EECO Asks Why Podcast

In the industrial world the protection of motors has evolved greatly.  Dating back to the most basic of motor protection which included thermomagnetic overloads protecting motors has been important to keep business moving forward.  Mike Rathbun is an expert in motor control and protection and walks us through one of the greatest advancements for premier motor protection with the intelligent motor management relay. 

Electrical failures such as voltage imbalances, current imbalances, overloading, single phasing and grounding conditions are all areas that intelligent motor relays can manage on a continuous basis.  Mike explains the different types of relays and areas to consider when specifying the correct device.  He unpacks where users can get the most impact from this technology and how to get buy in from management on utilizing the data that is available. 

Speaking of data, there are many ways that intelligent motor relays can be used to catapult a company down the smart manufacturing and industry 4.0 journey.  Mike explains several key data points to focus on and how some of the most complex applications he's seen used this technology to improve their process.  Grab a notepad and get ready to have your questions answered around the exciting world of intelligent motor relays! 

Guest: Mike Rathbun - Power & Control Solution Architecture Manager @ EECO

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

When you combine an entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for helping others you get something special.  That's exactly what you'll see and hear from our hero Aidan Benkowski. He has a curiosity for some of the most complex problems in industry and loves to find ways to help people solve them.  At Gener8tor he spends his days connecting some of the latest ideas that can help industry connect with manufacturers that could see immediate benefit. 

Aidan shared how he began his entrepreneur journey when he started a food cart in college.  After mastering some great recipes he found immediate success and never lost focus of what the customers were asking for.  He said it best when referring to how many different complex problems exist and how solutions do exist.  In his experience you can't fit a square peg in a round hole but as your connections and network of ideas increases all of a sudden if you have 20 pegs you going to find the right one eventually.  That is a great analogy of what Aidan does at gener8tor and has an amazing journey ahead that will make a huge impact on industry.

Aidan is an avid rock climber and shared about his passion for that sport.  As a Milwaukee native he touched on some of his favorites in the lightning round.  His why centers on fostering relationships, collaborating and building communities.  There is no limit to what our hero Aidan will be able to accomplish with the bright future that is ahead of him.   

Guest: Aidan Benkowski - Assistant Director of Business Development at gener8tor

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

gener8tor
OnRamp Manufacturing Conference
Project North

In the world of power a new idea is making it rise across industry - welcome to the world of smart microgrids! Graham Staples is a pioneer in this industry and helps end users make the dream of having a smart microgrid a reality as the Power and Energy Group Manager at RoviSys.  Seeing that this is a new topic for many Graham does a fantastic job of breaking down what entails a smart microgrid solution and how the technology has evolved.  With the rise of smart devices in the power world end users now have more dynamic control than ever to react to events and provide the ultimate in reliable power solutions. 

Areas such as monitoring and safety are being impacted in huge ways because of this technology.  Imagine a world where we can remove personnel from an electrical substation simply by having impactful data at your fingertips.  It's happening daily and Graham explains how companies that want to improve their position with personnel safety are capitalizing on these enhancements.

Once you hear about the power of these systems you'll quickly be asking how do I start. Not to worry - Graham breaks down typical road maps to begin these projects and even tackles some of the most common headwinds you may face.  This is a cutting edge and exciting idea that is making a huge impact in the industrial world! 

Guest: Graham Staples - Group Manager - Power & Energy at RoviSys

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

RoviSys
Preserving Power on Campus
Powering the Future

Get ready for a story with turns that you'll never see coming.  Jon Meighan is the President of Lake Erie Rubber and his journey there is nothing short of incredible. He always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Through that, he worked his way to being the plant manager at GE. He had a desire to make a larger impact on his community and took the leap of a lifetime and purchased Lake Erie Rubber. On the day that he was to take ownership, his daughter was born and then four days later he had his daughters in one hand and signed the papers with the other.

Jon shares about the challenges that he sees in manufacturing, advice for others that want to begin a career in the industry and he completely debunks the myth that manufacturing is not an exciting career that can be extremely fulfilling. Community is very important to Jon and he is making a direct impact on the families that are proud to be part of the Lake Erie Rubber team.

This episode is the epitome of the American Dream and you will quickly hear why Jon Meighan is our hero! 

Guest: Jon Meighan - President at Lake Erie Rubber

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Lake Erie Rubber

Lake Erie Rubber - YouTube Channel
Lake Erie Rubber - LinkedIn

As industry modernizes efforts around motor reliability continues to be at the forefront of importance. Mike Rathbun is an expert in the reliability world and takes us back to the basics to building an effective and efficient motor reliability program.  He outlines the importance of having processes in place that can be ingrained in operations with consistent repeatable functions. 

Mike spends time talking through installation best practices to ensure that when a motor asset is installed that proper due diligence is taken to ensure maximum run life is achieved.  Too many times steps are skipped in the rush to get equipment running and those steps could be greatly reducing the run life of your new motor. 

Motor storage practices are areas that get overlooked and can greatly impact reliability.  Mike walks through several use cases on how manufacturers have adopted best practices and has shown improvements.  The days of having a motor area are passing and leading end users ensure their critical spare assets are in controlled areas with proper preventative maintenance being performed.  The end goal is for a motor be installed and run at peak efficiency out the gate and meet a desired run life.

So if you're new to industry and want to learn about the exciting world of motor reliability this conversation will bring value.  It's full of wisdom and practical insight that can be applied right now in any industrial facility. 

Guest: Mike Rathbun - Power & Control Solution Architecture Manager @ EECO

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

As a fifth-generation logger, Ray Tharpe has a passion for the wood industry that is literally is in his blood. He leads the RTM Industrial Maintenance team and has done phenomenal work in many mills in the US. He walks us through his journey and how in January of 2016 he took the leap to start his business. He shares insight into some of the hurdles the industry is facing and how his talented team is taking many of these challenges head-on and helping others achieve their goals.

Ray breaks down misconceptions of the logging industry and shares insight about how much has evolved to keep the industry strong for generations to come. He shares about a great installation of a band saw that tested their team and how they came together to overcome many hurdles and at the end of the day had an extremely happy customer.

Ray has some fun during the lightning round and shares about his wonderful family, located in the great state of Virginia. Ray is a hero of the industry and in this conversation, you'll quickly hear his passion and how it's making an impact in everything he does. 

Guest: Ray Tharpe - Owner/President at RTM Industrial Maintenance Inc.

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

RTM Industrial Maintenance

As industry continues to evolve it is important to remain focused on safety and security for control systems.  Richie Fortenberry is an expert in helping others connect the important dots that enable these systems to operate at extremely efficient levels.  Richie lays a foundation in this episode by zoning in on the importance of identifying and assessing initial hazards and failure modes.  By gaining an initial understanding of what threats exist you then can begin working on items to mitigate them.

From a security standpoint Richie does a fantastic job of keeping the focus of OT performance at the forefront while highlighting the IT methodology.  Richie even walks us through a demo that he built to expose certain areas of safety and security that is making an impact with many people.  He centers the demo around a safety PLC that is simulating a traffic camera system.  From there he shows how hackers could attack such a system and the chaos that it can cause.  It's led to great conversations with others around these concepts and is a direct way to tie the worlds together. 

Richie references several standards that help ensure systems have the right level of safety and security is specified.  He also references real world instances that happen every day and steps others can take to head them off.  He explains the topic of security by optimism and gives the leaders of industry areas to consider to make themselves better in the future.  Richie is a key expert in these areas and this episode is full of wisdom and insight that will create safe and secure control systems in the future.  Grab your notepad as this one will have you jotting down ideas from start to finish. 

Richie Fortenberry - Consulting Engineer/Operations Manager at Prism Systems

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Prism Systems 

Mayuri Dahibhate has a phenomenal journey and shares great insight to her career in engineering.  After completing her education in her home country of India Mayuri had the opportunity to work in several exciting roles focused on MES solutions.  Currently she is an MES engineer at E-Technologies Group and is on the front line of helping manufacturers achieve goals they could only have dreamed about in the past.  She sees data security as being the biggest headwind and has a passion for helping end users keep their data secure.

Mayuri offers advice to those wanting to pursue a career in industry and encourages others to never stop learning.  In her experience technology is constantly evolving so to be an effective leader one must move with the changes.  Learning doesn't stop with a diploma and comfort zones can be dangerous.  Challenge yourself and unlock the potential inside.

She opens up about life outside of engineering and shares about several blogs that she enjoys working on that highlight some of her travel experiences and her passion about interior design.  Driven and productive are the two words that Mayuri describes herself as and in her "why" she talks about how those traits motivate her daily to give it her best.  We would like to add "HERO" to that list as you'll quickly hear why Mayuri is a hero in our book after hearing her story.

Guest: Mayuri Dahibhate - MES Engineer at E-Technologies Group

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Travel Blog
Pinterest
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Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Good Vibes, Good Life
The Magic of Thinking Big

Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) are being optimized to make huge impacts in manufacturing and Sandy D'Souza is a leading expert in this technology.  The evolution of CMMS systems is fascinating and the original roots began with technicians carrying clipboards capturing data.  Fast forward and Sandy explains how the wave of technology that is impacting manufacturing is being optimized to gather meaningful data and help end users make better decisions in the moment.

Sandy explains the importance of focusing on the user experience and how by working with maintenance and operations so much can be accomplished.  Finding ways to incorporate these systems into a process that users embrace not only builds advocates but it leads to phenomenal results.  He gives extremely valuable advice to those wanting to expand or build a CMMS system that will head off many headwinds.  Such as find areas that success can be seen quickly and begin building systems from there.  Proving technology first is a great step and then scale once you have momentum.

Finally Sandy talks through adoption, efficiency and connectivity in regards to these solutions. In the extremely competitive world of manufacturing every company is searching for ways to get and maintain an advantage.  Solutions such as CMMS are key in the future success and future growth of many businesses going forward.  Grab a notebook and get ready to learn all about the exciting world of CMMS from one of the most passionate industry leaders out there!

Guest: Sandy D'Souza - Director Strategic Alliances at Fiix Software

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

Fiix Software

From selling Harley's to insurance/finance to now a wonderful Industrial Control Technician Mary Bruce Clemons' journey will have you on the edge of your seat.  Her passion for STEAM - yes you read that right - comes through with everything she does.  She connected early with art and sees the beauty in using that as a means to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Mary believes in the power of volunteering and feels this is a great way to learn what your passion is.  She sees it as a great opportunity to help a cause and build your network as well.  Her mindset is to go into these engagements knowing that someone there knows something that you don't.  From there her suggested path is to ask those smart people dumb questions and then soak in the wisdom!

Mary has a passion for industry and is a doer at heart.  She loves it when she has her task list by her side and a drill in her hand. For fun she finds satisfaction in making postal mail for people she cares about.  If she can make someone's day for the cost of a stamp that brings a big smile to her face.

Mary's lightning round is by far the most memorable and unique which speaks to her wonderful personality.  She is an absolute hero and her story is sure to bless many and create inspiration for those wanting to following their dreams! 

Guest: Mary Bruce Clemons - Industrial Controls Technician at TW Controls

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

TW Controls

STEAM initiatives:

Steam Day: 

https://eng.vt.edu/steam-day-2020.html

Local education institutions contribute content and engagement to a wide range of regional youth k-12 via an annual trade show and interactive experience in Roanoke, Virginia. Hosted by Virginia Polytechnic Institute at the Science Museum of Western Virginia, Taubman Fine Art Museum, and the Virginia Transportation Museum. 

 Virginia Education Strategies: 

https://virginiaedstrategies.org/

Grant writing agency dedicated to connecting education and industry by navigating educational and manufacturing institutions.

Mini Maker Faire: 

https://roanoke.makerfaire.com/

https://makerfaire.com/makerfairehistory/

“Maker Faire” is a global brand that local areas can work under as a wagon wheel initiative brand. These events are held locally and are built by their communities to connect with children to increase industry in the long term.

STEAM Academies in SWVA:

Science Museum of Western Virginia:
https://smwv.org/

Vector Space:
https://vector-space.org/

Habitat for Humanity:
https://www.habitat.org/

Podcasts:

Ologies with Alie Ward:
https://www.alieward.com/ologies

Box of Oddities:
https://www.theboxofoddities.com/