UnfilteredFlowELSC

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

Summary:

In this episode of Unfiltered Flow ELSC, Meghann Cook and Alan Burdette welcome Julie Fuller, a seasoned engineer with a remarkable career in hydraulics. Julie shares her journey into engineering, influenced by her mother and teachers, and discusses her various roles, from design engineer to COO. She reflects on the challenges faced as a female in a male-dominated industry and offers valuable advice for women entering similar fields. The conversation also touches on the transition from a family-owned company to a corporate structure, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in one's career.

Takeaways:

Julie was inspired to pursue engineering by her mother and female teachers.

Engineering is fundamentally about problem-solving.

Julie enjoyed every position she held throughout her career.

Challenges faced as a female engineer often stem from perceptions rather than abilities.

Networking and building relationships are crucial in overcoming industry biases.

Transitioning from a family-owned company to a corporate entity can provide new opportunities.

Quality and process improvements are essential in corporate environments.

Women in engineering should focus on their skills and knowledge rather than gender biases.

A sense of humor can help navigate challenges in male-dominated industries.

Preparation and confidence are key to being taken seriously in technical roles.

In this engaging conversation, John Kumler facilitates as Meghann Cook and Allen Burdette share their extensive experiences in the fluid power industry, discussing their career paths, the passion that drives them, and the challenges they face in recruitment. They highlight the importance of innovation and the evolving landscape of fluid power, emphasizing the need for new talent and effective training programs. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology, particularly AI, on recruitment processes, and the necessity of maintaining a personal touch in a rapidly changing industry.

In this conversation, Meghann Cook interviews Jacek Krzciuk, a regional sales manager at LHY Powertrain, discussing his career journey, the dynamics of sales in the hydraulics industry, and the importance of employee satisfaction and motivation. Jacek shares insights on his day-to-day operations, the challenges faced in the industry, and the significance of understanding team dynamics to foster a productive work environment.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Chuck DiVincenzo, Vice President of Sales at Bucher Hydraulics, as he shares his remarkable journey in the fluid power industry. From starting in customer service to leading sales, Chuck recounts his experiences with unique projects like elephant doors, airport jetways, and fishing boats. Discover the challenges and triumphs of a career dedicated to innovation and hands-on problem-solving in this insightful episode.

In this episode of UnfilteredFlow ELSC, Meghann Cook and Allen Burdette interview Kyle Britton, president of Oil Air Products. They discuss the evolution of the fluid power industry, the impact of smart technology, challenges such as globalization and tariffs, and the pressing need for new talent in the field. Kyle emphasizes the importance of adapting to technological advancements and the necessity of attracting young professionals to ensure the industry's future.