The Wilmac Wire

Wilmac Technologies

Where the drivers behind customer interaction technology, AI, and community innovation share how they’re shaping what’s next.

  1. 3일 전

    Independence Day Break | Celebrating Roxy Van Gundy's NENA Inauguration

    In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily McNulty and Steve McDonnell revisit one of Season 3's most impactful conversations with Roxanne "Roxy" Van Gundy, Director of Lyon County Emergency Communications Center and newly inaugurated President of NENA, in celebration of her leadership and contributions to the 911 community. With more than 20 years in public safety, Roxy shares her journey from dispatcher to 911 center director and national leader, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership, culture, and employee wellness. She discusses why creating people-first organizations, empowering teams, and fostering curiosity are essential to building stronger emergency communications centers. The conversation also explores some of the biggest issues facing public safety today, including the 911 SAVES Act, Next Generation 911 funding, dispatcher recruitment and retention, and the growing need to recognize telecommunicators as first responders. Roxy explains why advocacy at both the state and federal level is critical to the future of the profession. Emily, Steve, and Roxy also discuss how emerging technologies like AI can support telecommunicators by reducing administrative workloads, improving training, and enhancing wellness without replacing the human element that remains at the heart of emergency response. The episode closes with a look at the future of emergency communications and the leadership needed to move the industry forward. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • Roxy's journey from dispatcher to NENA President • Building a people-first culture in 911 • Leadership lessons from more than 20 years in public safety • The 911 SAVES Act and first responder recognition • Next Generation 911 funding and advocacy efforts • Dispatcher recruitment, retention, and wellness • Using AI to support telecommunicators and training • Technology modernization in emergency communications • The future of leadership in public safety Episode Breakdown: 0:00 Welcome and Independence Day introduction 3:02 Meet Roxy Van Gundy 7:05 Roxy's career journey into public safety 12:47 Her path to NENA leadership 16:43 Leading Lyon County Emergency Communications 20:19 Building culture and supporting employee wellness 23:19 The 911 SAVES Act and federal advocacy 35:20 AI in emergency communications 39:28 Building a new communications center 42:22 NENA priorities and the future of 911 49:08 AI, training, and closing thoughts Connect with the speakers: Emily McNulty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ Roxanne "Roxy" Van Gundy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanne-vangundy/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=5a04500840554db3

    51분
  2. 6월 25일

    Mid-Year Check-In | Season 3 Reflections & a Wilmac Update

    In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily McNulty and Steve McDonnell take a break from guest interviews for a mid-year conversation reflecting on Wilmac’s momentum, the evolution of the podcast, and the technology trends shaping the second half of 2026. The discussion begins by looking back on Season 3, which has already surpassed last year’s total episode count halfway through the year. Emily and Steve share what they’ve learned from hosting conversations with leaders across public safety, technology, business, and the Rochester community, along with what listeners can expect as The Wilmac Wire heads to NENA and APCO for live podcast recordings later this summer. The conversation then shifts to AI and innovation. Steve shares his perspective on the rapid evolution of AI-native software, how Wilmac is navigating changing SaaS and consumption models, and why curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning are becoming essential skills for both businesses and individuals. They also discuss Rochester’s opportunity to become a stronger AI hub and why embracing innovation is critical to the region’s future. Emily and Steve also provide an update on Wilmac’s continued growth, including customer momentum for Wilmac Continuity WFM and Wilmac Continuity Replay, expanding AI capabilities through Mac and Archie, and the company's vision for the year ahead. The episode closes with a look at what’s next for Wilmac, the podcast, and the growing role of AI across every industry. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • Reflecting on the first half of Season 3 • Lessons learned from hosting The Wilmac Wire • The future of AI-native software and SaaS • Why curiosity is becoming a competitive advantage • Rochester's opportunity in AI and innovation • Updates on Wilmac Continuity WFM and Wilmac Continuity Replay • Mac, Archie, and Wilmac’s AI strategy • Building company culture through growth • What’s ahead for Wilmac and The Wilmac Wire Episode Breakdown: 0:01 Welcome and Season 3 reflection 2:28 Icebreaker: What we're watching, reading, and listening to 11:53 Looking back on Season 3 and podcast growth 17:36 AI, SaaS, and the future of software 22:48 Rochester's AI opportunity and startup ecosystem 29:27 State of Wilmac and product momentum 32:46 Marketing, culture, and company growth 36:38 Looking ahead to the second half of 2026 37:37 Closing thoughts Connect with the speakers: Emily McNulty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=c6fba168bc2a44bb

    40분
  3. 6월 18일

    Mark “Fletch” Fletcher | 911 Innovation, Kari’s Law, and Workforce Challenges in the ECC

    In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily McNulty and Steve McDonnell sit down with Mark "Fletch" Fletcher, Founder and Principal Consultant at Fletch 911 Consulting, for a wide-ranging conversation on emergency communications, Next Generation 911, technology modernization, and the legislation that continues to shape the industry. With more than 40 years of experience spanning public safety and telecommunications, Fletch shares his unconventional journey from volunteer EMT, dispatcher, and special officer to becoming one of the most influential independent voices in 911. Along the way, he reflects on the career experiences that led him to hold 14 U.S. patents, advocate for industry-wide change, and help shape landmark federal legislation. The conversation explores the stories behind Kari's Law and the RAY BAUM'S Act, including how Fletch worked alongside the Hunt family to improve emergency access and location accuracy for 911 callers. He also shares what it was like to help navigate the legislative process and attend the White House signing ceremony that made Kari's Law official. Emily, Steve, and Fletch also discuss some of the biggest challenges facing emergency communications today, including staffing shortages, dispatcher wellness, technology adoption, and the pace of Next Generation 911 implementation. Fletch offers his perspective on why workforce management, resiliency, cloud infrastructure, and emerging technologies like AI and Starlink could play a significant role in the future of public safety. The episode closes with a look at industry consolidation, the growing importance of IoT and real-time data, and why public safety agencies must continue modernizing to meet the expectations of an increasingly connected world. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • Fletch’s journey from dispatcher to 911 industry influencer • The story behind Kari's Law and RAY BAUM'S Act • What it takes to move public safety legislation forward • Next Generation 911 and industry modernization • Workforce management and dispatcher wellness • AI, automation, and emerging technologies in 911 • Industry consolidation and the future of public safety technology • The role of Starlink and resiliency in emergency communications • IoT, real-time data, and what's next for NG911 Episode Breakdown: 0:00 Welcome and introduction 2:44 Fletch's background and career journey 8:38 Building patents and solving public safety problems 14:06 The story behind Kari's Law 16:58 RAY BAUM'S Act and dispatchable location 20:04 Launching Fletch 911 Consulting 21:16 Getting legislation signed into law 26:33 Industry consolidation and technology trends 33:01 Why wellness should be every PSAP's top priority 39:57 Starlink, resiliency, and emergency communications 42:58 Workforce management and modernization in 911 53:27 What's next for NG911 and public safety technology 54:14 Closing thoughts Connect with the speakers: Emily McNulty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ Mark "Fletch" Fletcher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fletch911/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=5e898a21f06841c7

    55분
  4. 6월 11일

    Behind the Build | Two Products, One Vision, & How Agentic AI is Changing Everything

    In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily McNulty and Steve McDonnell welcome back Wilmac’s VP of Engineering, Bob Pease, for another Behind the Build conversation focused on product innovation, agentic AI, and what’s happening across Wilmac in the second half of 2026. The discussion begins with an update on Wilmac Continuity WFM and the rapid evolution of Mac, Wilmac’s AI workforce management agent. Bob shares how new capabilities like customizable skills, workflow automation, and autonomous decision-making are helping PSAP leaders streamline scheduling, approvals, reporting, and employee management. The team also discusses how AI-native product development is accelerating innovation and creating new opportunities across public safety workforce management. The conversation then shifts to Wilmac Continuity Replay and Archie, the company’s AI-powered compliance and data intelligence agent. Bob breaks down how Archie is evolving beyond search and reporting into a more intelligent assistant capable of analyzing large volumes of interaction data, supporting audits, and helping organizations unlock greater value from their archived communications. Emily, Steve, and Bob also pull back the curtain on how Wilmac is using AI internally. From engineering and marketing to sales and operations, they discuss how Claude has become a daily tool across the organization, enabling faster decision-making, increased productivity, and new ways of working. The conversation highlights the company's belief that AI is not just changing products, but transforming how businesses operate. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • The latest updates to Wilmac Continuity WFM • How Mac is becoming a more autonomous AI agent • New AI-powered workflow automation capabilities • The evolution of Wilmac Continuity Replay and Archie • Semantic search, compliance, and audit automation • Building AI products for highly regulated industries • How Wilmac uses Claude across the organization • The rise of agentic AI and vertical AI solutions • What’s next for Wilmac in the second half of 2026 Episode Breakdown: 0:01 Welcome and Behind the Build introduction 3:45 On Point or Off Point: AI edition 13:21 Continuity WFM updates and Mac enhancements 17:27 Product roadmap and autonomous AI workflows 20:45 Building Wilmac’s AI engineering team 24:08 Conferences, customer feedback, and market traction 27:53 Continuity Replay updates and Archie’s evolution 35:07 AI-powered search, compliance, and audits 40:59 How AI has changed software development at Wilmac 42:17 Internal AI adoption and Claude use cases 53:21 Looking ahead to the second half of 2026 Connect with the speakers: Emily McNulty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ Bob Pease: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobpease/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=5a04500840554db3

    56분
  5. 6월 4일

    Melanie Jones | 911 Career, NENA Leadership, and Modernizing Emergency Communications

    In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily McNulty and Steve McDonnell sit down with Melanie Jones, Executive Director of Guilford Metro 911 and Immediate Past President of NENA, for a conversation on leadership, emergency communications, and the future of 911. With nearly four decades in public safety, Melanie shares her journey from deputy sheriff to leading one of North Carolina’s largest consolidated 911 centers. Along the way, she reflects on the mentors, experiences, and leadership lessons that shaped her career, including the importance of taking the high road, serving your team, and staying focused on the mission of helping people. The conversation explores Melanie’s time on NENA’s executive board and her work advocating for telecommunicator recognition and Next Generation 911 funding. She discusses the progress of the 911 SAVES Act, why sustainable funding remains critical for the future of emergency communications, and how building relationships with legislators can help move the industry forward. Emily, Steve, and Melanie also dive into the realities of staffing and retention in modern PSAPs, the challenges of onboarding new telecommunicators, and the importance of wellness programs that support employees through the emotional demands of the profession. The episode closes with a discussion on technology modernization, AI, and the transition to Next Generation 911, including how agencies are evaluating new tools while balancing mission-critical operations and long-term transformation. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • Melanie’s path from deputy sheriff to 911 leadership • Leadership lessons from a 36-year public safety career • NENA, APCO, and national advocacy efforts • The latest developments around the 911 SAVES Act • Why Next Generation 911 funding matters • Staffing, recruitment, and retention challenges in 911 • Wellness initiatives for telecommunicators • Modernizing technology in large PSAPs • AI and the future of emergency communications Episode Breakdown: 0:01 Welcome and introduction 1:29 Icebreaker and Melanie’s background 4:14 Starting a career in public safety 8:59 Leadership lessons and career growth 11:04 NENA, APCO, and national advocacy 12:33 The 911 SAVES Act and telecommunicator recognition 17:47 Next Generation 911 funding priorities 22:08 Melanie’s path to NENA leadership 25:58 Leading Guilford Metro 911 28:30 Staffing, retention, and wellness initiatives 33:27 AI and technology modernization in 911 36:48 Closing thoughts and industry priorities Connect with the speakers: Emily McNulty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ Melanie Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieneal911/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=b655432b92794b1c

    42분
  6. 5월 28일

    Matt Hurlbutt | The Business of Growing Rochester, Leading GRE, and Local Momentum

    In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily McNulty and Steve McDonnell welcome back Matt Hurlbutt, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE), for a conversation on economic development, regional growth, and why Rochester’s story deserves more attention. Matt reflects on his nearly 20-year journey at GRE, from joining the organization in a business development role to leading regional economic growth efforts across Greater Rochester. He shares how GRE works behind the scenes with site selectors, companies, developers, and local partners to attract investment, support expansion projects, and position Rochester as a competitive market for innovation and business growth. The conversation dives into the process of “selling a region,” including what companies evaluate when choosing where to expand, how GRE responds to complex site selection requests, and why speed, collaboration, and local relationships matter in winning major projects. Matt also breaks down how projects like Fairlife, Micron, and Stream Data Centers fit into the broader momentum happening across Upstate New York. Emily, Steve, and Matt also explore Rochester’s evolving economic identity. From the legacy of Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb to the region’s current strengths in optics, photonics, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare innovation, Matt explains why Rochester remains uniquely positioned for the future of technology and industry. The episode also highlights the importance of regional collaboration between organizations like GRE, OneROC, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, local colleges and universities, and business leaders across the community. Matt shares why Rochester’s ability to connect people quickly and work collaboratively continues to be one of its biggest competitive advantages. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • Matt’s career journey into economic development • What GRE does behind the scenes to grow the region • How site selection and regional marketing actually work • The process behind attracting companies like Fairlife • Rochester’s strengths in optics, photonics, and manufacturing • Why Upstate New York is seeing renewed momentum • The role of Micron, AI infrastructure, and data centers • How Rochester organizations collaborate on growth • Why the region needs to tell its story more confidently Episode Breakdown: 0:01 Welcome back and intro 4:20 Matt’s career path and joining GRE 9:15 What GRE does and how economic development works 15:02 How companies evaluate regions and sites 20:41 Behind the Fairlife project and regional collaboration 29:48 Rochester’s competitive advantages and industry strengths 38:20 Micron, AI infrastructure, and future growth opportunities 45:05 Rochester’s future and regional momentum 49:10 Final thoughts and community collaboration Connect with the speakers: Emily McNulty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ Matt Hurlbutt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hurlbutt-61a3124/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=0d42340164184c6a

    55분
  7. 5월 21일

    Nick LaMontia | From Dispatcher to NENA Board, GIS, & Leading 911 in the Southeast

    In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily McNulty and Steve McDonnell sit down with Nick LaMontia, GIS Manager at Kerr Emergency 911 and Southeastern Director on the NENA Board of Directors, for a conversation on emergency communications, GIS, and the evolving future of Next Generation 911. With 30 years in public safety, Nick shares his unconventional path into 911, from working as a housekeeper in Estes Park, Colorado to becoming a dispatcher and eventually stepping into national leadership within NENA. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of problem solving, teamwork, and finding purpose in helping others behind the scenes of emergency response. The conversation explores how GIS powers modern emergency communications and why location data is becoming increasingly critical as PSAPs transition to Next Generation 911. Nick breaks down how GIS supports dispatchers through mapping, response boundaries, and indoor location capabilities, and explains how new technologies are transforming the way emergency calls are routed and understood. Emily, Steve, and Nick also discuss the operational differences between working in rural and urban PSAPs, including Nick’s experiences dispatching in Estes Park, Houston, League City, and Kerrville. He shares how culture, staffing, and relationships between dispatchers and responders can dramatically shape the day-to-day experience inside a communications center. The episode also dives into NENA’s ongoing advocacy efforts around NG911 funding, dispatcher wellness, and the future role of AI in emergency communications. Nick explains why sustainable funding models are becoming increasingly important for smaller agencies and how technologies like AI-assisted translation, transcription, and non-emergency call triage could support dispatchers moving forward. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • Nick’s journey into emergency communications • Dispatching in Colorado, Houston, and rural Texas • How GIS supports 911 operations • The role of GIS in Next Generation 911 • Indoor mapping and location accuracy improvements • The importance of dispatcher and responder relationships • AI use cases in emergency communications • NG911 funding challenges for smaller agencies • Nick’s leadership journey through NENA Episode Breakdown: 0:01 Welcome and intro 1:28 Icebreaker and Nick’s background 5:23 How Nick found emergency communications 12:47 Dispatching in Houston versus smaller PSAPs 24:59 What GIS is and why it matters in 911 27:01 GIS and the future of NG911 29:21 AI and GIS in emergency communications 31:32 Nick’s day-to-day as a GIS Manager 35:05 Nick’s journey into NENA leadership 39:09 NG911 funding and advocacy efforts 41:17 Lessons from NENA and industry leadership 44:48 Closing thoughts and final reflections Connect with the speakers: Emily McNulty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ Nick LaMontia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickolas-lamontia-enp-2623558/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=d5e08acce4d84db4

    50분
  8. 5월 14일

    Peter Roberti | Third-Generation Tailoring, Style Confidence, and Giving Back

    In this episode of The Wilmac Wire, hosts Emily Miller and Steve McDonnell sit down with Peter Roberti, third-generation custom tailor and designer at Adrian Jules Custom Clothing, for a conversation on craftsmanship, confidence, entrepreneurship, and carrying a Rochester legacy forward. Peter shares the story behind Adrian Jules, the Rochester-based custom clothing company founded by his grandfather in 1964 after emigrating from Italy with just $33 in his pocket. From sweeping the factory floors as a teenager to designing custom garments for athletes, executives, and entrepreneurs across the country, Peter reflects on what it means to grow a family business built on relationships, quality, and personal presentation. The conversation explores how professional style has evolved in today’s hybrid workplace and why custom clothing is about far more than appearance. Peter explains his philosophy that “when you look great, you feel great,” and why confidence, fit, and personal branding still matter in business, even as workplace dress codes become more casual. Emily, Steve, and Peter also dive into the behind-the-scenes side of custom tailoring, from sourcing fabrics in Italy and England to maintaining a Rochester-based team of nearly 60 tailors. Peter shares stories about creating garments for athletes and celebrities, the craftsmanship behind luxury fabrics like vicuña, and how Adrian Jules blends tradition with technology and modern branding. The episode also highlights Adrian Jules’ growing focus on community impact, including the launch of the Dress for Your Destiny initiative, which provides professional clothing to college graduates entering the workforce. Peter discusses why helping young professionals build confidence through presentation has become an important part of the company’s mission. Here’s what you’ll hear about: • The story behind Adrian Jules and Rochester tailoring history • Peter’s journey into the family business • Why confidence and style go hand in hand • The evolution of workplace fashion and hybrid work • Working with athletes, executives, and public figures • Luxury fabrics, craftsmanship, and the tailoring process • Dress for Your Destiny and giving back to the community • Building a legacy business in Rochester Episode Breakdown: 0:00 Welcome and episode intro 2:10 Peter’s background and family business history 8:45 Growing Adrian Jules from factory to retail 14:32 Dressing athletes, executives, and notable clients 20:11 Fabric sourcing, craftsmanship, and luxury tailoring 28:04 The philosophy behind “When You Look Great, You Feel Great” 34:16 Hybrid work, style changes, and modern business attire 42:18 Why relationships matter in custom clothing 47:03 Dress for Your Destiny and community impact 53:21 Rochester business culture and supporting local 58:10 Closing thoughts and Buffalo expansion Connect with the speakers: Emily Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-miller-mcnulty-666b66152/ Steve McDonnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-mcdonnell-8659042b/ Peter Roberti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-roberti-28a262a/ 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2lhL8QkXa9LUYlXjSAp3OE?si=11305fc6e6164d32

    44분

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Where the drivers behind customer interaction technology, AI, and community innovation share how they’re shaping what’s next.