Max Cundiff with Chevron

The conversation features an introduction to three new podcasts within the Industrial Talk Podcast Network: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," on cybersecurity. The main discussion is with Max Cundiff from Chevron Lubricants, who explains the company's integrated oil production process and the importance of lubricant quality. He highlights the issue of varnish in lubricants, which can be mitigated by Chevron's products, and discusses the company's research and development efforts. Cundiff also touches on the importance of fluid analysis and the potential for energy efficiency improvements in manufacturing.

Action Items

• [ ] @Scott Mackenzie - Post Max Cundiff's contact information and LinkedIn profile on the Industrial Talk website so listeners can easily reach him.
• [ ] Help customers enroll in Chevron's Lube Watch fluid analysis program, including advising on which tests to run, sampling frequency, and proper sample collection procedures.

Outline

Introduction of New Podcasts

• Speaker 1 introduces three new podcasts under the Industrial Talk Podcast Network: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," centered on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," discussing cybersecurity from a human perspective.
• "Ask Molly" aims to provide straight, jargon-free insights into the world of marketing and sales from an industrial perspective.
• "Business Beatitudes" will explore leadership from a heartfelt perspective, focusing on virtues like generosity and humility.
• "The Human Patch" will delve into the human aspects of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of human connections in cybersecurity efforts.

Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott Mackenzie, introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting its focus on transferring industry-focused innovations and trends.
• The podcast is recorded live at the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas, focusing on asset management, reliability, and maintenance.
• Scott mentions the importance of the conference for professionals in these fields and introduces the guest, Max Cundiff from Chevron Lubricants.

Max Cundiff's Background and Role at Chevron

• Max Cundiff introduces himself as the industrial sector manager at Chevron Lubricants, responsible for developing go-to-market strategies for industrial products and services.
• Max has been with Chevron for 14 years, spending the last 10 years in customer-facing roles, understanding operational challenges and solving them.
• Chevron is the only fully integrated oil company, refining crude oil into base oil, the main ingredient in lubricants, and controlling the process in-house.
• Max explains the importance of research and development, spending years testing technology before commercializing it to solve specific industry challenges.

Challenges and Solutions in Lubricant Industry

• Max discusses the issue of varnish in circulating oil systems, a byproduct of degraded lubricant, and the challenges it poses to equipment.
• Traditional methods of dealing with varnish, like disassembling equipment or using solvents, can be costly and cause downtime.
• Chevron's product, Bar Tech ISC, allows systems to run for extended periods without immediate downtime, reducing the impact of varnish.
• Max explains the factors that contribute to varnish formation, such as temperature and water contamination, and how Chevron's products can help mitigate these issues.

Chevron's Product Development and Customer Support

• Max highlights Chevron's commitment to research and development, constantly pushing the envelope to provide new products and solutions.
• Chevron collaborates with industry committees and customers to understand and address the challenges faced by different segments.
• Max emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem before developing a solution, ensuring that Chevron's products are tailored to specific industry needs.
• Chevron provides detailed processes and support, including lubrication engineers, to help customers manage the transition to new products and maintain equipment.

Future of Lubricant Technology and Sustainability

• Max discusses the future of lubricant technology, focusing on extending drain intervals and improving energy efficiency.
• Chevron's product, Clarity Elites, a synthetic product, has shown significant improvements in energy efficiency, benefiting both the bottom line and sustainability goals.
• Max explains the importance of fluid analysis in determining the health of oil and the machine, similar to taking blood tests for human health.
• Chevron's sampling program, Lube Watch Fluid Analysis, helps customers set up the right tests and interpret results accurately.

Environmental Considerations and Customer Support

• Max addresses the environmental impact of lubricants, mentioning Chevron's introduction of bio-based products and renewable base stocks.
• Chevron does not currently use recycled oil in its products but focuses on sustainability through bio-based solutions.
• Max emphasizes the importance of proper storage of lubricants to prevent contamination and ensure longevity.
• Chevron provides comprehensive support to customers, including guidance on storing lubricants and ensuring proper maintenance.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott wraps up the conversation, highlighting the importance of the SMRP conference and the value of industry professionals sharing their stories.
• Max provides contact information for Chevron Lubricants, encouraging listeners to visit the website for more resources and to reach out for further information.
• Scott encourages listeners to connect with Max on LinkedIn and to attend the SMRP conference in 2026 to learn more about industry innovations and trends.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder of the importance of celebrating industry professionals and their contributions to the field.