Episodes | Industrial Talk

Chris Napier with Augury

Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Chris Napier, Reliability Success Manager at Augury about “Predictive maintenance with AI”.

Chris Napier, a predictive maintenance technician with Augury, discussed the evolution of maintenance and reliability practices over 25 years. Augury’s predictive maintenance platform uses advanced sensors and AI algorithms to monitor machine health, integrating with CMMS systems via APIs. Napier emphasized the importance of a solid foundation in reliability practices, such as building a comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOM) in CMMS systems, to effectively utilize new technology. He highlighted the role of human expertise in refining algorithms and ensuring effective preventative maintenance. Napier also stressed the importance of trust and collaboration in implementing and optimizing maintenance strategies.

Alfonso Aramburo – Master of Ops

Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to Alfonso Aramburo, Master of Ops about “Strategies for manufacturing optimization”.

The conversation revolves around the Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by MD&M West and News and Brews, highlighting innovations in the manufacturing industry. Scott Mackenzie interviews Alfonso Aramburo, a manufacturing expert with 17 years of experience, about his role as a “Master of Ops.” Alfonso discusses common challenges in manufacturing, such as operational readiness for business development projects and the importance of process mapping to streamline operations. He emphasizes the need for companies to address inefficiencies and improve workforce development. Alfonso also mentions his book on cultural change and the reluctance of employees to adopt new processes. Contact information for Alfonso is provided for further insights.

Mark Pattison Finding Your Summit

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Mark Pattison, NFL 2 Seven Summits about “Finding your summit”.

Mark Pattison, a former NFL player and keynote speaker at Fluke’s Xcelerate event, shared his journey of climbing Mount Everest and the Seven Summits. He discussed overcoming public speaking fears, dealing with snow blindness at 26,500 feet, and the challenges of high-altitude climbing. Pattison emphasized the importance of resilience, faith, and daily discipline. He also highlighted his new book, “Finding Your Summit,” and his involvement with Higher Ground, a nonprofit supporting military and first responders. Pattison’s story underscored the human spirit’s resilience and the transformative power of setting and achieving ambitious goals.

Bridget Youngs with Terminus Industrials

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Bridget Youngs, Founder at Terminus Industrials about “Disrupting the transformer manufacturing market”.

Bridget Youngs, founder of Terminus, discussed her company’s innovative approach to transformer manufacturing. Terminus aims to reduce production time from months to under two weeks by automating processes and using AI and robotics. They focus on 138-34.5 kV transformers, a critical need in the ERCOT territory. Bridget highlighted the challenges of standardizing equipment across 1,700 utilities and the inefficiencies in current manufacturing. Terminus plans to launch products in Q3 2027, leveraging a team with expertise from companies like GE and Tesla to streamline design and manufacturing.

John Derzy and Michael Lipcsik with Hirata

Industrial Talk is onsite at MD&M West and talking to John Derzy and Michael Lipcsik with Hirata Corporation about “Manufacturing efficiency solutions”.

The conversation features Scott Mackenzie from the Industrial Talk podcast, discussing the MD&M West event with John Derzy and Michael Lipcsik from Hirata. John celebrates his 50th year in the industry and highlights Hirata’s 50-year history, starting with handcarts and evolving into a company specializing in automation and robotic solutions. Michael shares his background in manufacturing and automated testing. They discuss Hirata’s diverse clientele, including automotive, electronics, and medical devices, and their focus on long-term customer relationships. Hirata’s expertise in automation and predictive maintenance is emphasized, along with their integration of robots and systems for efficient manufacturing.

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.