Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb | Strategies for Automation, Technology and Entrepreneurship
In today’s age of rapid technological advancement, many find themselves navigating the complex world of automation and control systems, often feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the ever-changing landscape. Here’s the truth: You’re not alone. Join host Frank Lamb, an automation expert, and the author of “PLC Hardware and Programming - Multi-Platform”, “Maintenance and Troubleshooting in Industrial Automation”and ”Industrial Automation: Hands On” (just to mention just a few). Frank will break down the multifaceted world of industrial automation and empower you to master the technology of tomorrow. Each episode of "Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb" offers engaging discussions filled with expertise, innovation, and inspiration. Together, we'll dive into the essential components of Industrial Control Systems, Machine Automation, and the development of cutting-edge Automation Skills. Explore the dynamic roles of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Controls Engineers, and Technicians as they shape the future of Machine Design and Control Engineering. Whether you're tackling the intricacies of modern Manufacturing processes or honing your skills in Instrumentation, we provide an informative platform tailored to Automation Enthusiasts eager to bridge the skills gap. Our conversations with industry leaders and specialists will provide clarity and direction on advancing your career and optimizing industrial systems. Tune in for insightful answers to top industry questions, including: How can Industrial Control Systems transform my operations? What are the latest trends in Machine Automation I should be aware of? How do I leverage PLCs for enhanced process control? What skills should a Controls Engineer prioritize for future growth? How can I integrate Machine Design with Control Engineering effectively? Join us weekly as we dissect the complexities of automation and share strategies for success. With each episode, you'll gain invaluable insights, feel more connected to the automation community, and be reminded that navigating technology's evolution is a shared journey. Let’s embark on this path of innovation and mastery—because the future of automation is here, and it's waiting for you to lead it.
Episodes
Fifteen years ago I was inspired by Chris Guillebeau (https://chrisguillebeau.com/) and accomplished some life goals over just a few years. One of his methods of working on multiple goals simultaneously is to do an annual review of the previous year and make plans for the next. It has been a while since I have done this, so I decided to do mine this year on my podcast.
TAKEAWAYS
The influence of Chris Guillebeau and the Annual Review...
How does a typical subcontracting job work in system integration? You have a scope of work and you are about to visit a plant for the first time, not knowing what to expect. Join me as I walk you through a trip to a fresh application.
TAKEAWAYS
Subcontracting to Patrick Bunn and BAC (01:00 – 3:20)
Patrick is a familiar face from a previous podcast. The Scope of Work (SOW) and an overview of the application.
Communications and other ite...
How does marketing work for industrial system integrators? Emily Merritt of Clearlead Marketing discusses the ins and outs of marketing for companies and service providers in industrial automation.
TAKEAWAYS
Current projects (01:00 – 2:10)
What Emily and Clearlead have been working on since OT SCADA CON this Summer
How Emily got started in marketing (2:30 – 8:40)
From technical writing and data analysis to the study of marketing in syst...
What kind of products are used in Industrial Automation and manufacturing? Are computers used to control machines? Why are industrial components so expensive compared to commercial products? A look at some of the items used in manufacturing.
TAKEAWAYS
Controllers (01:00 – 7:20)
Types of controllers: PLC, DCS, process and microcontrollers, timers and counters, computers, even pneumatic!
Sensors (7:20 – 18:25)
What do industrial sensors d...
Do you have experience in manufacturing or industrial automation? Have you ever thought of starting your own business? This episode is for you!
TAKEAWAYS
Product Sales (01:00 – 12:00)
Distributors, Manufacturers Reps and Online sales
Services (12:00 – 19:30)
Industrial electricians, panel fabrication, system integration, training and mechanical trades
Machines and Systems (21:10 – 29:40)
It can be difficult to organize small companies ...
This episode was extracted from an open Zoom webinar held in September, 2025. The topic included a list created for possible subcontracting. Please contact me at www.automationllc.com if you want to be included.
TAKEAWAYS
Workshop Business Model (01:55 – 4:40)
How Automation Workshops work, large system integrators
What happens if projects aren’t bid? (4:40 – 6:00)
Some of the items that may come up for bid
About the list, categorizing...
Patrick Bunn has had an inspiring career, moving from plant maintenance into system integration, taking on ever more advanced roles solving problems and designing process controls. Hear how he started his company by subcontracting and picking up new customers.
TAKEAWAYS
How Pat got his start in technology (01:10 – 3:10)
Patrick started his industrial automation journey as an intern at a railroad company in 2002
After graduation, Pa...
Vlad Romanov has had an extensive career in industry from system integration in large companies to startups and entrepreneurship. He has built training platforms, created a successful podcast and now does digital transformation consulting. This episode provides tactical insights on automation-related business and serial entrepreneurship.
TAKEAWAYS
How Vlad got his start in technology (01:00 – 2:10)
As a child Vlad learns hands-on e...
How does a successful online training and coaching company get started? Hear how Stephen learned to program PLCs and turned a side hustle into a full-time job!
TAKEAWAYS
Where Stephen learned his automation skills (00:54 – 7:55)
Stephen’s journey through university and his early experience working with PLCs .
The founding of myPLCtraining (8:10 – 17:10)
How a side hustle became a full-time job.
Stephen’s marketing methods and teamwork...
Technical careers don’t always stem from an engineering background. Nikki Gonzales grew up working with embedded controllers and exposure to a startup mentality, going on to a career in technical sales, product management and the founding of Automation Ladies.
*On August 18, 2025, only two days after this podcast was recorded, Nikki suffered the unexpected tragic loss of her husband, Nathan Gonzales. You can help Nikki by donating ...
What happens when a bottle plant puts its faith in relationships, grassroots innovation, and learning-by-doing instead of pricey, off-the-shelf solutions?
Join Frank Lamb on Mastering the Machine as he chronicles a remarkable 12-year evolution at American Beverage Depot, where language barriers, aging hardware, and resourceful engineers become catalysts for creative upgrades—from pioneering PLC migrations to building one of the indu...
Do you find yourself lost in a sea of automation jargon, unsure how it all connects to real-world expertise?
This episode of Mastering the Machine is your roadmap: Frank Lamb outlines the foundational pyramid every industrial automation pro should know and shows exactly how to apply it to both new technologies and daily problem-solving. Through his immersive story of self-paced online courses, notebook hacks, and trial-by-fire learn...
What is OT SCADA CON?
On Mastering the Machine, Frank Lamb talks to some of the speakers and attendees of the second annual OT SCADA CON networking technical event held in Houston, Texas July 23-25, 2025. Hear how this conference breaks the mold of dry trade shows by providing opportunities to meet some of the drivers of industrial automation technology in person and learn a wide range of automation topics. Not to mention the awesom...
How did programmable logic controllers (PLCs) revolutionize industrial automation, transforming factory floors worldwide?
On Mastering the Machine, Frank Lamb pulls the curtain back on the untold history of PLCs, tracing their origins from a General Motors brainstorm through global expansion, industry shakeups, and the relentless pursuit of reliability. He unpacks the technical prowess, daring design choices, and even the internati...
Have you ever wondered how an unconventional start can lead to mastery in industrial automation and control systems?
Frank Lamb shares his decades-long journey through the ever-evolving world of PLC programming, machine building, and automation training. From his early days without a high school diploma to becoming a leading expert in hands-on learning and industrial control systems, Frank’s story is packed with real-world insights ...
Ready to take control of automation’s future?
In this short trailer, host Frank Lamb—automation expert and author of PLC Hardware and Programming and Industrial Automation: Hands On—introduces Mastering the Machine, a podcast for engineers, technicians, and automation professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve.
Each week, you'll hear engaging conversations, expert insights, and practical strategies to sharpen your skills ...
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