Joe Patch IV with Confio Group

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.