Building Management
The HVAC industry is undergoing significant growth, driven by increased suburban migration and a surge in home renovations requiring system upgrades. The U.S. HVAC market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030. As businesses scale to meet this demand, balancing expansion with retaining strong…
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Building Management
Build a Supply Chain That Bounces Back
In this episode, Aaron Berg explores how River Logic’s value chain optimization platform empowers businesses to stay agile amid real-world disruptions—from global tariffs to port delays, weather events, and shifting demand. By simulating the financial and operational impact of supply chain decisions in real time, companies can rethink sourcing, pricing, and production strategies to protect…
Building Management
From Tariff Shock to Strategic Advantage
In this episode, Aaron Berg reframes tariff disruptions as a strategic opportunity. With River Logic’s value chain optimization solution, companies can quickly model shifts in sourcing, manufacturing, and make-vs-buy decisions to gain a competitive edge. Whether it’s reshoring production or pivoting in response to new trade policies, VCO helps businesses react fast—and capitalize on change…
Building Management
Tariffs Are Changing—Is Your Supply Chain Ready?
Aaron Berg highlights how shifting global tariffs are forcing companies to rethink their entire value chain strategies. With international production, sourcing flexibility, and layered tariff schedules, simple cost assumptions no longer cut it. River Logic’s value chain optimization platform enables leaders to model complex what-if scenarios—like staging production across borders—to find the most cost-effective, compliant…
Building Management
The Mechanics of VCO: Modeling Constraints, Costs, and Markets
Aaron Berg breaks down how River Logic’s value chain optimization (VCO) engine models the full spectrum of operational and financial variables—from manufacturing constraints to supplier contracts and dynamic market conditions. Unlike traditional models that rely on static costs, VCO captures how costs evolve as decisions change—giving leaders real-time insight into the true financial impact of…
Building Management
From Network Design to Profitability: Real-World VCO Use Cases
Aaron Berg dives into the practical power of value chain optimization, spotlighting real-world use cases that drive measurable impact—from network design and manufacturing strategy to strategic sourcing and customer-level profitability. He highlights how River Logic’s VCO solution enables smarter decisions around capital investments, sustainability planning, and last-mile delivery by combining operational and financial modeling. The…
Building Management
Ask Better Questions. Get Smarter Answers. VCO in Action
Aaron Berg illustrates how River Logic’s value chain optimization (VCO) solution transforms strategic decision-making—from plant closures to market expansion. Instead of waiting weeks for spreadsheet-driven analysis, leaders can now simulate complex what-if scenarios in real time. Whether evaluating new customer opportunities or restructuring operations, VCO delivers fast, financially grounded answers that align with both growth…
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Stride at 25: Redefining the Digital Learning Ecosystem for Today’s K–12 Learners
As virtual learning matures and school choice accelerates across the U.S.,the 25th anniversary of Stride Inc. offers a moment to reflect on how far the digital learning ecosystem has come and where it’s headed.. Once known as K12 Inc., the company helped pioneer online education at scale. But in a landscape shaped by evolving…
From Search (SEO) to Answers with Generative AI
In this episode of The Marketing AI SparkCast, Aby Varma—founder of Spark Novus, which partners with marketing leaders to adopt AI responsibly and strategically—hosts Mike Ensing, Founder and CEO of Revere AI. They explore how LLMs are revolutionizing search, shifting the customer journey, and forcing a new marketing playbook where brand discovery is increasingly…
Scale Smarter in HVAC: Balancing Growth with Employee Engagement
The HVAC industry is undergoing significant growth, driven by increased suburban migration and a surge in home renovations requiring system upgrades. The U.S. HVAC market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030. As businesses scale to meet this demand, balancing expansion with retaining strong…
Educational Choice Isn’t Enough—Implementation Will Make or Break It
The U.S. education landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as more states adopt education savings accounts (ESAs), signaling a broader push toward personalized, parent-directed learning and broader educational choice. With over a dozen states now offering universal ESA programs, debates around school choice have reached a new level of urgency. Throughout 2024, enthusiasm for…
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Articles
Balancing Growth and Sustainability in the HVAC Industry: Insights from Sofia Lozoya
In the latest episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, the spotlight shines on overcoming adversity, breaking into new industries, and leading with innovation. With industries like HVAC traditionally slow to adopt change, the conversation focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by integrating new technologies. A growing demand for energy conservation solutions makes the…
Empowering the Next Generation Through Trade Education: Building Confidence, Career Paths, and Bright Futures
The U.S. is facing a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople, a challenge exacerbated by limited early exposure to the trades in schools. With projections showing a steady decline in the availability of qualified workers to support infrastructure and construction, programs like those led by Evin Jarrett are stepping in to bridge the gap. His…
How Relationship-Building was Vital to an Account Manager’s Journey from Technician
The HVAC industry has seen a number of changes in recent years. Many of those changes are due to technology and community increasingly intersecting, and professionals are finding that success lies not just in technical expertise but in the strength of relationship-building. Since automation and mechanical systems become even more complex, the need for…
Sustainability and Innovation in the Data Center Industry: Insights from Rob Ussher
The data center industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, spurred by the challenges of COVID-19 and an intensified focus on sustainable practices. These shifts have prompted innovations in energy efficiency and new strategies in business operations, reshaping how data centers address both technological demands and environmental responsibilities. In this episode of Straight…
Articles
Digital Marketing for the HVAC industry: Why Online Presence is the Key to Business Growth
For HVAC businesses, mastering online visibility and reputation management has become a critical factor in achieving success. With the internet increasingly becoming the first stop for customers seeking services, the practice of digital marketing for the HVAC industry has been gaining traction. Chris Lollini, founder and CEO of Reputation Igniter, specializes in helping businesses…
Navigating Success and Change in the HVAC Industry: Insights from Andy Graham
The HVAC industry is facing a pivotal moment, where the balance between maintaining strong relationships and adapting to new technologies determines the success of companies. With rapid advancements and shifting business dynamics, those who excel are the ones who have mastered the art of connecting deeply with clients and team members alike. But how…
From a Plumber’s Apprentice to Account Management: Leadership and Growth in the HVAC Industry with Jeremy Melton
Leadership in the HVAC industry is more than just managing operations; it’s about inspiring teams, making critical decisions under pressure, and building relationships based on trust. As the industry faces increasingly complex challenges, the need for effective leadership has never been more crucial. What does it take to lead successfully in an industry…
How to Bridge the Gap in HVAC Careers Through Education and Inclusion: Insights from Nicole Bass
In the dynamic world of skilled trades, the HVAC industry is witnessing a significant transformation driven by leaders like Nicole Bass. With a growing emphasis on practical education and the shift in generational perspectives towards career choices, the discussion around HVAC careers is more relevant than ever. Today, we delve into the inspiring journey…
Articles
The Key to Building a Successful Business in the Mechanical Industry: Keeping Employees Happy and Fostering Long-term Relationships
In the latest episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, host Greg Crumpton sat down with Mike Dunn, the President of Rogers Mechanical Contractors. The conversation delved into Mike’s extensive career in the mechanical industry, his leadership style, and the importance of building lasting relationships. During the conversation, Mike shared invaluable insights on the key to…
Straight Outta Crumpton: Transforming Leadership and Fostering Hope with Mikel Bowman
In the latest episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, host Greg Crumpton welcomes Mikel Bowman, founder of Bowman Legacies, to discuss the transformative power of leadership and its crucial role in personal and professional growth. Mikel set up Bowman Legacies during the height of COVID-19, focusing on helping businesses structure the human element of their…
Superior Air Quality and HVAC Systems are Crucial for Senior Care
The demographic shift towards an aging population, projected to reach 27 million Americans in nursing and assisted living facilities by 2050, raises significant concerns about indoor air quality in these environments. With respiratory health already being a critical issue among seniors, the stakes are high for ensuring that HVAC systems are up to par….
The Future of Data Centers: Cooling, Power, and ESG with Saqib Ashraf
In a rapidly evolving data center industry, cooling technologies are finally taking center stage, driven by the rise of AI and other high-density computing needs. In the latest episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, Saqib Ashraf, Director of Solutions Architecture at CPG, shares insights on the future of data centers as well as the challenges…
Latest Podcasts
Building Management
Scale Smarter in HVAC: Balancing Growth with Employee Engagement
The HVAC industry is undergoing significant growth, driven by increased suburban migration and a surge in home renovations requiring system upgrades. The U.S. HVAC market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030. As businesses scale to meet this demand, balancing expansion with retaining strong…
What is Value Chain Optimization—and Why It Matters Now
In this episode, Aaron Berg breaks down how value chain optimization (VCO) extends beyond traditional supply chain models by integrating operational decisions with real financial impacts. He explains how VCO enables companies to rapidly simulate “what-if” scenarios—like onboarding new customers, shifting production, or adjusting sourcing contracts—while understanding profitability at every level. From strategic sourcing to…
Warehouse Automation Rollout That Works: Align Teams, Focus on Workflows, Skip the Feature Trap
Automation is rapidly gaining momentum in the warehouse and logistics world, but meaningful, scalable success remains elusive. While the technology is reliable and the benefits are clear, a mere 20% of warehouses in North America have implemented any type of automation, according to a 2024 McKinsey report. While the majority of logistics and supply chain…
Adaptive Warehouse Automation Is Your Edge in an Unpredictable Environment
As consumer expectations for rapid delivery tighten supply chain timelines, warehouses face a logistical balancing act: they must move goods faster while dealing with labor shortages and ever-changing operational environments. Unlike manufacturing facilities, which thrive on predictable workflows, warehouses change minute by minute based on human activity, delivery windows, and inventory flow. Reflecting this operational…
Building Management
Robot Safety Is a Survival Skill—Not a Perk. Vecna Robotics Aligns People, Process, and Tech for Scalable and Safer Automation
Warehouse automation is rising sharply, with Gartner predicting that more than 75% of companies will have integrated cyber-physical systems into their operations by 2027. While this growth is driven by increasing demand for flexible, scalable fulfillment solutions, it brings new operational and robot safety challenges that traditional warehouse cultures and systems aren’t always prepared for….
Lone Robots Fall Short, but Fleets Scale Warehouse Automation: Robot Orchestration Makes It Work
As supply chains face mounting pressure to meet faster delivery times and adapt to shifting global demands, robotics and automation are no longer optional—they’re essential. According to McKinsey, automation technologies could increase worldwide productivity by 0.8% to 1.4% annually. But the real payoff isn’t in deploying a robot—it’s in building a coordinated, intelligent fleet….
Scaling Warehouse Automation with Robots Demands Alignment, Education, and Collaboration for ROI Success
In a logistics landscape where labor shortages persist and pressure to optimize warehouse throughput intensifies, many organizations are looking to automation as a solution. Yet, despite growing investments in robotics, especially autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), scaling warehouse automation remains a major challenge. The problem? It’s not the robots. It’s how they’re used. So, what really…
Vecna Robotics Powers Scalable Warehouse Automation Through Human-in-the-Loop Support
Warehouse automation is no longer a fringe concept—it’s accelerating fast. According to McKinsey, robot shipments are expected to grow by as much as 50% annually through 2030, and warehouse automation spending is rising by over 10% each year. As companies race to modernize operations, it’s becoming clear that real performance doesn’t come from hardware alone——it’s…
Building Management
Vecna Robotics’ CaseFlow Is Making Case Picking Smarter, Safer and Faster
Despite the growing buzz around warehouse automation, a major piece of the puzzle remains largely untouched: case picking. While autonomous vehicles and robotic arms are gaining traction, many warehouses still depend on manual labor to move cases from shelf to pallet. This inefficiency not only slows down throughput but also places strain on workers…
Vecna Robotics CaseFlow Transforms Warehouse Operations with Automated Case Picking
As supply chains become more complex and labor shortages persist, warehouse operators are under mounting pressure to do more with less. In many facilities, over half of a worker’s time is spent not on picking items, but simply walking — an inefficiency that costs time, money, and morale. At the same time, the demand…
Hiring for Values, Investing in Mentorship, and Leveraging Tech Boosts Retention and Workforce Stability in the HVAC Industry
The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry is experiencing significant growth, with the U.S. market projected to reach over $32 billion in 2024 and expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% between 2024 and 2030. This expansion is driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient systems, advancements in smart technologies, and…
People-Centric Leadership in Action: The Engineered Cooling Systems(ECS) Story
A strong workplace culture rooted in people-centric leadership is essential for retaining top talent and driving business success. Recent data shows that only 33% of employees in the U.S. feel engaged at work, underscoring the need for companies to foster environments where people thrive. This episode of Straight Outta Crumpton explores how one organization…
Latest Videos
Building Management
Build a Supply Chain That Bounces Back
In this episode, Aaron Berg explores how River Logic’s value chain optimization platform empowers businesses to stay agile amid real-world disruptions—from global tariffs to port delays, weather events, and shifting demand. By simulating the financial and operational impact of supply chain decisions in real time, companies can rethink sourcing, pricing, and production strategies to protect…
From Tariff Shock to Strategic Advantage
In this episode, Aaron Berg reframes tariff disruptions as a strategic opportunity. With River Logic’s value chain optimization solution, companies can quickly model shifts in sourcing, manufacturing, and make-vs-buy decisions to gain a competitive edge. Whether it’s reshoring production or pivoting in response to new trade policies, VCO helps businesses react fast—and capitalize on change…
Tariffs Are Changing—Is Your Supply Chain Ready?
Aaron Berg highlights how shifting global tariffs are forcing companies to rethink their entire value chain strategies. With international production, sourcing flexibility, and layered tariff schedules, simple cost assumptions no longer cut it. River Logic’s value chain optimization platform enables leaders to model complex what-if scenarios—like staging production across borders—to find the most cost-effective, compliant…
The Mechanics of VCO: Modeling Constraints, Costs, and Markets
Aaron Berg breaks down how River Logic’s value chain optimization (VCO) engine models the full spectrum of operational and financial variables—from manufacturing constraints to supplier contracts and dynamic market conditions. Unlike traditional models that rely on static costs, VCO captures how costs evolve as decisions change—giving leaders real-time insight into the true financial impact of…
Building Management
From Network Design to Profitability: Real-World VCO Use Cases
Aaron Berg dives into the practical power of value chain optimization, spotlighting real-world use cases that drive measurable impact—from network design and manufacturing strategy to strategic sourcing and customer-level profitability. He highlights how River Logic’s VCO solution enables smarter decisions around capital investments, sustainability planning, and last-mile delivery by combining operational and financial modeling. The…
Ask Better Questions. Get Smarter Answers. VCO in Action
Aaron Berg illustrates how River Logic’s value chain optimization (VCO) solution transforms strategic decision-making—from plant closures to market expansion. Instead of waiting weeks for spreadsheet-driven analysis, leaders can now simulate complex what-if scenarios in real time. Whether evaluating new customer opportunities or restructuring operations, VCO delivers fast, financially grounded answers that align with both growth…
Smart HVAC Strategies for Large Commercial Properties
In the latest episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, host Martha Lewis welcomes Colin Trudo, Senior Director of Training and Marketing at BMS CAT, to dive into the often‑overlooked world of HVAC maintenance and its critical intersection with disaster restoration. With over 20 years of field experience—from air‑duct cleaning to large‑scale catastrophe response—Colin brings a…
Vecna Robotics Unveils CaseFlow: The Robotic Case Picking Solution Beating Manual Labor by 2X
Vecna Robotics recently introduced CaseFlow, a transformative robotic case picking solution that redefines warehouse operations by seamlessly pairing human pickers with autonomous pallet jack robots. The result is a dramatic leap in productivity, efficiency, and scalability for modern distribution centers. Announced by Chief Marketing Officer Josh Kivenko, CaseFlow directly tackles one of the industry’s most…
Building Management
GEODIS Onsite: How CaseFlow, Wearables, and CPJs Are Transforming Warehouse Operations
At one of GEODIS’ technology-enabled warehouse sites, a blend of smart automation tools from Vecna Robotics—including CaseFlow, wearables, and compact pallet jacks (CPJs)—is reshaping how work gets done on the floor. These tools are improving both operational efficiency and the day-to-day experience of warehouse associates. The wearable interface simplifies the picking process by guiding…
GEODIS Unlocks Smarter Warehouse Operations Using CaseFlow Case Picking Solution
GEODIS, a global leader in logistics and distribution, has long relied on case and pallet picking as a core part of its warehouse operations. Seeking to reduce manual travel and improve fulfillment speed, the company implemented CaseFlow, Vecna Robotics’ intelligent case picking solution. Andy Johnston, Senior Director of Design Engineering & Innovation, and Steve Elsbury,…
GEODIS Achieves Safer, Smarter Fulfillment with CaseFlow Warehouse Automation System
As one of the world’s leading logistics providers, GEODIS is no stranger to innovation. In a testimonial, Steve Elsbury, Senior Operations Manager at the company, shared how CaseFlow, an advanced warehouse automation system, has become a game-changer for their warehouse operations. Elaborating on their experience, Elsbury emphasized how CaseFlow helped transform their case-picking approach. By…
CaseFlow by Vecna Robotics: Smarter, Safer Case Picking with Robotic Orchestration
At ProMat 2025, Vecna Robotics introduced CaseFlow, a next-generation case picking solution that combines robotic automation with real-time orchestration to deliver faster, safer, and more efficient warehouse operations. Presented by Senior Product Manager Rebecca Li, CaseFlow is designed to more than double productivity while reducing labor costs and improving safety, without the need to overhaul…
