.png){kind=logo}
The energy sector, dormant for 15 years, is waking up.
That was the consensus at "The State of What'sNext," where we unpacked the trends shaping 2026 and beyond. If you weren't there, you missed the moment we connected the dots between the reindustrialization of America, the insatiable energy demands of AI, and the rise of a new kind of builder. Here’s what you need to know.
The Great Reawakening
For 15 years, US power demand was flat. Since 2020, it's been growing 2% annually and is set to accelerate. This isn't just about data centers; it's about a nationwide push to bring manufacturing back home. As Jeff Krimmel of Krimmel Strategy Group put it, this is a "reawakening" that demands aggressive investment and a skilled workforce ready to build.
But this isn't your grandfather's energy boom. Tech giants like Google are co-investing in geothermal companies, blurring the lines between big oil, big tech, and emerging energy tech. The future is a blend of grid technologies, natural gas, nuclear, and renewables, all working in concert to power our AI-driven world.
The Great Flip: Experience is the New Currency
While the energy sector is booming, the labor market isundergoing a seismic shift. Layoffs are stabilizing, but hiring is moreselective than ever. Companies are demanding sharply defined skills, and AI isautomating many junior-level tasks.
This is The Great Flip.
As AI handles the tactical, human-led analysis and strategic decision-making becomes priceless. Your experience, your relationships, your ability to ask the right questions—these are the new competitive advantages. As Katie Mehnert, founder of The Bee Suite, explained, the future belongs to those who can master the"human-in-the-loop" AI approach, balancing machine efficiency with human judgment.
The Rise of the Builder
So, what do you do with this information? You build. The market for experienced professionals in fractional and advisory roles is exploding. Smaller companies are hungry for seasoned talentwithout the corporate overhead. This is where builders thrive—leveraging their expertise to create value, solve real problems, and move on to the nextchallenge.
But going it alone is tough. The transition from corporate life is fraught with loneliness, uncertainty, and the temptation to revert tooled habits. That's why communities like The Bee Suite are essential. They provide the accountability, coaching, and real relationships you need to succeed in this new landscape.
Don't Miss the Next One
We're just getting started. The convergence of energy, AI, and the builder economy is the defining opportunity of our time. If you're ready to move from bystander to builder, you can't afford to miss our next session.
Join us as we continue to unpack the trends, connect the dots, and build the future together.
About Our Guest Jeff Krimmel:
Jeff Krimmel is the founder of Krimmel Strategy Group (KSG), where he helps energy professionals develop the strategic and financial fluency to move from practitioner to executive. He spent 15+ years in oil & gas, including roles at Baker Hughes and as Chief Strategy Officer at Pinnacle. Each week, he publishes The Krimmel Letter, a free newsletter delivering weekly market analysis you can actually use: in client conversations, advisory work, or wherever your expertise takes you next.
