It's a Controls Problem

Hawaiian Pizza Please Productions

Dive into the world of building automation with "It's a Controls Problem"! Hosted by industry expert Charles Johnson and industry newb Matthew Vanberg, this podcast explores the latest advancements in controls systems, energy efficiency, and smart building technology. Tune in for insightful discussions, practical advice, and interviews with leading professionals. Expect laughs, learning, and maybe a few epic fails along the way as we get real and dive into all things building controls related.

  1. Shift Perspectives for a Better BAS Future with Jonathan Spooner

    17 MAR

    Shift Perspectives for a Better BAS Future with Jonathan Spooner

    In this weeks episode, we’re joined by Jonathan Spooner of Stacks+Joules to look at how the next generation is rewriting the rulebook for Building Automation. We also discuss the "DAB Lab," where students move past bench testing to get their hands dirty with real-world troubleshooting on active boilers and AC units. From the philosophy of "messy but functional" wiring to why Revit and digital twins are the perfect bridge for a generation raised on Minecraft, this conversation covers the evolution of the facility manager into a high-tech systems navigator. Plus, we hear about their exciting expansion into the Charlotte market and how they’re de-risking the hiring process for contractors by proving that local talent is ready to handle the high-torque demands of modern buildings. Learn More About Stacks+Joules at: https://stacksandjoules.org/

    1 h 7 min
  2. Getting Graphic with Louis Laurents: Part Deux

    10 MAR

    Getting Graphic with Louis Laurents: Part Deux

    In our latest episode we catch up with a guest from last season, BASGFX.com automation graphics guru Louis Laurents. There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you stop treating building automation like a backend chore and start looking at it through the lens of high-end user experience. Louis has been at the forefront of that shift, and having him back on the show feels like a masterclass in what’s possible when you stop settling for the status quo in N4 graphics. In this episode, we move past the high-level theory and get our hands dirty with a live demonstration. We walk through the actual workflow of loading custom graphics into Niagara 4, touch on some what-not-to-dos while navigating through the "feature" rich platform. It’s easy to make a graphic look good in a vacuum; it’s much harder to make it functional, scalable, and responsive within the Niagara framework. Visit our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@a_controls_problem for an instructional segment only version. And feel free to ask questions on either platform!

    1 h 15 min

  3. 3 MAR

    Champion Both Sides of the Table with Aaron Hastings

    In this episode of It’s a Controls Problem, we are joined by Aaron Hastings, the president and founder of Apex Consulting Systems, for a conversation that covers everything from DIY hardware to the high-stakes world of building automation consulting. Aaron’s entry into the industry is a classic "origin story" involving a custom-built Super Nintendo controller he made in high school woodshop using buttons scavenged from an old asteroids table and radioshack parts. That early technical curiosity led him to his first HVAC job in a New Jersey snowstorm, where his ability to read a wiring diagram made him an immediate asset. Over the years, he moved from climbing ladders into the complex world of building automation simply because it seemed like a challenge that offered better long-term prospects. And he was right… We explore Aaron’s move to consulting after years in the trenches with manufacturers and integrators. He shares blunt insights on the "mind-bogglingly stupid ideas" greenlit by stakeholders who overlook mechanical realities. Acting as a translator, Aaron bridges the gap between jargon-heavy providers and owners focused on efficiency-driven ROI. We also chart the evolution of "smart buildings" as we shift from basic functions to a modern focus on energy optimization and breaking vendor silos. The conversation gets particularly lively when we move into a technical "hot seat" segment where Aaron shares his "hill to die on" in the industry: the hope that Modbus will eventually go away. This leads to a fascinating debate about the frustrations of integrating disparate protocols and the importance of things like APDU timeout settings when mixing vendors on a single bus. To wrap things up, Aaron discusses his commitment to education through his project, Writing with the Senior Tech, where he documents his field experiences through notes and videos to help the next generation of technicians avoid the "mediocrity" that can sometimes plague the industry.

    1 h 21 min

  4. 19 FEB

    Automation is Better Together with Scott Sammarco

    In this episode of It’s a Controls Problem, we’re getting into the weeds of how we actually pass on knowledge in an industry that never seems to sit still. We’re joined by Scott Sammarco, a veteran who’s been deep in the trenches. Scott walks us through his own start in the business before taking a deep dive into the different ways he and Charles approach training. It’s a bit of a methodology face-off, looking at the best ways to take someone from "what is this?" to actually being proficient. Beyond the teaching styles, we don't shy away from the messy parts. The real-world challenges that keep us all on our toes and the hurdles the industry is currently trying to clear. We wrap things up with a fun segment that puts both Scott and Charles in the hotseat. It’s an honest, energetic conversation that takes on a trip through the minds of our guest and host.

    1 h 35 min

  5. 13 FEB

    Break Free From the Silos with Jonathan Henderson

    In this episode, we sit down with BAS professional Jonathan Henderson for a candid look at the messy, often frustrating reality of modern industry workflows. Rather than just listing achievements, the conversation dives into the "human" side of the business—the grit and trial-and-error required to actually move the needle in a complex corporate landscape. A central theme of the discussion is the urgent need to smash the "silos" that keep departments—and people—working in isolation. Henderson argues that these rigid, siloed processes don’t just slow things down; they stifle the creative problem-solving necessary to survive today’s challenges. He shares personal insights on how to bridge those gaps, encouraging a shift toward collaborative, cross-functional cultures where information flows as freely as the ideas themselves. It’s a refreshingly honest take on how to break free from "the way we've always done it" to build something more agile and interconnected.

    1 h 30 min

  6. 23 ENE

    Careful What You Deploy with Joseph Aamidor

    We’ve all seen it: A new product launches with incredible specs and "game-changing" features, only to gather dust because it didn't solve a real problem for the facility manager. So, how do manufacturers stop building "cool" things and start building necessary things? In this week’s episode we sat down with Joseph Aamidor of Aamidor Consulting for a masterclass on product strategy in the built environment. Joseph doesn't just talk about the tech; he focuses on the messy intersection where innovation meets reality. The "Cool" Trap: Why so many product roadmaps disconnect from building needs. The Reality Check: The one question manufacturers must ask before launching a new product. The Future of BAS: How industry consolidation is changing the game for smaller innovators. If you are a manufacturer, an integrator, or just someone trying to make sense of the noise in the Smart Building sector, this conversation is a must-listen.

    1 h 10 min

  7. 15 ENE

    Mucking Through Digital Sludge with Andrew Rodgers

    In this episode, we are Mucking Through Digital Sludge with Andrew Rodgers of Ace IoT Solutions. We explore why the promise of the "Smart Building" often gets bogged down in a messy reality of unorganized, untagged, and unusable data. Andrew takes us on a journey through the three stages of the data crisis: The Descent: How he first entered the industry and realized that despite the high-tech sensors, the underlying infrastructure was messy and disconnected. The Sludge: We drill into why the process is broken. Why does valuable operational data turn into digital waste? Who is responsible when the data hand-off fails between the construction team and operations? And why do expensive analytics dashboards turn into abandoned "shelfware"? The Clean-Up: Finally, we discuss how to pave a path out of the mess. Andrew shares his insights on semantic tagging, standardizing data models, and how to align IT and OT goals to finally turn that sludge into fuel for business outcomes. If you feel like your building’s data is holding you back rather than propelling you forward, this conversation is your boots-on-the-ground guide to getting unstuck.

    1 h 28 min

  8. 04/10/2025

    Burn Out is Real - A Discussion with Charles & Matthew

    Join Charles and Matthew this week as they dive into the very real and pervasive issue of burnout in the modern workplace. It's more than just a bad day; it's a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. The guys share their own past struggles with the demanding pace of their careers and break down the often-missed signs of burnout, from chronic cynicism to reduced professional efficacy. They discuss why so many people feel pressured to "hustle culture" their way to success, often leading them straight to a wall. But it's not all doom and gloom! Charles and Matthew move past the problem to offer actionable tools and strategies you can start using today to prevent and address burnout. They explore: Setting Better Boundaries: Techniques for saying 'no' and protecting your personal time. The Power of Proactive Breaks: Moving beyond the standard lunch break to incorporate true recovery time. Mindfulness and Movement: Simple, science-backed ways to regulate your nervous system.

    34 min
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Dive into the world of building automation with "It's a Controls Problem"! Hosted by industry expert Charles Johnson and industry newb Matthew Vanberg, this podcast explores the latest advancements in controls systems, energy efficiency, and smart building technology. Tune in for insightful discussions, practical advice, and interviews with leading professionals. Expect laughs, learning, and maybe a few epic fails along the way as we get real and dive into all things building controls related.

Información

  • Creador
    Hawaiian Pizza Please Productions
  • Años de actividad
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodios
    28
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © Hawaiian Pizza Please Productions
  • Mostrar sitio web
    It's a Controls Problem

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