Building Better with Brandon Bartneck

Brandon Bartneck
Building Better with Brandon Bartneck

Focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast. I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    #238 – Kevin Damoa | Glid Technologies – Revolutionizing Rail, Multimodal Transportation, Impact & Values

    Kevin Damoa is founder and CEO of Glid Technologies, revolutionizing transportation with its Multi-Modal Autonomous Road to Rail Glider technology. Links: Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/kevindamoa Edison Manufacturing Exchange: https://brandonbartneck.substack.com/publish/home\ linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/ https://glidrail.com linkedin.com/in/kevin-a-damoa-9b51477 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:33 The State of Transportation Innovation 06:27 Understanding the Rail Industry's Potential 09:19 Innovative Solutions for Rail and Road Integration 12:45 Value Proposition for Operators and Customers 15:13 Identifying Market Opportunities 19:06 Challenges in Implementation and Fundraising 21:52 Technical Challenges and Product Development 24:47 Navigating the Venture Capital Ecosystem 26:19 Navigating the Challenges of Hardware Investment 27:52 The Role of Enabling Technologies in Logistics 30:24 Simplifying Complex Logistics Solutions 33:03 Identifying True Business Opportunities 36:11 Building Trust in Business Relationships 38:17 Defining Impact and Purpose in Business 42:22 Core Values and Personal Growth 45:50 Intentional Partnerships for Success 48:59 The Importance of Logistics in Society 52:17 Navigating Challenges in Transportation Technology About Kevin Damoa: Kevin A. Damoa is a servant leader, mechanical engineer, operations executive, inventor, master logistician, and veteran of the US military. He has developed technologies that have enabled the space exploration of mankind in our quest to be an interplanetary species, in addition to supporting the deployment of clean mobility solutions ranging from hydrogen powered airplanes to battery electric self-shifting bicycles. His career began in the US Army at age 17, where he served in South Korea for 2 years, before being forward deployed to Iraq with 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment. After departing the US Army after his 2nd tour in Iraq he joined the Air Force where he would serve as a Logistics Officer and firefighter supporting California’s MAFFS (Mobile Air Fire Fighting Systems) unit for 12 years before retiring in 2018. From April 2012 to November 2015, Mr. Damoa served as the Flight Module Logistics Manager at SpaceX, developing their logistics systems, programs, and designing and deploying the shipping apparatus used to transport the Rocket from production to launch site. After a brief 1 year term at Northrop Grumman where he served as an Integration Program Manager on the F35 fighter jet platform, he would then go on to work as an executive and early founding employee at start-ups; Romeo Power (Vice President, Industrialization), XOS Trucks (Vice President, Supply Chain & Operations), Canoo (In Charge of Logistics, Sustainment, Safety), and Serial 1 Cycle/Harley Davidson (Vice President, Operations) where he led product development and design, manufacturing deployment, and product launches. His most recent entrepreneurial venture is as Founder & CEO of Glīd Technologies, which he founded in 2022. Glīd is developing a clean energy road to rail vehicle utilizing autonomous technologies. Building Better Building Better with Brandon Bartneck is focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast. I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more. Edison Manufacturing and Engineering: Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

    55 min

  2. DEC 8

    #237 – Abey Abraham | Ducker Carlisle – Impact of the 2024 US Elections & Good Strategy

    Abey Abraham is a Managing Principal at Ducker Carlisle where he leads Ducker’s automotive and materials practice, specializing in transportation, mobility, and electrification related client needs. He joins to discuss the complexities of the automotive industry, particularly focusing on electrification, regulations, and the future of internal combustion engines. He emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer preferences and the role of regulations in shaping the market. Abey also provides insights into the strategic frameworks that legacy component suppliers should consider as they navigate the transition to electrification and the challenges posed by technological changes. We discuss the implications of potential tariffs on the supply chain, the importance of strategic decision-making in uncertain times, and advice for building a career in consulting and strategy. We explore how tariffs could impact US manufacturing and the need for localized supply chains, as well as the challenges of making predictions in a rapidly changing industry. The discussion also highlights the significance of relationships in business and the qualities that make for a successful career in consulting. Links Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/abeyabraham Edison Manufacturing Exchange: https://brandonbartneck.substack.com/publish/home\ linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/abey-abraham-ba92276/ About Abey Abraham Abey is a Managing Principal at Ducker Carlisle where he leads Ducker’s automotive and materials practice, specializing in transportation, mobility, and electrification related client needs. Abey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Michigan State University. He has over 18 years of experience in the automotive materials space, understanding key drivers and strategic elements of lightweighting, materials substitution, and joining, and expertise in metallic and non-metallic materials. Clients value Abey’s expertise and leadership in pursuing growth strategies (organic and inorganic) to optimize solutions to address dynamic mobility and lightweighting trends and its supply chain. Abey serves on the Board of Directors of the Society of Automotive Analysts and is on the editorial advisory board for Lightweighting World Magazine. About Ducker Carlisle Ducker Carlisle is a global market research, strategy consulting and M&A advisory firm that helps many of the world's largest companies and private equity firms optimize business performance and accelerate growth across complex markets. Founded in 1961 with offices across North America, Europe and Asia, the firm provides a unique continuum of services to deliver custom, industry-centric solutions enabling clients to maximize business results Keywords: Electrification, ICE, market research, strategy consulting, consumer preferences, regulations, vehicle powertrains, investment trends, legacy suppliers, tariffs, supply chain, US manufacturing, strategic decision-making, consulting, automotive industry, career advice, scenario planning, risk management, industry trends Building Better Building Better with Brandon Bartneck is focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast. I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more. Edison Manufacturing and Engineering: Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

    51 min

  3. DEC 1

    #236 – Colin Godby | Dust Moto – Electric Dirt Bikes, Impact & Self Actualization

    Colin Godby is CEO and co-founder of Dust. He joins shares his journey from mechanical engineering to creating electric dirt bikes, discussing the importance of recreation for mental health, the mission of Dust to make dirt biking more accessible, and the advantages of electric bikes over traditional internal combustion models. Colin emphasizes the need for innovation in the motorcycle industry to attract new riders and enhance the overall experience of dirt biking. In this conversation, Colin discusses the transformative potential of electric dirt bikes, emphasizing their unique riding experience and the importance of maintenance and learning curves. He explores how innovations in technology can enhance enjoyment and accessibility in sports, while also addressing the challenges of building a sustainable business model in a competitive market. The discussion highlights the significance of customer demand, strategic planning, and the role of luck in entrepreneurship. Links: Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/colingodby Edison Manufacturing Exchange: https://brandonbartneck.substack.com/publish/home\ linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/colingodby/ https://www.dustmoto.com/ Colin’s Bio Colin Godby is the CEO and co-founder of Dust Motorcycles, an American electric motorcycle company dedicated to bringing the thrill of riding to more people. Raised in Southern California, Colin’s love for high-performance vehicles began with BMX racing and dreams of designing race cars. Starting his career as a mechanical engineer, he worked on high-stakes vehicle projects spanning military, racing, theme parks, and consumer EVs, gaining expertise in speed, endurance, and innovation. An experienced off-road co-driver, Colin has competed in international events like the Baja1000 and Transsyberia Rally. His career transitioned into the consumer sector, where he developed high-demand products within tight timelines for venture-backed startups, eventually leading product development at the executive level across engineering, design, and strategy. In 2023, Colin founded Dust Motorcycles to create accessible, high-performance electric dirt bikes. Based in Bend, Oregon, he now balances his role with family life, sharing his love for the outdoors and two wheels with his young sons and inspiring a new generation to ride. Prior to forming Dust Motorcycles he was chief product officer at UBCO, a utility electric vehicle company. During his career he also held several senior engineering positions with brand leaders including Walt Disney Imagineering and Skullcandy Inc. Colin holds a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering with honors from University of California Santa Barbara. Building Better Building Better with Brandon Bartneck is focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast. I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more. Edison Manufacturing and Engineering: Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

    57 min

  4. NOV 24

    #235 – Patrick Hunt | New Industry VC – Narrative Command & Operational Mastery

    Patrick Hunt is a GP at New Industry VC. He joins to discuss the critical concepts of narrative command and operational mastery in the context of building deep tech hardware startups. He shares insights from his experience at Rivian and Our Next Energy, emphasizing the challenges of managing change, the importance of structured risk management, and the need for founders to effectively communicate their vision. The discussion highlights the complexities of startup dynamics and the essential qualities that venture capitalists look for in founders. Links: Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/patrickhunt Edison Manufacturing Exchange: https://brandonbartneck.substack.com/publish/home\ linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/ https://www.nivc.us/ https://www.nivc.us/blog/operational-mastery Takeaways Entrepreneurship is incredibly challenging and requires resilience. Narrative command is essential for startups to shape market understanding. Operational mastery involves managing change effectively as a company scales. Deep tech hardware startups face unique challenges compared to software startups. Change management is crucial to avoid becoming a 'company killer.' Phasing risks helps in systematically addressing startup challenges. Founders must embody their company's vision to achieve narrative command. Building a compelling narrative can attract investment and talent. Understanding the complexities of capital deployment is vital for hardware startups. Feedback and learning agility are key traits for successful founders. About Patrick Hunt Patrick Hunt is a GP at New Industry VC. He previously built Rivian for eight years, from employee #15 to 15,000, and led Manufacturing Strategy at a unicorn battery startup. About New Industry VC New Industry VC is a venture capital firm investing in Deep Tech hardware startups at the earliest stages. They seek founders with Narrative Command and Operational Mastery. Keywords Patrick Hunt, New Industry VC, deep tech, hardware startups, narrative command, operational mastery, venture capital, entrepreneurship, startup challenges, risk management Building Better Building Better with Brandon Bartneck is focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast. I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more. Edison Manufacturing and Engineering: Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

    54 min

  5. NOV 17

    #234 – Suman Sehra | HARMAN – Connected Vehicles, New Opportunity with Data & Future Proofing

    Suman Sehra is the Global Vice President of Automotive Product & Platform Portfolio Management within HARMAN’s Automotive Connectivity business unit. He joins to explore the evolving landscape of connected vehicles and the role of connectivity in modern automotive technology. Links: Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/sumansehra Edison Manufacturing Exchange: https://brandonbartneck.substack.com/publish/home\ linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/ https://car.harman.com/ https://info.car.harman.com/ebook-driving-the-connected-future Takeaways Connectivity is essential for modern vehicle functionality. Consumer expectations are driving innovation in automotive technology. Vehicles need to adapt to changing consumer lifestyles. AI and edge computing are key to enhancing driving experiences. The automotive industry is moving towards software-defined vehicles. The future of vehicles will be significantly different from the past. COVID has transformed our digital interactions, including mobility. Cars are evolving into productive spaces for consumers. Cybersecurity must be ingrained in the culture of tech organizations. Future-proofing technology is essential for adapting to consumer needs. Democratization of connectivity is vital for societal impact. About Suman Suman Sehra is the Global Vice President of Automotive Product & Platform Portfolio Management within HARMAN’s Automotive Connectivity business unit, where he plays a key role in fueling innovation to drive profitable growth through category-creating and market-leading products. Sehra leads a global cross-functional team focused on a portfolio of products aligned to software-defined vehicle architecture and infrastructure technologies that shape the future of mobility and deliver new consumer experiences – inside and outside the vehicle. With over two decades of combined technical, marketing, and market development experience in the technology industry, Sehra previously led the Global Smart Cities and Transportation infrastructure business unit at Intel and held various roles from process technology manufacturing to P&L management. He also holds 11 patents in Intelligent Transportation domain. About HARMAN HARMAN designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson and Revel, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people. In 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Building Better Building Better with Brandon Bartneck is focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast. I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more. Edison Manufacturing and Engineering: Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

    50 min

  6. NOV 10

    #233 – Aseem Kapur | GM Energy – Expanding and Accelerating a Holistic Energy Ecosystem

    Aseem Kapur is Chief Revenue Offer at GM Energy. He joins to discuss the company's commitment to an all-electric future and the various strategies they are implementing to drive EV adoption. He highlights the importance of customer value propositions, home energy management systems, and commercial solutions for fleet electrification. The conversation also touches on the challenges of public charging infrastructure and the lessons learned by GM Energy as they navigate the rapidly changing landscape of sustainable transportation. Links: Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/aseemkapur Edison Manufacturing Exchange: https://brandonbartneck.substack.com/publish/home\ linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/ https://gmenergy.gm.com/ Takeaways GM Energy is focused on delivering world-class charging and energy management solutions. The mission is to drive EV adoption through education and infrastructure expansion. A comprehensive portfolio of EVs sets GM apart in the market. Bidirectional charging capabilities allow EVs to power homes and share energy with the grid. Customer experience is central to GM Energy's strategy. Home energy management systems can provide energy resilience and independence. Commercial solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of fleet customers. Public charging infrastructure remains a significant challenge for EV adoption. GM Energy has learned valuable lessons in navigating the evolving energy landscape. The partnership with utilities is crucial for the deployment of innovative energy solutions. About Aseem Aseem Kapur leads GM Energy’s product portfolio which includes hardware, software, and services for EV charging and energy management. Kapur’s teams help to drive the product line strategy across retail, fleet, and utility energy management, an effort which includes identifying new product offerings with strategic partners, to market positioning and launching products with customers. Aseem’s previous roles at General Motors have included Director of Digital Business Technology, where he was responsible for the development and execution of the digital product roadmap for GM’s Energy Cloud, as well as the overall growth of the GM Energy business. This included creating strategic partnerships with energy companies and large commercial fleet customers and providing seamless and integrated energy management solutions designed to drive adoption of EV’s and improve grid resiliency. Prior to joining GM, Aseem was the Director of Distribution Planning for Con Edison where he was responsible for integration of renewables and electric storage, developing marketplace for clean energy resources, and long-term planning for New York City’s electric grid. About GM Energy GM Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is focused on expanding and accelerating a holistic energy ecosystem through new products, software and services, including broadening access to EV education and resources, expanding public charging infrastructure, and developing new energy management solutions for customers Building Better Building Better with Brandon Bartneck is focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast. I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more. Edison Manufacturing and Engineering: Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

    47 min

  7. NOV 3

    #232 – Lowell Mora | Impact CFO – From Controller to Strategic Partner: The Evolving Role of Finance

    Lowell Mora joins to discuss the critical role of finance in business strategy, particularly for family-owned businesses. Lowell shares his extensive experience as a CFO, emphasizing the importance of financial planning, analysis, and the need for businesses to adapt and prepare for transitions. The conversation explores the nuances of financial functions, the significance of cash flow forecasting, and the complexities of business valuation, including the impact of diversification on risk and opportunity. Lowell discusses various aspects of business strategy, including vertical integration, learning from mistakes, diverse sales approaches, optimizing operations, navigating business transitions, and building trust in transactions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique needs of different sales processes and the necessity of a holistic approach to operational optimization. Additionally, he explores the complexities involved in selling a business and the creative solutions that can arise during this process. Links: Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/lowellmora Edison Manufacturing Exchange: https://brandonbartneck.substack.com/publish/home\ linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/ https://www.impactcfo.net/ Lowell Mora Bio: Lowell Mora, President of Impact CFO, brings a wealth of expertise in leading small to mid-sized businesses. His extensive experience spans both family-owned and private equity-owned companies, making him a versatile and strategic advisor to CEOs. Lowell excels in driving record growth and profitability, particularly in equipment business models, working with manufacturers and industrial products, percentage of completion accounting, and managing multimillion-dollar contracts. He is also proficient in leading ERP implementations. With his deep financial leadership across diverse industries, Lowell offers a unique perspective on every project. As a Fractional CFO, he provides invaluable financial oversight, guiding numerous businesses through complex transactions and strategic initiatives. His expert financial guidance has helped businesses navigate transitions and achieve their financial goals with precision and expertise. Focused on driving growth and profitability, Lowell collaborates with businesses of all sizes to implement cost-effective strategies and streamline operations, ensuring long-term success. Building Better Building Better with Brandon Bartneck is focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast. I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more. Edison Manufacturing and Engineering: Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

    54 min

  8. OCT 28

    #231 – Building a Stable, Impactful Company – A Systems Engineering Challenge

    This episode is focused on the intersection of systems engineering and business building, emphasizing the importance of creating a sustainable and impactful company culture. It explores the complexities of product development, strategy, sales, marketing, and recruiting, highlighting the need for all functions within a business to work collaboratively towards a common goal. The episodes underscores the iterative nature of these processes and the significance of optimizing the entire system rather than individual components. Links: Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/businessbuilding Edison Manufacturing Exchange: https://brandonbartneck.substack.com/publish/home\ linkedin.com/in/brandonbartneck/ Takeaways Building a sustainable company requires a focus on systems engineering. Culture is crucial for making a meaningful impact. Strategy is foundational for long-term success. Sales and marketing must align with company values. Recruiting the right people is essential for growth. All business functions must work together effectively. Flexibility and reliability are key in manufacturing. Iterative processes are necessary for continuous improvement. Optimizing the whole system leads to greater impact. Collaboration is vital for successful partnerships. Building Better Building Better with Brandon Bartneck is focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast. I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more. Edison Manufacturing and Engineering: Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.

    19 min
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5
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About

Focused on the people, products, and companies that are creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. This show was previously called the Future of Mobility podcast. I aim to have real, human conversations to explore what these leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. If you care about making an impact then this show might be for you. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, impact, leadership, and more.

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