Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb | Strategies for Automation, Technology and Entrepreneurship

Fifteen years ago I was inspired by Chris Guillebeau ( https://chrisguillebeau.com/ ) and accomplished some life goals over just a few years. One of his methods of working on multiple goals simultaneously is to do an annual review of the previous year and make plans for the next. It has been a while since I have done this, so I decided to do mine this year on my podcast. TAKEAWAYS The influence of...

How does a typical subcontracting job work in system integration? You have a scope of work and you are about to visit a plant for the first time, not knowing what to expect. Join me as I walk you through a trip to a fresh application. TAKEAWAYS Subcontracting to Patrick Bunn and BAC (01:00 – 3:20) Patrick is a familiar face from a previous podcast. The Scope of Work (SOW) and an overview of the ap...

How does marketing work for industrial system integrators? Emily Merritt of Clearlead Marketing discusses the ins and outs of marketing for companies and service providers in industrial automation. TAKEAWAYS Current projects (01:00 – 2:10) What Emily and Clearlead have been working on since OT SCADA CON this Summer How Emily got started in marketing (2:30 – 8:40) From technical writing and data an...

What kind of products are used in Industrial Automation and manufacturing? Are computers used to control machines? Why are industrial components so expensive compared to commercial products? A look at some of the items used in manufacturing. TAKEAWAYS Controllers (01:00 – 7:20) Types of controllers: PLC, DCS, process and microcontrollers, timers and counters, computers, even pneumatic! Sensors (7:...

Do you have experience in manufacturing or industrial automation? Have you ever thought of starting your own business? This episode is for you!  TAKEAWAYS Product Sales   (01:00 – 12:00) Distributors, Manufacturers Reps and Online sales Services (12:00 – 19:30) Industrial electricians, panel fabrication, system integration, training and mechanical trades Machines and Systems (21:10 – 29:40) It can...

This episode was extracted from an open Zoom webinar held in September, 2025. The topic included a list created for possible subcontracting. Please contact me at www.automationllc.com if you want to be included. TAKEAWAYS Workshop Business Model   (01:55 – 4:40) How Automation Workshops work, large system integrators What happens if projects aren’t bid? (4:40 – 6:00) Some of the items that may com...

Patrick Bunn has had an inspiring career, moving from plant maintenance into system integration, taking on ever more advanced roles solving problems and designing process controls. Hear how he started his company by subcontracting and picking up new customers.  TAKEAWAYS How Pat got his start in technology    (01:10 – 3:10) Patrick started his industrial automation journey as an intern at a railro...

Vlad Romanov has had an extensive career in industry from system integration in large companies to startups and entrepreneurship. He has built training platforms, created a successful podcast and now does digital transformation consulting. This episode provides tactical insights on automation-related business and serial entrepreneurship. TAKEAWAYS How Vlad got his start in technology    (01:00 – 2...

How does a successful online training and coaching company get started? Hear how Stephen learned to program PLCs and turned a side hustle into a full-time job! TAKEAWAYS Where Stephen learned his automation skills   (00:54 – 7:55) Stephen’s journey through university and his early experience working with PLCs .  The founding of myPLCtraining (8:10 – 17:10) How a side hustle became a full-time job....

Technical careers don’t always stem from an engineering background. Nikki Gonzales grew up working with embedded controllers and exposure to a startup mentality, going on to a career in technical sales, product management and the founding of Automation Ladies.  *On August 18, 2025, only two days after this podcast was recorded, Nikki suffered the unexpected tragic loss of her husband, Nathan Gonza...

What happens when a bottle plant puts its faith in relationships, grassroots innovation, and learning-by-doing instead of pricey, off-the-shelf solutions? Join Frank Lamb on Mastering the Machine as he chronicles a remarkable 12-year evolution at American Beverage Depot, where language barriers, aging hardware, and resourceful engineers become catalysts for creative upgrades—from pioneering PLC mi...

Do you find yourself lost in a sea of automation jargon, unsure how it all connects to real-world expertise? This episode of Mastering the Machine is your roadmap: Frank Lamb outlines the foundational pyramid every industrial automation pro should know and shows exactly how to apply it to both new technologies and daily problem-solving. Through his immersive story of self-paced online courses, not...

What is OT SCADA CON? On Mastering the Machine, Frank Lamb talks to some of the speakers and attendees of the second annual OT SCADA CON networking technical event held in Houston, Texas July 23-25, 2025. Hear how this conference breaks the mold of dry trade shows by providing opportunities to meet some of the drivers of industrial automation technology in person and learn a wide range of automati...

How did programmable logic controllers (PLCs) revolutionize industrial automation, transforming factory floors worldwide?  On Mastering the Machine, Frank Lamb pulls the curtain back on the untold history of PLCs, tracing their origins from a General Motors brainstorm through global expansion, industry shakeups, and the relentless pursuit of reliability. He unpacks the technical prowess, daring de...

Have you ever wondered how an unconventional start can lead to mastery in industrial automation and control systems? Frank Lamb shares his decades-long journey through the ever-evolving world of PLC programming, machine building, and automation training. From his early days without a high school diploma to becoming a leading expert in hands-on learning and industrial control systems, Frank’s story...

Ready to take control of automation’s future? In this short trailer, host Frank Lamb—automation expert and author of PLC Hardware and Programming and Industrial Automation: Hands On —introduces Mastering the Machine , a podcast for engineers, technicians, and automation professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve. Each week, you'll hear engaging conversations, expert insights, and pract...