Field Frequency

Jason Cortes

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. 5d ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Jul 7

    Install First, Optimize Next: INF Associates on Making Charging Perform

    Send us Fan Mail EV charging success doesn't end when the station is installed. In Episode 32 of Field Frequency, Monica Davis of INF Associates joins the show to discuss why long-term performance, utility programs, and data-driven optimization are becoming the next frontier of EV charging. From maximizing ROI and reducing operating costs to navigating utility incentives and improving station utilization, Monica shares practical strategies every charging operator should know. Show Notes Building EV charging infrastructure is only the beginning. The real opportunity lies in maximizing station performance long after the ribbon cutting. In this episode, Jason Cortez sits down with Monica Davis, Client Engagement Manager at INF Associates, to explore how charging network operators can improve profitability through operational optimization, utility incentive programs, and smarter data management. Monica shares how INF Associates helps charging site owners identify hidden value by analyzing utilization, managing utility reporting requirements, optimizing charging behavior, and uncovering rebates that many operators don't realize exist. In this episode you'll learn: Why the EV industry is shifting its focus from deployment to operational performance.How utility incentive programs can improve long-term station profitability.The importance of data collection and reporting for rebate eligibility.Why charging utilization matters more than simply installing more stations.How load management programs can reduce operating costs while supporting grid stability.The role software plays in maximizing charging station performance.Common opportunities operators miss that impact ROI.Why every charging portfolio has room for optimization.How INF Associates helps operators navigate an increasingly complex utility landscape. Monica Davis Bio  Monica Davis is the Client Engagement Manager at INF Associates, where she supports EVSE infrastructure customers through software renewals, charger utilization analysis, utility program coordination, and customer success initiatives. She helps clients move beyond installation toward the long-term optimization of EV charging infrastructure through load management, rebate participation, customer communication, and data-driven service improvement. Her work bridges the gap between clean energy goals, real-world site operations, and sustainable charging performance.

  5. Jun 30

    Contracts Before Kilowatts: Jason Goldfarb on Bankability, Risk, and Hidden Liabilities

    Send us Fan Mail What separates a successful EV charging site from an expensive mistake? In Episode 31 of Field Frequency, Jason Goldfarb, founder and principal attorney of the Law Office of Jason R. Goldfarb, joins the show to discuss the legal, contractual, and due diligence considerations that often determine whether charging infrastructure projects thrive or fail. From site selection and operational accountability to risk allocation and long-term business viability, Jason shares lessons learned from decades in telecom and infrastructure that are directly shaping the future of EV charging. Building EV charging infrastructure isn't just about securing funding and putting chargers in the ground. It's about ensuring the site is viable, maintainable, and positioned for long-term success. In this episode, Jason Goldfarb shares his unique journey from criminal prosecutor to telecom infrastructure executive and ultimately one of the EV industry's most recognized legal advisors. Drawing parallels between the early days of telecom and today's EV charging market, Jason explains why contracts, due diligence, and operational planning are often overlooked but critical elements of successful deployments. Jason and Jason Cortez discuss: How telecom infrastructure lessons apply directly to EV charging deploymentsCommon mistakes made during site selection and charger placementWhy government incentives should complement, not define, a business modelThe importance of legal due diligence before construction beginsContractual risks that can impact future investment, acquisition, and growth opportunitiesHow uptime, maintenance responsibilities, and accountability should be structured contractuallyWhy EV charging projects require both technical and legal alignment to succeedThe evolution of the industry from rapid deployment to operational maturityWhat investors look for when evaluating charging network assetsThe role contracts play in protecting both property owners and charging operatorsJason Goldfarb is the founder and principal attorney of the Law Office of Jason R. Goldfarb, PLLC, where he advises companies across the EV charging, telecommunications, energy, mobility, and infrastructure sectors. With a career spanning law, telecommunications, real estate infrastructure, project development, and asset management, Jason brings a unique blend of legal and operational expertise to complex infrastructure projects. He is widely recognized for helping property owners, developers, charging network operators, and clean energy companies navigate contracts, due diligence, site acquisition, deployment, and long-term asset management. A nationally recognized thought leader, speaker, author, and podcast guest, Jason is known throughout the EV industry for his practical approach to risk mitigation, accountability, and creating infrastructure projects built for long-term success.

  6. Jun 23

    Why IONNA Is Designing More Than Just Charging Infrastructure

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 30 of Field Frequency, Jason sits down with Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA, to discuss one of the fastest-growing EV charging networks in the United States. Backed by a coalition of major automotive OEMs, IONNA is redefining public charging through its “Rechargery” concept, blending high-power charging with premium driver experiences, simplified pricing, and strategic site design. Seth shares his journey through the EV industry, lessons learned from GE, Electrify America, and EV Connect, and how IONNA is building charging infrastructure focused on reliability, scale, and consumer trust. From 400kW charging to driver lounges, canopy-covered charging bays, and integrated OEM ecosystems, this conversation explores what the next generation of EV charging in America could look like. Show Notes  Seth Cutler’s 14+ year journey through the EV charging industry, including roles at GE, Electrify America, and EV ConnectThe origin story and mission behind IONNA and its OEM-backed joint venture modelHow IONNA surpassed 1,000 high-power charging bays in just 26 monthsUnderstanding the “Rechargery” concept and how IONNA is building charging destinations, not just charging stationsThe three tiers of IONNA charging experiences:Rechargery RelayRechargeryBeacon sitesWhy canopy-covered charging bays, 24/7 bathrooms, driver lounges, and retail integration matter for EV adoptionIONNA’s partnerships with brands like Circle K, Wawa, Casey’s, and SheetsHow IONNA is using customer feedback, focus groups, and UX testing to improve charging experiencesThe importance of consistency, simplicity, and “muscle memory” for EV charging networksCompetitive charging pricing strategy and OEM-specific charging discountsWhy IONNA believes “quality and scale” are the keys to mass EV adoptionThe future roadmap for IONNA, including its goal of reaching 30,000 charging bays by 2030 Seth Cutler Bio  Seth Cutler is a seasoned electric mobility and infrastructure executive with more than a decade of leadership experience across the EV charging ecosystem. As CEO of IONNA, Seth leads one of the fastest-growing EV charging joint ventures in North America, focused on delivering high-quality, high-power charging experiences backed by major global automotive manufacturers. Throughout his career, Seth has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of EV charging infrastructure in the United States. He began his journey in the electrification space at GE (General Electric), where he worked as an engineer developing early residential and commercial EV charging solutions. He later joined Electrify America as one of its earliest employees and served as Chief Engineer during the company’s formative deployment years, helping establish the technical foundation for one of the nation’s largest charging networks. Prior to joining IONNA, Seth held leadership roles at EV Connect, where he focused on software and charging network solutions that enabled charge point operators to scale and manage infrastructure more effectively. His broad experience across hardware, software, charging operations, and network deployment has given him a unique systems-level perspective on the challenges and opportunities within transportation electrification. Recognized for his technical depth, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership style, Seth is passionate about improving charging reliability, customer experience, and infrastructure accessibility to accelerate mainstream EV adoption. Under his leadership, IONNA is redefining public charging through its “Rechargery” concept, combining premium amenities, streamlined user experiences, and scalable infrastructure designed for the next generation of electric mobility.

  7. Jun 16

    Less Components, Less Failure: Power Innovations International

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 29 of Field Frequency, Jason sits down with Tim Rees of Power Innovations International (PII) to explore the engineering realities behind reliable EV charging infrastructure. Tim shares how his background in power conversion and data center electronics shaped PII’s unique approach to DC fast charging, with a focus on fleet applications, simplified deployment, and serviceability. The conversation dives into charging architectures, mobile charging solutions, power flexibility, and why reducing failure points matters more than flashy features. From school bus fleets to hydrogen-powered charging trailers, this episode is packed with practical insights into the future of resilient charging infrastructure. Show Notes Tim Rees’ journey from power electronics and data centers into EV charging infrastructureAn overview of Power Innovations International (PII) and its fleet-focused DC fast charging strategyWhy PII focuses on 30kW to 60kW charging for predictable fleet operations like school buses and delivery fleetsMobile charging solutions and EV rescue applications for fleets and dealershipsHydrogen-powered charging trailers and renewable energy integration conceptsHow PII’s charging platforms differ from traditional DC fast chargers:Modular rectifier architectureReduced failure pointsSimplified serviceabilityAir-to-air heat exchanger cooling systemsDesigning chargers around uptime, reliability, and field maintenance efficiencyWhy using existing site power infrastructure can dramatically reduce deployment costs and timeThe relationship between Lite-On Technology and PII, and how vertical integration supports product manufacturing and reliabilityThe hidden costs of EV charging deployments beyond the charger hardware itselfWhy durable engineering and long-term reliability matter more than “flashy” charging features in fleet environments Tim Rees Bio  Tim Rees is a seasoned executive and business leader with extensive experience driving growth, operational excellence, and strategic transformation across the transportation, technology, and infrastructure sectors. Known for his collaborative leadership style and ability to build high-performing organizations, Tim has spent his career helping companies navigate evolving markets while delivering innovative solutions that create long-term customer value. Throughout his professional journey, Tim has led teams focused on business development, operational strategy, customer engagement, and market expansion. His expertise spans fleet operations, emerging technologies, infrastructure deployment, and organizational leadership, giving him a unique perspective on the intersection of mobility, energy, and technology-driven transformation. Recognized for his practical approach and industry insight, Tim is passionate about fostering strong partnerships, developing scalable business strategies, and helping organizations adapt to changing customer and operational demands. Colleagues value his ability to combine strategic vision with hands-on execution, making him a trusted leader and advisor across the industries he serves.

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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.