EECO Asks Why Podcast

Debriefing can have a powerful impact on business when done correctly. In this powerful conversation Robert "Cujo" Teschner breaks down the idea behind a debrief and to execute them to achieve significant results. His definition of a debrief is simple and elegant - Debrief is the constructive evaluation of the quality of our decisions and associated actions measured against the objectives we set out to achieve. The key words of that definition are what Cujo unpacks in detail. He starts by differentiating between a debrief and feedback. Current business culture puts a heavy emphasis on feedback and while that has its benefits it often is met with a negative connotation. A debrief has an entirely different objective and when the culture is created to execute them efficiently, consistently and with a high level of vulnerability magical things begin happening. Cujo gets tactical into how you can begin executing debriefs that make a true impact. He covers the importance of perspective and ensuring that every seat at the table has an opportunity to be heard. He breaks down the importance of debriefing wins and not solely focusing on areas of improvement. This is a monumental shift in thinking as most organizations never take the time to research why and initiative, process, sale was such a big win and spend too much time discussing what went wrong. This conversation you want to have a notepad ready as the wisdom Cujo shared will move the needle. By the way Cujo is a former fighter pilot and his stories are absolutely incredible! We thank him for his service and how he continues to make those around him better everyday. Remember to keep asking why... Guests: Robert "Cujo" Teschner - Founder, CEO and Chief Consultant at VMax Group Consulting Cujo's Website VMax Website Submit your question to be featured on EECO Asks Why to podcast@eecoaskwhy.com Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Michael Van Keulen does a phenomenal job of breaking down the role of technology in procurement. He has a passion for procurement and believes that best-in-class procurement outcomes depend on three factors: Without the right combination of these three elements, sustainable best-in-class procurement outcomes will not be achieved. For technology to make a meaningful contribution to procurement outcomes, it should be viewed as an enabler that allows procurement professionals to focus on those areas that drive more value, such as risk mitigation, better quality, better lead times, payment terms, cash flow optimization, and environmental and social governance. Michael believes that technology should be easy to use and be adopted quickly by both internal users and supplier communities to reduce friction and break down silos between the two groups. He gave a sneak peek into his life outside of procurement and you will be amazed at his incredible journey. Remember to keep asking why! Guest: Michael Van Keulen - Chief Procurement Officer at Coupa Software Coupa Software Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

In this episode we explore the ways in which software can help create supply chain agility. Ara Surenian discusses the importance of supply chain agility, the role of software in achieving it, and some examples of software solutions that can be used to enhance supply chain agility. Specific areas explored are: What is supply chain agility?How can software help create supply chain agility?Examples of software solutions for supply chain agility.Best practices for implementing software solutions.We hope that this episode has shed some light on how software can help create supply chain agility. Remember, achieving supply chain agility is a continuous process that requires collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. Remember to keep asking why! Guest: Ara Surenian VP Product Management at PLEX PLEX Website Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

In the fast paced world of data centers Bret Lehman is changing the game! He shares his incredible journey and how the landscape has changed so much over the last 20 years. Bret gives an inside look at key areas of innovation including: Bret is on the frontlines of industry and the impact he is making is genuine. Just listen to his story of how his support of a super-computer project is at the front and center of life saving cancer research. This hero conversation has it all and it was an honor to share his story. Sit back, grab a notepad and be ready to be inspired by our hero Bret Lehman! Remember to keep asking why... Guests: Bret Lehman - Director of Product and Business Development at PCX Corporation PCX Website Submit your question to be featured on EECO Asks Why to podcast@eecoaskwhy.com Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Flexibility, customization and innovation are the heart of the exciting world of modular data centers! In this conversation Michael Hennings and Bret Lehman give an inside look at this evolving technology. As frontline industry leaders they have a perspective that is unparalleled in this space. They share insight around how the technology has changed over the years and what is coming down the pike for the future. In true EECO Asks Why fashion we have some fun and put Modular Data Centers in a ring against Brick and Mortar - listen to see who wins! Michael and Bret had fun playing "Is It True" and took hard hitting questions straight on such as: These industry experts unpacked a ton of wisdom and insight in this powerful conversation. For support with your Modular Data Center solutions let EECO and our valued partners at Hubbell and PCX solve your most complex applications. Remember to keep asking why... Guests: Michael Hennings - Director Business Development at Hubbell Incorporated Bret Lehman - Director of Product and Business Development at PCX Corporation Hubbell Website PCX Website Submit your question to be featured on EECO Asks Why to podcast@eecoaskwhy.com Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Look for challenges and never be content. That is what drives Michael Hennings and he shares about his amazing journey in this Hero conversation. Michael is the Director of Business Development at Hubbell and is on the front lines of cutting edge technology daily. His career began in distribution and has provided him tremendous opportunities to grow into the role he currently has at Hubbell. Michael shares how the recent addition of PCX has changed the game in how the market is being served. They are consistently looking for new and innovative solutions that solve the most complex items industry faces. He shares insight into how you can enter the industrial world by proven ways that he's seen firsthand. Learning how to ask questions is huge and for those wanting to pursue a career in sales his advice about being genuine is rock solid! Michael is an elephant hunter in the world of sales and loves the pursuit of large business deals. In his spare time he can be found on a baseball field coaching his son and is thoroughly enjoying that season of life. Throughout this conversation you can feel Michael's passion for industry and the impact he's making is tremendous. Sit back, enjoy and learn from our hero Michael Hennings! Remember to keep asking why... Guest: Michael Hennings - Director Business Development at Hubbell Incorporated Hubbell Website PCX Website Submit your question to be featured on EECO Asks Why to podcast@eecoaskwhy.com Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

83% of B2B buyers prefer an e-commerce or digital experience, as opposed to picking up the phone! Let that sink in for a minute. The digital experience for those in manufacturing is here and the businesses that are making the investments now will be the ones carrying the flag in the future. Curt Anderson is the expert in all things eCommerce (he literally wrote the book about it) and in this insight packed conversation he shares all the salient truths that will put any manufacturer on a path to serving the market like never before. He walks through how the desire to digital self-serve is making such an impact and in order to meet the changing customer demands this is no longer a nice feature but rather a must have capability. Curt gets tactical on steps you can begin taking to move the needle and he even reviews the metrics to measure to gauge success. One thing you will quickly find after spending any time around Curt is his passion for what he does. He has an energy and drive that is contagious and his success is driven by his desire to serve. No matter where you sit on your eCommerce journey there is a ton of wisdom and practical insight to start applying to make an impact. Remember to keep asking why! Guest: Curt Anderson - eCommerce Evangelist for Manufacturers at B2Btail Stop Being the Best Kept Secret: Manufacturing eCommerce Strategies Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM! Facebook Instagram Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Being on the front lines of game changing industry solutions is what our hero Jerry Foster lives every day! In this inspirational conversation Jerry unpacks his personal journey through industry and some of his incredible experiences. Working with the best minds of manufacturing puts him in a great position to see the hurdles firsthand and engineer solutions that truly make an impact. Jerry gets real and talks about the big issues in manufacturing and steps that can be taken now to start down a path of correction. He loves to debunk the myth of how most people get the idea of industrial facilities completely wrong. As he noted this isn't your grandfathers manufacturing plant anymore. We get a peek into what Jerry does to unwind and how his passion for racquetball is a great stress reducer. He has an amazing family and his personal why points to the True reason he gets up and serves daily. It was an honor to hear Jerry's story and buckle up for an amazing journey. Remember to keep asking why! Guest: Jerry Foster - Chief Technology Officer at PLEX Fire Someone Today Peopleware: Productive Projects and Teams PLEX Website Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM! Facebook Instagram Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

When quality becomes part of your culture the game changes completely! Anthony Murphy shares how he and the team at PLEX stay focused on building solutions that helps organizations align to achieve amazing results. When everyone is driving in the same direction greatness awaits and the leaders of manufacturing recognize there is tremendous power in this mindset. He reviews how to take a holistic approach to quality and why every stakeholder plays a role in the path to excellence. The days of quality being a stand alone department are transitioning where all team members are now able to see how they make a direct impact. Anthony walks out a suggested path forward to those wanting to lean in without making drastic wholesale changes. He points to the importance of solidifying quick wins that drive impactful business outcomes. Once measurable success is realized then the snowball begins to take over. Towards the end of this conversation Anthony gives an inside look at his journey and provides great lessons to find success in industry. He is an avid runner and he is the first interview to share that he enjoys listening to earning calls for publicly traded manufacturing companies while he's logging in the miles! This conversation is chocked full of wisdom and insight that will connect the dots on the ever changing world of quality and how that mindset is leading industry towards great things in the future. Guest: Anthony Murphy VP Product Management at PLEX PLEX Website Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

We need more evangelists for manufacturing! Curt Anderson is one of the most energetic and impactful voices that is ensuring manufacturing get the attention it deserves. He is extremely passionate about helping manufacturers connect with customers through eCommerce solutions and in this epic Hero conversation he shares his amazing story. Curt took the entrepreneurial plunge in the midst of COVID and never looked back. He shares a ton of insight into how he responds to the needs of others and builds his business on helping manufacturers connect their solutions to the clients they can serve when they need it the most. His knowledge around all things eCommerce is incredible and no matter your line of business there are insights guaranteed to help you grow. He speaks to the importance of niching down until it hurts and how trying to be everything to everyone never leads to the results you desire. It was an honor to have Curt share his amazing story and with the energy he brings in this interview you may consider doing this one while working out. He'll have you laughing, inspired and ready to be the best version of yourself. Cheers to our hero Curt Anderson! Remember to keep asking why! Guest: Curt Anderson - eCommerce Evangelist for Manufacturers at B2Btail Stop Being the Best Kept Secret: Manufacturing eCommerce Strategies How I Built This Ed Mylett Podcast Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM! Facebook Instagram Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are impacting factory floors like never before. In this information packed episode we welcome Jerry Foster from Plex to unpack the realities of these powerful solutions. He shares how the need for manufacturers to track and document the transformation of raw materials into finished goods led to an exciting world of MES. Manufacturers desire control and reporting in ways to maximize efficiencies and ultimately profits in the future. Jerry shares a ton of insight into how every manufacturer can begin utilizing data to make more informed decisions. He covers how IT fits into the puzzle and what members of any plant operations can expect from a robust MES solution. He digs in and reviews areas that can be hurdles with implementation and how you can take action to ensure they do not hinder results. For those thinking that their operations are not large enough just hold on. The stats Jerry shares will challenge that head on and you will quickly realize this is not just for the elite manufacturers out there. There is nugget after nugget of pure MES gold in this conversation and at the end of the day Jerry does a phenomenal job of simplifying the idea of MES so that you can make informed decisions moving forward. It was an honor to have Jerry clear the air on the powerful world of MES. For support with your MES needs contact our team of experts who are ready to walk with you for a powerful system that will meet all of your manufacturing goals! Remember to keep asking why! Guest: Jerry Foster - Chief Technology Officer at PLEX PLEX Website Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM! Facebook Instagram Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Your work environment affects your impact. In this New Year's Special Chris shares a recent idea he implemented with the EECO Asks Why studio that can be utilized wherever you find yourself working. With as much time as we spend at work throughout our careers having pride in your environment is key. Moving forward into the new year think about what can you modify in your work environment to make an impact. It may not be a complete redesign – maybe it's a new filing system, cleaning the top of your desk, trying inbox zero or incorporating a new habit like a lunchtime walk/run that makes the most sense for you. The bottom line is to do the best you can to make your work environment something you can be proud of and thrive in! EECO is excited for 2023 and has a ton of new resources coming to serve you at the highest level. Thank you for the support and remember to keep asking why. Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

The Christmas season brings lots of opportunities to step away and reflect. One of the benefits of that reflection is the ability to see what is working and what adjustments you should consider in the future. In this Christmas special Chris shares 5 valuable insights he's learned from procurement professionals that have recently come on the show. Their knowledge is sure to help many improve their processes and achieve amazing results in the future. The main points covered are: We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and let us know if any of these tips resonate with you as you adjust your process going forward. Remember to keep asking why! Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

When the worlds of manufacturing and education collide powerful things can happen! That's exactly what Jeremiah Williams is leading at Danville Community College in Danville, Virginia. He is the Directior of Integrated Machining Technology and their program is leading the way in developing some of the strongest machining technicians in industry. Jeremiah shares how a program like his got started and the steps he is constantly taking to ensure they stay ahead of the technology curve. They have several programs to offer students and have partnerships with the Department of Defense and other universities. From short vocation specific programs to all out multiple year plans they have the training that is highly sought after in industry. A constant headwind we hear is the skills gap in industrial manufacturing and the programs that DCC has developed is addressing it head on. Jeremiah's programs even address items like soft skills that are needed to be successful in business which can often be overlooked in certain vocation curriculum. At the end of the day manufacturing drives this country and we are proud to be able to highlight a program that is focusing so hard on helping us be as strong as possible. Remember to keep asking why! Danville Community College Integrated Machining Program Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Our hero Alicia Gilpin is making waves in the industrial automation world. From controls to social media influencer to podcaster her plate stays full. In this fun hero story she unpacks her journey and shares lessons learned along the way. She has an amazing example of how people are coming to her directly for engineering support and the new way she can serve them. By leaning into her LinkedIn network Ali G is able to help technicians all over solve some of their most complex controller issues. Ali G is walking out a true heroes journey daily and it was an honor to have her unpack her journey. Remember to keep asking why. Guest: Alicia Gilpin - Director of Engineering at Process & Controls Engineering LLC and Co Host at Automation Ladies Process and Controls Engineering, LLC Automation Ladies Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM! Facebook Instagram Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

The world of sourcing has changed dramatically. In this information packed conversation Karen Blackburn returns and provides an inside look at the world of professional procurement. Karen covers the areas that matter most in manufacturing including: For those in industrial manufacturing this is chocked full of insight from Karen's incredible career. She shared a ton of wisdom that is sure to help many have a clearer picture of the world of sourcing moving forward. Remember to keep asking why! Guest: Karen Blackburn - Materials Manager at Dust Solutions Inc Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM! Facebook Instagram Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Some heroes wear capes and others make metal fly! Jeremiah Williams is an absolute hero of industry as he's building the next generation of machining leaders one class at a time. His journey led him to an exciting opportunity at Rolls Royce working with some of the most cutting edge technology available. From there he got a call that would change his path, any so many others in the future. He built one of the most highly sought after machining programs around and his students are graduating with skills that will serve them for life. He has a passion for teaching and breaks down what others may not have considered when evaluating a path in machining. This is an extremely special episode because whenever you have heroes making heroes that's worth celebrating! Sit back and enjoy the ride as Jeremiah unpacks his amazing hero journey that will leave you fired up and inspired. Remember to keep asking why! Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

In this special episode Chris unpacks some of the moments he has been most thankful for since we launched EECO Asks Why. We hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving and get to celebrate with the ones that mean the most. Women in Engineering/Industry Series: Start of the first seriesLast episode of the first series (10 in total!)Start of the second seriesFinale of the second series Power Series - Short CircuitElectrical GearCoordination Study Arc FlashLoad FlowWilborne Family Spotlight - Tim Wilborne's Idea EpisodeTim Wilborne's Hero EpisodeMary Bruce Clemon's Hero Episode Mary Bruce Clemon's Idea EpisodeMichael Wilborne's Hero EpisodeAmber Wilborne's Idea Episode Mike Weinberg Episode 200 Manufacturing Mafia Group: Chris Luecke's Hero Joe Sullivan HeroJoe Sullivan IdeaMeaghan Ziemba HeroAllie Donnelly HeroJeff Long IdeaJeff Long HeroJake Hall IdeaJake Hall Hero

The world of control system integration is evolving fast! Alicia Gilpin (affectionately known as Ali G) shares insight into this exciting world. As the Director of Engineering at Process and Controls Engineering she is on the frontlines daily and gives a perspective that is quite unique. Ali unpacks many critical areas to consider including: Ali has a passion for industry and for helping others see the amazing opportunities that exist. She recently launched a podcast called Automation Ladies and is seeing tremendous success. Her LinkedIn presence is outstanding and we highly recommend following her for wonderful industry insights. If you want to have a better understanding of where the controls system integration world is headed this is the episode for you. Industry heroes like Ali G are an inspiration to many and the wisdom she shares will help many in their journeys. Remember to keep asking why. Guest: Alicia Gilpin - Director of Engineering at Process & Controls Engineering LLC and Co Host at Automation Ladies Process and Controls Engineering, LLC Automation Ladies Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM! Facebook Instagram Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Submarines, airplanes and supply chain...oh my! In this powerful hero episode Karen Blackburn shares about her amazing journey through manufacturing. Having over 40 years of hands on experience in multiple procurement roles led to a conversation full of wisdom and truth. Karen started out working for a company that manufactured submarines for the US Navy. She speaks to many of the lessons learned there and how they served her well in future positions. From the deep water to the high skies she also found herself at an aerospace manufacturer. She currently is the material managers at Dust Solutions and the insight shared about how the world of procurement has shifted was extremely insightful. Karen shares many of the ways sourcing has evolved and how her role is completely different now than it was in recent years. In true hero fashion we got to know what Karen enjoys outside of work and anytime she can find herself behind the camera in nature makes for a great day. There was so much unpacked in this conversation and we know there is something there for everyone. Here's to our hero Karen and for the many she is an inspiration to. Remember to keep asking why! Guest: Karen Blackburn - Materials Manager at Dust Solutions Inc Industry War Story Submission: Send us a DM! Facebook Instagram Host: Chris Grainger Executive Producer: Adam Sheets Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower