How a third-generation builder turned a storage-unit startup into a national infrastructure powerhouse—and what’s next for tech’s invisible backbone.

Floyd Auten, COO and co-founder of TechNet Partners, joins Neal for an episode that digs deep into the literal and figurative foundations of tech. From punchdowns in high school to powering stadiums and data centers across the country, Floyd shares how his family legacy in electrical work turned into a career designing the infrastructure that keeps the digital world running.

They talk about life safety systems, the rise of AI tools in design, the Padres’ Wi-Fi network, and how Floyd’s team at TechNet is scaling services across all 50 states.

Floyd also shares what it meant to win the Top Tech Award in 2024—and why he’s excited to help spotlight other behind-the-scenes innovators this year.

🔑 Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

• [2:00] Floyd’s start: lessons from his grandfather’s Navy electrician days

• [5:30] How TechNet grew from a storage-unit office to 300+ employees

• [9:00] Life safety tech: upgrading USC’s 911 system and keeping infrastructure resilient

• [12:30] Data center growth + designing for sustainability

• [17:00] From Padres Wi-Fi to MLB partnerships and stadium-scale solutions

• [21:00] Floyd’s long-running partnership with Cox Business

• [26:30] Winning a Top Tech Award and inspiring the next wave of tech leaders

• [29:00] Advice for founders and future tech leaders: love the work, and find mentors

• [33:00] 🌮 Taco Talk: Floyd’s go-to spot is TJ Tacos in Escondido

🏆 Top Tech Awards:

Floyd was recognized at the 2024 Top Tech Awards - and now he’s helping select the next generation of unsung tech heroes.

👉 Know someone making tech magic happen behind the scenes?

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Top Tech Awards!

Submit yours before May 2 at toptechawards.com

🔗 Links:

• Floyd Auten on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/floyd-auten-rcdd-364a4410

• TechNet Partners: technetpartners.com

• Top Tech Awards Nomination: toptechawards.com

• TJ Tacos: Yelp link