Building Better with Brandon Bartneck

Latest Episodes:

#266 - Ali Kashani | Serve Robotics – Scaling Sidewalk Autonomy Sep 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m joined by Ali Kashani, Co-Founder and CEO of Serve Robotics. Serve is pioneering autonomous sidewalk delivery at scale—with hundreds of robots already operating in major U.S. cities and thousands more on the way.

Ali and I dive into the complexity of autonomy: the technical challenges, the economics, the regulatory and consumer adoption hurdles, and the leadership required to make sense of it all. He shares how Serve is approaching innovation, why their technology and go-to-market path is unique, and what it takes to attract, empower, and retain world-class talent in such a fast-moving space.

We also talk about the bigger picture—why last-mile delivery has lagged so far behind other logistics revolutions, and why the sidewalk may hold the key to a generational leap in productivity and sustainability.

About Ali KashaniAli Kashani is the Co-Founder and CEO of Serve Robotics, the leading autonomous sidewalk delivery company. He previously co-founded and led robotics efforts at Postmates, which was later acquired by Uber, before spinning out Serve as an independent company in 2021. Under Ali’s leadership, Serve has scaled to one of the largest fleets of urban delivery robots in the world and became a publicly traded company in 2023. Ali is a repeat entrepreneur with a deep background in AI and robotics, and he has been a leading voice on the future of autonomy, urban mobility, and responsible AI deployment.

Connect with Ali

LinkedIn: Ali Kashani
Serve Robotics: serverobotics.com

Connect with Me

LinkedIn: Brandon Bartneck
Podcast: Building Better with Brandon Bartneck
PJ Wallbank Springs: pjws.com
Edison Manufacturing & Engineering: edison-mfg.com

#265 - Drew Allen | Grace Technologies – Building Safer, Smarter Industry Aug 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m joined by Drew Allen, President & CEO of Grace Technologies. Grace is a family business built on innovation in electrical safety and predictive maintenance, and Drew has carried that forward—shaping the company into a leader in industrial technology and workplace safety.

We cover a lot of ground in this conversation. Drew shares the story of Grace’s evolution from a single-product company to a broad portfolio serving the world’s most advanced manufacturers. We dig into his approach to innovation, leadership, and attracting top talent. And we explore the balance between listening to customers and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Drew also shares candid lessons from leading a family business, building high-performance teams, and staying deeply involved as a CEO while empowering his people to deliver.

This one blends product, culture, and leadership in a way that I think will resonate with anyone building and leading in manufacturing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Grace Technologies grew from a single product to five complementary product lines
Why customer-driven innovation and quick iteration often beat “pure R&D”
The importance of purpose, selection bias, and A-players in building a great culture
Drew’s philosophy on leadership—balancing involvement with empowerment
How to attract and retain top talent by being specific about what makes your company unique
The role of energy infrastructure in U.S. competitiveness and industrial growth

About Drew Allen
Drew Allen is President & CEO of Grace Technologies Inc., a pioneer in electrical safety and predictive maintenance, consistently ranked as one of Iowa’s Top Workplaces. He also founded Maple Studios, the first venture studio in eastern Iowa, and serves on advisory boards for Atom Power, Proxxi, and YPO Iowa. Drew led the acquisition of Civionics Inc. (now Percēv) and received the National Association of Manufacturers’ Next-Generation Leadership Award in 2020.

Connect with Drew

LinkedIn: Drew Allen
Grace Technologies: graceport.com
Email: drewa@gracetechnologies.com

#264 - Impact Requires Both Attention and Depth Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode, Brandon unpacks a challenge he sees everywhere — in his own work, at PJ Wallbank Springs, and in the broader world of leadership and business. The tension between attention and depth.

It’s easy to get attention without substance. It’s also possible to have real substance without anyone noticing. But if you want to make a lasting impact, you need both. Brandon explores why that balance is so difficult to achieve, and why ignoring either side limits your reach and influence.

He shares an unexpected example from Lupe Fiasco’s Kick, Push — a song that works on the surface as a catchy, joyful story, but rewards the listener who digs deeper. It’s a case study in the “Trojan horse” approach: earning attention in a way that opens the door for real substance.

If you’re leading teams, building products, telling your company’s story, or simply trying to make your work matter, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to bridge the gap between flash and foundation.

Topics Covered:

Why attention and depth often feel like they’re in conflict
How depth without visibility limits your impact
The “Trojan horse” concept and why it works
Lessons from Lupe Fiasco’s Kick, Push
Applying this balance in leadership, engineering, and business
Why earning attention isn’t self-promotion — it’s part of the work

Links & Resources:
Learn more about PJ Wallbank Springs: https://pjws.com
Learn more about Edison: https://edison-mfg.com
Show notes and full episodes: https://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter
Follow the podcast:
Apple Podcasts

#263 - Mike Spagnola | SEMA & PRI – How the Automotive Aftermarket Drives Innovation, Policy, and Product Development Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

The automotive aftermarket often flies under the radar—but it plays a major role in advancing engineering, manufacturing, and performance. In this episode, Mike Spagnola, President & CEO of SEMA and PRI, joins me to explore how the specialty automotive sector is driving innovation across ICE, hybrid, EV, hydrogen, and beyond.

We dive into how SEMA supports manufacturers with hands-on product development, CAD data, vehicle scanning, emissions testing, and ADAS calibration. Mike also shares his perspective on regulatory trends, technology-neutral advocacy, and what makes the SEMA Show such a powerful platform for connection and growth.

If you care about how products actually get developed—and how small and mid-size companies are building the future of transportation—this conversation is for you.

About Mike
Mike Spagnola is the President & CEO of SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and PRI (Performance Racing Industry). Before stepping into this leadership role, Mike built and sold multiple companies in the automotive aftermarket, led product development efforts, and served on SEMA’s board. He’s a hands-on car guy who understands the needs of manufacturers, retailers, regulators, and racers alike.

About SEMA
SEMA is a nonprofit trade association that supports over 7,000 member companies across the automotive aftermarket. From CAD access and regulatory guidance to emissions labs and the world-renowned SEMA Show, their mission is to help small and mid-sized companies grow and compete globally.

Key Topics:

What the automotive aftermarket actually is—and why it matters
SEMA Garages and how they help manufacturers develop, test, and certify products
Navigating CARB, EPA, and emissions compliance for performance parts
Why access to CAD data and pre-release vehicles is a game changer
What happens to ADAS systems when you modify ride height, tires, or wrap a car
How SEMA advocates for a technology-neutral approach (ICE, hybrid, EV, hydrogen)
Behind the scenes of the SEMA Show—and what success really looks like
The real impact of aftermarket innovation on the transportation ecosystem

Chapters:

Mike’s Background and Passion for the Industry
What SEMA Is and Who They Support
How the SEMA Garages Enable Product Development
Navigating Emissions Compliance and CARB Regulations
ADAS Technology, Vehicle Modification, and Future Standards
Protecting the Industry Through Advocacy and Education
The SEMA Show and What Makes It Work
Closing Reflections on Innovation, Community, and Impact

#262 - The Work that Really Matters Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode, Brandon reflects on a recurring theme in his work and leadership journey. The increasing presence of uncomfortable, ambiguous, and high-stakes problems. He explores how the most meaningful work often comes with the most discomfort, and why learning to sit with that tension is both necessary and worthwhile.

This isn’t a glorification of pain for its own sake. It’s about the real cost, and real opportunity, that comes with doing work that matters. Brandon draws parallels between leadership and parenting, discusses the danger of ego-driven ambition, and makes the case for a third path: learning to genuinely enjoy the discomfort that comes with deep, purposeful work.

If you're navigating difficult challenges, leading teams, or simply trying to do something meaningful with your career, this episode is for you.

Topics Covered:

The difference between technical problems and leadership problems
Why deeper impact often brings more ambiguity and pain
The trap of surface-level productivity
Ego-driven work vs. purpose-driven work
How parenting offers a model for enduring discomfort with joy
The mindset shift required to find meaning in difficult work
Why this tension sits at the core of leadership and contribution

Links & Resources:

Learn more about PJ Wallbank Springs: pjws.com
Learn more about Edison: edison-mfg.com
Show notes and full episodes: https://brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/262-2/
Follow the podcast:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify

#261 - Ami Spira | Civan Lasers - Precision Welding, Precision Beam Shaping, and the Future of Manufacturing Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

Welding isn’t just sparks and heat—it’s an essential (and often misunderstood) part of modern manufacturing. In this conversation, Ami Spira, General Manager of Civan Lasers USA, joins me to talk about the state of the art in welding technology and why laser welding is making such a big impact.

We cover how different welding methods work, what makes laser welding unique, and why Civan’s dynamic beam shaping enables new capabilities that weren’t possible before. We also dig into the engineering behind keyhole formation, melt pool control, and how to join dissimilar materials like aluminum and copper without compromising strength or conductivity. If you're designing or building physical products, there's a lot to take away here.

This isn’t surface-level talk. It’s a deep dive into the physics, materials science, and decision-making that go into modern manufacturing—and the cool engineering work that’s pushing it forward.

About Ami
Ami Spira is the General Manager of Civan Lasers USA. He’s been with the company for over seven years, previously leading marketing and business development efforts before taking on the US leadership role in early 2024. Ami’s background spans B2B photonics, law, and business, but what stands out is how clearly he understands both the technical and strategic side of building something meaningful.

About Civan Lasers
Civan Lasers is pioneering Dynamic Beam Laser (DBL) technology, making it possible to weld thick and complex materials with speed, precision, and control. Their high-power, single-mode lasers with programmable beam shaping are enabling new possibilities in manufacturing, from automotive to aerospace to additive.

Website
LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

Traditional welding methods (like arc welding and MIG/TIG) are still widely used, but they have limitations in precision and speed.
Laser welding uses a highly concentrated stream of photons to deliver fast, precise joins with minimal heat-affected zones.
Dynamic beam shaping allows engineers to tailor the weld geometry, reduce defects, and join dissimilar or difficult materials.
Laser welding is unlocking new possibilities for materials like high-strength aluminum, diecast alloys, and copper-aluminum connections.
The ability to control the melt pool and keyhole in real-time is critical for quality and repeatability.
Manufacturing and design go hand-in-hand. Engineers who understand welding limitations can design better, more efficient parts.
Advances in automation and AI are reshaping how welding processes are developed, optimized, and executed.
Real innovation doesn’t just happen in new product design—it’s alive and well in how we build things, too.

Chapters

Intro to Laser Welding and Civan's Role
Welding Basics: Arc, Friction, and Laser
Challenges of Material Properties and Dissimilar Joins
What Makes Dynamic Beam Shaping Unique
How Lasers Penetrate Thick Sections with Precision
Design for Manufacturing: Why Welding Considerations Matter
Diecasting, AI, and What’s Next for Welding Innovation
Reflections on the Role of Engineering in Building the Future

#260 – Brandon Bartneck | Redefining Innovation: Building Real Impact, One Iteration at a Time Jun 15, 2025

Show notes

What’s the point of innovation?

In this solo episode, Brandon Bartneck reflects on what innovation actually means—and why the version we celebrate most (flashy tech, hype cycles, moonshots) often misses the point. Drawing from personal experience at Boeing, Bose, and multiple advanced tech sectors, Brandon shares why he’s now more energized leading engineering at a spring company than he’s ever been before.

This isn’t innovation theater. It’s real work, with real people, solving hard problems that actually matter.

Brandon breaks down his first-principles approach to innovation:• Make things better for people, especially operators• Advance the manufacturing ecosystem, particularly in overlooked small/mid-sized companies• Contribute to long-term economic value through a sustainable moat

Along the way, he explores the difference between adding technology vs. creating value, why simple gravity-fed solutions might beat flashy automation, and what real engineering fulfillment looks like in practice.

This is a grounded, honest take on innovation from someone who’s lived both ends of the spectrum—and now knows exactly where the magic really is.

Key Takeaways:

Innovation isn’t about headlines or hype. It’s about solving meaningful problems.
True innovation starts with knowing what you're optimizing for.
Real-world engineering constraints sharpen creativity and impact.
Flashy tech can be a distraction. Simpler, thoughtful solutions often win.
Innovation should create value for people, companies, and communities—not just press releases.
There’s deep fulfillment in solving problems others overlook.

Links & Resources:

#259 – Sean McCormack | First Student – Technology, Safety, and Real-World Innovation in Student Transportation Jun 01, 2025

Show notes

Big innovation doesn’t always mean big headlines. Sometimes it looks like improving how 5.5 million students get to school every day.

In this episode of Building Better, Brandon Bartneck talks with Sean McCormack, Chief Information Officer at First Student. They dive into the challenges of routing 45,000 school buses, the role of AI and EVs in improving safety and sustainability, and why “user-centric design” means something very different when your user is a bus driver in the dark at 6am.

Sean brings a refreshing perspective on product development and leadership. He talks about real-world agile development—not the buzzword version—and what it means to test, learn, and iterate when people’s lives are at stake. They also explore the difference between flashy products and meaningful work, and how the most rewarding engineering problems often live in overlooked corners of our world.

About Sean McCormack
Sean McCormack is CIO at First Student, where he leads digital strategy, technical operations, and innovation. Prior to joining First Student, he served as VP of Engineering at W.W. Grainger and CTO at Harley-Davidson, where he launched connected vehicle programs and led product innovation. His background spans enterprise architecture, e-commerce, and systems integration across global organizations.

About First Student
First Student is the leading provider of K–12 transportation in North America. Every day, they help 5.5 million students get to school safely across 45,000 buses. Recognized as one of Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies, First Student delivers a wide range of services including special needs transportation, route optimization, EV transition, fleet maintenance, and more.

Key Takeaways

Safety—not efficiency—is the top priority in school transportation
Technology like AI cameras and EVs are improving both safety and cost long term
Agile development and real-world testing are essential for effective product development
Listening to end users—especially drivers—is critical for designing tools that actually work
There’s massive opportunity in solving “unsexy” problems that others overlook

Links & Resources

Learn more: firststudentinc.com
Follow First Student: LinkedIn
Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/seanmccormack

Listen & Subscribe

#258 – The Truth About Transparency: Leading Through the Gray Areas May 18, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode, Brandon Bartnick explores the messy reality behind transparency and authenticity in leadership. These are buzzwords in many settings, but the day-to-day application is far more complex.

Drawing from recent experiences in a manufacturing and audit context, Brandon reflects on:

Why total transparency isn’t always helpful
The risks of encouraging issue-raising without accountability
The challenge of threading the needle between honest communication and effective execution
How well-intentioned leadership behaviors can unintentionally undermine the culture we’re trying to build

This episode is a reflection—not a conclusion. Brandon shares how he’s thinking about this tension in his current role, and how he’s trying to lead teams with both integrity and pragmatism.

About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartnick focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

Key Themes:

“Bad news first” only works if people feel safe telling the truth
A culture of transparency can easily tip into unproductive complaint cycles
Discernment is key: not all problems are worth escalating, but some absolutely are
How language and tone shape trust
What it means to model transparency as a leader without slowing down execution

Show Notes:brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/258

Listen to the Episode:

#257 - Marta Anadón Rosinach | Upway - Scaling Micromobility: How Upway is Changing the E-Bike Market in the US May 04, 2025

Show notes

Electric bikes are more than a trend—they’re a key part of a more sustainable, accessible, and human transportation ecosystem. But the market is still early, and big challenges stand in the way: trust, affordability, infrastructure, and shifting consumer behavior.

In this episode, Brandon Bartneck talks with Marta Anadón, Head of US at Upway, the leading global platform for refurbished e-bikes. Marta shares her insights from building operations and logistics at Uber Eats, and how she’s now bringing that experience to help Upway grow in the US. The conversation covers what’s working, what’s not, and what it really takes to scale micromobility in a car-centric country.

They discuss consumer mindsets, the importance of ownership and trust in the secondhand market, and why e-bikes might hold the key to more livable, efficient cities.

About Marta Anadón:
Marta Anadón Rosinach is Head of US at Upway. She previously led Uber Eats across Europe and the US, bringing deep experience in operations, logistics, and marketplace growth. Marta holds degrees in Civil Engineering from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and in Management from HEC Paris. She’s passionate about the circular economy and the role of micromobility in building better cities.

About Upway:
Upway is the global leader in refurbished e-bikes. Operating in eight countries, Upway offers high-quality e-bikes from 200+ top brands—certified by professional mechanics and backed by a one-year warranty. Their mission: make sustainable mobility accessible to everyone. With a growing US presence, Upway is redefining how people move, how products are reused, and how cities adapt.

Key Takeaways:

E-bikes are an essential piece of the sustainable mobility puzzle.
The US market is still developing—but interest is growing.
Upway is solving for trust by owning inventory and certifying quality.
Safety and infrastructure are still holding many people back.
Most buyers are in the 35–50 age range, and increasingly in suburban areas.
Partnerships with local bike shops expand service and support.
Affordability is a key unlock—Upway prices are often ~60% of retail.
Marta’s leadership playbook emphasizes simplicity, speed, and staying close to the user.

Sound Bites: