Podcast Archives | Industrial Talk

Brian Romano with The Arthur G. Russell Company

Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Brian Romano, Director of Technology Development at Arthur G. Russell about “Automation Solutions”.

Brian Romano from Arthur G. Russell discussed the company’s focus on custom-designed automation, particularly for the medical device industry. Romano highlighted the importance of nimble solutions due to rapid market changes and technological advancements. He emphasized the need for continuous learning and training within the workforce, mentioning initiatives like a mini MBA and augmented reality glasses for remote support. Romano also noted the significant skills gap in automation, with only 16,000 graduates annually against 60,000 job openings. He stressed the importance of staying ahead in technology to maintain U.S. manufacturing leadership.

Robert “Bob” Voigt with Penn State University – METAL Program

Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Robert “Bob” Voigt, Professor with Penn State University about “Educating the Future Manufacturing Leaders”.

The conversation highlights the importance of the Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, scheduled for November 3-5, 2023. The Industrial Talk podcast, hosted by Scott Mackenzie, features an interview with Robert Voight, a professor at Penn State Behrend, discussing the Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program. Voight emphasizes the hands-on experience provided to students, including foundry visits and practical metal casting. He also discusses the evolution of materials like austempered ductile iron and the integration of digital technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality. Voight’s contact information is available for those interested in learning more.

Jo Anna Ordonez with Water Tech, Inc.

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Jo Anna Ordonez, VP of Utility Water Application with Water Tech, Inc. about “Water and Power Generation”.

Scott Mackenzie promotes Elevotec’s ERP, EAM, and business intelligence solutions on his Industrial Talk podcast. At PowerGen in San Antonio, he interviews Jo Anna Ordonez, VP of Utility Water at Water Tech, about the critical role of water in power generation and data centers. Water Tech, with 33 years of experience, treats water for power plants, including zero liquid discharge facilities. Ordonez discusses the challenges of water scarcity, the importance of efficient water use, and the impact of regulatory changes. She highlights Water Tech’s Oxy Plus product, which reduces chlorides and saves water, and emphasizes the need for strategic water management to meet increasing power demands.

Tara Holwegner with Life Cycle Engineering

Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Tara Holwegner, Program Leader at Life Cycle Engineering about “Training is key to reliability success”.

Scott Mackenzie from Industrial Talk interviews Tara Holwegner at the SMRP conference, highlighting IRISS electrical maintenance safety technologies and Lifecycle Engineering’s 20-year history in training industrial professionals. Tara discusses the importance of upskilling, reskilling, and training, noting that 25% of respondents to her poll prioritize these issues. She emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to people, process, and technology. Tara also promotes Lifecycle Engineering’s Smarter Playbook, which offers resources in five languages and six work streams, aiming to standardize best practices in maintenance and reliability.

Phillip Schupp with Mauser Packaging Solutions

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Phillip Schupp, Reliability Engineering Manager at Mauser Packaging Solutions about “eMaint Deployment”.

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.

The world is changing fast! Industrial businesses are juggling every facet of business maintenance and growth, ranging from technological/digital media adaptations to cash flow management and operational efficiency challenges. How do industrial business leaders stay current while managing growth and casting vision for the future? The answers could be found in a learning environment, but never before has there been a place for continuing education in the industrial business arena. UNTIL NOW…

The INDUSTRIAL ACADEMY IS HERE. Finally there is a clearinghouse for all things industrial to assist the business leader. Course offerings provide up-to-date applicable information in business development, technology, finance, operations and leadership presented in an engaging, movement-oriented manner by those in the know. These professionals don’t just talk the talk. They walk the walk with purpose and passion for building not just the industrial business but also the people who make things happen.

The Industrial Talk Podcast family looks forward to learning and growing with you!

When I was in elementary school, our teacher would show us films of industrial professionals making our lives better. For me, these films instilled the passion for industry.

Today, industry has come along way from when I was a boy. It is innovative and focused on solving problems. In short, it’s really cool and exciting.

We need to teach children, around the world, and bring back the “Cool” and “Exciting” and why industry is a wonderful profession. That means we need industrial professionals to re-instill this industrial passion.

This is the Purpose of Industrial Pop. It is an online learning management platform (LMP) dedicated to educating our youth in the ever expanding and innovative world of industry. We also provide this LMP for our teachers to share with their class.

These are very exciting times for industry and we must begin educating our future and it starts with you. If you are interested, please contact me at: https://industrialtalk.com/contact/ and just let me know that you are interested in positively impacting our future industry leaders.