Powering the Process ℠

ProcessBarron
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION

Powering the Process℠ is a podcast for engineers, plant managers, and operations leaders focused on industrial systems, plant optimization, and manufacturing efficiency. Hosted by ProcessBarron experts, each episode delivers practical insights on material handling, air and gas systems, industrial equipment, and reducing downtime.

  1. MAY 12

    Future-Proofing Manufacturing: Why Growing New Talent Matters

    In this episode of Powering the Process, host Jen Little talks with Danny Stamps, Plant Manager of the South Shop, about the growing talent gap in manufacturing and how companies can prepare the next generation of skilled workers. They explore how automation supports, not replaces, craftsmanship, the skills future manufacturing professionals need, and how mentorship, apprenticeships, and cross-training are helping develop talent from within. Key Takeaways  Manufacturing faces an aging workforce and a widening skills gap  Future skills include digital literacy, robotics, automation, and data analysis  Automation enhances skilled trades rather than replacing them  Mentorship and cross-training preserve knowledge and accelerate growth  Apprenticeships and school partnerships create strong talent pipelines  A positive company culture is key to retention and engagement Why Listen Hear real success stories of employees growing from entry-level roles into advanced positions and learn how investing in people helps future-proof manufacturing.

    14 min

  2. APR 28

    Fan-tastic Solutions: Inside the Ultimate Fan Experience

    Industrial fans are the heart of heavy industry, moving massive volumes of air and gas through critical systems in pulp & paper, cement, steel, and energy production. In this episode, Jen Little sits down with Mike Piazza, Director of Air Handling at ProcessBarron, to explore how industrial fan rotors are engineered, maintained, repaired, and upgraded to keep plants running safely and efficiently. From fan failures and preventive maintenance to computational modeling and wireless monitoring, this conversation dives into the real-world engineering and operational challenges behind the massive equipment powering industrial facilities. If you work in plant operations, reliability, maintenance, or engineering, this episode delivers practical insights on reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and extending equipment life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode  Why industrial fans are the “heart” of plant air movement systems  How improper fan sizing impacts energy costs and system performance  The real cost of fan failure and forced outages  How fan rotors are engineered for unique industrial applications  Common causes of rotor and bearing failures  The Inspect & Advise process for fan repair and reverse engineering  How computational modeling improves fan performance and upgrades  New safety innovations like industrial fan braking systems  How wireless monitoring is changing the future of reliabilityKey Takeaways  Fan failures can cost plants hundreds of thousands per day in lost production.  Preventive maintenance is essential to avoid catastrophic outages.  Modern modeling allows performance upgrades without replacing housings.  Wireless sensors now provide real-time vibration and temperature alerts.  Rapid repair and manufacturing capabilities are critical for uptime. Who Should Listen Plant managers, reliability engineers, maintenance teams, and anyone responsible for industrial equipment performance and uptime. Follow Powering the Process for practical insights to reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and keep your process moving.

    26 min

  3. APR 14

    Pulp & Paper: How ProcessBarron Supports the Industry Behind Everyday Life

    In this episode of Powering the Process, we break down the real work behind the pulp and paper industry, one of the most essential sectors in modern manufacturing. From Amazon shipping boxes and packaging to tissue, diapers, labels, and paper products, pulp and paper mills power everyday life more than most people realize. Host Jen Little is joined by Joe Waite, Vice President of Air Handling and Material Handling Products, to explore how pulp and paper mills operate, the biggest maintenance and efficiency challenges plants face, and how modern upgrades are helping mills stay productive, sustainable, and compliant. This episode covers: • How the pulp and paper industry evolved in the digital age • Why containerboard and packaging demand are booming • How power boilers, dust collectors, and fans impact plant efficiency • The hidden cost of particulate and equipment erosion in industrial facilities • A real-world case study that eliminated millions in downtime • Preventive maintenance strategies that reduce shutdown risk • How mills meet environmental regulations and emissions standards • Career advice for engineers and professionals entering industrial manufacturing Whether you work in manufacturing, engineering, plant operations, maintenance, or industrial sales, or you’re simply curious about how everyday products are made, this episode delivers practical insights from inside the plant. Subscribe to Powering the Process for weekly conversations about industrial manufacturing, plant reliability, process engineering, and real-world solutions that keep production running with ProcessBarron's support.

    20 min

  4. MAR 31

    Cement Strong: How ProcessBarron Supports This Industry in Building North America

    In this episode of Powering the Process, host Jen Little sits down with ProcessBarron Regional Sales Manager Brian Harris, aka “the cement guy," to explore the critical role cement plays in modern infrastructure and how cement plants keep operations running efficiently. From highways and bridges to homes and skyscrapers, cement is one of the most essential building materials in the world. But producing it requires precision, reliability, and equipment that can survive one of the most abrasive industrial environments. In this conversation, we break down how cement plants operate, the biggest challenges they face today, and how ProcessBarron helps plants improve performance, efficiency, and reliability. What you’ll learn in this episode:  Why cement is vital to America’s infrastructure  The key systems required to keep cement plants running at peak performance  How fans, drag chain conveyors, and material handling equipment support the cement process  A behind-the-scenes look at a massive 320-ft downcomer duct project delivered on an extremely tight timeline  Common operational challenges in cement plants, including dust control and plugged cyclones  How fan efficiency upgrades can reduce energy usage and improve plant performance  How environmental regulations and carbon capture are shaping the future of the cement industry  Why durability and wear protection are essential for equipment that must survive year-long campaigns  Advice for young engineers and sales professionals interested in heavy industrial careers Brian also shares insights into how the cement industry is evolving, why most work today focuses on maintenance and upgrades rather than new plants, and how ProcessBarron supports customers as a “one-stop shop” for equipment feeding the kiln and handling material downstream. If you’re involved in cement, heavy manufacturing, or industrial operations, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply to keep your process moving. 👉 Learn more about ProcessBarron and how we help plants handle everything better.

    19 min

  5. MAR 17

    Precision in Motion: A Day in the Life of Field Services

    What does it really take to keep industrial plants running efficiently? In this episode of Powering the Process, host Jen Little sits down with Joey Taylor, Field Service Superintendent, and Levi Taylor, Field Service General Foreman, to take you inside the world of field service crews. From early morning safety protocols to high-stakes equipment installations, they share what it takes to perform precision work under pressure. You’ll hear firsthand how millwrights operate within thousandths of an inch, why safety is more than just a checklist, and what separates a good crew from a great one. Whether you're in manufacturing, considering a skilled trades career, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes during plant outages, this episode delivers real-world insight from the field. Key Topics Covered What a typical day looks like for a field service crewThe critical role of safety, training, and lockout/tagout proceduresPrecision alignment and why millwright work demands accuracyReal-world challenges of heavy equipment installation and riggingHow technology (like wireless alignment tools and digital reporting) is changing the fieldThe realities of travel, long hours, and working on industrial job sitesWhat makes a strong field service team, and what to look for in new hiresWhy skilled trades careers offer opportunity, growth, and stabilityGuestsJoey Taylor, Field Service Superintendent With 15+ years of experience, Joey brings deep knowledge of field operations, safety, and leadership. He’s spent his career managing crews, solving complex challenges, and ensuring work gets done right the first time. Levi Taylor, Field Service General Foreman Levi leads crews in the field with a focus on precision work and hands-on execution. With a background rooted in skilled trades, he brings practical insight into what it takes to succeed in industrial maintenance. Want to learn more about field service, industrial maintenance, or careers in manufacturing? Stay tuned for more episodes of Powering the Process. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone in the industry.

    27 min

  6. MAR 3

    Ashes to Opportunity: Turning Byproducts into Valuable Resources

    In this episode of Powering the Process, we explore how ash, once considered a waste product, is becoming a valuable resource across industries. Host Jen Little sits down with David Cantu, Director of Material Handling at ProcessBarron, to discuss the evolution of ash handling, recycling innovations, and the environmental and economic impact of doing it right. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What ash is and how it’s created from coal, biomass, and waste-to-energy fuelsWhy ash management is critical for environmental compliance and plant efficiencyHow recycling ash reduces landfill waste and lowers overall CO₂ impactThe economic value of ash in cement, agriculture, and emerging biochar/plastics applicationsThe differences between pneumatic and mechanical conveying, and why system design mattersHow modern ash handling systems reduce fire risk, fugitive dust, and community impactWhy every ash handling solution must be custom-engineered to fit a plant’s footprint and budgetThe future of ash recycling as industries shift toward biomass and alternative fuelsFeatured Guest David Cantu, Director of Material Handling at ProcessBarron With nearly 14 years at ProcessBarron, David specializes in ash handling system design, mechanical conveying solutions, and large-scale material handling upgrades for power and industrial facilities. His experience spans site assessments, troubleshooting, custom engineering, and full-system implementation.

    22 min

  7. FEB 17

    The Hard Hat Story: What It Means to Our People

    In this episode of Powering the Process, host Jen Little sits down with field supervisor Josh Bennett to explore the deeper meaning behind a simple but powerful symbol in industrial work: the hard hat. With nearly 26 years in the field, Josh shares how hard hats go far beyond safety compliance. They tell a story of experience earned, miles traveled, skills learned, and the culture that defines ProcessBarron crews. Listeners will hear how hard hat stickers become visual badges of honor, marking outages completed, training achieved, and years of dedication in the field. From the pride of a fully covered hard hat to the humbling feeling of starting fresh with a new one, Josh explains how this small detail reflects professionalism, mentorship, and trust on job sites. The conversation also dives into the realities of field life,  long stretches away from home, the importance of safety training, building strong crews, and how experienced workers mentor the next generation. At its core, this episode highlights how something as simple as a hard hat represents responsibility, craftsmanship, teamwork, and the shared commitment to protecting people above all else. Key Topics Covered: Why hard hats represent more than PPEThe meaning behind hard hat stickersHow experience is recognized in the fieldBuilding culture and mentorship within crewsThe realities of life on the road for field teamsSafety training and career growth opportunitiesHow professionalism shows up on job sites

    13 min

  8. FEB 3

    Waste-to-Energy: Transforming Today’s Trash into Tomorrow’s Power

    What if the garbage we throw away every day could power our homes tomorrow? In this episode of Powering the Process, host Jen Little sits down with Ashley Doyal, Vice President of the South Region and Central & South America at ProcessBarron, to explore the role of waste-to-energy in modern industrial manufacturing. Ashley breaks down how waste-to-energy plants convert everyday household garbage into usable electricity, reduce landfill dependency, and help municipalities manage waste more sustainably. The conversation dives into plant operations, environmental regulations, air pollution control systems, and the engineering solutions that keep these facilities running efficiently. With the U.S. producing more waste than any other country, waste-to-energy is becoming a critical part of the circular economy. This episode explains why and how ProcessBarron is helping lead the way. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What waste-to-energy is and how it worksHow waste-to-energy reduces landfill use and greenhouse gas emissionsCommon misconceptions about emissions and environmental impactThe role of air handling, ash handling, and pollution control systemsWhy waste-to-energy plants are heavily regulated and closely monitoredHow ProcessBarron supports waste-to-energy facilities through engineering and maintenanceThe future of waste-to-energy and its role in the circular economyFeatured Guest Ashley Doyal Vice President – South Region & Central and South America ProcessBarron With nearly 32 years at ProcessBarron, Ashley brings deep experience in waste-to-energy systems, air pollution control, and large-scale industrial plant operations. About the Podcast Powering the Process is a podcast by ProcessBarron that explores the systems, equipment, and strategies behind industrial manufacturing. Each episode delivers practical insights from industry experts to help plants run safer, cleaner, and more efficiently.

    16 min
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Powering the Process℠ is a podcast for engineers, plant managers, and operations leaders focused on industrial systems, plant optimization, and manufacturing efficiency. Hosted by ProcessBarron experts, each episode delivers practical insights on material handling, air and gas systems, industrial equipment, and reducing downtime.

Information

  • Creator
    ProcessBarron
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ProcessBarron
  • Show Website
    Powering the Process ℠