The Automation Shift: What Keegan Dillon Learned from More Than 57 Plants and a Decade in Tech

In this episode, host Solomon Williams sits down with Keegan Dillon - founder of JOINER Services and co-host of Automation Breakfast for a raw, insightful look at what a decade inside the world of automation really teaches you. After consulting across more than 57 manufacturing plants, Keegan has seen firsthand how the industry is evolving, where the real bottlenecks are, and what modern leaders must do to stay ahead. This conversation cuts through the hype to explore the mindset, skills, and strategic moves required to build resilient, tech-driven businesses in a world where automation, AI, and robotics are rewriting the rules. From creating authentic content that actually connects to navigating machine learning and real-world implementation challenges, Keegan brings practical wisdom and hard-earned lessons from the field. Key Moments:  01:18 "Contractor-Client Connection Platform" 04:06 "Engineers' Journeys in Automation" 08:52 "From Manual to Automation" 12:17 Automation Advancements and Workforce Evolution 14:50 Outdated Equipment Hurts Productivity 18:37 Advocating Honesty as a Contractor 21:48 Leveraging LinkedIn for Business Growth 24:19 Automating for Growth and Scale 27:45 Reshoring Challenges in Manufacturing 30:45 "Automating Sales and Client Outreach" About the guest : Keegan Dillon’s journey in consulting has been a story of adaptability and resourcefulness. Over six years, he worked with more than 57 different plants, encountering new and unique challenges at each site. Although many of the situations were unfamiliar, Keegan drew on his wide range of prior experiences to navigate each project successfully. By leaning on past knowledge and continually adapting to new environments, he built a reputation for problem-solving and versatility across the industry. How to connect Keegan : https://www.linkedin.com/in/keegandillon/ About the host :  Solomon Williams is the founder of Solonox and the host of the podcast "AI Advantage." Dedicated to helping modern leaders navigate the future of technology, Solomon cuts through the noise and hype to deliver clear, insightful conversations about AI and automation. On his podcast, he shares his expertise, sometimes solo, sometimes alongside the brightest minds in tech, offering practical advice on what it really takes to grow smarter in a rapidly evolving digital world. With "AI Advantage," Solomon invites listeners to join him on a journey to decode the technologies shaping tomorrow. Contact Solomon:  Website: https://solonox.net/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swilliams1992/