ControlTalk Now : Sales, Marketing, Products and Technical Tips for HVAC and Smart Building Controls Professionals

Join us for an insightful conversation with Julie Petrone, Director of Marketing & Strategy at ABB Electrification, Americas, as we delve into the world of smart building controls. Julie takes us on her journey, from her early days as a copywriter and magazine publisher to her current role in driving marketing and strategy in the home and automation segment. In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of Smart Building Controls and discuss the innovative products offered by ABB, including their groundbreaking Efficiency AI SASS (Software as a Service) solution. Discover how this powerful software can seamlessly integrate with existing building automation control systems, empowering building owners with critical data to optimize energy usage, reduce operational costs through predictive maintenance, and achieve continuous commissioning. We also explore how the product simplifies ESG reporting, a key aspect of sustainable building practices. Julie shares her insights on harnessing the power of AI to transform buildings into smarter and more efficient spaces. Furthermore, we're thrilled to welcome marketing expert Danielle Radden from Talking Walls Marketing, who joins us to discuss the impact of AI on marketing professionals in our industry. Get ready to gain valuable marketing insights and learn how to leverage the best marketing principles to enhance your company's traction. Don't miss this episode sponsored by ABB, where we explore the intersection of technology, marketing, and sustainable building practices. Subscribe now and join us on this exciting journey toward a smarter, more efficient future.

In this episode of the ControlTalk Now Podcast, we sit down with Nicolas Waern, a leading expert on digital twins and the CEO of Winniio. Nicolas discusses his journey into the smart building controls industry, his thoughts on AI, data analytics, blockchain, crypto, and most importantly, the role of digital twins in changing how we build and retrofit buildings for affordability and sustainability. Nicolas talks about his experiences with Go-IoT, BACnet, and IoT and his time as a management consultant in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. He also shares insights into the concept of "Invite to Innovate" and how the utilization of digital twins is crucial for this innovation process. In his fascinating take on the future of smart building systems, Nicolas discusses how digital twins can change the way building owners select vendors, how sensors can "find their way" into the 3D model of a building, and his work with schools in Sweden. Watch the full interview to gain valuable insights into the future of building automation and control systems from one of the industry's leading voices.    

Join us in this insightful conversation with Tim Vogel from KMC Controls as we discuss the future of building automation and how KMC is leading the charge with their American-made, innovative solutions. In this episode, we explore the ethos and value system that drives KMC, a family-owned company known for creating jobs and supporting American communities. Discover how they are fostering a unique environment of a generational community within the company. We dive into their flagship product, the KMC Commander, a pioneering, cloud-native system that provides seamless monitoring and control of HVAC, lighting, and energy management systems. Learn about the 'open' nature of the KMC Commander, which ensures maximum compatibility and ease of use, no matter where your data comes from or goes to. We also discuss the shifting priorities in the industry, particularly focusing on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Listen as Vogel shares his perspective on the initial rush to improve IAQ during the pandemic, the subsequent return to cost-effectiveness, and how ESG goals should be approached strategically. Finally, get a sneak peek into what's new at KMC Controls! From collaborations with Veritify on a product called Dome, aimed at securing OT networks, to the introduction of their innovative Airflow Measurement System (AFMS), KMC is consistently pushing the boundaries of building automation technology. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with one of the industry's leaders. Subscribe to our channel for more discussions like this, and don't forget to hit the like button if you find this content valuable!   Click here to get more information on the Siemens RTU Solution. Click here to get the ControlTrends Weekly Smart Briefing    

Greg Fitzpatrick from Cochrane Supply and Engineering was a guest on Episode 415 of Controltalk Now. In the episode, we discussed various topics related to building automation controls and control networks. Here are some key points mentioned during the conversation: Greg's role: Greg mentioned that he works with consulting engineers to help them understand and write specifications based on new technologies and network requirements in building automation controls. New website for consulting engineers: Cochrane Supply is launching a new website specifically for consulting engineers. This website will provide resources and best practices for smart building and building automation controls and control networks. Differences between IP controls and traditional controls: Greg talked about the shift towards IP controls and more IoT-type technologies. He discussed the differences between IP (Internet Protocol) and MSTP (Master-Slave/Token-Passing) and highlighted the importance of understanding IP network solutions for the facility world. Basic design principles for IP networks: Greg mentioned the importance of following basic design principles when setting up an IP network for building automation. This ensures a reliable and secure network infrastructure. Consultants as trusted advisors: Greg emphasized the role of consulting engineers as trusted advisors. They play a crucial role in guiding clients and helping them make informed decisions regarding open systems and new technologies. Evolution of consulting engineering: The discussion touched upon the evolving nature of consulting engineering, moving from one-to-one interactions to a more comprehensive and consultative approach. Importance of consulting engineers: Greg highlighted the significance of consulting engineers and their contributions to the industry. He shared his own experience working for a small firm in the early 90s and the value consultants bring to projects. Greg's roadshow and ICcon: Greg talked about his roadshow, which is different from the early days of building automation controls. He also mentioned his upcoming involvement at ICcon (presumably an industry conference) and the cyber forum scheduled for the event. Cybersecurity and real estate industry: The concept of "cyber harmony" was discussed in relation to the real estate industry. Best practice groups and the Real Estate Cyber Consortium were mentioned as initiatives focused on promoting cybersecurity in the industry. Continuous learning and expertise: Greg emphasized the importance of staying relevant and understanding what an expert looks like, even if one may not be an expert in every aspect. Continuous learning and awareness of industry trends are key. This week's Episode is brought to you by Functional Devices. Get the weekly ControlTrends Briefing here.  

Are you feeling lost in the rapidly changing world of marketing? Struggling to make an impact with your strategies? We have just what you need. Join us in an exciting journey as we unravel the secrets of successful marketing with Lauren Scott, the VP of Marketing and Sustainability for the Intelligence Spaces Group.  In an age where digital revolution is the norm, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. From creating engaging content to making meaningful connections with your audience, the challenges are endless. Plus, with an ever-growing focus on sustainability, it seems there's always more to learn. But, guess what? You are not alone. Many marketers are trying to navigate this fast-paced digital landscape. The struggle to keep up with emerging trends and tools, the difficulty of crafting messages that truly resonate, the need to strike a balance between business goals and environmental considerations – we all experience it.  But don't fret! Our exclusive video is here to guide you. In this powerful conversation, Lauren Scott shares transformative insights from her journey. She unpacks the evolving marketing landscape, emphasizes the role of sustainability, and introduces us to the Intelligence Spaces Group. Not only that, she unveils the key to successful marketing: Identifying and solving the real problems. This podcast is more than just a conversation - it's a treasure trove of valuable marketing advice from an industry expert. Lauren's practical approach and unique perspectives will revolutionize your marketing game. Tune in to leap ahead of your competitors and start making a real difference with your marketing strategy today! Join us now in this engaging conversation and transform your marketing journey from overwhelmed to overjoyed. Let's bridge the gap between environmental needs and business goals together!

In this podcast episode, Fred Gordy from Michael Baker International discusses the importance of operational resilience in building systems and the need for an incident response plan.  He also touches on the potential dangers of social media platforms and the role of AI in cybersecurity. Michael Baker International offers consultation services to help building owners and integrators assess their risk profiles and prioritize their cybersecurity efforts.  Gordy recommends that building owners and integrators ask themselves three key questions: what do they have, how is it connected, and who has access? He also suggests conducting tabletop exercises to prepare for potential cybersecurity incidents.

In the realm of building automation and controls, there are few who embody the wisdom and tenacity of the great Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A. One such man is Stephen Johnson, the Vice President of Automation and Controls at McKenneys. From humble beginnings as a janitor at Chick-fil-A Corporation, Stephen scaled the ranks and, for a time, served as the bodyguard and driver for Truett Cathy himself.  Now, with lessons from the legend echoing in his heart, Stephen applies this wisdom to his work at McKenneys, shaping the future of the building automation controls industry.  In Episode 414 of ControlTalk Now the HVAC and Smart Buildings Podcast, Stephen shares the invaluable insights he gleaned from his time with Truett Cathy and how these lessons have shaped his leadership at McKenneys.

My guest this week is Jeff Kimmel. Jeff is the Co-founder and CEO of Elipsa.ai If you are looking for ways to reduce the costs it takes to run your building or factory, and if you are looking to cut energy and maintenance costs, then this episode is for you! Elipsa is an automated AI platform.They put the AI capabilities in your hands, enabling you to be proactive in your approach saving time and money addressing problems before they occur. Epipsa works with the Niagara data service. is a tool for users through a simple point and click to be able to create AI algorithms that are applicable to industrial use cases and machinery. Here are some benefits of using Elipsa in concert with your building management system and why it’s the smart choice for building management Jeff discusses on this episode  1. Power Usage Reduction: One of the biggest benefits of using Elipsa is its ability to reduce power usage in buildings. With its advanced analytics and predictive maintenance capabilities, Elipsa can help identify and resolve energy inefficiencies in real-time, allowing businesses to save money on energy costs and reduce their environmental footprint. 2. Predictive Maintenance: Another key benefit of using Elipsa is its predictive maintenance capabilities. By monitoring and analyzing data from building systems and equipment, Elipsa can identify potential issues before they become major problems, allowing businesses to proactively address maintenance needs and avoid costly downtime. 3. Scenario Testing Through Digital Twins: Elipsa’s AI-based scenario testing feature allows businesses to model different scenarios and test the impact of potential changes before implementing them. This helps businesses make informed decisions and avoid unintended consequences that can negatively impact operations and the bottom line. 4. Customizable Dashboards and Alerts: Elipsa’s customizable dashboards allow businesses to easily monitor and manage building systems and equipment in real-time. This provides businesses with a clear and comprehensive view of building operations, allowing them to make informed decisions and quickly respond to issues as they arise. 5. Integrations: Elipsa is designed to integrate with a wide range of building systems and equipment, including HVAC, lighting, security, and more. This allows businesses to centralize and streamline their building management operations, reducing complexity and increasing efficiency. Overall, the benefits of using Elipsa are clear. By providing operators with powerful analytics, predictive maintenance, and scenario testing capabilities, Elipsa can help businesses save money, increase efficiency, and reduce their environmental impact. If you’re looking for a smarter, more effective way to manage your building operations, look no further than Elipsa. Contact Elipsa today at www.elipsa.ai

Sarah Monteleone, the President of Controls Group North America is my guest this week on Controltalk Now the HVAC and Smart Building Controls Video Cast. Starting her career in controls with Functional Devices, Sarah has worked her way up to becoming the president of Controls Group North America. Controls Group North America is a group of elite HVAC and Smart Buildings control distributors and progressive HVAC manufacturers. Sarah shares the skills needed to lead this group of accomplished individuals, plus the challenges of selling smart building controls in a highly competitive market. Be sure to tune in and join us as we discuss the latest trends, technology, and strategies in HVAC and Smart Building Controls with Sarah Monteleone. It’s sure to be an enlightening conversation!  SUMMARY This week, Control Talk Now is taking a look at leadership and the skills needed to lead a team of strong personalities without the ability to give raises or fire people. As an example, the host( Eric Stromquist) talks about his younger cousin who was on the fast track at a Fortune 100 company. He was given a billion-dollar project with aggressive and unrealistic goals, and he could not hire or fire anyone nor offer any type of monetary incentive. His success at this project was the ultimate test and it was both challenging and rewarding. The guest this week is someone who is creating great results under the same constraints in the HVAC and smart building controls industry. The conversation discussed the importance of nonverbal communication in the communication process and the importance of timing in communication. Eric explained the technique of mirroring, which involves adopting the same postures and gestures as the person you are talking to, to create a meaningful connection. This technique can be used to establish rapport and as a timing mechanism called pacing and leading. Eric also suggested that if a conversation is going off the rails, one should shut up, cross their arms and mirror the other person until they follow the nonverbal lead. Eric also mentioned that they are considering offering a nonverbal communication training class and asked listeners to send an email to controltalknow@gmail.com if they are interested. John Sublett, the former CTO of Tridium and current chair of the company was interviewed on Control Talk Now. John discussed the early days at Tritium and the lessons he learned along the way. He discussed how technology has changed and evolved since the company first began and how it has impacted the industry. He also discussed how the company has grown and how it has become an industry leader in the process. Sarah Montelione, the president of Cgna, was also featured in the episode. She discussed how Cgna has been supporting the industry as a whole and how they are redefining distribution. She also discussed the various benefits Cgna provides to its members and how they are helping to create real value for customers. Sarah and the speaker have been friends for 25 years and have worked in the same industry for that time. Sarah is known for her skills in building relationships and making impressions, which the speaker noticed when they first met. Sarah began her journey in wholesale distribution when she completed an internship with a large industrial distributor after college and was offered a sales training program. This began her six-year journey with the company, and she has been working in the industry ever since. The speaker appreciates Sarah's skills and the impact she has had on the industry. TIMESTAMPS 0:00:00 "Leading Without Fear or Money: A Discussion on Leadership with Eric Stranquist" 0:02:38 Nonverbal Communication Tips for Leaders: Mirroring, Pacing, and Leading 0:07:45 New Episode of Legacy Voices  with Eric's guest, John Sublett, CTO of Tritium and this weeks Controltalk Now Guest Sarah Montelione, President of CGNA 0:09:37 Conversation with Sarah, 25-Year Veteran of the Industrial Distribution Industry 0:11:29 Conversation with Sarah Ritman: From Functional Devices to Cgna 0:17:16 Conversation on Developing Relationships and Consensus with Customers and Employees 0:22:19 "Managing Employee Performance: A Conversation with Sarah Smith" 0:27:23 Heading: Benefits of Joining CGNA for Manufacturers 0:29:41 Interview with Sarah Montelone, Cgna Controls: Celebrating 40 Years of Success HIGHLIGHTS But I talked to a vendor recently, and they said, Sarah, we use Cgna to help us launch and sell our product, and fast forward 20 years. We are successful because of the member distributors and the services the organization provides. Okay? That is crazy if you think about that. So for vendors, even mature business vendors, products that have been out for 30 years, Eric, this, more than anybody is technology changes.. Okay? The industry changes. COVID changed things, right? Everything was going e-commerce for years. Guess what? Through COVID, this organization of stocking wholesalers survived and increased their business because they had inventory. And so these vendors, you want to partner with distributors that obviously buy your product, stock it, but also get it specified, support it, technically talk about it. There's absolutely a need for e-commerce. You know what? First of all, we're celebrating 40 years this year. Congratulations to us. That is crazy, right? It's a major milestone, 40 years. The foundation of Cgna really is still intact. It's a distribution member-owned distribution network with that manufacturer piece and what's. So great. And again, I just joined in June, but I've been a vendor member for my entire career with Functional and Connect Air, who are still part of this organization and actually still selling more products. That's the greatest part. I know that certain organizations have protocols regarding performance plans and sort of action items when maybe an employee is struggling with the job. But also you need to understand why their performance isn't up to par. It may be understanding, it might not be a situation where the employee is just not doing the job. There may be an issue with that employee doing that job. And it may be a home life situation.. It may be an understanding of the job responsibilities. So figure it out, be respectful, have an honest conversation, and be part of the solution. There is a lot of mental discussion with myself before that, right? I get all of the emotion out of the way for the most part and really just stick with the facts. Eric right. It's pretty clear-cut today. Everybody's got job responsibilities, and everybody knows what their role is, right? So remove the emotion, be respectful, stick with the facts, and just talk about what the issue is. And I've always been a proponent of second chances, third chances, be part of the solution. My role at Cgna is really not to transform or convert our members into people with a single thought, idea, direction, or feeling. What makes this group so special and powerful is I'm working with those different personalities, right? And people with different strengths and knowledge. It's the collective differences and collaboration that really provide the results in the direction of Cgna. Right. It's not one person.. So I love the fact that I'm working with a lot of personalities. My role is really listening, guiding, obtaining information, and sometimes refereeing this crowd, right? But ultimately just pulled their words together and put a plan together.    

My guest on ControlTalk Now this week is Tom Joslin. Tom is one of the control pros with a newer smart building control vendor, 75F. 75F is a leading provider of building automation solutions that are designed to optimize energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and enhance occupant comfort in commercial buildings. Using a vertically integrated and IoT-based wireless system, 75F's technology can analyze and control existing HVAC equipment and systems to achieve greater efficiency and cost savings. With sophisticated algorithms running in the cloud, the system can make micro-adjustments every 60 seconds to ensure optimal performance, and each customer site receives roughly 150,000 individual decisions each day. With a focus on sustainability, affordability, and customer satisfaction, 75F is revolutionizing the way businesses manage their buildings and reduce their carbon footprint. In addition to my interview with Tom, I explain another nonverbal communication technique, mirroring. Mirroring is a subconscious behavior that is used to establish rapport and influence others. In essence, it involves adopting another person's posture, breathing patterns, and speed of speaking. Mirroring can help to build trust and strengthen relationships when used judiciously. I discuss how mirroring works in this episode.

In Episode 407 of ControlTalk Now the HVAC and Smart Buildings Podcast talk about using data analytics and AI as a way to make buildings smarter and more energy efficient which ultimately will help save the planet. How data analytics and AI are revolutionizing smart buildings in 2023 In the world of smart buildings, data analytics, and AI are changing the game. With advanced systems and sensors that collect and analyze data, buildings are becoming smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable. If you want to learn about the latest trends and innovations in smart building technology, we've got you covered. In 2023, the use of data analytics and AI is expected to become even more widespread in building management. By leveraging AI algorithms and machine learning, building systems can automatically adjust to changing conditions and optimize energy use. This means lower costs, improved environmental impact, and better overall building performance. So how exactly is this technology being used? For starters, smart building sensors can collect a wealth of data on things like temperature, humidity, occupancy, and energy use. This data can then be fed into an AI system, which can analyze patterns and trends to identify areas for improvement. For example, the system might notice that a certain area of the building is consistently too hot, and adjust the temperature accordingly. Another way AI is being used in smart buildings is through predictive maintenance. By analyzing data on equipment performance and usage, AI systems can predict when maintenance is needed and alert building managers before issues arise. This can save time and money by preventing downtime and extending the lifespan of the equipment. The possibilities for AI and data analytics in smart buildings are truly endless. Whether it's improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, or enhancing occupant comfort, this technology is changing the way we manage buildings. So if you want to stay ahead of the curve in the world of smart building technology, be sure to follow us for more updates and insights.   Hide prompts  

In Episode 406 of ControlTalk Now we break down the skills a new leader needs in order to lead a team or a company. My guest this week is Rob Allen. Rob is running the day-to-day operations at my Company, Stromquist & Company. Rob shares the challenges of leading a group of co-workers that have been in the industry longer than he has, and been working at Stromquist Longer than he has. Rob’s story is inspiring and provides new leaders with great tips and reminders on the importance of building relationships, being open to feedback, and offering guidance without micromanaging. He provides a few examples of how he has helped build team camaraderie and trust within the group, which has created an environment that encourages collaboration and learning. Rob also talks about the importance of setting goals, creating a vision, and staying consistent. Get more at controltrends.com

On Episode 405 of ControlTalk Now The HVAC and Smart Buildings Podcast we dive deep into AI and Virtual Reality and how savvy contractors and building maintenance departments are using these new tools to cut costs and save money. My guests this week are Scott Cochrane and Mike Mitchell from Cochrane Supply. Mike does a live demo, which you can see in this video, and shows us exactly how useful VR can be when installing or troubleshooting a system in a building. Scott and Mike also give us a breakdown of the 2023 Controls Con happening in April.

After steeping away for two years Eric Stromquist. from ControlTrends is back with the next episode of ControlTalk Now The Smart Buildings Podcast. Eric's first guest is Automated Buildings Controls Founder Ken Sinclair, who joins Eric to discuss the educational breakout sessions at this year’s AHR Show. Tune in to find out what Eric and Ken have to say about the future of smart building technology! Eric shares some of the new and exciting things viewers can expect on the new Controltrends website.

On. this Episode of ControlTalk Now The HVAC and Smart Building Podcast Ken and I break down and discuss the winners of this year ControlTrends Awards Winners held last Sunday night in Orlando. Find out who is the best in HVAC and Smart Building Controls on this week's show.

In this week's episode, we talk with two of the most influential women in HVAC and Smart Building Controls. Honeywell's Barbara Cook and Melissa Cisewski. Barbara and Melissa give us an update on what Honeywell is up to in HVAC and Smart Building Controls. We also discuss the numerous award finalists Honeywell has in the upcoming Controltrends Awards.

What makes a Great Leader in HVAC and Smart Building Controls? We explore the answer to this question with two great leaders in HVAC and Smart Building Controls: Richard Campbell the CEO of Kele and Josh Felperin the national sales manager for Siemens. These two great industry leaders share their knowledge and discuss not only leadership skills but also discuss Industry trends. Great episode for anyone that wants to get an edge in HVAC and Smart Building Controls. Get more Control News You can use at Controltrends.

My guest this week is an industry legend, Dennis Floro. Before becoming a consultant, Dennis took well know distributor Wilson Mohr from 8 million dollars a year in sales to over 100 million dollars. In addition to teaching us about business strategy, Dennis shares 5 ttraits that great laeders have in common:   1) Great Leaders are Great Listeners The best leaders understand the value of humble listening. They recognize the need to consider different perspectives before making decisions. A great leader is patient enough to listen and absorb information before responding; they will use input from others to make informed decisions moving forward. This type of communication builds trust with colleagues and helps create an open dialogue that empowers employees to be creative and innovative. 2) Set Measurable Goals Successful leaders set measurable goals for themselves and their team members in order to stay informed about the operations of their business. Setting targets and tracking progress towards them, it helps keep everyone on track with what needs to be done and done well in order to reach those goals. This can also be used as a way for leaders to evaluate their own performance, as well as that of their staff members. 3) Understand Needs & How Best To Communicate With Them Leaders must take the time to get to know both their staff members and customers on an individual basis in order to understand their needs better. Knowing how best to communicate with each person is critical in helping them feel valued while also meeting the company's objectives. Doing this allows leaders better leverage when communicating with team members or customers; they’ll come off as more knowledgeable because they have taken the time necessary for understanding their wants/needs better than anyone else could have done so easily! 4) Adapt Quickly & Re-evaluate Often Great leaders understand that things change quickly in today’s world, which means they must be prepared to adapt quickly while also being willing to re-evaluate often so they can hold fresh perspectives on any situation or challenge. Remaining flexible with ideas or processes, it allows them more room for growth without sacrificing quality work or dedication from staff members who may become stagnant if left unchanged over long periods of time! 5) Humility Is Essential                                                                            The ability of one person to lead hundreds is something truly remarkable - yet humility is essential if you want your leadership style to be respected by those you manage. Achieving greatness doesn't have anything at all to do with being boastful, rather it has everything to do with having the right attitude; understanding that employees should always come first no matter what other interests may arise during times of stress or success!   Conclusion: Being an effective leader isn't easy—it takes hard work, patience, and dedication—but it's worth it when you see your team thrive under your guidance! Building trust among colleagues while striving toward measurable goals sets up businesses for success while allowing them room to grow to even greater heights than ever imagined before! Taking the time to get to know staff/customers' needs helps build strong relationships within an organization while remaining humble is key to helping maintain respect between superiors/subordinates alike - these five qualities make up just some major elements great leadership embodies!  Making sure to apply these principles day-to-day basis will ensure you continue to grow as a leader in business at full potential reachable heights!  So if you're looking to become a great leader don't forget to look at yourself and ask “Do I embody these qualities?” If the answer is yes then go out there and show the world what made capable of doing!! Good luck on your journey to greatness!                                                                                        ​​

Automated Buildings Ken Sinclair jinns me on this week's ControlTalk Now.

Lighting savant and host of the Get a Grip on Lighting Podcast, Michael Colligan is my guest this week. Michael shares his unique perspective on lighting and lighting control. We discuss the rapidly changing landscape of lighting, and how technology is transforming what was once a purely artistic endeavor. Topics include: How to Avoid LED rip-offs and avoid health hazards of LED lighting. How to do LED lighting the proper way. This is a must for those interested in getting the straight skinny on lighting. Get more control news you can use at http://controltrends.com