What does it take to turn decades of industrial automation expertise into a modern, AI-ready manufacturing business? In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, Lisa Richter sits down with Sam Zungri, President and CEO of Polaris Automation, to discuss how automation, operational data, and employee ownership are transforming the future of manufacturing.

Sam shares his journey from electrical engineer to business leader, explains how Polaris evolved from a traditional controls system integrator into a digital transformation partner, and reveals how their proprietary Core Data platform helps manufacturers convert overwhelming amounts of plant-floor data into actionable business intelligence.

The conversation explores today's biggest challenges—including workforce shortages, retiring experts, AI adoption, and the growing importance of trusted partnerships over transactional vendor relationships. Sam also offers practical advice for manufacturers preparing for the next wave of industrial innovation and explains why relationships, transparency, and continuous learning remain the foundation of long-term success.

🎧 Listen now to discover how connected data, AI, and a people-first culture are driving the next generation of industrial automation.

What happens when AI stops acting as a productivity tool and starts becoming the decision layer of engineering? In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, Lisa Richter sits down with Dr. Axel Zein, CEO and President of WSCAD, to explore the rise of AI-native engineering and what it means for the future of industrial automation.

Axel explains why simply adding AI to existing workflows isn't enough, how engineering processes are poised for a fundamental transformation, and why the companies that embrace AI today will gain a significant advantage tomorrow. From reducing complexity and accelerating documentation to reshaping the role of engineers themselves, this conversation offers a practical look at where AI is delivering real value—and where the hype falls short.

n this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, Lisa Richter sits down with Rob Goldsmith, Director of Industrial Systems at Matrix, to explore his unexpected journey from bioengineering student to automation leader overseeing one of North America's largest independent integration teams.

Rob shares how Matrix "brings processes to life" through factory automation, network infrastructure, and industrial systems integration — from small retrofit projects to massive greenfield installations. He also explains automation in everyday terms using a simple "making soup" analogy, discusses the growing role of AI in manufacturing, and highlights why CSIA best practices and strong client relationships remain essential in a rapidly evolving industry.

Tune in for insights on leadership, automation strategy, AI adoption, and the human side of industrial systems integration.

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Jeremy Anderson, President of Process and Data Automation at the Krones Group, to explore what it really takes to modernize manufacturing in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

Jeremy shares his journey from taking things apart as a kid to leading automation and data-driven transformation across complex production environments. He dives into how organizations can scale automation intelligently, balance people and technology, and build systems that deliver long-term value—not just quick wins.

You'll also hear insights on what sets great system integrators apart, why CSIA certification matters, and how a collaborative industry mindset continues to drive innovation and shared success.

🎧 Listen to the full episode to learn how to scale automation the right way, build resilient teams, and stay competitive in a constantly changing manufacturing environment.

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter speaks with Clint Bundy, Managing Director at Bundy Group, a boutique investment bank that has spent more than three decades advising companies in automation, control systems integration, industrial technology, IoT, and cybersecurity.

Clint shares how growing up in a family business shaped his career in mergers and acquisitions and explains how Bundy Group helps founders and management teams navigate some of the biggest decisions they'll ever make—selling a company, raising capital, or finding the right strategic partner.

The conversation explores the rapid growth of M&A activity in the system integration market, the difference between strategic buyers and private equity investors, and what makes automation companies attractive acquisition targets. Clint also breaks down the four key drivers of company value—stability, profitability, growth, and scale—and offers practical advice for owners who want to build stronger businesses, whether they plan to sell or not.

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Guru Thakkar, Director of Engineering at Inflexion Point in Neptune, New Jersey.

With more than 20 years of experience across pharmaceutical, life sciences, food & beverage, utilities, and building automation, Guru shares how disciplined front-end engineering, standardization, and strong technical fundamentals set the stage for long-term success. From scaling Inflection Point organically from 40 to over 100 employees, to supporting Operation Warp Speed during COVID, Guru explains why early design decisions, rigorous testing, and lifecycle thinking matter more than ever.

The conversation explores:

• What it really means to "put the brain" into industrial systems

• Why turnkey integration across all layers (from sensors to enterprise systems) is becoming essential

• How system integrators are navigating AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation

• The growing complexity of pharma manufacturing and single-use equipment

• Why trust, repeat business, and sound non-technical business practices drive sustainable growth

Whether you're an end user, engineer, or integrator, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how intelligent systems are shaping the future of process automation—and why fundamentals still matter in a rapidly evolving landscape.

As we kick off the new year, Talking Industrial Automation revisits a listener-favorite conversation with Matt Wise, CEO of E-Tech Group—one of Control Engineering and Plant Engineering's 2025 System Integrator of the Year award winners.

Matt shares how he explains automation as "the brains of the factory," why marketing and business strategy matter just as much as engineering, and how E-Tech Group scaled into one of North America's largest system integrators through acquisition, talent, and long-term vision. The conversation explores today's biggest industry challenges—from labor shortages and rising complexity to AI, multi-site automation, tariffs, and uncertainty—and what it takes to guide clients through them as a true automation partner.

Whether you're a system integrator, manufacturer, or industry leader looking to start the year with fresh perspective, this encore episode delivers practical insights on growth, leadership, and the future of industrial automation.

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter welcomes Adrienne Meyer, the newly appointed CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). With 20+ years of experience managing global trade associations and technical organizations, Adrienne shares her journey—from being fascinated by encyclopedias as a kid to shaping the future of industrial automation through community-building and strategic leadership.

Tune in to hear how Adrienne's early roles prepared her for leading CSIA, why listening is her leadership superpower, and what she sees on the horizon for system integrators—from certification insights to new engagement strategies and untapped member benefits.

If you're curious about the role of associations, the power of professional networks, or the evolution of industrial automation, this episode offers actionable insights and a fresh perspective from the top.

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Stephen Beck, Senior Chemical Engineer at Huffman Engineering, to explore his journey from building control panels at age 10 to shaping automation systems across utilities, life sciences, and manufacturing.

Stephen shares insights from his early experiences at a nuclear power plant, his transition into systems integration, and how Huffman Engineering's "making ideas work" philosophy continues to drive quality and customer trust. Along the way, he unpacks challenges like balancing modernization with cost constraints, navigating project politics, and managing the growing impact of AI and cybersecurity on the automation industry.

Whether you're an engineer, integrator, or industry leader, this conversation offers thoughtful takeaways on resilience, ethics, and innovation in industrial automation.