Straight Outta Crumpton

MarketScale
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Greg Crumpton lives by a simple mantra: Relationships drive business. Each week on Straight Outta Crumpton, Crumpton dives into the lost art of networking and speaks with the biggest influencers in business services to learn how they build, nurture and value their professional relationships.

  1. FEB 10

    Five by Five Leadership: Why Purpose, Warmth, and Clarity Matter More Than Ever at Work

    For the first time in history, workplaces now span five generations, forcing leaders to rethink long-standing assumptions about motivation, communication, and career growth. As Gen Z enters the workforce, they bring expectations shaped by a desire for meaningful work, clear development paths, and work-life balance—rather than traditional, one-size-fits-all career ladders. In an era marked by labor shortages and widening skills gaps, particularly in the trades, leaders who fail to clearly articulate direction, purpose, and opportunity risk losing talent before it ever fully engages. So, how do leaders motivate, align, and retain people who want more than “because I said so”? And what does effective leadership actually look like when titles matter less than trust? These questions are at the heart of the latest episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, hosted by Greg Crumpton, featuring keynote speaker, author, and leadership strategist Stan Phelps. Together, they explore how communication, self-advocacy, and purpose-driven leadership can bridge generational divides and unlock potential—especially in environments where traditional management models fall short. Top insights from the talk… Why clear communication isn’t complete until others can repeat—and act on—the message in their own words.How Gen Z’s emphasis on purpose over pay is reshaping leadership expectations.Why “warmth” (intent) matters even more than competence when building trust and influence.Stan Phelps is a globally recognized keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and author who helps organizations drive loyalty, growth, and word-of-mouth through customer and employee experience, differentiation, and purpose-driven strategy. A Certified Speaking Professional, former IBM Futurist, and Forbes contributor, he has delivered keynotes and workshops in 24 countries for Fortune 100 brands including IBM, Disney, UPS, Microsoft, and Target. Drawing on 5,000+ case studies and his Goldfish methodology, Stan equips leaders across Sales, Marketing, HR, and Operations with practical, action-oriented ideas that deliver measurable business results.

    39 min

  2. FEB 9

    The Next Data Center Bottleneck Isn’t Power or Cooling — It’s People: The Data Center Workforce

    With the rapid rise of AI workloads, data centers are being built with higher power density, stricter reliability expectations, and cooling technologies that are evolving faster than most teams can adapt. As a result, these facilities aren’t just getting bigger—they’re becoming harder to operate, harder to staff, and far less forgiving when something goes wrong. Global electricity demand from data centers is projected to reach approximately 945 terawatt-hours by 2030, driven by sustained annual growth of around 15% through the end of the decade. Yet industry research shows data center workforce development is failing to keep pace, leaving operators short on experienced talent just as systems grow more complex. between rapid infrastructure expansion and the discipline and training required to support it—has become one of the industry’s most pressing risks. So as direct liquid cooling moves from “future” to “field reality,” do we have the commissioning rigor—and the trained technicians—to keep these sites safe, consistent, and online? That’s the core theme in this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, hosted by Greg Crumpton, featuring Jay Kallsen, Commissioning and Customer Manager at Impact Cx and co-founder of Method Xperts. Together, they unpack what commissioning really means, why the next wave of data center growth is fundamentally a people-and-process problem, and how standardized training could unlock faster, safer adoption of liquid cooling at scale. What you'll learn... Commissioning vs. “it turns on”: Jay explains commissioning as verifying that equipment and systems operate as designed—not merely at startup, but across real-world sequences, tolerances, and failover conditions that operations will depend on.Why “pathways” beat pep talks: Both emphasize that people aren’t afraid of hard work—they’re afraid of dead-end work. Creating visible pathways (training, mentoring, on-ramps) is the backbone of effective data center workforce development, especially as systems become more complex.Liquid cooling needs a common foundation: Jay argues that the industry lacks a shared baseline for what a “liquid cooling technician” even is. The opportunity is to build foundational knowledge first, then train the OEM-specific nuances—so field service can scale without silos.Jay Kallsen is a mission-critical infrastructure professional with deep experience across data center operations, commissioning, and liquid cooling, beginning his career as a union electrician (IBEW Local 22) and advancing through hands-on roles at CBRE, Schneider Electric, and Google. At Google and later hyperscale and colocation operators, he led and supported mega-data center commissioning, cooling retrofits, direct liquid cooling pilots, and portfolio-level operational standardization, bridging construction, commissioning, and live operations. Today, as Commissioning and Customer Manager at Impact Cx and co-founder of Method Xperts, he focuses on workforce training, curriculum development, and liquid-cooling enablement, translating real-world operational knowledge into scalable industry solutions.

    48 min

  3. JAN 29

    Field Service Growth Depends on Leading With People, Not Just Technology

    Skilled trades are facing accelerating retirements, rising customer expectations, and rapid advances in AI—putting the field service industry at a critical inflection point. Industry estimates suggest millions of frontline roles could go unfilled over the next decade, even as technology promises to automate more tasks than ever before. The stakes are high: decisions made now will determine whether organizations future-proof their workforce or permanently lose hard-won field knowledge. So, how can leaders in service-based industries adopt new technology without losing the human expertise, relationships, and culture that make service work? That’s the focus of the latest episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, hosted by Greg Crumpton, featuring Sarah Nicastro, Founder and Editor in Chief of Future of Field Service. Together, they explore the intersection of leadership, frontline work, technology, and communication—digging into what it truly takes to build resilient service organizations in a time of massive change. What you’ll learn… Why peer groups, storytelling, and shared learning are essential to combating isolation in the skilled trades.How AI can support (but never replace) frontline expertise, mentorship, and human judgment.The leadership and communication shifts required to attract, retain, and develop the next generation of field service professionals.Sarah Nicastro is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Future of Field Service, a global thought-leadership platform dedicated to service-based businesses. She is also the Principal Evangelist at IFS, a leading provider of service management, enterprise asset management, and industrial AI solutions. A recognized industry voice, Sarah was named one of HDI’s Top 25 Thought Leaders of 2025. With a background in business publishing and an MBA, she is known for connecting leaders across industries, amplifying frontline perspectives, and championing people-first approaches to innovation.

    54 min

  4. JAN 27

    HVAC Thrives on People-First Leadership, Not Just Technical Know-How

    The skilled trades are undergoing a shift as experienced workers retire faster than new talent enters the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for HVAC technicians is projected to grow 8% by 2034. That’s much faster than average — and shows the urgency of attracting and keeping new talent. While technology continues to improve HVAC efficiency, the industry’s real strength still lies with its people. To truly build a sustainable future, industry leaders emphasize a people-first approach that values mentorship, technical mastery, and human connection. So, how do leaders in the trades build strong teams in an era of change? And what does it take to mentor the next generation of technicians? This episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, hosted by Greg Crumpton, dives into that very question with Seamus Wharry, President of Art Blake Refrigeration in the Greater Toronto Area. Seamus shares his journey from apprentice to business owner, reflecting on how mentorship and compassion laid the foundation for his company’s success. He also explores how technology can support — rather than replace — human connection in the trades. Key Takeaways from the Conversation… Leadership from the Ground Up: Seamus began his career as an apprentice at Art Blake Refrigeration before taking ownership. His story shows how hands-on experience and humility form the backbone of great leadership.The People Factor: Seamus underscores the importance of technical excellence and continuous learning, but both he and Greg agree that HVAC is ultimately a people business built on empathy, communication, and mentorship.Preparing for the Future: They also explore how small, values-driven companies can use innovations like remote monitoring and smarter service models to improve efficiency while maintaining a people-first focus.Seamus Wharry is the President of ABR, a commercial and industrial HVAC company serving the Greater Toronto Area. With more than 26 years in the industry, he began as an apprentice and became a licensed refrigeration mechanic before taking over the business. Seamus is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership development, and creating a people-first company culture grounded in integrity and care.

    39 min

  5. JAN 13

    From Hands-On to High-Tech: How Innovation Is Transforming the Next Generation of Trades Talent

    The skilled trades are facing a turning point. With a rapidly retiring workforce and an ever-growing demand for infrastructure, HVAC, and electrical expertise, the U.S. is experiencing a talent gap that’s becoming impossible to ignore. Looking ahead to 2026, industry analysts anticipate the construction sector will need to recruit nearly half a million new workers, driven by renewed investment and a likely boost in activity as borrowing costs ease. As technology accelerates and documentation standards tighten, the trades industry is realizing that digital tools aren’t optional—they’re essential. How do we attract, train, and retain the next generation of skilled workers while keeping pace with modern expectations? How can digital transformation and workforce culture work hand in hand to build sustainable careers and resilient companies? In this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, host Greg Crumpton sits down with Austin Bass, president of JoinTheTrades.com and OJT Logbook, to discuss how technology, accountability, and innovation are reshaping the skilled trades. Together, they explore how employers can bridge the generational divide, streamline training, and foster a sense of purpose and professionalism in a field that remains the backbone of America’s infrastructure. What you’ll learn… From SWAT to Skilled Trades: Austin shares his unlikely journey from U.S. Army Ranger and FBI Special Agent to trades-tech entrepreneur—and how lessons from federal service inspired his approach to training and documentation in the private sector.Digital Accountability: Why documentation and verification of training are no longer optional in a modern workforce, and how tools like OJT Logbook help employers stay audit-ready while empowering employees to own their professional growth.Recruitment Reinvented: How JoinTheTrades.com is connecting eager job seekers to apprenticeship and hands-on careers in a “24/7 online job fair” format, bridging the gap between tech-savvy youth and employers desperate for talent.Austin Bass is the president of OJT Logbook and JoinTheTrades.com, two digital platforms transforming how the skilled trades hire, train, and develop talent. A former U.S. Army Ranger Instructor, Secret Service agent, and FBI Special Agent, he brings deep experience in leadership, operations, and team development to solving America’s skilled labor shortage. Today, he focuses on equipping employers with smarter training tools and connecting job seekers to meaningful trade careers that keep essential industries thriving.

    46 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    AI Is Forcing a Rethink of Data Center Infrastructure at Every Level

    The data center industry is being redefined by AI’s demand for faster, denser, and more scalable infrastructure. According to McKinsey, average rack power densities have more than doubled in just two years. It went from approximately 8 kW to 17 kW, and is expected to hit 30 kW by 2027. Global data center power demand is projected to triple by 2030, reaching 170–220 gigawatts. This rapid growth is forcing a redesign of traditional infrastructure, placing unprecedented strain on utilities, manufacturers, and the skilled labor pipeline. Can infrastructure and workforce capacity scale quickly enough to meet AI’s surging data center demands without breaking the system? On Straight Outta Crumpton, host Greg Crumpton welcomes Matt Caldwell, Director of AI/Cloud Data Centers at Hyper Solutions, for a candid conversation about the pressures shaping the modern data center ecosystem. They discuss how AI workloads are upending long-established design norms, why modular manufacturing may offer a more resilient solution, and how labor shortages threaten to slow the entire market. Caldwell also shares how Hyper’s unique digital-first model enables scalable, repeatable quality across a distributed manufacturing network. Key Highlights: Density Rewrites the Rulebook: Traditional data centers were designed around ~4 kW racks; today's AI applications require vastly more, prompting major shifts in cooling, power, and facility planning.Hyper’s Scalable Manufacturing Model: Hyper Solutions produces PDUs, RPPs, and switchboards through a network of nine UL-listed satellite facilities, all driven by a unified digital process that ensures consistency and real-time visibility.Workforce Urgency: Caldwell underscores a critical labor gap, urging the industry to recruit earlier, targeting high school and even middle school students to meet the rising demand for trades and technical expertise in construction and operations.Matt Caldwell is a seasoned data center executive with over 20 years of experience supporting hyperscale and colocation clients across AI and cloud infrastructure. He has led global account strategy and mission-critical operations at industry leaders including Schneider Electric, Siemens, Trane, and Albireo Energy. Caldwell specializes in scalable design, modular power systems, and digital-first infrastructure delivery and now serves as the Director of AI/Cloud Data Centers at Hyper Solutions.

    46 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    Rob Paylor’s Mindset Masterclass After a Life-Changing Rugby Injury: Rise, Recover, and Redefine What’s Possible

    Every year, an estimated 17,000 Americans suffer spinal cord injuries, many of which permanently alter the course of their lives.. For former collegiate rugby player Rob Paylor, a devastating injury left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors told him he would never walk or move his hands again. But instead of accepting that fate, Paylor chose a different path—one built on perseverance, faith, and a mindset grounded in resilience and purpose. So, how do you rebuild a life after being told you’ll never move again and use that journey to help others overcome what paralyzes them? In this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, host Greg Crumpton sits down with Rob Paylor, former athlete and now author of Paralyzed to Powerful: Lessons from a Quadriplegic's Journey, for a wide-ranging conversation on overcoming adversity, building purpose through pain, and transforming trauma into impact. From rehab setbacks to standing ovations at Intel, Paylor reflects on what it means to move forward—physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and why mindset is the starting point for any lasting recovery. Key Highlights: Redefining Paralysis: Paylor opens his book not with his own story, but with a challenge to the reader: What paralyzes you? He reframes paralysis as fear, stress, or emotional blocks, not just physical injury.Forgiveness Over Rage: Despite never receiving an apology from the player who injured him, Paylor explains why forgiveness was the hardest—but most necessary—mental battle of all.Faith in Action: Paylor shares how faith helped him move from despair to purpose, and how he now uses his story to help others navigate their own defining challenges.Rob Paylor is a former rugby player for UC Berkeley whose spinal cord injury abruptly changed his life during a collegiate championship match. He defied expectations by learning to walk again and has since become a sought-after keynote speaker and author. Paylor holds a degree from the Haas School of Business and has spoken for audiences at TEDx, Intel, and across the country, offering hard-won lessons on resilience, mindset, and hope.

    53 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    HVAC Safety Reform with Fallon Dyle: Rethinking Chemical Practices and Tackling Hidden Health Hazards in the Field

    As HVAC systems evolve and health concerns take center stage, the industry is being forced to reckon with more than just performance specs. A growing threat from resilient biofilms, coupled with widespread misinformation about chemical cleaners like bleach, is pushing technicians and manufacturers to reexamine how they approach safety and maintenance. Reports have emerged from Florida of HVAC systems experiencing clogging issues caused by microbial buildup, underscoring the urgent need for improved education and reform in chemical maintenance practices. So, how can HVAC professionals protect both themselves and their customers from invisible threats that aren’t found in a user manual? On this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, host Greg Crumpton is joined by Fallon Dyle, a forensic chemist turned HVAC consultant and educator, to discuss safety, misinformation, and why bleach may be one of the most dangerous tools in a technician’s truck. Together, they unpack the science behind harmful microbial growth, regulatory blind spots in chemical labeling, and how a passion for helping people is driving Fallon’s new mission in the trades. Key takeaways from the episode… Biofilm Crisis in HVAC: Fallon explains how modern systems, especially those built with aluminum coils, are vulnerable to persistent, antibiotic-resistant biofilms that can clog systems within weeks and evade standard chemical treatments. The Bleach Myth: Bleach, a staple in many technician toolkits, not only corrodes aluminum coils but also poses serious health risks. Fallon breaks down why it’s ineffective against biofilms and dangerous to both systems and humans. Rethinking Safety Education: Fallon advocates for deeper technician education, including how to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Fallon Dyle is a Research and Product Development Chemist with over a decade of experience in chemical manufacturing, quality assurance, and analytical chemistry. She has led R&D and project management efforts at Highside Chemicals, specializing in sustainable chemical solutions that meet industry standards while reducing environmental impact. With a strong focus on safety education and transparent manufacturing practices, Fallon bridges the gap between science and the trades to empower informed, sustainable decision-making.

    31 min
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About

Greg Crumpton lives by a simple mantra: Relationships drive business. Each week on Straight Outta Crumpton, Crumpton dives into the lost art of networking and speaks with the biggest influencers in business services to learn how they build, nurture and value their professional relationships.

Information

  • Creator
    MarketScale
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    170
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Straight Outta Crumpton