Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

What if you could uncover hidden risks, assess facility conditions more accurately, and make smarter maintenance decisions—without disrupting operations?

In an industry where safety, reliability, and uptime are critical, understanding the true condition of your facility can be challenging. Many grain facilities contain hard-to-access areas, aging infrastructure, and hidden structural conditions that are difficult to evaluate through traditional inspection methods alone. Yet waiting until problems become visible can lead to increased repair costs, unplanned downtime, and greater operational risk.

In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training for the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS), sits down with Hayes Guillot, Inspection and Technology Specialist with Custom Concrete Specialists, to explore how modern inspection technologies are transforming the way grain facilities evaluate, maintain, and protect their assets.

Drawing on his background in precision agriculture, drone technology, and facility inspections, Hayes explains how today's tools are providing facility owners and operators with unprecedented visibility into the condition of their structures. From interior and exterior drone inspections to ground penetrating radar (GPR), thermal imaging, and LiDAR technology, these solutions allow organizations to safely inspect areas that were once difficult, time-consuming, or costly to assess.

Throughout the conversation, Hayes shares how technology is helping facilities identify potential issues earlier, reduce the need for confined-space entry, improve documentation, support data-driven decision-making, and establish a proactive approach to maintenance and capital planning. He also discusses how detailed reports, high-resolution imagery, video documentation, and advanced scanning technologies are helping maintenance teams, managers, engineers, and boards make more informed decisions with greater confidence.

Whether you're responsible for operations, maintenance, engineering, safety, asset management, or strategic planning, this episode offers practical insights into how modern inspection technology is helping organizations move beyond reactive repairs and toward a safer, smarter, and more proactive future.

Important Links

Custom Concrete Specialists
https://www.ccsgrouponline.com/

Previous Whole Grain Podcast Episode Featuring Cheyenne Wohlford, CEO & President of Custom Concrete Specialists
Innovations in Grain Silo Maintenance: Drone Inspection Services
https://www.geaps.com/news-publications/whole-grain-podcast/innovations-in-grain-silo-maintenance-drone-inspection-services-2/

GEAPS Website
https://www.geaps.com/

GEAPS Credentialing Program
https://www.geaps.com/training-education/credentials/

Whole Grain Podcast
https://www.geaps.com/wholegrain

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

Hosted by Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS, this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast explores how military experience translates into meaningful careers in the grain handling and processing industry.

A lot of veterans don’t struggle with work ethic—they struggle with direction. When the uniform comes off, the mission and the built-in team can disappear overnight. That’s why this conversation resonates so strongly.

Jim sits down with veteran Bishop Chamberlin of The DeLong Co., Inc. to discuss how the grain industry can turn “I just need a job” into a career built around community, growth, leadership, and real public impact.

Together, they explore the practical reasons veterans fit grain operations so well: high standards, safety-first thinking, teamwork, adaptability, and constant problem solving when equipment, logistics, or plans suddenly change. Bishop shares how his military background in construction, logistics, and leadership translates directly into agricultural exports and terminal operations.

The conversation also dives into veteran advocacy and support systems that truly make a difference. Bishop explains the creation of The DeLong Company’s Military Veterans Resource Group and why veterans often need a “team within a team” as they transition into civilian careers. The discussion also highlights how small improvements in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and mentorship can improve retention and long-term success for veterans, National Guard members, and Reservists.

Finally, the episode shares the origin story behind the new GEAPS Military Discount Program, which provides 50% off GEAPS online learning opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel. The group discusses how reducing financial barriers can help veterans pursue credentials like the CGOM and stand out in a rapidly evolving industry.

If you care about workforce development, veteran careers, leadership, and the future of agriculture logistics, this is a conversation worth sharing.

Subscribe to the Whole Grain Podcast, share this episode with a veteran or hiring manager, and leave a review to help more people discover opportunities in the grain industry.

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

Designing a grain facility is one of the most critical—and infrequent—decisions in grain handling and processing operations. The choices made during planning, layout, and construction can impact efficiency, safety, and long-term performance for decades.

In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS, is joined by Chris Schaudt, Vice President of Sales at Mid-States Companies, to explore what it takes to design grain facilities that truly stand the test of time. Chris brings extensive experience supporting grain facility design, construction, expansion, and material handling systems for a wide range of operations, including cooperatives, processors, ethanol plants, and food-grade facilities.

Chris shares practical insights into grain facility design, material handling systems, and the decisions that separate successful projects from costly mistakes.

Whether you're planning a new grain facility, upgrading existing infrastructure, or evaluating your current operation, this episode provides actionable guidance to help you build smarter, safer, and more efficient systems.

What You’ll Learn

• Key considerations when designing a grain facility for long-term performance
• Common mistakes made during grain facility planning and construction
• How grain flow and layout impact operational efficiency
• What it means to design for future expansion and scalability
• Lessons learned from real grain facility projects across the U.S.
• How to avoid costly mistakes during construction and upgrades
• Trends shaping the future of grain handling and storage systems

Key Links & Resources

• Learn more about Mid-States Companies:
  https://midstatescompanies.com/
• Chris Schaudt, VP Sales, Mid-States Companies
  • Phone: 515-509-3011
  • Email: chris.schaudt@midstatescompanies.com
• Explore educational solutions and membership information at the Grain Elevator and Processing Society:
  https://www.geaps.com

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.