#266 - Ali Kashani | Serve Robotics – Scaling Sidewalk Autonomy

In this episode, I’m joined by Ali Kashani, Co-Founder and CEO of Serve Robotics. Serve is pioneering autonomous sidewalk delivery at scale—with hundreds of robots already operating in major U.S. cities and thousands more on the way.Ali and I dive into the complexity of autonomy: the technical challenges, the economics, the regulatory and consumer adoption hurdles, and the leadership required to make sense of it all. He shares how Serve is approaching innovation, why their technology and go-to-market path is unique, and what it takes to attract, empower, and retain world-class talent in such a fast-moving space.We also talk about the bigger picture—why last-mile delivery has lagged so far behind other logistics revolutions, and why the sidewalk may hold the key to a generational leap in productivity and sustainability.About Ali KashaniAli Kashani is the Co-Founder and CEO of Serve Robotics, the leading autonomous sidewalk delivery company. He previously co-founded and led robotics efforts at Postmates, which was later acquired by Uber, before spinning out Serve as an independent company in 2021. Under Ali’s leadership, Serve has scaled to one of the largest fleets of urban delivery robots in the world and became a publicly traded company in 2023. Ali is a repeat entrepreneur with a deep background in AI and robotics, and he has been a leading voice on the future of autonomy, urban mobility, and responsible AI deployment.Connect with AliLinkedIn: Ali KashaniServe Robotics: serverobotics.comConnect with MeLinkedIn: Brandon BartneckPodcast: Building Better with Brandon BartneckPJ Wallbank Springs: pjws.comEdison Manufacturing & Engineering: edison-mfg.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Drew Allen, President & CEO of Grace Technologies. Grace is a family business built on innovation in electrical safety and predictive maintenance, and Drew has carried that forward—shaping the company into a leader in industrial technology and workplace safety.We cover a lot of ground in this conversation. Drew shares the story of Grace’s evolution from a single-product company to a broad portfolio serving the world’s most advanced manufacturers. We dig into his approach to innovation, leadership, and attracting top talent. And we explore the balance between listening to customers and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.Drew also shares candid lessons from leading a family business, building high-performance teams, and staying deeply involved as a CEO while empowering his people to deliver.This one blends product, culture, and leadership in a way that I think will resonate with anyone building and leading in manufacturing.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Grace Technologies grew from a single product to five complementary product linesWhy customer-driven innovation and quick iteration often beat “pure R&D”The importance of purpose, selection bias, and A-players in building a great cultureDrew’s philosophy on leadership—balancing involvement with empowermentHow to attract and retain top talent by being specific about what makes your company uniqueThe role of energy infrastructure in U.S. competitiveness and industrial growthAbout Drew AllenDrew Allen is President & CEO of Grace Technologies Inc., a pioneer in electrical safety and predictive maintenance, consistently ranked as one of Iowa’s Top Workplaces. He also founded Maple Studios, the first venture studio in eastern Iowa, and serves on advisory boards for Atom Power, Proxxi, and YPO Iowa. Drew led the acquisition of Civionics Inc. (now Percēv) and received the National Association of Manufacturers’ Next-Generation Leadership Award in 2020.Connect with DrewLinkedIn: Drew AllenGrace Technologies: graceport.comEmail: [email protected]

In this solo episode, Brandon unpacks a challenge he sees everywhere — in his own work, at PJ Wallbank Springs, and in the broader world of leadership and business. The tension between attention and depth.It’s easy to get attention without substance. It’s also possible to have real substance without anyone noticing. But if you want to make a lasting impact, you need both. Brandon explores why that balance is so difficult to achieve, and why ignoring either side limits your reach and influence.He shares an unexpected example from Lupe Fiasco’s Kick, Push — a song that works on the surface as a catchy, joyful story, but rewards the listener who digs deeper. It’s a case study in the “Trojan horse” approach: earning attention in a way that opens the door for real substance.If you’re leading teams, building products, telling your company’s story, or simply trying to make your work matter, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to bridge the gap between flash and foundation.Topics Covered:Why attention and depth often feel like they’re in conflictHow depth without visibility limits your impactThe “Trojan horse” concept and why it worksLessons from Lupe Fiasco’s Kick, PushApplying this balance in leadership, engineering, and businessWhy earning attention isn’t self-promotion — it’s part of the workLinks & Resources:Learn more about PJ Wallbank Springs: https://pjws.comLearn more about Edison: https://edison-mfg.comShow notes and full episodes: https://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetterFollow the podcast:Apple Podcasts

The automotive aftermarket often flies under the radar—but it plays a major role in advancing engineering, manufacturing, and performance. In this episode, Mike Spagnola, President & CEO of SEMA and PRI, joins me to explore how the specialty automotive sector is driving innovation across ICE, hybrid, EV, hydrogen, and beyond.We dive into how SEMA supports manufacturers with hands-on product development, CAD data, vehicle scanning, emissions testing, and ADAS calibration. Mike also shares his perspective on regulatory trends, technology-neutral advocacy, and what makes the SEMA Show such a powerful platform for connection and growth.If you care about how products actually get developed—and how small and mid-size companies are building the future of transportation—this conversation is for you.About MikeMike Spagnola is the President & CEO of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and PRI (Performance Racing Industry). Before stepping into this leadership role, Mike built and sold multiple companies in the automotive aftermarket, led product development efforts, and served on SEMA’s board. He’s a hands-on car guy who understands the needs of manufacturers, retailers, regulators, and racers alike.About SEMASEMA is a nonprofit trade association that supports over 7,000 member companies across the automotive aftermarket. From CAD access and regulatory guidance to emissions labs and the world-renowned SEMA Show, their mission is to help small and mid-sized companies grow and compete globally.Key Topics:What the automotive aftermarket actually is—and why it mattersSEMA Garages and how they help manufacturers develop, test, and certify productsNavigating CARB, EPA, and emissions compliance for performance partsWhy access to CAD data and pre-release vehicles is a game changerWhat happens to ADAS systems when you modify ride height, tires, or wrap a carHow SEMA advocates for a technology-neutral approach (ICE, hybrid, EV, hydrogen)Behind the scenes of the SEMA Show—and what success really looks likeThe real impact of aftermarket innovation on the transportation ecosystemChapters:Mike’s Background and Passion for the IndustryWhat SEMA Is and Who They SupportHow the SEMA Garages Enable Product DevelopmentNavigating Emissions Compliance and CARB RegulationsADAS Technology, Vehicle Modification, and Future StandardsProtecting the Industry Through Advocacy and EducationThe SEMA Show and What Makes It WorkClosing Reflections on Innovation, Community, and Impact

In this solo episode, Brandon reflects on a recurring theme in his work and leadership journey. The increasing presence of uncomfortable, ambiguous, and high-stakes problems. He explores how the most meaningful work often comes with the most discomfort, and why learning to sit with that tension is both necessary and worthwhile.This isn’t a glorification of pain for its own sake. It’s about the real cost, and real opportunity, that comes with doing work that matters. Brandon draws parallels between leadership and parenting, discusses the danger of ego-driven ambition, and makes the case for a third path: learning to genuinely enjoy the discomfort that comes with deep, purposeful work.If you're navigating difficult challenges, leading teams, or simply trying to do something meaningful with your career, this episode is for you.Topics Covered:The difference between technical problems and leadership problemsWhy deeper impact often brings more ambiguity and painThe trap of surface-level productivityEgo-driven work vs. purpose-driven workHow parenting offers a model for enduring discomfort with joyThe mindset shift required to find meaning in difficult workWhy this tension sits at the core of leadership and contributionLinks & Resources:Learn more about PJ Wallbank Springs: pjws.comLearn more about Edison: edison-mfg.comShow notes and full episodes: https://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/262-2/Follow the podcast:Apple PodcastsSpotify

In this solo episode, Brandon Bartnick explores the messy reality behind transparency and authenticity in leadership. These are buzzwords in many settings, but the day-to-day application is far more complex.Drawing from recent experiences in a manufacturing and audit context, Brandon reflects on:Why total transparency isn’t always helpfulThe risks of encouraging issue-raising without accountabilityThe challenge of threading the needle between honest communication and effective executionHow well-intentioned leadership behaviors can unintentionally undermine the culture we’re trying to buildThis episode is a reflection—not a conclusion. Brandon shares how he’s thinking about this tension in his current role, and how he’s trying to lead teams with both integrity and pragmatism.About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartnick focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.Key Themes:“Bad news first” only works if people feel safe telling the truthA culture of transparency can easily tip into unproductive complaint cyclesDiscernment is key: not all problems are worth escalating, but some absolutely areHow language and tone shape trustWhat it means to model transparency as a leader without slowing down executionShow Notes:brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/258Listen to the Episode:Apple PodcastsSpotify

Electric bikes are more than a trend—they’re a key part of a more sustainable, accessible, and human transportation ecosystem. But the market is still early, and big challenges stand in the way: trust, affordability, infrastructure, and shifting consumer behavior.In this episode, Brandon Bartneck talks with Marta Anadón, Head of US at Upway, the leading global platform for refurbished e-bikes. Marta shares her insights from building operations and logistics at Uber Eats, and how she’s now bringing that experience to help Upway grow in the US. The conversation covers what’s working, what’s not, and what it really takes to scale micromobility in a car-centric country.They discuss consumer mindsets, the importance of ownership and trust in the secondhand market, and why e-bikes might hold the key to more livable, efficient cities.About Marta Anadón:Marta Anadón Rosinach is Head of US at Upway. She previously led Uber Eats across Europe and the US, bringing deep experience in operations, logistics, and marketplace growth. Marta holds degrees in Civil Engineering from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and in Management from HEC Paris. She’s passionate about the circular economy and the role of micromobility in building better cities.About Upway:Upway is the global leader in refurbished e-bikes. Operating in eight countries, Upway offers high-quality e-bikes from 200+ top brands—certified by professional mechanics and backed by a one-year warranty. Their mission: make sustainable mobility accessible to everyone. With a growing US presence, Upway is redefining how people move, how products are reused, and how cities adapt.Key Takeaways:E-bikes are an essential piece of the sustainable mobility puzzle.The US market is still developing—but interest is growing.Upway is solving for trust by owning inventory and certifying quality.Safety and infrastructure are still holding many people back.Most buyers are in the 35–50 age range, and increasingly in suburban areas.Partnerships with local bike shops expand service and support.Affordability is a key unlock—Upway prices are often ~60% of retail.Marta’s leadership playbook emphasizes simplicity, speed, and staying close to the user.Sound Bites:"Our prices can be up to 60% of retail.""We guarantee the products that we sell.""The average age is probably around 35 to 50."Links & Resources:Learn more about Upway: upway.coExplore AmbiSort: Upway US KTLA FeatureFollow Upway on LinkedIn: LinkedIn PageConnect with Marta Anadón: Marta on LinkedInShow Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/martaanadonConnect with Building Better:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on Spotify

In this solo episode, Brandon unpacks a powerful idea that keeps surfacing in his work and personal life: we can’t solve problems we don’t understand. And we can’t understand problems until we stop speaking in generalities and start getting specific.The spark came from a bedtime story with his son—What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada—but the insight goes much deeper. Avoiding the problem makes it grow. Facing it, defining it, and breaking it down is what opens the door to real solutions.Brandon explores how this principle shows up in manufacturing, leadership, strategy, communication, and day-to-day execution. From root cause analysis to structured methods like PDCA and A3, it all comes down to one thing: clear thinking.About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. The show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences.Key Themes:You can’t solve what you don’t understandSpecifics matter more than abstractions when it comes to problem definitionAmbiguity creates unnecessary complexity and anxietySystematic frameworks only work when grounded in clear thinkingManufacturing lessons apply across leadership, strategy, and operationsShow Notes:brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/256Listen to the Episode:Apple PodcastsSpotify

In the world of logistics, automation is no longer a future concept—it’s happening now. But rolling out robotics in high-volume warehouse environments isn’t as simple as plugging in a machine and walking away.In this episode of Building Better, Brandon sits down with Jim Liefer, CEO of Ambi Robotics, to talk about what it actually takes to build and deploy robotics solutions that work at scale. With more than 35 years of operational leadership experience at companies like UPS, Walmart, and Kindred AI, Jim brings a pragmatic lens to the promise and complexity of AI-driven automation.They dig into the challenges of stacking, sorting, labor dynamics, and change management—and what it looks like to lead with humility while driving real impact.About Jim Liefer:Jim is the CEO of Ambi Robotics, where he’s responsible for leading the company’s vision and operations. He previously served as CEO of Kindred AI, COO of One Kings Lane, VP of Operations at Walmart.com, and VP of Technology at UPS. Throughout his career, Jim has focused on scaling systems, reducing cost-to-serve, and empowering frontline teams with better tools and processes.About Ambi Robotics:Ambi Robotics is an AI and robotics company developing advanced automation systems for ecommerce and logistics. The company’s solutions—including AmbiSort and AmbiStack—leverage simulation-to-reality (Sim2Real) technology and advanced AI foundation models to perform high-speed sorting and stacking in warehouse environments. Founded in 2018 and based in Berkeley, California, Ambi Robotics helps customers scale fulfillment operations while empowering human workers.About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartnick focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. The show features real conversations about what leaders are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences.Key Takeaways:Ambi Robotics is solving real-world logistics challenges with robotics that work at scaleTrust and change management are essential to successful automation rolloutsAutomation isn’t about replacing humans—it’s about removing repetitive tasks and letting people focus on higher value workAI and machine learning enable robots to adapt to dynamic warehouse environmentsSustainable success depends on low cost to serve and solving specific problemsLinks & Resources:Company Website: ambirobotics.comAmbiSort: ambirobotics.com/ambisort-a-seriesAmbiStack: ambirobotics.com/ambistackLinkedIn: Ambi RoboticsShow Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/jimlieferListen to the Episode:Apple PodcastsSpotify

Strategic planning too often becomes an annual ritual that loses meaning as soon as the binders hit the shelf. Mark Reich is on a mission to change that.In this episode of Building Better, Brandon Bartneck sits down with Mark Reich, author of Managing on Purpose and one of the foremost experts on hoshin kanri—a strategy deployment system rooted in the Toyota Production System.Drawing on decades of leadership experience at Toyota and the Lean Enterprise Institute, Mark shares what it takes to build alignment, lead with intention, and empower your team to solve real problems. This conversation is for anyone trying to lead with clarity and drive sustainable change—especially in complex manufacturing and industrial environments.Whether you’re new to lean or have been practicing for decades, you’ll walk away with powerful ideas and practical insights.About Mark Reich:Mark Reich spent 23 years at Toyota, including time in Japan and leading hoshin kanri for North America during a decade of major growth. As a senior coach and chief engineer at the Lean Enterprise Institute, Mark has worked with leaders across industries to implement lean thinking, solve real-world problems, and lead with purpose. He is the author of Managing on Purpose, a practical workbook designed to help organizations implement hoshin kanri and build stronger leadership systems.About Managing on Purpose:Published by the Lean Enterprise Institute, Managing on Purpose is a hands-on workbook for leaders seeking to align strategy with daily operations through hoshin kanri. The book includes real-world examples and a fictional case study from TrueMowers to help readers apply these principles in their own work.→ Buy the BookAbout Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. The show features real conversations about what leaders are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences.Key Takeaways:Hoshin kanri is a practical system for turning strategy into actionEffective leaders align their organizations around a shared purposeStructured problem-solving is essential to improvementEngaging employees is key to sustainable successStarting small—with a model cell—can drive meaningful changeLinks & Resources:Learn more about Managing on Purpose: Lean Enterprise InstituteBuy the book: Managing on PurposeConnect with Mark Reich: LinkedInShow Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/markreichListen to the Episode:Apple PodcastsSpotify