In this episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, sits down with Brad Meissner, Director of Product Management at Generac and proud Milwaukee native. Brad shares his journey from growing up as a farm kid in southeast Wisconsin to earning a mechanical engineering degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and ultimately leading Generac’s industrial stationary generator line.
The discussion explores Generac’s bold entrance into the data center market with the recent launch of high-capacity (2.25–3.25 MW) generator sets—addressing pressing supply chain and lead time challenges within mission-critical power. Brad delves into Generac’s evolution from primarily consumer backup power solutions into a fully-fledged energy technology company, including strategic acquisitions in smart controls and microgrid systems. The conversation also highlights Generac’s agility in manufacturing, its commitment to local production in Wisconsin, advances in monitoring and managed services, and the growing role of sustainable fuels like HVO.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro & Brad’s Generac Career Journey
04:38 Celebrating Generact at Summer Fest
07:58 Evolving into an Energy Tech Company
10:42 Generac's Rapid Strategic Entry
14:08 Streamlining Standby Power Lead Time
18:35 UK's Leading Generator Control Supplier
19:44 HVO: A Versatile Fuel Alternative
23:20 Exciting North American Expansion Strategy
In this episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, sits down with Mark Spieler, Senior Managing Director of Global Energy Industry at NVIDIA. Mark shares his unique background, from growing up in Minnesota and working at Cray Research and Silicon Graphics, to a 13-year tenure at Halliburton across commercial, finance, and mergers and acquisitions roles, before joining NVIDIA in 2019 to lead their global energy business.
The conversation explores the rising impact of AI on energy consumption, positioning data centers as the new “AI factories”—manufacturing knowledge with data and electrons as raw materials. Mark discusses Nvidia’s evolution from gaming hardware to high-performance computing and AI platforms, unlocking efficiencies and new capabilities.
Key topics include energy efficiency gains in AI workloads, the future of nuclear power and SMRs for data centers, grid optimization, and the transformative economic and social potential of AI. The episode offers deep insights into the intersection of technology, energy, and the data center industry’s future.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro & Marc’s Background
03:44 Corporate Transition to SGI
08:26 Career Transition: Halliburton to NVIDIA
12:04 From Gaming to AI Platform Leader
16:03 AI Empowering Industries, Not Replacing
17:47 AI Enhancing Legal Profession Tasks
22:44 AI Cost Decline and Adoption Shift
23:33 Data Center Consolidation and AI Efficiency
27:53 NVIDIA’s Energy Solutions Collaboration
30:36 Nuclear Energy: Safe and Underappreciated
34:21 How NVIDIA is Innovating Energy Solutions
In this episode, Raymond Hawkins welcomes back Bill (Vitaly) Kleyman—CEO and founder of Apolo, industry thought leader, and data center prognosticator extraordinaire. Bill shares his personal journey, from immigrating to the U.S. as a Ukrainian refugee fleeing the Soviet Union, to becoming a leading voice in tech innovation and AI. The conversation opens with reflections on Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and its impact on Bill’s family.
The discussion pivots to the explosive growth and renaissance in the data center sector, driven by surging AI demand. Raymond and Bill cover topics such as power constraints, rack density, the rise of liquid cooling, and the shift toward AI-powered solutions for enterprise and public sector challenges. Bill also explores practical AI use cases Apollo is delivering, from improved municipal services and sentiment analysis to cutting-edge applications in agriculture and finance. The episode offers an energetic, forward-looking perspective on the future of data center infrastructure and AI.
Note: This conversation was recorded in June; references to the Ukraine–Russia conflict reflect the situation at that time and may not fully reflect the present moment.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro & Bill’s Background
07:10 Ukraine/Russia: Defending Against Constant Assaults
12:54 Honor Ukraine's Security Guarantees
14:02 Ukraine Conflict Outcome Scenarios
22:23 Military Concerns Over Peace Deal
25:14 Untapped Potential of Generative AI
26:38 Exploring AI's Practical Applications
31:26 AI & Data Centers' Power Demand
33:27 Powerful Shift in Data Centers
36:45 Leveling the Corporate Tech Playing Field
42:09 Reaching Next-Level Data Center Efficiency
45:12 AI Usecases
54:55 Scalable, Meaningful Infrastructure Partnership
56:21 Democratizing AI: Expanding Possibilities
In this episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, sits down with Marc Borrett, co-founder and CEO of Reactive Technologies. Marc brings a fascinating background spanning electronics innovation, telecom engineering, and the energy sector. Having launched technology ventures from battery chargers to Star Wars toys, Marc’s journey led him from semiconductors to tackling the evolving challenges of modern power grids.
The conversation explores the global energy transition, focusing on how the shift from traditional, fossil-fuel-based generation to renewables has transformed grid dynamics. Marc explains the increasing complexity of grid management, the need for real-time data, and the importance of measuring and maintaining grid stability in a world of distributed, less predictable energy sources. The dialogue delves into Reactive’s unique approach—leveraging grid physics to both communicate with and monitor assets at the grid’s edge—and how understanding grid strength and stability can shape smarter investments, operational decisions, and data center siting in an energy-constrained world.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Entrepreneurial Journey in Electronics
03:46 Chip Innovation Sparks NFC Revolution
09:55 Energy Management for Carrefour
14:27 Grid Communication Challenges Explored
18:53 Power Station Grid Stabilization Explained
21:43 Grid Stability in Energy Transition
25:58 Optimizing Grid Signal Integration
28:44 Accurate Real-Time Grid Measurement
33:08 Time-of-Use Tariffs & Demand Trends
34:30 U.S. Energy Demand: Duck Curve
Today we welcome Dave Rubcich, Global Vice President of Key Accounts at Vertiv to discuss the innovative partnership in cooling between Vertiv and Compass Datacenters©.
Raymond and Dave explore the evolution of data center cooling technologies from the 1980s to the present, into the transition from traditional air cooling to modern liquid cooling methods while addressing the increasing thermal demands of AI-powered data centers. They highlight the innovative Cool Face Flex solution—formerly referred to as the DH400—a hybrid unit offering unmatched flexibility in accommodating both air and liquid cooling without altering data center designs.
Throughout the episode, insights into data center energy efficiency, the technological journey from Liebert to Vertiv, and the significance of adaptable cooling solutions are offered, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of current data center cooling trends.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro
03:38 Pivot from Engineering to Sales
06:54 Liebert's Early Talent Development Program
11:06 Tech Advances in Room Temperature Efficiency
14:42 Optimizing HVAC Efficiency and Control
17:19 Emerson's Network Power Divestment
23:28 Evolution of Cooling in Computing
26:54 Pumped Refrigerant Breakthrough
29:33 Outdoor DSE Pump Solution
31:01 Flexible Chilled Water Unit Development
Host Raymond Hawkins is live from the picturesque PTC 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii, joined by three seasoned industry experts: Martin Antunez from LATAM Entry LLC, David Liggit from datacenterHawk, and Barro Luitjes from KevlinX.
Martin, the founder and CEO of LATAM Entry LLC, provides insights into the Latin American data center ecosystem, focusing on subsea cables, land developers, and fiber providers. The discussion highlights the region's fast-growing market, the substantial investments in infrastructure, and the challenges like energy tariffs and government regulation.
David Liggit, founder and CEO of datacenterHawk, offers a comprehensive view of the North American data center market. The conversation explores the unprecedented growth driven by AI, emerging secondary and tertiary markets, and the importance of holistic strategies for power and community relationships.
Barro Luitjes, strategy head at KevlinX, discusses the European data center landscape, emphasizing the shift to underserved regions due to regulatory constraints in traditional markets. He also talks about the importance of educating stakeholders and partnering with power providers for sustainable growth.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro & Driving Data Center Growth LATAM
04:42 Bridging US and Latin America
07:42 Streamlining Deal-Making Insights
09:33 Navy Influence: From Law to Finance
14:59 Colombia's AI Implementation Bill Insights
16:56 AI-Driven Infrastructure Expansion
21:21 Regulation-Driven Market Shifts
24:22 European Employment Strategy Explained
28:16 Power Partnerships in Industry
29:36 Energy Strategy Development in Queretaro
34:34 Data Center Benefits and Opportunities
37:19 Optimizing Europe's Data Center Strategy
In this discussion, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, engages with Dr. Terry Clower, a distinguished professor of public policy at George Mason University, who also serves as the director of the Center for Regional Analysis and the Stephen Fuller Institute.
The conversation delves into the strategic considerations for data center siting and land use, contrasting U.S. practices with European models. Dr. Clower provides insights on the essential role of data centers in the data economy and their impact on regional development.
The dialogue touches upon critical issues like power consumption and sustainability, highlighting power planning, renewable energy sources, and the potential to revitalize nuclear infrastructure. The significance of data centers in modern economic development strategies is discussed, especially their influence on local tax bases and low infrastructure strain.
Overall, the discussion offers valuable perspectives on how municipalities can integrate data centers into their economies, emphasizing long-term planning and the evolving landscape of utility and energy demands.
Timestamped Overview:
00:00 Intro
00:52 Navigated unstable job market, transitioned to logistics.
04:49 Recruited to lead Center for Regional Analysis.
08:28 Varied localities' attitudes impact economic development approaches.
12:20 Buddy Reiser navigates data center challenges locally.
15:25 All data centers need careful land allocation.
17:59 Renewables insufficient; old infrastructure revived due to demand.
19:43 Data centers’ demand reshaping power industry dynamics.
22:51 Exploring nuclear solutions to reduce waste.
26:18 Data center proximity doesn't affect property value.
30:28 Adapt to data economy or face constraints.
35:27 Minor adjustments can help economies grow again.
37:41 Northern Virginia's electrician apprenticeships thrive, creating jobs.
In this engaging episode, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, interviews Kirk Offel, CEO, and founder of Overwatch.
The conversation delves into Kirk’s illustrious military background, highlighting his tenure on the USS Memphis submarine, rigorous deployments, and transition to civilian life. Kirk recounts the challenging yet rewarding experiences at sea and the unique leadership and technical skills honed through military service.
Topics include the military's role in fostering discipline and the significant technological advancements veterans bring to civilian industries. Kirk shares insights on his decision to leave a traditional career to establish Overwatch, emphasizing the value of veteran-owned businesses.
The discussion explores the evolving tech landscape, veterans' adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning. Raymond and Kirk also reflect on honoring Vietnam veterans, the significance of supportive communities in veteran transitions, and the inspiration behind founding the Data Center Anti Conference (DCAC).
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Intro
01:09 Kirk’s background
04:13 Military service inspires veteran entrepreneurship and community.
09:36 Gen Z surpassing Baby Boomers in workforce.
10:44 Military offers advanced tech training without war risks.
16:32 Navy offered broader options than SEER training.
18:33 Submarine community: intellectual, rigorous, challenging, competitive.
20:54 Real deployments with impactful military missions.
25:35 Vietnam vets deserve respect and gratitude.
29:33 Lead with empathy and adaptability during transitions.
30:37 Community collaboration empowers veterans for meaningful careers.
34:25 Empowering veterans through community, networking, and conferences.
37:59 Helping veterans is my purpose-driven mission.
40:36 Kirk's invite prompts fear of workout readiness.
In this episode, Raymond Hawkins sits down with Ed Socia, North American Insight Director for datacenterHawk. With a background in community development and sustainability from the University of Vermont, Ed transitioned from managing renewable research platforms to working with top data center teams, including a pivotal role at CBRE.
The conversation explores the transformative impact of the pandemic on the data industry, driving remote work and digital transformation. Ed discusses the increased demand for data centers, fueled by technologies like AI, and the resulting power constraints in emerging markets. The dialogue transitions into the complexities of power location planning, the potential of nuclear energy for data centers, and the hurdles posed by regulatory and community acceptance.
Ed and Raymond highlight the roles of utilities and tech companies in addressing power demands, emphasizing transparent development and long lead times. They also touch on tracking competitor strategies and the importance of market intelligence.
Today, host Raymond Hawkins chats with Mike Netzer, VP of Sales at datacenterHawk, a professional with a diverse background, from managing pension portfolios to diving deep into the data center industry. Originating from the Northeast with stints in Idaho, Connecticut, Florida, and Texas, Mike brings a rich mix of experiences and insights to the table.
The dialogue meticulously covers a range of timely topics concerning the data center industry. Mike and Raymond delve into the increasing demands on power generation driven by growing data center capacities and touch upon the economic shifts brought on by large tech deals, specifically in the realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The significance of viewing data centers as critical infrastructure similar to roads and water treatment facilities is comprehensively analyzed, reflecting on their indispensable role in modern societies. The discussion further explores the impact of AI on technological advancements, the potential adaptability of nuclear energy in data centers, and the broader implications of energy pricing on the industry's economic viability.
In this Memorial Day special episode, host Raymond Hawkins holds a profound conversation with seasoned data center experts Garett Jaco, a Marine Corps veteran with a strong background in nuclear weapons security and marine security, and Wayne Watson, vice president of North American operations at Compass Datacenters, with a past in the Navy as a nuclear electrician.
The dialogue dives into the intersection of military experience and data center proficiency. Tapping into their naval and military backgrounds, Watson and Jaco discuss the transferable skills that veterans bring to the industry, focusing on meticulous attention to detail and the importance of procedure adherence in handling critical equipment.
The episode also explores the personal army stories, illuminating the lighter side of their service, and the conversation turns toward the serious topic of mental wellness within the industry.
Thoughts on Memorial Day close the conversation, honoring war fighters' sacrifices and advocating for support and de-stigmatization of mental illness post-combat. Overall, this exchange offers a unique perspective on the untapped talent of veterans in the data center sphere and the essential correlation between military service and industry excellence.
In this engaging episode, Raymond Hawkins, the Chief Revenue Officer at Compass, is joined by George Rockett, the founder of DatacenterDynamics & Co-Founder of Yotta.
George shares his journey from being a humble advertising salesperson to the inception of DatacenterDynamics magazine in 1998. Their conversation unfolds to cover the evolution of enterprise data centers, the burst of the .com bubble, and the concept of zero downtime. The historical context of data centers and the early days of technology are discussed, shedding light on the industry's development and perception over time.
With some fantastic analogies, the episode delves into topics such as systems thinking, integrating polymaths to address industry challenges, and the urgency for quicker action due to vast opportunities.
George presents his innovative endeavor, Yotta, and stresses the unification of language and communication within the digital infrastructure industry.
George’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-rockett-b18a3b4/?originalSubdomain=uk
In this discussion, Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters engages with Phanney Kim Brevard, Chief Strategy Officer and newly appointed Chief Information Officer, of ETAP-Operation Technology at Schneider Electric.
The conversation delves into the complex world of data center management and electrical systems. ETAP, a hardware-agnostic software company acquired by Schneider, specializes in designing and simulating electrical systems for various industries, with a focus on energy optimization, compliance, and safety.
The dialogue touches upon the significance of digital twins in modeling and simulating electrical systems, providing real-time insights and ensuring operational efficiency. The hardware-agnostic nature of Etap's solutions is emphasized, allowing connectivity with diverse power systems.
The conversation also highlights the importance of a centralized platform for stakeholders in the data center value chain, ensuring a shared and accurate version of the truth. The episode concludes with a reflection on the evolving landscape of technology and the transformative impact of digital twins on electrical system management.
Overall, the discussion offers valuable insights into the critical role of innovative software solutions in enhancing the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of data center operations.
Phanney’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phanneykimbrevard/
In this episode, Raymond dives back into the world of college football as the playoffs take center stage. Joined by esteemed guests Mike Baudendistel, Director of Sales for the Data Center sector at Bloom Energy, and Buddy Rizer, the Executive Director of Economic Development in Loudoun County, Virginia, the episode promises a lively discussion on the recent playoff selections.
As the first week of December unfolds, we take a break from the tech talk to share insights on the college football landscape. From Michigan's anticipated presence to the controversies surrounding Florida State's exclusion, Raymond, Mike, and Buddy provide a unique blend of humor and expertise.
Join the conversation as they break down the committee's decisions, discuss the surprises and snubs, and prophesize the outcomes of the season. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just looking for a fun departure from the data center discussions, this episode promises some good old fashion sports banter.
In this episode, we dive into the world of data centers, and their energy consumption, with Govi Ramasamy, Executive Director & Power Generation for Data Centers at Cummins Inc. Govi is a distinguished authority in the realm of data center sustainability and energy efficiency, bringing over two decades of expertise to the table.
With degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and an MBA from Northwestern University, Govi's career has been dedicated to unraveling the complex challenges posed by data center energy use. He has been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to reduce environmental impacts while enhancing operational efficiency.
Govi sheds light on the evolving landscape of data center technology. From advancements in cooling and power management to the latest trends in renewable energy integration, he discusses the dynamic strategies being employed to make data centers more sustainable.
They then talk about the critical importance of optimizing data center energy consumption, particularly in the digital age. His extensive knowledge and forward-thinking ideas make this episode essential for those intrigued by the energy dynamics of data centers and their profound implications for our environment and technology-driven world.
Govi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goviramasamy/
In this episode, Data Center and Technology Expert Bill Kleyman joins the show.
After 15 years in the technology space, Bill has the chance to see quite the endless advancements. Today, he works with leaders in digital infrastructure to help build a more sustainable and inclusive future and support an ever-connected digital society. He is also a contributing editor to leading industry publications, including Data Center Frontier, Data Center Knowledge, ITPro Today, and InformationWeek.
Today they discuss the evolution of generative AI, but before they get there, Bill tells the fascinating story of his journey to America, fleeing a dangerous radioactive Kiev after the Chernobyl fallout in the late 1980s. They then discuss the incredible advancements we’re seeing in generative AI, and how that can help in a myriad of ways across data centers, technology, health, and everything in between.
To connect with Bill, visit his website (https://billkleyman.com/) and connect with him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/billkleyman/).
On this episode of Not Your Father’s Datacenter, Raymond Hawkins is joined by Jerry Burum, Steve Flaig, Jimmy Fordham, and special guest Haley Hawkins for an in-depth discussion on the upcoming college football season.
Discussion points include conference realignment, predictions for the upcoming college football season, who will win each major conference, and Heisman picks. Listen in as they forecast the 2023-24 college football season.
Today, David Liggitt joins the show to talk about data center expansion.
David Liggitt is the Founder of and CEO at datacenterHawk, helping data center professionals make the best decisions possible. With over 15 years in commercial real estate and extensive experience navigating the data center industry, David understands the communication between data center providers, users, vendors, investors, and consultants.
Today they discuss expansion into major markets across the US, as well as into international areas around the globe, while accommodating the need for power to run these processes. They touch on the introduction of AI into the marketplace and the future of data centers across the world.
Connect with David here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidliggitt/
On today’s episode, Raymond sits down with Erin Torbiak, General Manager at Addicting Games.
Hailing from Alberta, Canada, Erin has had a long career as a developer and is now the general manager of the ever-popular Addicting Games website. The site is a directory of sorts full of quick, engaging games to pass the time, while Erin is also a Full-Stack Developer at TeachMe - a gamifying system to produce educational content for students.
Raymond and Erin discuss the road the industry has taken and pay tribute to some of the great games that helped shape the industry where it is today, like Tetris. They look at the future of these gaming capabilities and where education sits in that pile.
To learn more about Erin, head to her LinkedIn page here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-torbiak-56415869/
In this episode of Not Your Father’s Data Center, Raymond sits down with Dr Arnold Glass, Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University to discuss the impacts of technology in the classroom.
With a PhD in Psychology from Stanford University, Dr Glass has been working in the cognitive neuroscience of learning field, with a focus on the science of instruction. Recently, his focus has been on the effects technology has on the learning process and ability of college students.
In a fascinating discussion, Raymond and Dr Glass explore the impacts technology has on students, comparing his findings from the classroom 15 years ago to now, and how detrimental multitasking has become in college lectures.
You can connect with Dr Arnold Glass on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnold-glass-6134825/
Or connect via his Professor page on the Rutger’s University website: https://psych.rutgers.edu/faculty-profiles-a-contacts/98-arnold-glass