Épisodes

  • Jason Kruger with Citrin Cooperman

    Jason Kruger with Citrin Cooperman
    Jan 15 2026
    Industrial Talk is talking to Jason Kruger, Partner at Citrin Cooperman about "Capital access starts with a trusted advisor focused on your success". Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, featuring industry professionals like Jason Kruger from Citrin Cooperman. The conversation covers the importance of podcasting for business, emphasizing its role in building authority, trust, and engagement. Jason discusses his firm's services, focusing on outsourced accounting and CFO advisory, and their unique approach to client support. He highlights the impact of tariffs on manufacturing profitability and the necessity of accurate financial reporting for accessing capital. Jason also touches on the role of AI in enhancing efficiency and decision-making in financial processes. The discussion underscores the value of human connection and strategic financial planning in business success. Action Items
    • [ ] Publish the guest's contact information on the Industrial Talk website and episode page so listeners can reach the guest
    • [ ] Provide placement of a guest's podcast on the Industrial Talk platform upon the guest's request (listener must ask to proceed)

    Outline Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
    • Scott welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of celebrating innovators and problem solvers in the industry.
    • The podcast aims to tell the stories of industry professionals and discuss topics like access to capital and financial strategies.
    • Scott shares his passion for finance and the importance of financial conversations in every organization.

    The Value of Podcasting
    • Scott expresses frustration with companies that do not see the value in podcasting.
    • He shares his personal journey into podcasting, inspired by the widespread popularity of podcasts.
    • Podcasting is presented as a way to create human connections, build authority, and improve engagement.
    • Speaker 2 emphasizes the tangible financial rewards and SEO benefits of podcasting.

    Challenges and Opportunities in Podcasting
    • Scott discusses common objections to starting a podcast, such as lack of personnel or time.
    • He encourages companies to prioritize creating content and human connections through podcasting.
    • The podcasting process is described as relatively inexpensive and straightforward.
    • Scott offers to help companies distribute their podcasts on the Industrial Talk platform for greater exposure.

    Introduction of Jason Kruger
    • Scott introduces Jason Kruger, a partner at Citrin Cooperman, and sets the stage for a discussion on financial topics.
    • Jason Kruger joins the conversation, mentioning his location in San Diego, California.
    • Scott and Jason share personal anecdotes about San Diego and their experiences there.
    • Jason provides a brief overview of his background and his current role at Citrin Cooperman.

    Citrin Cooperman's Services and Approach
    • Jason explains that Citrin Cooperman is a top 15 national CPA firm, specializing in tax, financial statement audits, and advisory services.
    • He highlights his focus on outsourced accounting and CFO advisory services, as well as valuation work and mergers and acquisitions.
    • Jason shares his experience at Deloitte and the inspiration behind starting Signature Analytics in 2008.
    • The company was acquired by Citrin Cooperman a year ago, and Jason continues to support clients in a partner role.

    Differentiating Citrin Cooperman
    • Jason discusses how Citrin Cooperman differentiates itself from other CPA firms by focusing on the client's specific needs and pain points.
    • The firm does not just provide bodies but offers a...
    Voir plus Voir moins
    36 min
  • Shon Isenhour with Eruditio

    Shon Isenhour with Eruditio
    Jan 13 2026
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Shon Isenhour, Owner/Founder at Euditio about "Inspired Blended Learning in Asset Management". Scott Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of companies having a podcast to tell their story and create a strategic advantage. He highlights the benefits of podcasting as a content-generating machine and a platform to build emotional connections with the market. At the SMRP conference, Scott interviews Shon Isenhour, owner of Eruditio, an education-first training company. Shon discusses their new Inspired Blended Learning Plus (IBL Plus) program, which integrates downloadable resources, animations, and simulations to enhance learning. They also touch on the role of AI in the industry, emphasizing the need for human engagement and the importance of personalized education for future success. Action Items
    • [ ] Maintain and execute multi-year project plans to regularly update Eruditio curriculum and keep training content current (schedule ongoing content revisions and new downloadable resources to reflect industry changes).
    • [ ] Deliver and enforce project-based IBL programs where learners complete facility projects and submit results to an assigned coach for feedback to ensure application and measurable ROI.
    • [ ] Publish Shon Isenhour's contact information on the Industrial Talk website so listeners can connect with him after the conference.

    Outline Importance of Company Podcasts
    • Scott emphasizes the importance of companies having a dedicated podcast to generate content easily.
    • Podcasting is presented as a platform that can help companies tell their story consistently.
    • Scott argues that companies that tell their story consistently have a strategic advantage.
    • The podcast allows companies to create an emotional connection with their market and stand out against larger competitors.

    Introduction to SMRP Conference
    • Scott introduces the SMRP conference, focusing on asset management, supply chain, and maintenance and reliability.
    • The conference is described as a must-attend event for professionals in these fields.
    • Scott highlights the importance of meeting industry leaders and networking at the conference.
    • The conversation transitions to introducing Shon, the owner of Eruditio, as a guest on the podcast.

    Shon's Background and Eruditio's Mission
    • Shon introduces himself as the owner of Eruditio, an education-first training company based in Charleston, South Carolina.
    • Eruditio works with various industries worldwide and focuses on mentoring and training.
    • Shon discusses the importance of mentoring in their curriculum, helping professionals transition to new roles.
    • Eruditio is unveiling their Inspired Blended Learning Plus (IBL Plus) at the conference, which includes new resources and simulations.

    Adapting to Industry Changes
    • Shon talks about the challenges of keeping educational material relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
    • The focus is on integrating AI effectively without replacing human roles.
    • Shon emphasizes the importance of human engagement and soft skills in the industry.
    • Eruditio's approach includes regular updates to their curriculum and the use of new technologies to explain complex topics.

    Inspiring the Next Generation
    • Shon discusses the need for edutainment to keep the attention of the next generation of professionals.
    • Eruditio's IBL products are project-based, allowing learners to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
    • The importance of having a coach for feedback and support is...
    Voir plus Voir moins
    21 min
  • George Williams with ReliabilityX

    George Williams with ReliabilityX
    Jan 6 2026
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to George Williams, CEO at ReliabilityX about "Successful Reliability begins with people". Scott Mackenzie announced upcoming events where Industrial Talk will broadcast, including Power Gen January 20-22 and MD&M West February 3-5. He introduced George Williams, who discussed his career progression from a painter to a global asset manager and co-founder of ReliabilityX. George emphasized the importance of growing "doers" through education, training, and mentoring to improve plant performance and reliability. He highlighted the need for practical applications of technology, such as using vibration sensors to prevent product giveaway. George also stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adapting to the changing workforce to ensure sustainability and relevance in the industry. Action Items
    • [ ] Broadcast Industrial Talk on site at PowerGen (January 20–22) and host conversations at booth 349 during the event
    • [ ] Broadcast Industrial Talk on site at MD&M West (February 3–5) in Anaheim and engage attendees on the show floor
    • [ ] Publish George Williams / ReliabilityX contact information and link on the Industrial Talk website and include it with the episode content
    • [ ] Build and maintain the members-only area on the ReliabilityX website with a growing library of Kahoot quizzes (pneumatics, hydraulics, power transmission, etc.) for team training and engagement

    Outline Upcoming Events and Broadcasts
    • Scott announces upcoming events where Industrial Talk will be broadcasting on-site, including Power Gen January 20-22 at booth 349 and MD&M West February 3-5 in Anaheim, California.
    • Emphasizes the importance of attending these events for manufacturing professionals and encourages listeners to look him up for specific discussions.
    • Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their contributions to making the world a better place.

    Introduction of George Williams and ReliabilityX
    • Scott introduces George Williams, a key figure at ReliabilityX, and praises the organization for its commitment to storytelling and roundtable discussions.
    • George Williams shares his background, starting as a painter in a large pharmaceutical plant and eventually becoming responsible for global asset management.
    • Discusses his transition to a $17 billion medical device company and eventually starting his own business with his partner, Joe.
    • Highlights the passion of George and Joe for seeing people grow and succeed in their careers.

    Core Business of ReliabilityX
    • George explains that ReliabilityX's core business is the growth of doers, focusing on educating, training, coaching, and mentoring individuals to improve plant performance and reliability.
    • Emphasizes the importance of understanding and focusing on the growth of individuals rather than just the technical aspects of reliability.
    • Discusses the need for executive support to scale business and the importance of simplifying reliability for broader understanding and application.
    • Outlines the three key principles of reliability: stopping being the source of problems, doing the right preventive maintenance, and managing degradation.

    Challenges and Solutions in Reliability
    • Scott and George discuss the challenges of maintaining focus in a rapidly changing market and the importance of practical applications of technology.
    • George shares examples of practical applications, such as using vibration sensors to prevent product giveaway and automating processes to improve...
    Voir plus Voir moins
    27 min
  • Greg Perry with Fluke

    Greg Perry with Fluke
    Jan 2 2026
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Greg Perry, Sr. Maintenance Reliability and CMMS Coach at Fluke about "Actualize Intelligence in Asset Management". Greg Perry discussed the importance of humanization in Industry 5.0, emphasizing the need to integrate actualized intelligence with artificial intelligence. He highlighted the significance of mapping workflows and the symbiotic relationship between people, processes, and technology. Perry shared insights from his 25 years of experience in computer maintenance management, stressing the importance of continuous improvement and learning. He also touched on the challenges of inspiring the next generation of asset management professionals and the role of community practice in peer review. The conversation concluded with a call to action for industry professionals to stay engaged and adapt to rapid technological changes. Action Items
    • [ ] Publish Gregory Perry's contact information on the Industrial Talk website so listeners can reach him (post contact details on the episode page).
    • [ ] Make LinkedIn profile available as the primary contact channel for Gregory Perry so listeners can connect directly.

    Outline Introduction of New Podcasts
    • Scott introduces three new podcasts: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," on cybersecurity.
    • Emphasizes the importance of staying current in marketing and sales, and the unique approach of "Business Beatitudes" on leadership from the heart.
    • "The Human Patch" aims to highlight the human element in cybersecurity, working with Farah Barcelona.

    Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their contributions.
    • Highlights the importance of the SMRP event for asset management, maintenance, and reliability professionals.
    • Introduces Greg Perry, a legend in the industry, and sets the stage for their conversation.
    • Greg Perry humorously clarifies his name, preferring to be called Greg.

    Greg Perry's Experience and Insights
    • Greg Perry shares his 25 years of experience in attending and speaking at conferences, describing SMRP as a homecoming for the maintenance, reliability, and asset management community.
    • Emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and the value of face-to-face interactions at events like SMRP.
    • Scott and Greg Perry discuss the excitement of meeting people from various industries, such as a company that manufactures pasta.
    • Greg Perry uses a metaphor to describe his appetite for learning and staying engaged in the industry.

    The Importance of Mapping Workflows
    • Greg Perry explains the importance of mapping workflows and understanding the fundamentals of people, process, and technology.
    • Shares an example of an engagement where a team had to map out their workflows to understand inefficiencies and improve their processes.
    • Highlights the need for continuous improvement and learning, and the importance of not faking it till you make it.
    • Discusses the symbiotic relationship between people, process, and technology, and the need for alignment.

    Challenges and Opportunities in Industry 5.0
    • Scott and Greg Perry discuss the challenges of inspiring the next generation of asset management professionals.
    • Greg Perry emphasizes the importance of humanization in Industry 5.0 and the need to break down silos and connect pockets of excellence.
    • Highlights the role of actualized intelligence versus artificial intelligence,
    Voir plus Voir moins
    24 min
  • Ask Molly - Are We Making Marketing Too Difficult?

    Ask Molly - Are We Making Marketing Too Difficult?
    Dec 31 2025
    The discussion centers on the complexity of modern marketing and the need to simplify it. Scott emphasizes the importance of human connection and storytelling over technical jargon. They argue that overcomplicating marketing with tech stacks and AI-generated content can dilute the human element, leading to inefficiency and reduced trust. Molly agrees, highlighting the need for a well-defined marketing message and strategic tech use. They stress the importance of maintaining a personal touch and being nimble, especially for smaller companies. The conversation concludes with a call to focus on human-centric marketing to build trust and achieve success. Action Items
    • [ ] Use an AI/program to summarize this Ask Molly conversation and produce a concise summary of key points
    • [ ] Publish another Ask Molly episode shortly and notify listeners when it is available
    • [ ] Launch and publish the new podcast series 'Business Beatitudes' and promote it to listeners

    Outline Simplifying Marketing Complexity
    • Scott introduces the podcast, emphasizing the goal of simplifying marketing to help companies succeed.
    • Scott expresses frustration with the complexity of marketing conversations, likening it to needing a decoder ring.
    • The discussion highlights the overwhelming amount of information and the tendency to ignore it due to inundation.
    • Scott stresses the importance of connecting with individuals through the principles of know, like, and trust.

    The Role of Human Element in Marketing
    • Scott argues that marketing should be simplified to focus on personal connections and human elements.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of storytelling and creating a personal brand for companies.
    • Scott believes that the market depends on companies to succeed and that simplifying marketing can lead to tremendous success.
    • The discussion emphasizes the need for companies to be human and relatable in their marketing efforts.

    Challenges of Modern Marketing Technologies
    • Scott and Molly discuss the complexity of the marketing tech stack and its impact on progress.
    • Molly explains how the focus on technology can lead to neglecting the core marketing message and customer engagement.
    • The conversation highlights the inefficiency of spending too much time on technology integration without making progress in marketing.
    • Molly suggests that companies should focus on specific and strategic technology purchases and address needs as they arise.

    Balancing Technology and Human Touch
    • Scott and Molly discuss the importance of maintaining a balance between technology and human interaction in marketing.
    • Molly emphasizes the need for a well-defined marketing message and foundation to avoid chaos and inefficiency.
    • The conversation touches on the challenges of working with large companies and their slower decision-making processes.
    • Scott and Molly agree that smaller companies have an advantage in being nimble and quick to implement changes.

    Impact of AI on Marketing
    • Scott and Molly discuss the role of AI in marketing and its potential to remove the human element.
    • Molly shares an example of how AI can quickly generate marketing content but lacks the personal touch.
    • The conversation highlights the importance of editing and personalizing AI-generated content to maintain authenticity.
    • Scott expresses concern that over-reliance on AI could lead to a lack of trust and engagement from customers.

    The Importance of Human Connection in Marketing
    • Scott and Molly agree that the human element is crucial in marketing and should not be replaced by technology.
    • The...
    Voir plus Voir moins
    50 min
  • Chris Chuang with Relay

    Chris Chuang with Relay
    Dec 23 2025
    Industrial Talk is talking to Chris Chuang, Co-Founder and CEO at Relay about "Reliable communication solution for improved organizational safety". Chris Chuang from Relay discussed the importance of communication in manufacturing safety on the Industrial Talk Podcast. Relay's device, which integrates Wi-Fi and cellular networks, is designed for frontline workers and offers features like panic buttons, location tracking, and real-time language translation. The device, manufactured in-house, is durable and resistant to harsh conditions. Chuang emphasized the role of AI in enhancing productivity and safety, aiming to digitize workflows and improve efficiency. Relay's five-year journey in the market is built on reliable radio performance, now poised to leverage AI for data-driven insights and automation. Outline Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
    • Scott welcomes Chris Chuang from Relay and highlights the importance of communication in safety, especially in manufacturing.
    • The conversation aims to discuss the necessity of proper communication and its impact on safety, particularly in the context of reshoring and nearshoring.
    • Scott mentions technical difficulties faced at the beginning but expresses satisfaction with the eventual conversation.

    Chris Chuang's Background and Relay's Mission
    • Scott shares information about Chris, including his background in consulting, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.
    • Chris discusses his professional journey, starting with consulting in telecom and venture capital, and his involvement in companies like Matricity and Bandwidth.
    • Chris explains the creation of Republic Wireless, which aimed to save consumers money by merging Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
    • The discussion transitions to Relay, a solution designed for frontline workers, emphasizing the importance of communication and safety.

    Relay's Technology and Manufacturing
    • Scott inquires about the manufacturing process of Relay's communication device.
    • Chris explains that Relay manufactures the device in-house, focusing on simplicity and durability.
    • The device is designed to be compact, durable, and easy to use, with features like waterproofing and location tracking.
    • Chris shares anecdotes about the device's durability, including drop testing and real-world scenarios where the device performed well.

    Safety Features and AI Integration
    • Chris discusses the safety features of Relay, including a panic button that triggers a dynamic radio channel and location broadcasting.
    • The device is designed to enhance safety by providing real-time communication and location tracking during emergencies.
    • Chris explains how AI is integrated into the platform to proactively check on workers in potentially dangerous situations.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of human interaction in maintaining trust and building relationships, even in the context of AI-driven solutions.

    Future Plans and Vision for Relay
    • Chris outlines Relay's future plans, focusing on leveraging AI to unlock the power of data and digitize workflows.
    • The company aims to integrate AI with their cloud-based platform to provide more efficient and actionable insights for frontline workers.
    • Chris mentions the importance of earning trust by delivering a reliable radio solution before introducing advanced features.
    • The discussion concludes with Chris expressing his enthusiasm for the future of Relay and the potential for AI to enhance human productivity.

    If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's...
    Voir plus Voir moins
    40 min
  • Max Cundiff with Chevron

    Max Cundiff with Chevron
    Dec 18 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Max Cundiff, Industrial Sector Manager at Chevron about "Asset Management Lubrication Solution". The conversation features an introduction to three new podcasts within the Industrial Talk Podcast Network: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," on cybersecurity. The main discussion is with Max Cundiff from Chevron Lubricants, who explains the company's integrated oil production process and the importance of lubricant quality. He highlights the issue of varnish in lubricants, which can be mitigated by Chevron's products, and discusses the company's research and development efforts. Cundiff also touches on the importance of fluid analysis and the potential for energy efficiency improvements in manufacturing. Action Items
    • [ ] @Scott Mackenzie - Post Max Cundiff's contact information and LinkedIn profile on the Industrial Talk website so listeners can easily reach him.
    • [ ] Help customers enroll in Chevron's Lube Watch fluid analysis program, including advising on which tests to run, sampling frequency, and proper sample collection procedures.

    Outline Introduction of New Podcasts
    • Speaker 1 introduces three new podcasts under the Industrial Talk Podcast Network: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," centered on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," discussing cybersecurity from a human perspective.
    • "Ask Molly" aims to provide straight, jargon-free insights into the world of marketing and sales from an industrial perspective.
    • "Business Beatitudes" will explore leadership from a heartfelt perspective, focusing on virtues like generosity and humility.
    • "The Human Patch" will delve into the human aspects of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of human connections in cybersecurity efforts.

    Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott Mackenzie, introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting its focus on transferring industry-focused innovations and trends.
    • The podcast is recorded live at the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas, focusing on asset management, reliability, and maintenance.
    • Scott mentions the importance of the conference for professionals in these fields and introduces the guest, Max Cundiff from Chevron Lubricants.

    Max Cundiff's Background and Role at Chevron
    • Max Cundiff introduces himself as the industrial sector manager at Chevron Lubricants, responsible for developing go-to-market strategies for industrial products and services.
    • Max has been with Chevron for 14 years, spending the last 10 years in customer-facing roles, understanding operational challenges and solving them.
    • Chevron is the only fully integrated oil company, refining crude oil into base oil, the main ingredient in lubricants, and controlling the process in-house.
    • Max explains the importance of research and development, spending years testing technology before commercializing it to solve specific industry challenges.

    Challenges and Solutions in Lubricant Industry
    • Max discusses the issue of varnish in circulating oil systems, a byproduct of degraded lubricant, and the challenges it poses to equipment.
    • Traditional methods of dealing with varnish, like disassembling equipment or using solvents, can be costly and cause downtime.
    • Chevron's product, Bar Tech ISC, allows systems to run for extended periods without immediate downtime, reducing the impact of varnish.
    • Max explains the factors that contribute to varnish formation, such as temperature and water contamination, and how...
    Voir plus Voir moins
    18 min
  • Ryan Hiss with Better Engineering

    Ryan Hiss with Better Engineering
    Dec 16 2025
    Industrial Talk is talking to Ryan Hiss, VP of Sales and Marketing at Better Engineering about "Industrial Parts Washers". Ryan Hiss, VP of Sales and Marketing at Better Engineering, discussed their industrial wash systems on the Industrial Talk Podcast. Better Engineering, founded in 1960, specializes in aqueous parts washers for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and food and pharmaceutical. Hiss highlighted the importance of cleanliness in manufacturing, noting that their systems can process parts at high throughputs, ensuring quality control. The company also employs sensors to monitor equipment and proactively alert customers to maintenance needs. Better Engineering is expanding into automation and traceability in food and pharmaceutical industries to improve efficiency and sustainability. Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott introduces Ryan Hiss from Better Engineering, highlighting their expertise in industrial washers.
    • Scott suggests an on-site conversation with Ryan to discuss industrial washers further.

    Discussion on AI and Human Interaction in Business
    • Scott discusses the role of AI in business and emphasizes the importance of human interaction in maintaining trust and engagement.
    • Scott argues that companies need to tell their stories with a human face to build trust and authenticity.
    • Scott shares his experience of creating content that reflects the human side of business.
    • Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Industrial Talk for help in telling their stories effectively.

    Introduction of Ryan Hiss and Better Engineering
    • Scott introduces Ryan Hiss, VP of Sales and Marketing at Better Engineering, and discusses his background.
    • Ryan shares his journey from Baltimore to California, his education, and his career in software sales before joining Better Engineering.
    • Ryan talks about his father's retirement and his role in taking over the family business.
    • Ryan provides a brief history of Better Engineering, founded in 1960 by his grandfather, and its evolution over the years.

    Better Engineering's Products and Services
    • Ryan explains Better Engineering's focus on industrial wash systems, also known as aqueous parts washers.
    • Better Engineering offers a variety of wash systems, including small parts washers, conveyor washers, rotary basket washers, and custom units.
    • Ryan highlights the company's work with major space, aerospace, automotive, and food and pharmaceutical OEMs.
    • Ryan discusses the importance of cleanliness in manufacturing and the role of industrial washers in maintaining quality control.

    Challenges and Solutions in Industrial Washing
    • Ryan explains the need for high-throughput wash systems in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
    • Better Engineering's systems are designed to meet specific cleanliness standards and are tested using standard equipment.
    • Ryan discusses the flexibility of Better Engineering's wash systems, which are modular by design to accommodate different customer requirements.
    • Ryan shares examples of how Better Engineering modifies existing systems to meet new application needs.

    Data Collection and AI in Manufacturing
    • Ryan talks about the use of sensors in Better Engineering's wash systems to monitor and maintain equipment.
    • Better Engineering collects data on various parameters, such as vibration, temperature, and chemistry concentration, to ensure optimal performance.
    • Ryan explains the importance of traceability in food and pharmaceutical industries, where data is used to track and verify cleanliness.
    • Better Engineering provides interfaces to send data to
    Voir plus Voir moins
    37 min