Powering the Process ℠

What does it really take to keep industrial plants running efficiently?

In this episode of Powering the Process, host Jen Little sits down with Joey Taylor, Field Service Superintendent, and Levi Taylor, Field Service General Foreman, to take you inside the world of field service crews. From early morning safety protocols to high-stakes equipment installations, they share what it takes to perform precision work under pressure.

You’ll hear firsthand how millwrights operate within thousandths of an inch, why safety is more than just a checklist, and what separates a good crew from a great one. Whether you're in manufacturing, considering a skilled trades career, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes during plant outages, this episode delivers real-world insight from the field.

Key Topics Covered
  • What a typical day looks like for a field service crew
  • The critical role of safety, training, and lockout/tagout procedures
  • Precision alignment and why millwright work demands accuracy
  • Real-world challenges of heavy equipment installation and rigging
  • How technology (like wireless alignment tools and digital reporting) is changing the field
  • The realities of travel, long hours, and working on industrial job sites
  • What makes a strong field service team, and what to look for in new hires
  • Why skilled trades careers offer opportunity, growth, and stability

Guests
Joey Taylor, Field Service Superintendent
 With 15+ years of experience, Joey brings deep knowledge of field operations, safety, and leadership. He’s spent his career managing crews, solving complex challenges, and ensuring work gets done right the first time.

Levi Taylor, Field Service General Foreman
 Levi leads crews in the field with a focus on precision work and hands-on execution. With a background rooted in skilled trades, he brings practical insight into what it takes to succeed in industrial maintenance.


Want to learn more about field service, industrial maintenance, or careers in manufacturing? Stay tuned for more episodes of Powering the Process. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone in the industry.

What is Powering the Process ℠?

Powering the Process℠ is a podcast for engineers, plant managers, and operations leaders focused on industrial systems, plant optimization, and manufacturing efficiency. Hosted by ProcessBarron experts, each episode delivers practical insights on material handling, air and gas systems, industrial equipment, and reducing downtime.

00:00:00:07 - 00:00:31:20
Jen Little:
This podcast is brought to you by ProcessBarron—handle everything better.
Welcome to Powering the Process, the podcast focused on the real work behind industrial manufacturing. Each week, your host, Jen Little, digs into the systems, equipment, and strategies that keep plants running efficiently. From everyday operational challenges to emerging engineering solutions, we’re here to share practical insights that help you keep your process moving.

00:00:31:23 - 00:00:35:00
Jen Little:
Let’s get started.

00:00:36:01 - 00:01:01:06
Speaker 3:
Welcome to Powering the Process, where we dive into the stories behind the machines that keep America’s industries moving. Today’s episode is all about precision, skill, and the people who make it happen. We’re taking an inside look into the world of expert field service crews—a ProcessBarron role that demands accuracy, problem-solving, and a steady hand under pressure.

00:01:01:08 - 00:01:08:25
Speaker 3:
Today we have Joey Taylor, a supervisor, and Levi Taylor, a general foreman.

00:01:09:01 - 00:01:09:23
Jen Little:
No relation?

00:01:09:29 - 00:01:15:02
Speaker 3:
“No relation,” he says—but we’re glad you’re both here.

00:01:15:05 - 00:01:18:09
Jen Little:
Glad to be here.

00:01:18:12 - 00:01:37:07
Speaker 3:
Let’s jump in. What does a typical day look like for a crew chief at ProcessBarron?

00:01:37:09 - 00:02:01:01
Jen Little:
It starts with safety—making sure everyone is prepared before entering the site. You get everyone through the gate, ensure everything is safe, and confirm lockout procedures. Until that’s done, your day hasn’t really started.

00:02:01:04 - 00:02:04:25
Speaker 3:
So there are a few hours of prep before the work begins?

00:02:04:25 - 00:02:11:18
Jen Little:
Exactly. You make sure everyone knows the plan—where they’ll be and what they’re doing.

00:02:11:21 - 00:02:23:25
Speaker 3:
Joey and Levi, depending on the job, sometimes you’re leading crews independently. Is that due to capacity?

00:02:24:02 - 00:02:44:16
Speaker 4 (Levi):
Yes—either need or availability. Sometimes there’s no additional supervisor, or someone’s stepping in for training.

00:02:44:18 - 00:02:51:09
Speaker 3:
And that can also depend on shift work—day shift vs. night shift?

00:02:51:09 - 00:03:05:02
Speaker 4:
Correct. Instead of bringing in another supervisor, one runs days and one runs nights. We’re used to working together like that.

00:03:05:05 - 00:03:14:16
Jen Little:
Or we might split across different jobs on the same site—it just depends on what’s needed.

00:03:31:20 - 00:03:37:17
Speaker 3:
What does a typical crew look like?

00:03:37:19 - 00:04:06:21
Jen Little:
The truck driver is one of the most important people—they get everything there. Depending on the job, you might need a general foreman, a welder, or a millwright. If someone’s missing, you step in and fill that role.

00:04:06:26 - 00:04:33:11
Jen Little:
The goal is to keep everything aligned—mechanically and safely. Safety is always the top priority.

00:04:46:17 - 00:05:02:04
Speaker 3:
Can you explain what goes into safety training?

00:05:02:06 - 00:05:26:14
Jen Little:
We go through OSHA training and job-specific training. Every job is different, and every crew is different, so you adjust based on who you’re working with.

00:05:26:14 - 00:05:43:01
Jen Little:
You also have to stay aware—people bring outside stress to work, and that can impact safety. So you stay alert and look out for everyone.

00:05:43:29 - 00:05:54:26
Speaker 4:
Training is really an everyday thing—especially with younger workers coming in.

00:05:55:16 - 00:06:23:14
Speaker 3:
How do you communicate safety expectations to new crew members?

00:06:23:17 - 00:07:11:06
Jen Little:
I keep it straightforward. I tell them—wear your safety glasses, keep your ear protection in. That’s the biggest thing. As a welder, I know how quickly something can go wrong.

00:07:11:22 - 00:07:14:03
Jen Little:
And gloves—always gloves.

00:07:29:29 - 00:07:52:20
Speaker 3:
Let’s talk about millwrights. What makes their role unique?

00:07:55:04 - 00:08:28:00
Jen Little:
It’s all about precision. You’re working in thousandths of an inch. You have to move carefully and do things right the first time—or you’re doing it again.

00:08:28:03 - 00:09:36:06
Jen Little:
If one component is off, it affects everything downstream—from fans to conveyors. One small issue can turn into a bigger problem.

00:09:49:17 - 00:10:55:24
Jen Little:
We once had to remove a 40,000-pound fan with only a quarter-inch of clearance. We had to cut an opening just to get it out. It was tough, physical work—but we got it done.

00:11:01:03 - 00:11:12:27
Speaker 3:
Rigging must be a big part of your job.

00:11:01:04 - 00:11:04:28
Jen Little:
Absolutely—and making sure it’s done safely.

00:12:07:09 - 00:12:12:29
Speaker 3:
What’s the first tool you grab?

00:12:13:01 - 00:12:14:25
Jen Little:
Hard hat—and a JSA.

00:12:15:11 - 00:12:21:13
Jen Little:
Then probably a cordless impact.

00:12:39:03 - 00:13:01:23
Jen Little:
For precision work, alignment machines and micrometers are critical. If those aren’t right, nothing else will be.

00:13:44:15 - 00:13:58:10
Speaker 3:
After 15 years, what’s improved your job the most?

00:13:58:13 - 00:14:03:15
Speaker 4:
Cordless tools—and wireless laser alignment.

00:14:23:13 - 00:14:52:09
Speaker 3:
How do you handle inspection reports?

00:14:52:14 - 00:15:13:16
Jen Little:
We document everything—photos, notes, and updates from the crew. Then we compile it digitally.

00:16:18:08 - 00:16:28:03
Jen Little:
First conversation on-site is always about lockout procedures and timelines.

00:17:25:11 - 00:17:48:11
Jen Little:
On large job sites with multiple contractors, communication and respect are key. Everyone has a job to do.

00:18:36:01 - 00:18:56:00
Jen Little:
Leadership comes naturally over time. Experience helps you guide others.

00:19:40:02 - 00:19:58:09
Speaker 3:
How do you handle being on call and traveling so much?

00:19:58:12 - 00:20:23:23
Jen Little:
It’s tough—you miss things. But you need support at home and an understanding of why the work matters.

00:20:53:08 - 00:21:03:08
Speaker 3:
What makes ProcessBarron unique?

00:21:03:11 - 00:21:29:04
Jen Little:
The people. Experience and how we treat each other—that’s what sets us apart.

00:21:46:15 - 00:22:16:07
Speaker 4:
I grew up around this work. Tried other paths, but came back to what I knew best.

00:23:03:01 - 00:23:13:23
Jen Little:
Some people are built for desk jobs—some for field work. You’ve got to figure out which one you are.

00:24:47:18 - 00:24:52:03
Jen Little:
Work ethic—that’s the biggest thing we look for.

00:25:22:19 - 00:25:35:08
Jen Little:
If you want to travel, be challenged, and make a good living—this is a great career.

00:26:04:28 - 00:26:10:19
Speaker 4:
It’s tough work—but it’s honest work.

00:26:29:16 - 00:26:33:08
Speaker 3:
Thank you both for joining us and sharing your insights.

00:26:39:27 - 00:26:40:22
Jen Little:
I’m glad—I enjoyed it.