Summary:In this episode of UnfilteredFlowELSC, host Meghann Cook welcomes Willie Harbert, a seasoned expert in the fluid power industry. Willie shares his journey from being a Navy nuclear submarine officer to becoming the Vice President of Orbital Motors at Danfoss and Eaton. He discusses the importance of partnerships, the integration of smart technology and IoT in fluid power, and the challenges of attracting new talent to the industry. Willie emphasizes the need for adaptability and continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field, offering insights into the future of fluid power and the role of innovation in small businesses.TakeawaysPartnerships are crucial in the fluid power industry.Smart technology and IoT are transforming fluid power.Attracting new talent is a major challenge.Adaptability and continuous learning are essential.Small businesses play a key role in innovation.The industry is moving towards more automation.Generational shifts impact technology adoption.Data must be turned into actionable insights.The labor and talent pipeline needs strengthening.Fluid power is integral to many industries.

In this episode of UnfilteredFlow ELSC, Meghann Cook interviews Ron Holcomb, a seasoned expert in the fluid power and automation industries. Ron shares his journey from dairy farming to becoming a key figure in the industry, discussing his experiences with various companies and projects. He highlights the evolution of technology, the impact of AI, and the shift towards electric systems. Ron also offers valuable advice for newcomers and reflects on his most rewarding projects, including the design of a seismic exploration vehicle and a hydraulic motorcycle.Takeaways-You become an expert by doing things wrong.-AI is not going to replace the need for understanding flow and pressure.-Electric systems are increasingly replacing traditional fluid power in industrial settings.-The most rewarding project was designing a seismic exploration vehicle.-Building a hydraulic motorcycle was a fun and challenging project.-AI is being used to optimize energy use in cooling towers.-The biggest challenge in fluid power is the shift towards electric systems.-Time is your most valuable asset; make good use of it.-Listen and learn from everyone, as everyone has something to offer.-Be careful to cover your bases in business dealings.Sound bitesYou become an expert by doing things wrong.AI is not going to replace understanding.Electric systems are replacing fluid power.Designing a seismic exploration vehicle was rewarding.Building a hydraulic motorcycle was fun.AI optimizes energy in cooling towers.Biggest challenge: shift to electric systems.Time is your most valuable asset.Listen and learn from everyone.Cover your bases in business dealings.

In this episode of Unfiltered Flow ELSC, Meghann Cook and Allen Burdette sit down with Barun Acharya, Systems Application Engineering Manager at Parker-Hannifin. Barun shares his journey into the world of fluid power, discusses the trends and challenges in electrification, and explores the future of electro-hydraulics in mobile equipment. Tune in to discover how electrification is reshaping industries and the exciting innovations on the horizon.

Takeaways:

1. Barun Acharya's journey into fluid power began with a master's degree in mechanical engineering at Oklahoma State University.

2. Electrification of fluid power systems is a growing trend, though adoption has been slower than expected due to supply chain challenges.

3. Efficiency and right-sizing are key focuses in the electrification of hydraulic systems, aiming to reduce inefficiencies and heat production.

4. Government initiatives are driving the adoption of electrified fluid power solutions, particularly in ports and compact construction equipment.

5. Battery technology is a critical component in electrification, with challenges in cost, weight, and thermal management.

6. Simulation and energy mapping are essential in designing efficient hybrid and electric systems.

7. Cross-functional expertise and pilot projects are recommended for OEMs and system designers to stay ahead in the transition to hybrid and electric options.

8. The future of electro-hydraulics is bright, with a blend of electric and hydraulic systems becoming more common.

9. Barun emphasizes the importance of communication skills in engineering, alongside technical expertise.

10. The total cost of ownership and pilot projects are crucial in demonstrating the value of electrification to customers.

Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Mike McVay, President of Cross Company's Mobile Integration Group, to explore his remarkable 30-year journey in the fluid power industry. From his beginnings as a mechanical engineer to becoming a leader in sales, Mike shares valuable insights on the evolution of technology, the shift towards electrification, and the critical role of company culture in employee retention. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the field, Mike's experiences and advice offer a wealth of knowledge. Tune in to learn about the challenges and opportunities in fluid power and how to navigate them successfully.

Takeaways:

1. Mike McVay's journey from engineering to sales highlights the importance of leveraging technical skills in diverse roles.

2. The fluid power industry is evolving with a shift towards electrification, presenting new opportunities and challenges.

3. Company culture plays a crucial role in employee retention and recruitment, as emphasized by Cross Company's long-tenured staff.

4. Understanding customer needs and the technical aspects of products is vital for success in sales, especially in technical fields.

5. The integration of IoT in fluid power systems offers significant benefits in remote troubleshooting and software updates.

6. Efficient hydraulic design is becoming increasingly important as machinery shifts towards electrification.

7. Investing in personal development and technical competence is key to a successful career in sales and engineering.

8. The transition from engineering to sales requires patience and the ability to handle rejection and setbacks.

9. Cross Company's focus on culture and employee value contributes to its success and longevity in the industry.

10. The future of fluid power involves a blend of traditional and new technologies, requiring adaptability and continuous learning.

Summary

In this episode of Unfiltered Flow, Meghann Cook interviews Casey Ruttan, who shares his journey in the fluid power and automation industries. Casey discusses his role in a repair shop, his experiences with hydraulic systems, and the importance of safety training. He highlights innovative projects he's worked on, the impact of smart technology and IoT, and the challenges facing the industry, particularly the impending knowledge gap due to retirements. Casey emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of fundamental concepts in fluid power and the importance of preserving industry knowledge for future generations.

Takeaways

Casey Ruttan runs a repair shop and offers consultative services.

HydraulicSchematic.com helps modernize old schematics.

Understanding fluid power systems is crucial for troubleshooting.

Safety training in fluid power is often neglected.

Innovative projects can lead to significant industry changes.

Smart technology and IoT are transforming fluid power.

A knowledge gap is looming due to retirements in the industry.

Basic principles of pressure and flow are essential for success.

Effective troubleshooting requires asking the right questions.

Preserving industry knowledge is vital for future evolution.

Join Meghann Cook and Allen Burdette as they sit down with Josh Jenkins, Business Development Manager at Durable Controls. Discover Josh's journey into the process instrumentation industry, the technological advancements shaping the field, and the challenges faced in hiring and industry consolidation. Gain insights into the evolving landscape and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Summary:

Butch Cunningham shares his extensive journey in the fluid power industry, starting from his early days influenced by his father's work with Greer Hydraulics. He recounts his experiences working with various companies, including his time as a quality engineer and later as a service manager. Butch emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and building strong relationships throughout his career. He discusses the evolution of technology in the industry, particularly the shift from servo to proportional valves, and highlights the challenges of attracting young talent to the field. Butch's narrative is filled with anecdotes of problem-solving and innovation, underscoring his passion for the industry and his desire to mentor the next generation.

Takeaways:

Hands-on experience is crucial in understanding and excelling in the fluid power industry.

Building strong relationships is key to success and growth in any career.

The transition from servo to proportional valves marked a significant technological advancement in the industry.

Problem-solving and innovation are at the heart of overcoming industry challenges.

Mentorship and sharing knowledge can help bridge the gap for newcomers in the field.

Understanding the technical aspects of products is as important as having sales skills.

The evolution of technology has made the industry more accessible and efficient.

Networking and maintaining professional relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities.

The fluid power industry offers diverse career paths and opportunities for those willing to learn and adapt.

Summary:

In this episode of Unfiltered Flow, Meghann Cook and Allen Burdette welcome Jeff Watts, a seasoned professional in the fluid power industry. Jeff shares insights into his role in business development at Hydrapower, his extensive career journey, and the challenges he has faced in the industry. The conversation also explores the differences between distribution and manufacturing, what to look for in an employer, and the impact of industry consolidation.

Takeaways:

Jeff Watts emphasizes the importance of customer relationships in business development.

His favorite part of the job is introducing new solutions to customers.

Jeff's career spans over 44 years in the fluid power industry.

He values hands-on experience over formal education in his career journey.

The culture of a company is crucial when considering employment.

Challenges in the industry include maintaining customer confidence during quality issues.

Adapting to new technology and communication methods is essential for success.

Consolidation in the industry can lead to both challenges and opportunities.

Jeff prefers the variety of products available in distribution.

He believes that a company's reputation significantly impacts employee satisfaction.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to Jeff Watts and Hydropower01:17 Day-to-Day in Business Development

03:18 Jeff's Career Journey in Fluid Power

08:33 Distribution vs. Manufacturing: Insights from Experience0

9:30 Job Applications: Then and Now

09:42 What to Look for in Employers

12:06 Challenges in the Fluid Power Industry

13:48 Consolidation in the Industry: Pros and Cons

16:24 Black Animated Thanks for Watching YouTube Outro.mp4

Join Mark Johnson as he delves into the transformative impact of smart technology and IoT in the fluid power industry. Discover how these innovations are reshaping operations, enhancing efficiency, and driving the future of fluid power. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or industry professional, this insightful discussion offers valuable perspectives on the integration of cutting-edge technology in traditional fields. Don't miss out on Mark's expert insights and real-world examples that highlight the potential of IoT in revolutionizing fluid power. #FluidPower #SmartTech #IoT

Summary

In this episode of Unfiltered Flow ELSC, Meghann Cook and Allen Burdette welcome Bruce McKay, President of Fluid Power at Sunsource. Bruce shares his journey in the fluid power industry, discussing his early experiences and notable projects, including work on F-18 fighter simulators. The conversation explores the impact of technology and IoT on the fluid power industry, the challenges of hiring and retaining talent, and the ongoing consolidation within the industry. Bruce emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded skill set for future professionals and the need for companies to adapt to changing customer demands.

Takeaways:

Bruce McKay has over 35 years of experience in fluid power.

He started in the electronics industry before moving to hydraulics.

One of his notable projects involved F-18 fighter simulators.

Technology and IoT are transforming the fluid power industry.

Predictive maintenance is a key focus for customers today.

Hiring challenges include finding motivated and mature candidates.

AI may help address knowledge gaps in the industry.

Consolidation can be beneficial if cultural values align.

Successful professionals need a broad skill set across technologies.

Maintaining local presence is important during consolidation.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Fluid Power and Bruce McKay

02:26 Bruce's Journey in Fluid Power

05:02 The Impact of Smart Technology on Fluid Power

07:52 Skills for the Future in Fluid Power

10:17 Challenges in the Fluid Power Industry

12:22 Hiring Challenges and Industry Consolidation