ChatNAPT with A.I. Chatterbots Chuck & Howie

Season 2 of ChatNAPT brought together some of the brightest minds in metrology, calibration, quality, and accreditation to share real-world lessons on leadership, workforce development, innovation, and technical excellence. From CEOs and laboratory owners to NASA experts and quality leaders, our guests discussed the challenges facing today's laboratories and the strategies helping organizations stay competitive, compliant, and future-ready. 

The biggest takeaway? Success in metrology isn't just about measurements—it's about building strong teams, embracing new technology, developing talent, and creating systems that drive continuous improvement. Whether you're a laboratory manager, quality professional, technician, or business leader, Season 2 delivered practical insights you can apply to strengthen your operations, reduce risk, improve performance, and prepare for what's next in the industry. 

And stay tuned, ChatNAPT Season 3 is coming this fall, with new guests, fresh perspectives, and actionable insights to help you get even more from your proficiency testing program.

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NAPT will be in Kansas City, MO, July 27–29 for the NCSL International Workshop & Symposium 2026, and we're looking forward to connecting with the metrology community once again.

If you're planning to attend, stop by and say hello. Whether you've worked with NAPT for years or are just getting to know us, we'd love the opportunity to meet, catch up, and talk about what's happening in your lab.

The day before the symposium begins, we'll be celebrating NAPT's 30th Anniversary—and you're invited.

📅 July 26, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 John's Big Deck | Kansas City, MO

Join us for an afternoon of great conversations, networking, food, drinks, and a chance to celebrate 30 years of supporting laboratories through proficiency testing.

If you're attending NCSLI, we'd love to see you there. 

RSVP and get all the details here: https://www.proficiency.org/30th-anniversary-party/

What does it take to grow a family business into one of the most recognized names in weighing and measurement?

In this episode of ChatNAPT, Chuck and Howie sit down with, Bobby Feigler President and CEO of Michelli Weighing & Measurement. Bobby shares the story behind Michelli’s growth from a small New Orleans business founded in 1947 to a company serving customers across the country.

The conversation covers industrial scales, calibration labs, and why accurate measurement matters more than most people realize. Bobby explains how measurements impact everything from manufacturing and transportation to food production and safety-critical industries.

They also discuss leadership, company culture, and the challenge of developing skilled technicians in today’s workforce. Drawing from his Army background and years of business experience, Bobby shares his approach to building strong teams and creating a company where people can grow.

Along the way, the episode also touches on family, travel, military service, and the lessons learned from decades in business.

If you work in metrology, calibration, or laboratory operations, this episode offers an honest look at leadership, growth, and the people behind the measurements that keep industries running.

What can you learn from managing metrology in a nuclear environment and how can it make your lab run better?

In this episode of ChatNAPT, Chuck and Howie sit down with Heath Moore, Senior Manager of Calibration Services at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). With nearly three decades of experience, Heath shares what it takes to lead calibration operations where downtime is not an option and every decision carries weight.

They talk about the realities labs face every day, from hitting turnaround times and handling technician shortages to working with legacy equipment that still has to perform. Heath also breaks down why communication is often the biggest hidden issue in lab performance and what leaders can do to fix it.

The conversation also gets into one of the biggest challenges right now, building and keeping a strong technical team. From developing new technicians to creating a culture where people step up and support each other, there are clear takeaways you can apply immediately in your own lab.

What does a 40-year career in metrology really look like and how do you build one that lasts?

In this episode of ChatNAPT, Chuck and Howie sit down with Danae Powell, General Manager of Precision Measurement at Carlton Industrial Solutions and a longtime leader in the metrology community. From her early days in the Marine Corps to leading teams and building labs, Danae shares the real story behind her career and the moments that shaped it.

They talk about how people actually find their way into metrology, why strong technical foundations still matter, and what it takes to lead in an industry that’s constantly evolving. The conversation also dives into the current state of NCSLI, the need to rebuild engagement across the community, and why collaboration is more important now than ever.

Because at the end of the day, metrology isn’t just about standards or compliance, it’s about the people behind the measurements and the experience they bring to the table.

What will it take to close the growing skills gap in metrology and who’s leading the charge?

In this episode of ChatNAPT, Chuck and Howie sit down with Ken Racen, Director of Operations at Applied Technical Services and founder of the Metrology Institute, to discuss workforce development, education, and the future of the industry.

Ken shares his vision for building a centralized hub for metrology training, one that brings together existing programs, supports accredited pathways, and elevates calibration as a recognized skilled trade. The conversation explores the challenges of attracting new talent, the limitations of current training models, and the importance of collaboration across organizations, educators, and industry leaders.

Because the future of metrology depends on how we train the next generation.

What does it take to lead metrology at a global manufacturer and where can those skills take you beyond the lab? In this episode of ChatNAPT, Chuck and Howie sit down with Steve Stahley of Cummins, Inc., Director of Measurement Excellence, recipient of the 2025 Wildhack Award, and brewery owner, to talk leadership, technical excellence, and career growth. 

Steve shares insight on accreditation, uncertainty analysis, mentorship, and leading teams across global manufacturing environments, while also reflecting on transferable skills and why stronger education and certification pathways matter for the future of the field.

Because the path from the lab might lead further than you ever expected.

In this episode, Chuck and Howie welcome Troy Thomas, President of Essco Calibration Laboratory, back to the show, but this time Troy takes the lead and turns the tables on the hosts. Instead of being interviewed, he brings the questions many labs have about proficiency testing and what really happens behind the scenes. Chuck and Howie share their perspective on how artifacts are characterized, how reference values and traceability are established, and why careful handling and clear instructions matter as kits move from lab to lab. Troy adds his experience from the laboratory side, talking about how proficiency testing can uncover small issues that lead to important improvements in processes, training, and measurement practices. The conversation also touches on how the calibration industry continues to evolve, including the growing role of technology and the potential impact of AI tools. 

Chuck and Howie hit pause midseason to return to the open, unscripted conversations that launched ChatNAPT. Starting with recent headlines, they dig into responsibility, ethics, and the real-world impact of metrology work—especially how small oversights and complacency can snowball into bigger issues. They also discuss leadership, mentorship, accreditation, and staying engaged for long-term professional growth.

Chuck reflects on NAPT’s 30-year milestone and how it grew into a leading proficiency testing provider for the metrology community. The episode closes with a preview of upcoming guests and an invitation for listeners to submit questions and future topic ideas.

In this episode, Chuck and Howie sit down with Stephen Doty to reflect on a career that spans Navy calibration work, pressure and vacuum metrology, accreditation program leadership, and quality management at NASA. Stephen shares what brought him out of retirement and into the metrology lab at Marshall Space Flight Center, and how that environment encourages collaboration, shared best practices, and true partnership with internal customers. The conversation explores the evolution from legacy standards to ISO/IEC 17025, why ongoing education (for both labs and customers) matters, and how contract review and process consistency help prevent “quality blind spots.” They also discuss how accreditation has changed over time, what labs should consider when choosing an accreditation body, and why proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparisons remain essential tools for validating competence and improving measurement performance. The episode wraps with Stephen’s personal path into metrology and practical advice for those entering the field: stay curious, ask questions, and be a sponge for learning.

In this episode, Chuck and Howie welcome Tom Lilly, CEO of Global Cents, to talk about a topic that impacts every accredited lab: document control. Tom shares how regulated organizations manage SOPs, approvals, records retention, and audit readiness and why “if it’s not documented, it didn’t happen” still drives quality. The conversation also covers leadership, lessons from military service, and how AI is being used to improve intelligent automation in documentation workflows while keeping humans in the loop. A must-listen for anyone working in metrology, calibration, quality, or compliance.