EECO Asks Why Podcast

When the worlds of manufacturing and education collide powerful things can happen!

That's exactly what Jeremiah Williams is leading at Danville Community College in Danville, Virginia.  He is the Directior of Integrated Machining Technology and their program is leading the way in developing some of the strongest machining technicians in industry. 

Jeremiah shares how a program like his got started and the steps he is constantly taking to ensure they stay ahead of the technology curve.  They have several programs to offer students and have partnerships with the Department of Defense and other universities.  From short vocation specific programs to all out multiple year plans they have the training that is highly sought after in industry.

A constant headwind we hear is the skills gap in industrial manufacturing and the programs that DCC has developed is addressing it head on.  Jeremiah's programs even address items like soft skills that are needed to be successful in business which can often be overlooked in certain vocation curriculum.

At the end of the day manufacturing drives this country and we are proud to be able to highlight a program that is focusing so hard on helping us be as strong as possible.

Remember to keep asking why!

Danville Community College Integrated Machining Program

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Our hero Alicia Gilpin is making waves in the industrial automation world. From controls to social media influencer to podcaster her plate stays full.

In this fun hero story she unpacks her journey and shares lessons learned along the way.  She has an amazing example of how people are coming to her directly for engineering support and the new way she can serve them.  By leaning into her LinkedIn network Ali G is able to help technicians all over solve some of their most complex controller issues.

Ali G is walking out a true heroes journey daily and it was an honor to have her unpack her journey. 

Remember to keep asking why.

Guest: Alicia Gilpin - Director of Engineering at Process & Controls Engineering LLC and Co Host at Automation Ladies

Process and Controls Engineering, LLC
Automation Ladies

Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM!
Facebook
Instagram

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

The world of sourcing has changed dramatically.  In this information packed conversation Karen Blackburn returns and provides an inside look at the world of professional procurement. 

Karen covers the areas that matter most in manufacturing including:

• Sustaining and securing the supply chain
• What value added services truly matter
• Creative ways to consider freight
• The power of Vendor Managed Inventory
• Definition of the KPI's that matter most

For those in industrial manufacturing this is chocked full of insight from Karen's incredible career.  She shared a ton of wisdom that is sure to help many have a clearer picture of the world of sourcing moving forward.

Remember to keep asking why!

Guest: Karen Blackburn - Materials Manager at Dust Solutions Inc

Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM!
Facebook
Instagram

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Some heroes wear capes and others make metal fly!

Jeremiah Williams is an absolute hero of industry as he's building the next generation of machining leaders one class at a time.  His journey led him to an exciting opportunity at Rolls Royce working with some of the most cutting edge technology available.

From there he got a call that would change his path, any so many others in the future.  He built one of the most highly sought after machining programs around and his students are graduating with skills that will serve them for life.

He has a passion for teaching and breaks down what others may not have considered when evaluating a path in machining. 

This is an extremely special episode because whenever you have heroes making heroes that's worth celebrating!  Sit back and enjoy the ride as Jeremiah unpacks his amazing hero journey that will leave you fired up and inspired.

Remember to keep asking why!

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

In this special episode Chris unpacks some of the moments he has been most thankful for since we launched EECO Asks Why.

We hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving and get to celebrate with the ones that mean the most.

Women in Engineering/Industry Series:

• Start of the first series
• Last episode of the first series (10 in total!)
• Start of the second series
• Finale of the second series 

Power Series -

• Short Circuit
• Electrical Gear
• Coordination Study 
• Arc Flash
• Load Flow

Wilborne Family Spotlight - 

• Tim Wilborne's Idea Episode
• Tim Wilborne's Hero Episode
• Mary Bruce Clemon's Hero Episode 
• Mary Bruce Clemon's Idea Episode
• Michael Wilborne's Hero Episode
• Amber Wilborne's Idea Episode 

Mike Weinberg Episode 200

Manufacturing Mafia Group:

• Chris Luecke's Hero 
• Joe Sullivan Hero
• Joe Sullivan Idea
• Meaghan Ziemba Hero
• Allie Donnelly Hero
• Jeff Long Idea
• Jeff Long Hero
• Jake Hall Idea
• Jake Hall Hero 

The world of control system integration is evolving fast!

Alicia Gilpin (affectionately known as Ali G) shares insight into this exciting world.  As the Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering she is on the frontlines daily and gives a perspective that is quite unique.  Ali unpacks many critical areas to consider including:

• Cybersecurity and  how that has firmly planted itself in the controls engineering world.
• The importance of understanding IT and how OT ultimately converges.
• Value in risk assessments and the best way to respond to the data.
• Software hurdles that integrators face whenever updates occur.
• Ladder Logic vs. Python programming - who will win?
• How in-house expertise has shifted and the ways in which subject matter experts can serve this need.

Ali has a passion for industry and for helping others see the amazing opportunities that exist.  She recently launched a podcast called Automation Ladies and is seeing tremendous success.  Her LinkedIn presence is outstanding and we highly recommend following her for wonderful industry insights.

If you want to have a better understanding of where the controls system integration world is headed this is the episode for you.  Industry heroes like Ali G are an inspiration to many and the wisdom she shares will help many in their journeys.  

Remember to keep asking why.

Guest: Alicia Gilpin - Director of Engineering at Process & Controls Engineering LLC and Co Host at Automation Ladies

Process and Controls Engineering, LLC
Automation Ladies

Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM!
Facebook
Instagram

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Submarines, airplanes and supply chain...oh my!

In this powerful hero episode Karen Blackburn shares about her amazing journey through manufacturing.  Having over 40 years of hands on experience in multiple procurement roles led to a conversation full of wisdom and truth.

Karen started out working for a company that manufactured submarines for the US Navy.  She speaks to many of the lessons learned there and how they served her well in future positions.  From the deep water to the high skies she also found herself at an aerospace manufacturer.

She currently is the material managers at Dust Solutions and the insight shared about how the world of procurement has shifted was extremely insightful.  Karen shares many of the ways sourcing has evolved and how her role is completely different now than it was in recent years.

In true hero fashion we got to know what Karen enjoys outside of work and anytime she can find herself behind the camera in nature makes for a great day.  There was so much unpacked in this conversation and we know there is something there for everyone.

Here's to our hero Karen and for the many she is an inspiration to.

Remember to keep asking why!

Guest: Karen Blackburn - Materials Manager at Dust Solutions Inc

Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM!
Facebook
Instagram

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

Changing behavior is hard - especially for manufacturing.

In this thought provoking idea episode Chris Roche breaks down how those in industry can start the shift from lead generation to demand generation.  He does a phenomenal job of explaining the history of lead generation and how it evolved over the years.

In the ever changing digital landscape it is critical to develop a demand generation mindset and strategy.  Chris breaks down how focusing on video content around the problems your solutions solve is a great way to get started.  You want to build credibility and influence with potential clients at all times and when they enter the buying cycle you will be top of mind.

Chris reviews metrics that are important to measure for success including return on ad spend and sales qualified pipeline.  He explores the importance of companies embracing the idea of personal brands with their teams and how some of the best messages come from the top level leaders.

This conversation is full of wisdom and insight that can be applied to your business immediately.  Grab a notepad and remember to keep asking why!

Guest: Christopher Roche - CEO at Catalyst Consulting

Catalyst Consulting Website

Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM!
Facebook
Instagram

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

"I am addicted to building things" - Robert Cooke

Talk about an amazing journey Robert Cooke unpacks how his love of technology at an early age catapulted him into a career that takes him all over the world.  As the founder and Chief Technology Officer at 3 Forge he is on the front lines of developing game changing software solutions for many industries.

Robert shares how a computer from his grandfather got him started down a technology path.  He gives a peak inside the genesis of his company and the transformation it has seen to where it is today.

He breaks down the concept of a dependency tree and how that type of systematic thinking can help when analyzing problem areas in processes. 

Robert is a woodworking hobbyist and shares about his greatest builds thus far and the one piece of equipment he cannot go without.  We even got to meet Crouton who is his lovable Pomeranian which solidified his "Dogs or Cats" question.

This is a true hero of industry story and it was an honor to have Robert share about his adventures and it is exciting to see what comes next!

Enjoy the journey and remember to keep asking why.   

Guest: Robert Cooke - CTO and Founder at 3Forge

Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM!
Facebook
Instagram

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

The world of professional procurement has changed dramatically.  These days the focus has shifted to adding value through the supplier network. Amanda Prochaska is an expert in all things procurement and she gives an in depth review of how the game is now being played. 

Digital transformation is not just for the manufacturing floor anymore and she shares insight into many areas that companies are investing in to enhance their process.  She shares how this transformation can make an impact in areas such as:

• Process Simplification 
• Data Driven Decision Making
• Role Expansion

Amanda breaks down how the relationship between suppliers and end users has changed.  Her insight into ways that sales can engage procurement professionals in the future is game changing.

If you serve the industrial sector and find yourself working with procurement this conversation will fill you with wisdom and actionable steps you can take moving forward. We highly encourage following Amanda to learn more on the exciting world of professional procurement.  

Guest: Amanda Prochaska -  Founder & Chief Wonder Officer @ Wonder Services

Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM!
Facebook
Instagram

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