Welcome to Industrial Edge! In this episode, we sit down with William Bordeau at the 2025 Pistachio Growers Conference in Monterey, California. William shares his journey as a farmer, veteran, and executive, and dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture today—from water policy and the Endangered Species Act to the impact of AI and automation on farming. We also discuss the importance of local business, political advocacy, and making a difference in your community. 0...
Welcome to Industrial Edge! In this episode, we’re live from the 2025 American Pistachio Growers Conference in Monterey, California, with special guest Zach Shields, Head of Sales and Customer Success at Borde AI. We discuss the future of factory automation, AI-powered grading and inspection, and the evolving landscape of the tree nut industry. 00:00 – Introduction & Conference Setting 00:21 – Meet Zach Shields: Background & Role at Borde 00:41 – What is AI Grading & Inspection f...
In this episode of Industrial Edge, host Lacey sits down with Zachary Fraser, President and CEO of American Pistachio Growers, at the 2025 Pistachio Growers Conference in Monterey, California. They discuss Zachary's journey from sports management to the pistachio industry, his insights into future trends, the challenges faced by growers, and the ambitious goals of the organization. 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Meet Zachary Fraser 01:18 Transition to the Pistachio Industry 02:46 Learning Every Da...
Join us in this episode of Industrial Edge as Lacey Chandler sits down with Kiki Sandrini at the 2025 Pistachio Growers Conference. Kiki Sandrini from Chandler Automation, shares her journey from pistachio farming to selling cutting-edge automation equipment. Discover the transformative trends in the pistachio industry, the impact of automation, and the evolving market dynamics that are shaping the future. Whether you're involved in agriculture or intrigued by industrial automation, this epis...
In this episode of Industrial Edge, recorded at the 2025 Pistachio Growers Conference in Monterey, California, we talk about the advancements in factory automation that are revolutionizing the industry. Lacy Chandler interviews John Beaulieu, Director of Operations at Meridian Growers Processing, and Sean Chandler, CEO of Chandler Automation, discussing state-of-the-art processing methods, efficiency enhancements, and the pivotal role of automation in the future of pistachio processing. 00:0...
In this episode of Industrial Edge, recorded live from the 2025 American Pistachio Growers Conference in Monterey, California, we dive into the world of factory automation and technological advancements in the pistachio processing industry. Join April Ramos and Emmanuel Ramos from Primex Famrs LLC. as they share their extensive experiences and insights on processing, automation, and food safety in the industry. 00:00 Introduction 00:18 Guest Introductions 01:08 Understanding Pistachio Proces...
In this episode of the Industrial Edge podcast, recorded live from the 2025 American Pistachio Growers Conference in Monterey, Lacey Chandler sits down with Ashley Hollis and Nori Shishido from Chandler Automation. They discuss their roles, the impact of automation in the food processing industry, ongoing industry trends, and the role of women in the nut industry. The conversation also covers labor dynamics, technological advancements, and the benefits of their service programs. ...
In this episode of Industrial Edge, we dive into the future of energy solutions in the agricultural sector. Join host Lacy as she speaks with Gena Bettencourt and Rodney Machado from CalCom Energy at the American Pistachio Growers Conference, 2025. They discuss the latest innovations in solar and battery storage, the challenges of energy tariffs, and how CalCom Energy is helping large-scale agricultural operations reduce their energy costs and pivot towards more sustainable practices. 00:00 ...
In this episode of industrial edge, Lacey Chandler and Aaron Black are at the 2024 Almond Board Conference, where they discuss factory automation and packaging solutions. From Aaron’s journey from a submariner to a packaging expert, to the impact of automation on small businesses, this episode dives deep into the future of the industry. 00:00 Introduction 00:18 Attendance at the Conference 00:24 Brief Banter and Conference Highlights 00:47 Getting to Know Aaron Black 00:55 Aaron’...
In this episode of Industrial Edge, Lacey Chandler is joined by Eva Rydholt at the 2024 Almond Board conference in Sacramento. They talk about the world of factory automation, discussing Eva's company, OK International, and their innovative packaging equipment. From the history of the company to the specifics of their machinery and how it benefits various industries, this episode covers it all. 00:00 Introduction 01:12 OK International: Company Overview 02:04 From Garage Startup to Ind...
In this episode of Industrial Edge, Lacey Chandler interviews Aaron Salsedo from Duarte Nursery at the 2024 Almond Board Conference. They talk about Aaron's journey through the nut industry, the various crops he deals with, the intricacies of farming and processing, and the current trends and challenges in the agriculture sector. 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Guest Introduction 00:45 Aaron's Journey in the Nut Industry 02:29 Discussion on Duarte Nursery 04:19 Ro...
In this episode of Industrial Edge, Lacey Chandler meets with Ron Gorajia from Fidelity Capital at the Almond Board Conference 2024. They discuss the benefits and processes of equipment financing and leasing for automation technology, covering key topics like third-party financing, tax benefits, and the impact on businesses in the agriculture industry. 00:00 Introduction 00:34 Meeting Ron Gorajia from Fidelity Capital 01:00 The Importance of Equipment Financing 03:57 Explaining Third-Party F...
In this episode, hosts Lacey Chandler and Robert DeMaria broadcast from the 2024 Almond Board Conference in Sacramento. They discuss various aspects of the almond industry, the importance of automation in packaging, and insights into factory operations and technology. 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Introducing Robert DeMaria 02:17 Discussing Automation and Machinery 05:50 The Case for Automation 10:12 Implementing Machinery and Customer Relations 15:22 Closing
In this episode of Industrial Edge, Lacey Chandler sits down with Bryan Minor from CASSEL Inspection at the 2024 Almond Board Conference in Sacramento. They discuss the latest advancements in factory automation technologies, especially in the food safety sector, and the implications these technologies have on the industry. 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Introducing Bryan Minor from CASSEL Inspection 00:43 CASSEL Inspection's Expertise 01:44 Company Background and Technology 02:27 Inspe...
Join Lacey Chandler and guest Sam Ghazarian, President of Ghazarian Welding Inc., as they talk about the intricacies of factory automation and custom food processing equipment at the 2024 Almond Board Conference. From the history of Ghazarian Welding Inc. to the dynamics of father-son business, and the future of industrial automation, this episode covers it all. 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Guest Introduction: Sam Ghazarian 01:17 Ghazarian Welding Inc.: History and Evolution 05:45 Rol...
In this episode of Industrial Edge, host Lacey Chandler talks to Christine Gemperle at the 2024 Almond Board Conference. Christine shares her extensive experience in the almond farming industry, discussing her involvement with the Almond Board, her family-run Gemperle Orchards, and the technological advancements shaping the future of agriculture. 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Christine Gemperle's Background 02:16 Personal Interests and Additional Roles 02:38 Insights on Alm...
In this episode of 'Industrial Edge,' host Lacey Chandler sits down with Dean Roberts, president of Focus Integration, at the 2024 Almond Board Conference in Sacramento. They dive into the world of robotic palletizing, discussing its importance in modern factory automation, its impact on labor, and what sets Dean's company apart in the industry. Gain valuable insights into the future of factory automation and how technological advancements like robotic palletizers are shaping various industri...
In this episode of Industrial Edge, Lacey Chandler interviews Amy Sihto, President of El Dorado Almonds, at the 2024 Almond Board Conference in Sacramento. Amy shares invaluable insights on the role of automation and efficiency in the almond industry, her experiences with Chandler Automation, and the impact of technology on workforce dynamics. Join us for a captivating discussion on the future of factory automation and technological advancements in agriculture. 00:00 Introduction ...
Welcome to Episode 03 of Industrial Edge! In this episode, host Lacey Chandler sits down with Adrian Diaz, a field technician for Chandler Automation, at the 2024 Almond Board Conference in Sacramento's Safe Credit Union Conference Center. They talk about the intricate world of factory automation and the critical role of service technicians in this evolving industry. Adrian shares insights on his responsibilities, from servicing and installing equipment to training technicians and ensuring sm...
Join host Lacey Chandler at the Almond Board Conference in Sacramento 2024 with Andrea Uzzo where they discuss the world of factory automation. Andrea Uzzo, of 3U Vision, talks about the latest in optical sorting technology, the importance of customer feedback, and how passion and innovation drive success in the industry. Learn how advanced technologies are transforming the almond industry and beyond. 00:00 Introduction to Industrial Edge Podcast 00:40 Meet Andrea Uzzo: A Journey from Italy ...