In this episode of Not Your Father’s Data Center, Raymond Hawkins our Chief Revenue Officer, sits down with Brad Meissner, Director of Product Management at Generac — and proud Milwaukee native — for a conversation about the next generation of power innovation.
From growing up on a Wisconsin farm to leading Generac’s industrial stationary generator line, Brad shares his journey and the pivotal lessons learned along the way. The discussion explores Generac’s bold expansion into the data center market with the recent launch of high-capacity (2.25–3.25 MW) generator sets, designed to tackle pressing supply chain and lead time challenges within the mission-critical power industry.
Brad and Raymond also dive into Generac’s evolution from a household name in backup power to a full-scale energy technology company, emphasizing local manufacturing, microgrid innovation and the adoption of sustainable fuels such as HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil).
This episode sheds light on how Generac’s innovation strategy aligns with the broader goal of creating resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy ecosystems that power the digital infrastructure of tomorrow.
Timestamped Overview
- Generac’s journey from residential backup to data center-grade power solutions
- The challenges and opportunities of scaling generator capacity for hyperscale facilities
- Shortening standby power lead times and optimizing supply chain logistics
- The role of microgrids and smart controls in the energy transition
- The future of sustainable fuels and HVO integration
- The value of local manufacturing and innovation hubs in Wisconsin
Timestamped Overview
- 00:00 – Intro & Brad’s Generac Career Journey
- 04:38 – Celebrating Generac at Summer Fest
- 07:58 – Evolving into an Energy Tech Company
- 10:42 – Generac’s Rapid Strategic Entry into Data Centers
- 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
About the Guest
Brad Meissner, Director of Product Management, Generac
Brad leads Generac’s industrial stationary generator business and has played a key role in expanding the company’s footprint in the mission-critical and data center space. A graduate of the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Brad’s technical expertise and local roots drive his passion for building reliable and sustainable power solutions that support the future of energy infrastructure.
