Best Actuator Podcasts (2025)

1
Smart Brake Actuators and Sensor-Driven Safety 27:32

Play Pause

25d ago27:32

27:32

Send us a text Episode 352: In this episode, host Jamie Irvine interviews Randy King, National Sales Manager at MGM Brakes, who shares insights from his 47 years in the heavy-duty parts industry. The episode explores the differences between MGM’s brake actuator models and their vocational applications, highlighting innovations like the dual thread …

1
Lifting Safely, Supporting Strong: Heavy-Duty Tools for Trucking Industry 32:30

11d ago32:30

32:30

Send us a text Episode 353: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, host Jamie Irvine speaks with Rick Hanna, Business Unit Leader at SureWerx, about the critical importance of safety when lifting and supporting commercial vehicles. Rick shares insights from recent shop visits where near misses highlighted the need for proper lifting practi…

1
Sales Isn’t Dead. But the Old Way Is — with Scott Grimes 43:31

17d ago43:31

43:31

Scott Grimes doesn’t sell — he solves. And that mindset has carried him through decades in industrial filtration and process sales at Donaldson Company. In this third episode of Fully Open (by ValveMan), host Gil Welsford Jr. sits down with Scott to explore how sales has evolved — and why curiosity, empathy, and technical understanding are still th…

1
Built It. Bought It. Grew It: Bruce Broxterman on Building a Valve Powerhouse 38:37

1M ago38:37

38:37

Bruce Broxterman doesn’t just build companies — he builds billion-dollar exits. In this second episode of Fully Open (by ValveMan), host Gil Welsford Jr. sits down with Bruce to unpack how he built, bought, and grew one of the biggest names in the valve industry — and how his playbook still drives results today. 💡 What you’ll hear: How Bruce scaled…

1
Tariffs, Turbochargers, and Testing Criteria 28:06

1M ago28:06

28:06

Send us a text Episode 351: In this episode of The Heavy Duty Parts Report, Jamie Irvine welcomes back Dan McClave, President of Switchblade Turbochargers. Dan is a returning guest on the show. If you want to learn all about the origin story of Switchblade Turbochargers and how they create fuel savings for commercial trucks, listen to episode 286 a…

1
The Heavy Duty Parts Report Returns - What's Ahead 9:32

2M ago9:32

9:32

Send us a text Episode 350: The Heavy Duty Parts Report returns with a fresh start, hosted by Jamie Irvine, marking a new chapter for the podcast with a renewed mission and format. Backed by sponsors like The Hub Corp and the Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation, Jamie shares his excitement about relaunching the show and expresses gratitude to the com…

1
How a Vietnam Vet Built a Valve Empire — Rick Wentzel on Legacy, Innovation & Grit 40:35

2M ago40:35

40:35

Rick Wentzel doesn’t just sell valves — he helped shape the entire North American valve landscape. In this first episode of Fully Open (by ValveMan), host Gil Welsford Jr. sits down with Rick to talk about his journey from Vietnam platoon sergeant to co-founding Bonomi North America and launching game-changing valve and actuator lines across the co…

1
Trailer: A Life-Changing Call from Aldo Bonomi 1:10

2M ago1:10

1:10

“I got robbed on Christmas Eve. That was my first day as a valve salesman.” Rick Wenzel’s story starts in chaos — and turns into a career that helped shape the U.S. valve industry. This is the official trailer for Fully Open (by ValveMan) — a show about the people who keep plants running. We talk to field engineers, plant managers, valve pros, and …

1
Made Here: Pittsburgh Robotics Network - Interview with Mark DeSantis 56:01

4M ago56:01

56:01

As an entrepreneur, you have to get comfortable with failure, so much so that it becomes a part of your path to success. Mark DeSantis, a seasoned entrepreneur and a leader in Pittsburgh's innovation scene, shares hard-earned wisdom on the mindset it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur.Listen to this conversation about the realities of entrepreneurs…

1
Made Here: ESTAT Actuation - Interview with Kirby Witte 8:53

4M ago8:53

8:53

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network is fueling innovation by supporting startup companies like ESTAT Actuation with the resources and connections they need to thrive.Kirby Witte, Co-Founder of ESTAT Actuation, shares how Pittsburgh's robotics ecosystem is more than just cutting-edge; it's collaborative. In a community where industry leaders want to fos…

1
Made Here: Thoro.ai - Interview with Patrick Mondi 10:53

4M ago10:53

10:53

Thoro.ai is more than autonomous technology - they're developing the software, cloud support, and deployment services that power OEM partnerships. With a mission-driven team with broad perspectives, Thoro.ai is focused on solving real-world challenges in manufacturing.Rooted in Pittsburgh's innovation ecosystem, the company thrives in a city where …

1
Made Here: Pittsburgh Robotics Network - Interview with Jennifer Apicella 43:15

4M ago43:15

43:15

Pittsburgh is a global anomaly - home to over 125 robotics companies and a thriving ecosystem of innovation. At the center of it all, the Pittsburgh Robotics Network is working to meet the needs of these companies by fostering connections, encouraging collaboration, and helping startups grow.In this uniquely supportive community, competition takes …

1
The Future of Butterfly Valves: Trends and Innovations 3:16

9M ago3:16

3:16

Join us as we explore The Future of Butterfly Valves: Trends and Innovations! From smart automation to zero-leakage designs, find out how top butterfly valve manufacturers are shaping the industry.

1
Exploring the Advantages of Pneumatic Rotary Actuators in Industry 6:18

9M ago6:18

6:18

Explore the benefits of Pneumatic Rotary Actuator in industry! Fast, reliable, and energy-efficient—tune in to learn more!

1
How Three Way Control Valves Improve System Efficiency and Performance 4:37

9M ago4:37

4:37

In this episode, we explore how three way control valve improve system performance and streamline processes. Don’t miss out!

1
Everything You Need to Know About Plug Valves 4:37

9M ago4:37

4:37

Everything You Need to Know About Plug Valve From types to applications, we’ve got it covered. Don’t miss this episode!

1
How to Choose the Right Gate Valve for Your Industrial Needs 4:27

10M ago4:27

4:27

Choosing the perfect gate valve for your industry? Learn key tips to ensure efficiency and durability. Trusted solutions by Aira Euro Automation, the leader among gate valve manufacturers in India!

1
Solenoid Valves in Action: Applications and Benefits 4:58

10M ago4:58

4:58

Your guide to solenoid valve! From benefits to applications, this episode covers everything you need to know.

1
Top Tips for Choosing the Right Safety Valve for Your Equipment 4:08

10M ago4:08

4:08

Choosing the right safety valve is crucial for your equipment's performance! Tune into our latest podcast for expert tips on selecting the best valve and finding a reliable safety valve manufacturer.

1
Everything You Need to Know About Three Way Control Valves 3:42

10M ago3:42

3:42

Tune in now to see everything about Three Way Control Valve—their functions, applications, and why Aira Euro Automation is the name to trust!

1
Made Here: Behlen Interview - Empowering Employees to Drive a Culture of Safety and Innovation 39:23

10M ago39:23

39:23

Metal forming is an art, each piece of metal is unique in its characteristics and how it reacts to bends, turns, and is ultimately shaped into the products you use everyday. The people over at Behlen Manufacturing have found a mix between the art of metal forming and the process of manufacturing.Much like how each piece of metal is unique, so are t…

1
Made Here: Growing Nebraska through Attracting and Nurturing Young Talent 30:14

11M ago30:14

30:14

Norfolk, Nebraska is experiencing a similar problem as the rest of the rural United States: an increase in people, specifically younger talent, leaving the area in seek of a career elsewhere. Not because of a desire to, but because of the lack of opportunities to stay. Angie Stenger leads Northeast Nebraska Growing Together, an initiative focused o…

1
Choosing the Right Gate Valve for Your Industry 4:40

11M ago4:40

4:40

Dive into the essentials of selecting the perfect gate valve for your operations. From material selection to industry-specific needs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize performance and partner with reliable gate valve manufacturers.

1
The Secret to Business Success in Heavy-Duty 40:01

11M ago40:01

40:01

Send us a text Episode 349: Problems in business often start with a lack of systems. Our host, Jamie Irvine, shares clips from a past interview with Michael E. Gerber, author of The EMyth. They discuss the need to have systems and the idea that a real business is one that does not rely solely on the owner. Our host also interviewed Steve Harter, ow…

1
Exploring the Types and Benefits of Non Return Valves 2:47

11M ago2:47

2:47

In this episode, we explore Non Return Valve (NRVs), covering their types and benefits like preventing backflow, improving efficiency, and reducing maintenance costs. Perfect for industries like water treatment and chemical processing!

1
Innovative Products Save Fleets Money 31:56

11M ago31:56

31:56

Send us a text Episode 348: Finding solutions to common problems faced by fleets on their trucks takes innovation. Where does innovation come from? Usually from listening closely to the customer. Simple solutions are often the best. High Bar Brands is a group of innovative companies brought together with one mission – solving problems for heavy-dut…

1
The Value of Premium Service: Lessons from Refrigerated Transportation 35:35

11M ago35:35

35:35

Send us a text Episode 347: Our guest this week is Colby Varley, Vice President of Sales at Advanced Transportation Services, who shares his expertise on the importance of premium services in the refrigerated transportation sector. He helps us understand why investing in high-quality service leads to better reliability and efficiency, and how this …

1
A Tour of SAMPA USA Ahead of HDAW 43:18

11M ago43:18

43:18

Send us a text Episode 346: With HDAW 2025 coming up fast, we were thinking back to past HDAW trips. In 2023, while heading to HDAW, our host Jamie Irvine, was able to visit the headquarters of Sampa USA with a camera crew and interview some of their people as well as check out their warehouse. His interviews highlighted what makes Sampa USA stand …

1
Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail 32:42

12M ago32:42

32:42

Send us a text Episode 345: It can be difficult to stop and make a plan when you are busy in the day-to-day tasks of running your business. However, without a good plan, your business might struggle to grow. Transforming your heavy-duty parts business is not just about adapting to market trends; it's about mastering the art of strategic planning. D…

1
“If You Bought It, A Truck Brought It” – New Program for the Independent Service Channel 30:34

12M ago30:34

30:34

Send us a text Episode 344: Having a strong ‘why’ for your heavy-duty parts company is critical for success. It also is what will guide you when faced with decisions and opportunities. In our That’s Not Heavy Duty segment, we discuss why working without purpose is not heavy-duty and how many employees would prefer working for a company that has pur…

1
Do You Have the Right Battery for Winter? 35:32

12M ago35:32

35:32

Send us a text Episode 343: Proper planning can prevent poor performance in your heavy-duty parts business and can also reduce break downs on the side of the road. As winter comes, one of the ways to prepare is to make sure you have good batteries – on the shelf in your parts store, and in your vehicle. Our guest, Jeremy Cordray from EnerSys, helps…

1
DPF Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts 32:48

1y ago32:48

32:48

Send us a text Episode 342: We are happy to have captured this discussion with the now-retired Wayne Cochrane, past National Sales Manager of Redline Emissions Products. With many older ones retiring and leaving the industry, making sure we can still benefit from their years of experience is very important. Have you ever wondered how to know if a D…

1
New Tariffs are Rocking the Heavy-Duty Parts Industry 41:08

1y ago41:08

41:08

Send us a text Episode 341: How are tariffs affecting heavy-duty parts companies? In this in-depth discussion, we talk about the history of tariffs, the real reasons behind them and whether they will go up in the near future. After preparing for this episode, Jamie Irvine and Scott Boltz discovered that tariffs are not what they thought and there i…

1
Made Here: Shawn Hastings on Maintenance in Sausage Production 22:12

1y ago22:12

22:12

Shawn brings his maintenance management perspective from his time in food production and how the sausage is made in Kansas City. The challenges and benefits in KC, what it takes from their partnerships that help.By Industrial Solutions Network powered by CED

1
New Options for Trailer Interior Lighting 32:54

1y ago32:54

32:54

Send us a text Episode 340: The team at SSR Lighting was encouraged to look into options for interior trailer lighting after safety concerns from companies like Ford. After trial and error and thinking through obstacles like forklift strikes, extreme weather, and batteries that can’t sit for months unused, they now have a great product that can lig…

1
Made Here: Boulevard Brewing Interview - Innovating, Scaling, Collaboration and Brewing 33:30

1y ago33:30

33:30

When you think of Kansas City and craft beer, you think of Boulevard Brewing.We talk about their 25 years of growth and expansion and what manufacturers can learn from their innovation and collaboration in the beer industry.Hosted by Manufacturing Happy HourBrought to you by and for the Industrial Solutions Network…

1
How to Get the Right People in Your Parts Department 54:30

1y ago54:30

54:30

Send us a text Episode 339: At the Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation, we have partnered with TRAITS to help you with your people and organization. Having the right people is so important when predicting the success of your heavy-duty business. TRAITS is a psychometric assessment tool that can help you evaluate your team based on their personality f…

1
Made Here: Exploring the West Bottoms and the Industrial History of Kansas City 35:34

1y ago35:34

35:34

Places like Kansas City’s West Bottoms district make up the foundations of American manufacturing and industry. And in this episode, we head straight to The Ship, a unique bar in the heart of the historic West Bottoms district to meet with Scott Brown of the Historic West Bottoms Association and General Counsel at Faultless Starch.We take a look ba…

1
The 3 Things Every Parts Manager Needs to Learn 41:15

1y ago41:15

41:15

Send us a text Episode 338: We’ve been working hard at the Heavy Duty Consulting Corporation to create the only business development system of its kind that is exclusively dedicated to the heavy-duty parts industry. We are proud to announce that we have developed a training program specifically for Parts Managers. In line with that new course offer…

1
Made Here: Marlen Interview - Innovation, Machines and the Food Industry 32:29

1y ago32:29

32:29

Listen as Manufacturing Happy Hour talks to Doug Wilson of Marlen as they explore what food and beverage means to Kansas City and how Marlen is being a leader in the industry.Marlen: marlen.com Industrial Solutions Network: industrialsolutionsnetwork.com Manufacturing Happy Hour: manufacturinghappyhour.com…

1
The Essential Guide to Selecting Reliable Valve Manufacturers 3:05

1y ago3:05

3:05

Check out our latest podcast episode, The Essential Guide to Selecting Reliable Valve Manufacturers. We share key tips on choosing the right partner for your needs. Tune in to learn how Aira Euro Automation can help!

1
Change Your Life by Becoming an Owner Operator in the Trucking Industry 29:51

1y ago29:51

29:51

Send us a text Episode 337: Having the right people in your business is very important for success. The ‘right people’ must have a combination of experience and expertise, but more importantly, must have a great attitude and the personality traits needed to be successful in their role. Speaking of a great attitude, our interview with successful tru…

1
Industrial Valves Explained: Choosing the Right Valve for Your Needs 6:43

1y ago6:43

6:43

In this episode, we explain the different types of industrial valves, such as ball, butterfly, gate, and globe valves, and how to choose the right one for your needs. Featuring insights from Aira Euro Automation, a leading valves manufacturers in India, we provide practical tips for making the best valve selection to enhance efficiency and safety i…

1
8 Tips for Selecting the Best Ball Valve Manufacturer in India 4:08

1y ago4:08

4:08

Looking for the best ball valve manufacturer in India? Check out our latest podcast where we share 8 key tips to help you make the right choice, from assessing quality to ensuring reliable after-sales support. Don’t miss out on these expert insights!

1
The Versatility of Plug Valves: A Comprehensive Guide 3:42

1y ago3:42

3:42

In this episode, we dive into the world of a plug valve. Learn about their types, benefits, and key applications across different industries. See why these versatile valves are essential for efficient fluid control.

1
A Simple Approach to Turbochargers with Big Fuel Savings 39:26

1y ago39:26

39:26

Send us a text Episode 336: Financial headwinds are slowing the trucking industry down. Parts companies must improve their value proposition, and one of the quickest ways to accomplish this is to bring innovative products to the attention of customers and help them lower their total cost of operation. From the fleet’s perspective, finding ways to r…

1
How to Select the Right Pneumatic Actuator for Specific Applications 4:22

1y ago4:22

4:22

Choosing the right pneumatic actuator involves evaluating factors like force, speed, stroke length, and environmental compatibility. This guide helps you select the best pneumatic actuator by aligning its specifications with your application’s needs, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

1
Why Butterfly Valves Matter: Applications, Benefits, and Innovations 2:56

1y ago2:56

2:56

From managing complex flow systems to offering cost-effective solutions, butterfly valves are key players in modern industries. Learn about their applications, benefits, and the latest innovations by leading butterfly valve manufacturers!

1
Made Here: Amatrol Interview - How Career & Technical Education is Impacting Smart Manufacturing 38:51

1y ago38:51

38:51

Brought to you by the Industrial Solutions Network, the Made Here series focuses on the stories of those that drive manufacturing forward, which drives the city they are a part of. In this series, we are focused on the manufacturers in Louisville, KY. We are joined by Amatrol who are shaping the future of the manufacturing workforce, Opus Integrati…

1
Made Here: E&H of the Industrial Solutions Network - Modern Distribution 37:27

1y ago37:27

37:27

Brought to you by the Industrial Solutions Network, the Made Here series focuses on the stories of those that drive manufacturing forward, which drives the city they are a part of. In this series, we are focused on the manufacturers in Louisville, KY. We are joined by Amatrol who are shaping the future of the manufacturing workforce, Opus Integrati…