Best Mep Engineering Podcasts (2025)

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AI Agents and Humans: The Future of Factory Teams w/ Karan Talati

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32m ago

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Imagine a factory floor where specialized AI agents tackle real manufacturing roles – from inventory planning to quality inspection, each with their own set of tasks and responsibilities. Today, CEO and Co-Founder of First Resonance, Karan Talati, will dig into the practical side of agentic AI: how these intelligent systems are moving beyond theory…

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Construction Bidding Tips That Actually Win Jobs (and Protect Your Profit) 11:52

10h ago11:52

11:52

Just starting out as a contractor? Winning jobs is great - but if your bid isn’t airtight, you could lose your shirt after the job starts. In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Chris Work, Jeff Spencer, and Jerry Work break down exactly how to build a solid bid proposal that wins work and keeps you out of trouble. What you’ll learn: How to bid strateg…

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Episode 119 – Your Biggest Career Killer? Emotional Outbursts and Slow Execution 25:57

20h ago25:57

25:57

Most engineers don’t fail because they lack technical skills. They fail because they blow up in the moment—or because they move too slow. In this episode, Steve and Jake Maxey break down how to control your emotions when feedback hits hard, why perception trumps reality, and how speed separates leaders from the rest. Not theory—practical, tactical …

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Makenzie Morrill: "Look for the Duct Tape" in Marketing and Customer Success 19:55

5d ago19:55

19:55

In this episode, we chat with Makenzie Morrill, Marketing Mgr at Spartronics, about her journey into manufacturing, networking, and "looking for the duct tape" when solving customer challenges. She shares lessons from being a one-person marketing team, how AMA fuels her growth, and why AI is best as an assistant (not a replacement).…

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MEP Impact: Empowering Small Manufacturers with Training, Partnerships and Advocacy w/ Pete Connolly

7d ago

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In today’s conversation, you'll hear from CEO of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Pete Connolly. Pete has spent over 40 years navigating the manufacturing landscape – from running divisions at a global defense company to leading a statewide organization dedicated to empowering small and midsize manufacturers. He’ll break down what th…

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How to Negotiate Heavy Equipment Prices Like a Pro (Tips for New Contractors) 10:45

8d ago10:45

10:45

Thinking about buying your first piece of heavy equipment? Tired of getting crushed by high prices? In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Chris Work and Jeff Spencer break down real-world tactics for negotiating better deals on bulldozers, excavators, and other construction equipment. This video is NOT sponsored by @MillerLite as they have not yet sen…

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Episode 118 – Stop Talking, Start Solving: The Engineer’s Guide to Raising Issues 16:32

8d ago16:32

16:32

Negativity spreads faster than bad code reviews—and it can tank your career. Too many engineers air frustrations in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and end up damaging trust instead of fixing problems. In this episode, Jake and Steve Maxey break down the real playbook for raising issues without becoming “that person.” Not theory—practical, tact…

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How Soft Skills Drive High-Impact Engineering Teams w/ Aaron Moncur

14d ago

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What separates high-performing engineering teams from the rest? In this conversation, founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering, Aaron Moncur, will talk about the often overlooked drivers of engineering success, from the power of clear communication to the role of psychological safety and trust within teams. He'll explain why technical expertise alo…

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Episode 117 – Action Over Anxiety: The Playbook for Early-Career Engineers 22:52

15d ago22:52

22:52

Stepping into your first engineering job? The anxiety is real—but it doesn’t have to own you. In this episode, Jake and Steve Maxey break down the exact playbook for engineers in their first year on the job. Not theory—practical, tactical advice to cut through the noise, avoid rookie burnout, and start stacking wins that actually build confidence. …

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Agentic AI and the Future of Asset Lifecycle Management w/ Kendra DeKeyrel

21d ago

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In today's conversation, Vice President, Asset Lifecycle Management Products and Engineering at IBM, Kendra DeKeyrel, shares how AI is already making a difference on factory floors – from visual inspections that spot defects in real time to smart software that optimizes field service and work orders. But what happens when AI can act autonomously, a…

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Laptops, Life, and Laughs: Real Talk with the ProfitDig Crew 16:49

22d ago16:49

16:49

Sometimes the best conversations come from just hitting record. In this episode of ProfitDig Live, the crew gets together for an off-the-cuff conversation about gear, tech frustrations, growing older, and staying humble in your work and life. From USB adapters and laptops for CAD software… To three-wheelers, internet fiber, spicy site visits, and o…

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Episode 116: Guest Brian Walch - The 3 Stages of Career Growth: What Engineers Need and Managers Overlook 59:10

22d ago59:10

59:10

Most engineers think career growth is about waiting for promotions or cranking out projects. It isn’t. In this episode, Brian Walch—leadership coach, consultant, and founder of Shift Focus Coaching and Consulting—breaks down the real framework for building a fulfilling career and the role managers play in making (or breaking) it. Not theory—practic…

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Ben Hanfling: How Understanding Customer Needs Drives Product Development & Revenue Growth 20:06

26d ago20:06

20:06

In this episode of Manufacturer's Mindset, we sit down with Ben Hanfling, Chief Revenue Officer at Bay Cities Metal Products, a family-owned manufacturing company specializing in roofing and building products. Ben discusses the importance of listening to customers, empowering employees, and the strategic thinking required to increase revenue in a c…

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Workforce as Critical Infrastructure: Following North Carolina's Model w/ John Loyack

28d ago

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In today’s conversation, Vice President of Economic Development for the North Carolina Community College System, John Loyack, will use the success of his home state to illustrate what it takes to become a thriving manufacturing hub today. You’ll hear why the workforce itself must be treated as critical infrastructure – every bit as important as roa…

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From HVAC to Ice Cream Plants: Inside the Weird World of MEP Design 18:11

29d ago18:11

18:11

ProfitDig Live takes a strange and fascinating detour through the world of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) design with Phillip Greer, an experienced HVAC designer who shares stories from engineering site visits - including one involving a meat plant, an ice cream company, and a very unexpected video shoot. We talk about: What MEP engineers a…

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Episode 115 - Nice Won’t Make You Better — Truth Will 18:25

29d ago18:25

18:25

Most engineers want feedback—until it stings. Then they explain it away, blame the delivery, or wait for someone “better” to say it. That’s how careers stall. In this episode, I break down how to separate signal from noise, use even the roughest feedback to grow, and stop making your improvement someone else’s responsibility. Not theory—practical, …

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How Should Architects + Structural Engineers Work Together? w/ Point B Design Group & A-1 Engineers 49:36

1M ago49:36

49:36

Why don't Architects sketch with clients anymore? And why don't Engineers invest in teaching their Architect collaborators? These two Austin firms have revolutionized collaboration by front-loading coordination, using paper to build trust, and aligning billing phases perfectly. In this episode, you will learn: → Why front-loading structural knowled…

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Lighting the Big Stage: Touring Life with Seth O. Williams 19:38

1M ago19:38

19:38

Seth O. Williams joins the ProfitDig Live crew for a deep dive into the world of professional concert lighting—from arena shows and Red Rocks to teaching middle schoolers the ropes. Learn what it takes to tour with major artists like the Goo Goo Dolls, how lighting rigs are built and programmed, and why attitude and work ethic matter more than anyt…

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Rapid Reshoring: Building a Reliable North American Supply Chain w/ Mike Wynn

1M ago

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From a global pandemic to kick off this decade to the tariff rollercoaster of 2025, recent history has created plenty of reasons for American manufacturers to assemble a base of credible, responsive suppliers right here in North America. In today's conversation, Vice President at Advanced Purchasing Dynamics, Mike Wynn, will discuss why purchasing …

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How this Architect quit corporate life to start a new firm but without all the growing pains 9:02

1M ago9:02

9:02

In this episode, two ex-corporate architects explain how running their own business actually meant less admin than being employees at a large company. What you'll learn: → Why small firms can now punch above their weight with the right tools → How to set up professional operations in 30 days instead of months → The payment processing strategy that …

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Episode 114 - Still Drowning? You're Addicted to Noise 24:47

1M ago24:47

24:47

Tired of feeling overloaded no matter how hard you work? This episode breaks it down. It’s not about adding more energy—it’s about deleting what doesn’t matter. Jake lays out a ruthless framework for increasing clarity, output, and agency by maximizing your signal-to-noise ratio. Not theory—practical, tactical advice for engineers buried in distrac…

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Hospitality Design w/ Michael Hsu, FAIA + APTUS - How Should Architects + MEP Engineers Work Together? 44:22

1M ago44:22

44:22

Creating the perfect restaurant vibe requires controlling air temperature, velocity, day lighting, and acoustic quality all at once, but most architect-engineer teams can't coordinate at this level. In this conversation, you'll hear how these Austin-based firms have sustained their decade-plus partnership working on everything from P. Terry's locat…

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Episode 113 - We Finally Solved It (You're Welcome) 3:05

1M ago3:05

3:05

You'll definitely want to know what we have discovered in this episode. We're very excited to share this with you all.By Steve & Jake Maxey - The Impactful Engineers

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Lessons from Toyota: Building Aligned Manufacturing Organizations w/ Mark Reich

1M ago

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In today's episode, senior coach at Lean Enterprise Institute, Mark Reich, dives into a Japanese strategic planning methodology that was born out of Toyota. Known as Hoshin Kanri, this system is focused on building alignment from the executive suite down to the shop floor, and driving meaningful action at every level. In our conversation, we'll dis…

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How to Negotiate Construction Bids Without Losing Your Shirt 14:10

1M ago14:10

14:10

Whether you're trying to win your first job or fill a hole in your schedule, negotiating a construction bid is a delicate game. In this episode of ProfitDig Live, the crew dives deep into smart (and not-so-smart) negotiation tactics contractors can use to win jobs without giving away all their profit. 💬 We cover: ✔️ When (and how) to negotiate your…

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How this Architect became more selective with clients using Monograph 3:56

1M ago3:56

3:56

Architecture firms often accept any project that comes their way, but what if you could use data to choose only the clients who value your expertise? In this episode, you will learn: → How to replace fragmented spreadsheets with unified financial tracking systems → Why historical project data transforms proposal accuracy and profitability → How to …

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Episode 112: The Doors Will Come—Will You Have the Key or Just Regret? 35:59

1M ago35:59

35:59

You don’t know which doors you’ll need to open—until they’re locked in your face. And when that moment comes, it’s too damn late to wish you had started building your network. This episode isn’t about “networking.” It’s about regret-proofing your career. Jake and Steve break down the truth engineers don’t hear enough: the relationships you build to…

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How Should Architects + Structural Engineers Work Together? (w/ Arch11 and KL&A Engineers) 44:38

2M ago44:38

44:38

Most architects treat engineers like a service you hand work to, but what if your breakthrough moments happen when you start conceptual conversations before making any structural decisions? What you'll learn: → Why bringing consultants to the table "as quickly and early as possible" unlocks structural innovation most firms never discover → How to r…

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How Should Architects + Engineers Work Together? (w/ Studio GWA + Angus Young) 55:22

2M ago55:22

55:22

Architects don’t design alone. But real collaboration between firms? That’s the hard part. In this episode, you’ll learn what it actually takes to run successful projects across architecture and engineering teams, such as: → How to build trust between teams and clients → How to structure timelines across consultants → How to handle late invoices, d…

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Mike Womack: Elevating Manufacturers with Marketing and Advocacy 22:34

2M ago22:34

22:34

In this episode of Manufacturer's Mindset, we sit down with Mike Womack, Director of Marketing and Communications at NJMEP. We discuss how manufacturers can utilize marketing, adapt to AI, and thrive despite limited resources.By Ryan Cote

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Why You Should Review Every Job (Even the Good Ones) - Post-Project Budgeting Tips for Contractors 13:23

2M ago13:23

13:23

Just wrapped up a job? Don’t move on so fast. In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Chris Work and Jeff Spencer talk about why it’s important to look back at completed projects—even the profitable ones—and figure out what actually went right (or wrong). 💡 You’ll learn: ✔️ Why reviewing hours and costs is key to improving your estimating skills ✔️ How …

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How Manufacturers Can Engage Website Visitors in Real Human Conversations w/ Nelson Bruton

2M ago

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How can you transform a website visit from a qualified prospect into a real, human conversation? This is the question my guest, President of ManufacturingChats.com, Nelson Bruton, will be answering in today's episode. Specifically, he'll explain how a human-powered website chat function can drive that engagement. In this conversation, we'll explore…

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How Should Architects + Landscape Architects Work Together? (w/ Shape Architecture + Superbloom) 1:05:19

2M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

A&E project collaboration sounds great–until projects go over budget, scope gets muddy, and no one's sure who's doing what. In this episode, two award-winning design firms share how they actually make collaboration work: → How to staff and structure projects across two firms → How to run weekly planning and manage deadlines → How to divide scope, r…

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Episode 111: How to Ruin a High-Performing Team 18:22

2M ago18:22

18:22

In this episode, Jake and Steve break down a real-world story of a promising project derailed by ego-driven leadership—and how it quietly destroyed the motivation of a high-performing engineering team. If you've ever worked under someone who needed to be the smartest in the room, this one will hit home. Not theory—practical, tactical advice. Key To…

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Finding the Root Causes of Success Rather Than Failure w/ George Pesansky

2M ago

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George Pesansky has spent more than 30 years driving operational excellence and performance improvement in the manufacturing sector. And his perspective turns some conventional wisdom on its head. In this episode, he’ll reveal why focusing on the root causes of SUCCESS (rather than failure), leads to breakthrough results on the shop floor and beyon…

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Bid vs Budget: Why You’re Losing Money Without Even Realizing It 16:27

2M ago16:27

16:27

New to construction? Or still struggling with profit margins after years in business? You're not alone. In this episode of ProfitDig Live, Chris Work sits down with Jeff Spencer and Jeff Givens to talk about one of the most common - and costly - mistakes contractors make: confusing their total bid with their actual working budget. ✅ Learn why your …

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Episode 110: From Friction to Force Multiplier — Traits of Impactful Engineers 40:40

2M ago40:40

40:40

In this episode, Jake and Steve break down the core traits that separate engineers who accelerate teams from those who quietly stall progress. This is a raw, practical conversation about how ego shows up in engineering—and how to replace it with real influence, clear communication, and team-building behaviors that actually get noticed. Not theory—p…

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Reshaping the Homebuilding Industry with Advanced Robotics and Microfactories w/ Vikas Enti

2M ago

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Imagine a future where homes are built faster, more affordably, and with the flexibility to meet the needs of any community—all while tackling the immense challenge of climate change. Today’s conversation is centered on rethinking one of the world’s oldest industries: construction. Co-Founder and CEO of Reframe Systems, Vikas Enti, will explore why…

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No Experience? Here’s How to Get Your First Job in Construction or Engineering 13:32

2M ago13:32

13:32

Where do you go to get experience… when you don’t have any? In this episode of ProfitDig Live, we respond to a great viewer question: How does someone with no job experience—like a new engineer—get started in the construction industry? We break it down with real-world advice on internships, co-ops, field experience, and why working your way up matt…

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Episode 109: Guest David Hall - If You Think More Than You Speak, You’re Not Broken—You’re Dangerous 55:50

2M ago55:50

55:50

This one’s for every engineer who’s ever been told to “speak up more” without being given a blueprint. David Hall—author of Minding Your Time and host of The Quiet and Strong Podcast—joins us to dismantle the noise around introversion in the workplace. He’s not here with theory. This is tactical, field-tested insight for deep thinkers who want to l…

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Industrial DataOps and Rise of AI Agents w/ Aron Semle

2M ago

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In this conversation, Chief Technology Officer of HighByte, Aron Semle, dives into the concept of Industrial DataOps. He talks about some of the unique challenges with collecting and managing data in manufacturing environments and the importance of contextualizing it all to drive action. Aron also touches on the the rise of AI agents. He explains h…

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Episode 108: Guest Mark Smith - Fired, Hired, and Thriving — Real Lessons from the Early Career Shitshow 52:59

2M ago52:59

52:59

Episode 108: Guest Mark Smith - Fired, Hired, and Thriving — Real Lessons from the Early Career Shitshow Your first engineering job might suck. It might burn you out, betray your expectations, or end with you getting fired. That’s not a failure—it’s training. In this episode, we sit down with Mark Smith, founder of Bothwell Engineering, to unpack t…

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Jon M. Williams: The Evolution from EV Batteries to Broader Energy Solutions 20:39

3M ago20:39

20:39

In this episode, we speak with Jon M. Williams, CEO of Viridi Parente, a company at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions. With over 35 years of entrepreneurial experience, Jon offers valuable insights into innovation, leadership, and the evolving landscape of battery technology.By Ryan Cote

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Fair Chance Hiring: Transforming Businesses and Lives w/ Marcus Sheanshang

3M ago

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In today's conversation, CEO of JBM Packaging, Marcus Sheanshang, will share how his company's Fair Chance Hiring program – focused on recruiting, hiring and training previously incarcerated individuals – has not only filled critical staffing gaps but created transformational second chances in their lives. From setting up training equipment inside …

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How to Find General Contractors Willing to Work with New Subs 12:13

3M ago12:13

12:13

Trying to break into the construction industry as a new sub or startup contractor? In this episode of ProfitDig Live, we answer a viewer’s question: Where can I find GCs or architects who’ll give me a shot as a new guy? Jeff Spencer and the crew lay it all out—from how to build relationships on the job site, to walking into GC offices, to why your …

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Episode 107: Learn the Game: Systems, Strategy, and the Equity You’re Missing 24:37

3M ago24:37

24:37

Episode 107: Learn the Game: Systems, Strategy, and the Equity You’re Missing In this no-BS breakdown, Jake and Steve dive deep into what separates high performers from invisible ICs. It's not just about doing the work—it's about building value that compounds over time. From turning templates into leverage, to earning internal loyalty and external …

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Stronger Relationships, Stronger Manufacturing: The Power of Trust w/ Michael Kornuta

3M ago

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In this episode, founder and CEO of NORAMARK, Michael Kornuta, shares how his experiences in design and fabrication have led him to observe a lack of connectivity among U.S. manufacturers – particularly when compared to the Chinese manufacturing ecosystem. And he'll offer a perspective on why stronger networks that are rooted in trust will be key t…

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Young Foreman vs. Seasoned Crew: Earning Respect the Hard Way (Answering Viewer Questions) 14:20

3M ago14:20

14:20

How do you lead a crew that’s older and more experienced than you? In this episode of the ProfitDig Live Show, Jeff Spencer shares a raw, real story about becoming a foreman at 23—managing guys who’d been in the game longer than he’d been alive. It wasn’t easy. It involved nerves, pushback, lost sleep—and firing a longtime team member to keep the c…

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Episode 106: Guest Aaron Moncur - If You’re Not Building Energy, You’re Dying at Your Desk 59:40

3M ago59:40

59:40

Episode 106: Guest Aaron Moncur - If You’re Not Building Energy, You’re Dying at Your Desk Guest: Aaron Moncur, Founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering In this episode of The Impactful Engineer Podcast, Jake and Steve sit down with Aaron Moncur—founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering and host of The Being an Engineer podcast—to talk about the car…

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Lessons from China: Competing on Innovation, Energy and Agility w/ Drew Allen

3M ago

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Is American manufacturing falling behind? In this episode, Drew Allen, CEO of Grace Technologies, warns that the rise of advanced manufacturing in China is creating urgency. From extensive investments in solar and nuclear power to the expansive rise of dark factories, China’s manufacturing facilities are running faster and smarter. We'll talk about…