In this episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we sit down with Tom Guest, UK & Ireland Operations Director at Safety Shield, to discuss how AI-powered human detection systems are transforming site safety across construction, utilities, agriculture, and beyond.

Tom shares the powerful story behind Safety Shield’s creation, the company’s rapid global growth, and how their edge-computing AI system is now helping protect thousands of workers worldwide. From early AI challenges in 2011 to 15,000+ live units in the field today, this is a fascinating insight into innovation driven by real-life tragedy and a mission to save lives.

We also chat about expanding into Ireland, partnerships with major contractors, Ice Expo plans, and what the future holds for AI safety technology.

⏱ Timecodes

00:00 – Podcast sponsor: Euro Auctions
00:12 – Introduction to Tom Guest, UK & Ireland Operations Director, Safety Shield
00:38 – The origins of Safety Shield and the tragic event that inspired it
01:23 – Early AI development (back in 2011) and the challenges of training the system
02:22 – Working on London transport projects and early public-sector traction
03:15 – When AI detection started becoming mandated on UK projects
03:39 – Tom’s father’s background in pipelines and starting the business
04:10 – How Tom joined the company (and balancing rugby career)
04:27 – International growth: Australia, USA, Europe
05:02 – Working with distributors in Ireland
05:38 – What Safety Shield actually does (AI human-form recognition explained)
06:32 – Applications beyond construction: agriculture, waste, warehousing
07:30 – Accuracy rates (99.6%) and safety testing standards
07:55 – Fleet tracking, SIM connectivity & portal access for operators
08:59 – Rapid growth: hiring 20+ staff in months
09:34 – Partnerships with major contractors & safety campaigns
10:24 – Tom’s role: operations, sales, engineering teams & logistics
11:19 – Installation process and working with OEM manufacturers
12:31 – Industry traction and future factory-fit possibilities
12:46 – Rugby career with London Broncos & life after professional sport
13:57 – Vision for the future: global expansion & industry standardisation
14:50 – Irish distributor Safety Solutions & growing Irish presence
16:10 – Ice Expo plans: live demonstrations & exhibition trailer
17:16 – Customer base: Tier 1 contractors, plant hire & major fleets
18:54 – 15,000 units now live in the field
19:32 – Continuous product development & competition in the market
21:16 – Closing remarks & Ice Expo excitement

We sit down with Derek Feeney, Technical & Quality Control Manager at Park West Fire Protection. Derek has worked his way up from installer to technical lead over 20 years, and his passion for the industry is impossible to miss.

Passive fire protection isn't fire extinguishers or alarms — it's the hidden layer of tested systems inside your walls, floors and ceilings that stops fire and smoke spreading and buys precious time to save lives. Derek covers what it is, why early engagement on projects is critical, how their training programme works, and why getting it wrong is simply not an option. From the new Children's Hospital to apartment blocks and office buildings — this one covers it all.

Sponsored by Euro Auctions.

Timecodes

0:00 Sponsor – Euro Auctions
 0:12 Introducing Derek Feeney, Park West Fire Protection 
0:27 Derek's background: 20 years, starting as an installer
 1:13 The Park West team and company culture
 2:54 What is passive fire protection? Active vs passive explained
 4:09 Early engagement: why getting in at the start matters
 5:20 Product selection, technical submittals and approvals 
7:23 Test reports and installing to manufacturer's instructions
 8:10 Late-stage engagement: the problems it causes 
9:13 The biggest risk in any building
 9:59 Older buildings and the challenges of retrofit 
10:52 Park West's in-house training facility 
12:28 Hiring and training new staff from scratch
 14:58 "You're too professional" — the story of losing a job for doing it right
 17:22 "Somebody from my family could be in this building" 
19:00 Spotting fire protection issues in hotels and public buildings 
19:21 How much is wrong out there in existing buildings? 
20:53 Awareness, tragedy and why this conversation matters 
21:19 Park West's work on the new Children's Hospital
 22:24 Major contractors: Sisk, Clancy, BAM and expanding into Europe 
23:47 Do fire barriers last forever? Maintenance and handover
 26:03 What landlords and building owners should have in place
 27:40 Concerned about your building? What to do 
29:49 The future of Park West Fire Protection 
32:29 The industry in 10 years: awareness driving rapid growth
 33:11 Fire stopping workshops: how they work 
36:05 Getting buy-in on site and changing mindsets 
37:45 Would Derek recommend fire protection as a career? 
39:26 Looking ahead to ICE Expo 
39:37 Wrap-up

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Peter Finn, aka Pete the Builder, as he shares his journey from apprentice carpenter to becoming one of Ireland's most recognizable faces in construction.

In this episode, Pete opens up about his early days learning the trade, how he accidentally stumbled into television on RTÉ's "Room to Improve" with Dermot Bannon, and the evolution of his social media presence. He discusses the viral "Galway Races" moment that took the internet by storm, working with content creators like John McGuigan, and his thoughts on how social media is changing perceptions of the construction industry.

Pete also shares valuable life advice about consistency, mental health, and his philosophy of "this too will pass." We explore his business MDS Construction, his partnership ventures including the magical Christmas experience at Logos, and his excitement for Ice Expo 2026.

Whether you're in the trades, thinking about a career in construction, or just love a good Irish success story, this episode is packed with humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom from one of Ireland's favorite builders.

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro & Sponsor Message

00:00:12 - Welcome & Introduction to Pete the Builder

00:00:28 - Early Days: How Pete Got Started in Construction

• Growing up with a love for building
• Getting his apprenticeship with Hugh Riley
• Learning to build houses from foundation to finish

00:01:42 - Breaking Into Television

• First call from Room to Improve with Dermot Bannon
• Feeling comfortable in front of cameras
• Doing eight episodes over six series

00:02:48 - Transition to Home Rescue & Social Media

• Moving to the Home Rescue spinoff show
• Reluctantly getting into social media
• Understanding the importance of building a brand

00:04:00 - Origin of "Pete the Builder"

• Working with Galway roofers
• How a casual nickname became a brand

00:04:22 - Dealing with Online Negativity

• The reality of having a public profile
• Handling personal attacks and trolls
• The block button strategy

00:06:34 - Balancing Business and TV Fame

• TV work being only 5-10% of his time
• Managing MDS Construction with business partner Mark
• Doing one-off houses, extensions, and conservation work

00:08:05 - Creating Content & Staying Authentic

• The time-consuming nature of social media
• Why being yourself is easier than acting
• Having confidence in his construction knowledge

00:10:15 - The Importance of Banter & Communication

• Learning to communicate better with teams
• Letting tradespeople work their own way
• Creating a fun but productive work environment

00:12:06 - That Viral Galway Races Moment

• Coming up with the "ride" joke spontaneously
• Alan Barry's reaction and collaboration
• Getting 5 million views and going viral on TikTok

00:15:29 - [SPONSOR BREAK]

00:15:38 - Collaborations & Content Creation

• Working with John McGuigan on comedy skits
• The banned Santa Claus video
• Creating easy, authentic content

00:18:02 - How Social Media Is Changing Construction

• Breaking down old stereotypes
• The evolution of technology in building
• Increased communication and professionalism

00:19:34 - Irish Craftsmanship & Trade Skills

• Ireland's excellence at World Skills competitions
• The need to value trades more at home
• Comparing Ireland to Australia and Germany's respect for trades

00:22:06 - Stories from the Sites

• Hilarious breakfast roll mix-up story
• The magazine in the lunch box prank
• Working with deaf and talented tilers

00:24:20 - Ice Expo 2025 Recap

• First impressions of the exhibition
• The digger challenge competition
• Meeting hundreds of people and the incredible turnout

00:27:07 - Why Ice Expo Is Unique

• Bringing international shows to Ireland
• Saving exhibitors massive transport costs
• The grassroots, hands-on nature of the event

00:29:04 - Ice Expo 2026 Plans

• New app for exhibitors
• Tire change challenge returning
• Conor's digger challenge comeback

00:30:25 - Best Advice: Stay Consistent

• Learning from John Kavanagh and MMA
• The power of showing up every day
• Applying consistency to any area of life

00:32:04 - Philosophy: "This Too Will Pass"

• Marcus Aurelius and training for Hell Week
• Dealing with mental health challenges
• Perspective on good times and bad times

00:34:05 - What's Next for Pete the Builder

• Plans for future TV shows
• Potential book project
• Social media ideas and jujitsu goals

00:35:54 - Logos: The Christmas Experience

• Ten years of Logos and recent reinvestment
• Creating authentic magical family moments
• The real forest, log cabins, and professional actors

00:37:33 - Easter, Halloween & Christmas at Logos

• New train ride through the forest
• Stunning views over Dublin
• How to get tickets

00:38:59 - Closing Remarks

• Looking forward to Ice Expo 2026
• Prizes and activities planned

00:39:27 - Outro & Sponsor Message

In this episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we sit down with Amanda McNally, Sales Manager at Sleator Plant, to hear her incredible journey from a Bank of Ireland call centre to becoming one of the most talked-about names in the plant and machinery industry. Amanda shares how she sold approximately 150 units in her first year and is already past 40 units early into 2025. We discuss the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, the importance of honest sales and after-service, the growing reputation of Sany machinery in Ireland, and an exciting first-in-Europe remote access excavator project. Amanda also gives us a sneak peek at what Sleator Plant will be bringing to Ice Expo this year, including live demos. Sponsored by Euro Auctions – next auction takes place in Dromore on the 20th and 21st of February 2026.

Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro & Sponsor (Euro Auctions)
0:12 – Welcome & Introduction to Amanda McNally
0:48 – Amanda's Career Journey: Bank of Ireland to Car Sales
2:01 – Moving into Trucks, Vans & the Machinery Industry
2:25 – How Amanda Joined Sleator Plant
3:30 – Sleator Brands: Sany, Genie, Rocbak, Bandit & More
3:54 – Belfast & Dublin Depots
4:17 – 150 Units Sold in Year One
4:40 – Product Range: Excavators & Telehandlers
5:05 – 2025 Sales Update: 42 Excavators & Growing
5:37 – The Secret to Success: Honesty & Under-Promise, Over-Deliver
6:25 – Being a Woman in the Plant Industry
8:04 – Dealing with Competitors & Rumours Head-On
8:56 – Changing Attitudes Towards Women in Construction
9:38 – Positive Feedback & Customer Praise
10:07 – Treating Every Customer the Same
10:50 – People Buy from People
11:32 – The Reality of Working Hours & Work-Life Balance
12:30 – Finding It Rewarding & Looking Ahead
13:08 – Future Plans & Contentment
14:04 – Chinese Machinery: Changing Perceptions of Sany
15:20 – Sany's R&D Investment & Global Ambitions
15:44 – First-in-Europe Remote Access Excavator
16:42 – A Day in the Life of Amanda McNally
17:51 – Going the Extra Mile for Customers
18:09 – Backup Service & Response Times
19:20 – Parts Stocking Across Depots
19:40 – Parts Business & Machine Reliability
20:08 – Brand Rundown: Genie, Bandit, Rocbak & More
21:37 – Rocbak, Volvo Technology & Company Structure
22:37 – Ice Expo 2025: What Slayer Plant is Bringing
23:31 – Demo Area Plans: Rocbak Dumpers & Excavators
23:51 – The Growth of Ice Expo & Industry Support
25:20 – Exhibitor Support & Costs
25:53 – New Ice Expo App for Lead Scanning
27:00 – Value for Money Compared to Other Shows
27:57 – Thank You & Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we’re joined by Sammy Heaney from Sammy TV, our first female guest on the show. Sammy chats openly about her accidental journey into social media, how creativity and humour became the backbone of her content, and how she carved out a space in the farming, trucking, motorsport and construction worlds.

From going live in tractors she didn’t know how to start, to racking up millions of views with off-the-cuff skits, Sammy explains what really works on social media today. She talks about dealing with negative comments, building a thick skin, staying authentic to her style, and why Irish engineering, banter and personality deserve a bigger online platform.

A fun, honest and insightful conversation about creativity, confidence, and building a personal brand without losing the crack.

Timecodes

00:00 – 02:30
Pre-show chat, studio setup and getting comfortable before recording

02:33 – 03:00
Official intro & welcome to the Ice Expo Podcast
Introducing Sammy Heaney (Sammy TV)

03:00 – 05:10
How Sammy accidentally got started in social media
Early Lucky Day videos and stepping in front of the camera

05:10 – 06:30
TikTok taking off in 2021
Creativity, acting background and finding her on-camera confidence

06:30 – 07:25
Launching Sammy TV & why creativity is essential to her happiness
Building a team so she can focus on content

07:25 – 09:00
Getting thrown into farming, tractors and machinery
Learning on the job and going live without a clue

09:00 – 09:40
Biggest viral moments & millions of views
Balancing humour with promoting real products

09:40 – 10:40
Motorsport, trucks, tractors & future plans
Moving more into trucking and construction in 2026

10:40 – 12:15
Finding community in farming and ag shows
Being welcomed in as an outsider and learning along the way

12:15 – 13:10
Advice for young creators and influencers
Just start, expect criticism, and grow a thick skin

13:10 – 15:30
Handling negative comments & online trolls
Why it says more about them than you

15:30 – 17:00
Creepy messages, boundaries & blocking negativity
Using humour when it fits

17:00 – 19:30
Sammy’s creative process with brands
Why content must stay “Sammy TV–style” and entertaining

19:30 – 21:45
Viral skits, trailers, and off-the-cuff ideas
Why being left alone creatively works best

21:45 – 23:10
How social media has changed over the last 5 years
Short attention spans, hooks, lighting and competition

23:10 – 24:55
Irish engineering, innovation & businesses online
Why companies need faces and personality on social media

24:55 – 26:15
Ice Expo, exhibitors & future collaborations
Making content on-site and bringing the crack

26:15 – 27:40
Fun personal stories
Sammy’s childhood pirate radio station & early broadcasting days

27:40 – End
Final reflections, laughs and wrap-up

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Peter Finn, aka Pete the Builder, as he shares his journey from apprentice carpenter to becoming one of Ireland's most recognizable faces in construction.

In this episode, Pete opens up about his early days learning the trade, how he accidentally stumbled into television on RTÉ's "Room to Improve" with Dermot Bannon, and the evolution of his social media presence. He discusses the viral "Galway Races" moment that took the internet by storm, working with content creators like John McGuigan, and his thoughts on how social media is changing perceptions of the construction industry.

Pete also shares valuable life advice about consistency, mental health, and his philosophy of "this too will pass." We explore his business MDS Construction, his partnership ventures including the magical Christmas experience at Logos, and his excitement for Ice Expo 2026.

Whether you're in the trades, thinking about a career in construction, or just love a good Irish success story, this episode is packed with humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom from one of Ireland's favorite builders.

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro & Sponsor Message

00:00:12 - Welcome & Introduction to Pete the Builder

00:00:28 - Early Days: How Pete Got Started in Construction

• Growing up with a love for building
• Getting his apprenticeship with Hugh Riley
• Learning to build houses from foundation to finish

00:01:42 - Breaking Into Television

• First call from Room to Improve with Dermot Bannon
• Feeling comfortable in front of cameras
• Doing eight episodes over six series

00:02:48 - Transition to Home Rescue & Social Media

• Moving to the Home Rescue spinoff show
• Reluctantly getting into social media
• Understanding the importance of building a brand

00:04:00 - Origin of "Pete the Builder"

• Working with Galway roofers
• How a casual nickname became a brand

00:04:22 - Dealing with Online Negativity

• The reality of having a public profile
• Handling personal attacks and trolls
• The block button strategy

00:06:34 - Balancing Business and TV Fame

• TV work being only 5-10% of his time
• Managing MDS Construction with business partner Mark
• Doing one-off houses, extensions, and conservation work

00:08:05 - Creating Content & Staying Authentic

• The time-consuming nature of social media
• Why being yourself is easier than acting
• Having confidence in his construction knowledge

00:10:15 - The Importance of Banter & Communication

• Learning to communicate better with teams
• Letting tradespeople work their own way
• Creating a fun but productive work environment

00:12:06 - That Viral Galway Races Moment

• Coming up with the "ride" joke spontaneously
• Alan Barry's reaction and collaboration
• Getting 5 million views and going viral on TikTok

00:15:29 - [SPONSOR BREAK]

00:15:38 - Collaborations & Content Creation

• Working with John McGuigan on comedy skits
• The banned Santa Claus video
• Creating easy, authentic content

00:18:02 - How Social Media Is Changing Construction

• Breaking down old stereotypes
• The evolution of technology in building
• Increased communication and professionalism

00:19:34 - Irish Craftsmanship & Trade Skills

• Ireland's excellence at World Skills competitions
• The need to value trades more at home
• Comparing Ireland to Australia and Germany's respect for trades

00:22:06 - Stories from the Sites

• Hilarious breakfast roll mix-up story
• The magazine in the lunch box prank
• Working with deaf and talented tilers

00:24:20 - Ice Expo 2025 Recap

• First impressions of the exhibition
• The digger challenge competition
• Meeting hundreds of people and the incredible turnout

00:27:07 - Why Ice Expo Is Unique

• Bringing international shows to Ireland
• Saving exhibitors massive transport costs
• The grassroots, hands-on nature of the event

00:29:04 - Ice Expo 2026 Plans

• New app for exhibitors
• Tire change challenge returning
• Conor's digger challenge comeback

00:30:25 - Best Advice: Stay Consistent

• Learning from John Kavanagh and MMA
• The power of showing up every day
• Applying consistency to any area of life

00:32:04 - Philosophy: "This Too Will Pass"

• Marcus Aurelius and training for Hell Week
• Dealing with mental health challenges
• Perspective on good times and bad times

00:34:05 - What's Next for Pete the Builder

• Plans for future TV shows
• Potential book project
• Social media ideas and jujitsu goals

00:35:54 - Logos: The Christmas Experience

• Ten years of Logos and recent reinvestment
• Creating authentic magical family moments
• The real forest, log cabins, and professional actors

00:37:33 - Easter, Halloween & Christmas at Logos

• New train ride through the forest
• Stunning views over Dublin
• How to get tickets

00:38:59 - Closing Remarks

• Looking forward to Ice Expo 2026
• Prizes and activities planned

00:39:27 - Outro & Sponsor Message

In this episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we’re joined by Tom Brown, Director of Doctor.ie, to discuss the future of accessible healthcare in Ireland and why preventative health is more important than ever.

Tom shares the story behind Doctor.ie – from its origins in digital health software to becoming a nationwide network of 15 walk-in clinics offering same-day GP access, health screening, telehealth, and specialist services. We explore how technology, nurses, and doctors work together to give patients real insight into their health, not just test results.

With a strong focus on men’s health, the construction industry, and preventative care, Tom explains why Doctor.ie has partnered with Randox and what attendees can expect from their stand at the ICE Expo. The conversation also covers blood testing, wellness screening, TRT clinics, workplace pop-up health clinics, sports partnerships, and how early intervention can genuinely save lives.

A must-listen for anyone interested in health, wellbeing, construction, or the future of occupational healthcare in Ireland.

⏱️ Episode Timecodes

00:00 – 00:02
Sponsor message & upcoming auction details

00:02 – 00:03
Welcome to the Ice Expo Podcast

00:03 – 01:20
Who is Tom Brown & how Doctor.ie began

01:20 – 02:35
Merging digital health with walk-in GP clinics

02:35 – 03:55
Health screening explained & why results matter

03:55 – 04:45
Online services, telehealth & nationwide clinics

04:45 – 05:35
Preventative healthcare & work-life balance

05:35 – 06:45
Tom’s personal health journey & blood testing

06:45 – 07:40
Understanding markers, lifestyle changes & results

07:40 – 09:00
Partnership with Randox & ICE Expo involvement

09:00 – 10:40
Focus on men’s health & the construction industry

10:40 – 11:30
On-site blood testing & tailored health packages

11:30 – 12:40
Family history, awareness & changing attitudes to health

12:40 – 13:45
Why health belongs at trade shows like ICE Expo

13:45 – 15:00
Sports partnerships & cardiac screening

15:00 – 16:30
How often should you get blood tests?

16:30 – 17:50
Making results easy to understand & patient pathways

17:50 – 19:00
The role of nurses, doctors & health coaches

19:00 – 20:30
Future plans for Doctor.ie & nationwide expansion

20:30 – 22:00
Pop-up clinics for businesses & workplaces

22:00 – 23:30
Community clubs, fundraising & accessible screening

23:30 – 24:40
Final thoughts, ICE Expo preview & thanks

24:40 – End
Sponsor message & closing

Join us for an incredible conversation with Ciaran McCormack, aka The Tire Warrior, as he shares his journey from working on tires since age seven to becoming a viral sensation with over a billion views! In this episode, Kieran reveals the secrets behind his success, his upcoming plans for Ice Expo 2025, and the world's first tire fitting competition.

Discover how this Irish tire specialist built an international brand through authentic content, strategic use of natural sounds, and signature moves like his famous bar catch. Kieran discusses his global adventures from Vegas to Idaho, working with real cowboys, and his plans to open The Tire Warrior Garage.

Don't miss the exclusive details about the Ice Expo tire fitting competition on May 22nd-23rd, complete with cash prizes, showgirls, merchandise giveaways, and live demonstrations!

Timecodes

00:00:12 - Introduction and welcome to The Tire Warrior

00:00:42 - Origin of "The Tire Warrior" name and how it started

00:01:24 - Early days creating videos to promote their business

00:01:45 - Discovery that people love watching tractor tire work

00:01:59 - Background in engineering and working with tires since age seven

00:02:20 - Timeline: Started posting in 2019

00:02:40 - Traveling and farming in America, Canada, and Australia

00:03:16 - Life splitting time between Ireland and North America

00:03:43 - Counting the views: Over a billion video views!

00:03:58 - Daily life: Balancing tire work with content creation

00:04:34 - Fitness and physicality of tire work

00:04:55 - The shortage of tire men in Ireland

00:05:10 - Inspiring people to join the tire industry

00:05:28 - Irish Tire Garage Tour docu-series

00:05:49 - How to contact for tire industry opportunities

00:06:07 - Why young people are leaving Ireland for opportunities abroad

00:06:35 - Advice for aspiring influencers: "Just go and do it"

00:06:54 - Life philosophy and making the most of your time

00:07:12 - Dealing with naysayers and focusing on supporters

00:07:39 - The future: "In ten years I'll be able to say I did the thing"

00:07:59 - The secret to viral videos: Sounds and natural audio

00:08:17 - First video success: 84,000 views

00:08:34 - Learning what works through trial and error

00:08:54 - Darwin's survival of the fittest approach to content

00:09:14 - Discovery of natural sounds over music

00:09:32 - Collaboration with musicians using video sounds

00:10:14 - The famous bar kick and catch technique

00:10:28 - Getting 100,000 to 10 million views per video

00:10:46 - Vegas Tire Garage Tour announcement

00:11:04 - Speed Vegas supercar experience

00:11:23 - Driving a McLaren on the track

00:11:46 - Recommendation: Speed Vegas for $500

00:12:21 - Ice Expo plans and excitement

00:12:40 - Details on machines, tractors, and lorries for the event

00:12:57 - WORLD'S FIRST TIRE FITTING COMPETITION announcement

00:13:12 - Competition details and cash prize

00:13:25 - Event dates: May 22nd and 23rd, 2025

00:13:43 - Showgirls and merchandise tent

00:13:58 - Partnership with tire brands for new machines

00:14:10 - Showgirls' role: Photos, mingling, giveaways

00:14:28 - Cool trucks and special rubber duck reveal teaser

00:14:40 - The mysterious rubber duck with special feature

00:15:02 - Professional tire men team joining for demonstrations

00:15:18 - Sponsors attending: Snickers, boot companies, truck companies

00:15:37 - Giveaways: Hoodies, t-shirts, jackets

00:15:53 - Competition timing: Under 2 minutes for The Tire Warrior

00:16:11 - Setup designed for entertainment and speed

00:16:34 - Tire specifications: 540 6524 Continental

00:17:02 - Continental tire choice for ease of fitting

00:17:17 - Competitors can bring their own tools

00:17:36 - First competition of its kind in the world

00:17:56 - Ice Expo as the biggest show of the year

00:18:09 - Ice Expo already sold out!

00:18:26 - Unique clientele and honored to participate

00:18:42 - Messages from around the world since announcement

00:19:04 - Prize and sponsor announcements coming soon

00:19:12 - Future plans discussion

00:19:32 - Irish Tire Garage Tour: 20 garages lined up

00:19:50 - UK Tire Garage Tour in development

00:20:14 - Vegas tour leading to Texas and LA invitations

00:20:35 - Expanding to Scottish, Welsh, and England tours

00:21:13 - Australia mining tire opportunities (giant tires!)

00:21:33 - 2026 vision: European tour, South Africa, Russia

00:21:48 - Series featuring girls doing tractor tires

00:22:05 - Girl tire videos getting hundreds of millions of views

00:22:29 - Idaho connection and main sponsor

00:22:45 - Robinson Ranch: Real cowboys and horse breeding

00:23:04 - Meeting legitimate cowboys (not actors)

00:23:29 - Riding horses with real cowboys

00:23:44 - Meeting "Bull" the cowboy

00:24:04 - Bringing in bulls on horseback

00:24:21 - Looking after tire fleet for ranch

00:24:40 - Fox Fuels partnership and fuel additive

00:24:57 - Fox Fuels: 15-20% fuel efficiency increase

00:25:17 - Plans to bring Fox Fuels to Ireland commercially

00:25:34 - Fox Fuels origin story: NASA rocket fuel from the 1960s

00:25:57 - Apollo mission fuel technology

00:26:15 - Commercialization of 50-60 year old NASA tech

00:26:35 - Benefits: Engine protection and fuel efficiency

00:26:53 - Idaho Custom Contract partnership

00:27:12 - Global client work and fleet checking

00:27:43 - Upcoming trips to Texas and California

00:28:09 - GARAGE ANNOUNCEMENT: Opening The Tire Warrior Garage

00:28:30 - Documenting the entire garage build process

00:28:45 - The Tire Warrior Garage name confirmed

00:29:00 - Film s...

In this episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we sit down with Tom Parlon — a man whose career spans farming, machinery, politics, and leadership at the highest levels of Ireland’s construction sector. From his early days on a small Offaly farm to becoming President of the IFA, a Government Minister, and Director General of the CIF, Tom shares a lifetime of insight.

This is an honest, funny, and deeply informative conversation with one of the most experienced voices in Irish public and industrial life.

00:00 – 00:00:24
Euro Auctions sponsor intro & episode welcome
00:00:24 – 00:01:11
Introducing Tom Parlon — politician, IFA President, CIF leader
00:01:11 – 00:02:35
Early life on a small Offaly farm & agricultural college
00:02:35 – 00:03:19
Staying in Ireland vs moving to Australia — farming expands
00:03:19 – 00:04:01
New Zealand scholarship & contracting beginnings
00:04:01 – 00:05:07
Rising through the IFA to become President
00:05:07 – 00:06:26
Entering politics — joining the Progressive Democrats
00:06:26 – 00:07:10
Becoming Minister of State for Finance & overseeing the OPW
00:07:10 – 00:10:02
Major projects, EU presidency stories & diplomatic challenges
00:10:02 – 00:11:23
Investing in Offaly — heritage projects & local wins
00:11:23 – 00:12:41
Losing his seat and moving into the Construction Industry Federation
00:12:41 – 00:14:28
Inside government: pressures, civil service, political realities
00:14:28 – 00:16:31
The 2007–2012 crash — warning signs, collapse & survival
00:16:31 – 00:18:54
Ireland’s infrastructure failures: water, electricity, planning delays
00:18:54 – 00:21:21
The metro judicial review & structural reform frustrations
00:21:21 – 00:22:21
Lessons the construction sector must remember
00:22:21 – 00:24:16
Greed, over-expansion & parallels with decentralisation
00:24:16 – 00:26:24
NAMA’s formation — opposition, consequences & industry fallout
00:26:24 – 00:31:05
Could NAMA-style emergency powers fix today’s crises?
00:31:05 – 00:32:13
Machinery nostalgia — from Massey Ferguson to modern tech
00:32:13 – 00:35:08
The rise of advanced plant, automation & industry innovation
00:35:08 – 00:37:14
Sustainability on sites — recycling, materials & challenges
00:37:14 – 00:40:18
Energy, wind farms, solar, NIMBYism & planning blockages
00:40:18 – 00:43:10
Transport, infrastructure and what Ireland should learn
00:43:10 – 00:45:25
Advice to young contractors & pride in construction work
00:45:25 – End
Closing thoughts & Ice Expo preview

Description:
In this inspiring episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we dive deep into the career journey of Philip Carney, CEO and Founder of The HR Company. From his early beginnings in finance to working alongside Bill Gates at Microsoft, and ultimately launching one of Ireland’s leading HR consultancies — Philip shares lessons learned, challenges faced, and invaluable advice for small business owners navigating compliance and growth in today’s workplace.

⏱️ Time Codes & Highlights

00:00 – 00:05 | Introduction
Danielle welcomes listeners to another episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, setting the stage for a conversation about leadership, business growth, and HR innovation.

00:05 – 00:41 | Meet Philip Carney
Philip shares his early background, beginning as an accountant with Nortel in Galway, and reflects on the career-shaping lessons that freedom and opportunity brought him as a young professional.

00:41 – 02:28 | The Nortel Years
He discusses Nortel’s groundbreaking approach to rotating leadership roles — giving employees exposure to multiple departments and teaching future leaders how to think broadly about business.

02:28 – 03:42 | Enter Microsoft & Bill Gates
Philip recalls his time at Microsoft, working closely with Bill Gates, describing him as both “patient and impatient” — a visionary who taught him to “ask forgiveness, not permission.”

03:42 – 05:12 | Leaving Corporate Life Behind
After years in the corporate world, Philip explains why he left Microsoft to strike out on his own — seeking independence from bureaucracy and politics to build something more personal.

05:12 – 06:43 | Founding The HR Company
He describes the challenges of transitioning from global corporation to small startup, and how identifying a gap in HR administration and compliance sparked the company’s creation.

06:43 – 09:01 | Early Clients & Growth
From signing their first major client, Analog Devices, to growing a national client base, Philip reflects on learning to sell, adapting to technology, and building trust one relationship at a time.

09:01 – 12:25 | Advice for Small Businesses
Philip shares powerful guidance for small employers — emphasizing the importance of compliance, fair procedure, and proactive HR systems to avoid costly mistakes.

12:25 – 15:10 | Memorable HR Cases
From shocking workplace incidents to complex legal disputes, Philip walks listeners through how process, patience, and empathy are essential in resolving HR challenges.

15:10 – 17:58 | Lessons Learned & Self-Reflection
He offers candid reflections on his early career — wishing he’d been more assertive, and encouraging young professionals to believe in their abilities and take initiative.

17:58 – 20:00 | Modern Challenges & Compliance Trends
The discussion turns to gender pay reporting, collective bargaining, and how today’s workplaces are shaped by ever-evolving compliance standards.

20:00 – 23:20 | Inside The HR Company Today
Philip outlines the company’s services — from compliance audits and employee handbooks to behavioural assessments and data protection tools — designed to make HR more human and efficient.

23:20 – 26:16 | Behavioural Testing & Recruitment Insights
He explains why he never reads CVs, how personality assessments reveal true potential, and why understanding people’s behaviour leads to better hiring and happier teams.

26:16 – 31:00 | Evolving Over 25 Years
Marking 25 years in business, Philip reflects on growth, team development, and how training managers to handle issues early prevents escalation and builds stronger workplaces.

31:00 – 37:36 | Culture, Generations & The Future of Work
Philip discusses evolving workplace culture, challenges facing younger generations post-COVID, and how businesses can adapt to changing communication and social dynamics.

37:36 – 39:42 | The Future: AI & Innovation
Looking ahead, The HR Company plans to embrace AI responsibly — using it to enhance data insights while keeping “wisdom and human understanding” at the heart of HR.

39:42 – 41:05 | Closing Thoughts
Philip shares his passion for helping businesses succeed through people. The conversation ends with gratitude, inspiration, and an invitation to meet him at the next Ice Expo event.