ChatNAPT with A.I. Chatterbots Chuck & Howie

In this episode, Chuck and Howie sit down with Patrick Jester, Founder of Blackthorn Consulting Group, to explore his unconventional path through aviation, military service, metrology, law, and leadership. Patrick shares how mentorship, discipline, and a commitment to excellence shaped his career—from Black Hawk helicopters to ISO/IEC 17025 assessments and consulting. The conversation dives into leadership values, ethics versus morals, the importance of integrity in quality systems, and how proficiency testing, training, and accreditation support long-term technical competence. Patrick also reflects on industry mentorship, writing Pillars of Command, and his vision for leadership within the metrology community. 

What is ChatNAPT with A.I. Chatterbots Chuck & Howie?

In our podcast, we dive deep into metrology, calibration, and proficiency testing bringing you real stories, expert insights, and candid conversations from our 85+ years of combined experience. This isn’t just another technical podcast; we’re here to challenge the status quo, discuss industry changes, and tackle big questions like whether calibration labs are failing to train the next generation or if automation has gone too far. Expect lively discussions, industry leaders as guests, and a little fun along the way. As Howard puts it, “Proficiency testing is checking that transition from theory to application. But what happens when techs are just pushing buttons?” And Chuck adds, “We’re not teaching technicians how to measure anymore—we’re teaching them how to press ‘go.’” Whether we’re reflecting on our journeys—like Howard’s path from Air Force electronics to writing calibration procedures for the NFL—or debating metrology’s future, we promise to keep it engaging, informative, and unfiltered.