Empowering Industry Podcast - A Production of Empowering Pumps & Equipment

This week Charli is taking a step outside the pump industry to talk to Ikram Guerd.  Ikram Guerd is VP of Global Marketing – Managing Director US for the innovative FemTech, ASPIVIX, whose mission is to modernize gynecology with gentle in mind. She leads the US corporation and the global marketing strategy to raise awareness around innovative solutions to reduce pain for women in gynecology.As a seasoned healthcare marketing leader with 18+ years of international career, she has a track record of leading successful teams, managing product lifecycles, and crafting impactful marketing strategies that demonstrate her proficiency in driving growth and shaping organizational culture. Along with her involvement as a marketing & healthcare awards judge, her participation as a speaker in women’s empowerment and marketing expert talks reflects her contributions to advancing marketing & Women’s Health practices, as well as the role of women in leadership. Beyond her professional achievements, she’s dedicated to uplifting women and young girls by giving back to the community by working with multiple non-profit organizations.Her involvement as a member of Inspiring Girls USA's Board of Directors highlights her commitment to breaking down gender stereotypes and providing role models for young girls to raise their aspirations.In addition, she dedicates time to providing mentoring and coaching sessions to women guidance in marketing and their career paths to empower them.  Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and giving back to the community.   Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPICFind us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

Charli is taking the podcast international this week with Riccardo Zecchel. Venite e godetevi l'episodio! Riccardo Zecchel, business development at Peroni Pompe, currently holds the role of CEO at Jetech. He is deeply committed to addressing customers' technological challenges, particularly in the realm of high-pressure fluid pumping.With prior experience as an international strategy management consultant based in Italy and Switzerland, Riccardo has worked across diverse sectors such as banking, fashion, pharmaceuticals, and industrial goods.He holds an Engineering degree from Politecnico di Milan and has pursued exchange programs at esteemed institutions such as ETH Zurich and DTU Copenhagen.riccardo.zecchel@peronipompe.itwww.peronipompe.com  Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPICFind us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

 This week Charli has lifelong pump industry veteran Greg Case on to talk leadership.Greg is the Chief Innovation Officer at Taco Comfort Solutions, a global leader in hydronic-based heating and cooling solutions. He has over 30 years of experience in engineering, HVAC, and new product development, and holds an Executive Certificate in Strategy and Innovation from MIT Sloan School of Management and 2 Engineering degrees from the California Maritime Academy..In his current role, Greg leads the product innovation and strategy for the company, focusing on delivering customer-focused and energy-efficient products that enhance comfort and performance. He also direct the research initiatives that support the company's mission of providing sustainable and innovative solutions for the residential and commercial markets. He's passionate about creating products that solve real-world problems and improve the quality of life for people and the environment. Greg brings a diverse and collaborative perspective to the product team, and I partner with other experts and stakeholders in the field.Link to previous episode: https://empoweringpumps.com/podcast/pumptalk-navigating-flow-through-communication-connection-and-collaboration-in-the-industry-with-greg-case/https://www.tacocomfort.com/  Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPICFind us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

 This week Charli has Amy Teal on for some coffee talkAmy Teal, the CEO and co-founder of ShopFloor Coffee, is at the forefront of revolutionizing coffee for the manufacturing industry. Alongside her team, Amy is dedicated not only to supplying superb coffee but also to giving back to manufacturing communities. They donate a portion of every sale of ShopFloor Coffee to manufacturing workforce development programs. Amy’s background in drafting and design, coupled with a marketing degree from Colorado State Global Campus, brings a unique blend of technical precision, creativity, and strategic thinking to her business endeavors. Raised and currently residing in the Western Minneapolis suburbs, Amy navigates the challenges of Minnesota winters while cherishing the state's incredible three months of summer. Whether engaging in morning workouts, exploring new cultures through travel, or unwinding with a captivating book, Amy embraces a well-rounded approach to life that mirrors her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the manufacturing community.Amy Teal LinkedIn ShopFloor Coffee social accounts:ShopFloor Coffee ShopFloor Coffee LinkedInShopFloor Coffee FacebookShopFloor Coffee Instagram 

This week Charli has friend of the pod, Joe Boylan on to talk.Joe Boylan has worked in the tribology arena for well over three decades.  His experiences range from basic functional friction and wear property evaluation of oxide and non-oxide materials, through the materials development, supply chain and manufacturing processes to enable the production of bespoke components for demanding applications in rotating equipment.  Coupled with the management of strategic marketing & long term business strategy development for a global business, he has been blessed to have been exposed to global needs and views, along with a strong technical and commercial network of colleagues and friends that resulted from that exposure.Subscribe: empoweringpumps.comJoin us at EPICMeet Empowering Women in Fort Worth: Find us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

This week Charli is flying solo with a special message for the listenersCharli K Matthews is a visionary leader with a mission to Connect, Inform, and Educate the Global Pump Industry. Charli's groundbreaking online information and connection hub has reshaped industry communication. As a well-recognized and respected figure in key industry events, Charli bridges the gap between traditional practices and cutting-edge digital strategies. Her passion for #EmpoweringConnections is driving change for the process industries equipment manufacturers, engineers, and safety/reliability experts.Charli's leadership extends beyond business; she's a fierce advocate for diversity and empowerment. As the Marketing Chair for the Fluid Sealing Association, she earned the prestigious Award of Merit for her dedication to industry growth. Don't miss the chance to hear Charli's insights on fostering diversity, embracing innovation, and building a fulfilling life. Her journey embodies the spirit of transformation, making her a true beacon of change in the world of digital media and industry advocacy.Subscribe: empoweringpumps.comJoin us at EPICMeet Empowering Women in Fort Worth: We will be back April 1st with a new episode. No joke ;)Find us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

This week Charli has Robbie Riggs on to talk about a winning culture. Riggs shared his journey from being a mechanical engineering student to becoming a CEO. He started in technical support for an industrial application and gained experience in various roles including customer service, R&D, and distribution. Riggs also mentioned his relationship with Tedet, a key supplier and manufacturer. When Charli inquired about his choice of engineering, Riggs shared that he had initially thought of a career in architecture or real estate but ultimately found himself drawn to the business side of engineering.Find us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

Charli has Carla Minett on to talk about her experience going from working as an engineer to consulting. Carla Minett, Founder & Principal Consultant of Minett Consulting, specializes in empowering manufacturing companies to develop and retain their next generation of engineering leaders. With over a decade of experience in engineering and program management across diverse business units, she is passionate about sustainably aligning workforce needs with the strategic aspirations of organizations.www.MinettConsulting.comhttps://linkedin.com/in/carlaminett  Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPICFind us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

Charli sits down with Angela Thurman this week to talk about her empowering journey through industry.   Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPICFind us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

This week Charli has Greg Christensen on to talk. Greg Christensen is the host of CMMSradio, a podcast about all things CMMS (computerized maintenance management software), and consultant leaning on his 3+ decades in CMMS, FM, Maintenance Management, and the like.  After 1000's of demos, even more client interactions and projects, and numerous deployments.  He's a former Co-founder and VP of a CMMS solution provider, relentlessly pursuing the "elusive win-win." the podcast helps even more companies and people navigate their CMMS journey with expert guests, inspiring monologues, and a no-nonsense approach that is real, raw, and relatable.  If you have a CMMS project and want some insights - Connect with Greg and follow CMMSradio on your favorite podcasting medium. He's passionate about the space - ALL of it - and loves to help solve problems.  Visit cmmsradio.com or fill out the request form to schedule your consultation with Greg.  Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPICFind us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

 Charli got to have a good conversation with Shelley Gager this week about her journey with ABB. With over 22 years of experience, Shelley Gager is currently working at ABB in Greenville, SC USA where she is the Global Product Group Director for Integrated Motor Drives.Her background began in West Virginia with a degree in Mining Engineering.  Spanning from underground coal mining to front line sales of electrical and mechanical products, and managing portfolios, she leads her business team by developing strategies and establishing priorities to solve customer needs.  Using her technical background, sales experience, and leadership ability, she has a track record of improving processes, building relationships, and growing sales.  Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPICFind us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

This week Charli has Kerby Pope on to talk about his journey.Kerby attended a local technical school immediately after high school for study of design drafting with a concentration on Architectural Design.   With hopes of landing a career working for an architectural firm that concentrated in high end residential design and then use the proceeds to pay for college at night and earn a bachelor’s degree.  The timing was bad as during the late 80’s and early 90’s the housing market was off and very little activity was taking place with residential construction.  Instead Kerby worked as a mechanical drafter for a couple of manufacturing companies.  The first was designing hollow metal frames and doors for prisons and then a company that manufactured phone booths.  Both of which led to being laid off.  Kerby then actively sought employment for 3 months when he applied for a design drafter position at Patterson Pump Company.Kerby began his career at Patterson Pump Company as a drafter.  After working in that position for approximately 2 years, a job was posted for a Test Technician.  After accepting the position, Kerby decided to take advantage of Patterson’s tuition reimbursement program and completed college and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2000.  He was then offered a position in International Sales that same year and accepted then began in sales at the start of 2001.Kerby was able to teach Patterson representatives and customers a lot about what makes their products superior to other manufacturers and what their capabilities were in the factory.  Patterson was able to greatly improve sales in the Middle East for 4 consecutive years.  Kerby was then offered the International Sales Manager position in 2005.  In the position Kerby applied the same mentality used in the Middle East to increase Patterson’s presence in the Far East, South Africa, and Latin America.In 2018 the position of President/General Manager of Patterson was opened to applicants of Patterson Pump.  Kerby applied and went through the interview process with Patterson’s corporate owner, The Gorman-Rupp Company.  In May 2018 Kerby was selected to be the next President/General Manager for Patterson Pump Company.  Kerby served as Executive vice president under Patterson’s then President, Al Huber until his retirement at the end of 2019.Kerby officially began his journey as President and General Manager on January 1, 2020.  Two months later the world began down a crazy and uncharted path with the Covid pandemic.  Kerby adds that since then “the experience has been priceless”.  “It is truly unique to live and manage a manufacturing business in a time that has not been experienced before.”  Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPICFind us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

This week Charli has Andrew Johnson, a new friend from EPIC, on to talk about his crazy journey though the business landscape he is  hoping to change for the better.  Andrew Johnson is an entrepreneur, inventor, and business owner. Formerly the sales manager at the family distribution company. He is now pursuing a new endeavor, a tech startup called ShelfAware, which is attempting to redefine industrial supply chains by leveraging RFID technology, the internet, and the power of data. He is also lucky to work with his three equally talented and passionate brothers.   Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPICFind us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

Charli has Joshua Griffin on to give some handy advice for homeowners. Joshua Griffin has a background in heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing; learning these trades in the construction and property management fields all across Virginia and Maryland.  He owns and runs a heating, cooling, and plumbing contractor business in Virginia and holds an HVAC and Plumbing Master License in both trades respectively. Finally, he's the host of the HVAC Guide for Homeowners YouTube Channel and founder of newhvacguide.com. His goal with both of those ventures has been to help consumers make better decisions in the HVAC industry.   Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPICFind us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

Charli has Tyler Haak on this week talk about his passion for decarbonization.  Tyler Haak is the Vice President of Sustainability and Service at Schneider Electric, and prides himself on being an enthusiastic evangelizer of connected, sustainable, and efficient building environments. With over a decade of experience in the building automation industry as a customer-facing professional, Tyler leverages his expertise in energy efficiency, security and optimized building performance to help shape the future for all types of building experiences in the United States. Find Tyler on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-haak-68a3b831/ Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPICFind us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

Welcome Back! Charli is kicking off the 5th season of The Empowering Industry Podcast with Robyn BrookhartBrookhart began her career in the pump industry in 1997 at her family’s business in the small town of Bergen, NY.  After graduating with a marketing degree and beginning her MBA (with a concentration in manufacturing), she took a marketing position at Liberty Pumps.  Driven to challenge herself, Robyn took on several positions at the company in order to learn as much as she could about the business.  After working in Marketing, she spent time in customer service, project management, plant supervision, and manufacturing management.  As President & CEO Robyn values Liberty’s members, corporate culture, and the opportunity to serve as the company’s leader.Robyn currently serves on the Liberty Pumps Board of Directors, is a member of ASA’s Women in Industry, and is a member of YPO (Young Presidents Organization).  She’s also an active member in her community and is dedicated to fundraising and helping out at the local community center.robyn.bookhart@libertypumps.comRead up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPIC Find us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Empowering Team!Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPIC in Atlanta this November!Find us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

This week Charli has  Michael Piantedosi on to talk about culture within the companyMichael Piantedosi is the North America Service Leader for Druck and Panametrics, a Baker Hughes business. In this role Mike focuses on customer satisfaction, reducing in-house turnaround times, implementing best practices for wing-to-wing fulfilment, while simultaneously improving transparency for all customers. In addition to driving operational rigor, Mike partners with all Service Centers worldwide to lean out a very complex process and make it a world class experience for customers. Prior to joining Baker Hughes Mike was in retail management for 14 years where he worked for iconic brands such as Target, Gap Inc., and Ahold USA. He enjoys leading large teams while having fun and driving a strong talent culture. Michael holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Suffolk University as well as an MBA from Endicott College. Michael currently resides in Georgetown, Massachusetts with his wife Deana and two son Antonio (6) and Nicholas (2). Michael enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing the piano and working on classic cars in his spare time.Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPIC in Atlanta this November!Find us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

Charli is back from Uganda and excited to share about her trip! (Blog post coming)Andre is joining Charli this week to kick off December talking about ReliabilityAndré-Michel Ferrari is a Reliability Engineer who specializes in Reliability Analytics and Modeling which are fundamental to improving asset performance and output in industrial operations. He has approximately 30 years of industrial experience mainly in Reliability Engineering, Maintenance Engineering, and Quality Systems Implementation. His experience includes world-class companies in the Brewing, Semiconductor, and Oil & Gas industries in Africa, Europe and North America. Throughout his career, André-Michel has strived to provide his customers and peers with practical and effective solutions to improve asset performance, optimize financial spend and improve maintenance strategies. He has published multiple articles on Reliability Engineering Processes and been a regular conference speaker over the last 10 years. He has also mentored countless new engineers and is a passionate contributor to the “Women in STEM” programs.André-Michel is a Professional Engineer based in Alberta, Canada as well as a Certified Reliability Engineer with the American Society for Quality. His academic credentials include an M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from École d’Ingénieurs de Marseille, France (1994) and an M.Eng. in Engineering Management from the University of Alberta (2010). He is the owner at Cogito Reliability Inc. (https://cogitoreliability.com/) Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPIC in Atlanta this November!Find us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com

Charli has Sam Lowry and Dwight Leeper on this week to talk about pumps in Senegal and how they continued to give of their skills even in retirement. Sam Lowry was born in South Weymouth, Massachusetts in 1952 and then spent his childhood and early youth in Cincinnati, Ohio. Currently a retired engineer living in Huntsville, Alabama he joined Rotary International in 2018 as a member of  the Huntsville Rotary Club for the opportunity to be involved with volunteer work.  Sam has a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering and Applied Physics from Harvard University, a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a PhD in Engineering Sciences from the University of Tennessee Space Institute.After service as a Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps, he arrived in Huntsville in 1981  from Cleveland, Ohio to work as a NASA engineer in the MSFC  Analysis Branch during the early years of the Space Shuttle.In 1991 he joined CFD Research Corporation, where he spent 14 years helping develop a class of computer software tools known as Computational Fluid Dynamics.After CFD Research Corporation, he spent a year as a full-time science teacher at Lee High School and then as a volunteer for the next seven years teaching their AP Physics class. Following his full year as a teacher at Lee, he went back to the private sector as CEO and co-founder of Simerics. Simerics develops simulation software for modeling pumps and fluid systems used in a variety of applications, including the oil and gas, water, and automotive industries.  Having retired from Simerics in 2016 , he enjoys a mix of consulting, travel, recreation and volunteer work, including serving as one of the leads on a recently approved Global Grant to introduce deep-water hand pumps into rural communities in Senegal, working with the West Chester PA Rotary Club as the International Sponsor and the Dakar Soleil  SN Rotary Club as the Host.This year, he is very much looking forward to helping provide reliable access to clean water for  rural communities in Senegal under the Rotary  Club  Deep-Water Pumps for Senegal  project.  Dwight Leeper's philosophy, borrowed from Scouts, is “to leave the world a better place than we found it.” He  began his Rotary journey in D7510 NJ in 2002 with the Fanwood Scotch Plains Club. There he served two terms as Membership Chair and two as President. He  served the District with a three-year term as Assistant Governor, as Deputy Governor, Vice Governor and was District Governor 2012-13 during which he led a U.S./Canada NID in Pakistan and subsequently hosted a GSE team from Pakistan. He is a graduate of the Leadership Institute, a multiple Paul Harris fellow, a member of the Paul Harris Society and have been a facilitator at multi-district PETS. He chaired a District Long Range Planning Committee for two years and joined a District team to Nepal, He joined the West Chester Rotary Club in 2015.  With our District, I have been a DG trainer.  Most recently, he has participated in a Rotary school project in Leogane, Haiti.  Read up at EmpoweringPumps.com and stay tuned for more news about EPIC in Atlanta this November!Find us @EmpoweringPumps on Facebook, LinkedIn,  Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #EmpoweringIndustryPodcast or via email podcast@empoweringpumps.com