Innovation Overload

In this episode of Innovation Overload, host Adam Davis, Director of Fabrication & Modular Solutions at Miller Electric Company, talks with Brian Yetter, Prefabrication Manager at Hatzel & Buehler, about building a prefab operation that drives real project performance. Yetter shares practical lessons on creating feedback between the field and shop, involving teams in problem-solving, and developing younger workers to think critically and improve processes. For electrical contractors evaluating prefab or refining existing operations, this conversation highlights how strong preconstruction planning, workforce development, and a culture of continuous improvement can turn innovation into measurable results.

"Innovation is order born from chaos." 

In this episode of Innovation Overload, host Todd Grossweiler of Allison-Smith Company talks with Cameron Binegar from Gerke Electric about embracing the messy moments, growing through the challenge, and turning effort into real progress. Innovation is simple—it’s what you put in that defines what you get out.

"Find your champions. You find the people that want to push the envelope, you find the folks on the cutting edge."

In this Contractor Takeover edition of Innovation Overload, Eric Spaeth of Southland Industries and Nathan Zelenock of Miller Electric Company discuss how contractors can adopt new technology by empowering internal champions, aligning tools with field needs, and building momentum through early success.

“The people in this industry are special and they love to mentor and bring others up.”

In this episode of Innovation Overload, hosts Todd Grossweiler of Allison-Smith Company and Tom Adamson of Custom Electric speak with Christy Phillips of Southwire about the culture that makes the electrical industry unique. Phillips shares her unexpected path into the industry, the mentors who helped her learn the business, and how Southwire supports contractors through education, training, and workforce initiatives like Southwire Solutions University. The conversation highlights how mentorship and industry partnerships help contractors develop talent and build a stronger workforce for the future.

"I'm not keeping track of when these subscriptions renew or how many copies we actually have."

In this Contractor Takeover edition of Innovation Overload, hosts Sean Lazarian and Jared Christman discuss a growing challenge for electrical contractors: managing the expanding number of software subscriptions used across the business. As companies add tools for estimating, project management, accounting, and field operations, it becomes harder to track what the company is paying for and who is responsible for each system. Sean and Jared share practical ideas for organizing technology ownership, gaining visibility into existing subscriptions, and avoiding unnecessary software costs.

For more on the episode, visit: https://sparkys-soapbox.com/

"We need innovative minds.  We are energy producer providers." 

This episode of Innovation Overload we are joined by Teila Allmond, Pre-Apprenticeship Manager, Instructor for Rosie's Girls, and a member of IBEW Local 98. Tune in as we dive into the creative strategies that are shaping the future of our industry.

“This isn’t your typical national convention — everyone here is deep in the weeds on innovation.”

From the MEP Innovation Conference in Austin, Texas, Jared Christman and Shawn Lazarian show why this gathering stands out in the industry. It’s all about rolling up sleeves and tackling real operational challenges with cutting-edge tools and data-driven practices. If you want to hear how innovation is actually being applied in the trades, this episode brings you inside the action.

For more on the episode, visit: https://sparkys-soapbox.com/

“For us, innovation is the practical application of creative ideas that solve real world problems.”

Michael McLin, Managing Director of Maxim Consulting Group, breaks down why organizations often struggle to convert ideas into action and how leaders can jumpstart progress by communicating better, executing more consistently, and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement. Hear how practical application, not just ideas, fuels real problem-solving and lasting change across the industry.

"Thinking out of the box is refreshing." In this episode of Contractor Takeover, host Jared Christman of Big State Electric sits down with Chris Summers, Application Engineer with Augmenta, for an insightful exploration into the rapidly evolving world of AI in the electrical industry. Together, they break down what it really means to embrace emerging technology — its strengths, its limitations, and the mindset needed to use it effectively. As Chris shares, “Do deep dives, understand what it can do for you and what it can't do for you. AI, being an emerging technology, is not perfect. It is one where you trust but verify solutions.”

https://sparkys-soapbox.com/  Tune in for a refreshing, forward-thinking conversation that will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to look at AI through a sharper, more informed lens.

"Innovation to me is pushing for change, not just to make your company better but the industry as a whole."  On this episode of the Innovation Overload Podcast, we’re joined by Katie Folk, Controller for Kaiser Electric. Tune in to hear how Katie leverages cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation, impact, and industry-wide progress.