Innovation Overload

Latest Episodes:

#123: Episode 123 - Tom Adamson, Todd Grossweiler, Kristy Phillips Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

“The people in this industry are special and they love to mentor and bring others up.”

In this episode of Innovation Overload, hosts Todd Grossweiler of Allison-Smith Company and Tom Adamson of Custom Electric speak with Christy Phillips of Southwire about the culture that makes the electrical industry unique. Phillips shares her unexpected path into the industry, the mentors who helped her learn the business, and how Southwire supports contractors through education, training, and workforce initiatives like Southwire Solutions University. The conversation highlights how mentorship and industry partnerships help contractors develop talent and build a stronger workforce for the future.

#122: Jared Christman & Sean Lazarian - Contractor Takeover Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

"I'm not keeping track of when these subscriptions renew or how many copies we actually have."

In this Contractor Takeover edition of Innovation Overload, hosts Sean Lazarian and Jared Christman discuss a growing challenge for electrical contractors: managing the expanding number of software subscriptions used across the business. As companies add tools for estimating, project management, accounting, and field operations, it becomes harder to track what the company is paying for and who is responsible for each system. Sean and Jared share practical ideas for organizing technology ownership, gaining visibility into existing subscriptions, and avoiding unnecessary software costs.

For more on the episode, visit: https://sparkys-soapbox.com/

#121: Teila Allmond Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

"We need innovative minds. We are energy producer providers."

This episode of Innovation Overload we are joined by Teila Allmond, Pre-Apprenticeship Manager, Instructor for Rosie's Girls, and a member of IBEW Local 98. Tune in as we dive into the creative strategies that are shaping the future of our industry.

#120: Jared Christman & Sean Lazarian - Contractor Takeover Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

“This isn’t your typical national convention — everyone here is deep in the weeds on innovation.”

From the MEP Innovation Conference in Austin, Texas, Jared Christman and Shawn Lazarian show why this gathering stands out in the industry. It’s all about rolling up sleeves and tackling real operational challenges with cutting-edge tools and data-driven practices. If you want to hear how innovation is actually being applied in the trades, this episode brings you inside the action.

For more on the episode, visit: https://sparkys-soapbox.com/

#119: Michael McLin Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

“For us, innovation is the practical application of creative ideas that solve real world problems.”

Michael McLin, Managing Director of Maxim Consulting Group, breaks down why organizations often struggle to convert ideas into action and how leaders can jumpstart progress by communicating better, executing more consistently, and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement. Hear how practical application, not just ideas, fuels real problem-solving and lasting change across the industry.

#118: Chris Summers Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

"Thinking out of the box is refreshing." In this episode of Contractor Takeover, host Jared Christman of Big State Electric sits down with Chris Summers, Application Engineer with Augmenta, for an insightful exploration into the rapidly evolving world of AI in the electrical industry. Together, they break down what it really means to embrace emerging technology — its strengths, its limitations, and the mindset needed to use it effectively. As Chris shares, “Do deep dives, understand what it can do for you and what it can't do for you. AI, being an emerging technology, is not perfect. It is one where you trust but verify solutions.”

https://sparkys-soapbox.com/ Tune in for a refreshing, forward-thinking conversation that will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to look at AI through a sharper, more informed lens.

#117: Katie Folk Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

"Innovation to me is pushing for change, not just to make your company better but the industry as a whole." On this episode of the Innovation Overload Podcast, we’re joined by Katie Folk, Controller for Kaiser Electric. Tune in to hear how Katie leverages cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation, impact, and industry-wide progress.

#116: Steve Swain Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

“These events are so much more than just booths and classes—they’re about the conversations, the connections, and the energy that push our industry forward.”

Tune in to the Contractor Takeover edition of the Innovation Overload podcast, hosted by Jared Chrisman and Sean Lazarian, with special guest Steve Swain, Project Manager at Swain Electric. This episode spotlights the NECA Convention, showcasing why it’s essential for electrical contractors and industry innovators. Go beyond the booths and classes as the hosts and guest reveal NECA’s true value: networking, exchanging ideas, and a collaborative spirit that drives progress—plus practical tools and cutting-edge technology shaping the future of the industry.

#115: Max Gallaway Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

"Innovation in terms of our industry is crucial. If you are not willing to adapt and learn new things, then you will get passed very quickly." On this episode of the Innovation Overload podcast, we will hear from Max Gallaway, VP, Max Electric, as he discusses the best practices for supply disruption, innovation, and preparing your business for the future.

#114: Eric Smith Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

“It’s great to see the industry introduce and expose some of these technologies — it gets people excited about where we’re headed.”

Eric Smith, president of the Penn State NECA Student Chapter, joins Innovation Overload: Contractor Takeover Edition hosts Jared Christman of Big State Electric and Sean Lazarian of ESSCO to represent his team, winners of the 2025 Electrical Contractor Innovation Challenge. Tune in to hear how Eric’s team and other NECA Student Chapters are leveraging creativity, technology, and collaboration to solve real-world challenges, explore emerging innovations, and develop into the professionals and future leaders the industry needs.

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