CWJJ Ep 36 - Dusty Flanagan "From the Trench"

Speaker 0 00:00:00 <inaudible> Speaker 1 00:00:09 Good morning, LinkedIn community energy community, and more where I would normally start off with one of my wacky intros. Today's a little bit different than we're. I would actually say, James, are you as humble as I am today? Speaker 2 00:00:22 That's a good day. Um, we got a good show or we're kind of stealing today. Jim, we're stealing from a couple things we're going to steal. First of all, from one of our friends, connections for life over it, up scope. They always kind of do an intro like this, where they, you know, um, talk about an episode and then jump into it. The other thing we're going to steal is, um, we did an awesome episode on applied consultants. Second episode of their safety series called from the trench. And so instead of this week, what we're going to do is do a little cross promotion. And, um, actually here that same episode on our show, but we thought we'd lead in this way. So, so I love Steven, all this stuff so much easier. Speaker 1 00:01:08 It's much easier. And again, I, I, again, I was hot. We were humbled that they asked us to be their second guests. And again, that we were the inspiration months and months and months ago from them watching coffee, Jim and James, they actually came to us and said, do we, do you guys give us your permission? We're like, we don't need permission, like just being respectful, but they're great guys, great organization, outstanding, outstanding organization. We've known them for years. So, Speaker 2 00:01:33 So Jim, you kind of hit on it, but the, you know, the, the kind of by-product that we didn't expect that unexpected by-product was that other people would be inspired and create shows kind of like artists. And so seeing that, um, and hearing that from folks, I mean, what can be what's any better, right? Just letting things continue to, to grow exponentially. The more more eyes we can get on our industry and the folks that are, you know, stuck at home, trying to still make their sales quotas and then still do those types of things and still network and build those relationships. Uh, we hope that more people create these conduits just like that. So Speaker 1 00:02:14 As, as what do I like to say, connect the dots, Speaker 2 00:02:17 Connect the dots. So I guess, man, without further ado, let's just roll right into it. Let's Amy let's do magic right here. Speaker 3 00:02:27 Good morning, everyone. And welcome to the second episode of, from the trench. We're excited to have two really great guests with us today. Uh, which you probably heard about us talk, uh, about them on episode one. Um, two good guys, two great friends of mine. Uh, Jim Shara and James Cross from coffee with Jim and James. Um, guys, thank you so much for being here today and being a part of our second episode. And, um, man, we're just, we're just excited for you guys to be here. How, how are you guys doing, doing great today and have for sure, I dreamt Speaker 1 00:03:00 About this all night. I barely see Speaker 2 00:03:03 We were, we were talking about it when we were prepping for the show and how we're viewed as being on the other side. So if we, if we kind of flow in and out of characters, just bear with us. If we start asking you questions best to roll with it Speaker 3 00:03:19 And that'll be okay, I'm not sure I'll give you the right answer, but I mean, it'll be okay. Um, you know, and, and it's funny because like you said, you guys are usually on the other side, you all are hosting the show and asking questions. And we, you know, like we talked about in our first episode, we came up with this ideal and we're inspired because of you guys and what you did. And, uh, so, so kudos to both of you for, for coming up with that and helping us reach out and talk to our audience in our, in our class and our inspectors. So it's really been a good tool and a great asset for us. Um, you know, uh, I guess run after the last time we saw each other was in February. Uh, I think James, you know, Jim, we were all down at a conference, uh, that around the gal scenario and, and, uh, man, Ron, after that kinda March madness happened, I mean the COVID hit everything just, just shut down. And, um, I think that's about the time you guys come up with a comfortable Jim and James, wasn't it? That was James, Speaker 1 00:04:17 Let me, let me jump in here because it's, uh, something near and dear to my heart. You're, you're absolutely right. I mean, it was, it was crazy at that point. We, you know, everybody was traveling, the world was as we knew it type of things. And then I remember getting a phone call from James saying, Hey, things look a little awry. And literally like, you know, energy world. And as a, as a company, Speaker 2 00:04:39 We serve as customers Speaker 1 00:04:41 In multiple countries. So we're very, what's the word I'm looking for? Uh, portable, we're very, you know, we're ready to go. And literally within 24 hours we took, you know, a headquarters and, you know, put it out there. And, uh, it was very seamless. Um, you know, other than the normal things that happened, that we all encounter now bandwidth issues, or as I like to say broad bandwidth, Speaker 2 00:05:09 But Speaker 1 00:05:09 Anyways, no, but it's, you know, that, that was it. And I, and then on a personal note, coffee, Jim and James Lee, you know, last, you know, decade of my life, I've been on the road nonstop. I mean, 25 30 shows a year, half the year on the road. And literally within a couple of weeks, I'm in the corner shaking saying, what are we going to do? And James says, hold on, hold on. I got this idea. I w I was at a establishment, wrote some things out on a bar napkin. And he goes, what do you think about this? And I'm like me beyond, you know, TV. That's what I call it. And James was like, no, I'll be good. And it was, it was great. It was a great release for us. It was almost therapy for us. We'd like to be in front of people. We like to talk to people. And it was a way for us to do that and really to bring some good stuff to the industry. And that's, that was really our function was to keep in contact with folks and to, you know, if we can share one thing that positively impacts one person that maybe shares it with another person that it's a great day. So Speaker 2 00:06:12 Absolutely. I want to add just, he stole the words out of my mouth. I've used them multiple times. He just stole them, um, is, you know, it is therapy. That's been the coolest part for a lot of people just seeing faces that they know, and being able to just have a conversation. Now, you guys were on our show at the beginning and it was really nice then, because it was really a shock that we all went through from one day to the next. And all of a sudden we didn't have that. So, uh, I think, I think if nothing else, if it's brought, like Jim said a couple smiles here and there from his corny intros, or, you know, we talk about sharpen the saw or seven habits or one of those things, we've gotten so much great feedback from people that, you know, during this time are using it to really, you know, up their skills and, and, you know, focus on some of those soft skills and stuff like that, because what else are we doing? Um, he might as well, right. So, uh, that's been, uh, really awesome to see also, Speaker 3 00:07:16 Well, you know, like you mentioned, uh, we were on one of your first episodes and pay tribute to you guys. I mean, look at there. So, uh, it is coffee with Jim and James and, Speaker 2 00:07:28 And an applied consultant. Also this one, even product placement, I already had this, this is my travel mode. There you go. Speaker 1 00:07:36 I would love to have one of those mugs. I'm just saying this, Speaker 2 00:07:42 I use this mug every time I travel to the living room every time. Speaker 3 00:07:49 Uh, well, I will see Jim, what I can do to get you one of those Nash travel mugs, maybe, Speaker 1 00:07:56 You know, maybe, you know, a guy, Speaker 3 00:07:59 Um, you know, James is Jim talked about kind of what energy world and, uh, you know, and coffee with Jim and James, there's probably one or two people out there that maybe not have heard of energy world. Nick, can you kind of explain, um, who you guys are and what you do, Speaker 2 00:08:15 Jim, Jim, I couldn't decide if that was a shot at me because I'm, you know, essentially marketing does fall under, uh, the brand guy, right. So, um, you know, if someone doesn't know about it, then please don't judge me for it. But, um, we've been, we've been servicing the, um, the industry, the natural gas industry for 25, 30 years, you know, and, um, we're really based on kind of a three-legged stool, um, compliance technology and education. Ultimately we're training, qualifying folks out there on the pipeline, making sure they're in compliance. And ultimately at the end of the day, empowering those people that have to run the reports and do the things and manage contractors and ensure all, all the boxes are checked and then some right. Um, we're there every step of the way, whether it be consulting or just the technology that, that holds it all together, um, or the, the awesome training that we can provide too. So that's a big part of it. Our vision is to make the world a safer place to work. And so that's what we're out there trying to do. Awesome. Speaker 1 00:09:24 Can I just jump in, I just want to add one thing. I know that those pillars are our three legged stool, so to speak, but I want to make it a four legged stool because something that's very near and dear to, I would say our heart James is my heart is thought leadership, and it's a very interesting sentence thought leadership or words, but it's really getting out in the industry. You know, it's doing the presentations that we do in the past live. Now they're virtual, uh, coffee with Jim and James, you know, we try to have fun. Yes. My wacky intros are designed to make people say, is this guy for real, you know, but Speaker 2 00:09:59 I was going to say exhausting, but same time Speaker 1 00:10:02 Were they're exhausting, but you know, for, for me, you know, it's, it's fun, but, you know, if we can, if we can do things to have people think a little bit and about anything that they can improve in their life, again, seven habits to safety, to whatever, you know, that's, that makes us feel good in the morning, noon night, you know, before we go to bed saying that we've done something positive today, right? Speaker 3 00:10:28 I mean, absolutely. It's, uh, just watching your guys' shows and, and, and knowing you guys personally, and on a professional level and no one would enter your world and it does. And there's just the information with the coffee with Jim and James, uh, the information that you guys bring to, uh, to the followers and the listeners in the LinkedIn world and everything else. So it's, it's really been awesome. Um, you know, James, um, uh, you guys just recently went through, I guess, a new branding. And, and if I remember right, you and I talking about this and, um, how did that come about? Because this is kind of, this is kind of your baby Speaker 2 00:11:03 Great, like it or not. It's my baby. Um, yeah. You know, it's, it's a great conversation that, that started when we went back and looked at it all, it went back really, really far, but, uh, officially really started at the, at the end of last year where we said, you know what, we're going to recommit to our user experience. Um, and everybody said, Oh, so this is a technology thing. We're going to put a facelift on something. And I was like, well, not really. I mean, yes, but it's also any touch point we have with a user, a client potential client industry. When are we saying that user experience, any person on either side that might be a user of product or tool or service or anything that we can impact that experiences was our goal. And yeah, it was a new logo and a new colors, new website, and all those things, which are really important. Speaker 2 00:12:04 But behind all of that really was a move map both internally and externally that we're putting across to, to be brave and to get out there, get involved and, and be a part of the conversation and, um, you know, just do good stuff in the industry and, and beyond with our, for people that are a part of it, all of it. Um, so I, I think we're, I would love to say it's going well, dusty. It's so awesome. Um, it is, it's great. Uh, energy's high, you know, but we haven't even got to go show people yet, you know, we're, we're still stuck in our houses. Uh, it was a great internal movement. We're getting our ducks in a row. We're ready to go, but we hope 20, 20, one of the coming out party we'll see. Right. So it's going to be fun, man. It's been a blast and, and Jim can probably, you know, see what it's like, can probably talk a little bit on what it's like to not, you know, I'm the brand guy, what am I going to say right here? Gone. Yeah, I would, of course the brand guy is going to say the brand product, the rebrand profits will unwell, but Jim can probably give you some insight from an industry for, you know, an industry guy. He's just a natural gas guy, jumped shower. Speaker 1 00:13:25 Uh, no, and that's a good point. And I, and I'll tell you, James, um, I've been through a rebranding few in the past with some companies like CenterPoint energy, you know, up in Michigan ASCO. I mean, it was a big thing. And at that point I was, you know, like, like thousands of us, you know, being fed the information and it helped and everything, this one was a little bit different being part of the whole brand team. I got to see the inner workings of what all of this takes. And I have to tell you, it is exhausting just even to go back and think about it. I mean, James would be working till two in the morning, you know, the designers working till all hours of the night. Uh, you know, I mean it's, and I always thought, you know, Oh, well, we're going to change the logo. Speaker 1 00:14:12 We're good to go. And it's so much more than that. It opened my eyes. I mean, it really did, and I'm not a novice, but I am a natural gas guy. And so I usually think of, Oh, rebranding new logo. We're done, you know, 24 hours later out the door. This was months, you know, if not years of, you know, thought, thought leadership by James and, you know, he really is the, uh, has been, and is the, uh, the visionary driving force for that along with, you know, Coleman Sterling, our CEO and Jeff, Isabel, our president, and all the execs and et cetera. But, you know, James is the, uh, he's kind of that one where you just kind of look at you, like what's in James's mind, where's he going a bit? Speaker 2 00:14:53 My wife says that. Speaker 3 00:14:54 Yep. Always turning. Thank you, Jim. Thanks for making him look good. Jim, Speaker 2 00:15:06 Could you tell that I'm Jim's boss, Speaker 3 00:15:09 So all right. Serious questions. All right. We kind of hit on it at the very beginning. Um, you know, with all the impacts of COVID and everything else that's happened. Like we talked about kind of starting in March, um, you know, Jim, where do you think our industry is heading it as far as that, as far as that goes in relation to COVID Speaker 1 00:15:33 Loving? Yeah. Let me pop into that one thing from my standpoint, and I'm being very blunt right now. I, you know, being a natural gas guy for decades, you know, I live by shaking hands, traveling, getting on planes, being with people the whole bit and all of a sudden, an a snap where we became into this virtual world. And again, I'm not a spring chicken and some people use, you know, virtual worlds, like, you know, easy as, you know, making a cup of coffee for me, it was not. And I look at our industry that way too, that how well we had to be, as I say, baptism by fire. I mean, we had to get into this virtual world. I do think hope, pray that we're going to come out of it and get back to some sort of hybrid normal meaning that we're going to be safe. Speaker 1 00:16:19 We're going to be take precautions that whole bit and understand what happened in the past. You know, what, what COVID was. So we avoided in the future, but I think this whole virtual world being a hybrid kind of, you know, married within it, as well as the in-person put those two together, I think it's going to be better. So yeah, there's a lot of things that happen during COVID that, you know, are, have been challenges, but there's a lot of good opportunities that came about of it. And I think, you know, we're going to come, come away with some great positives, you know, so, you know, Speaker 2 00:16:52 I'm gonna, I'm gonna take that another direction bestie. And because I know where a lot of people's hearts are right now and that's, you know, we just went through an election. We, um, you know, we've been talking about you, you're, we're talking about a new virtual world for a workforce that was already aging that we've been talking about for, for years and years on how, how are we going to bridge that skills gap? And, you know, we're w I guess what, what I want to tell them, this goes back to the thought leadership that Jim said. And what he just said about opportunity is the good news is it's easy to play victim and to say, man, we're, we're in for a rough few years. Uh, I get it, we're in it, we're still in it. Right. Um, but there's, there's a part of thought leadership that is, you know, I be upset about what's going on, or I can go figure out how to affect some change. Speaker 2 00:17:54 Right? And so whether you realize it or not, there's a full punch from people behind the scenes of all this sitting on committees, sitting on boards and impacting what our industry is involved with. And, and what's happening from legislation. There are task forces and groups like the DCA that are putting together people for a better cause. And that's, you know, that's just some of what's going on right now. So when we talk about man, what's going to happen in these next four years and beyond, I think you'll be really surprised how long we've been talking about these things. And I say, we, I haven't even been here this long, but, but what I mean is we collectively, as an industry have been talking about these things for decades, they've been telling us the natural gas was going away and that, you know, and I get that now that there's a little more motivation, but we also know the reality of what can't go away and how things will change. Speaker 2 00:18:54 So I see it as a lot of opportunity, we are worried about a skills gap and how these new generations we're going to come in. Well, guess what? We got a pandemic and now everything went virtual. Now who's concerned. Right? So, uh, I think we've been, we've been guided in this path and, uh, by some really awesome people behind the scenes, and if you're not involved in it and you want to affect change, reach out, let's, let's get you on a committee somewhere. I promise you and everybody chime in on the comment. That's a big thing. If you're, if you're a part of committee looking for members, there's a bunch of people that want to make change right now. Let's do let's do it. Speaker 3 00:19:32 Yeah, absolutely. And, and, and I appreciate you bringing up the, the political aspect of it, because that is, that is in everybody's mind and heart right now. W where are we going? And what's going to happen. So, so, uh, I'll do I appreciate you bringing that up and, and, you know, and Jim is, is kind of, you mentioned as far as the technology, you know, when the COVID hit kind of where we went with going into the zoom meetings and things like that, we kind of talked about on our first episode, and I know you've guys have discussed it as well. Um, our life has changed so much from, from going out in the field and seeing our CNR people and, and meetings and conferences and things like that to having to learn how to do zoom meetings and, and, and such like that. So it was, you know, for, um, for an old dog, and I'm not extremely old, but for someone that's used to being in the field and, and not always being on the computer and doing these type of meetings, we've had to learn and it's been challenging, but at the same time, it's been good. Speaker 3 00:20:31 It's, it's given us some wonderful opportunities, uh, to be able to reach out to a lot of different, Speaker 2 00:20:36 I mean, look what we're doing right now, right. To have ever dusty Flanagan, would you have ever been alive told me that that's what we've been doing in 2020. Yeah. No, no Speaker 1 00:20:50 Random drug testing that they brought out and said, you're crazy. Speaker 2 00:20:56 Yeah, no doubt. Well, it's, it's very awesome place that we're at. Uh, I pray that there, like Jim said, there's a hybrid that we're moving to and, and we can still get good from this and, and, um, you know, play cherries and pits with it and get the good parts and, and apply it to what was already working before and then have an awesome path forward. Absolutely. To what we're praying for. Speaker 3 00:21:20 Yes, sir. Well, guys, I've got, I've got one important question we're looking at, and this is something I'm going to kind of steal from you guys. Uh, and, and, and please don't get mad, but I love it when you ask your guests this question, and I've always wanted to ask you, so, um, both of you and, and, and Jim, we'll start with you, and then James will that answer second guys, do you love what you do? Speaker 1 00:21:45 I could give the shortest answer that, um, we had a guest, so I want that we answer that. And usually people go on and on and the guest goes, yeah, kind of do no, I absolutely. Are you kidding me? Can I, hopefully you can hear it and see it in me. I love it. I mean, I wake up, you know, when you can wake up every morning and be like, wow, okay, we got this today. We've got that today. We've got this. Oh, we gotta make sure that gets done. And then, you know, you're going to bed at night and you're like, Oh, wait, I can just go check one more thing. You know, when you have that in your life, when you have that passion and that attachment. And again, it's such a great thing being, you know, with energy world, that's such a great thing, having coffee, Jim James, having, you know, all the things that we do, you know, being part of, one of the best industries in my view, in the world, the energy industry here in the United States, it, uh, absolutely thrills me. So do I love what I do? Uh, I can infallibly without any reservation say I absolutely do. Awesome. Speaker 3 00:22:46 Awesome. James, what about you? My friend. Speaker 2 00:22:49 Yeah, I'm getting there, you know, um, I, I, I've only been in this industry for almost five years, just under five years. And, uh, you know, it's a blink man. It's one of those million years ago yesterday kind of things, you know? So, um, but it felt like home, I grew up in West Texas. So you know, this isn't foreign to me, you know, a lot of the stuff you've been to West Texas this week, dusty, not this week, last week, I was there. I mean, anybody who knows that, um, knows the industry and grows up around Aspen 20 every year until I moved up here, uh, there. So it always felt like home to me, for sure. Um, you know, I think for the first time in my life, I'm getting to kind of just dream and ideate. And I, if, if somebody was trying to sell me coffee with Jim and James on a napkin 10 months ago, I don't know that I would have bought it. Speaker 2 00:23:54 So kudos to Jeff and Coleman for trusting me sometimes. Um, but I think for the first time in my life, I'm getting there, I've tried to do this, but really lead with my heart. And I hope, I hope in my actions, people are seeing the results and, and you know, that, that kinda answers the question, you know, for them. Um, I just, I try to just keep doing good things for the industry, you know, and I think it'll take care of me if we can take care of it. So, uh, man, I love it. I, I feel like I'm home. Yeah, Speaker 3 00:24:31 Absolutely. Well, I can tell you, uh, just from myself from a personal standpoint, I can tell when talking to either one of you guys in person or on the phone that you absolutely do enjoy what you do. And I actually love what you do. Just, just the, uh, the excitement in your voice and always, um, the advice that you give me when I have questions or need help and things like that. So you guys are absolutely super and, um, just keep doing the great work that you're doing. Um, I'll want to sincerely thank both of you. Uh, I was, I can't tell you how excited I was when I reached out to you and said, Hey, we're getting ready for a episode, episode two. You guys be willing to be a part of that. And both of you just responded quickly and said, yes, we would be glad. So we were excited. Uh, and, and, uh, I was just absolutely delighted to have you guys here. So thank you so much again, for, for being here, being a part of this. Um, and it, and, and James, it reminded me again, it takes, it takes a what what's, what's that key phrase that we always use? Speaker 2 00:25:31 Yeah. It takes a village over here. Speaker 3 00:25:34 It does. It takes all those to continue in this industry to keep it going where it is to keep everyone safe. Um, you know, and kind of our, our motto at applaud is, you know, um, you just, um, and, and, and, and, and I think about this and people don't realize how important it is, but, uh, um, uh, safety works when safety is applied, you know, and, and not to throw us kind of a bone out there with applied there, but it's a true meaning safety works when safety is applied. So we encourage everyone to work safe every day and want them to know what the importance of, of that is. Speaker 2 00:26:09 Um, Dustin, before you wrap this whole thing, I just wanted to thank you for letting us be on and be a part of it and be a part of, you know, when you guys came up with this idea and, you know, our, you reached out to us like almost as if we had to give you permission, you know, you didn't, but, but what I mean as being a part of the whole thing and, and getting to use each other to bounce ideas off of, as part of why we do everything we do, and you guys are doing awesome thing at applied and the whole group over there, uh, we're thankful to a part of it. Speaker 3 00:26:44 I'm thankful for you guys being fun. It's also, well, thank you for spreading the word. Some of the best evangelists we have are on this call, right? Absolutely. Well, what guys again, thank you for tuning in to our second episode, uh, from the trench, uh, we greatly appreciate your past comments, uh, questions, uh, things like that for tuning in highly encourage you to go to coffee with Jim and James, watch those guys follow them, block them, share them as well. Um, we just greatly appreciate everything that you guys in the field are doing, um, because if it wasn't for you guys, neither one of us would have a job. So for that, thank you. Stay safe, God bless and Merry Christmas and happy new years. Thank you. Bye. Bye. Stay safe. Speaker 0 00:27:34 <inaudible>.