Beers with Engineers

#60 – Elliot McAllister: Butterfly net for alien microbes Elliot McAllister, founder and CEO of Skyphos Technology in Blacksburg, Virginia, and winner of a Beers with Engineers T-shirt giveaway for being the 1,001st connection. We discuss hands on tinkering and cycling the Iditarod Trail. Engineering wise, we discuss materials science and microfluidics. Sorry, but you’ll have to listen to find out how aliens and butterfly nets fit in. Likes Two-hearted IPA He didn’t choose engineering, it chose him. Elliot and Bert are both cyclists. Elliot wanted to be a bike designer Worked on an all-wheel drive bike. Raced a bike on the Iditarod trail. Story about 1988 Giro d’Italia, “The Day the Strong Men Cried” Materials are always important. Got the idea for his company Skyphos during a class in microfluidics. Similar to electronics but typically much smaller volumes. Why sneakers squeak. Elliot first saw ET while wearing a red sweatshirt. National Outdoor Leadership School in Pacific Northwest Volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and uses the Habitat Restore Worked a few years as a roofer. Hiking and skiing with his 3 kids. Analysis of warmest sleeping positions Elliot’s company - www.skyphos.tech Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#59 – Brogan Miller: Being Uncomfortable is Good Brogan Miller is the founder of Doula Studios where he bills himself, accurately I might add, as a doula for early stage hardware start-ups. We cover many topics, including our favorite beverage while camping and why manufacturing is more difficult than design. Brogan is a Gaelic name A brogue accent is mostly Irish but also in parts of Scotland Brogan’s definition of engineer – they are innately curious and try to actually explore that curiosity by using or creating tools within their local environment. Went to Stanford and coaches students groups there. He is a doula for early stage hardware startups. He is both an engineering and emotional doula. He needs his clients to be coachable. Part of his job is finding out what their genius is. Running a start-up involves balancing responsibilities to your employees and your capital providers. Sometime good enough is good enough. Spent some valuable and productive time in Vietnam researching companies. More than 50% of manufacturing is cultural. “I firmly believe manufacturing is more difficult that design” He makes himself uncomfortable – it helps him grow. Chocolate Bailey’s Irish cream is very good. Brogan’s company - www.doulastudios.com Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#58 – Wyatt Bonicelli: Birds – Natural and Manmade Wyatt is a structural engineer for Boeing in Oklahoma, helping maintain the KC-135 fleet. Unsurprisingly, he enjoys military aircraft, and we later learn of an affinity for more natural birds. Throw in a couple SEO companies that he operates and we had a lot of interesting things to talk about. Be sure to check out the SR-71 speed check story, which is mentioned but not told. It is worth it. Prefers beers from Prairie Bomb! in Oklahoma. We have learned a lot since the de Haviland comet. Air Force One is whatever plane the president is on. “Air Force One” movie from 1997. Harrison Ford was the president who was kidnapped. Before doing SEO, he did rank and rent to help local contractors. There’s white hat, black hat, and gray hat SEO companies. Google’s motto was “Don’t be evil” Google doesn’t want SEO, they want you to buy ads. The fundamentals of SEO are keywords and link building There is an A-12 airplane, similar to, but not an SR-71, at the Intrepid Air & Space Museum. SR-71 speed check story “A Higher Call” – World War 2 pilot story. Another book - Skunk Works Called skunk works because it smelled bad nearby. Re-fueling the SR-71 is pretty hard and dangerous. Wyatt enjoys leatherwork as a hobby. “Listers” A documentary about competitive bird watching. Wyatt’s Companies – www.EvolveAgencyOK.com and www.churchSEOservices.com Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#57 – Dave Cooper: Navigating from student to engineer Dave Cooper went from barely graduating high school to teaching university engineering students. In between, he was a navigator for the Marines and worked on refrigeration systems for NASA. We also learn that Dave and Bert share an affection for animated cubic sponges with a palindromic name. He hopes to soon form a father/son engineering team. Also: After leaving Marines, he decided to study aeronautical engineering largely because it was first alphabetically. Switched to mechanical because aeronautical engineering wasn’t available at the university he chose. Loved learning in college; in high school, not so much. Design project was a UAV. As a teacher, Dave struggled with fighting cheating. Students were more interested in the grade than in the learning. He still has a sextant. Started his own firm a few months ago and wants to work with his son. A lot of the world suffers from short-term thinking. Found his technical expertise was secondary to relationships. Linked In is useful for networking. Likes jujitsu and it is good for networking. The more fun you are having, the quicker you pick up a new skill. Dave and Bert both like SpongeBob SquarePants Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#56 – Doug Katz and Gordon Downey: The Tony Stark of Adaptive Products Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Nulu Knives: https://nuluknives.com/ BWENULU2026 to save on a Nulu knife Doug Katz – wouldn’t name children Alley or Tom Gordon Downey considered April Fresh and Summer Breeze for his twins Doug went to West Point Gordon is an industrial designer but started studying advertising Was also a commercial photographer. Industrial designers need to know a bit about engineering BUT Engineers need to know a bit about industrial design. Their Nulu knife is based on the ulu knife used by eskimos. Part of the motivation to make the knife was Doug’s shoulder problems. It also works with people with mobility problems and vision impairment. The Nulu requires macro body movement more than micro body movement. Knife technique is very important to chefs. Grip strength is a good indicator of life expectancy. Looking to get into markets where people use knives all day long to prevent repetitive stress injuries. One challenge is it is tough to sharpen. Gordon plays guitar. Doug is a failed musician. Steve Zhan would play Gordon movie. Robert Downey, Jr would play Doug, who wants to be the Tony Stark of adaptive products and was an extra in “Rampage” Nulu Knives: https://nuluknives.com/ Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#55 – Howard Silverstein: Sometimes it just Clix Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Likes to drink a black and tan Tonight, opening a bottle of 18 year old Macallan Has a mechanical mind but is not handy with tools. Likes to keep it simple. “Yes if…” not “No because…” The business card holder he worked on. They invented “Clix” to fill boats with gas without spilling. It’s more than just a funnel. For some reasons boat openings are different from cars. Also applies to construction vehicles and more. “The day you stop learning is the day you start dying.” Won Innovation Award of the year at the International Boat Builder’s Exposition. All attendees were happy to see them win. Never say no. Compromise? Maybe. Three rules Trust no one. If you think you are perfect, you are not. If when you do your job, you’re not making the next person’s job easier, you’re not doing your job. He is a gamer. Likes Project: Gorgon Would enjoy living in Israel or Ireland. Howard’s product, clix – www.clixfueling.com Promo code: 10OFF Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#54 – Naeem Turner-Bandele: His plan is electrifying Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Likes to drink Ginjinha, a Portuguese cherry liqueur Wanted to be a professional soccer player. Moved to Brazil and discovered power outages were frequent. Then he got a serious concussion and pivoted to wanting to start an energy technology company. From no interest in engineering to getting a PhD. He is known for being a man with a plan Dissertation topic was integrating renewables into the electric grid His company, Latimer Enterprise, is named for Lewis Howard Latimer About lights bulbs not lasting a long time: it was called the Phoebus cartel. The power industry treats customers as load, not as a customer. He works with the customers as customers and people. Naeem ran track in addition to soccer. 200/400 double vs 400/800 double in track Renewables are a challenge to the grid but the big issue is still storage. Get an energy audit! Naeem can help. Naeem is a big movie fan. Recommends the movie “Sinners” – vampires in the Jim Crow south Naeem loves “Citizen Kane”. Bert – not so much. Naeem’s company and email: www.LatimerEnt.com, [email protected] Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#B5 – Josh Weaver: Engineers/Christmas Josh is Bert’s nephew for this Christmas themed podcast Josh is drinking a Bell’s Lighthearted IPA. Bert is enjoying a Bailey’s Irish Cream. One semester as a computer science major. A few years as a commercial painter but did not see it as a long term thing. Started working for his step-father’s manufacturing company. Forgive the dog sneaky toy in the background. Josh “sequestered” the dog and the toy. Works for Oster Manufacturing. They make pipe threading equipment, not toasters. Josh helped out a woman who sent them her can opener. He spent about 15 minutes at Mt. Rushmore. His wife makes an awesome cheesecake. The Poochie story – Uschold family lore. Josh enjoys rock crawler radio control cars. He loves the classical Christmas songs and versions. Bert hates Neal Diamond Christmas songs

#53 – Stan Leong: Engineering Your Finances Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Stan is a Buffalo Bills fan, like Bert. Electrical engineer from Cornell Likes how the simple things of electronics build into complex things. Was laid off the week after he bought his first house. Saw a financial job on Monster.com (remember that?) Got all his clients through cold calling So miserable his wife handing out resumes to engineering companies. 15:00 After a rough start, he now loves his career- and is still using his engineering skills. Engineers are good with numbers, unless there is a dollar sign before them. Don’t own too much of your company stock. It is easy to buy stock, it is hard to sell it. Great book – “Millionaire Next Door” The threshold for an accredited investor hasn’t changed. Is active in ju-jitsu and it’s the hardest thing he has done. Right now he is cautiously optimistic about investing. Stan’s book – www.engineeringyourfinancesbook.com Get a free copy - [email protected] Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com

#52 – Therese Miclot: The Engineer Whisperer Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Drinking a Spotted Cow, available only in Wisconsin. Observed her mom who struggled with bad bosses. Got intrigued by the psychology of work. First job at a heavy engineering company – Rockwell Found leadership and communication skills lacking in engineers. But both are important even if you don’t want to go into management. “The Trusted Advisor” by Maister, Green, and Galford Engineer should look at changing habits as expanding their range. Dual career path options still exist for engineers. Business cards aren’t dead yet. Openness to receive feedback is a fuel for growth Peter principle is still in existence, commonly in fast growing companies. Therese gives the skill necessary to move into senior management. Steve Jobs was a good leader despite being a jerk, not because of it. Sometimes engineers need to be quiet Milwaukee is a great town and a lot of manufacturing Indianapolis is not bad either. Fun activities at the racetrack Daytona Speedway also has great activities. Work on human interactions to future proof yourself. Engineers are facilitators. Therese’s website – www.ThereseMiclot.com Therese’s book – The Facilitation Advantage Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com

Show Notes #51 – James Kell: Seven continents without trying James lives on the beach in Bondi, Australia He could be a wedding crasher without making up occupations Likes to do fasting 36 – 72 hours Studied engineering in Germany but went into construction He eats Vegemite and teaches the secret of eating it. Australians also check to see if water swirls the other direction in the toilet when crossing the equator. Won an Australian Shark Tank contest. His construction company built Apple stores Scratchie app makes safety about reward and punishment McDonald’s stores in Australia are using it. He has been to all seven continents Three tips for Antarctica Go at start of summer Go to Ushuaia, Argentina with no ticket and get an open seat. Go to South Georgia, Island We discuss Ernest Shackleton “South: The Endurance Expedition” by Ernest Shackleton “Adventure is just a lack of planning” Volunteer lifesaver Read Self Determination Theory by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci James’s company - https://www.scratchie.com/ James’s email – [email protected] Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com

Bonus Episode #4: Year 2 Jokes Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop In this bonus episode all of the jokes from the second year of the podcast are compiled in one place. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Enjoy! Bert's company - www.dexterityeng.com Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#50 – Charles Gillis, P.E.: Engineering and art Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Drinking a Start Line IPA in honor of his hometown, Hopkinton, where the Boston Marathon starts. His mom knew he would be an engineer long before he did. Has an interest in art, but isn’t an artist Artist and engineers both combine existing things in new and interesting ways. Worked controllable pitch propellors First job at Gillette. Everything is fascinating if you look at it close enough Bert gets corrected - Nypro was assembling Gillette, not Bic shavers. The mystery of razor blade profit margin. Has engineered several pieces of kinetic art around Boston. To be a PE or not to be a PE. Teaches GD&T – there is a big need for it – and related courses. Was able to wean off of Gillette before going fully into training Sometimes you should make your own datum. Likes to write in his spare time. Charles' Company www. dynamicdesignconsulting.com Charles blog www.thebasicdimension.com/ Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#49 – Scott Bruneau: A traditional non-traditional engineer Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop an engineer is somebody who makes precise guesswork based on unreliable data provided by people with questionable knowledge. Studied nuclear engineering in high school. Yes, high school. Buuuut, got his engineering degree late in life. An early position was in quality – to get to know the parts – because that group knows them best. Worked on drill rigs – building and using. Buying Delaware metals was a legacy decision, not a financial one. AeroGrowth has helped his business grow. Ownership will give you humility. Quoting production jobs was a big learning curve They are very transparent about prices and costs Also wants to partner with other shops. Demand is high. He’s working a lot of hours: his systems are good but not all the right people yet. Needs good machinists, not just operators. Interdependent, not co-dependent Likes the mental discipline of golf Not a fan of Nicholas Cage Books: “Good to Great” Jim Collins “The Goal” Eli Goldratt “12 Rules for Life” Jordan Peterson “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” Steven Covey Scott’s Company – www.delewaremetals.com AeroGrowth – www.aerogrowthllc.com Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#48– Bob Bouthillier: Innovation Requires Disobedience Merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Like father, like son. His father was an electrical engineer. But started college as a pharmacist Did quality inspection of guns – including a Howizter cannon. He can assemble guns fast – not quite as fast as Forrest Gump. Inspecting ball bearings – stains vs pits. His podcast summarizes books on innovation. Just as generals are well prepared for the last war, CEOs operate in a similar way. You don’t get real innovation without disobedience. Treat AI like an intern. Gell-Mann amnesia Effect – be careful trusting AI. His AI prompts are longer than the output. Pro2Health – inspiratory muscle trainer The Houston Rockets tested it. Plays the piano – had played professionally in bands. Neuro transformation therapy – cures PTSD Recommendations for engineers Learn python Learn agile techniques Learn to use large language model Learn to build agents with LLM. All the books: “Apple in China” by Patrick McGee “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell “The Happiness Hypothesis” and “The Righteous Mind” by Jonathan Haidt “Switch” by Chip and Dan Heath “A Higher Call” by Adam Makos “Loon Shots” by Safi Bahcall AI Human Fusion” by Leanne Shelton Bob’s Podcast - “Innoguide” Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#47 – Jordan Poots: He’s good at maths. Beers with Engineers merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Mechanical engineer from Northern Ireland Who quickly went into software. Maths or math? Well, it is mathematicS. UK still has a mix of English and metric He was into AI before it was cool. Studied vehicle on-ramp merging Can change the car from altruistic to individualistic behavior Still interested in mechanical engineering, such as FEA. One use of AI for engineers is as a chatbot for help with software. AI makes arithmetic mistakes – it is know to struggle with it Evolutionary algorithms are a type of AI. Computers beat humans in chess and go. Poker is next. Jordan loves solving hard problems By his own accord, he is determined (or is it stubborn). He is a coffee nerd and won’t admit how much he paid for his coffee maker. Jordan sleeps like a baby – in the good way. Young engineers need to take risks. Try and find out. Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".

#46 – Noel LaFlamme: Hammer and Forge Metallurgist Beers with Engineers merchandise - www.beerswithengineers.shop Always interested in how things work and making it better. Which led to blacksmithing - by way of archery Made arrowheads out of rebar. Which (of course) led to a sword. Rules of thumb for temperature of steel. Blacksmithing is a hobby that makes a few bucks. Specialty is chef’s knives Good knives are tapered from spine to edge and from bast to tip. YouTube videos on knife making are a mixed-bag. 1st job out of college was at a venture capital firm. Left to be more involved in the actual creation. Three most important factors for a startup – the team, the team, and the team. Good innovation often comes from startup pivots. “Getting around” patents Really enjoys flyfishing – and makes his equipment Did fly fishing make Ted Williams a great hitter or vice versa. Craft food for the movie filming of Moonrise Kingdom was in his front yard. Apolo Anton Ohno is often confused for … Apolo Anton Ohno. Reach Noel at www.Laflammeforge.com Bert’s Company – www.dexterityeng.com Hat tip to Joseph McDade for free use of his music "Mirrors".