Innovation Overload

Latest Episodes:

#113: Leah Mack Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

"It's ok to be afraid. It's not ok to do nothing with it." In this installment of the Innovation Overload podcast, we learn about exploring groundbreaking technologies from Leah Mack, Project Manager at Allison-Smith Company. Leah discusses the industry's evolution and what's to come. Plug in and stay ahead with insights that spark real change.

#112: Contractor Takeover for Convention Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

"It’s like a shopping mall full of construction tools and services." In this Contractor Takeover edition of Innovation Overload, hosts Jared Chrisman and Shawn Lazarian preview the upcoming NECA Convention & Trade Show and unpack the tech trends shaping the future of the electrical industry. From AI-powered workflows to VR productivity tools and smart safety gear, they explore how innovation is evolving at a rapid pace—and how these trends will be front and center at the convention. Listen now and stay ahead of the curve!

#111: Ron Bailey Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

"Don't sit in the palace, but get outside and walk the grounds." In this latest episode of Innovation Overload, General Ron Bailey will share insights on the critical role leadership plays in driving innovation.

#110: Gilbert Coronado Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

"Innovation isn’t just about new ideas—it’s about creating value where others haven’t looked yet."

In this episode of Innovation Overload: Contractor Takeover Edition, Gilbert Coronado, Account Executive at NavVis, dives deep into the world of reality capture and scanning technology. Drawing from his experience leading high-speed scanning initiatives on complex projects, Gilbert shares how SLAM-based LiDAR systems are transforming the way contractors capture, process, and apply spatial data.

From handheld devices to cloud-based workflows, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about innovative jobsite documentation and digital construction tools.

#109: Phil Matthews, Andy Sellers, and Michael Parkes Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

"I think change is inevitable. If we don't change, we're going to be left behind, especially in the world that we're in right now." In this episode, hosts Andy Sellers, Management Executive at Quality Electric, and Phil Matthews, Vice President of Operations Support at O'Connell Electric, sit down with Michael Parkes, President and COO at O'Connell Electric. Together, they explore how the electrical industry is adapting to rapid technological change—from AI and automation to workforce development and leadership. Along the way, they share powerful stories of innovation, legacy, and the bold decisions that have shaped their companies. It’s a forward-thinking conversation filled with real-world insights and strategies for staying ahead in a fast-moving industry.

#108: Contractor Takeover - Aaron Graven and Brian Dilley Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

“We just bit this elephant off and kept chunking it—one piece at a time.” In this episode of Innovation Overload, Contractor Takeover, hosts Jared and Sean welcome Aaron Graven, Senior Virtual Construction Engineer, and Brian Dilley, Director of Construction Services at Lake Erie Electric. Together, they explore how this established electrical contractor is embracing innovation through advanced BIM workflows and a hands-on approach to prefabrication. Packed with practical insights, proven strategies, and a lot of fun—this is one you won’t want to miss. Want more? Catch the extended cut at sparkys-soapbox.com for even deeper insights and behind-the-scenes details.

#107: Todd Grossweiler and Eric Spaeth Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

"I encourage everyone as a call to action to stay engaged not only with your companies but also with your peers in the industry. We can achieve much more together than we can alone." In this episode of the Innovation Overload Podcast, Todd Grossweiler from the Allison-Smith Company and Eric Spaeth from The Brandt Companies discuss strategies for doing more with less.

#106: Contractor Takeover - Mica Ashmore May 23, 2025

Show notes

"We are a system—not just silos. We’re an ecosystem, a biological organism. When you move one lever, it affects another."

In this episode of NECA’s Innovation Overload: Contractor Takeover Edition, Mica Ashmore, Strategic Business Integration Manager at Alterman Electric, shares how embracing systems thinking can transform the way electrical contractors operate. Drawing on insights from his cross-functional leadership role, Mica explains how breaking down silos and viewing the organization as an interconnected ecosystem leads to smarter planning, better communication, and meaningful innovation.

#105: Mike Oakes, Ian Andrews, and Josh Bone May 09, 2025

Show notes

“I look at so much of this and think we’ve institutionalized so much. We’ve got to get used to faster rates of change, be more open, and keep our eyes open to what’s next.”

In this episode of the Innovation Overload Podcast, guest host Mike Oakes, President of First Choice Electrical Solutions, sits down with Ian Andrews, Executive Director of Field and Industrial Labor Relations, and Josh Bone, Executive Director of ELECTRI.

Together, they explore how labor and the union are adapting to the evolving jobsite. From smarter tools and emerging technologies to workforce shifts and changing expectations, they unpack the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry—and share how leaders can stay ahead in a fast-moving, competitive landscape.

#104: The Past Years Change in AI - Rise of the Models Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

“You can't go open a magazine article, you can't go to a conference without being slammed with 'AI', but no one understands what's going on under the hood.” Join Contractor Takeover hosts Jared Christman of Big State Electric and Sean Lazarian of ESSCO as they break down the buzz around artificial intelligence, explore its real-world applications in electrical construction, and uncover how contractors can make the most of this evolving technology.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected