Keepin' The Lights On

Hosted by Graybar

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Aug 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

August 12, 2026Episode 8139 min

Rethinking Data Center Builds with Rob Conrad

In this episode, Rob Conrad, Director of Pricing and Channel Marketing at Legrand North America, shares insights on the challenges and innovations in data center development, including size, complexity, and sustainability. Discover how industry trends are shaping the future of data infrastructure and what manufacturers and contractors are doing to keep pace. 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 Rob Conrad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-conrad-9234352/ Learn more about Legrand (episode and show sponsor – thank you) and they’re work with Data Centers: https://www.legrand.us/markets/data-center?utm_source=show_notes&utm_medium=show_link&utm_campaign=2026-2027_sponsorship&utm_content=rob_conrad SADO in St Louis: https://www.sado-stl.com/ YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/z7pR8AAqWQc

July 22, 2026Episode 8031 min

EC Construction Tech Workflows w Melissa Dixon

Unlock the secret to transforming the construction industry—where communication silos and outdated workflows are holding everyone back. Melissa Dixon, shares her grounded insights on how digital workflows are reshaping project efficiency from the field to the office—and why adapting now matters more than ever. Construction projects often still rely on scribbles, phone calls, and guesswork, which creates delays, rework, and frustration. Melissa explains why digitization has been slow to catch on, and what’s finally helping teams move toward smarter, more connected ways of working. From field-to-office collaboration to AI-assisted invoice matching and site mapping, she breaks down the practical tools that are making a difference. You’ll discover: How systems thinking is changing the way construction teams approach the full project lifecycle Why digital tools need to fit existing workflows to actually get adopted How better content, metadata, and data quality strengthen AI and connected workflows Real examples of AI helping with search, matching, and documentation Why construction leaders need both top-down support and field-level buy-in to drive change Melissa also shares her perspective on BIM, model-based procurement, labor data, pre-construction planning, and the importance of balancing detailed data with simplicity for the people using it every day. If you work in construction, project management, or any role touched by workflow efficiency, this conversation offers a clear, practical look at how digital transformation is unfolding in the real world. It’s not about hype — it’s about making work easier, faster, and more accurate across the entire supply chain. 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. Learn more about Trimble: https://www.trimble.com/en/industries/construction Gino’s On the Point: https://ginosrestaurants.co/gino-at-the-point/ YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/6fPk92sTLks Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Panduit

July 8, 2026Episode 7935 min

Economics and the Electrical Supply Chain w Chris Sokoll

In this episode, guest Chris Sokoll, president of DISC Corp, a leading provider of electrical wholesale industry economic forecasting discusses the critical role of electrical distribution in the US economy. He also covers the importance of data integrity, and future trends like clean energy and infrastructure upgrades. 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 . To reach Chris Sokoll on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiansokoll/ Learn more about DISC Corp: https://disccorp.com El Tiempo Cantina: https://eltiempocantina.com/ Ninfa’s: https://ninfas.com/ Truth BBQ Houston: https://truthbbq.com/

June 24, 2026Episode 7852 min

Going The Middle Mile w Walt Donovan

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 . In this episode, Walt Donovan, VP of Strategic Partnerships at DYCOM Industries, explains the concept of the middle mile in data infrastructure, its challenges, and future prospects. Discover how this critical component impacts data flow across the country and what the industry is doing to overcome current obstacles. Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app. To reach Walt Donovan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walt-donovan-36a9063/ DYCOM Industries: https://dycomind.com/ The Sicilian Butcher: https://thesicilianbutcher.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/z6H8MwCkGig

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_U7zOU To 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.com To 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/podcast Thank 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/459762 Find Renovation Hunter network: https://app.myoutdoortv.com/series/renovationhunters Hal 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/rz3FDvFBJJE B-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-restaurant YouTube: 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