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Chuck shares his eye-opening experience at BICSI Beyond 2025 in Las Vegas, revealing industry shifts and technological developments that will impact ICT professionals. The conference highlighted alarming workforce demographics and showcased emerging technologies that could transform how cable installation is performed.

• Introduction to Challenge Coins as special recognition tokens for major contributors to the podcast
• Recording of interviews with John Daniels (BICSI CEO), Chuck Wilson, and Matt Affel from the JATC
• Participation in multiple committee meetings including the new ICT Lifecycle Management Training Committee
• Updates on industry standards including revisions to the N1, N2, and N3 documents
• Insights from Matthew Griffin's keynote about AI's impact on ICT, including cable-pulling robots
• Industry statistics showing 67% of low voltage workers are over 40 and only 13% under 30
• Revelation of 9.9 million job vacancies in the low voltage industry
• Exhibit hall highlights including new cable testing technology from Trend Networks

If you enjoy this content, please consider becoming a Patreon member to support the podcast. Your contributions help me represent your interests at industry events and committees while creating valuable content for the ICT community.

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Doug Greenwald shares his journey from skilled technician to successful integration business owner, revealing how he developed Projects360 software to solve the unique project management challenges of low-voltage companies.

• Starting a low-voltage business requires shifting from working IN the business to working ON the business
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are critical for growth and should be implemented while companies are still small
• The "last 5%" of projects (documentation, testing, closeout) often prevents final payment and reduces profitability
• Weekly operations meetings that include lead technicians create project ownership and improve communication
• Project management software should be industry-specific to address the unique workflows of low-voltage contracting
• Projects360 offers integrated CRM, proposal generation, project management, scheduling, and inventory tracking
• Small companies aren't "too small" for proper systems—implementing processes early makes scaling easier later
• Change orders and project tracking capabilities help maintain profitability and prevent scope creep
• QuickBooks integration streamlines invoicing and financial management

If you find value in this content, consider clicking the QR code on screen to buy Chuck a cup of coffee or schedule a 15-minute one-on-one call. Join us Wednesday nights at 6pm Eastern Standard Time for live streaming on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn where you can ask your favorite RCDD questions.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

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Chuck Bowser, RCDD, shares essential knowledge for those transitioning from traditional electrical work to the specialized world of low voltage and ICT installation. His comprehensive guide covers critical resources, industry standards, and career development strategies.

• FOA Reference Guides provide clear explanations with diagrams for fiber optic theory, connectors, and testing
• Electricians should study NEC Articles 725, 760, 726, 770 and Chapter 8 for low voltage applications 
• BICSI manuals like ITSIM and TDMM offer detailed guidelines for installation techniques and design standards
• Hands-on practice with termination kits and tools is essential before working in production environments
• Successful transition requires shifting from code-centric thinking to standards-driven performance mindset
• J-hook installation requires wide bases, under 50 cables per hook, proper spacing, and mounting to structural supports
• RCDD candidates with field experience have a significant advantage when entering the design profession
• New technologies like fault-managed power systems and single-pair Ethernet represent exciting opportunities

Contact me to discuss chapter 10 of the TDMM or other questions about your RCDD preparation. Join me at BICSI Beyond in Las Vegas!

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Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

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Distribution companies serve as translators between stakeholders in the ICT industry, helping to bridge communication gaps and solve problems before they become costly mistakes. Anthony from Wise Components shares insights on how distributors add value beyond just supplying products, from emergency response to catching errors in orders and specifications.

• Distribution companies communicate with all stakeholders including manufacturers, contractors, project managers, and end-users
• Emergency response capabilities demonstrated by rapid delivery after the 345 Park Avenue incident in NYC
• Inside salespeople catch errors in bills of materials and project specifications
• Product expertise helps contractors avoid ordering wrong materials or forgetting essential components
• Distributors help resolve product issues, as shown in a case where 60,000 feet of defective cable was replaced
• Weekly follow-ups on large projects maintain communication and prevent problems
• Distributors offer free educational training events for contractors and industry professionals
• Distribution provides better quality assurance than general online retailers like Amazon
• Reputable distributors only carry products that meet certification requirements like UL and TIA

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Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

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We break down nine essential traits of successful project managers and provide practical tips for developing these skills to advance your career in the ICT industry.

• Leadership qualities including leading by example and making decisions under pressure
• Organizational skills for tracking projects and maintaining documentation
• Assuming authority appropriately in meetings and client interactions
• Focusing on key issues and prioritizing effectively amid distractions
• Client relations strategies including setting expectations and communicating without jargon
• Communication techniques for clear, brief, and direct messaging
• Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and project requirements
• Personal accountability by owning mistakes and keeping promises
• Interpersonal skills to build loyalty and encourage collaboration

Share this episode with someone who wants to become a project manager or with a current project manager looking to improve their skills. Let's continue the conversation about project management by sharing resources and experiences with each other.

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Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

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TEKSGiving 2025 transforms technology infrastructure at Sojourner House, a domestic violence shelter in Rhode Island, with volunteers donating their skills to install critical safety and communication systems at four shelter buildings.

• Technology Worldwide's annual charity project allows members to nominate deserving organizations for complete technology makeovers
• Sojourner House supports women escaping abusive relationships and human trafficking situations
• Project will address outdated infrastructure in century-old buildings converted to offices and shelters
• Volunteers will install Cat6 cabling, new WiFi networks, surveillance systems, and access control
• Verkada has donated access control systems, camera licenses, and intercoms
• All skill levels welcome - from experienced engineers to beginners willing to learn
• Technical professionals gain unique experience working alongside specialists from different disciplines
• Follows "community over competition" philosophy central to Technology Worldwide
• Provides life-changing impact for both the organization and the volunteers

Visit textgiving.org to register as a volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation. The project needs both skilled professionals and financial support to create safe environments for those escaping dangerous situations.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
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Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
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We tackle the proposed 50% copper tariff and its potential impact on low voltage contractors, bringing insights from both manufacturing circles and distribution expertise.

• Copper tariffs could affect numerous products including cable, patch cords, bus bars, connectors, and grounding materials
• Current price increases stem from panic buying and supply/demand dynamics, not from tariffs that haven't yet been implemented
• Contractors should avoid stockpiling inventory that ties up cash flow and instead purchase for confirmed upcoming projects
• Project-based pricing is available from regional distributors even for relatively modest projects ($5,000-$10,000)
• Add clauses to contracts that account for copper price fluctuations to protect margins on future projects
• Avoid Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) as it isn't code compliant, has conductivity issues, and lacks durability
• Build relationships with regional distributors who provide better service than large "ship-to-door" companies
• Distribution partners serve as logistics partners who can protect contractors and provide manufacturer connections

If you're watching this show on YouTube, would you mind hitting the subscribe button and that bell button to be notified when new content is being produced? If you're listening to us on one of the audio podcast platforms, would you mind leaving us a five-star rating?

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Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

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We tackle the most pressing questions in the ICT industry, from career progression paths to the future of low-voltage work in an increasingly wireless and AI-driven world.

• Career progression from cable puller to technician requires learning to read floor plans, developing termination skills, and building troubleshooting capabilities
• Certifications demonstrate career commitment but aren't a substitute for hands-on experience and continuous learning
• Self-directed learning through free resources like FiberU.org and Cable Installation Magazine can help professionals expand from copper to fiber optics
• Low-voltage is a "future-proof trade" that AI and wireless technology will enhance rather than replace
• Project management success depends on documentation, communication, and maintaining team morale through celebrating small wins
• Effective project managers need strong organizational skills, contract understanding, and the ability to balance schedules when other trades cause delays
• Learning contract language and budgeting processes prepares technicians for managing larger, multi-million dollar projects

Knowledge is power! Subscribe to Let's Talk Cabling and recommend the podcast to someone who can benefit from this information.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
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Video surveillance systems require careful planning to be effective, from choosing the right camera types to ensuring proper installation and customer training.

• Understanding what the customer needs to see is the first crucial step in system design
• Balance feature-rich performance with budget considerations and storage limitations
• Select appropriate cameras with proper IP ratings for your environmental conditions
• Always use a back box when mounting exterior cameras to prevent water ingress
• CAT 6 plenum cabling provides future-proofing benefits for surveillance systems
• Proper cable termination and testing is essential before camera installation
• Format NVRs correctly, as they don't automatically begin recording
• Create detailed documentation showing camera locations and identifications
• Build in 2-3 hours of customer training for every system installation
• Focus on customer service and make clients feel taken care of throughout the process

For more information or to contact Gary Runkel, visit www.alphateamtechs.com or call 980-293-5201.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD