Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Julian Knabe, Senior Director with Fluke about "Leverage AI and Technology to adapt and evolve to market demands".

The conversation features Scott Mackenzie from the Industrial Talk podcast discussing the Fluke Xcelerate event in Austin, Texas, with Julian Knabe, a finance professional at Fluke. Julian shares his experience transitioning from cost-cutting to strategic finance, focusing on growth and customer impact. He highlights Fluke's extensive product portfolio, including over 50,000 SKUs, and identifies high-growth markets like data centers, distributed energy, renewables, and defense. The discussion emphasizes the importance of AI and technology in enhancing efficiency and customer workflows, and the need for companies to adapt and innovate to meet evolving market demands.

Outline

Fluke Xcelerate Event Overview

Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting the Fluke Xcelerate event in Austin, Texas.
The event focused on reliability, predictive maintenance tools, and AI diagnostics.
Fluke's commitment to smarter, faster, and reliable operations was emphasized.
Listeners are encouraged to visit fluke.com for more information.

Introduction to Julian Knabe

Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast and celebrates industry professionals.
Julian Knabe, a finance professional from Fluke, is introduced as the guest for the podcast.
Julian shares his background, including his recent move to Fluke and his previous roles in Europe and the US.
Julian discusses his transition from cost-cutting to strategic finance at Fluke.

Market Landscape and Growth Areas

Julian explains Fluke's extensive product portfolio with over 50,000 SKUs.
He identifies high-growth markets such as data centers, distributed energy, renewables, and defense.
The importance of innovation and the need for fast customer support in these markets are discussed.
Julian highlights the role of Fluke's tools in helping customers maintain smooth operations.

Challenges and Solutions in Data Center Maintenance

Scott and Julian discuss the challenges of maintaining data centers, including power needs and cooling capabilities.
Julian emphasizes the importance of preventing disruptions to ensure smooth operations.
Fluke's portfolio of devices and solutions play a crucial role in maintaining data center reliability.
The conversation touches on the evolving nature of the data center market and the need for continuous innovation.

Fluke's Adaptability and Innovation

Julian credits Fluke's teams for their ability to adapt to rapid changes and maintain high operational speed.
The company's flexibility and adaptability, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, are highlighted.
Fluke's brand recognition and reputation for reliability are discussed.
The increasing role of software in Fluke's product offerings is noted.

AI and Technology Integration

Scott and Julian discuss the integration of AI and technology in Fluke's solutions.
The importance of understanding customer workflows and simplifying their processes is emphasized.
Fluke's AI innovations, including AR and AI offerings, are mentioned.
The conversation highlights the role of AI in enhancing efficiency and learning within the industry.

Future of Work and Talent Retention

Julian discusses the importance of attracting and retaining talent in the industry.
The role of technology in making work more efficient and accessible for younger professionals is highlighted.
The conversation touches on the need for companies to invest in and support the development of new skills.
The potential for AI to bridge the knowledge gap between older and younger technicians is discussed.

Distributed Energy and Market Trends

Julian shares insights on the growth and challenges of the distributed energy market.
The importance of flexibility and competitive advantages in the energy market are discussed.
The conversation touches on the impact of global events, such as the crisis in the Gulf region, on the energy market.
The role of new technologies, such as small nuclear power plants and fusion energy, in the future of energy is highlighted.

Fluke's Market Presence and Customer Satisfaction

Julian discusses Fluke's presence in various markets, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and defense.
The company's reputation for reliable products and customer satisfaction is emphasized.
The conversation highlights the importance of listening to market needs and continuously innovating.
Julian shares his pride in working for a company that makes customers happy and proud of their products.

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Scott and Julian discuss the importance of inspiring the next generation of industrial leaders.
The conversation emphasizes the need for consistent communication and storytelling within the industry.
Julian shares his excitement about the future and the potential for exponential growth in technology.
The podcast concludes with a call to action for listeners to connect with Julian and stay tuned for future updates from Fluke.

If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

JULIAN KNABE'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianknabe/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/ Company Website: https://www.fluke.com/

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Julian Knabe with Fluke