Keepin' The Lights On

In this episode, I’m speaking with LONNIE CUMPTON, Senior Director of Customer Success and Product Strategy at AEC Inspire. Lonnie has over 30 years in the design and building industry. Starting at the early stages of CAD design, then into BIM and Revit. He’s held positions in construction firms, associations, and now in consulting/services. In this episode we’re going to discuss why construction...

For smaller electrical contractors and communication integrators, selecting the right technology to run their jobs and business can be an overwhelming obstacle. I spend a few minutes with Jared Christman, Director of Construction Technology at ELECTRI International, the Research and Development branch of the National Electrical Contractors Association or NECA. Jared shares insights and lessons lea...

You can reach your host at podcast@graybar.com For show episodes and to subscribe to our show newsletter, please go to graybar.com/podcast Podcasts mentioned in the show: Construction Dorks Bridging the Gap Electrical Current by IEC NECA Innovation Overload MDM Podcast Broadband Bunch Talking Industrial Automation

The disruption of Covid required everyone to adapt to crisis. During this episode, Steve Guarracino LC, IESNA, Source Market Specialist at Cooper Lighting’s Training and Development Center, shares with me how he and his team at The Source adapted to the changes required to survive and thrive during the pandemic years. He shares the struggles and successes experienced over the past 2.5 years. Thank...

Steve Bannes, Professor of Practice and Director of Graduate Studies in Construction Management at Washington University, and I discuss how the discipline of construction management can help move the construction process from one that is often fragmented and adversarial to one that is integrated and collaborative. We'll discuss why this is so vital for the future of construction. Thank you for lis...

In this episode, Tauhira Ali, Executive Director of Industry Innovation at NECA and I talk about why innovation in construction is so important, the challenges in adopting innovation in this space, and get a few ideas on how a business can start to move innovation from a buzzword to more practical solutions and results. Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and revie...

Some studies say that up to 80% of commercial and industrial spaces have not been upgraded to LED lighting. Before you go out and buy the latest LED lights, take a few minutes to hear what Steve LoJacono, NCQLP Lighting Professional and NALMCO certified lighting controls professional has to say about upgrading your lighting. We discuss the importance of your intent or function of the space, circad...

For nearly 30 years, Jim Baller, Partner at Keller & Heckman, LLP, has worked tirelessly advocating for creating equality in the realm of digital access. The pandemic certainly accelerated the mainstream recognition of this divide and the need to provide high-speed, quality to all communities. In this episode Jim shares his work in helping communities close the gap through various means includ...

Supply chain issues have eased a bit over the past few months. However, there seems to be news daily talking about new disruptions. I spend a few minutes with Tom Gale, CEO of MDM, a market research and niche media company covering supply chain and distribution trends since 1967. Tom shares insights and lessons learned as he’s covered the supply chain in 17 different market channels. Tom gives us...

The technical and trades skills gap is well known among manufacturing and construction. There are many ideas and solutions out there, including a scholarship sponsored by Graybar focused on all trades. However, in my research, I ran across a unique approach recently when I met, Mike Nager, author of All About Smart Manufacturing, a children’s book focused on showing kids the opportunities availabl...