Industry Trends

• Brandon Young discusses the technological boom in the energy sector and the challenges of leveraging AI to its full potential.
• He emphasizes the need for grid reliability and affordability, noting the significant impact of power outages on revenue and business GDP.
• Scott and Brandon discuss the balance between modernizing infrastructure and managing rate increases to avoid impacting consumers.
• Brandon highlights the importance of innovation in project execution and the need for more competition in the market to drive efficiency and cost management.

Recruitment and Leadership Development

• Brandon Young explains the challenges of recruiting skilled professionals and the strategies YMC uses to find and develop talent.
• He shares his approach of converting journeyman linemen into construction managers and hiring military veterans for their structured work ethic.
• Brandon discusses the importance of natural skill sets and providing coaching and training to help employees grow into leadership roles.
• He mentions the company's high school intern program as a way to attract future talent and the potential return of vocational programs to support the trades.

Innovation and Technology in Field Operations

• Brandon Young describes the deployment of iPads and the Fulcrum app to improve data collection and project management in the field.
• The app allows team members to take photos, capture information, and track project progress in real-time.
• Scott and Brandon discuss the importance of safety in field operations and the company's zero-incident record since inception.
• Brandon emphasizes the need for regular safety briefings, tracking safety hours, and addressing near misses to prevent future incidents.

Future of the Utility Industry

• Brandon Young predicts a shift in how the industry hires talent, with a focus on attracting young professionals and reviving vocational programs.
• He believes that entry-level jobs without context will be eliminated, and roles requiring innovation and process improvement will become more important.
• Scott and Brandon discuss the role of AI in the industry, noting the need for utilities to figure out how to implement new technologies effectively.
• Brandon highlights the challenges of managing multiple data projects and the need to break down silos to achieve holistic improvements.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott MacKenzie wraps up the conversation, encouraging listeners to reach out to Brandon Young for collaboration opportunities.
• Brandon provides his contact information, including social media handles and email, for those interested in working with YMC.
• Scott reiterates the importance of attending events like Distribute Tech and the Boston Med Device Expo to stay updated on industry trends and opportunities.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder of the support from Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software and an invitation to visit siemens.com for more information.