Join Joel Leonard in Verona, Italy at EuroMaintenance Conference

Joel Leonard just got approved to present at the May 12-14 Euromaintenance Conference in Verona, Italy. And he is extending a hearty welcome for others to join him fight the maintenance crisis on the worldwide stage in front of thousands of engineers, managers, execs from all over the world. Flights and accomodations can be researched and reasonable, and there will sure to be some very interesting entertainment, food, wine, and most importantly valuable information to digest and leverage to maximize business performance. For more information on EuroMaintenance Conference check: http://www.euromaintenance.org/
Want to learn more about Verona, Italy?

Would YOU like to be on SkillTV?

Have a solution to fix the Maintenance Crisis?

Want to share your story and frustrations about the difficulty to repair and upgrade maintenance performance?

Are you fearful of the future without qualified maintenance and reliability technicians pipeline and willing to share your pain?

Do you have ideas and willing to share with the growing SkillTV audience?

Just contact Joel Leonard at (336) 338 1011 or email at Joel@SkillTV.net

Campaigning in New Hampshire

 

While New Hampshire is no stranger to campaigning but last week was the first time that a southerner came to Nashua to evangelize Maintenance and work to resolve the Maintenance Crisis. With lots of boilers, compressors, aging bridges, tunnels, buildings, New England needs lots of maintenance and lots of future workers with average age of technicians and facilities engineers, managers being over 50, we must build a pipeline of workers quickly. Above Wayne Saya Regional Vice President for New England greets Joel Leonard and invited him to speak to AFE Chapter leadership at their AFE New England Board Meeting at the Common Man Restaurant,http://www.thecman.com/ in a renovated 18th century building. What a fitting place to walk on the same ground that other US revolutionaries walked to advance competitive performance strategies.

Crossing barriers- Letter from Boston Chapter of AFE

Jeff Myrdek, AFE Chapter Secretary shares thoughts at CB Richard Ellis Sponsored AFE Meeting in Waltham, Mass.





December 19, 2009

Joel Leonard
Maintenance Evangelist
SkillTV.net

Dear: Joel

I have finally had a break in the action over the last couple of weeks since your event in Waltham. I want to send along this thank you letter on behalf of Chapter 37 for your speaking engagement. I have received positive feedback from our group and others in attendance. My goals in setting up this event were two fold, first I wanted to expand our membership base by offering a first rate speaker. Secondly, I wanted to provide a means of exposure for you to our area to spread the important message regarding your efforts and the challenges in the facilities profession. From my standpoint, both goals were accomplished.

He is a direct quote from one of the board members comments, “Joel’s disarming approach to address a complex issue was a breath of fresh air. He seems to be a lone wolf trying to get our youth to understand the long term opportunities and rewards of getting into facility work. We find the same issue in the trades. Maybe Joel’s next mission will be to promote the benefits, fiscally and the self-pride, that comes with blue-collar work. Too many parents are pushing children into white-collar jobs. A degree does no good if there are tens of thousands of people competing for limited work”.

I and other board members have always appreciated your presentations, this time your presented solutions and the interaction with the crowd was an added mix. I am also very happy that your commitment to an extended stay lead to additional time spent with the Region 8 Board. I believe that effort has produced benefits for both parties. We all look forward to your efforts of continued support to the Region as discussed during the board meeting. My only disappointment was that we could not get better press during your visit, an area that I do not have much background.

Thank you again for the commitment and service, you are unique, talented individual with a special gift, and I hope we can work together again on other projects in the future. I hope that your business continues to grow, and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!


Sincerely,

Jeff Myrdek

Jeff Myrdek
Chapter 37 Secretary

Giving Thanks

With all of the discussion of disasters, maintenance crises, equipment failures, Joel decided to soak in some inspiration from a natural lake created by a meteorite millions of years ago called Lake Waccamaw and give thanks to all of those who have supported our efforts to fix the maintenance crisis.

5 Myths About the Maintenance Profession -- and How to Bust Them

5 Myths About the Maintenance Profession -- and How to Bust Them

http://www.nfmt.com/

In this session, attendees will learn about the biggest myths that surround the maintenance function -- and how these stereotypes can be converted into opportunities to demonstrate the value of the MRO team to senior management. Presented in tag-team style by two industry experts, this presentation will list some of the common misperceptions experienced by maintenance executives and offer surefire strategies to challenge -- and change -- the meaning behind the maintenance professional label.Just a reminder that this one's scheduled for Wednesday, March 17 at 10:00 - 10:50 a.m

Details at http://www.nfmt.com/

Solutions are on the Horizon

Recently, Joel Leonard had the opportunity to speak at the WSSHE Conference to dozens of the facilities managers in Washington state in area hospitals. In addition to being able to absorb beautiful vistas of Yakima Valley, Leonard was able to share and brainstorm solutions to the Maintenance Crisis.

Fostering Greatness- Support Welding School Scholarships

We just discovered that a family is dealing with a loss of a child in a very profound way. Chris Ilcin and wife will be hosting a series of fund raisers to raise scholarship funding to allow foster kids to attend Lincoln Welding to honor their son who passed last year.

Here at SkillTV we want to honor their efforts to FixIT Forward by sharing details below: http://www.tcspromise.org/tcspromise/Default.aspx

What does the future hold for the Maintenance and Reliability Profession?

What will the future bring to the maintenance industry? As of now it is cloudy, but can you help us clarify the future?

What do you think will be some of the advances, technologies and approaches that tomorrow's pros will be using to avoid and repair failures?

Halleluah, a congregation

Maintenance Evangelist, Joel Leonard was delighted to learn that his session at Facilities Decision was the largest session of Vegas event. Joel will be attending AFE Facilities America Conference October 29th, AEE World Engineering Energy Congress in DC November 4th in the coming weeks.

If you want to join Joel for a taping of SkillTV contact him at Joel@SkillTV.net.

Fighting the Maintenance Crisis at Vegas Facilities Decisions

Over 200 engineers and facilities leaders attended Joel Leonard's session at Facilities Decisions Conference on how to Fight the Maintenance Crisis in Las Vegas in September of 2009. Numerous resources cheered Joel on and accepted the invitation to join the fight.

Popping the stereotypes

After delivering the presentation on Fighting the Maintenance Crisis at the Washington State Society for Healtcare Engineers, Joel Leonard was presented this gift that although would have been fun to play with, he realized that TSA would probably confiscate at the Airport. This event was great at shooting down stereotypes and misperceptions of the maintenance and facilities engineering function that inhibit performance.

Dr. Keen shares his vision

Dr. Larry Keen, president of Fayetteville Technical Community College shares his educational vision of utilizing i3D technologies to accelerate learning and workforce development. He met with the group of industry experts that SkillTV recently invited to FTCC to explore some of this new technologies.

FLIR- shares Hot Technology

During the Fayetteville Tech Technology exploratory, we had the pleasure of introducing educational and business leaders to the power of Infrared. During this taping FLIR's Jeff Dale hooked up a FLIR camera and we alternated throughout the discussion to the video and infrared camera. Check out Joel Leonard's hand print left after he touched his chest and how dark the cold water was depicted in infrared. Also see how the white heat of his eyes after removing his glasses. Although fun to play with, this technology helps companies uncover serious energy loss and can make a signficant impact to the bottom line.

"What if..."

You will want to see this intriguing discussion with A3 Technologies, Alan Morris as he brainstorms on possible real world applications for 3d technologies in inventory and warehouse management. After viewing you will be asking "What if..."

Going Airborne "Ultrasonically speaking"

Adrian Messer of UE Systems shared with Joel Leonard the latest Airborne Ultrasound technologies during the special SkillTV Technology Taping at FTCC. Adrian pointed out that companies typically get payback from the purchases of ultrasound leak detectors within the first month if not the first day.

Compressor Technologies Reduce Costs

Patricia Del Buono of Atlas Copco Compressors explained to Joel Leonard that there are lots of opportunities to leverage technology of compressors to reduce energy and costs. Check SkillTV in the coming weeks to see this interesting discussion.

Animated Alignment discussion on SkillTV

Above is a collage of the vibrant discussion Joel Leonard had with Paul Berberian of Alignment Supplies. Paul stated that close to 50% of all rotating equipment failures can be traced back to misaalignment. Check back to SkillTV in the coming weeks to see this and other interesting discussions filmed at the new SkillTV partner Fayetteville Technical Community College campus.

More Prizes for the Fix It Forward Photo Contest

This contest is more than just taking pictures of kids working on equipment but hopefully it will inspire more to help us Fix It Forward by building future pipeline of skilled workers.


Below is an email I got from Ralph "Pete" Peters, founder of the Maintenance Excellence Institute. He believes so much in our efforts that he is donating prizes to the cause.

See his email below-- pardon the all caps but he wrote this while on a blackberry. Thanks Pete! Hopefully more will respond to this opportunity to help Fix It Forward!

JOEL::::>YES >>>>>A) AN MBBP HARD COPY BOOK ($50 ON PRIDE) + B) AN MBBP ELECTRONIC VERSION ($30 VALUE ON PRIDE) + C) A SCOREBOARD FOR MAINTENANCE EXCELLENCE IN ELECTRONIC ($195 VALUE ON PRIDE).

Ralph W. "Pete" PetersFounder & President: The Maintenance Excellence Institute-6809 Foxfire Place, Suite 100, Raleigh, North Carolina 27615 -2625 East Beach Drive, Oak Island, North Carolina 28465Office: 919-270-1173 Direct Cell: 919-280-1253Web: http://www.pride-in-maintenance.com/ Skype: PRIDEnWorkE-Mail: Pete@PRIDE-in-Maintenance.com & RalphPetePeters@aol.com

Extending Fix It Forward Photo Contest Submission to August 25th

Three year-old Baker Leonard is wondering why everyone is not busting down the barn doors to submit their pictures for the Fix It Forward Contest.

We have gotten a few but to have a true contest, we need lots more photos for viewers to evaluate.

So we have extended submission date till August 25th and will post entries on the 26th for judging. Send entries to Joel@SkillTV.net

Winners will be announced on Labor Day.

So as Baker says "quit sitting around and let's get busy building future skilled workers."

Send your pics in NOW for Fix It Forward Photo Contest

Send pics of future Skilled Workers to Joel@SkillTV.net by August 20th, 2009.

We will then post them and allow viewers to vote for their favorite.

The Top 3 will win special prizes provided by Grainger.com.

Fix It Forward Photo Contest News

We just learned that Grainger.com is not only providing a first place prize, a Gatorade Cooler, but also second and third place prizes: Tool Kits.

We also want to clarify: send your entries (only up to 3 per person) to Joel@SkillTV.net by August 20th. Feel free to add caption to your pictures as that may add to the message.

Need ideas? SkillTV would love to see kids with tools, equipment, working, etc. Also we would love to see examples of generational exchange with kids and their mentors. Let us know if you have any questions.

Fix It Forward Sample Photos

A Little Training Helps!


To inspire more contestants to help us Fix It Forward, here are pictures of 3-year old Baker Leonard getting a lesson on how to operate an antique coal fired steam crane from a seasoned veteran at the Southeast Old Threshers Reunion.

Hopefully, more will pitch in and help us connect future generations to the opportunities in Maintenance and Reliability sectors.

Cool Prize for Fix it Forward Photo Contest

Grainger is providing SkillTV a 5 gallon Gatorade Cooler to award the winner of the SkillTV Fix It Forward Photo Contest.

Please send pictures of future generations playing with tools, equipment, machines (please be safe) to Joel@SkillTV.net by August 20th to be included. The winner will be announced on Labor Day.

Fix it Forward Photo Contest

To encourage more Reliability Pros to pitch in and share the skilled opportunities with future generations, SkillTV Blog will be hosting a special picture contest. Please submit your entries to Joel@SkillTV.net by August 20th. Then we will allow viewers to vote for their favorite. On Labor Day we will announce the winner, who will receive a brand new Gatorade cooler (great for tailgate parties) compliments of Grainger.

Cruise-In showcases skilled talent and refurbished treasures

Each month the small town of Oakboro, NC hosts the largest Cruise-in Burnout in the state. During event, hobbyists show off their refurbished vehicles and socialize. Later several thousand people gather to watch the Burnout-- where participants drive their vehicles to a police officer. The officer informs them to be safe then they press their pedals for the gas and brakes at the same time thus driving their back or in some cases front tires into a ferocious spin. The friction from the specially poured concrete pad burns off the tire rubber thus creating a huge plume of smoke to the delight the cheering crowd.

Yes, this is not exactly intellectual entertainment, but it is more interesting than watching TV. What is even more interesting is that amongst the throngs of spectators and participants many of these people possess and raw and transferrable skills needed to maintain our reliability performance.

As opposed to paying thousands of dollars for advertizing skilled jobs, HR departments would be better served to attend a local cruise in where they could attract some very capable resources to help fix their businesses forward.

Happen to overhear 2 boys on a truck bed boast that they did not have to go to school this upcoming year because they were so bored they quit at the 9th grade. I quickly went over and informed them and their girlfriends if they were not pursuing academics that it would very smart for them to pursue some vocational education and gave them specific instructions on how to prepare themselves for higher levels of income. At first they were embarrased but after hearing me passionately empathize and offer advice, they and their friends for were very appreciative.

If more of us make the effort to bother, more of our youth will not get lost in poverty, drugs, crime, and be able to make a positive contribution. So what are you doing to fix the maintenance crisis?

Apologize if this sounds preachy, but as you can tell I am just getting us revved up to fix it forward.

Another Maintenance Pro offers tips

Mike Cowley, President of CE Maintenance Solutions took a few minutes last week on his vacation to share with SkillTV some his frustrations and ideas on how companies can better utilize maintenance. Tune into SkillTV in coming weeks to view Mike's wisdom gleened from years from working at food distribution, textile industry and from educating leaders in the US and abroad including stops in China.

Want to join our family of sponsors?

If you like our content on SkillTV and know of an organization that would like to support our efforts to fight the maintenance crisis, please let us know.

Over the last 2 years, SkillTV has helped develop video tools to help showcase tactics techniques and approaches to elevate the business sustainability and profitability by providing maintenance and reliability.

We are planning on releasing a second SkillTV Enewsletter in the beginning of each month that focuses on automation and aging infrastructure while the one at the end of the month focuses on workforce development- recruitment, development and retention topics. That way our subscribers will be better empowered to address these challenges.

If interested just email our host Joel Leonard at Joel@SkillTV.net or call him at 336 338 1011.

How do we build a pipeline of future workers?

Again, Reliability Gods need your input. The feedback from the Ten Commandments has been terrific. Feel free to send more and under that same vein. What are your ideas on how we can develop a qualified pipeline of future workers?

June Crisis Corner | You have options

Crisis Corner You have options Plant Services

Hope you enjoy this month's Crisis Corner Column at the above link. Also keep on sending suggested commandments for Today's Reliability Pro.

Maintenance Workers carry the world on their shoulders

Above SkillTV's Joel Leonard illustrates the point that without maintenance the world's equipment, infrastructures, economies will crumble! We all need to recognize outstanding efforts, develop current workers with modern approaches and recruit new workers with appropiate attitudes necessary to advance our society.

With all of pitching in together, it is amazing how far we can elevate our performance!