What The Funk?  By  cover art

What The Funk?

By: Digital Wildcatters
  • Summary

  • What the Funk? is a series that highlights the unique personalities within the Oil and Gas Industry and the stories they have to share.
    Digital Wildcatters
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Episodes
  • Leveraging AI in Industrial Sales and Sourcing: A Deep Dive with Marty Dytrych
    Apr 15 2024

    Marty Dytrych discusses the transformative power of AI in industrial sales and sourcing, explaining how Industrial Data Labs leverages technology to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and drive profitability in the PVF sector.

    This episode dives into:

    Marty Dytrych's Background:
    Marty shares his unique journey from real estate to tech entrepreneurship, detailing his educational path at Notre Dame and his subsequent ventures into various industries including media and advertising before focusing on AI and industrial data.

    The Genesis of Industrial Data Labs:
    The conversation reveals the origin story of Industrial Data Labs, inspired by the inefficiencies Marty observed in industrial sales processes. He explains how the company uses AI to interpret complex equipment descriptions and improve data flow between suppliers and distributors.

    AI's Role in Modernizing Industry Standards:
    Marty discusses how Industrial Data Labs' technology not only saves time but also increases profitability by enabling quicker and more accurate responses to RFQs (Request for Quotations) through AI-driven automation.

    Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption:
    Despite the potential of AI, Marty points out the disparity between AI hype on platforms like Twitter and the actual adoption rates in industries. He emphasizes the need for more widespread and practical implementation of AI technologies to solve real-world problems.

    Future Directions and Industry Impact:
    Looking ahead, Marty talks about scaling Industrial Data Labs’ solutions across more products and exploring further applications of AI in other operational processes. He also reflects on the potential for AI to revolutionize data extraction and application transitions, significantly reducing manual data entry and errors.

    Personal Insights and Industry Advice:
    Marty shares personal anecdotes about his motivations and the realities of entrepreneurship in high-tech industries. He offers advice to other startups on finding valuable applications of AI and navigating the complex landscape of industrial technologies.

    Conclusion:
    Marty concludes with insights on the importance of community involvement in sectors like PVF and his plans for future expansions both in product offerings and geographical markets.

    Find us here👇🏼
    https://digitalwildcatters.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcatters/
    https://twitter.com/DWildcatters
    https://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcatters
    https://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcatters

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    1 hr
  • From Fighter Jets to Energy Tech: Jared Hoover's Journey of Resilience and Authenticity
    Apr 8 2024

    In this episode of "What the Funk," we dive into the fascinating life journey of Jared Hoover, a man whose career has spanned from military service to the forefront of energy technology. Jared shares his experiences, from the aspirations of flying fighter jets to adapting to unexpected turns in life, including navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs and transitioning into the oil and gas industry, eventually finding his niche in energy tech.

    Key Points Discussed:

    • Jared's early dreams and how a diagnosis of colorblindness shifted his path from flying fighter jets to serving in ground combat roles in the Air Force.
    • The impact of 9/11 on Jared's military career and his deployments to Iraq, offering a raw look into the realities of military service.
    • Transitioning from military to civilian life, Jared's move into the oil and gas sector with Shell, and his eventual pivot towards technology and product management within the energy industry.
    • The personal challenges Jared faced, including his son's diagnosis with Down syndrome, and how it influenced his career decisions and family life.
    • Jared's involvement with startups like Kelvin and his current role at True North, highlighting the importance of authenticity, networking, and understanding customer needs in tech and business development.
    • Advice to his younger self and others: the importance of embracing one's authentic self to navigate life's journey more effectively.


    Jared's story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of authenticity in both personal and professional realms. Join us as we explore the lessons learned from his diverse experiences and how they've shaped his approach to life, career, and technology in the energy sector.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • From Tech to Energy: Kirk Coburn's Entrepreneurial Odyssey and Lessons for Startups
    Mar 28 2024

    In this episode of "What the Funk," we sit down with Kirk Coburn, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor based in Houston, Texas. Kirk shares his rollercoaster journey through the tech and energy sectors, offering invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike. From his early days at Dell to founding several companies and eventually venturing into the world of accelerators and venture capital, Kirk's story is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and strategic thinking in the entrepreneurial world.

    Key Highlights:

    Early Career and Lessons Learned: Kirk recounts his initial foray into the tech industry with Dell, his subsequent ventures, and the critical lessons learned from failures and successes. His experience underscores the importance of patience, adaptability, and understanding the market's needs.

    The Surge Accelerator Experience: Kirk delves into his time founding and running the Surge Accelerator, focusing on energy software startups. He discusses the challenges of aligning product offerings with the complex needs of the energy sector and the importance of a robust sales process.

    Insights on Sales and Marketing: Drawing from his vast experience, Kirk emphasizes the crucial role of a well-defined sales process, not just a great product, in achieving business success. He highlights common pitfalls startups face when scaling their sales efforts and the misconception that hiring more salespeople is the solution to revenue growth.

    MOIC Partners and the Future of Energy Tech: Kirk introduces his current venture, MOIC Partners, which specializes in building sales engines for B2B SaaS companies in the energy sector and guiding startups through the valuation and exit process. He shares his vision for helping companies achieve sustainable growth and successful exits.

    Advice for Entrepreneurs: To his younger self and other entrepreneurs, Kirk advises patience, openness to learning, and the importance of recognizing one's own areas of incompetence. He stresses the value of understanding the sales process deeply and building a business that can thrive beyond the founder's involvement.

    Join us as Kirk Coburn shares the wisdom gained from his entrepreneurial journey, offering actionable advice for navigating the challenges and opportunities of building a successful business in today's dynamic market landscape.

    Find us here👇🏼
    https://digitalwildcatters.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcatters/
    https://twitter.com/DWildcatters
    https://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcatters
    https://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcatters

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    53 mins

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