ActionableOps

ActionableOps is an AI consulting company that helps businesses unlock AI's potential to excel in their operations. We specialize in guiding companies through the AI landscape with services such as AI governance, Responsible AI, AI Policy development, AI Ethics, AI Training, and AI Implementation. Partnering with industry leaders like Textcortex and MindStudio, we ensure that our clients gain the knowledge and tools needed to thrive with AI.

Founder / AI Consulting

Kansas City AI Club

Primary Purpose: Foster awareness, adoption, and hands-on learning of the latest AI technologies by leading discussions, events, and workshops tailored to real-world business applications.

Key Responsibilities:
 - Technology Trends Leadership in AI
 - Curate and present emerging AI technologies (e.g., generative AI, voice agents, AI-driven automation).
 - Deliver accessible, business-focused insights on cutting-edge advancements.
 - Business Use Case Applications
 - Develop and showcase practical AI use cases (e.g., AI in customer service, operations, or marketing).

Workshops & Education
 - Organize hands-on workshops to teach members how to apply AI in real-world business settings.
 - Guide participants through implementation frameworks tailored to their industries.
 - Event Programming Support
 - Host and facilitate demos at Kansas City AI Club meetups.
 - Develop quarterly in-person or virtual workshop series, such as "AI Applications for Business Success."

Board Chair - Emerging Tech

UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management

The Regnier Institute Mentor in Residence Program connects seasoned mentors with student entrepreneurs in need of a helpful ear.

Mentor-In-Residence

National Speakers Association-Kansas City Chapter

Speaker

MindStudio

Agency Partner

RunWhen

RunWhen is a platform for troubleshooting complex tech stacks. It helps engineers identify when issues they are chasing lie in their app, their cloud-native platform or their vendors by answering the question: “What do I run and when?”

Advisor

Nobl9

Nobl9 is a service level objective SaaS platform that connects reliability metrics to business goals via a modern engineering workflow. Backed by CRV, Battery, Bonfire Ventures, Harmony Partners Cisco and ServiceNow.

Director of Operations

Code Ninjas

Code Ninjas is the world's largest and fastest growing in person children's franchise startup, that teaches kids how to code computers by building video games. Backed by Eagle Merchant Partners.

Director of Operations / Owner

OMT Brands

OMT Brands created a line of consumable pet products to be marketed and sold online through Amazon FBA and the Amazon, Ebay, Sears, and Walmart marketplaces.

Director of E-commerce Operations

City of Lakewood, Washington

Police Officer

🚀 Founder | Startup Operations Executive | Business Scaling Expert | Data Analytics | P&L Management | Process Optimization | Customer-Centric | Revenue Growth | Operational Efficiency | SaaS | Change Management

I’m Dale Thomas and here’s my story in a nutshell. 

- Authored the best-selling book “The Ultimate A.I. Guide for Small Business Success.” 
- Founded several technology businesses
- 20+ years of operations experience in Start-Ups and Enterprise (Ex - Microsoft) 
- Focused on helping SMB’s make sense of AI.  I specialize in AI agents, AI Consulting, responsible AI, ethical AI, policy creation, governance, and implementation of AI solutions. 

What you’ll get by following me: 
🔥Transparent & actionable AI advice
📆 Tips and Tricks Implementing AI Agents
🔍 Insights on implementing ethical AI practices
📢 Up-to-date information on AI regulations and legislation  

AI Partnerships
* TextCortex AI Partner - get a free account https://textcortex.com?via=ops 

A.I. Education
* MindStudio Certified AI Expert
* The London School of Economics - Ethics of AI 
* University of Pennsylvania - AI For Business
* Vanderbilt University - Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
* MindStudio Certified AI Developer

Struggling to make sense of AI for your small to medium-sized business? 

I’m here to help - so hit that “Follow” button!  

Dale

Dale Thomas

Chad Smeltzer

Bidcurement

We’re developing and deploying the next generative AI business development matchmaking system—where every event becomes an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and educate.
My experience: 
Lead a team of software developers
Developing & Deploying A Generative AI civil infrastructure Matchmaking platform 
Provided Social media and Video Editing Services at One Time
I help people connect virtually

President and CEO

The Infrastructure Network

Built a virtual network connecting vendors and decision-makers, matching over 155 people across 37 events.
Launched and scaled a video podcast aimed at building relationships faster and partnered with influencers for business growth.
Produce podcasts, created engaging content, and promoted industries to drive development and awareness.

Maze of Life Resource Center

Maze of Life Resource Center is a resource-matching technology that connects people with the mental health resources they need to navigate life transitions.     
My experience: 
Architected Maze technology to connect people with resources effectively.
Educate teams on technological concepts and implementation.
Mentor individuals and provide business education to build growth.
Achieved certification as an anger management specialist.

Vice President of Technology

The Infrastructure Hot Seat Podcast

The Infrastructure Hot Seat podcast is a platform for government leaders to share their experiences, challenges, and achievements in public service. It’s for professionals—engineers, operators, and anyone interested in public service—who want to learn directly from leaders. Through these conversations, listeners gain insights into the realities of public works, city management, and other government roles, expanding their understanding of civil infrastructure and the issues public officials face. I created The Infrastructure Hot Seat to promote education and awareness around the work of public works officials, facilitating discussions on the infrastructure needs and challenges impacting our communities.

Podcast Host

ProStar - developers of PointMan

Pointman is a utility management tool that enhances safety, accuracy, and efficiency in locating and managing underground utilities through advanced data collection and visualization.

Shareholder

RMS UTILITIES INC

Developed and deployed the Dashboard Dynamics Sewer Inspection and Repair platform.
Oversaw all business development and sales operations.
Designed and implemented sales growth strategies, achieving $5M ARR.
Expanded the company from one employee to 25 employees prior to its acquisition.

Co-Founder & Sales Director

Duke's

* Took innovative products and brought them to market
* Managed day-to-day sales, project scheduling, sales schedules, client accounts, as well as managed a four-state territory in the upper Midwest
* Spent over 70% of my time traveling to government entities, public works departments, and industry trade shows
* Provided customer support, managed 100 customer accounts, and provided solutions to their problems
* Consistently increased sales growth within the territory

Midwest Account Manager

EPS Products llc

* Startup Founder & Owner
* Developed bioaugmentation services to help government entities remove fats, oils, and grease from their sewer systems
* Managed day to day operations, sales, and financials 
* Worked with WSSC and DC water to help improve their operations and maintenance of their sewer systems
* Solicited partners to work with, provided solutions and in order to drive revenue

President

Ehrlich Pest Control

* Senior Technician within 3 years  
* Trained and managed over 12 technician's annually
* Promoted to operations manager at the Baltimore, MD office
* Managed difficult tasks, increased sales, and increased company profitability
* Maintained a high hourly production rate, customer retention (over 97%), and increased territory size
* Specialized in the handling of major contracts like Starbucks, Friendly's, C&S Wholesale Grocers, and other high-end accounts

Pest Control Technician, Territory Sales, Operations Manager

Hi, it’s nice to digitally meet you.

I believe that “a vision without action is merely a dream.”

I believe you have the ability to execute and fulfill your purpose—but most people don’t even try.

I was told in 3rd grade that I wouldn’t get anywhere in life. It’s strange how something like that sticks with you. But honestly, it’s been one of the greatest motivators. Being challenged like that lit a fire.

I started running paper routes at age 10, learning customer service and developing social skills early on. I worked in public works at 15, volunteered as a firefighter for 15 years, and went straight to work after high school.

By 20, I had learned how to build relationships, sell services, deliver value, and develop territories. I started my first company at 26, and my second at 38. For the past 20 years, my focus has been on improving municipal wastewater infrastructure. 

I successfully exited both startups, learning a lot about what not to do in business. Both companies generated revenue and had the ability to scale—they lacked automation, education, and the right people. It’s people who build a business—not money. The money is a tool, and it must be used wisely. 

In 2020, I wanted to learn how to build software.
In 2021, I built my first platform with a developer.
In 2022, I launched a video podcast to explore virtual relationships.
In 2023, I built my first virtual network, connecting people to events.
In 2024, we launched a video RFP process that used AI to streamline vendor and buyer matchmaking—from months down to just days.
In 2024–2025, we’re deploying and developing AI-powered events based matchmaking technology that streamlines how business relationships are built in the digital world.

We now automate how people connect and educate—through virtual events, network, and collaborate on infrastructure projects.

The future of business and professional development needs a streamlined solution—one built for connection and collaboration. We built it.

The traditional approach to biz dev is archaic. Fragmented.

We fixed it.

Join us for beta testing.

At Bidcurement, we're more than a done for you podcasting system; we're your storytelling partners. With 30 years of building relationships between businesses and governments, we understand what makes a community tick. Our mission? To humanize your message, educate your audience, and build a culture that's distinctly yours. Let's make your story heard and your solutions seen. Together, we'll create something unforgettable.

What We Do:

❤️Custom Podcast Production: From idea to airwaves, we manage all aspects of podcast creation, delivering content that captivates and educates our audience.

🧲Expert Guest Acquisition: Our podcasts feature insights from leading experts in the civil infrastructure field, adding depth and value to every episode.

🎙️Strategic Content Management: We ensure your podcast reaches its full potential with strategic planning, audience engagement, and performance analytics.

🗝️Integrated Support: Our plug and play approach includes SEO, social media content, and cross-platform distribution to maximize your podcast's visibility.

😊Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Join our growing network of over 150 businesses and government entities, opening doors to new collaborations and opportunities.

Our team is passionate about leveraging technology and media to make a tangible impact on the civil infrastructure sector. Through Bidcurement, we bridge knowledge gaps, promote innovative solutions, and build a more connected and informed community.

Let's connect and remember no one wants to have a meeting, everyone wants to have a conversation!

“Engineer” Means Nothing and That’s the Problem

This email was sent to me by a president of an engineering company, a 25+ year veteran. I’ll summarize it. 

In the U.S., anyone can call themselves an engineer.
No degree. No PE. No license. No accountability.

“Engineer” is not a protected title.
“Professional Engineer” is  - but how many even know that?

Meanwhile, the Manufacturer/Industrial Exemption quietly stripped power from the profession decades ago.
Only engineering was targeted.
Not medicine.
Not law.
Not accounting.
Not architecture.

Industry uses that loophole to outsource billions in engineering work overseas — often to firms with no U.S. licensure, hiding behind a legal technicality that was meant for “in-house staff.”
And because tariffs apply to goods, not services, there’s zero recourse.

Civil. Mechanical. Electrical. Chemical.
We’re all on the same sinking ship — fragmented, deregulated, and undercut by our own system.

The result?
U.S. engineers carry liability and risk, yet compete with $30/hr offshored labor.
And the public still assumes “engineer” means licensed and accountable.

It doesn’t.
Not anymore.

If we ever want engineering to become a true profession, reform has to come from the next generation not academia, not the boards, and definitely not industry.

Do you agree?
⸻

If you have things to share and would like me to share them. Dm or email me. 

Join our community group. https://lnkd.in/gdPDwXsp

Additionally, if you’re wondering why I haven’t been posting as frequently, I’m currently in a transition phase. I’ll resume posting more regularly soon.

Let’s work together to decentralize civil engineering hiring and optimize project designs!  

#EngineeringReform #ValueCapture #RiskVsReward #CivilEngineering #ProtectThePE

Business Development Leader | Construction & Public Sector | Growth Strategist | No Code Solution Architect | Civil Engineer Advocate

I keep seeing job postings from engineering firms looking for business development professionals. 

But here’s what stands out most of them list a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a professional license, or even a master’s degree as a requirement.

Now, I know plenty of operators and construction professionals who live and breathe building/ maintaining infrastructure the ones who’ve spent decades in the field, not just behind a desk.

So when did business development become a role for engineers (degrees only)? These are two entirely different skill sets. Business development takes creativity, passion, and a drive for financial growth. It’s about relationships, communication, and understanding people not designing culverts or calculating loads.

Sure, a degree gives you credibility. It proves you’ve put in four years of academic effort. But it doesn’t teach you what it feels like to stand in the mud at dawn, solving real problems alongside the crews installing the infrastructure that keeps communities moving. That hands-on experience is where the real understanding comes from.

I’ve sat in countless capital project meetings, and not once has anyone asked me about my education. What mattered was that I spoke the truth about what infrastructure really is and how it impacts lives. When you’ve done the work, you can tell the story in a way that connects.

You can talk about design/infrastructure all day long, but business development is about relationships. It’s about earning trust from mayors, council members, public works directors, and yes even civil engineers. Aka Decision Makers 

And from what I’ve seen, the business developers who truly succeed are the ones who can relate to people not comparing degrees.

Join our group! https://lnkd.in/gdPDwXsp

Decentralize civil engineering by partnering with business developers who connect with the audience, guide the conversation, know procurement, collaborate with field expertise, and deliver quality work beyond just the hourly rate. 

That’s what we’re building for the next generation of civil engineers who aspire to become civil engineers rather than business developers. 

#CivilEngineering
#InfrastructureDevelopment
#ConstructionIndustry
#PublicWorks
#EngineeringDesign
#TransportationInfrastructure
#WaterInfrastructure

Building a Decentralized Hiring System to Help Civil Engineers Build Sustainable Infrastructure in America | Open to Building Businesses & Coaching Business Developers

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Are the city engineers actually doing the design work for the engineering firms?

Here’s how it usually goes:
The city or land developer hires the firm. The firm hands the plans to an engineer fresh out of college. A senior engineer glances over the design, then pushes it to the city engineer. 

The city engineer reviews it, marks it up, and sends it back to the firm. The firm adjusts the designs based on those markups and resubmits them to the city engineer who finally approves them.

So now we have designs created by inexperienced engineers, while city engineers are essentially doing the design work for firms that are being paid for “professional engineering services.”

Then it moves to construction, and all hell breaks loose.

RFIs pile up. Projects stall. Construction costs skyrocket.

Join our group https://lnkd.in/gwkCiDdn

Let’s decentralize and bring back ethics and professionalism to a broken profession! 

#CivilEngineering #EngineeringReform #DesignQuality #ValueCapture #RiskVsReward #Publicsector

This morning I woke up to a comment that hit a nerve.

Silas Callahan  shared this:

“Here’s an issue I’ve experienced first-hand breaking into new markets. Jurisdictions will frequently require years of experience in the specific field of the RFP and often with that jurisdiction specifically. You can be incredibly talented, and it still counts for nothing.

I’ve worked with engineers with 20 years of experience but that doesn’t mean they have knowledge. Some are one-trick ponies who resist change. They haven’t kept up with modern practice. Meanwhile, engineers like me who focus on learning, creativity, and collaboration get shut out.

It’s demoralizing.”

He’s right.

This is what I’ve been talking about, civil engineering as a profession is being trashed.
Not respected by project owners or contractors.

New engineers are underpaid, undervalued, and lack training from college about the essential skills required for designing infrastructure. Most haven’t stepped foot onto a construction site or even know how to use CAD. Additionally, business development is prioritized by “selling” hours across various projects. This isn’t business development at all, at least not the kind that I had to learn to build businesses. I sold millions annually and managed to avoid responding to RFPs or bids altogether (to the extent possible). It’s a skill.

They burn out.
Senior engineers carry the weight.
And the principals? Most played the game long enough to rise.

I’ve had people call this system modern-day slavery in response to my posts and honestly, it’s not far off.

⸻

Let’s go back to what Silas said about RFP requirements based on jurisdictional experience.

Here’s what’s really happening:
Someone convinced the procurement department or director/engineer that “only local (jurisdiction) experts” can deliver better results (quality designs) That language made it into the bid to block outside competitors.

Fewer responses = higher win chance. That’s the game.

⸻

How do you beat this?

1. Build relationships.
Figure out who you need to know. Take your time. Trust wins.

2. Go nuclear: File a bid protest.
You’re not getting the job anyway — what do you have to lose?
A protest can:
	•	Force justification of specs
	•	Create a paper trail
	•	Signal that someone’s watching

3. Stop waiting on bids.
If you don’t have a BD process, your win rate is probably under 20%. Why? Because the RFP authors don’t know you. And they don’t trust you.

And trust wins.

⸻

The best business developers know how to build credibility long before the bid drops.

If no one knows you, why would they buy from you?

Want to break out of this cycle? DM me.

Join our civil engineering community. https://lnkd.in/gdPDwXsp

Let’s decentralize civil engineering and save it.

#CivilEngineering #RFP #GovTech #PublicProcurement #Infrastructure #BidProtest #EngineeringCommunity #BusinessDevelopment #GrowthLeadership #DecentralizeEngineering

What If Public Water Had a Brand? I was scrolling through LinkedIn today and came across a post about Liquid Death.

The author (https://lnkd.in/edPQCH4s was talking about the price difference between a can of Liquid Death and tap water how we’ll pay a few dollars for a can of “mountain water,” but only fractions of a penny for what comes out of our taps.

And it got me thinking…
What if water utilities started investing in marketing and branding, selling their water like private companies?

Imagine something like “Bison Water City of Helena, Montana”, proudly bottled at the source, supporting the very systems that make clean water possible.

This kind of approach could help generate the funds needed to repair, upgrade, and replace our aging national water infrastructure.

Of course, that raises important questions:
 💭 Is it even legal?
 💭 Could a public utility actually do it?

The answer is… technically, yes but it’s complicated. Public systems are regulated by the EPA, while bottled water falls under FDA rules. It would take new licensing, compliance, and transparency measures to pull it off.

#WaterInnovation #WaterInfrastructure #PublicUtilities #CleanWater
 #SustainableInfrastructure #WaterSystems #WaterQuality

taplio

The Battle

Dale Thomas

Chad Smeltzer

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The Battle

Dale Thomas

Chad Smeltzer

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Chad Smeltzer's LinkedIn Performance

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