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.

In this episode, Chuck and Howie sit down with Patrick Jester, Founder of Blackthorn Consulting Group, to explore his unconventional path through aviation, military service, metrology, law, and leadership. Patrick shares how mentorship, discipline, and a commitment to excellence shaped his career—from Black Hawk helicopters to ISO/IEC 17025 assessments and consulting. The conversation dives into leadership values, ethics versus morals, the importance of integrity in quality systems, and how proficiency testing, training, and accreditation support long-term technical competence. Patrick also reflects on industry mentorship, writing Pillars of Command, and his vision for leadership within the metrology community. 

In this episode, Chuck and Howie talk with Jon Sanders, President of Additel Corporation, to uncover how technical curiosity, mentorship, and a people-first mindset shaped his path from Hart Scientific and Fluke to leading a rapidly growing metrology company. Jon shares his perspective on simplifying measurement workflows, using automation and AI in meaningful ways, developing talent from within, and strengthening quality through accreditation and proficiency testing. He also reflects on leadership, industry partnerships, and the value of culture and community in building a successful metrology organization.

In this episode, Chuck and Howie talk with Henry Zumbrun, President and fourth-generation leader of Morehouse Instrument Company, to uncover practical insights you can use to strengthen your own measurement programs—from modernizing processes and applying clear decision rules to reducing risk and improving training. Henry shares how curiosity, mentorship, and hands-on problem-solving can accelerate your expertise, highlights Morehouse’s force measurement guide and 40-week training series as tools to elevate your work, and offers personal reflections on leadership, community, and the company’s long partnership with NAPT.

In this episode, Chuck and Howie sit down with Michael Walsh, former owner of Essco Calibration Laboratory, to trace his journey from a small family business to one of the nation’s most respected calibration labs—now part of Transcat. Michael shares how his father’s work on the Apollo missions inspired Essco’s beginnings, how teamwork and trust fueled its growth, and why investing in young talent is key to the industry’s future. They discuss Essco’s nearly 30-year partnership with NAPT, the company’s lasting impact on metrology, and the importance of community and leadership. Along the way, Michael talks about his passion for golf, sailing, and music, and reflects on what it means to carry forward Essco’s legacy within the Transcat family. 

Chuck and Howie continue Season 2 with a deep dive into the evolution of calibration management software with Rhett Price, CEO of IndySoft. From humble beginnings in a small calibration lab to leading one of the industry’s fastest growing software companies, Rhett shares how innovation, teamwork, and customer focus have driven IndySoft’s success.

They explore how digital transformation, cloud technology, and data integration are reshaping the future of metrology and what it takes to lead through that change. Along the way, Rhett opens up about the culture he’s built, his passion for music and pinball, and why curiosity is key to leadership.