The Infrastructure Hot Seat Podcast

Join us for an informative discussion on infrastructure with our special guest, Michael Thompson, Public Works Director of Plymouth, Minnesota, and our host, Chad Smeltzer. In this episode, they explore the importance of robust asset management systems, the role of technology in public works, the challenges of attracting new talent, and the pressing issues surrounding water quality, including PFAS...

In this enlightening episode of the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast, host Chad Smeltzer engages in a deep dive with Clarence Wittwer, a known figure in the infrastructure realm. Together, they unravel the hidden costs of infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of laying out expenses from vehicles to body armor, making the real costs transparent to all stakeholders. Clarence shares insights into...

Chad Smeltzer sits down with Kevin Lyons, the mastermind behind Flash Vote, to delve into the world of data-driven governance. Unraveling the mysteries of effective decision-making in local government, Kevin shares his journey from chemical engineering to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of solving real problems that matter to the community. Discover how Flash Vote, with its scientifi...

In this episode of The Infrastructure Hot Seat Podcast, host Chad Smeltzer sits down with Ghassan Korban, an esteemed leader in the Sewage and Water Board of New Orleans. Ghassan shares his journey from a young engineer to a commissioner, discussing the challenges and rewarding experiences he faced throughout his 31-year career in the public works sector. The conversation delves into Ghassan's...

Join host Chad Smeltzer in this episode of "Inside Public Works" as he sits down with Dan Kaup, Public Works Director for the City of Wheeling, Illinois. Explore Dan's journey into the industry, his passion for asset management, and the challenges and opportunities faced in the ever-evolving world of public works. Discover the importance of data-driven decision-making, the impact of...

On this episode we talk to Louis Storino, a licensed Professional Engineer and Board Certified Environmental Engineer, as he dives into the world of water infrastructure and engineering solutions. With his extensive experience in the water sector, Louis explores the challenges and triumphs of working in wastewater treatment, collection facilities, energy efficiency, and flooding issues. From discu...

In today's episode, Chad is joined by Roberto Treveso, the Public Works Director for Lake Park, Florida. Roberto shares his journey into public works, starting in the private sector and later joining the Air Force as an electrical systems apprentice. After retiring from the Air Force, Roberto ventured into the public works field, working for the Water Management District and eventually joining...

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of meta materials and their transformative impact on civil infrastructure systems. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Amir, a leading expert in the field, to discuss his groundbreaking research on meta materials, energy harvesting, and smart infrastructure. Discover how these innovative materials can reimagine mega structures, enable intelligent sen...

Join us on The Infrastructure Hot Seat as we dive into the remarkable story of Trino Pedraza, a man who never envisioned a career in infrastructure but found his passion and thrived in the industry. From his humble beginnings in the military to navigating the semiconductor business, teaching, and eventually landing a pivotal role in the San Antonio Water System, Trino's journey is filled with...

In this podcast, Patrick Shea, the General Manager of St Paul Regional Water Services, discusses the challenges and opportunities of infrastructure management. He talks about the need for proactive maintenance, the importance of public education, and the role of technology in improving infrastructure management. Shea also shares his insights on the future of infrastructure management and how we ca...

In this episode of the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast, join host Chad Smeltzer as he dives deep into the pressing issues faced by American cities, including water and electricity shortages, and the lack of funds to fix crumbling infrastructure. Chad is joined by construction workforce expert Shawna Armstrong, who shares her insights on attracting and retaining skilled workers in the construction...

Join host Chad Smeltzer in an insightful conversation with Susan Marie Chin Taylor, a marketing expert from Creative Raven and the Doo-Doo Divas Smells Like Money podcast, on the pressing infrastructure issues faced by American cities. Discover why cities struggle with water shortages, power outages, and limited funds for infrastructure improvements. Explore the evolution of marketing from traditi...

Join Cassie Clancy, a seasoned professional in the field of pipeline solutions, as she shares her experiences and expertise on the pressing infrastructure challenges faced by American cities. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Cassie discusses her journey, the importance of collaboration, and the need for innovative solutions. From water and electricity shortages to the struggles of low-bid...

Join us for an uplifting and thought-provoking journey as we dive into the life and work of Joseph Blackman, a man on a mission to save American cities from crumbling infrastructure. From his early days in Truck Sales to his current role as a passionate advocate for knowledge transfer in the public works industry, Joseph's story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to ma...

In this episode of the Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast, host Chad Smelter sits down with Jonathan Gano, the Public Works Director for the City of Des Moines, Iowa. Gano shares his journey from serving in the United States Army to working his way up the ranks in the Public Works Department of the City of Springfield, Missouri, and eventually landing his current position in Des Moines. He discusses...

Join us for an exciting podcast as we delve into the world of Donnell Duncan, a highly energetic and passionate engineer. Donnell's extensive experience as a structural engineer, project manager, and business development professional in the water/wastewater industry makes him a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in engineering. His latest book, "A New Minds...

In this episode, we interview Jason Mitchell, Ed. D. the Public Works Director for the Baltimore City Department of Public Works. With over 20 years of experience in private and public sector operations, strategic capital planning, and fiscal management, Jason has a proven track record as a change agent in the field of public works. In this interview, he shares his insights on balancing the demand...

Join us as we talk with Barbara Robinson, a seasoned engineer and expert in sewer infrastructure. In this episode, we discuss the critical importance of maintaining and improving our sewer systems to prevent health risks and environmental damage. Barbara shares her experience in identifying and fixing I&I problems, the challenges in reconstructing and maintaining sewers, and the common mistakes th...

Meet Mark - a nationally recognized, award-winning public works professional who's passionate about innovating and making things happen! With a deep-rooted interest in public works, Mark's experience as a consultant, engineer, and public works director makes him an invaluable asset to any community he serves. 🏗️💻🏢 #PublicWorks #Leadership #Innovation

Get ready to be inspired by the amazing journey of Bill Davis, a true visionary in the water and wastewater industry! From his early passion for art and graphic communication, to his eventual transition into civil engineering, Bill's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, following your dreams, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in utilities. Despite facing challenges along...

In this episode, we sit down with Aclara Global Sales Director Tyler Simpson to hear about his journey from studying public works in college to leading a global sales team for one of the top water metering companies in the world. We discuss the common issues facing municipalities and utilities, such as broken water meters, and delve into the importance of tracking non-revenue water. Our conversati...

In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with the Amanda Siqueira CEO and Cofounder of VAPRA to discuss their experiences with raising capital, building a business, and breaking into a competitive market. Our guests share their insights on the history of their company and how they got started, as well as the challenges they faced in securing funding and building relationships in the industry. W...

In this episode 20, Chad Smeltzer sits down with John Klostermann, the Public Works Director for the City of Dubuque, Iowa, who shares his inspiring journey from starting out as a laborer in the field to becoming the leader of his department. With over 40 years of experience, John has gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of public works, despite not having an engineering backg...

In episode 19 we would like to introduce you to Cody Nunez, a young engineering professional who embodies ethics and standards in his work. As a civil engineer, Cody is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure systems that we rely on every day, such as roads, bridges, and water supply networks. Being a young engineering professional comes with its own unique challenges....

Welcome to episode 18 of our podcast! Our guest Todd Hoppenstedt who is the Director of Public Works for Brentwood, Tennessee. Todd and Chad dive into the essential role of public works directors and the question of whether public works employees should be considered first responders. In this episode, we explore the vital responsibilities of a public works director, including overseeing the mainte...