Wade Trim's Innovation Alley

Hosted by Wade Trim

Technology

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Episodes

Latest episode

Mar 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

A monthly podcast focused on innovations that impact infrastructure projects and how Wade Trim might apply the technology to best serve our clients and their projects.

Listen to episodes

19 recent

October 21, 202626 min

Insights from Water Tunnel and Surge Infrastructure Experts

Wet weather tunnels play a crucial role in water management, capturing overflow and transporting water to treatment plants to prevent flooding and environmental damage. In this episode, Dave White, Wade Trim’s Wet Weather Practice Lead, is joined by guests Sam Glovick, Wade Trim’s Advanced Hydraulics Technology Lead, and Florida International University’s Dr. Arturo Leon, Associate Professor of Hydraulic Engineering, to explore the complexities of evaluating such tunnels. The conversation highlights both historical and modern approaches to understanding surge phenomena and air-water interactions that can lead to dramatic events like manhole geysers.

March 2, 2026Episode 1847 min

What Utility Directors and All Leaders Can Learn from Eddie Fontanin

Brevard County, FL, Utility Services Director Eddie Fontanin shares lessons learned throughout his career, from time on the consulting side to becoming a public sector leader. Leading with clarity, honestly, and heart, he has developed a grounded perspective on what truly drives effective leadership.

November 11, 202537 min

The Growing Momentum of Collaborative Delivery: How Florida is Leading the Way

In this episode of Innovation Alley, Tim O'Rourke, CTO, hosts a panel in Manatee County, Florida, to explore the growing momentum behind collaborative delivery in public utility projects. The discussion features Chris Collins (Deputy Director of Utilities, Manatee County), Bob Bruner (Regional Manager, Archer Western), and Dennis Prevo (Collaborative Delivery Practice Lead, Wade Trim), each offering unique perspectives from the owner, contractor, and engineer sides.

June 26, 202535 min

Innovative Strategies for Population Growth in Hillsborough County, Florida

In this episode, Tim and Hillsborough County, Florida's Assistant County Administrator, George Cassady discuss innovative ways the County is responding to population growth and how the County keeps water safe and flowing in the aftermath of hurricanes.

December 20, 202430 min

New Regulatory Drivers and Emerging Technologies in PFAS Treatment

The water industry is never stagnant. New regulations continuously come about to meet new water issues. One significant area of concern that has gained attention in recent years is the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used in a wide variety of consumer products and industrial applications since the 1940s. In this episode of Innovation Alley, Dave White is joined by experts from Wade Trim and Aqua-Aerobics to discuss regulatory drivers and emerging technologies aimed at treating and destroying PFAS.

July 25, 202456 min

A Comparison of Innovative Regional Water Authorities

In this episode, we hear from two leaders of regional water authorities that serve different areas and populations in the United States. Suzanne Coffey, Chief Executive Officer of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), and Diana Smillova, Division Manager of Water/Wastewater Capital Programs of the City of St. Petersburg, Florida share their insights on how they collaborate with other stakeholders, plan for long-term sustainability, and leverage technology to improve efficiency and resilience.

March 20, 202441 min

Innovations in Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment technologies, such as aerobic granular sludge (AGS) continue to evolve to meet new regulations and affordability concerns. In this episode of Innovation Alley, we’ve brought together representative from two heavily involved groups: the engineering community and equipment systems suppliers to share insights on this important topic.

March 7, 202449 min

Artificial Intelligence

This episode of Innovation Alley focuses on artificial intelligence. Hosts Tim O’Rourke and Dave White are joined by artificial intelligence experts from YegaTech for a discussion on how AEC firms can navigate the world of AI and leverage this important tool to enhance business and bring value to clients.

November 28, 202337 min

The Evolution of Engineering

University of Michigan Civil/Environmental Engineering Professor Glen Daigger, Ph.D., returns to talk with hosts Tim O'Rourke, PE, and Dave White, PE, about the evolution of engineering, tools various stakeholders bring to the decision-making process, and the advancement of AI and automated processes in the industry.

September 7, 202331 min

The Water Tower's Vision for Innovation

Co-hosts Tim O'Rourke, PE and Dave White, PE are joined by Melissa Meeker, Chief Executive Officer at The Water Tower for a discussion on The Water Tower's mission and vision for creating a thriving ecosystem of water innovation fueled by imagination, informed by research, and powered by pioneers. Melissa shares the history of The Water Tower, and how The Water Tower supports workforce development, and innovation, and discusses how companies can be involved in the cutting edge research being led by The Water Tower experts.