Distilled Buildings Tech Podcast

In this special crossover episode, Distilled Buildings Tech joins forces with Sip'N'Security for a candid conversation that blends smart buildings, cybersecurity, OT/IT convergence, and exceptional whiskey. What begins as a bottle share quickly evolves into a deep, practical discussion on identity, segmentation, and how emerging technologies are reshaping the built environment.

• Sam Houston 15 Year (103 proof) – rich, dark, and bold
• Penelope Cigar Series & Old Fashioned – dangerously smooth favorites
• International pours from Iceland and Colorado
• Award-winning rye and seasonal holiday selections
• Bonus: Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream and creative cocktail ideas

• Jason Shearer – Distilled Buildings Tech
• Akram (AK) Khalis – Distilled Buildings Tech
• Justin Fields – Sip'N'Security
• Dave Abbott – Sip'N'Security

• Why segmentation remains one of the hardest OT challenges
• The reality of securing devices with 10–20+ year lifecycles
• Why many OT vendors still “just want DHCP and outbound access”

• Identity as the foundation of IT and OT security
• Limits of standards like MUD and real-world adoption challenges
• The importance of visibility and behavioral profiling over theory

• Why cybersecurity is buried in Division 27 specifications
• The case for cybersecurity as a first-class building requirement
• The emerging need for an IT-focused general contractor

• How AI accelerates both attackers and defenders
• AI-driven SOCs, anomaly detection, and automation
• Risks around AI supply chains, model trust, and prompt injection

• Origin stories behind both shows
• Lessons learned on platforms, editing, and branding
• A surprise fan encounter proving the audience is growing

• There is no silver bullet for OT security
• Identity + visibility outperform rigid architectures
• Cybersecurity must be addressed early in building design
• AI is powerful—but only with proper governance and trust

Jason and AK wrap up an action-packed year of travel, customer workshops, and real estate events with a relaxed, guest-free conversation—and a couple pours of Penelope whiskey to stay on brand.

The episode opens with AK’s Penelope Cigar Series old fashioned (torched orange + maple syrup), and Jason uncorks a Penelope “F-Cancer” collaboration bottle—smooth, complex, and freezer-ready thanks to its higher proof.

After 12 guest interviews this season, the hosts reflect on a heavy conference cadence: Realcomm in Savannah, Partner Summit, Panduit GSIC, and Cisco Live Melbourne. They highlight a growing demand from owners, landlords, and tenants for real occupancy intelligence—a shift from buzzwords to practical, data-driven planning.

Organizations want clearer insight into how space is truly used. Wi-Fi telemetry, AI-enabled cameras, and collaboration tools are becoming mainstream inputs for workplace design.

Most enterprises now average 3–5 in-office days, especially in Class A markets. Hybrid remains, but the “magnet vs. mandate” era is fading.

A standout theme: agentic AI. The next wave of buildings must support human teams and digital/robotic agents—requiring higher Wi-Fi density, precision indoor location, and unified data across systems.

With electricity demand spiking due to AI data centers, energy optimization is becoming central. HVAC still drives ~60% of building consumption. Tenants increasingly want dynamic “eco modes” tied to occupancy, even when constrained by base-building systems.

Fault-Managed Power (Class 4) awareness has exploded—over 80% of integrators at GSIC recognized it—showing how energy-efficient, low-voltage infrastructure is going mainstream. Partner ecosystems are also evolving, with more firms building real estate practices alongside IT.

One major takeaway from global customer visits: surveillance, workplace tech, access control, and IT teams finally see the value of sharing data. These unified insights drive smarter design decisions and stronger outcomes.

Jason and AK wrap with gratitude for the community, excitement for what’s next, and a toast to a strong close to the year. Follow the show for upcoming episodes and deeper dives into future-proof workplace design.

Hosts Jason Shearer and AK kick off Distilled Building Tech with their cocktail ritual. Guest David Robinson, Director of Automation at MECHO, goes classic with an Old Fashioned (Maker’s Mark or Knob Creek). Jason pours Sweetens Cove bourbon aged in sugar-maple barrels, and AK enjoys a Penelope Four Grain.

With over 30 years in lighting and daylight control, David’s career spans South Africa, the UK, and the U.S. He now leads automation for MECHO—part of Springs Window Fashions, the largest window covering manufacturer in the U.S.—bridging the gap between artificial and natural light.

David explains MECHO’s move from electric lighting to daylight automation. Their SolarTrac system models each building in 3D, tracking the sun’s path and using rooftop radiometers to measure visible, infrared, and UV light. Algorithms compare those readings to ASHRAE standards and dynamically position shades for optimal thermal comfort and daylight balance.

Automated shading boosts both comfort and savings:

• Reduces HVAC load by blocking solar heat gain before it enters the space.
• Dims artificial lighting through daylight harvesting.
• Saves time and labor—one Los Angeles project saw full payback in under a year from eliminating manual shade adjustments.

MECHO systems connect through BACnet, dry contact, or increasingly API integrations. Their Power over Ethernet (PoE) motors provide low-voltage power and addressable control, with each motor supporting up to eight API addresses for flexible zoning and sequencing—mirroring how advanced lighting systems are orchestrated.

Moving from line voltage to PoE drastically simplifies cabling, lowers installation cost, and enables software-defined control. Each shade motor runs on Cat6 cabling directly from a PoE switch—no heavy conduit, no localized power panels—making systems faster, scalable, and future-proof.

As networks merge, MECHO designs with full TLS and 802.1X security, ensuring smart building systems meet enterprise cybersecurity standards. The team stresses resilience over isolation—secure, connected automation beats “air-gapped” legacy setups.

David also serves as President of the PoE Consortium, uniting 30+ companies to set standards, interoperability, and education for PoE. The mission: make low-voltage, network-powered systems mainstream across lighting, shading, and building automation.

Learn more at poeconsortium.com and mechosystems.com/poe.

In this episode, hosts Jason Shearer and AK sit down with Adriaan, CTO of Chardan Capital Markets, to explore how a boutique investment firm reinvented its Manhattan office into a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)–driven smart workspace. From low-voltage lighting to AI-assisted investment strategies, Adriaan shares how converging IT and real estate creates smarter, more efficient environments.

From Hockey House to Wall Street CTO:

Adriaan’s unconventional path from Rutgers and NJIT to Deloitte and ING taught him the fundamentals of networking, teamwork, and translating between technical and business worlds — a skill that defines his leadership today.

The Translator Mindset:

Why generalists who “know a little about a lot” thrive in IT-OT convergence. Adrian explains how communication and empathy are now core technical skills — especially as AI reshapes every industry.

Smart Buildings Meet Wall Street:

Adriaan led a full rebuild of Chardan’s 22,000 sq ft office near Madison Square Garden — powered entirely by Cisco PoE switches, Molex sensors, and Mecho motorized shades. The system delivers massive efficiency gains:

• 40–50% lower labor costs vs. traditional electrical work
• VLAN-segmented IoT and production networks
• Remote management and OTA updates
• Five 24-port switches powering lighting, shading, and sensors for the entire floor

Construction Challenges & Wins:

Joining late in the build forced Adriaan to rethink sequencing and GC relationships. Lesson learned: Include IT from day one — not just for Division 27 wiring. Low-voltage cabling accelerated deployment and simplified the schedule.

Operational Intelligence:

From programmable light levels to occupancy-based controls, users can personalize spaces instantly. Boardrooms feature Cisco Webex Navigators with preset lighting and shade scenes for meetings or privacy — all IP-controlled.

Data-Driven Real Estate:

With occupancy analytics, firms can reduce OpEx by dynamically powering down unused floors or restacking employees based on actual utilization. Financial services and healthcare are leading this charge toward intelligent, responsive workplaces.

Future of Workspaces:

From PoE-powered sit-stand desks to fully flexible office layouts, Adrian envisions environments that reshape themselves daily based on who’s in the office and what work is being done.

• PoE and low-voltage systems simplify design, cut costs, and speed construction.
• Real-time data enables dynamic energy and occupancy management.
• Smart offices improve employee experience and financial performance.
• AI depends on the quality of building data — and modern infrastructure delivers it.
• Early IT involvement is essential for success.

Cisco, Molex, Mecho, MHT Lighting, and the AV User Group (AVUG) community.

Find Distilled Building Tech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Follow, rate, and share — and join the conversation on how IT, real estate, and AI are redefining the future of intelligent buildings.

In this episode of Distilled Building Tech, Jason and AK welcome Giovanni Frezza, Head of Smart Building at Molex. What starts with a tasting and history of grappa quickly evolves into a compelling discussion on the future of smart buildings, AI-driven optimization, IT/OT convergence, and the changing role of facilities management.

From physics labs in Rome to the forefront of digital infrastructure, Giovanni brings a unique, data-informed perspective to how we shape the built environment.

• Giovanni shares his love for grappa, Italy’s post-wine distilled spirit.
• AK and Jason scramble to find their best substitutes.
• Discussion of varietals, aging, and cultural context.

• Giovanni’s early career in theoretical physics and neural networks (studied under Nobel laureate Giorgio Parisi).
• Transition to semiconductors and leading Molex’s Smart Building division.

• Origin of Molex’s CoreSync platform and early collaboration with Cisco.
• Four core value drivers:
  Energy efficiency & carbon neutrality
  Predictive maintenance
  Occupant wellness & comfort
  Data-driven optimization

• LLMs help simplify complex building systems for FMs and stakeholders.
• Edge ML enables behavior modeling and real-time insights.
• Comparison to autonomous vehicles—buildings are becoming adaptive, not just automated.

• The rise of the AI-native facility manager.
• Skills shift as experienced FMs retire and systems grow more complex.
• AI as a tool—not a replacement—for human decision-making.

• Why networked power (PoE) is key to infrastructure design.
• Successful projects require early collaboration between IT, OT, HR, and real estate.
• The future is unified racks, segmented networks—like the evolution from legacy telephony to VoIP.

• Visit molexcs.com to explore the CoreSync platform.
• Connect with Giovanni Frezza on LinkedIn.

From aged spirits to adaptive systems, Giovanni reminds us that the smartest buildings are the ones designed for people, powered by data, and driven by purpose.

In this energy-rich episode, hosts Jason Shearer and Akram “AK” Khalis welcome Olivier Corradi, the founder and CEO of Electricity Maps, to explore how real-time data, open APIs, and machine learning are transforming the energy grid.

From wind forecasting in Denmark to predictive emissions data for global grids, Olivier walks us through his journey from math and ML at IBM and Google to launching a startup that’s now powering decisions for the world’s largest companies. He shares how Electricity Maps became the “Google Maps of Electricity”—a real-time, open platform helping buildings, cities, and individuals decarbonize through smarter timing and usage.

• Olivier’s career journey from applied math to founding Tomorrow → Electricity Maps
• Why he wanted to build the “Google of Sustainability”
• The evolution of Electricity Maps from a data viz to a global API platform
• Enabling smart scheduling for devices (EVs, dishwashers, data centers)
• Carbon intensity, electricity prices, grid alerts, and predictive signals
• Validating massive open data sources and building trust at global scale
• How community contributions built the platform, one GitHub pull request at a time
• How Europe’s regulatory environment accelerated open grid data
• The future of smart cities, grid-scale forecasting, and ultra-granular electricity maps
• Why timing is everything when it comes to clean energy use
• Olivier’s dream: Every flexible device helping the grid decarbonize

• “The last 30% of decarbonizing the grid is the hardest—and that’s where smart flexibility matters.”
• “We want to be the Switzerland of electricity data—open, trusted, and neutral.”
• “You don’t need to spend big CapEx to make buildings smarter. You just need to connect them.”

• Olivier: A classic whiskey sour (egg white, foam, and all)
• Jason & AK: Matching sours—plus a pro tip on dry shaking for the perfect foam

New episodes drop every other Monday, mixing high-proof spirits with high-impact technology.

• Energy and grid professionals
• Sustainability and ESG leaders
• Smart building innovators
• Open data and API developers
• Home automation geeks (shoutout to Home Assistant!)
• Climate-conscious manufacturers and ISVs

• Website: electricitymaps.com
• Follow on Twitter/X: @electricitymaps
• Free tools: Public-facing maps and downloadable datasets
• API Access: Subscription-based for enterprise use
• Open source contributor? Head to the Electricity Maps GitHub Repo

In this dynamic episode, hosts Jason Shearer and Akram “AK” Khalis sit down with Scott Panzer, founder of Digital Building Solutions (DBS) and Vice Chairman at JLL, to explore how low voltage, power over Ethernet (PoE), and smart systems are revolutionizing real estate.

With a bold background in M&A, real estate, and decades of industry leadership, Scott offers an unfiltered perspective on breaking silos, dismantling outdated practices, and using technology to create connected, efficient, and future-proof spaces. From major law firm deployments to global scale-outs, he shares the DBS playbook for integrating intelligent infrastructure in both new and legacy buildings.

• Scott’s unconventional career path: from marine biology to real estate tech leadership
• The origin and mission of DBS (Digital Building Solutions)
• Why LED + PoE + Integrated Controls are disrupting traditional building systems
• Resistance from trades and how DBS navigates union partnerships and MEP pushback
• Real-world examples from clients like Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Sherman & Sterling, and Goldman Sachs
• Using occupancy analytics, desk sensors, and environmental data to power smart buildings
• How DBS enables smart retrofits in legacy buildings like Cisco Paris
• Global scale through strategic partnerships (e.g. SigmaByte in India)
• Why low voltage trades are the future—and how AI will reshape skilled labor needs
• Lessons from managing 4.5+ million square feet of PoE-enabled real estate

• “The unions are deathly afraid of low voltage—because it’s safe.”
• “AI is going to make a lot of humanity superfluous. But people with hand-eye coordination? They’ll thrive.”
• “Your office can be the engine of your business—if you wire it right.”

• Scott: Bulleit Bourbon, one big rock (as any self-respecting martini drinker would pivot to on a cold Connecticut day)
• Jason & AK: Classic bourbon pour to match the energy

New episodes drop every other Monday, blending strong spirits, smarter buildings, and strong opinions.

• Real estate developers and building owners
• MEP engineers and electrical contractors
• IT/OT integration specialists
• Smart building consultants
• Anyone interested in scalable, intelligent infrastructure

• Website: dbs-poe.com
• Follow Scott Panzer on LinkedIn — for insight, bold takes, and the occasional spicy post
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube
• Like, rate, and share the show to support smart building innovation

In this episode, hosts Jason Shearer and Akram “AK” Khalis talk with Erin McDannald, multi-time CEO and founder of Elevated, about the intersection of human health, smart building design, and measurable environmental wellness.

Erin shares her personal journey from interior design to lighting to smart building technology—and how her experience as a mother navigating her daughter’s neuroinflammatory health challenges inspired a radical approach to workplace design.

She walks us through her company’s “living lab,” using CO₂ levels, light temperature, and even sound decibels as real-time indicators of wellness, productivity, and cognitive performance in the workplace.

This conversation is a masterclass in building smarter, healthier, and more human-centric environments.

• Erin’s path from lighting to founding a digital building company
• How her daughter’s health shaped her mission for wellness in built environments
• What happens to health metrics when people return to work in a poorly ventilated space
• Why CO₂, color temperature, and sound are the new pillars of workplace productivity
• How real-time environmental data led to a 40% drop in insurance claims and $140K decrease in premiums
• Tuning lighting for calm and critical thinking instead of productivity pressure
• The business case for de-densification and rethinking compressed office footprints
• Using data and automation to shape better collaboration, movement, and wellness
• Building a “healing building” and the vision of a workplace that improves human health
• The role of neuroinflammation and indoor environments in chronic conditions
• Insights on writing her upcoming book and connecting genetic science to smart infrastructure

• “We were losing cognitive function at 800 ppm of CO₂. That’s lower than most classrooms.”
• “Decibel levels on a Tuesday tell me if we’re having a good sales week.”
• “We’ve been trying to prove that if you dial in the people and the tech, there’s ROI—and it’s lucrative.”

• Erin: Vodka Lemonade (the only thing in the fridge!)
• Jason & AK: Vodka Soda with Lime – perfect for a humid southern summer day

New episodes drop every other Monday, blending spirits, building science, and bold ideas.

• CEOs, CIOs, and workplace strategists
• Smart building and wellness consultants
• Real estate developers and property managers
• HR leaders focused on employee experience
• Indoor air quality and sensor technology innovators

• Elevated Website: poweredbyelevated.com
• Erin’s Email: [email protected]
• Find Erin on LinkedIn – she’s actively sharing ideas and engaging with the community
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube

In this episode, hosts Jason Shearer and Akram “AK” Khalis sit down with Jeff Beavers, Executive Director of Network Integration at NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association), to discuss the evolving landscape of smart buildings, skilled trades, and the electrification of everything.

From climbing poles in the Air Force to defining future-ready standards for fault-managed power and limited energy systems, Jeff shares a career-spanning perspective that blends traditional electrical wisdom with cutting-edge tech. Together, the hosts and guest explore the convergence of AC/DC power, workforce shortages, the future of skilled trades, and why e-sports gamers might be tomorrow’s electricians.

• Jeff’s early telecom roots in the Air Force and journey into infrastructure
• The history and evolving mission of NECA in shaping power standards
• Limited energy systems and why the term matters for the future of design
• The parallel between AC adoption in 1900 and DC/FMP adoption today
• Global standards: Will RJ45 and USB-C power the world?
• The labor shortage and how to reach the next generation of tradespeople
• Micro-lessons and podcasting as tools for workforce education
• Industry partnerships with Google, Cisco, and IBEW to train the future
• Recruiting gamers, influencers, and digital natives into the trades

• Jeff: The “Old Fashioned” … water! (With a splash of ginger beer to spice things up)

New episodes drop every other Monday, blending smart buildings, big ideas, and a splash of your favorite drink.

• Electrical and low-voltage contractors
• Code and standards professionals
• Data center and MEP engineers
• Workforce development leaders
• Policy makers and educators
• Young professionals and students exploring skilled trades

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or YouTube
• Leave a review and share with your network
• Explore NECA’s Podcast: Connectivity, Powered by NECA
• Follow Jason, AK, and Jeff on LinkedIn

In this flavorful episode, hosts Jason Shearer and Akram “AK” Khalis sit down with Jonathan Lumley-Sapanski, owner of Lum’s Cellars, to explore the intersection of whiskey, entrepreneurship, storytelling, and community.

Jonathan walks us through his journey from the high-paced restaurant grind to launching his own bottle shop in Maplewood, New Jersey. With an eye for craft, a respect for heritage, and a passion for educating consumers, Jonathan shares how his store curates private barrels, honors lesser-known distilleries, and builds customer trust one pour at a time.

• Jonathan’s hospitality and sales background—and what led him to open Lum’s Cellars
• Renovating a 100-year-old store and honoring the legacy of its previous owner
• How storytelling, heirloom grains, and transparency shape the new whiskey landscape
• The rise of MGP-sourced spirits and the cult appeal of brands like Found North and Penelope
• Balancing allocated bottles and consumer expectations in a specialty shop
• The role of education, trust, and flavor exploration in retail liquor sales
• How climate, glassware, and personal taste shape how we enjoy whiskey
• Building a retail brand rooted in transparency, community events, and deep knowledge

• Penelope Rio — https://shop.penelopebourbon.com/products/rio
• Koval Four Grain — https://www.koval-distillery.com/newsite/whiskey/four-grain

• The reality of whiskey allocations and distributor relationships
• Why some $30 bottles outperform $80 ones in blind tastings
• The power of private barrel selections to differentiate a store
• How brands blend marketing, storytelling, and substance
• The “WebMD effect” of informed (and misinformed) whiskey shoppers

• Jonathan’s go-to drink: The Boulevardier
• Why rye makes a cocktail sing—and how spice complements bitter

Episodes drop every other Monday, blending smart buildings, big spirits, and a little storytelling.

• Whiskey lovers and curious newcomers
• Retail entrepreneurs in the food & beverage space
• Distillers, marketers, and small producers
• Anyone interested in the craft and culture behind the bottle

• Lum Cellars on Instagram: @lumscellars
• Visit the shop: 1718 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07960
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube
• Follow Jason, AK, and Jonathan for more insider conversations