We’ve all seen it: A new product launches with incredible specs and "game-changing" features, only to gather dust because it didn't solve a real problem for the facility manager.

So, how do manufacturers stop building "cool" things and start building necessary things?

In this week’s episode we sat down with Joseph Aamidor of Aamidor Consulting for a masterclass on product strategy in the built environment.

Joseph doesn't just talk about the tech; he focuses on the messy intersection where innovation meets reality.

The "Cool" Trap: Why so many product roadmaps disconnect from building needs.

The Reality Check: The one question manufacturers must ask before launching a new product.

The Future of BAS: How industry consolidation is changing the game for smaller innovators.

If you are a manufacturer, an integrator, or just someone trying to make sense of the noise in the Smart Building sector, this conversation is a must-listen.

In this episode, we are Mucking Through Digital Sludge with Andrew Rodgers of Ace IoT Solutions. We explore why the promise of the "Smart Building" often gets bogged down in a messy reality of unorganized, untagged, and unusable data.

Andrew takes us on a journey through the three stages of the data crisis:

1. The Descent: How he first entered the industry and realized that despite the high-tech sensors, the underlying infrastructure was messy and disconnected.

2. The Sludge: We drill into why the process is broken. Why does valuable operational data turn into digital waste? Who is responsible when the data hand-off fails between the construction team and operations? And why do expensive analytics dashboards turn into abandoned "shelfware"?

3. The Clean-Up: Finally, we discuss how to pave a path out of the mess. Andrew shares his insights on semantic tagging, standardizing data models, and how to align IT and OT goals to finally turn that sludge into fuel for business outcomes.

If you feel like your building’s data is holding you back rather than propelling you forward, this conversation is your boots-on-the-ground guide to getting unstuck.

Join Charles and Matthew this week as they dive into the very real and pervasive issue of burnout in the modern workplace. It's more than just a bad day; it's a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress.

The guys share their own past struggles with the demanding pace of their careers and break down the often-missed signs of burnout, from chronic cynicism to reduced professional efficacy. They discuss why so many people feel pressured to "hustle culture" their way to success, often leading them straight to a wall.

But it's not all doom and gloom! Charles and Matthew move past the problem to offer actionable tools and strategies you can start using today to prevent and address burnout.

They explore:

• Setting Better Boundaries: Techniques for saying 'no' and protecting your personal time.

• The Power of Proactive Breaks: Moving beyond the standard lunch break to incorporate true recovery time.

• Mindfulness and Movement: Simple, science-backed ways to regulate your nervous system.

This week, we sit down with Gulai Shen of the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities. Gulai helps us unpack the complex world of AI-driven building management, focusing on the many factors that influence how and where AI can be applied effectively with a people-centric focus.

We dive deep into the critical role of data quality, discussing how clean, reliable data is the single most important factor for successful AI implementation. Gulai explains that an AI system is only as good as the information it's trained on, and how poor data can lead to flawed decisions, wasted energy, and even compromised safety.

The security of Building Automation Systems (BAS) is a hot topic, but what exactly is the threat landscape? In this episode, we're joined by Michael MacMahon, Director of the Intelligent Building Studio at Newcomb & Boyd. He'll walk us through the evolving risks that smart buildings face, from an increase in identified vulnerabilities to the challenges of securing complex, integrated systems. We'll discuss the transition to IP-based systems, the importance of a "Secure by Design" philosophy, and how a cohesive team approach that integrates IT, facilities, and physical security is essential for a strong defense. Tune in to learn how to proactively address vulnerabilities and strengthen your building's cybersecurity posture against real-world threats.

We are very excited to have the one and only Ed Merwin, who recently celebrated 50 years with Honeywell, join us in this episode. We jump into his introduction to the controls world, his career in the pursuit of more intelligent buildings, the protocol wars, and more. We highlight some of Ed's contributions to the industry and just barely scratch the surface of his hard-earned experience.

In this episode we sit down with Brian Vaughn of Technify, exploring a provocative idea: that our relentless pursuit of innovation has, paradoxically, hindered true interoperability. Brian reveals how the drive for proprietary systems and quick wins has led to a fragmented landscape, leaving us with smart tech that struggles to truly communicate. He argues that we're often skipping a crucial question "But Why?" in our rush to build the next big thing or sell a project. Tune in as we challenge the status quo and uncover how asking fundamental questions could finally unlock the full potential of a truly connected world.

In this episode, we sit down with John Albanese, Director of Smart Buildings at The QuestCom Group, Inc., to explore his fascinating journey into the world of smart buildings. John shares insights into his evolution within the industry and elaborates on why the design-build approach just works, highlighting its effectiveness and benefits in modern project scoping and smart building initiatives.

This week, we're rewinding to the very beginning to explore the genesis of the Building Automation System. Long before "smart" was a marketing buzzword, pioneering academics and engineers were tinkering with the foundation of intelligent buildings as we know them today.

In this episode, we'll cover the onset and chart the critical developments of a transformative decade. Learn how the 1973 energy crisis acted as the primary catalyst for innovation in building technology, pushing the industry toward greater efficiency. We'll venture into the move from purely mechanical and pneumatic systems to the first computer-based controls and the proprietary systems that defined this early era.

Whether you're a building professional, a tech enthusiast, or just curious about the hidden history of our built environment, this episode will provide a crucial understanding of where the smart building revolution truly began - from a coal room shovel to the DDC system.

Ever wondered what it takes to power a university sustainably? In our latest episode, we sit down with Kenny "Kenergy" Seeton, the brilliant mind behind Central Plant Operations and Strategic Energy Projects at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Get ready to learn about cutting-edge energy strategies, campus innovation, and Kenny's unique approach to a more sustainable future.

Like Kenny says: If Better is Possible, Good is not Enough.