EastLake Search Consultants

UnfilteredFlowELSC

Business EN ↓ 41 episodes

UnfilteredFlowELSC is THE podcast dedicated to the progression of the Fluid Power & Automation industries. We want you to meet our friends, our colleagues, our clients, and honestly some of the most brilliant minds in the industry…..so you can see what the fuss is all about. Who we're talking to:-Industry leaders who are shaking up the scene-Industry educators challenging the next generation -Industry Pros who are excelling in their current roles (Career Spotlights)-And sometimes we dive into recruiting trends and hot topics — after all we are Recruiters! We hope you enjoy!

Author

EastLake Search Consultants

Category

Business

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

From Engineering to Journalism: The Journey of Rachel Pasini - Editor in Chief at Design World 08.07.2026

In the fluid power and automation industries, understanding the intersection of technical knowledge and effective communication is crucial. In this interview, we explore the fascinating journey of Rachel Pasini, the Editor-in-Chief at Design World and Senior Editor of Fluid Power World, who transitioned from engineering to journalism. Her unique perspective sheds light on the importance of storyte...

Highschool to Hydraulics. Featured Guest: Connor Borwege, Sales Manager at MJ Hydrostatics 10.06.2026

Most people think fluid power is just hydraulics—think cylinders and simple machinery. But what if I told you it’s a vast, complex industry with opportunities as big as the equipment itself? Meet Connor Borwege: a young sales pro who started with zero industry experience and now navigates a rapidly evolving field that combines hydraulics, IoT, hybrid systems, and power generation. His journey from...

Industrial Marketing Guru. Featured Guest: John Joyce, Founder Industrial Revenue 20.05.2026

# How to Navigate the Challenges of Industrial Marketing: Insights from John Joyce Learn effective strategies for overcoming the unique challenges in industrial marketing. John Joyce, founder of Industrial Revenue, shares his insights on differentiation, marketing debt, and distributor relationships. --- In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial marketing, companies face unique challenges that...

Navy Pilot to Hydrostats. Featured Guest: Allen Burdette, Fluid Power Headhunter- EastLake Search Consultants 13.05.2026

Most of us underestimate how much the fluid power industry has truly evolved—and what’s coming next could reshape everything. Allen Burdette, a veteran with over 30 years in hydraulics and strategic insights into industry shifts, reveals how technological breakthroughs, consolidation, and the rise of IoT are revolutionizing the way we design, sell, and maintain hydraulic systems. In this lively co...

Integrity in Leadership. Featured Guest: Matt Christensen, Vice President Sales & Marketing 06.05.2026

Most fluid power professionals overlook how a deep technical background can revolutionize sales leadership — until Matt Christensen reveals the secret recipe for blending engineering expertise with human connection. Discover how a former pilot turned fluid power engineer navigates industry shifts, from electrification and dual sourcing to supply chain chaos, to lead with resilience, innovation, an...

The Red Thread of Hydraulics: How Passion Shapes a Lifelong Career. Featured Guest: Peter Herder, Lecturer at CalPoly in Bio Resource and Agricultural Engineering 29.04.2026

Unlock the secrets of hydraulic and fluid power mastery with Peter Herder, a seasoned educator and industry veteran. Discover how a background from aeronautics to hydraulic schematics paved his journey through manufacturing giants like Racine and Bosch, and into shaping future engineers at Cal Poly. His unique perspective reveals the often-overlooked essentials in fluid power education–from readin...

The Automation Skills Gap. Featured Guest: Paul Godines, Owner & Trainer at Logix Trainers 22.04.2026

Addressing the Skills Gap in Automation: Insights from Paul Godinès Discover how to bridge the skills gap in automation and fluid power industries. Learn from Paul Godinès about effective training and the importance of tenacity in engineering roles. In the rapidly evolving fields of automation and fluid power, many professionals face a critical question: How can we effectively train the next gener...

Automation, AI, and Workforce Strategy. Featured Guest: Mike Nager, Solutions Center Manager at Festo Didactic 15.04.2026

🎙️ The Future of Manufacturing: Automation, AI, Workforce Strategy & Industry 4.0 Explained In this episode of Unfiltered Flow ELSC , hosts Meghann Cook and Allen Burdette sit down with industry expert Mike Nager from Festo Didactic to explore what’s really happening across modern manufacturing, automation, and workforce development. From robotics and AI adoption to data strategy and talent sh...

Leadership Advice. Featured Guest: John Kumler, Former Pres at Linde Hydraulics 08.04.2026

Discover leadership strategies from industry veteran John Kumler. Learn how to foster team cohesion, navigate challenges, and build a resilient company culture in the fluid power sector. In a world where effective leadership can make or break a business, understanding the nuances of team dynamics and strategic decision-making is crucial. In this post, we delve into insights shared by John Kumler,...

Growing the Future of Fluid Power. Featured Guest: Eric Lanke, President & CEO of NFPA 01.04.2026

What does it take to grow an entire industry? In this episode of Unfiltered Flow ELSC, hosts Meghann Cook and Allen Burdette sit down with Eric Lanke, President & CEO of the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA), to discuss how the fluid power industry is evolving — and what needs to happen next to ensure its future. From workforce development to industry-wide collaboration, Eric shares how...

Navigating Procurement! Featured Guest: Nikki Baird, Senior Director Procurement at Tadano Mantis 25.03.2026

Getting the Inside Scoop on Procurement and Supply Chain Challenges in Manufacturing – Featuring Nikki BairdJoin us as we chat with Nikki Baird, Senior Director of Procurement at Tadano Mantis, about her journey into manufacturing, the evolving role of supply chain management, and how women bring unique strengths to the industry. Discover practical insights on managing supply chain disruptions, fo...

Challenges & Opportunities. Featured Guest: Richard Woodruff, Account Manager at Sunsource 18.03.2026

Richard shares his unconventional journey into fluid power, the technological shifts he's witnessed, and his thoughtful perspectives on industry trends and future forecasts. From Management to Fluid Power: A Nontraditional PathRichard's journey into fluid power is anything but typical. Starting with a management degree, he initially worked in construction equipment rental, managing teams a...

5 Decades of Fluid Power. Featured Guest: Steve Fay, Fluid Power Guru and Consultant 11.03.2026

Discover the evolution of fluid power from 1973 to today through Steve Fay's insightful journey. Learn vital lessons about customer relationships and industry changes. Fluid power has undergone significant transformations since its inception, and who better to guide us through this evolution than industry veteran Steve Fay? We’ll dive into Steve’s fascinating journey from the early days of flu...

Women in Manufacturing. Featured Guest: Julie Fuller, Director Product Management & Engineering at Hitachi Construction Machinery 04.03.2026

Julie Fuller’s Inspiring Journey: Explore how Julie transitioned from a mechanical engineer to a leader in the manufacturing industry, breaking barriers and setting new standards. Curiosity and Resilience: Discover the pivotal role these traits play in building a successful career in manufacturing, and how they can be cultivated. Overcoming Gender Challenges: Learn about the specific obstacles wom...

Pick Up The Phone. Featured Guest: Jason Becker, Vice President West Coast Operations at HYDAC 25.02.2026

Title: Navigating the Fluid Power Industry: Insights from Industry Veteran Jason Becker Introduction: In the ever-evolving world of fluid power, experience and adaptability are paramount. In a recent episode of the Unfiltered Flow ELSC podcast, Meghann Cook and Alan Burdette welcomed Jason Becker, the Vice President of West Coast Operations at HYDAC, who shared his wealth of knowledge gained from...

Industry Evolution. Featured Guest: Gorman Ng, Director Business Development at Wooster Hydrostatics 18.02.2026

Title: Navigating the Future of Fluid Power: Insights from Gorman Ng Introduction: In the latest episode of Unfiltered Flow ELSC, we had the pleasure of speaking with Gorman Ng, Director of Business Development at Worcester Hydrostatics. Gorman shared his journey in the fluid power industry, highlighting key projects, essential skills for future professionals, and the challenges facing the sector...

Mechanically Inclined. Featured Guest: Tom Holdsworth, Key Account Manager at Hydac 11.02.2026

Title: Navigating the Fluid Power Industry: Insights from Tom Holdsworth In the latest episode of Unfiltered Flow ELSC, hosts Meghann Cook and Allen Burdette sit down with Tom Holdsworth, a seasoned Key Account Manager at Hydac, to discuss the intricacies of the fluid power industry. Tom shares his valuable insights and experiences, offering advice to newcomers and seasoned professionals alike. Ge...

Decades of Changes. Featured Guest: Wayne Houston, Outside Sales at Livingston & Haven 04.02.2026

Title: Navigating the Evolution of the Fluid Power Industry: Insights from Wayne Houston Introduction: In the ever-evolving landscape of the fluid power industry, few individuals have witnessed the dramatic changes over the decades quite like Wayne Houston. With a career spanning more than 55 years, Wayne shares his journey from a forestry graduate to a seasoned expert in fluid power automation. I...

From Hands-On to Engineering Expertise. Featured Guest: Tyler Merth, Application Engineer at APSCO 28.01.2026

Summary: In this episode of Unfiltered Flow ELSC, host Meghann Cook and co-host Allen Burdette welcome Tyler Merth, an application engineer at APSCO. Tyler shares his journey into the fluid power and automation industry, discussing his hands-on beginnings, the challenges faced when transitioning from school to the real world, and the importance of mentorship. He emphasizes the need for young engin...

Sales Etiquette Unveiled. Featured Guest: Ron Holcomb, Outside Sales at Hydradyne 21.01.2026

Title: Top 10 Do's and Don'ts for Sales Professionals: Lessons from the Field Introduction: In the fast-paced world of sales, knowing how to navigate customer interactions can make or break a deal. In a recent episode of the Unfiltered Flow ELSC podcast, seasoned sales expert Ron Holcomb shared his invaluable "Top 10 Do's and Don'ts" list, shaped by years of experience in...

Navigating the Fluid Power Landscape. Featured Guest: Greg Shtrahman, Business Development Manager, Marzocchi Pumps USA 14.01.2026

Summary: In this episode of UnfilteredFlowELSC, Meghann Cook interviews Greg Shtrahman, the business Development Manager at Marzocchi Pumps USA. Greg shares his journey into the fluid power industry, starting from his initial role in the steel industry to his current position. He discusses his experiences with various companies, including Miller Fluid Power and Parker Hanifin, and highlights a mem...

A Lifetime of Fluid Power. Featured Guest: Tom Price, President at Price Engineering 07.01.2026

Summary In this conversation, Tom Price, president of Price Engineering, shares his journey in the hydraulics and pneumatics industry, detailing the evolution of his company, innovative projects, and the challenges faced in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of education and workforce development, the impact of technology and AI, and the ongoing supply chain disruptions. Tom's insights...

Stay Curious! Featured Guest: Chuck Tuggle, Regional Sales Manager at Evolution Motion Solutions 19.11.2025

SummaryIn this episode of Unfiltered Flow ELSC, Meghann Cook interviews Chuck Tuggle, who shares his journey into the fluid power industry, significant projects he has worked on, and the impact of smart technology and IoT on the field. Chuck emphasizes the importance of staying curious and adapting to industry changes, while also discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by acquisition...

From Submarine to Fluid Power. Featured Guest: Willie Harbert, VP Motors at Eaton/Danfoss 12.11.2025

Summary:In this episode of UnfilteredFlowELSC, host Meghann Cook welcomes Willie Harbert, a seasoned expert in the fluid power industry. Willie shares his journey from being a Navy nuclear submarine officer to becoming the Vice President of Orbital Motors at Danfoss and Eaton. He discusses the importance of partnerships, the integration of smart technology and IoT in fluid power, and the challenge...

Ask A Lot of Questions! Featured Guest: Ron Holcomb, Outside Sales at Hydradyne 05.11.2025

In this episode of UnfilteredFlow ELSC, Meghann Cook interviews Ron Holcomb, a seasoned expert in the fluid power and automation industries. Ron shares his journey from dairy farming to becoming a key figure in the industry, discussing his experiences with various companies and projects. He highlights the evolution of technology, the impact of AI, and the shift towards electric systems. Ron also o...

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