Greg Crumpton on why relationships are the foundation of business
Straight Outta Crumpton is hosted by Greg Crumpton and built around a single premise: relationships drive business. Each week, Crumpton explores the art of professional networking, speaking with influential leaders about how they build and sustain the relationships that grow their careers and organizations. The show is produced by MarketScale and serves B2B professionals who recognize that deals and opportunities rarely happen without trust built over time.
Follow the channel
Get new Straight Outta Crumpton episodes in your inbox.
Subscribe to follow the conversation. We send a short note when new episodes and contributions go live.
Episodes
Why the Modern Data Center Is Forcing Communities and Policymakers to Rethink Infrastructure
Data centers have moved from largely invisible digital infrastructure to a highly visible source of public debate as artificial intelligence accelerates demand for power, fiber, and compute capacity. The modern data center is now being built closer to population centers to suppor
Blue-Collar, High-Voltage, and High-Stakes: Rebuilding the Workforce Pipeline with Skilled Trades Mentorship at TradeMentor
The skilled trades are getting squeezed from both sides: demand is rising—driven by grid upgrades, battery storage buildouts, and the reshoring of manufacturing—while the workforce pipeline keeps narrowing. Across construction, manufacturing, and other skilled trades, employers a
Why Leadership Without Humanity Is Failing Today’s Workplace
As the world faces historic labor shortages, an increase in burnout, and record-high turnover, organizations are confronting a leadership reckoning. In May 2024, Gallup found that more than 50 percent of U.S. employees were actively searching for new jobs or watching for openings. Taken together, these trends signal a clear and growing breakdown in…
Why the Trades Need a Cultural Reset to Attract and Retain the Next Generation
The skilled trades are at a critical crossroads. According to an August 2025 report from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), the number of women working in construction and extraction occupations rose to 366,360 in 2024, the highest level ever recorded. Yet despite that growth, women still account for only about 4.3% of construction…
Five by Five Leadership: Why Purpose, Warmth, and Clarity Matter More Than Ever at Work
For the first time in history, workplaces now span five generations, forcing leaders to rethink long-standing assumptions about motivation, communication, and career growth. As Gen Z enters the workforce, they bring expectations shaped by a desire for meaningful work, clear development paths, and work-life balance—rather than traditional, one-size-fits-all career ladders. In an era marked…
The Next Data Center Bottleneck Isn’t Power or Cooling — It’s People: The Data Center Workforce
With the rapid rise of AI workloads, data centers are being built with higher power density, stricter reliability expectations, and cooling technologies that are evolving faster than most teams can adapt. As a result, these facilities aren’t just getting bigger—they’re becoming harder to operate, harder to staff, and far less forgiving when something goes…
Field Service Growth Depends on Leading With People, Not Just Technology
Skilled trades are facing accelerating retirements, rising customer expectations, and rapid advances in AI—putting the field service industry at a critical inflection point. Industry estimates suggest millions of frontline roles could go unfilled over the next decade, even as technology promises to automate more tasks than ever before. The stakes are high: decisions made now…
HVAC Thrives on People-First Leadership, Not Just Technical Know-How
The skilled trades are undergoing a shift as experienced workers retire faster than new talent enters the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for HVAC technicians is projected to grow 8% by 2034. That’s much faster than average — and shows the urgency of attracting and keeping new talent. While…
From Hands-On to High-Tech: How Innovation Is Transforming the Next Generation of Trades Talent
The skilled trades are facing a turning point. With a rapidly retiring workforce and an ever-growing demand for infrastructure, HVAC, and electrical expertise, the U.S. is experiencing a talent gap that’s becoming impossible to ignore. Looking ahead to 2026, industry analysts anticipate the construction sector will need to recruit nearly half a million new workers,…
AI Is Forcing a Rethink of Data Center Infrastructure at Every Level
The data center industry is being redefined by AI’s demand for faster, denser, and more scalable infrastructure. According to McKinsey, average rack power densities have more than doubled in just two years. It went from approximately 8 kW to 17 kW, and is expected to hit 30 kW by 2027. Global data center power demand is projected…
Rob Paylor’s Mindset Masterclass After a Life-Changing Rugby Injury: Rise, Recover, and Redefine What’s Possible
Every year, an estimated 17,000 Americans suffer spinal cord injuries, many of which permanently alter the course of their lives.. For former collegiate rugby player Rob Paylor, a devastating injury left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors told him he would never walk or move his hands again. But instead of accepting that fate,…
HVAC Safety Reform with Fallon Dyle: Rethinking Chemical Practices and Tackling Hidden Health Hazards in the Field
As HVAC systems evolve and health concerns take center stage, the industry is being forced to reckon with more than just performance specs. A growing threat from resilient biofilms, coupled with widespread misinformation about chemical cleaners like bleach, is pushing technicians and manufacturers to reexamine how they approach safety and maintenance. Reports have emerged…
Soft Skills, Real Impact: Rethinking What Makes Talent Stand Out with Client Success Executive Ben Brandon
Work feels different today. Conversations about AI, hybrid schedules, shifting career paths, and talent shortages aren’t just industry headlines—they’re shaping everyday decisions for workers and employers alike. As people rethink what they want from their careers and companies rethink what they need from their teams, one theme keeps rising to the surface: the skills that…
Heating Up the HVAC Industry: Closing the Gaps in Mentorship, Training, and Trust with Joshua Griffin
A rapidly changing HVAC industry is being shaped by refrigerant shortages, a deepening labor gap, and shifting expectations from homeowners. With refrigerant regulations evolving and long-trusted standards like R410A being phased out, contractors and technicians are navigating not only technical complexity, but also a growing need to rebuild trust and transparency with customers. The…
Redefining Talent Solutions in the AI Era: Soft Skills, Purpose, and Flexibility at the Center of Career Growth
As careers become less linear and more purpose-driven, workers are increasingly drawn to environments that value adaptability, culture fit, and soft skills for career growth. These capabilities are proving just as critical as technical expertise, especially as AI, remote work, and flexible paths reshape the labor market. According to McKinsey, 70 percent of workers…
Great Leaders Share Knowledge, Build Trust, and Empower Future Talent
The conversation around skilled trades is shifting fast. After decades of “college for all” messaging, trade school enrollment is climbing steadily, signaling a renewed respect for hands-on, high-skill careers that literally keep the world running. In commercial HVAC and mechanical service, this change is not just academic — it’s shaping the next generation of leaders…
Building Success from the Ground Up: How GreenTeam Found Its Niche in Commercial Infrastructure
Aging infrastructure and growing urban demands are straining America’s commercial facilities. But specialized service providers like GreenTeam are stepping up to fill these gaps. With over 5.9 million commercial buildings in the U.S., many facing deteriorating plumbing and utility systems, the need for reliable, professional contractors has never been greater. This latest episode explores…
Grit, Growth, and Gaining Ground in a Male-Dominated Field: What It Means to Be a Young Female Tech in HVAC
As America ramps up its focus on rebuilding infrastructure and domestic manufacturing, the skilled trades are finally getting their moment in the spotlight. With a national labor shortage in HVAC and related fields, companies are hungry for the next generation of technicians—and women are stepping into the space like never before. Only 2 percent…
AI in HVAC Speeds Up Troubleshooting, Automates Training, and Connects Techs to the Right Data Instantly
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming field service operations across skilled trades, and HVAC is no exception. AI in HVAC is reshaping how technicians access information, troubleshoot systems, and stay productive on the job. As the industry faces an ongoing labor shortage and rising equipment complexity, the need for smarter tools is urgent, especially as…
Passing the Torch: Why the Skilled Trades Must Build a Culture That Protects Technician Wisdom
The skilled trades are facing a demographic cliff. The reality is that far fewer people are entering the trades than leaving, creating a widening gap that threatens the stability of critical infrastructure across the U.S. At the same time, younger generations are bringing different expectations around work-life balance, culture, and purpose. As a result, service…
Targeted HVAC Training Boosts Careers, Retention, and Service Quality
The HVAC industry is evolving quickly, from advanced controls to new refrigerant standards, yet one principle remains timeless: skilled technicians are the backbone of the trade. What is changing is how companies are preparing those technicians for long-term careers through focused HVAC training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the…
The Next Era of Workplace Safety Demands Stronger Leadership & Higher Safety Standards
Workplace safety is no longer just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about fostering a proactive culture of risk management and innovation. With ongoing discussions around the future of OSHA and the rise of AI-driven safety solutions, industries are reevaluating their approach to keeping workers safe. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), workplace fatalities have…
Women in HVACR Are Driving Change Across the Skilled Trades
Trade school enrollment climbed 4.9% between fall 2020 and fall 2023, signaling a national shift toward skills-based careers as alternatives to four-year degrees. This modest but meaningful rebound underscores growing interest in trades like HVACR, where demand is high, but representation remains lopsided. For decades, women in the field have been overlooked despite playing…
Turning a Career Pivot into Award-Winning Success in the HVAC Industry with Chloe Glynn
Breaking into a technical field of industrial sales without prior experience is a huge challenge. But someone like Chloe Glynn achieved such a feat and turned an accidental career pivot into an award-winning profession. As many industries continue to shift towards relationship-driven sales strategies, Glynn’s journey offers a blueprint for success in a…
Women in HVAC: Pioneering Change in a Male-Dominated Industry
The HVAC industry is evolving, and with it, the roles within the sector are expanding beyond traditional boundaries. Amid rising tuition costs and strong demand for skilled labor, young people are increasingly choosing trade schools over a traditional college education. With such a shift highlighting the need for a more diverse workforce, the questions…
A Greener Future in HVAC: Balancing Innovation and Environmental Responsibility with Mike Donahue
In an industry grappling with unprecedented changes, from liquid cooling innovations to bridging labor gaps, the HVAC world is evolving rapidly. With sustainability and efficiency becoming central themes, it’s a critical moment for rethinking solutions and workforce development. The stakes are high—data centers alone, for instance, are expected to account for 3-4% of global…
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…
Building Trust and Simplifying Stories Strengthens Public Relations Strategies
Companies that master transparent communication and authentic messaging gain crucial competitive advantage in earning consumer confidence
Hiring for Values, Investing in Mentorship, and Leveraging Tech Boosts Retention and Workforce Stability in the HVAC Industry
Strategic hiring practices and structured mentorship programs help mechanical contractors combat labor shortages while building sustainable teams
People-Centric Leadership in Action: The Engineered Cooling Systems(ECS) Story
Organizations that prioritize employee engagement unlock retention rates and growth that competitors struggle to match
HVAC Workforce Culture: Recruit with Purpose, Retain with Care
Skilled trades face a critical retention crisis as retirements vastly outpace new workers entering the field
Building a Skilled Trades Workforce: Certifications, Simulation-Based Training & Reskilling with SkillCat
Digital training and placement platforms are helping industries bridge a critical gap in skilled trades talent
Building Trust in Real Estate Through Quality Services and Client Education
Clients entrust companies with major investments, making transparency and quality service the foundation of competitive advantage in property markets
Data Center Sector Opens Doors for Non-Traditional Career Seekers
Rapid expansion in data centers is creating unexpected opportunities for workers without traditional tech backgrounds to fill critical roles
Early Education in Skilled Trades Opens Doors to Solving Workforce Shortages
Hands-on classroom experiences are proving key to filling the nation's critical shortage of skilled trade workers
Balance HVAC is Raising Industry Standards Through Quality, Transparency and Customer-Centric Approach
As indoor air quality concerns mount, one Florida-based contractor is proving that prioritizing health standards and honest service can reshape customer expecta
Balancing Growth and Sustainability in the HVAC Industry: Insights from Sofia Lozoya
A marketing leader reveals how the HVAC industry can modernize faster despite mounting labor shortages and resistance to change
Empowering the Next Generation Through Trade Education: Building Confidence, Career Paths, and Bright Futures
A growing worker shortage is pushing educators to introduce career pathways in trades earlier than ever before
AI in Construction: Building a Future with Collaborative Tech Solutions
The construction industry stands to capture billions in value as intelligent systems reshape how projects are planned, executed, and managed
The Future of Digital Infrastructure Lies in Stability of Sustainable Technology
As global data demands explode, organizations must balance rapid innovation with the infrastructure stability required to sustain long-term growth
Sustainability and Innovation in the Data Center Industry: Insights from Rob Ussher
Data center operators are rebalancing operational demands with environmental accountability through efficiency-driven innovation
Building Efficient and Engaged Blue-Collar Workforces Begins with Leadership Rooted in Personal Development
Leaders who invest in their teams' growth can bridge the manufacturing skills gap while cutting turnover and boosting productivity
Exceptional Customer Service in Healthcare is the Cornerstone of Building Patient Trust
Patient satisfaction directly impacts healthcare provider selection and recovery outcomes, making service quality a competitive differentiator
Skilled Workers Thrive Where Craftsmanship, Integrity, and Relationships Align
When professional values and human connection become the foundation, skilled tradespeople unlock their full potential and drive industry growth
Transform Construction Careers with Grit and Creative Campaigns to Close the Gap
A severe workforce shortage is forcing the construction industry to rethink how it attracts and retains talent for the next generation
The Collective Responsibility to Promote Skilled Trades: Why Society Needs to Highlight the Trades as a Respected Career Path
A severe workforce shortage is forcing industries to reconsider their perception of what constitutes a meaningful and lucrative career
The Intersection of Art and Activism Brings Power with Edwin Gil
A former refugee's mission to harness creative expression as a tool for building stronger, more inclusive communities
Making the Transition From Technician to Manager: A Career Evolution in HVAC
Technical expertise alone isn't enough to lead in HVAC's evolving landscape, requiring hands-on professionals to master new competencies
Navigating Success and Change in the HVAC Industry: Insights from Andy Graham
Balancing traditional client relationships with emerging technologies proves essential for competitive advantage in the heating and cooling sector
From a Plumber’s Apprentice to Account Management: Leadership and Growth in the HVAC Industry with Jeremy Melton
How one tradesman's unconventional rise reveals the leadership qualities that matter most in mechanical contracting
A Skilled Trades Career Provides a Future-Proof Path
Younger workers are increasingly turning away from four-year degrees to pursue careers that guarantee stable income and immediate job prospects
How to Bridge the Gap in HVAC Careers Through Education and Inclusion: Insights from Nicole Bass
A veteran industry leader shares how practical education and inclusive recruitment strategies are helping fill the skilled trades worker shortage
Straight Outta Crumpton: Transforming Leadership and Fostering Hope with Mikel Bowman
A founder explains how intentional leadership becomes the catalyst for unlocking human potential within organizations
Innovative Training Programs Make Successful Skilled HVAC Professionals
As HVAC systems grow more complex, strategic training approaches are bridging the gap between workforce shortages and technological demands
The Future of Data Centers: Cooling, Power, and ESG with Saqib Ashraf
AI-driven computing demands force data centers to rethink cooling strategies while balancing power consumption and sustainability goals
Reducing the Gap in Skilled Trades Can Be Solved by Boosting Trade Education Initiatives
A generational workforce exodus is forcing industries to rethink how they attract and prepare the next generation of skilled workers
Bridging the Skills Gap: SkillCat’s Mission to Revolutionize Trade Education with Brendan Arsenault
A digital platform is helping fill millions of unfilled trade jobs by making skilled training more accessible and affordable to workers nationwide
Harnessing Technology for a Brighter Future: Insights from Nabeel Mahmood
A technology leader reveals how rapid innovation can bridge educational gaps and build more inclusive communities worldwide
Technology and Education at a Crossroads: Tech Creates Jobs, But Can Education Keep Up? Time to Reform
As technology reshapes the job market faster than schools can adapt, leaders debate whether education systems need a complete overhaul
Empowering Leadership and Effective Delegation with Dallas Burnett
Leaders who master delegation unlock exponential growth by transforming their teams into independent decision-makers
Legal Business Development: Authentic Relationships Can Foster Trust and Long-Term Relationships
Building genuine client connections proves more valuable than transactional interactions in the competitive legal services market
The Leadership Succession Crisis can be Solved by Instilling Leadership Skills in Employees from Day One
Early leadership development bridges the gap between today's workforce and tomorrow's management needs
Learning Through Life’s Lessons: An Insightful Conversation with Mike Leissa on Straight Outta Crumpton
As our world grows increasingly interconnected, the importance of leadership and personal growth has never been more critical. In an era where technology is shifting the landscape of industries and human interaction, there remains a timeless need for genuine connections, empathy, and values-based leadership. This is the theme of a recent episode of Straight…
Humanizing Communication at toth shop
Sometimes the greatest inspirations occur in the wee small hours of the night. Time: 2 a.m. on May 23, 1912. Place: Hungary, the village of Paczin. Her decision was to leave the only home she’d ever known to escape an arranged marriage and the unsettling events in eastern Europe, soon to be engulfed in…
Advocating for Skilled Trades
Internationally, skilled trade jobs face various stigmas and poor advocacy. Canadian stigmas around the trade industry parallel similar thoughts in the US. So, how does advocacy help fight these assumptions? What does engaging advocacy look like? And after many years in the trade industry, how are professionals catering to new prospects and attracting new…
Early Trade Training Through Apprenticeships for Young Students
So, what does early trade training look like? This episode offers a first-person point of view on advocating for trades from a fresh trade apprentice. Since 2012, there has been a 64% increase in trade apprentices (US Department of Labor). How are young people getting attracted to trade training and apprenticeships? What makes them choose…
Shaping the Welding Industry with Critical Education
Working in a field, such as the welding industry, where you have the responsibility to teach comes with a personal reward. In fact, one of the most rewarding professions is being a teacher. So, when one is a teacher in a niche area that requires hands-on learning, such as welding, it’s only natural that educators…
Opportunities for Women in the Trucking Industry
While women comprise nearly half of Canada’s workforce (47%), only three percent of women make up the number of Canadian truck drivers. While the number of women getting their commercial driver’s licenses has increased since 2010, there is a long way to go to realize the potential of women in the trucking industry. The…
Doing it All Made Easy the Mitch Joel Way
Mitch Joel is a disruptor in the thought leader space. Through his ThinkersOne website, Joel helps businesses connect with the most influential thought leaders in all industries. And Joel’s other site, Six Pixels of Separation (also the title of Joel’s bestselling book), brings insights on brands, consumers, technology, and how connected the world’s become. With…
The Value that Exists in Trades as a Career Choice
A university degree has been the traditional career path method for decades. But things are changing, and trade schools are becoming more popular, with good reason. Trades can offer faster pathways to a career, stable pay, and better flexibility than the normal 9 to 5. As newer generations approach their futures differently, trades are becoming…
The Impact of the Chip Shortage on Vehicle Life Cycles
Alliance DriveAway Solutions is a logistics company. As Lijun Ji, CEO at Alliance DriveAway Solutions, puts it, DriveAway is like ordering an Uber for machinery. Their solution focuses on the transportation of class A trucks. Ji spoke with Tyler Kern and Greg Crumpton about her business and its unique offering in the marketplace. When a…
Building Relationships the Family Way
Is it time to reveal some family secrets? Greg Crumpton navigated some familiar waters with his latest guest, his sister, Angela Leissa, or as Crumpton calls her, Dr. Leissa. Leissa, a retired Primary/Secondary Education Professional, was a former DeKalb County, Georgia School System Principal for thirty years. On Crumpton’s show, he often discusses professionals who…
The Leadership Lessons to Learn from the World of Ballroom Dancing
The way relationships maintain in the world of ballroom dancing is a unique aspect in its own. Professional ballroom dancer Kristie Simmonds discusses with Straight Outta Crumpton hosts Greg Crumpton and Tyler Kern. From Sydney, Australia, Simmonds entered into her professional career at 18 where she moved to Europe to train and compete. “I…
Apprenticeships are Vital in Developing the Next Generation of Workers
Trevor Matthews worked in refrigeration until he admittedly, lost his joy. Greg Crumpton refers to it as a complacency rut, “in a rinse repeat cycle.” Today Matthews, Founder of Refrigeration Mentor, has re-sparked his joy. “Refrigeration Mentor started because I have a passion for the refrigeration industry,” said Matthews. He recognized a void in…
Surrounding Yourself with a Strong Team to Revitalize a Company
In this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, Greg Crumpton spoke with Wendy Staso to learn more about her incredible journey leading Huckestein Mechanical Services from insolvency to becoming a member of the Service Logic family. Staso discussed her journey from working in the energy division of Westinghouse at the beginning of her career to…
Encourage Students to Follow Experience Versus Pay at First
To say Manette Morrow is actively living and pursuing the American dream is an understatement. As owner of The Perfect Assistant Consulting, which provides administrative, familial and organizational services for executives, Morrow is also a real estate agent, philanthropist for Sunset Community Farm, educator, former airline attendant, Uber driver, mom, and all-around hard worker….
Balancing Work, Life and Networking in Today’s Job World
Hosts Tyler Kern and Greg Crumpton welcome Sarah Clark Hopfer, Geographic Marketer at Dixon Hughes Goodman, who has known Crumpton for a long time. The pair met at a Thanksgiving dinner and have since become friends who happen to work together. Crumpton was impressed with Hopfer’s ingenuity, and he started recruiting her for his…
Bridging Communication Gaps to Build a Stronger Business
Greg Crumpton lives by a simple mantra: Relationships drive business. Each week on Straight Outta Crumpton, Crumpton dives into the lost art of networking and speaks with the biggest influencers in business services to learn how they build, nurture and value their professional relationships. On this episode of “Straight Outta Crumpton” Greg Crumpton hosts…
Finding Common Ground Over Coffee
Coffee is more than a beverage. It’s a culture to many, and for some, it’s their livelihood. TJ Fairchild, founder and owner of Commonplace Coffee, is an old friend of Greg’s and shared his nearly 20-year love affair with coffee culture. Fairchild met Greg in 1999, as he was working at a coffee shop outside…
How to Build Sustainable Relationships in Business
While the world of business continues to change and evolve, one thing remains the same. Success depends greatly on relationships. No matter your industry or role, you can’t achieve your goals without building relationships. Cathy Feil O’Donnell, a long-time media sales account executive, offered her perspective on how people are doing business today. O’Donnell is…
Sharing Knowledge is the Foundation of Business Relationships: Straight Outta Crumpton
Relationships in business have always mattered, maybe even more so now, as organizations drive to innovate and engage. Finding the right connections can impact what happens to ideas. Molly Pedemonte, a business consultant with a high aptitude for strategic change, serves as a TPG Consulting Director. She works with companies to identify what’s working and…
How to Maintain Business Relationships During the Pandemic: Straight Outta Crumpton
Straight Outta Crumpton is a podcast that is all about building and fostering relationships in business and life. But as the coronavirus pandemic has altered our normal patterns and habits, how can we ensure that relationships are still a key part of our lives? Greg Crumpton was joined for this episode by Howie Barber,…
Anyone Can Learn Business, Be Creative: Straight Outta Crumpton
There is so much information at our finger tips that people think they are experts in everything which can cause confusion for interior designers. On this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton, Greg Crumpton & Tyler Kern sit down with Paige Adair, Interior Designer at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, to talk about the evolution and…
Leveraging LinkedIn as a Business Tool, It’s Where Networking Happens in 2020
Most people look at LinkedIn as their professional social media space, best used when looking for a new role. There are currently over 675 million users on the platform, which means that it’s much more than a job board; it’s where relationships can be started and built. On this episode of Straight Outta Crumpton with…