In this episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, sits down with Marc Borrett, co-founder and CEO of Reactive Technologies. Marc brings a fascinating background spanning electronics innovation, telecom engineering, and the energy sector. Having launched technology ventures from battery chargers to Star Wars toys, Marc’s journey led him from semiconductors to tackling the evolving challenges of modern power grids.

The conversation explores the global energy transition, focusing on how the shift from traditional, fossil-fuel-based generation to renewables has transformed grid dynamics. Marc explains the increasing complexity of grid management, the need for real-time data, and the importance of measuring and maintaining grid stability in a world of distributed, less predictable energy sources. The dialogue delves into Reactive’s unique approach—leveraging grid physics to both communicate with and monitor assets at the grid’s edge—and how understanding grid strength and stability can shape smarter investments, operational decisions, and data center siting in an energy-constrained world.

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Entrepreneurial Journey in Electronics
03:46 Chip Innovation Sparks NFC Revolution
09:55 Energy Management for Carrefour
14:27 Grid Communication Challenges Explored
18:53 Power Station Grid Stabilization Explained
21:43 Grid Stability in Energy Transition
25:58 Optimizing Grid Signal Integration
28:44 Accurate Real-Time Grid Measurement
33:08 Time-of-Use Tariffs & Demand Trends
34:30 U.S. Energy Demand: Duck Curve

Today we welcome Dave Rubcich, Global Vice President of Key Accounts at Vertiv to discuss the innovative partnership in cooling between Vertiv and Compass Datacenters©.

Raymond and Dave explore the evolution of data center cooling technologies from the 1980s to the present, into the transition from traditional air cooling to modern liquid cooling methods while addressing the increasing thermal demands of AI-powered data centers. They highlight the innovative Cool Face Flex solution—formerly referred to as the DH400—a hybrid unit offering unmatched flexibility in accommodating both air and liquid cooling without altering data center designs.

Throughout the episode, insights into data center energy efficiency, the technological journey from Liebert to Vertiv, and the significance of adaptable cooling solutions are offered, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of current data center cooling trends.

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro
03:38 Pivot from Engineering to Sales
06:54 Liebert's Early Talent Development Program
11:06 Tech Advances in Room Temperature Efficiency
14:42 Optimizing HVAC Efficiency and Control
17:19 Emerson's Network Power Divestment
23:28 Evolution of Cooling in Computing
26:54 Pumped Refrigerant Breakthrough
29:33 Outdoor DSE Pump Solution
31:01 Flexible Chilled Water Unit Development

Host Raymond Hawkins is live from the picturesque PTC 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii, joined by three seasoned industry experts: Martin Antunez from LATAM Entry LLC, David Liggit from datacenterHawk, and Barro Luitjes from KevlinX.

Martin, the founder and CEO of LATAM Entry LLC, provides insights into the Latin American data center ecosystem, focusing on subsea cables, land developers, and fiber providers. The discussion highlights the region's fast-growing market, the substantial investments in infrastructure, and the challenges like energy tariffs and government regulation.

David Liggit, founder and CEO of datacenterHawk, offers a comprehensive view of the North American data center market. The conversation explores the unprecedented growth driven by AI, emerging secondary and tertiary markets, and the importance of holistic strategies for power and community relationships.

Barro Luitjes, strategy head at KevlinX, discusses the European data center landscape, emphasizing the shift to underserved regions due to regulatory constraints in traditional markets. He also talks about the importance of educating stakeholders and partnering with power providers for sustainable growth.

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro & Driving Data Center Growth LATAM
04:42 Bridging US and Latin America
07:42 Streamlining Deal-Making Insights
09:33 Navy Influence: From Law to Finance
14:59 Colombia's AI Implementation Bill Insights
16:56 AI-Driven Infrastructure Expansion
21:21 Regulation-Driven Market Shifts
24:22 European Employment Strategy Explained
28:16 Power Partnerships in Industry
29:36 Energy Strategy Development in Queretaro
34:34 Data Center Benefits and Opportunities
37:19 Optimizing Europe's Data Center Strategy

In this discussion, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, engages with Dr. Terry Clower, a distinguished professor of public policy at George Mason University, who also serves as the director of the Center for Regional Analysis and the Stephen Fuller Institute.

The conversation delves into the strategic considerations for data center siting and land use, contrasting U.S. practices with European models. Dr. Clower provides insights on the essential role of data centers in the data economy and their impact on regional development.

The dialogue touches upon critical issues like power consumption and sustainability, highlighting power planning, renewable energy sources, and the potential to revitalize nuclear infrastructure. The significance of data centers in modern economic development strategies is discussed, especially their influence on local tax bases and low infrastructure strain.

Overall, the discussion offers valuable perspectives on how municipalities can integrate data centers into their economies, emphasizing long-term planning and the evolving landscape of utility and energy demands.

Timestamped Overview:
00:00 Intro
00:52 Navigated unstable job market, transitioned to logistics.
04:49 Recruited to lead Center for Regional Analysis.
08:28 Varied localities' attitudes impact economic development approaches.
12:20 Buddy Reiser navigates data center challenges locally.
15:25 All data centers need careful land allocation.
17:59 Renewables insufficient; old infrastructure revived due to demand.
19:43 Data centers’ demand reshaping power industry dynamics.
22:51 Exploring nuclear solutions to reduce waste.
26:18 Data center proximity doesn't affect property value.
30:28 Adapt to data economy or face constraints.
35:27 Minor adjustments can help economies grow again.
37:41 Northern Virginia's electrician apprenticeships thrive, creating jobs.

In this engaging episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, interviews Kirk Offel, CEO, and founder of Overwatch.

The conversation delves into Kirk’s illustrious military background, highlighting his tenure on the USS Memphis submarine, rigorous deployments, and transition to civilian life. Kirk recounts the challenging yet rewarding experiences at sea and the unique leadership and technical skills honed through military service.

Topics include the military's role in fostering discipline and the significant technological advancements veterans bring to civilian industries. Kirk shares insights on his decision to leave a traditional career to establish Overwatch, emphasizing the value of veteran-owned businesses.

The discussion explores the evolving tech landscape, veterans' adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning. Raymond and Kirk also reflect on honoring Vietnam veterans, the significance of supportive communities in veteran transitions, and the inspiration behind founding the Data Center Anti Conference (DCAC).

Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro
01:09 Kirk’s background
04:13 Military service inspires veteran entrepreneurship and community.
09:36 Gen Z surpassing Baby Boomers in workforce.
10:44 Military offers advanced tech training without war risks.
16:32 Navy offered broader options than SEER training.
18:33 Submarine community: intellectual, rigorous, challenging, competitive.
20:54 Real deployments with impactful military missions.
25:35 Vietnam vets deserve respect and gratitude.
29:33 Lead with empathy and adaptability during transitions.
30:37 Community collaboration empowers veterans for meaningful careers.
34:25 Empowering veterans through community, networking, and conferences.
37:59 Helping veterans is my purpose-driven mission.
40:36 Kirk's invite prompts fear of workout readiness.

In this episode, Raymond Hawkins sits down with Ed Socia, North American Insight Director for datacenterHawk. With a background in community development and sustainability from the University of Vermont, Ed transitioned from managing renewable research platforms to working with top data center teams, including a pivotal role at CBRE.

The conversation explores the transformative impact of the pandemic on the data industry, driving remote work and digital transformation. Ed discusses the increased demand for data centers, fueled by technologies like AI, and the resulting power constraints in emerging markets. The dialogue transitions into the complexities of power location planning, the potential of nuclear energy for data centers, and the hurdles posed by regulatory and community acceptance.

Ed and Raymond highlight the roles of utilities and tech companies in addressing power demands, emphasizing transparent development and long lead times. They also touch on tracking competitor strategies and the importance of market intelligence.

Today, host Raymond Hawkins chats with Mike Netzer, VP of Sales at datacenterHawk, a professional with a diverse background, from managing pension portfolios to diving deep into the data center industry. Originating from the Northeast with stints in Idaho, Connecticut, Florida, and Texas, Mike brings a rich mix of experiences and insights to the table.

The dialogue meticulously covers a range of timely topics concerning the data center industry. Mike and Raymond delve into the increasing demands on power generation driven by growing data center capacities and touch upon the economic shifts brought on by large tech deals, specifically in the realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The significance of viewing data centers as critical infrastructure similar to roads and water treatment facilities is comprehensively analyzed, reflecting on their indispensable role in modern societies. The discussion further explores the impact of AI on technological advancements, the potential adaptability of nuclear energy in data centers, and the broader implications of energy pricing on the industry's economic viability.

In this Memorial Day special episode, host Raymond Hawkins holds a profound conversation with seasoned data center experts Garett Jaco, a Marine Corps veteran with a strong background in nuclear weapons security and marine security, and Wayne Watson, vice president of North American operations at Compass Datacenters, with a past in the Navy as a nuclear electrician.

The dialogue dives into the intersection of military experience and data center proficiency. Tapping into their naval and military backgrounds, Watson and Jaco discuss the transferable skills that veterans bring to the industry, focusing on meticulous attention to detail and the importance of procedure adherence in handling critical equipment.
The episode also explores the personal army stories, illuminating the lighter side of their service, and the conversation turns toward the serious topic of mental wellness within the industry.

Thoughts on Memorial Day close the conversation, honoring war fighters' sacrifices and advocating for support and de-stigmatization of mental illness post-combat. Overall, this exchange offers a unique perspective on the untapped talent of veterans in the data center sphere and the essential correlation between military service and industry excellence.

In this engaging episode, Raymond Hawkins, the Chief Revenue Officer at Compass, is joined by George Rockett, the founder of DatacenterDynamics & Co-Founder of Yotta.

George shares his journey from being a humble advertising salesperson to the inception of DatacenterDynamics magazine in 1998. Their conversation unfolds to cover the evolution of enterprise data centers, the burst of the .com bubble, and the concept of zero downtime. The historical context of data centers and the early days of technology are discussed, shedding light on the industry's development and perception over time.

With some fantastic analogies, the episode delves into topics such as systems thinking, integrating polymaths to address industry challenges, and the urgency for quicker action due to vast opportunities.
George presents his innovative endeavor, Yotta, and stresses the unification of language and communication within the digital infrastructure industry.

George’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-rockett-b18a3b4/?originalSubdomain=uk

In this discussion, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters engages with Phanney Kim Brevard, Chief Strategy Officer and newly appointed Chief Information Officer, of ETAP-Operation Technology at Schneider Electric. 

The conversation delves into the complex world of data center management and electrical systems. ETAP, a hardware-agnostic software company acquired by Schneider, specializes in designing and simulating electrical systems for various industries, with a focus on energy optimization, compliance, and safety.

The dialogue touches upon the significance of digital twins in modeling and simulating electrical systems, providing real-time insights and ensuring operational efficiency. The hardware-agnostic nature of Etap's solutions is emphasized, allowing connectivity with diverse power systems.

 The conversation also highlights the importance of a centralized platform for stakeholders in the data center value chain, ensuring a shared and accurate version of the truth. The episode concludes with a reflection on the evolving landscape of technology and the transformative impact of digital twins on electrical system management.

Overall, the discussion offers valuable insights into the critical role of innovative software solutions in enhancing the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of data center operations.

Phanney’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phanneykimbrevard/