What makes someone walk away from a successful corporate career to start over?
That’s exactly what Jay Slaughter did. Once the CIO at Tokio Marine, Jay decided to trade boardrooms for building his own insurance agency, and the story behind that decision is full of lessons about courage, innovation, and purpose.
In this episode of Solution Stack, host Richard Rodriguez sits down with Jay to talk about how technology has evolved, the real impact of AI on business, and what digital modernization looks like from someone who’s lived on both sides, corporate and entrepreneurial.
They unpack the risks, the rewards, and the human side of adopting new tech and how following your gut can sometimes be the smartest business decision you’ll ever make.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:40 Guest Introduction: Jay Slaughter
01:27 Technology and Modernization in Insurance
02:32 AI and Risk Management
03:53 Challenges in Modernization
08:02 Jay's Career Transition
10:11 Starting a New Business: Slaughter Family Insurance
11:54 The Importance of Proper Insurance Coverage
19:54 Leveraging Technology in Insurance
23:15 Conclusion and Contact Information
Discover how IntelePeer is reshaping the future of intelligent automation
In this episode of The Solution Stack, host Richard Rodriguez talks with Aqeel Shahid, SVP of Channel Sales at IntelePeer, about the company’s evolution from SIP to AI and automation, its partnerships with OpenAI and Azure, and the importance of data privacy.
They also share practical steps to start an AI journey, key timelines, and real-world use cases across industries.
Tune in now!
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:20 Overview of IntelliPeer
01:13 AI and Automation Solutions
03:00 Privacy and Compliance Measures
05:38 Starting the AI Journey
11:50 Implementation and Change Management
15:57 Industry Use Cases and Success Stories
23:50 Customer Support and Sentiment Analysis
30:02 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of Solution Stack, a featured segment of The ITCrowd podcast, powered by Upright Digital, host Richard Rodriguez talks with Jason Kerr, Channel Client Development Manager at Granite Telecommunications, about how multi-carrier SIM technology keeps oil & gas operations online and crews connected, from business-critical tasks to gaming and streaming after hours.
In this Solution Stack segment of The IT Crowd podcast, host Richard Rodriguez sits down with Kevin Thomsen, CRO at Maxxsure, to unpack the future of cyber risk quantification.
Kevin explains how Maxxsure bridges the gap between technical experts and business leaders, helping organizations assess risk in financial terms, streamline security tools, and even reduce cyber insurance premiums. From gaming and banking to healthcare and energy, discover how MaxSure is reshaping resilience across industries.
Tune in to learn how cybersecurity becomes a true business advantage!
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:21 Meet Kevin Thomsen, CRO of Maxxsure
00:35 Understanding Maxxsure: History and Evolution
02:40 Maxxsure's Unique Approach to Cybersecurity
05:57 Financial Impact and Risk Quantification
10:00 Maxxsure's Role in Cybersecurity Insurance
14:27 Maxxsure for Different Business Sizes
17:54 Maxxsure's Success in Various Industries
19:58 Maxxsure's Impact on Oil and Gas Sector
29:34 Maxxsure's Subscription Model and Assessments
32:54 Conclusion and Contact Information
Generational wealth isn’t luck—it’s strategy.
In this special episode of The IT Crowd podcast, hosts Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez broadcast from the Cowboys Club in Frisco, Texas, with guests Jason Potts, Founder and CEO of Lifetime Wealth Management, and Tim Tatarowicz, Director of Annuities and Strategic Initiative.
🎙️ Key topics:
Whether you're a business leader or planning your financial future, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration you can use.
00:00 Introduction and Special Location
00:55 Event Overview: EWTC Annual Meeting
01:25 Special Guests Introduction
01:55 Jason's Journey: Lifetime Wealth Services
02:54 Tim's Career Highlights
05:25 The Importance of Mentorship
10:07 Navigating Financial Services
12:16 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Successes
23:48 Technology in Wealth Management
25:36 Outsourcing and Cybersecurity Management
26:22 The Reality of Cyber Threats
27:36 The Business of Hacking
28:37 Client Security and Trust
29:57 The Role of AI in Financial Services
32:55 Navigating Market Volatility
37:29 Work-Life Balance and Remote Work
39:17 Leadership and Business Growth
43:17 Generational Wealth and Financial Services
46:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, hosts Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez are live from the Daniel Energy Partners Thrive Conference at Daikin Park. They’re joined by Robby Gulri, Head of Channel and CTO at RapidScale. Robby shares his inspiring journey—from learning English by listening to baseball announcers to becoming a key leader in technology integration.
Key topics include the evolving role of CIOs, data management, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and the growing impact of AI across industries. Robby also discusses RapidScale’s customer-centric approach and emphasizes the importance of aligning IT strategy with business outcomes.
00:28 Minute Maid Park Renaming Story
01:09 Dinner Anecdote and Guest Introduction
02:58 Guest's Background and Career Journey
05:13 The Role of Technology in Business
11:17 Data and AI in Modern Business
23:08 Cybersecurity and Multi-Cloud Strategies
26:02 AI Tools: The Double-Edged Sword
26:32 Coolest AI Implementations in Business
29:13 The Iceberg Analogy: Understanding AI Deployment
33:20 The Importance of Security and Resiliency
39:06 Data-Driven Decision Making
42:30 The Legacy and Vision of Rapid Scale
45:34 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Welcome to another episode of the IT Crowd Podcast!Join hosts Josh Lowry and Richard Rodriguez live from the Daniel Energy Partners Thrive Conference in Houston, Texas, as they sit down with Ken Mills, President of Intelisys.In this episode, we explore:
Don’t miss it—tune in now!
00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview
01:52 Special Guest Introduction: Ken Mills
04:15 Ken Mills' Background and Career Journey
07:59 Intelisys and the Technology Ecosystem
14:09 Challenges and Opportunities in Oil and Gas Technology
18:51 Customer Engagement and Technology Adoption
24:16 Evaluating New Technologies
25:26 Unexpected Success with Titanium Payments
27:31 RapidScale and AI Solutions
31:30 Federated AI and Industry Applications
41:06 The Role of Trusted Advisors
44:14 Conclusion and Future Events
Join hosts Josh Lowry and Richard Rodriguez for an exciting episode of The IT Crowd Podcast, recorded live at the Daniel Energy Partners Thrive Conference in Houston, Texas. Special guests Molly Determan, President of Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC), and Andy McDowell, President of Upright Digital, join the conversation.
They discuss the significance of the fifth annual DEP event, the role of EWTC in representing 650,000 oil and gas workers, and the impressive logistics behind the event. They also reveal exciting details about the upcoming EWTC Annual Meeting, featuring notable speakers like Cody Campbell, the involvement of major industry players, and the groundbreaking partnership with Upright Digital for the welcome reception at the exclusive Cowboys Club in Frisco, Texas.
Hosts Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez bring you another engaging episode with Director Of Sales, Lee Payne, Where they discuss friendship, Growth and emerging technology in the industry!
Hosts Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez bring you another engaging episode with CEO Steven Ko of Rivitt, Where they discuss emerging technology in the industry
In another special episode of The IT Crowd Podcast, recorded live at the 2024 Daniel Energy Partners Permian Basin BBQ Cookoff in Midland, Texas, host Richard Rodriguez and guest host Raquel Brandon of RapidScale are joined by Nick Saban, Enterprise Account Director at Microsoft, and Trevor Nimegeers, Founder and CEO of iTrak 365.
The conversation covers the transformative role of technology in the energy sector, from enhancing field operations with seamless digital workflows to the integration of AI and data-driven insights. Trevor shares how iTrak 365 helps companies connect frontline teams to critical processes, while Nick highlights Microsoft’s contributions to innovation, emphasizing the value of collaboration and tools like Dataverse and Copilot. Together, they discuss how technology is driving efficiency, improving safety, and overcoming industry hurdles.
Tune in for a compelling discussion on the intersection of technology, teamwork, and progress in the energy industry!
Hosts Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez bring you another engaging episode recorded live at Corva’s Corvacon 2024, featuring Ryan Dawson, CEO of Corva, and Dr. Matthias Gatzen, Executive Director of Digital Business at Baker Hughes.
Together, they explore how Corva and Baker Hughes are leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning to revolutionize energy operations, empower field teams, and deliver scalable solutions tailored to diverse challenges across geographies.
Discover how dynamic partnerships drive innovation in the energy sector, the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry, and the exciting potential of integrating technology and creativity.
In this special episode of The IT Crowd Podcast, host Richard Rodriguez and guest host Raquel Brandon of RapidScale bring you the energy and excitement of the 2024 Daniel Energy Partners Permian Basin BBQ Cookoff. They’re joined by Britton Siegert, CEO of Texas Integrity Acid Solutions, who shares how his patented acidizing technology is revolutionizing safety and efficiency in oil and gas.
From automation to sustainability, discover how Texas Integrity is shaping the future of completions and production. Plus, enjoy some Aggie football rivalry banter and BBQ vibes!
Join hosts Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez at Corva’s CorvaCon 2024 as they sit down with Jeff Jensen of Corva, and Bruce MacKay of AWS.
In this episode, we explore the latest in tech innovation and leadership, diving into Corva’s forward-thinking approach to AI-driven predictive drilling, the evolving ecosystem of apps for offshore and onshore energy, and the power of strategic partnerships with AWS. Hear firsthand from industry leaders about the importance of collaboration, risk-taking, and a relentless focus on customer-driven solutions to shape the future of oil and gas technology.
Don't miss this insightful episode on building the digital infrastructure and tech culture driving the energy sector forward.
In the first episode of The Download with the IT Crowd, Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez bring you highlights from Corvacon, where they connected with tech leaders and discussed the latest in cybersecurity and AI.
They dive into the United Health Care ransomware breach affecting over 100 million people, revealing the latest SEC rules on cyber breach disclosures.
Plus, they explore Anthropic’s new Claude 3.5 AI model, a tool transforming repetitive tasks with its real-time capabilities.
Tune into The Download with The IT Crowd for insights, industry news, and what’s next in tech.
In this episode of the IT Crowd Podcast, hosts Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez welcome Duane Barnes, President of RapidScale, to discuss cloud solutions, AI, and the future of IT. Recorded at the new Upright Digital studio at Preng & Associates in Houston, Texas, the conversation covers how RapidScale is leading growth through advanced cloud services, cybersecurity, and multi-cloud strategies.
Duane shares his approach to making complex technology accessible for businesses, utilizing AI for operational improvements, and addressing the ongoing challenges in cybersecurity.
Tune in to discover how companies can harness their data, optimize costs, and stay competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Join hosts Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez on this episode of The IT Crowd Podcast as they welcome Greg Scheinman, the Founder and CEO of Midlife Male. In a conversation that spans personal growth and entrepreneurial insight, Greg shares his experiences and strategies for navigating midlife with passion and purpose. The Midlife Male serves as a beacon for men in their middle years, offering guidance on how to maximize life's second act. Greg's approach to midlife is not just about surviving but thriving, as he delves into how to maintain balance, drive, and health during these transformative years.
Whether you're looking for inspiration, tips on staying fit, or ways to redefine personal success, Greg's insights are sure to resonate. Tune in to explore how you can lead a more fulfilled and balanced life.
Learn more about Midlife Male by visiting their website at Midlife Male.
Step into innovation on this episode of The IT Crowd Podcast!
Join hosts Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez as they welcome Ryan Dawson, CEO of Corva, recorded live from our new studio in West Heights. Learn how the Corva Corva is transforming the oil and gas industry by harnessing the power of data to optimize asset performance. Discover the intersection of technology and creativity that drives their success.
Tune in now for an insightful discussion on the future of industry and innovation!
Tune into a special episode of The IT Crowd Podcast, recorded live at the Merit Advisors' Barrels and Clays event at Stark Ranch in Gainesville, Texas. Hosts Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez chat with Tony Kroschewsky, CEO of Merit Advisors, against a backdrop of lively outdoor activities.
They discuss the convergence of networking, technology, and industry trends at this unique annual gathering. Hear insights on how Merit Advisors leverages such events to strengthen community ties and lead innovation in the energy sector.
Join hosts Josh Lowrey and Richard Rodriguez on a special episode of The IT Crowd Podcast, broadcast live from the picturesque Accelerated Mobile Power offices in The Woodlands, TX. This episode features a fascinating discussion with Dave Bosco, VP of Business Development at Accelerated Mobile Power (AMP), focusing on the latest innovations in mobile power generation and electric hydraulic fracturing.
Dave offers insights into how AMP is revolutionizing the energy sector by providing mobile power solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reliability for their clients. Delve into the complexities and technologies that allow AMP to deliver a utility-like experience to energy operations, enabling businesses to press the "easy button" on their power needs. Discover how AMP's commitment to innovation and customer service is setting new standards in the energy industry, making it a leader in sustainable and efficient energy solutions.