This week on the Empowering Industry Podcast, Charli chats with Michael Rice about building a meaningful career in the trades, mastering progressive cavity pump technology, and taking pride in hands-on work.
Michael is an Electrical Controls Technician with a diverse background spanning automotive manufacturing, steel processing, and now the pump and pumping systems markets. His career encompasses the last 30 years of hands-on industry experience, bringing together production leadership, equipment service, controls, and field startups.
In this episode, Michael shares his journey from vocational school to becoming the go-to specialist for advanced pump control systems, including laser cake pump startups and smart air injection technology. He discusses troubleshooting in the field, the importance of continuous learning, and why curiosity and craftsmanship still matter in modern industry.
The conversation also highlights workforce development, mentorship, and the value of skilled trades as a powerful and rewarding career path.
If you care about real-world problem solving, pride in your work, and the future of industrial talent, this episode delivers.