Joe Patch with Confio Group

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Joe Patch, CEO of Confio Group, a company specializing in energy recruiting and staffing. Joe discusses the challenges in the power industry, particularly the shortage of engineers and the importance of obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license. He highlights the growing demand for power, citing a need for 80 gigawatts of data center power in six years. Joe emphasizes the value of networking and retainer relationships in recruiting. He also touches on the diverse opportunities in the energy sector, including roles in finance, operations, and marketing. Joe encourages young professionals to explore the dynamic and mission-critical field of power generation.

Action Items

• [ ] Connect with Joe Patch and the Confio Group team on LinkedIn or through their website at confiogroup.com.
• [ ] Explore opportunities in the energy industry, particularly in emerging technologies like hydrogen, as potential career paths.
• [ ] Consider obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license to open up more opportunities in the power and energy sectors.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
• Scott welcomes listeners and thanks them for their support, highlighting the podcast's dedication to celebrating industry professionals.
• Scott mentions the Power Gen conference in Dallas, Texas, and encourages listeners to visit if they are in the power business.
• Scott introduces Joe Patch, the guest for the episode, and sets the stage for the discussion on resources, people, and industry trends.

Joe Patch's Background and Company Introduction

• Joe Patch introduces himself and his company, Confio Group, which means "trust" in Spanish.
• Joe shares his background, starting in the power business in the early 2000s after finishing graduate school and joining his father's firm.
• Joe's father, who worked for Bechtel, started his own firm in the late 80s, focusing on power projects.
• Joe discusses his non-engineering background but mentions the educational experience he received growing up in a household with a civil engineer.

Joe's Early Experiences and Family Influence

• Joe recounts bringing his 13-year-old son, Anthony, to the Power Gen conference to expose him to the dynamic world of energy.
• Joe shares memories of accompanying his father to power projects, which provided him with a deep understanding of the industry.
• Joe emphasizes the importance of being on job sites, understanding the culture, and building relationships with tradespeople.
• Scott shares a similar experience, mentioning his father's work at Southern California Edison and the impact of early exposure to the industry.

Staffing Challenges and Workforce Development

• Scott and Joe discuss the challenges of staffing and workforce development in the power industry.
• Joe highlights the difficulty of finding enough engineers, especially in hard engineering disciplines like structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical.
• Joe advises graduating engineers to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license to open more career opportunities.
• Joe emphasizes the importance of getting the word out about the opportunities in the energy sector to attract more talent.

Hydrogen and New Technologies

• Joe mentions the potential of the hydrogen space and the rapid career growth opportunities it offers.
• Scott and Joe discuss the current state of hydrogen technology and its potential impact on the industry.
• Joe talks about the importance of apprenticeships and trades in the power industry and the changing dynamics of project development.
• Joe highlights the role of business and non-technical roles in the energy sector, such as finance, operations, and marketing.

Confio Group's Role and Approach

• Joe explains Confio Group's specialization in energy recruiting and staffing, leveraging their deep industry experience and relationships.
• Joe emphasizes the importance of networking and organic discussions with industry leaders to gain insights and build credibility.
• Joe discusses the value of retainer relationships with clients, which allow for deeper engagement and understanding of their needs.
• Joe shares an example of a candidate interview process, highlighting the importance of matching technical skills with company culture and values.

Client and Candidate Relationships

• Joe describes the dynamic between clients and candidates, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and fit.
• Joe explains how Confio Group helps clients identify and address their pain points, ensuring a good match for both parties.
• Joe discusses the importance of treating candidates well throughout the recruitment process to maintain a positive reputation.
• Joe shares a story about a candidate interviewing with a CEO, illustrating the company's commitment to transparency and thoroughness.

Future of the Power Industry

• Scott and Joe discuss the future of the power industry, highlighting the growing demand for power and the need for various energy sources.
• Joe mentions a talk at Power Gen about the need for 80 gigawatts of data center power in six years, emphasizing the scale of the challenge.
• Joe talks about the resurgence of gas turbines and the importance of a diverse energy mix, including gas, nuclear, battery storage, wind, solar, and biomass.
• Joe highlights the role of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) in moving large amounts of power over long distances with lower line loss.

Contact Information and Final Thoughts

• Joe provides his contact information, including the Confio Group website, LinkedIn, and YouTube channel.
• Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Joe and highlights the importance of telling industry stories and amplifying messages.
• Scott wraps up the episode by promoting the Power Gen conference and encouraging listeners to connect with Joe and the Industrial Talk Podcast.
• Scott emphasizes the importance of being bold, brave, and innovative in the power industry, encouraging listeners to make a difference.