Description

🔥 Episode Summary

In this dynamic episode, hosts Jason Shearer and Akram “AK” Khalis sit down with Scott Panzer, founder of Digital Building Solutions (DBS) and Vice Chairman at JLL, to explore how low voltage, power over Ethernet (PoE), and smart systems are revolutionizing real estate.

With a bold background in M&A, real estate, and decades of industry leadership, Scott offers an unfiltered perspective on breaking silos, dismantling outdated practices, and using technology to create connected, efficient, and future-proof spaces. From major law firm deployments to global scale-outs, he shares the DBS playbook for integrating intelligent infrastructure in both new and legacy buildings.

🛠️ Topics Covered

• Scott’s unconventional career path: from marine biology to real estate tech leadership
• The origin and mission of DBS (Digital Building Solutions)
• Why LED + PoE + Integrated Controls are disrupting traditional building systems
• Resistance from trades and how DBS navigates union partnerships and MEP pushback
• Real-world examples from clients like Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Sherman & Sterling, and Goldman Sachs
• Using occupancy analytics, desk sensors, and environmental data to power smart buildings
• How DBS enables smart retrofits in legacy buildings like Cisco Paris
• Global scale through strategic partnerships (e.g. SigmaByte in India)
• Why low voltage trades are the future—and how AI will reshape skilled labor needs
• Lessons from managing 4.5+ million square feet of PoE-enabled real estate

💡 Favorite Quotes

• “The unions are deathly afraid of low voltage—because it’s safe.”
• “AI is going to make a lot of humanity superfluous. But people with hand-eye coordination? They’ll thrive.”
• “Your office can be the engine of your business—if you wire it right.”

🥃 This Episode’s Drink

• Scott: Bulleit Bourbon, one big rock (as any self-respecting martini drinker would pivot to on a cold Connecticut day)
• Jason & AK: Classic bourbon pour to match the energy

📅 Release Schedule

New episodes drop every other Monday, blending strong spirits, smarter buildings, and strong opinions.

🎧 Who Should Listen?

• Real estate developers and building owners
• MEP engineers and electrical contractors
• IT/OT integration specialists
• Smart building consultants
• Anyone interested in scalable, intelligent infrastructure

📣 Connect & Follow

• Website: dbs-poe.com
• Follow Scott Panzer on LinkedIn — for insight, bold takes, and the occasional spicy post
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube
• Like, rate, and share the show to support smart building innovation