Talking Industrial Automation
The Talking Industrial Automation Podcast is a show to help you get to know the people that make modern manufacturing and processing possible. Along the way we will touch on integration technology, trends and challenges. If you are a manufacturer, end user/client, supplier or system integrator interested in industrial automation, I hope you will enjoy the insights CSIA Members will bring to this podcast. CSIA is the Control System Integrators Association, and exists to improve the professionalism of system integrator businesses.
info_outline
Adam Gluck of Copia Automation | Episode 96
04/02/2024
Adam Gluck of Copia Automation | Episode 96
Can we be solving hard problems that make the economy work better? That make the world a more efficient place? Those are the questions that inspired Adam Gluck to leave his engineering job at Uber and found Copia Automation, which brings modern DevOps tooling to industrial automation, standardizing processes to drive quality, efficency, and uptime at scale. Hear all about the past, present and future of this up and coming start up -- as well as its founder -- in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/30631498
info_outline
Sandy Gennaro Professional Speaker and Drummer | Episode 95
03/15/2024
Sandy Gennaro Professional Speaker and Drummer | Episode 95
It's not often that an industrial autlomation podcast features a rockstar as a guest -- but it's happening today. Sandy Gennaro -- former drummer for bands as diverse as The Monkees to Joan Jett to Cyndi Lauper -- is here to tell you about his lessons learned from life on the road and other musings. Full disclosure: He is also a keynote speaker for the upcoming CSIA Conference, where he will parlay his experience as a drummer in rock band to leading successful teams. You also migh be surprised with how much you have in common with Sandy -- all glamour aside.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/30387513
info_outline
Ken Hackett of General Control Systems | Episode 94
02/15/2024
Ken Hackett of General Control Systems | Episode 94
Meet Ken Hackett, who is Director of Business Development for General Control Systems. In this role, he uses his 30 years of expertise in engineering design, sales, service, and installation of process controls, instrumentation, and electrical systems to partner with clients in the life sciences, industrial, and food beverage sectors. In addition, for the past three years, he has served as President of the ISA Eastern Chapter. Finally, full disclosure, Ken will be a speaker at the upcoming CSIA Marketing Workshop held in conjunction with the 2024 CSIA Conference in Dallas this April. Hear how he has moved through the industry and what he's learned along the way in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/29951263
info_outline
Crossover Episode with the Rivergate Marketing Podcast
01/24/2024
Crossover Episode with the Rivergate Marketing Podcast
We are doing something a little different with this episode of Talking Industrial Automation because TIA host Lisa Richter was invited to be a guest on the Rivergate Marketing Podcast, produced by Rivergate Marketing, a full-service digital marketing company and CSIA member. This episode touches on a little bit about a lot of things – from marketing to the CSIA Conference to the upcoming CSIA Makreting workshop. Even if you don’t plan to attend the conference, this crossover episode still offers some insights you might be interested in and maybe even a spicy take or two. (RIP Koozie). If this doesn’t sound like something you’d be into, that’s okay. IIA will be back with the regular programming with the next episode. For more information about Rivergate Marketing, including the podcast, visit . For more information about the 2024 CSIA Confernece, inlcuding the marketing workshop, visit .
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/29629178
info_outline
Dave Bader of Eurotech | Episode 92
01/16/2024
Dave Bader of Eurotech | Episode 92
Over the course of three decades, Dave Bader, who is Vice President of Business Development at Eurotech, has been involved in several automation revolutions including the evangelism of artificial intelligence at the edge, industrial IoT, and autonomous mobile robotics for industrial and warehouse applications. Serving as the Head of Sales, National Business Develop Manager, National Sales Manager, and Global Channel Manager for a variety of automation and robotics companies, Dave brings a unique ability to convey very highly technical solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences. Get to know him in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/29514263
info_outline
Karen Griffin of Hargrove Controls and Automation | Episode 91
12/15/2023
Karen Griffin of Hargrove Controls and Automation | Episode 91
Finding a role that allowed her to advance her technical skills while also progessing her career was exactly what Karen Griffin was looking for when she landed at Hargrove Controls and Automations. She went on to serve in various automation roles over the next 10 years such as engineering leader, main automation contractor program sponsor, senior program manager and controls and automation engineer for the refining, oil and gas, chemicals and pulp and paper industry. Today, Karen is vice-president and managing member representative of Tormod, an asset life cycle company. There she leads a team of 150 professionals including automation engineers and specialists. Finally, full disclosure, Karen is the Chair of the CSIA Board of Directors. Hear about her career journey -- and advice -- in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/29037543
info_outline
Ira Sharp with Phoenix Contact | Episode 90
11/15/2023
Ira Sharp with Phoenix Contact | Episode 90
With more than 18 years of experience in industrial automation with a focus on Open Control, IIoT Industry 4.0, Networking and Cybersecurity, Ira Sharp, director of product marketing automation at Phoenix Contact USA, has seen a few things. Based on this experience -- and his active digital presence as a LinkedIn Content creator focused on automation -- Ira share's his thoughhts on where the industry is headed and how system integrators and others can make the most of it in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/28480172
info_outline
Ben Durbin of Cybertrol Engineering | Episode 89
10/13/2023
Ben Durbin of Cybertrol Engineering | Episode 89
Joining the company just one year after inception, Ben Durbin has climbed through the Cybertrol Engineering ranks to the top spot: CEO. Along the way he's gained on-the-job experience in every corner of the business -- from programming to sales. Hear about his career journey -- and his advice for newer folks -- in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/28275458
info_outline
Greg Jackson of SmartSights | Epsiode 88
09/15/2023
Greg Jackson of SmartSights | Epsiode 88
After decades of living in the same ecosystem, WIN-911 and SyTech merged to form SmartSights, blending the best of both and triggering a fresh look, brand and approach. Hear all about it in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation from SmartSights CEO Greg Jackson. Greg also reveals what he has learned from his experience as a strategic leader with a unique blend of 30 plus years’ experience and achievements in international sales, business development, operations and product solution development.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/28012098
info_outline
Andrew Thomas of Skkynet | Episode 87
08/15/2023
Andrew Thomas of Skkynet | Episode 87
Frustrated with the lack of tools to reliably communicate among different process areas, Andrew Thomas decided to do something about it. So in 1995, he and a partner developed real-time communication software that resulted in a program called Cogent Real Time Systems. Over the following two-plus decades, he continued to reiterate eventually resulting in what is now called Skkynet -- a platform that enables real-time data connectivity for industrial, embedded, and financial systems, with no programming required. Hear about his journey -- and his predictions -- in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/27707805
info_outline
What's New in the Best Practices Manual 6.0 with Tony Valasek | Episode 86
07/15/2023
What's New in the Best Practices Manual 6.0 with Tony Valasek | Episode 86
For many CSIA members, the Best Practices Manual is THE reason they joined the association -- and for good reason. The BP Manual Best Practices Manual is the most comprehensive collection of best practices within a system integrators industry. This crowdsourced, comprehensive document -- written by integrators for integrators -- represented hundreds of hours of collective wisdom going back to the early 1990s. The latest version -- 6.0 -- was released just last month. The BP Committee Chair, Tony Valasek of EOSYS, reveals what's new in this release. Plus a little bit about how the sausage gets made. Prepare to be impressed.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/27459330
info_outline
Growing Into Leadership Roles with CSIA Emerging Leaders SIG | Episode 85
06/15/2023
Growing Into Leadership Roles with CSIA Emerging Leaders SIG | Episode 85
"People are like an unstable PID loop," jokes Keith Mandachit of Huffman Engineering in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Hear what else he and his fellow panelists Andrew Palmberg (Technical Systems Inc) and Becca Johnson (Gray Solutions) share about growing into a leadership role during the encore presentation. (This content originally appeared on the website as part if CSIA's Emerging Leaders SIG.)
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/27140946
info_outline
Dino Busalachi of Velta Technology | Episode 84
05/05/2023
Dino Busalachi of Velta Technology | Episode 84
Dino Busalachi is CTO and Co-Founder of Velta Technology, a company that provides digital safety as a service. Dino has close to 4 decades of global experience across information technology, engineering, and industrial control systems with multiple globally-recognized brands including Rockwell Automation, Anheuser-Busch, American Standard, and General Motors.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/26738358
info_outline
Lisa Ryan of Grategy | Episode 83
04/15/2023
Lisa Ryan of Grategy | Episode 83
Drawing on her experience as a certified speaking professional and best selling author, Lisa Ryan offers some advice for companies that want to retain talent and build a company culture that makes employees want to stay. Along the way, she also gives some tips on public speaking, networking and navigating social awkwardness. If you want to hear more from Lisa, she will be one of the CSIA Executive Conference’s keynote speakers.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/26495598
info_outline
Mike Bradshaw of Stratus Technologies | Episode 82
03/15/2023
Mike Bradshaw of Stratus Technologies | Episode 82
Since April 2019, Stratus has completely revamped its partner ecosystem and the programs that support it, providing greater benefits to the partners while driving double digit growth for Stratus reports Mike Bradshaw, Senior Director - Global Channels and Partner Ecosystem. He explains why in this episode as well as revealing why his kids think he is a spy!
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/26224434
info_outline
Theresa Benson | Part 2 | Episode 81
02/28/2023
Theresa Benson | Part 2 | Episode 81
A former colleague once called Theresa Benson “corporate spackle” because she comes in and fills in the gaps quickly, diagnosing issues and moving people forward in the face of ambiguity. As a product storyteller and strategist with over 20 years of experience in high tech, Thersa is currently helping her clients understands what makes something valuable and then helps them tell their story in the way that their market needs to hear. Hear more about her journey in this episode of the podcast. This is Part 2 of a two-parter.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/26063712
info_outline
Theresa Benson | Part 1 | Episode 80
02/02/2023
Theresa Benson | Part 1 | Episode 80
A former colleague once called Theresa Benson “corporate spackle” because she comes in and fills in the gaps quickly, diagnosing issues and moving people forward in the face of ambiguity. As a product storyteller and strategist with over 20 years of experience in high tech, Thersa is currently helping her clients understands what makes something valuable and then helps them tell their story in the way that their market needs to hear. Hear more about her journey in this episode of the podcast. This is Part 1 of a two-parter.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/25810143
info_outline
Alicia Gilpin and Nikki Gonzales of Automation Ladies Part 2 | Episode 79
01/15/2023
Alicia Gilpin and Nikki Gonzales of Automation Ladies Part 2 | Episode 79
As hosts of Automation Ladies -- the only podcast -- that we know of -- where women (mostly) talk about Industrial Automation, Alicia Gilpin (Ali G.) and Nikki Gonzales provide a unique perspective on the industrial automation industry. For their day jobs, Ali G. is owner of Process and Controls Engineering LLC. while Nikki is is building an online marketplace and workflow automation platform for industrial automation distributors and their customers to collaborate and bring some sanity to the procurement process at Quotebeam. Hear all about it in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Note: This episode is Part 2 of a two parter. Part 1 dropped in December 2022 (Episode 78).
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/25604307
info_outline
Alicia Gilpin and Nikki Gonzales of Automation Ladies Part 1 | Episode 78
12/15/2022
Alicia Gilpin and Nikki Gonzales of Automation Ladies Part 1 | Episode 78
As hosts of Automation Ladies -- the only podcast -- that we know of -- where women (mostly) talk about Industrial Automation, Alicia Gilpin (Ali G.) and Nikki Gonzales provide a unique perspective on the industrial automation industry. For their day jobs, Ali G. is owner of Process and Controls Engineering LLC. while Nikki is is building an online marketplace and workflow automation platform for industrial automation distributors and their customers to collaborate and bring some sanity to the procurement process at Quotebeam. Hear all about it in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Note: This episode is Part 1 of a two parter. Part 2 will be availble in January 2023.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/25324476
info_outline
Pod in a Box | Episode 77
11/30/2022
Pod in a Box | Episode 77
In this episode, we’re talking industrial automation as usual but instead of hearing from one or two guests, you’re going to get to hear from a lot of them – hot mike style-ish because I grabbed random 2022 Rockwell Automation Fair attendees as they stopped by the CSIA booth and hit record. So what you are about to listen to is a series of micro-interviews from people in all kinds of roles from around the world who were brave enough to step up and talk into the Yeti microphone I set up in a DIY recording studio – which was literally … a cardboard box. I’ll let the results speak for themselves.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/25175268
info_outline
Daren Dieleman of Interstates | Episode 76
11/13/2022
Daren Dieleman of Interstates | Episode 76
Daren Dieleman parlayed a background in accounting and finance into a 10-year career with a worldwide system integration firm, Interstates. He spent most of that time leading the automation delivery teams, but recently he transitioned to a senior leadership role driving company strategy and strategic partnerships. Hear more about Daren -- including his dream job -- in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/24996693
info_outline
Dan Barrera of Bosch Rexroth | Episode 75
11/01/2022
Dan Barrera of Bosch Rexroth | Episode 75
Fresh out of college, Dan Barrera had three offers -- including his dream job. But he turned it down for one with an automation company. And he's never looked back. Today is is a product manager at Bosch Rexroth where he is product manager for one of the company's latest controls platform: ctrlX AUTOMATION. Hear about his journey and why he is so passionate about the industry in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/24854628
info_outline
Shawn Tierney of Insights in Automation | Episode 74
10/01/2022
Shawn Tierney of Insights in Automation | Episode 74
Technology enthusiast and entrepreneur Shawn Tierney took two decades of experience as an automation specialist and turned it into content development and training business with more than 75,000 followers across his blog, podcast and YouTube platforms. Hear how and why he built this whole new career in industrial automation in this episode.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/24552687
info_outline
Wendy and Howard Huffman of Huffman Engineers | Episode 73
09/15/2022
Wendy and Howard Huffman of Huffman Engineers | Episode 73
After moving their family out of state to start Huffman Engineering based on a PO, Wendy and Howard Huffman were handed a piece of paper that said the project they left everythy for was cancelled. But despite that setback -- and early Hot Stove Lession -- the Huffmans went on to spend the next three decades building a business they can feel proud of. Hear about their journey, core values and success stories in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/24377613
info_outline
Cody Bann of WIN-911 | Episode 72
08/29/2022
Cody Bann of WIN-911 | Episode 72
Did you know NASA uses WIN-911 software to test the rockets for the new Artemis program? Hear about other examples -- such as how Dubai keeps aquatic species alive in the middle of the desert, New Zealand monitors seismic activity and UK company in its environmental remediation across Europe from Cody Bann, WIN-911 Software's director of engineering. Plus, find out the Win-911 origin story and more in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/24204330
info_outline
Cassy Gardner of Banks Integration | Episode 71
08/01/2022
Cassy Gardner of Banks Integration | Episode 71
System integrators are in a unique position to impact billions of peoples' lives, which makes it imperative that the industry take DE&I seriously exlains Cassy Garner in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. She also believes its just plain good for business -- which is backed d up with data -- and solving other challenges like recruitment and retention. Cassy also provides other persepctives about life at Banks Integration -- the West Coast branch of E Tech Group doing work in life sciences, pharmaceuticals and emerging technologies such as cellular agriculture and cultivated meat. ------------------------------------------------------- Show Notes: If you are interested in learning more about DE&I or volunteering for Y'allomation Office Hours checkout these resources: Contact Cassy Checkout Follow folks on LinkedIn: Melinda Epler founder & CEO of Change Catalyst Lily Zheng DE&I strategist, Subscribe to Feminuity’s email newsletter Read: How to be an Antiracist by Ibram Kendi Citations: Crash test bias –
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/23928582
info_outline
Business Value: GPS for Your Business | Episode 70
07/15/2022
Business Value: GPS for Your Business | Episode 70
The concept of business value can be used like GPS to help businesses find the best route. In this encore presentation moderated by Bryan Powrozek of Clayton & McKervey, panelists Jane Tereba (Capital Valuation Group), Ben Smith (Clayton & McKervey) and Clint Bundy (The Bundy Group) as they discuss the key factors in determining a business's value -- and how to manipulate those levers strategically to position it for growth, and, ultimately, develop a succession plan. Even if your day-to-day responsibilites have nothing to do with the overall business strategy, understanding these concepts offers you a glimpse into what the C-suite cares about -- and helps you leverage that knowledge to further your career.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/23754431
info_outline
Xavier Mesrobian of Skkynet | Episode 69
06/13/2022
Xavier Mesrobian of Skkynet | Episode 69
With more than 20 years experience in sales and marketing, Xavier Mesrobian has witnessed first-hand how industrial automation has evolved. Cybersecurity, remote monitoring, predictive analytics and artifical intelligence are just a few topics he covers in this epsiode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/23412734
info_outline
Crossover Episode with The Sound of Automation | Episode 68
06/01/2022
Crossover Episode with The Sound of Automation | Episode 68
The Future of Work, the importance of benchmarking and even a bad pun or two make an appearance during this special crossover episode with the host of The Sound of Automation, Bryan Powrozek of Clayton & McKervey. Plus, you'll also get a sneak peak into the agenda for the upcoming CSIA Executive Conference.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/23294561
info_outline
Tony Valasek of EOSYS | Episode 67
05/15/2022
Tony Valasek of EOSYS | Episode 67
To emphasize its unique business model as an employee-owned organization, PRemier System Integration re-branded to EOSYS in 2021. What does that mean exactly? Tony Valasek breaks it all down and more in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation.
/episode/index/show/controlsys/id/23102321