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The Industrial Talk Podcast Network

The Industrial Talk Podcast Network

By: The Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott MacKenzie
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 Industrial Talk is about celebrating the women and men of industry and manufacturing. We celebrate these innovative leaders and companies because they make our lives better and are changing the world for the better! These passionate leaders collaborate, innovate and educate with speed and purpose to positively impact people and communities around the world. Industrial Talk in collaboration with industry and manufacturing leaders address topics that include: Digital Transformation, Big Data, Industry 4.0, IoT, IIoT, AI, ML, Optimization, Edge, Cloud, Asset Reliability, Maintenance, 5G, Sales, Marketing and Branding and strategies for success. This is a podcast that is focused on Getting Stuff Done and learning from individuals and companies that have been there and have a track record of success. We celebrate a bright future in industry and manufacturing from with women and men dedicated to making our communities and world a better place.Copyright 2026 The Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott MacKenzie Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Dr. Karl Hoffower with Failure Prevention Associates

    Dr. Karl Hoffower with Failure Prevention Associates
    Apr 16 2026
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Dr. Karl Hoffower, Executive Director at Failure Prevention Associates about "Industrial Skills Gaps". Scott Mackenzie and Dr. Karl Hoffower discuss the importance of asset management and reliability in industrial settings. Dr. Hoffower, former Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehab, now leads Failure Prevention Associates, which provides diagnostic tools and services for asset condition monitoring. They highlight the parallels between healthcare diagnostics and asset monitoring, emphasizing the need for human expertise to interpret AI-generated data. Dr. Hoffower also addresses the skills gap in the labor force, noting a decline in labor participation rates to 63% from 80%. They stress the importance of education and training to inspire the next generation and ensure the success of IoT and wireless sensor technologies. Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast Scott MacKenzie introduces himself and the podcast, highlighting IRISS as the global leader in electrical maintenance safety.Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industrial professionals worldwide.Scott MacKenzie mentions the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas, and introduces Dr. Karl Hoffower.Dr. Karl Hoffower joins the conversation, and Scott MacKenzie comments on the hurricane that disrupted the previous year's conference. Dr. Karl Hoffower's Background and Transition to Asset Condition Monitoring Dr. Karl Hoffower shares his background as a former chief of Physical Medicine and Rehab in Silicon Valley.He explains his transition from healthcare to asset condition monitoring, drawing parallels between diagnostic tests in healthcare and asset monitoring.Dr. Karl Hoffower discusses the founding of Failure Prevention Associates and its move to Houston, Texas.He describes the company's services, including selling diagnostic tools, training, and providing assessment services. Tools and Services Offered by Failure Prevention Associates Dr. Karl Hoffower lists the tools and services offered by Failure Prevention Associates, including vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and motor circuit testing.He mentions their partnership with PDMA for electric motor testing and other companies for various diagnostic tools.Scott MacKenzie shares a personal anecdote about using a vibration device introduced by Dr. Karl Hoffower.Dr. Karl Hoffower highlights the importance of understanding the depth and breadth of diagnostic needs for different industries and processes. Challenges and Opportunities in Asset Condition Monitoring Dr. Karl Hoffower discusses the role of AI in asset condition monitoring and its limitations.He emphasizes the need for human intelligence and expertise to interpret AI-generated data accurately.Scott MacKenzie and Dr. Karl Hoffower agree on the importance of human interaction in the use of AI.Dr. Karl Hoffower shares his perspective on the skills gap in the labor force and the need for better education and training. Labor Participation and Immigration Challenges Dr. Karl Hoffower discusses the decline in labor participation rates and the impact of immigration policies on the workforce.He shares a personal story about his grandfather, a border patrol agent, and the challenges faced by immigration agents.Dr. Karl Hoffower advocates for better funding and streamlining of immigration processes to address the labor shortage.Scott Mackenzie and Dr. Karl Hoffower discuss the renaissance of manufacturing in the United States and the need for a skilled workforce. Education and Training for the Next Generation Dr. Karl Hoffower highlights the importance of educating the next generation in industrial professions.He mentions the role of community colleges and industry partnerships in providing craft training.Scott Mackenzie and Dr. Karl Hoffower discuss the need for inspiring young people to pursue careers in industrial professions.Dr. Karl Hoffower shares his personal approach to teaching his children practical skills, such as jumping a car battery. Final Thoughts and Contact Information Dr. Karl Hoffower provides contact information for Failure Prevention Associates and encourages listeners to reach out for more information.Scott MacKenzie reiterates the importance of attending the SMRP conference and the value of the insights shared by Dr. Karl Hoffower.The conversation concludes with Scott Mackenzie promoting the Industrial Talk podcast and its mission to celebrate industrial professionals.Scott MacKenzie emphasizes the need for collaboration, education, and innovation in the industrial sector. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow!...
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    26 mins
  • Will Ocean with Maintain Reliability

    Will Ocean with Maintain Reliability
    Apr 15 2026
    Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Will Ocean, Managing Director with Maintain Reliability about "Operational success starts with reliability". The conversation revolves around the Fluke Xcelerate 2026 event, which focused on reliability, predictive maintenance, and AI diagnostics. Scott MacKenzie, the host of the Industrial Talk Podcast, interviews Will Ocean, a Managing Director at Maintain Reliability, about the importance of culture and technology in industrial operations. They discuss the challenges of implementing reliability strategies, the need for mentorship and training, and the difficulty of measuring the ROI of preventive measures. Will emphasizes the importance of a cultural shift towards reliability and the role of thought leaders in inspiring and educating the next generation of industry professionals. Outline Fluke's Xcelerate Event Overview Scott introduces the Fluke's Xcelerate event, highlighting its focus on reliability and innovation.The event featured high-energy keynotes, hands-on predictive maintenance tools, and AI diagnostic breakthroughs.Scott emphasizes the event's real-world strategies that teams can implement immediately.The event is described as a launch pad for smarter, faster, and more reliable operations. Introduction to the Industrial Talk Podcast Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industry professionals worldwide.The podcast aims to highlight the bravery, innovation, and problem-solving skills of industry professionals.Scott mentions the importance of celebrating industry heroes and their contributions to making the world a better place. Meeting Will Ocean and Initial Impressions Scott introduces Will Ocean, a legend in the industry, and mentions his great accent.Will Ocean expresses gratitude for being invited and shares a light-hearted moment about never bringing Scott to England.The conversation touches on the positive energy and culture at the Xcelerate event.Will Ocean discusses the importance of resonance and the positive energy felt at the event, emphasizing the passion and importance of the topics discussed. The Importance of Passion and Mentorship Will Ocean talks about the passion and drive behind thought leadership at the event, highlighting the involvement of apprentices.He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and inspiring people, sharing his own experience with the Reliability Gang podcast.Scott agrees on the need to inspire the next generation of leaders and the importance of telling industry stories.Will Ocean discusses the challenges of sharing knowledge and the skills gap in the industry, advocating for making industry conversations accessible and relatable. Cultural and Technological Challenges in Industry Scott and Will Ocean discuss the cultural challenges in the industry, particularly the slow pace of cultural change compared to technological advancements.Will Ocean uses the analogy of going to the gym to explain the long-term effort required to change industry culture.They discuss the importance of having the right conversations and the need for patience and empathy in cultural change.Will Ocean highlights the need for thought leaders to spread awareness and empathy, and the importance of understanding the conditioning of experienced industry professionals. Will Ocean's Background and Maintain Reliability Will Ocean shares his background, starting in the electric and mechanical trades and moving to condition monitoring and vibration analysis.He discusses the transition from being a problem giver to a solutions provider and the importance of understanding the root cause of problems.Will Ocean emphasizes the need for a roadmap to address gaps within organizations and the importance of adding value first.He shares his experience with Maintain Reliability, focusing on the importance of tools, training, and progression for employees. The Role of Culture in Sustaining Reliability Will Ocean discusses the importance of reliability being ingrained in the culture of an organization.He highlights the challenges of sustaining reliability when senior leadership changes and the need for a strong culture to support long-term goals.Scott and Will Ocean discuss the difficulty of measuring the return on investment for reliability efforts that prevent failures.Will Ocean emphasizes the need for awareness and a long-term vision for the plant, advocating for a marathon approach to reliability. The Importance of Problem-Solving and Adaptability Will Ocean discusses the importance of problem-solving and the need for flexibility in roadmaps for different organizations.He shares an example of a manufacturing facility using diagnostic equipment without a clear plan, highlighting the need for proper utilization of tools.Will Ocean emphasizes the importance of addressing gaps and adding value first, using a roadmap tailored to the specific needs of the organization.He discusses the challenges of measuring the ...
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    25 mins
  • Tyson Robinett and Alex Hawes with Central Power Systems and Services

    Tyson Robinett and Alex Hawes with Central Power Systems and Services
    Apr 14 2026
    Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Tyson Robinett and Alex Hawes with Central Power Systems and Services about "A hungry energy market". The conversation features Scott Mackenzie hosting the Industrial Talk podcast at Power Gen in San Antonio, featuring guests Tyson Robinett and Alex Hawes from Central Power Systems and Services. Tyson has been with the company for 27 years, primarily in the generator sector, while Alex has been there for five years, previously in sales for VA Supply. They discuss the company's role as a solutions provider rather than just a generator manufacturer, emphasizing their ability to provide multi-fuel generators and customized solutions for various industries, including data centers and oil and gas. They highlight the challenges of meeting market demand, particularly due to supply chain issues and the need for fast power solutions. The conversation also touches on the importance of human interaction in business and the role of venture capital in financing projects. Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast Industrial Talk, sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council.Scott emphasizes the importance of celebrating industry professionals and their contributions to solving global problems.The podcast is broadcasting live from Power Gen in San Antonio, showcasing problem solvers and innovators in the industry. Introduction of Guests: Tyson Robinett and Alex Hawes Scott introduces the guests, Tyson Robinett and Alex Hawes, from Central Power Systems and Services.Tyson Robinett shares his 27-year tenure with Central Power, primarily on the generator side, and his experience during the dot-com boom.Alex Hawes has been with Central Power for five years, previously working in sales and sales management for VA Supply in Kansas City.Both guests express their positive experiences at the event, mentioning the good turnout and the importance of networking. Discussion on Human Interaction and AI Scott discusses the importance of human interaction in the age of AI, emphasizing the need for personal connections and trust.Alex Hawes shares his background in sales and sales management, highlighting his experience with power distribution and electrical products.Tyson Robinett talks about the growth of Central Power since 1999 and the changes in the industry over the years.The conversation touches on the importance of human interaction in building relationships and trust in business. Central Power Systems and Services: Solutions Provider Alex Hawes explains how Central Power differentiates itself as a solutions provider rather than just a generator company.The company works with partners to find the right fit solutions for customers, focusing on timelines and product availability.Tyson Robinett discusses the challenges of meeting market demands, including the need for distribution gear, transformers, UPS systems, and busway.Central Power addresses supply chain issues by working with various suppliers and custom builders to meet customer needs. Multi-Fuel Capabilities and Scalability Alex Hawes highlights Central Power's multi-fuel capabilities, including diesel and natural gas generators for different applications.Tyson Robinett explains the scalability of Central Power's solutions, from single units to large parallel systems.The company can handle projects up to 103 megawatts and provides bridge solutions for data centers needing fast power.Central Power's natural gas product up to 2.7 megawatt is soon to be released, offering more fuel-efficient options. Challenges in the Market: Utility Power and Supply Chain Tyson Robinett identifies utility power as a significant challenge for customers, often leading to the need for bridging solutions with generators.The industry is stretched thin with various supply chain and manufacturing challenges, but also presents opportunities.Alex Hawes discusses the impact of the AI boom on the data center market, driving demand for fast equipment turnaround.The conversation touches on the financial challenges of securing capital for projects and the importance of venture capital and private equity. Future Trends and Market Dynamics Alex Hawes predicts the data center market will continue to drive demand, with a focus on lead times and equipment availability.The supply chain issues are similar to those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated by the AI and data center boom.Tyson Robinett emphasizes the importance of addressing supply chain challenges and finding innovative solutions.The discussion highlights the need for collaboration and customized solutions to meet market demands. Conclusion and Contact Information Scott thanks Tyson Robinett and Alex Hawes for their insights and contributions to the podcast.The conversation wraps up with a reminder of the importance of human interaction and collaboration in the industry.Scott encourages listeners to connect with Alex and Tyson on LinkedIn and to visit the ...
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    21 mins
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