Field Frequency

Jason Cortes
  • 4.5 (2)
  • Business

Field Frequency sits at the intersection of energy and technology, where innovation powers possibility. Each episode brings you a steady stream of insights, real-world stories, and timely updates straight from the field. From breakthrough advancements and evolving infrastructure to expert perspectives on emerging tech, we uncover the tools, trends, and talent shaping the future of EV, fueling, and the technology that surrounds both industries. Whether you’re deep in the industry or simply curious about where energy meets innovation, Field Frequency keeps you connected, informed, and inspired — fueling the future, one conversation at a time.

  1. 14h ago

    Electrification Meets Reality: Infrastructure, AI, and Energy Demand

    Send us Fan Mail AI is accelerating. Data centers are expanding. Electrification keeps moving. But behind all of it sits a question that rarely gets asked out loud: where is the power actually coming from? In this episode of Field Frequency, Jason Cortes is joined by Peter Snel, CEO of PetroVybe, for a conversation about the infrastructure behind the headlines. Peter came into oil and gas as an outsider — a management consultant and self-described "business fixer" — and that outside view is exactly what makes his read on the energy chain worth hearing. The chain is simple to say and hard to build: AI needs data centers, data centers need electricity, and electricity needs a fuel source. Peter walks through where that chain is actually breaking — a two-year backlog on turbine manufacturing, turbines that convert only 30–40% of the fuel you feed them, an aging grid, a severe shortage of commercial electricians, and stranded natural gas in the Permian Basin that gets flared off because the pipeline capacity to move it doesn't exist. Jason brings the transportation side: what NEVI-spec charging sites really demand from a utility, why subsidy money was always "nice to have" and never a business case, and how forward-thinking fuel retailers approached EV charging as a commercial offering rather than a replacement technology. In this conversation: • Why having abundant fuel and being able to deliver power are two completely different problems  • The two-year turbine wait list — and the 60% of energy value lost in conversion  • The fleet that tried to go electric and needed more daily power than its entire town produced  • Why the labor shortage may be the hardest infrastructure constraint to solve  • Trapped gas, negative prices, and what those flares off I-20 in West Texas actually are  • The case against building an industry on subsidies — and the honest counter-argument  • Why Toyota's hybrid strategy beat the all-in EV bet, and what that says about reading a market  • Where the transportation ecosystem lands: not all-electric, but genuinely hybridized It's a direct conversation, and Peter doesn't soften his positions. Whether you're building chargers, operating fleets, or trying to understand the grid underneath all of it, this one is worth your time.

  2. Aug 25

    Location, Utilization, Cash Flow: The Basic Economics of EV Charging

    Send us Fan Mail What turns an EV charging site from an ambitious deployment into a financially viable infrastructure asset? In Episode 38 of Field Frequency, host Jason Cortes speaks with Gideon Pfeffer, co-founder and partner of Charge Capital, about the economics behind EV charging infrastructure. Drawing on more than 20 years in commercial real estate and private equity, Gideon explains why EV charging should be evaluated with the same discipline applied to other cash-flowing assets. The conversation examines what the market may have misunderstood during the early rush of capital into EV infrastructure—and why location, utilization and site-level performance matter more than deployment volume alone. Gideon shares how Charge Capital evaluates revenue assumptions, expenses, incentives, operational costs and the evidence needed to validate a project before capital is deployed. Jason and Gideon also discuss the future of the charge point operator model, the likelihood of industry consolidation and the financial importance of uptime and ongoing maintenance. From choosing sites where charging is easy to install to choosing sites where charging is likely to succeed, this episode offers a practical look at the fundamentals that could shape the next phase of EV infrastructure investment. In this episode Gideon’s path from commercial real estate and private equity into energy infrastructureThe capital gap facing middle-market EV charging and energy projectsWhy EV charging infrastructure should be evaluated as a cash-flowing assetWhat early investors may have overlooked about utilization and site-specific demandWhy “location, location, location” still applies to EV chargingThe risks of relying too heavily on incentives or broad EV adoption forecastsHow proof of cash flow affects the cost and availability of capitalAsset-light, vertically integrated and partnership-driven CPO modelsWhy the EV charging market may be positioned for consolidationHow uptime, O&M and reliability affect financial performanceThe importance of validating every assumption in a project pro formaThe demand signals Charge Capital considers when evaluating new opportunities About Gideon Pfeffer Gideon Pfeffer is a co-founder and partner of Charge Capital, a capital markets firm focused on helping middle-market energy developers and charge point operators access debt and equity. He is also CEO and managing partner of the GSH Group and brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, private equity and cash-flowing residential investments. Through Charge Capital, Gideon and his team work with energy developers and operators to evaluate projects, organize capital and build infrastructure portfolios. Connect with Gideon and Charge Capital Connect with Gideon Pfeffer on LinkedInEmail Gideon: gideon@charge-capital.comGeneral inquiries: info@charge-capital.comVisit Charge Capital’s website: https://charge-capital.com

  3. Aug 19

    From Hardware to Charging Success: Mike DiNucci on the Next Era of EV Infrastructure

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to build an industry before the market fully understands the need? In this episode of Field Frequency, host Jason Cortes sits down with Mike DiNucci, Chief Revenue Officer at AmpUp and one of the earliest commercial leaders in EV charging. Mike shares the unconventional path that took him from owning a neighborhood coffee and ice cream shop to becoming the first nontechnical employee at Coulomb Technologies, later known as ChargePoint. Drawing on nearly two decades in the industry, Mike explores how EV charging has evolved through three distinct eras: hardware differentiation, software capabilities, and the growing demand for serviceability and charging success. He and Jason discuss why a charger showing “online” does not necessarily mean a driver can complete a session—and why post-installation support may determine which companies lead the next decade of EV infrastructure. The conversation also covers the shift from a “pump” mindset to a “park” model, the importance of simplifying complex charging operations, the value of hardware and software flexibility, and the consolidation Mike expects to see across the market. Along the way, Mike explains why he remains confident in the future of electric transportation despite industry headwinds. • Mike’s unconventional path from small-business owner to EV charging pioneer • What it was like selling charging infrastructure before mass-market EVs existed • Why workplace charging helped establish the early market • The three eras of EV charging: hardware, software, and service • The difference between platform uptime and charging-session success • Why site hosts need simplicity without sacrificing capability • How the “pump-to-park” shift changes the way drivers think about charging • Why post-installation service could shape the next decade of EV infrastructure • What market consolidation may mean for charging networks, hardware providers, and site hosts • Mike’s outlook for EV adoption and the future of the industry About Mike Mike DiNucci is the Chief Revenue Officer at AmpUp. An early leader in EV charging, he joined Coulomb Technologies—later ChargePoint—as its first nontechnical employee and went on to spend nearly 12 years helping grow the company’s global sales organization. Today, he brings nearly two decades of industry experience to AmpUp, where he helps advance flexible EV charging management solutions designed to work across a wide range of hardware. Connect with Mike and AmpUp Connect with Mike DiNucci on LinkedIn Email: mike@ampup.io Visit: https://ampup.io CHAPTERS 00:00 — "What does EV stand for?"  00:52 — Meet Mike DiNucci, CRO of AmpUp  01:15 — The mentor Mike never knew he had  03:06 — From selling gelato in Saratoga to selling $80K workstations  06:04 — Laid off in 2008: the lunch that changed everything  08:50 — Employee #1 who wasn't an engineer at ChargePoint  09:15 — "Shouting into a hurricane": selling EV charging in 2009  10:07 — Whose problem is charging infrastructure, anyway?  11:15 — The four places people park, and why dwell time changes everything  14:20 — The one vertical that didn't care about ROI  16:37 — The three eras: hardware, software, and service  19:04 — "Who's going to roll the truck when I need help?"  20:25 — Why the industry still can't operationalize charging  21:55 — Uptime vs. charging success rate: the metric that matters  23:51 — Charging-as-a-service and the chasm we're in  26:27 — Hiding complexity: the single pane of glass  31:31 — Better Place, battery swapping, and $1B in failed bets  34:19 — Pump model vs. park model: "It takes 15 seconds to charge"  35:26 — Your mom's 100-foot phone cord and every paradigm shift ever  37:07 — Texas grew 15x in EVs. The chargers didn't follow.  39:48 — Why car companies don't actually want to sell you an EV  41:51 — The cellular network analogy: how many CMS platforms survive?  44:01 — Rivian, vertical integration, and knowing your lane  46:22 — AmpUp's original idea: "Airbnb for EV charging"  48:10 — Five-year prediction: attrition, consolidation, and the three pillars  50:36 — $7.49 gas and the case against EV pessimism  54:48 — What actually differentiates a CMS platform in 2026  54:55 — How to reach Mike

  4. Aug 11

    Charging 3.0: Beyond the EV Charger Ribbon Cutting

    Send us Fan Mail A charger can be online, well-located, and still fail commercially. Uptime tells you the hardware works. Utilization tells you the business works — and right now, too many stations are stuck at 1–4%. In this episode, Jason Cortes is joined by Loren McDonald, founder of Chargeonomics, to unpack what actually pulls an EV driver to a charger: pricing, retail partnerships, customer experience, amenities, and — increasingly — showing up in the car's navigation screen. Recorded the same morning the news broke, they dig into EVgo partnering with Tesla — a move Loren calls an "earthquake" — and why the real battleground has shifted from who deploys the most hardware to who wins the driver. Along the way: Why Walmart, Costco, and the new convenience stores are rewriting the playbook through "habit stacking"The Francis Energy site that jumped 5x in utilization overnight — with no change to location or amenitiesNACS vs. CCS, and the flawed assumption that adding a plug brings the Tesla driversWhy rideshare and fleet drivers are the "business travelers" of chargingWhat "Charging 3.0" looks like — loyalty, retail data, and real differentiationHow ChargeMate's AI support is solving the "hidden failures" that never show up in the dataIf you build, operate, or invest in EV charging, this one reframes where the next phase of the industry is actually won. Field Frequency is brought to you by Field Advantage, a national field services organization supporting EV charging infrastructure across the United States. Guest: Loren McDonald, Founder, Chargeonomics Host: Jason Cortes Enjoying the show? Follow Field Frequency on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube, and leave a rating to help more people in the industry find it.

  5. Aug 4

    Percepta — How Customer Experience Will Become Mobility Infrastructure

    Send us Fan Mail Omar Riahi, Global EV Enablement and Sales Development at Percepta, joins Field Frequency to discuss why customer experience is becoming essential mobility infrastructure. From EV onboarding and charging reliability to connected vehicles, fleet electrification and autonomous transportation, Omar explores how reducing friction could accelerate EV adoption and strengthen customer loyalty. The future of mobility depends on more than innovative vehicles and charging technology—it also requires an ownership experience customers can understand and trust. In Episode 36 of Field Frequency, host Jason Cortes speaks with Omar Riahi, Global EV Enablement and Sales Development at Percepta. Omar explains how Percepta supports the automotive customer lifecycle, from presale and onboarding through charging assistance, connected services, dealership support and resale. Drawing on his experience working directly with EV owners, dealerships, charge point operators and engineering teams, Omar identifies fragmentation as one of the industry’s most significant challenges. Charging procedures, payment systems, adapters and digital platforms can vary widely, creating unnecessary friction for drivers. Jason and Omar also explore how software-defined vehicles are reshaping transportation. Over-the-air updates, connected services, telematics and bidirectional charging could turn vehicles into increasingly integrated parts of our homes, businesses and energy systems. The conversation covers: Why customer trust and effective support are critical to EV adoptionHow proactive onboarding can improve the ownership experienceThe need for simple, consistent and reliable chargingWhy charging availability may be the key to making charging feel invisibleHow customer experience can support loyalty, revenue and ROIThe growing role of software-defined and connected vehiclesDifferences between retail and fleet electrificationHome-charging reimbursement options for fleet vehiclesVehicle-to-home, vehicle-to-building and vehicle-to-grid applicationsA future shaped by autonomous mobility and wireless roadway chargingConnect with Omar on LinkedIn and learn more about Percepta at percepta.com. Omar Riahi is the Global EV Enablement & Sales Development Manager at Percepta, specializing in innovative customer support strategies for the EV industry. With over 15 years of expertise in customer service operations, process optimization, and EV support technologies, Omar has driven initiatives that enhance satisfaction, streamline workflows, and reduce costs. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he is known for implementing data-driven solutions that elevate EV customer experiences while creating new value for automotive clients.

  6. Jul 28

    Process then Scale: Maricela McKenzie on Operational Clarity Over Growth Hype

    Send us Fan Mail Most companies think they have a growth problem. This week's guest says they actually have an operational clarity problem. Host Jason talks with Maricela "Marcy" McKenzie, CEO and founder of Clarida Strategies, about how clean-tech and EV startups move from founder-led momentum to repeatable, scalable execution. With a career spanning oil & gas, SolarCity/Tesla, EVBox, Rivian's Waypoints team, and ChargerHelp, Marcy has seen exactly where growth breaks down — and it's rarely a lack of good ideas. In this conversation: Why "the founder cannot continue to be the operating system of the company"The difference between a real pipeline and the illusion of oneThe hidden costs of scaling without systems — and how you burn capital quietlyUsing your CRM as a system of truth, not a filing cabinetHow buyers actually buy vs. how you wish they wouldWhere AI genuinely helps go-to-market — and where it's just noiseA look inside Marcy's SCALE framework: Survey, Clarify, Architect, Launch, EnhanceWhether you're a founder, sales leader, or operator, you'll walk away with a sharper sense of how to build capability instead of chaos. Field Frequency is powered by FieldAdvantage, specialists in the maintenance and operation of critical infrastructure, including EV charging networks.

  7. Jul 21

    The Hidden Cost of EV Deployment Delays with Trevor Palmer

    Send us Fan Mail Trevor Palmer, founder of EVBlocks, joins Field Frequency to discuss how smarter foundation design is helping accelerate EV charger deployments, simplify future upgrades, and improve long-term infrastructure planning. From lessons learned in the UK to scaling across the U.S., Trevor shares practical insights on building charging networks that are faster to deploy and built for what's next. Show Notes: Trevor Palmer's journey from electrician to founder of EVBlocksHow EVBlocks was created to eliminate deployment delaysSaving up to a week on charger installationsWhy foundations should be designed for future charger upgradesLessons from EV deployment across the UK and EuropeScaling EV infrastructure in the U.S.Grid capacity challenges and planning for expansionThe hidden costs of poor construction practicesBuilding charging sites for long-term flexibilityCreating a seamless charging experience for EV driversTrevor Palmer Bio Trevor Palmer is the founder and CEO of EV Blocks, a company transforming EV charger installations with modular, precast concrete foundations designed to simplify deployment and future-proof charging infrastructure. A qualified electrician with more than 20 years of experience in electrical contracting and construction, Palmer developed the EV Blocks system after seeing firsthand how traditional poured concrete foundations delayed projects and complicated future maintenance. His patented foundation system features a universal adapter plate that enables faster installations, easier charger replacements, and up to a 35% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional on-site concrete pours. Under his leadership, the Peterborough, UK-based company has expanded into North America, Canada, Australia, France, and Ireland, supported by an international manufacturing and distribution network. Named Global Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Palmer is a recognized voice in EV infrastructure, advocating for scalable deployment strategies, future-ready site design, and a better charging experience for drivers. On this episode of Field Frequency, he shares lessons from deploying charging infrastructure across Europe and North America, offering practical insights into accelerating installations, overcoming grid constraints, and building EV charging networks designed for long-term success.

  8. Jul 14

    Mobility Evolves: The New Economics of Vehicle Miles

    Send us Fan Mail Is the future of transportation really about electric vehicles, or is something much bigger happening? In this episode of Field Frequency, Field Advantage welcomes Joe George, President of Mobility at Cox Automotive, for a thought-provoking conversation about how technology, AI, autonomy, digital commerce, and changing consumer behavior are reshaping transportation. Drawing on insights from the Transportation Energy Institute (TEI), Joe explores why the industry should stop focusing solely on electric vehicles and start thinking about transportation as an integrated system centered around efficiency, uptime, and total cost of operation. The discussion covers everything from autonomous fleets and predictive maintenance to AI-driven routing, consumer ownership trends, and what tomorrow's mobility ecosystem could look like. Transportation is evolving beyond the vehicle itself. In this episode of Field Frequency, Joe George, President of Mobility at Cox Automotive, joins Field Advantage to explore how AI, autonomous technology, digital commerce, and changing fleet economics are reshaping the future of mobility. From optimizing total cost of operation to improving uptime through predictive maintenance, this conversation offers practical insights for organizations preparing for the next generation of transportation. Inside The Episode:  Why the future of transportation is bigger than EV adoptionHow "cost per mile" is becoming the new performance metricWhy vehicle ownership may decline over the next decadeThe economics behind fleet uptime and preventive maintenanceAI's role in routing, diagnostics, and operational efficiencyAutonomous vehicles, data ownership, and the future customer experienceHow retailers, fleets, and mobility providers may compete for consumer attentionWhat infrastructure operators should prepare for today Key Takeaways: Transportation is evolving from vehicle ownership to mobility services.Fleet uptime is becoming one of the most valuable operational metrics.AI will improve maintenance planning, routing, and decision-making long before fully autonomous transportation becomes commonplace.Consumers increasingly value convenience over ownership.Businesses that optimize operational efficiency rather than simply adopting new technology will have the strongest competitive advantage.Field Frequency is powered by Field Advantage, delivering conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of field service, critical infrastructure, retail technology, EV charging, and connected operations. Guest Bio  Joe George leads the Mobility Solutions Group at Cox Automotive. He is focused on helping Cox Automotive’s partners and clients successfully navigate the technology and services that support evolving consumer mobility, including delivering advanced fleet management solutions. The drive of Cox Automotive Mobility is to keep fleets and people moving safely and sustainably for the next generation. Prior to leading Mobility Solutions, George served as interim president of Cox Automotive Media Solutions Group, overseeing the company’s Autotrader, Dealer.com and Kelley Blue Book business divisions and brands. As an industry veteran with more than three decades of experience working with Cox Automotive and several of its brands, George began his career with Manheim as an auction employee and rose through the ranks at operating locations to become marketing manager, general sales manager, and assistant general manager. Later, he joined the company’s executive team, becoming senior vice president of Product Development, as well as group vice president of Manheim Digital. George previously served as senior vice president of Assurance and Reconditioning for Manheim. He was responsible for wholesale and retail services strategy and execution, leading efforts to deliver innovative end-to-end inventory solutions and a high level of client service that supports dealer success. Prior to that, George served as senior vice president and chief strategy officer for Cox Automotive. Earlier in his career as vice president of Dealer Services, chief product officer and senior vice president of Operations, he helped launch Autotrader.com and held several leadership positions with Autotrader’s parent company, including president of Cox Autotrader/AutoMart Publishing. George holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degrees from The Ohio State University. He is an active community volunteer, supporting St. Vincent de Paul Society, Marist Way, and serving as chairman of the board of trustees for Notre Dame Academy.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
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About

Field Frequency sits at the intersection of energy and technology, where innovation powers possibility. Each episode brings you a steady stream of insights, real-world stories, and timely updates straight from the field. From breakthrough advancements and evolving infrastructure to expert perspectives on emerging tech, we uncover the tools, trends, and talent shaping the future of EV, fueling, and the technology that surrounds both industries. Whether you’re deep in the industry or simply curious about where energy meets innovation, Field Frequency keeps you connected, informed, and inspired — fueling the future, one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Cortes
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Field Frequency
  • Show Website
    Field Frequency