Unlock the secret to transforming the construction industry—where communication silos and outdated workflows are holding everyone back. Melissa Dixon, shares her grounded insights on how digital workflows are reshaping project efficiency from the field to the office—and why adapting now matters more than ever. Construction projects often still rely on scribbles, phone calls, and guesswork, which creates delays, rework, and frustration.

Melissa explains why digitization has been slow to catch on, and what’s finally helping teams move toward smarter, more connected ways of working. From field-to-office collaboration to AI-assisted invoice matching and site mapping, she breaks down the practical tools that are making a difference. You’ll discover:

• How systems thinking is changing the way construction teams approach the full project lifecycle
• Why digital tools need to fit existing workflows to actually get adopted
• How better content, metadata, and data quality strengthen AI and connected workflows
• Real examples of AI helping with search, matching, and documentation
• Why construction leaders need both top-down support and field-level buy-in to drive change

Melissa also shares her perspective on BIM, model-based procurement, labor data, pre-construction planning, and the importance of balancing detailed data with simplicity for the people using it every day. If you work in construction, project management, or any role touched by workflow efficiency, this conversation offers a clear, practical look at how digital transformation is unfolding in the real world. It’s not about hype — it’s about making work easier, faster, and more accurate across the entire supply chain.

Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give you insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe at  https://www.graybar.com/podcast#subscribe.

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

Learn more about Trimble: https://www.trimble.com/en/industries/construction

Gino’s On the Point: https://ginosrestaurants.co/gino-at-the-point/

YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/6fPk92sTLks

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Panduit

In this episode, guest Chris Sokoll, president of DISC Corp, a leading provider of electrical wholesale industry economic forecasting discusses the critical role of electrical distribution in the US economy.

He also covers the importance of data integrity, and future trends like clean energy and infrastructure upgrades.

Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give you insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe at https://www.graybar.com/podcast#subscribe.

To reach Chris Sokoll on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiansokoll/
Learn more about DISC Corp: https://disccorp.com
El Tiempo Cantina: https://eltiempocantina.com/
Ninfa’s: https://ninfas.com/
Truth BBQ Houston: https://truthbbq.com/

Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give you insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe at  https://www.graybar.com/podcast#subscribe.

In this episode, Walt Donovan, VP of Strategic Partnerships at DYCOM Industries, explains the concept of the middle mile in data infrastructure, its challenges, and future prospects. Discover how this critical component impacts data flow across the country and what the industry is doing to overcome current obstacles. Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To reach Walt Donovan on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/walt-donovan-36a9063/

DYCOM Industries: https://dycomind.com/

The Sicilian Butcher: https://thesicilianbutcher.com/

YouTube: https://youtu.be/z6H8MwCkGig

Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give you insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe at  https://www.graybar.com/podcast#subscribe.

We talk about how retiring talent, supply chain chaos, and digital transformation create opportunities for innovation. We also discuss strategies to adapt workforce gaps, optimize automation, and maintain customer service without sacrificing profitability.
Take a listen on your favorite podcast player or right here on YouTube.

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To reach Anne Vranicic on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annevranicic/

Learn more about Valin: https://www.valin.com/

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lh-TK_U7zOU

To learn more about the sponsor, nVent, please visit here: https://www.graybar.com/manufacturers/nvent-group/c/sup-nvent-group?utm_source=sponsor link&utm_medium=sponsor_link&utm_campaign=keepin-the-lights-on-2026&utm_content=anne v

Explore the world of industrial automation with Brian Crawford on "Keepin' The Lights On." Discover insights into manpower challenges and innovative solutions. Tune in to learn how industries are evolving.

Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give you insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe at  https://www.graybar.com/podcast#subscribe.

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To reach Brian Crawford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-crawford-92b92018/

Learn more about Shingle And Gibb: https://www.shingle.com/

Franklinville Inn: https://www.thefranklinvilleinn.com/
Photos of Franklinville Inn from Franklinville.com 

To see the show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VqtKX4OMfYU

Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give you insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe at  https://www.graybar.com/podcast#subscribe.

We explore the vital role of manufacturer reps in the electrical industry, their evolving responsibilities, and future trends including technology, demand generation, and strategic planning with Jim Johnson, CEO of NEMRA.

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: [email protected]

To reach Jim Johnson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcjohnson/

Learn more about NEMRA: https://www.nemra.org/
Columbia Club: https://columbia-club.org/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/vlmz5dTPHTM

In this episode Todd speaks with Hal Shaffer and Chris Filardi, creators of the inspiring show, Renovation Hunters. The show focuses on outdoor family property renovations, community impact, and the importance of relationships and teamwork in complex projects.

I’m creating a show newsletter to help me communicate with you the listener/viewer. Please click on the link to sign up for the newsletter: https://www.graybar.com/podcast

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

Renovation Hunters: https://www.renovationhunters.com/

Submit a cabin for possible renovation: https://www.outdoorchannel.com/content/renovationhunters/459762

Find Renovation Hunter network: https://app.myoutdoortv.com/series/renovationhunters

Hal Shaffer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hal-shaffer-70b28457/

Chris Filardi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherfilardi/

YouTube: https://youtu.be/rz3FDvFBJJE

B-Roll Photos and Video are from Renovationhunters.com 2026

Heath Blackburn from Wheeler Electric reveals how foremen are pivotal in transforming company culture. By engaging foremen in the Foreman Academy, they fostered a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, proving that foremen are key to driving meaningful change and growth.

Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give your insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe here on Graybar.com.

To reach Heath Blackburn on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heath-blackburn-23804a213/

Learn more about Wheeler Electric: https://www.wheelerelectric.com/

7N Ranch Resort: https://www.7nranch.com/farmhouse-table-restaurant

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Hgf36-a9vv0

In this episode, Max Galloway, VP of Max Electric Inc., shares insights on building strong relationships between electrical contractors and general contractors, navigating complex contracts, and improving collaboration in the construction industry.

Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give your insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe here on Graybar.com.

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To reach Max on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-gallaway-49a78438/

Learn more about Max Electric: https://maxelectric-kc.com/

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/QjB4tVmHkNQ

In this conversation, Todd Reed engages with Andy Herbert and Rachel Gass from Be Kind Lyfe Consulting to explore the significance of company culture, particularly the distinction between being 'nice' and 'kind.' They discuss how a positive culture can impact business performance, employee engagement, and innovation.

The K.I.N.D framework is introduced as a guide for fostering a supportive workplace environment. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness in leadership, the need for continuous improvement, and practical steps for organizations to enhance their culture. Real-world examples illustrate the transformative power of kindness in the workplace. Thank you for listening/watching.

Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give your insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe here on Graybar dot com:  https://www.graybar.com/podcast#podcastsubscribe?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=keepin-the-lights-on-2026&utm_content=kindvsnice.

Learn more about Be Kind Lyfe: https://bkndlyfe.squarespace.com/

View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/55QL0hUTpRg