This week, prepare for a surprise deep dive with the one and only Tony Mormino, the host of HVAC TV! We'll explore the fascinating origin story of his popular show and hear firsthand about his experience in the HVAC industry. Beyond the nuts and bolts, Tony will share his inspiring perspective on giving back to the community and reveal the surprising places where he finds motivation and creativity simply in the act of doing. Get ready for an insightful conversation that goes beyond comfort control.

The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving – are you keeping pace? We speak with seasoned cybersecurity expert Greg Fitzpatrick to demystify essential best practices that form the foundation of strong security. Beyond immediate steps, we also delve into the future of cyber threats, gaining a clear understanding of the challenges ahead and the evolving defensive strategies that will be paramount in maintaining digital safety. And a little bit about football in the off season.

Learn more about the critical effort towards Cyber Harmony

We're back with Part 2 in this series.

Starting your journey as a controls engineer or system integrator or mentoring the next generation of controls professionals? The world of Building Controls can seem vast and complex. In this episode of It's a Controls Problem, Charles Johnson breaks down what the field really looks like for newcomers. He explores the common challenges, day-to-day realities, and crucial first hurdles you'll likely encounter. More importantly, Charles offers practical advice and strategies on how to navigate this initial phase successfully, build a strong foundation, and turn early challenges into valuable learning experiences. Tune in for essential on-the-job insights.

Starting your journey as a controls engineer or system integrator or mentoring the next generation of controls professionals? The world of Building Controls can seem vast and complex. In this episode of It's a Controls Problem, Charles Johnson breaks down what the field really looks like for newcomers. He explores the common challenges, day-to-day realities, and crucial first hurdles you'll likely encounter. More importantly, Charles offers practical advice and strategies on how to navigate this initial phase successfully, build a strong foundation, and turn early challenges into valuable learning experiences. Tune in for essential on-the-job insights.

In this episode of "It's a Controls Problem," we welcome Danielle Radden and Keith Gipson from facil.ai to unravel the potential of AI in building automation. We delve into the fascinating creation story of facil.ai, exploring how their vision for AI-powered HVAC optimization took shape. We tackle common misconceptions about AI's capabilities in building controls, separating hype from reality.

Danielle and Keith share their insights on the challenges faced in integrating sophisticated AI into existing infrastructure, discussing the complexities of data integration, system compatibility, and the ever-evolving landscape of building technology. We look ahead, examining the future of AI-driven building management and the path towards more sustainable spaces.

In this episode of "It's a Controls Problem," we sit down with Mike Conway, the visionary behind Stack+Joules, a dynamic non-profit empowering the next generation of controls engineers. Discover how this non-profit is channeling an overlooked pool of talent and helping to provide them opportunities in an industry in urgent need of young professionals eager to succeed.

Mike shares Stack+Joules' inception story, revealing the spark that ignited his passion for hands-on, practical education. We delve into the unique learning experience students gain through the program, exploring the real-world skills and knowledge they acquire in the realm of building automation and controls.

Mike walks us through the innovative curriculum and projects that are shaping these students' futures, and we discuss the program's impressive impact on their career trajectories. We also look ahead, discussing the ambitious goals and exciting developments on the horizon for Stack+Joules.

Find out more about Stacks+Joules

This week we take you on a journey through the present and future of artificial intelligence in Building Automation with guest developer & engineer, Cameron Keene. Discover how AI is being used today to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance occupant comfort. We don't stop there. We also delve into the exciting and sometimes outlandish possibilities of AI, challenging listeners to imagine the more abstract concepts of where AI might go. Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran or simply curious about the intersection of AI and construction, this podcast offers valuable insights and engaging conversations.

Fun Fact: This is the pilot episode and proof of concept for It's a Controls Problem and the full taping is over two hours, chaotic, and the audio was rough in post production. But we love the content and wanted to share it with you. Enjoy.

In this episode of It's a Controls Problem, we welcome Phil Zito, the founder of Smart Buildings Academy, to discuss the critical role of ongoing education in the smart building industry. Phil shares his expertise on how professionals can adapt to technological advancements, bridge skill gaps, and maintain a competitive edge. We delve into practical strategies for continuous learning, the challenges of staying current, and the future of smart building technology. If you're passionate about staying ahead in this dynamic field, this episode is a must-listen.

Learn more about SBA: https://www.smartbuildingsacademy.com/

In this episode of It's a Controls Problem, we recap our experience at the AHR Expo 2025. We discuss the latest trends in building automation, including the state of AI in BAS, the growing importance of cybersecurity, and the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions. We also share our predictions for the future of building automation, including the potential for more connected and intelligent buildings.

AHR 2025 is just around the corner, and if you're in the HVAC or Building Automation world, this is the event you don't want to miss! This episode is your essential guide to maximizing your AHR experience. We're sharing insider tips on effective networking, how to prepare for the show floor, and a glimpse of some of the exciting innovations you can expect to discover.

Plus, your hosts Charles and Matthew will be at the Lynxspring booth #1481 - come say hi and connect with us in person!