This episode explores how intelligent safety systems, predictive maintenance, and IIoT technologies are reshaping industrial operations—and what it takes to lead through that transformation.
About the Episode:
In today’s episode, we dive into the intersection of safety, technology, and innovation in industrial environments. As more companies adopt intelligent systems and automation, the conversation is shifting from “if” to “how” we integrate predictive maintenance, electrical safety, and connected platforms into existing operations. It’s not just about efficiency—it’s about protecting workers, reducing downtime, and building smarter systems that evolve with your business.
We explore the real-world applications of industrial IoT (IIoT), from preventing electrical hazards to streamlining maintenance workflows. You’ll hear how startups and established manufacturers alike are rethinking legacy systems and what leadership really looks like in this new era. We also touch on reshoring trends, the importance of company culture in driving innovation, and what the “factory of the future” could mean for businesses trying to stay competitive. Whether you’re a founder, engineer, or just curious about the future of industrial tech, this episode is packed with insights on how smart technology is reshaping the backbone of our economy.
About the Guest:
Drew Allen is the President and CEO of Grace Technologies, Inc. Under his leadership, Grace Technologies has solidified its status as a pioneer in electrical safety and predictive maintenance, consistently ranking as one of Iowa’s Top Workplaces for the past five years.
Driven by a passion for innovation and startups, Drew established Maple Studios in 2023, the first venture studio in eastern Iowa. The studio supports and accelerates new ventures by providing development resources, capital, and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs creating industrial products.
Drew serves on the advisory boards of Atom Power, Inc., a company revolutionizing the power industry with the first solid-state circuit breakers, and Proxxi, a company specializing in wearable safety technology designed to protect industrial workers from electrical hazards. He is also a member of the Board of YPO Iowa, a global leadership community of more than 29,000 chief executives in 130 countries, driven by the belief that the world needs better leaders.
Before becoming CEO of Grace, Drew started hosting the Factory Futurist Podcast, where he engages with thought leaders and innovators in high-tech manufacturing. The podcast focuses on uncovering the secrets of sustaining high-performance leadership in technology, both professionally and personally.
Website: https://www.graceport.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allendrew/
Timestamps:
00:01:14 – Episode Commences
00:04:47 – Initial Interests & Insights on the Industrial Innovation
00:08:10 – Industrial Tech vs Consumer Tech
00:13:40 – Labor shortage in this new automation era
00:23:00 – Factory processes in the modern world
00:27:30 – problems to face if automation is not properly implemented
00:32:20 – is automation the only solution to Labor shortage
00:43:35 – safety issue related to automation
00:48:00 – how compatible are the safety environments for the workers
00:50:59 – Episode concludes
