Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Paul Crocker, Sr. Reliability Engineer at ReliabilityX about "Cultural alignment with your reliability strategy".

Paul Crocker emphasizes the importance of storytelling and podcasting for creating human connections in business, especially in the context of AI. He suggests using Industrial Talk as a platform to amplify voices and build resilient businesses. Crocker discusses his career journey, starting with the Board of Public Utilities in Kansas City, Kansas, and his role in implementing Maximo systems for reliability and maintenance. He highlights the need for effective training and cultural alignment between operations and maintenance. Crocker also touches on the challenges of sustaining success and the potential of AI to assist in maintenance processes.

Outline

Podcasting as a Marketing Strategy

Scott emphasizes the importance of storytelling and podcasting to create a human connection with the market.
Podcasting is recommended as a marketing platform to open doors and create long-term relationships.
Industrial Talk is suggested as a platform to amplify voices and promote business resilience.
Scott encourages businesses to consider podcasting to tell their story and build trust with their audience.

Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast

Scott humorously questions the year and the background noise, setting a casual tone for the podcast.
The podcast is broadcasting on-site at SMRP, with Speaker 1 mentioning the reliability and asset management focus.
Scott humorously comments on the lack of carpet and the constant backing up of forklifts, adding to the informal atmosphere.

Paul Crocker's Background and Career Journey

Scott introduces Paul Crocker, who has been in the hot seat 27 times, and comments on his changing appearance.
Paul Crocker shares his career journey, starting with the Board of Public Utilities in Kansas City, Kansas.
He describes his transition from administrative services to power generation, working with heavy equipment.
Paul pursued a Bachelor of Science in Network and Communication Management and later took over the maintenance department.

Transition to ReliabilityX and Maximo Implementation

Paul discusses his role at ReliabilityX, focusing on training and assessments, particularly EAM implementation.
He mentions the Maximo mass nine rollout for half of the utilities plants in Missouri, with plans to expand to Kansas.
Paul highlights the importance of training and the support from top management in ensuring the success of the training programs.
He emphasizes the need for a culture shift and proper training to avoid pushback from the crafts.

Challenges and Solutions in Training and Implementation

Scott and Paul discuss the different types of training, including system training and reliability training.
Paul explains the importance of integrating system training with reliability training to ensure practical application.
He shares his approach to training, focusing on the day-to-day life of maintenance supervisors and crafts.
Paul emphasizes the need for basic pieces like work initiation and asset location hierarchy to be right before adding more complex features.

Addressing Resistance and Sustaining Success

Scott and Paul discuss how to address resistance and sustain success in training and implementation.
Paul mentions the importance of having supervisors who can identify and engage problematic individuals.
He highlights the need for top management support and the role of supervisors in ensuring the system works well.
Paul shares his experience with user acceptance testing and the visual cues that indicate successful training.

The Role of AI and Future of ReliabilityX

Scott and Paul discuss the potential of AI in improving reliability and maintenance processes.
Paul views AI as an assistant that can provide better answers than Google but acknowledges its limitations.
They discuss the importance of understanding operations and maintenance working together and the challenges of disconnected management.
Paul emphasizes the need for passionate doers in the organization and the role of leadership in fostering a culture of innovation and improvement.

Passion and Innovation in Manufacturing

Scott and Paul discuss the importance of passion and innovation in manufacturing and industry.
Paul shares his experience in the water and utilities sector, highlighting the complexity and importance of water systems.
They discuss the need for better public perception of the value of water and the challenges faced by water and wastewater treatment plants.
Paul emphasizes the importance of accurate and reliable operations in water systems to ensure public health and safety.

Conclusion and Contact Information

Scott wraps up the conversation, highlighting the importance of storytelling and human connection in business.
Paul provides his contact information, including his email and LinkedIn profile, for those interested in learning more about ReliabilityX.
Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Paul and to consider podcasting on Industrial Talk to amplify their voices.
The podcast ends with a plug for the SMRP event and the importance of attending industry events to network and learn.

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!

PAUL CROCKER'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pcrockerkck/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reliabilityx/posts/?feedView=all Company Website: https://reliabilityx.com/

PODCAST VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/yAftrBuEEL8

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