Keepin' The Lights On

Hosted by Graybar

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Connecting with the owners and pros who design, build, and maintain our electrical, communications, and industrial world. Join us for a quick podcast you can listen to over your lunch break. We'll discuss new solutions to your project and facility problems over the one thing that brings our crews together: lunch. We'll talk with industry leaders from electrical construction, communications, smart manufacturing, municipalities, building owners and managers, electrical and communications manufacturers, consultants, and anyone else we think can bring new ideas to the challenges we face today.

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 7734 min

Industrial Business Insights with Anne Vranicic, Valin Corporation President

Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give you insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe at https://www.graybar.com/podcast#subscribe.We talk about how retiring talent, supply chain chaos, and digital transformation create opportunities for innovation. We also discuss strategies to adapt workforce gaps, optimize automation, and maintain customer service without sacrificing profitability.Take a listen on your favorite podcast player or right here on YouTube.Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.To reach Anne Vranicic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annevranicic/Learn more about Valin: https://www.valin.com/YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lh-TK_U7zOUTo learn more about the sponsor, nVent, please visit here: https://www.graybar.com/manufacturers/nvent-group/c/sup-nvent-group?utm_source=sponsor link&utm_medium=sponsor_link&utm_campaign=keepin-the-lights-on-2026&utm_content=anne v

May 27, 2026Episode 7630 min

Industrial Automation Trends w Brian Crawford

Explore the world of industrial automation with Brian Crawford on "Keepin' The Lights On." Discover insights into manpower challenges and innovative solutions. Tune in to learn how industries are evolving.Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give you insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe at https://www.graybar.com/podcast#subscribe.Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.To reach Brian Crawford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-crawford-92b92018/Learn more about Shingle And Gibb: https://www.shingle.com/Franklinville Inn: https://www.thefranklinvilleinn.com/Photos of Franklinville Inn from Franklinville.com To see the show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VqtKX4OMfYU

May 13, 2026Episode 7533 min

The Future of Independent Electrical Reps with Jim Johnson, NEMRA CEO

Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give you insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe at https://www.graybar.com/podcast#subscribe.We explore the vital role of manufacturer reps in the electrical industry, their evolving responsibilities, and future trends including technology, demand generation, and strategic planning with Jim Johnson, CEO of NEMRA.Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.comTo reach Jim Johnson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcjohnson/Learn more about NEMRA: https://www.nemra.org/Columbia Club: https://columbia-club.org/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/vlmz5dTPHTM

April 29, 2026Episode 7436 min

Mastering the 8-Day Renovation with the Renovation Hunters Showrunners

In this episode Todd speaks with Hal Shaffer and Chris Filardi, creators of the inspiring show, Renovation Hunters. The show focuses on outdoor family property renovations, community impact, and the importance of relationships and teamwork in complex projects.I’m creating a show newsletter to help me communicate with you the listener/viewer. Please click on the link to sign up for the newsletter: https://www.graybar.com/podcastThank you for listening and please take a moment to rate, and review our show on your favorite app.Renovation Hunters: https://www.renovationhunters.com/Submit a cabin for possible renovation: https://www.outdoorchannel.com/content/renovationhunters/459762Find Renovation Hunter network: https://app.myoutdoortv.com/series/renovationhuntersHal Shaffer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hal-shaffer-70b28457/Chris Filardi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherfilardi/YouTube: https://youtu.be/rz3FDvFBJJEB-Roll Photos and Video are from Renovationhunters.com 2026

April 15, 2026Episode 7323 min

How Foremen Shape a Culture of Learning Ep073 w Heath Blackburn

Heath Blackburn from Wheeler Electric reveals how foremen are pivotal in transforming company culture. By engaging foremen in the Foreman Academy, they fostered a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, proving that foremen are key to driving meaningful change and growth.Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give your insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe here on Graybar.com.To reach Heath Blackburn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heath-blackburn-23804a213/Learn more about Wheeler Electric: https://www.wheelerelectric.com/7N Ranch Resort: https://www.7nranch.com/farmhouse-table-restaurantYouTube: https://youtu.be/Hgf36-a9vv0

March 25, 202618 min

Better GC and EC Relationships with Max Gallaway

In this episode, Max Galloway, VP of Max Electric Inc., shares insights on building strong relationships between electrical contractors and general contractors, navigating complex contracts, and improving collaboration in the construction industry.Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give your insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe here on Graybar.com.Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.To reach Max on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-gallaway-49a78438/Learn more about Max Electric: https://maxelectric-kc.com/YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/QjB4tVmHkNQ

March 11, 2026Episode 7133 min

Is Your Company Culture Nice or KIND? With Andie Herbert and Rachel Gass

In this conversation, Todd Reed engages with Andy Herbert and Rachel Gass from Be Kind Lyfe Consulting to explore the significance of company culture, particularly the distinction between being 'nice' and 'kind.' They discuss how a positive culture can impact business performance, employee engagement, and innovation.The K.I.N.D framework is introduced as a guide for fostering a supportive workplace environment. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness in leadership, the need for continuous improvement, and practical steps for organizations to enhance their culture. Real-world examples illustrate the transformative power of kindness in the workplace. Thank you for listening/watching.Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give your insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe here on Graybar dot com: https://www.graybar.com/podcast#podcastsubscribe?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show_notes&utm_campaign=keepin-the-lights-on-2026&utm_content=kindvsnice.Learn more about Be Kind Lyfe: https://bkndlyfe.squarespace.com/View this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/55QL0hUTpRg

February 25, 2026Episode 7024 min

AI, Innovation, and Culture in Construction with Leah Mack, Allison Smith

In this episode I speak with Leah Mack, a project manager at Allison Smith, about the implementation of AI in the construction industry. We discuss the challenges and successes Leah has experienced while integrating AI into her daily work, the role of the Innovation Institute in her journey, and the importance of company culture in fostering innovation. Leah shares insights on developing AI training for her company, best practices for using AI, and recommendations for contractors looking to adopt AI technologies.Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give your insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe here on Graybar.com. Leah is a project manager at Allison-Smith Company. She works in the Charleston, SC office and has been there for 8 years. Most of her work in project management has been for hyperscale data center construction, both greenfield and renovation work. Prior to that, she was in consulting engineering for 6 years and is currently 1 of only 2 licensed PEs in South Carolina with the NCQLP lighting certification. She is a member of the Franklin Cohort of the NECA Innovation Institute, in addition to serving on the Women In NECA task force.Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.Learn more about Allison-Smith: https://allisonsmith.com/Momo’s in the Park: https://momocharleston.com/Electri International Report on AI Implementation Roadmap: AI Implementation Roadmap for EC – Video introduction: https://vimeo.com/1097929862?fl=pl&fe=sh Research Report: https://www.electri.org/product/artificial-intelligence-implementation-roadmap-for-electrical-contractors/YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/75F3I1kPVU0

February 11, 2026Episode 6944 min

Navigating the Confluence of Construction and Tech with Kassy Slaughter

In this episode, Todd Reed speaks with Kassy Slaughter about the current state of the construction industry, focusing on labor shortages, the impact of technology, and the importance of company culture. They discuss the challenges faced by the industry, including misconceptions about construction careers, the need for a cultural shift, and the role of data and AI in improving workforce engagement. Kassy emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive work environment and the need for actionable steps to attract and retain talent in the construction sector. Kassy shares about one of her favorite restaurants, Iron Bay in Marquette, MI and talks about her favorite pastime, kayaking. Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the show on your favorite app.Here’s where I ask a huge favor from you, I’m creating a newsletter as a way for you to share your thoughts on the episodes, share guest ideas and for me to give you insight into future episodes, and of course share great restaurants with you, please subscribe at https://www.graybar.com/podcast#subscribe.Iron Bay Restaurant in Marquette: https://ironbaymqt.com/ To reach Kassy Slaughter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassy-slaughter-morris-59164020/Learn more about Procore: https://www.procore.com/ On YouTube: https://youtu.be/KJT9ftw3K8I

January 28, 2026Episode 6829 min

Prefab Works! With Brian Yetter, Electrical Contractor

In this episode, I speak with Brian Yetter, a prefabrication manager, about the growing importance of prefabrication in the construction industry. We discuss the challenges and successes of implementing prefab, the significance of communication and collaboration among teams, and how technology is leveraged to improve processes. Brian shares insights on building a culture of innovation and the importance of motivating the next generation of workers in the industry.Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app. REQUEST FROM TODD, YOUR HOST: This is a one-way medium. I share this interview with you but I don’t have an easy way for you to share your thoughts and ideas about the show. I’m announcing a my new Keepin’ The Lights On newsletter. I will summarize episodes, provide insight into future episodes, and of course share a new restaurant idea. Click the Subscribe button and let’s start the conversation. https://www.graybar.com/podcast#subscribe?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=ShowNotes&utm_campaign=2026+Podcast&utm_id=PodcastPanduit&utm_content=068+Brian+YetterTo reach Brian Yetter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-yetter-a6b1802b4/Learn more about Hatzel and Buehler Prefabrication: https://www.hatzelandbuehler.com/prefabrication/YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/2RsDFMx64hoTo get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: podcast@graybar.com