The Tec-Talk Podcast

In this episode of The Tec-Talk Podcast, we speak with Dr. John Blevins, chief engineer for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Dr. Blevins reflects on the historic success of Artemis II, the engineering behind the rocket that launched four astronauts on their journey around the Moon, and what the mission means for the future of human space exploration.
 

Retired SAIC VP and past AUSA Third Region President Kris McBride joins us on The Tec-Talk Podcast to talk leadership, mentorship, women in defense tech, and helping small businesses win government contracts through the UAH Apex Accelerator.

In this episode of The Tec‑Talk Podcast, we sit down with Peggy Sammon, Co‑Founder and CEO of GeneCapture, to explore their groundbreaking “Capture Platform”—a portable, cartridge‑based system that can identify infectious pathogens and determine antibiotic susceptibility at the point of care in about an hour. Peggy shares the personal story of her co-founder Dr. Krishnan Chittur that sparked the technology, walks listeners through how the device analyzes molecular signatures from raw samples, and explains why rapid, on‑site diagnostics are critical for patient outcomes and early detection of disease. The conversation also covers the company’s path toward FDA clearance, the challenges of scaling a low‑cost biotech solution, and the broader impact this technology could have on hospitals, clinics, and even front-line military environments.

In this episode of The Tec‑Talk Podcast, we talk with Jim Lockwood, Co‑Founder and President of The Lockwood Group. Jim explains how his company supports mission‑readiness for defense and federal customers by pairing deep logistics expertise with emerging technologies such as AI‑driven tools. He also shares how the partnership with Tec‑Masters’ Mentor‑Protege program has accelerated joint development, fostered regular brainstorming sessions, and helped both firms bring innovative, user‑focused solutions to warfighters. The conversation wraps up with practical advice for small businesses considering Mentor‑Protege participation emphasizing patience, cultural fit, and the value of strong, collaborative partnerships.

In this special episode of The Tec‑Talk Podcast the founder and president, Dr. Marvin Carroll, reflects on the life and values that have shaped Tec‑Masters Inc. as he nears his 90th birthday, sharing how his mother’s demanding yet loving guidance gave him a “genesis” that taught that “life’s a journey” and that attitude matters more than aptitude; how his faith and the concept of family as a “multiplication process” have driven him to view Tec‑Masters as a mission rather than merely a business; the serendipitous origin of the company’s name on a golf course and the partnership that followed; the influence of mentors like “Miss Jennie” and the importance of humility, servant leadership, and listening to great ideas; his commitment to empowering other companies, expanding into AI, space, and defense, and the belief that the company’s bold steps are a continuation of the original vision; and his hope that listeners see the journey of Tec‑Masters and the countless lives changed as a testament to his lifelong dedication.

In this episode of The Tec-Talk Podcast, we sit down with Richard Chenault, the driving force behind Tec-Masters’ success in the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program. With a remarkable 9 Nunn-Perry Awards as a company, Richard shares how Tec-Masters has built a true legacy of mentorship—helping small businesses grow, innovate, and strengthen the nation’s defense industrial base.
Richard walks us through what makes a successful mentor-protégé partnership, the challenges and opportunities that come with guiding emerging companies, and the impact these collaborations have across defense industry.