Jim Krochune with APM Steam
Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2026 and talking to James Krochune, National Healthcare Leader with APM Steam about “Optimizing steam systems”.
Scott Mackenzie from Industrial Talk interviews Jim Krochune from APM Steam at the SMRP 33 conference in Dallas-Fort Worth. Jim discusses the importance of steam in industrial processes and the challenges in transferring knowledge to younger generations. APM Steam specializes in steam and energy efficiency, focusing on steam trap surveys, heat exchanger cleaning, and pressure reducing valve (PRV) installations. Jim highlights significant energy savings, with payback periods ranging from six to nine months, and shares a case where a hospital saved $180,000 annually by fixing a steam trap issue. APM Steam’s unbiased approach and skilled technicians are key to their success.
Greg Christensen with CMMS Radio
Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2026 and talking to Greg Christensen, Founder and Host of CMMS Radio about “The State of technology and asset management”.
Scott Mackenzie and Greg Christensen discuss the importance of effective asset management and the role of technology in enhancing operational efficiency. They highlight the significance of real-world insights and practical applications over flashy technology. Greg mentions the upcoming SMRP event, where he will be interviewing industry experts like Crister and discussing multi-site CMMS solutions with Gregory Perry from eMaint. They emphasize the need for proper planning, training, and continuous use of CMMS systems. Greg also promotes his podcast, CMMS Radio, as a valuable resource for industry professionals seeking practical advice and insights.
Nasarg Shah with Martinrea International
Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Nisarg Shah, Maintenance/Planner Engineer at Martinrea International about “eMaint platform deployment”.
Nisarg Shah, a maintenance planner at Martinrea, discussed his experiences with Fluke’s eMaint software at the Xcelerate 2026 event. Initially, the challenge was getting employees to use tablets for data entry. Nisarg overcame this by daily encouragement and teaching. The next challenge was integrating eMaint with the existing email system to automate data collection. They now focus on pulling data directly from PLCs, including temperature readings and cycle counts. Nisarg highlighted the benefits of meter-based PM, which significantly reduced breakdowns. He also mentioned using acoustic imaging for leak detection, saving money on maintenance.
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.