Recruiting – Industrial Talk

Joe Patch IV with Confio Group

Scott MacKenzie — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Joe Patch IV, Founder of Confio Group about “The need for industry to tell their story – human connection”.

The conversation revolves around the Industrial Talk podcast, hosted by Scott Mackenzie, and the PowerGen conference in San Antonio. Scott celebrates industry professionals and discusses the importance of authenticity in leadership and communication to attract talent. Joe Patch, a guest, highlights the growing interest in nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), and the challenges of regulatory approval and workforce shortages, particularly the need for 1 million engineers in the next 5 years. They also discuss the role of AI in enhancing efficiency but stress the importance of maintaining authentic human connection in business. Joe's son, interested in engineering, is also mentioned.

Outline

PowerGen San Antonio and Conference Highlights

Scott introduces the podcast, Industrial Talk, and highlights the importance of the propane Education and Research Council in advancing cleaner, safer, and more efficient energy technology.
Scott welcomes listeners to the podcast, celebrating industry professionals and encouraging them to attend PowerGen San Antonio.
Scott, Joe Patch, expresses his positive experience at the conference, noting the increased floor plan and buzz compared to the previous year.

Gas Market and Nuclear Energy Discussions

Joe mentions the high demand for gas turbines and transformers, with lead times extending up to three years.
Joe discusses the importance of data centers in driving the current market trends and the role of nuclear energy.
Scott and Joe talk about the challenges and opportunities in the nuclear energy sector, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and molten salt technologies.
Joe highlights the involvement of companies like Meta in supporting nuclear energy projects.

Challenges in Nuclear Energy and Regulatory Hurdles

Scott and Joe discuss the regulatory challenges and the need for faster licensing processes for new nuclear projects.
Joe explains the differences between traditional large-scale nuclear projects and SMRs, suggesting that SMRs may face fewer regulatory hurdles.
Scott and Joe discuss the political and interconnection challenges in the energy sector, emphasizing the complexity of the regulatory environment.
Scott highlights the need for modernizing the grid and the challenges of gaining public acceptance for new infrastructure projects.

Workforce Shortages and the Importance of Authentic Connection

Joe discusses the significant workforce shortages in the energy sector, particularly the need for more engineers and electricians.
Scott emphasizes the importance of companies telling their story and creating authentic connections to attract young talent.
Joe shares his company's approach to capturing CEO visions in video interviews to attract top talent.
Scott and Joe agree on the value of authentic leadership and the competitive advantage it provides in attracting talent.

The Role of AI in the Energy Sector

Speaker 3 discusses the potential benefits of AI in improving efficiencies and scaling operations for smaller companies.
Scott and Speaker 3 agree that AI should not replace the authentic voice and human connection in leadership and communication.
Scott shares his concerns about the potential atrophy of critical thinking skills if companies rely too heavily on AI for routine tasks.
Speaker 3 emphasizes the importance of maintaining human skills and connections to stay competitive in the energy sector.

Family and Personal Insights

Joe shares insights into his family life, mentioning his four children and their involvement in the conference.
Joe discusses the importance of spending time with his children and providing them with a better understanding of his work.
Scott and Joe talk about the challenges of balancing work and family life, especially in the fast-paced energy sector.
Joe highlights the value of conferences like PowerGen in providing unique experiences and creating lasting memories for his family.

Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Scott and Joe wrap up the conversation, emphasizing the importance of authentic communication and human connection in the energy sector.
Joe provides his contact information for listeners interested in learning more about his company, Can Feel Group.
Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Joe Patch for further discussions and insights.
Scott concludes the podcast by thanking listeners and encouraging them to stay tuned for future episodes.

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!

JOE PATCH'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepatchiv/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/confio-group/

Company Website: https://www.confiogroup.com/

Company Podcast: https://www.confiogroup.com/podcast

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The post Joe Patch IV with Confio Group appeared first on Industrial Talk.

Joe Patch with Confio Group

Scott MacKenzie — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Joe Patch, Founder at Confio Group about “Renewable and Clean Tech Recruiting”.

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Joe Patch, CEO of Confio Group, a company specializing in energy recruiting and staffing. Joe discusses the challenges in the power industry, particularly the shortage of engineers and the importance of obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license. He highlights the growing demand for power, citing a need for 80 gigawatts of data center power in six years. Joe emphasizes the value of networking and retainer relationships in recruiting. He also touches on the diverse opportunities in the energy sector, including roles in finance, operations, and marketing. Joe encourages young professionals to explore the dynamic and mission-critical field of power generation.

Action Items

[ ] Connect with Joe Patch and the Confio Group team on LinkedIn or through their website at confiogroup.com.
[ ] Explore opportunities in the energy industry, particularly in emerging technologies like hydrogen, as potential career paths.
[ ] Consider obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license to open up more opportunities in the power and energy sectors.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
Scott welcomes listeners and thanks them for their support, highlighting the podcast's dedication to celebrating industry professionals.
Scott mentions the Power Gen conference in Dallas, Texas, and encourages listeners to visit if they are in the power business.
Scott introduces Joe Patch, the guest for the episode, and sets the stage for the discussion on resources, people, and industry trends.

Joe Patch's Background and Company Introduction

Joe Patch introduces himself and his company, Confio Group, which means “trust” in Spanish.
Joe shares his background, starting in the power business in the early 2000s after finishing graduate school and joining his father's firm.
Joe's father, who worked for Bechtel, started his own firm in the late 80s, focusing on power projects.
Joe discusses his non-engineering background but mentions the educational experience he received growing up in a household with a civil engineer.

Joe's Early Experiences and Family Influence

Joe recounts bringing his 13-year-old son, Anthony, to the Power Gen conference to expose him to the dynamic world of energy.
Joe shares memories of accompanying his father to power projects, which provided him with a deep understanding of the industry.
Joe emphasizes the importance of being on job sites, understanding the culture, and building relationships with tradespeople.
Scott shares a similar experience, mentioning his father's work at Southern California Edison and the impact of early exposure to the industry.

Staffing Challenges and Workforce Development

Scott and Joe discuss the challenges of staffing and workforce development in the power industry.
Joe highlights the difficulty of finding enough engineers, especially in hard engineering disciplines like structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical.
Joe advises graduating engineers to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license to open more career opportunities.
Joe emphasizes the importance of getting the word out about the opportunities in the energy sector to attract more talent.

Hydrogen and New Technologies

Joe mentions the potential of the hydrogen space and the rapid career growth opportunities it offers.
Scott and Joe discuss the current state of hydrogen technology and its potential impact on the industry.
Joe talks about the importance of apprenticeships and trades in the power industry and the changing dynamics of project development.
Joe highlights the role of business and non-technical roles in the energy sector, such as finance, operations, and marketing.

Confio Group's Role and Approach

Joe explains Confio Group's specialization in energy recruiting and staffing, leveraging their deep industry experience and relationships.
Joe emphasizes the importance of networking and organic discussions with industry leaders to gain insights and build credibility.
Joe discusses the value of retainer relationships with clients, which allow for deeper engagement and understanding of their needs.
Joe shares an example of a candidate interview process, highlighting the importance of matching technical skills with company culture and values.

Client and Candidate Relationships

Joe describes the dynamic between clients and candidates, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and fit.
Joe explains how Confio Group helps clients identify and address their pain points, ensuring a good match for both parties.
Joe discusses the importance of treating candidates well throughout the recruitment process to maintain a positive reputation.
Joe shares a story about a candidate interviewing with a CEO, illustrating the company's commitment to transparency and thoroughness.

Future of the Power Industry

Scott and Joe discuss the future of the power industry, highlighting the growing demand for power and the need for various energy sources.
Joe mentions a talk at Power Gen about the need for 80 gigawatts of data center power in six years, emphasizing the scale of the challenge.
Joe talks about the resurgence of gas turbines and the importance of a diverse energy mix, including gas, nuclear, battery storage, wind, solar, and biomass.
Joe highlights the role of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) in moving large amounts of power over long distances with lower line loss.

Contact Information and Final Thoughts

Joe provides his contact information, including the Confio Group website, LinkedIn, and YouTube channel.
Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Joe and highlights the importance of telling industry stories and amplifying messages.
Scott wraps up the episode by promoting the Power Gen conference and encouraging listeners to connect with Joe and the Industrial Talk Podcast.
Scott emphasizes the importance of being bold, brave, and innovative in the power industry, encouraging listeners to make a difference.

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 “Marketing Process Course” for Greater Success in 2025. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!