From Boots to Bots: Brandon Umscheid's Automation Journey at Baker Group

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter welcomes Adrienne Meyer, the newly appointed CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). With 20+ years of experience managing global trade associations and technical organizations, Adrienne shares her journey—from being fascinated by encyclopedias as a kid to shaping the future of industrial automation through community-building and strategic leadership. Tune in to hear how Adrienne's early roles prepared her for leading CSIA, why listening is her leadership superpower, and what she sees on the horizon for system integrators—from certification insights to new engagement strategies and untapped member benefits. If you're curious about the role of associations, the power of professional networks, or the evolution of industrial automation, this episode offers actionable insights and a fresh perspective from the top.

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Stephen Beck, Senior Chemical Engineer at Huffman Engineering, to explore his journey from building control panels at age 10 to shaping automation systems across utilities, life sciences, and manufacturing. Stephen shares insights from his early experiences at a nuclear power plant, his transition into systems integration, and how Huffman Engineering's "making ideas work" philosophy continues to drive quality and customer trust. Along the way, he unpacks challenges like balancing modernization with cost constraints, navigating project politics, and managing the growing impact of AI and cybersecurity on the automation industry. Whether you're an engineer, integrator, or industry leader, this conversation offers thoughtful takeaways on resilience, ethics, and innovation in industrial automation.  

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter is joined by Marcos Carlotto, Director of Software-Defined Automation at Schneider Electric, for a deep dive into how open systems, artificial intelligence, and workforce transformation are reshaping the industrial automation landscape. From Schneider's bold stance against proprietary platforms to real-world examples of scalable innovation—like retrofitting 60 pump stations in just 6 months—Marcos reveals how flexibility, speed, and partner ecosystems are key to future-proofing automation. If you're curious about what's next for automation—or how to thrive in it—this episode delivers strategic insight with global perspective. P.S. The Show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join this show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (Linkedin here)

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter welcomes Bud Weightman—President of Qualified Specialists International (QSI) and a seasoned expert with over 35 years in quality management, auditing, and standards consulting. Bud takes us inside his journey from launching QSI in 1989 to auditing high-stakes offshore drilling operations around the globe. He explains the importance of risk-based auditing, why cookie-cutter systems fall short, and how custom, standards-driven solutions help companies improve performance, safety, and compliance. You'll also learn about the value of CSIA certification, the connection between intuition and successful audits, and what sets Bud's approach apart in an industry built on trust, evidence, and continuous improvement. P.S. The Show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join this show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (Linkedin here)

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Paul Adams, Senior Director of Partner Ecosystems at GE Vernova, to explore how his nearly three-decade journey with GE has shaped a deep understanding of software, systems, and integrator partnerships. From building global relationships to embracing cloud transformation and tackling cybersecurity challenges, Paul shares real-world insights into what it takes to scale, support, and modernize industrial automation today. Tune in to hear his thoughts on workforce evolution, strategic acquisitions, and the power of curiosity and connection in career growth. P.S. The Show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join this show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (Linkedin here)

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Joe Mazzola, General Manager of McEnery Automation, to unpack his journey from co-op student to company leader. Joe shares how McHenry has grown from a two-person startup to a 30-person team, fueled by long-term customer relationships, CSIA certification, and a culture of engineering excellence. From process automation innovations in brewing and consumer goods to navigating workforce transitions and integrating ERP systems, Joe offers grounded insights on scaling with integrity, embracing flexibility, and building solutions that last. P.S. The Show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join this show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (Linkedin here)

In this special crossover episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter shares a conversation from Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, featuring outgoing CSIA CEO Jose Rivera. As he prepares to step down after 10 transformative years, Jose looks back on the challenges and triumphs that shaped the Control System Integrators Association—from navigating the pandemic and launching remote certifications to championing emerging leaders and expanding globally. Listeners will gain insights into how CSIA evolved to meet the needs of a new generation of system integrators and why the upcoming Learning Hub could redefine professional development in automation. If you're interested in leadership transitions, association strategy, or the future of industrial integration, this episode delivers thoughtful reflections and a hopeful look ahead. P.S. The Show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join this show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (Linkedin here)

In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Brian Doyle, CEO of Holden Advisors, to explore how B2B companies—especially in manufacturing and industrial sectors—can unlock growth through value-based pricing. Brian shares insights on navigating market uncertainty, communicating across generational teams, and tackling challenges like tariffs and inflation with pricing strategies that stick. Key Takeaways: Why value-based pricing outperforms cost-plus models How to assess your company's pricing power Common pricing pitfalls during market disruptions The importance of segmenting customers by price sensitivity Tips for sales teams to defend pricing and reduce unnecessary discounting Tune in to learn how pricing can become your company's most powerful growth lever. P.S. The Show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join this show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (Linkedin here)

In today's episode, we're talking industrial automation with Matt Wise, CEO of E Tech Group as we explore how E Tech Group became a powerhouse in system integration, earning accolades like the 2025 System Integrator of the Year award.  Discover Matt's unique journey from marketing to leading over 600 employees across North America and how his diverse background shapes innovative strategies for tackling industry challenges. Key Takeaways: - Learn about E Tech Group's evolution through strategic acquisitions and its impact on scaling operations. - Understand the complexities faced by clients in automation and how E Tech Group provides tailored solutions. - Gain insights into industry trends, including labor shortages and technological advancements like AI. P.S. The Show is always looking for guests! You do need to be part of a company that is a CSIA member with a Gold profile or higher on the CSIA Industrial Exchange but other than that, you are welcome to join this show. Contact Lisa Richter if you are interested. (You can finder on on Linkedin here)