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. MAR 24

    Why Leadership Without Humanity Is Failing Today’s Workplace

    As the world faces historic labor shortages, an increase in burnout, and record-high turnover, organizations are confronting a leadership reckoning. In May 2024, Gallup found that more than 50 percent of U.S. employees were actively searching for new jobs or watching for openings. Taken together, these trends signal a clear and growing breakdown in how people are being led. So, what happens when leadership loses its human core, and how can organizations restore it before people think of walking out the door? On this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, host Greg Crumpton welcomes thinker and speaker Steve Thomas for a candid conversation on what Thomas calls “the foolishness of leadership” — a pattern of managing processes while forgetting the human element behind them. Together, they explore how organizations unintentionally dehumanize teams, why traditional promotion models fail, and what authentic leadership looks like in today’s changing workforce. Key takeaways… Why leadership is about people, not positions. Promoting individuals based solely on technical expertise often creates managers who can supervise but cannot truly lead, coach, or develop others.The modern workforce requires psychological safety and emotional intelligence. Research shows that fear-based leadership may produce short-term compliance, but eventually damages long-term engagement, loyalty, and growth.Thomas explains that leaders have to “love people and show the way,” and be able to balance compassion with clarity and accountability to build healthy, high-performing teams.Steve Thomas is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and founder of The Scooch Project, an organization dedicated to helping individuals and companies grow in leadership and life. With decades of experience across industries including skilled trades, construction, and manufacturing, he is known for a direct, human-centered approach to leadership development. He is also the creator of Scooch Leadership Labs—hands-on leadership intensives hosted across the United States—and the host of the Budge podcast, where he explores practical ways to build healthier cultures and leaders.

    43 min

  2. MAR 3

    Why the Trades Need a Cultural Reset to Attract and Retain the Next Generation

    The skilled trades are at a critical crossroads. According to an August 2025 report from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), the number of women working in construction and extraction occupations rose to 366,360 in 2024, the highest level ever recorded. Yet despite that growth, women still account for only about 4.3% of construction trade jobs. At the same time, a large portion of today’s experienced tradespeople are nearing retirement, creating mounting pressure on an already strained labor pipeline. So how does the industry rebuild its workforce when demand is rising, institutional knowledge is walking out the door, and half the potential labor pool remains largely untapped? That question is at the heart of this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, hosted by Greg Crumpton, featuring Brooke Laing, a steamfitter and welder apprentice with UA Local 46 in Toronto. Their conversation explores what modern apprenticeship really looks like, why early exposure to the trades matters, and how community-driven support can change who enters—and stays in—the industry. Top insights from the talk… Rethinking career pathways: Why traditional college isn’t the only—or best—option for hands-on learners, and how apprenticeships offer paid education, long-term stability, and global mobility through credentials like the Red Seal. Building the pipeline earlier: How outreach to elementary and middle school students, combined with tools like welding simulators and real-world storytelling, can normalize the trades as a first-choice career. Community as a catalyst: The role of social media and peer networks—like the Sisterhood of Trades—in creating belonging, mentorship, and access for women entering male-dominated industries. Brooke Laing is a third-year steamfitter and welder apprentice with UA Local 46, based in Toronto, Ontario. She began welding at 18 and has since built hands-on experience across high-rise, industrial, and institutional projects. In addition to her trade work, Brooke serves as Chief of Strategy for the Sisterhood of Trades, one of the world’s largest online communities for women in the skilled trades, with more than 1,100 members globally. She is also a podcast host and a vocal advocate for early trades education, workforce inclusion, and modern apprenticeship models.

    42 min

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    172
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Straight Outta Crumpton