20. No magic paint (Feat. Eric Zimmerman and Jeremy Sukola)

Water/wastewater operator customers are asking some strange questions lately. To experts Jeremy Sukola and Eric Zimmerman, it’s as if they’re asking for magic paint. In this episode, we identify an emerging demographic trend and the knowledge gap it’s created. Then, Jeremy and Eric explain why the best ways to close that gap are to have hard conversations early and be involved in educating the next generation.

Also, Eric imagines a driving range on the Mayflower and takes a bold stance against eggnog.

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 03:08 – Strange questions from customers
• 05:44 – Understanding capabilities and tackling misconceptions
• 08:00 – A generation of seasoned professionals is retiring out
• 10:18 – Part of a familiar trend
• 12:20 – The influence of project schedule pressure
• 14:18 – Capabilities of coatings/linings are limited
• 18:34 – Economic decline brings new contractors into industry
• 20:04 – Manufacturers as problem solvers and honest brokers
• 24:11 – Breaking barriers to knowledge sharing
• 29:35 – Benefits of industry involvement
• 33:12 – Gaining credibility by saying no
• 37:57 – Avoid 99% of problems with early collaboration
• 40:00 – Four questions