On the road again... Co-hosts John O'Brien and Chris Martin took the show on the road. This time their field trip landed them at the Carpenter's Dive School in Sicklerville, NJ. After touring the facility they sat down with Tim Waring , the training coordinator at the Sicklerville Dive School. This school is the first UBC (United Brotherhood of Carpenters) dive center. Waring explains that commercial diving involves tasks such as welding, burning, and piling underwater. It's like being an underw...
Aug 29, 2023•17 min•Season 4Ep. 19
We invited co-founders Kristen Fallon and Jon Lattin to the Building PA Podcast to share more about Let's Build of Lehigh Valley. This unique hands-on experience for girls aged 12-18 opens up the world of AEC. The mission of Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls was founded with a goal to ignite the spark within girls to explore the built environment through architecture, engineering, construction, and building materials manufacturing (AECM) related careers. Listen and share this podcast with ...
Aug 22, 2023•23 min•Season 4Ep. 16
The primary goal of the WELL Building Standard is to prioritize the health and well-being of occupants. By incorporating features that enhance indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, and ergonomic design, buildings can create environments that support physical and mental health, productivity, and overall comfort. This podcast replay with guest Chip Desmone , CEO of Desmone Architects is the epitome of WELL Building which is expressed through his business practices, WELL Gold Certified Building ...
Aug 15, 2023•27 min
The Constructors of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP) and the Master Builder's Association of Western Pennsylvania (MBA) have partnered to bring a new mental health initiative to the construction industry in western PA called Yinz Good? Jason Koss, director of industry relations for the CAWP, and Bob McCall, director of safety for the MBA are the co-founders of this initiative in partnership with Youturn Health. Jason and Bob joined us on the podcast to discuss the importance of this campaign and why ...
Aug 08, 2023•27 min•Season 4Ep. 31
In this episode, we tap into the mind of the Vice President of Innovation for Wohlsen Construction , Ed McCauley to discuss innovation in the construction industry. Our co-hosts explore the role of technology and IT in construction. McCauley shares his thoughts on virtual design in construction. McCauley explains how they use innovative tools and technologies to improve project management, coordination, and efficiency. Various innovations in the construction industry are highlighted, including i...
Aug 01, 2023•25 min
The Building PA Podcast recently had a sit-down interview with Paul Hoback, the Executive Vice President, and Chief Development Officer for the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Hoback is currently overseeing the Terminal Modernization Program for the Pittsburgh International Airport. During the podcast, Hoback made an important announcement for all contractors and sub-contractors. On Thursday, August 10, from 3 PM to 5 PM, at the Carpenters Union Hall in Collier Township, the Allegheny County...
Jul 25, 2023•28 min
Give yourself the chance to be inspired by Retired Major General John Gronski by listening to this enlightening podcast replay. The question of whether there are natural-born leaders or if leadership skills can be learned is a topic of debate. However, the truth is that both perspectives hold truth. It is undeniable that some individuals possess inherent qualities that make them effective leaders from an early age. On the other hand, anyone can acquire and enhance leadership abilities through le...
Jul 18, 2023•28 min
In this podcast episode we talk with Edna Howard, the president of Voices of Encouragement, a training and development company focused on empowering the workforce. The discussion is around the importance of employee wellness, safety concerns, and workforce challenges. Howard shares her passion for leadership development and helping leaders have "light bulb" moments of understanding. This episode addresses mental health topics and issues, particularly in the construction industry, which has been ...
Jul 11, 2023•31 min•Season 4Ep. 14
This is a throwback podcast from 2020. Co-hosts Jon and Chris talk safety culture in the construction industry with Owner and President Clayton Leibold from Leibold Inc . Leibold is a mechanical contractor based in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Leibold shares the biggest challenge for the construction industry regarding safety is overcoming job site hurdles and the pressure to complete work within shorter timelines. While the industry is facing a worker shortage, Leibold mentions that as a union mec...
Jul 05, 2023•21 min
In this episode, Vice President of Aims Construction, Mike Tarle, gets in-depth on the topic of how the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry can better deal with local government. Tarle, who serves as the town council president of McCandless Township, shares his insights from both his professional experience in the construction industry and his role in local government. They delve into the importance of developing personal relationships with government officials, meeting th...
Jun 27, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Building with confidence and navigating risk in construction: Insights from NFP, the Global Insurance Broker. In this episode, the Building PA Podcast and guest Ivan Usero sheds light on the critical role of NFP , a global insurance broker, in helping construction companies mitigate risks. Ivan Usero provides valuable insights into risk management strategies, the importance of technology, and various types of risks in the construction industry. By understanding and addressing these risks, contra...
Jun 20, 2023•16 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Ensuring a healthy work environment and fostering a positive work culture have become paramount for numerous companies. The advantages of prioritizing these aspects far exceed any associated costs. In this podcast replay, we delve into the strategies employed by a company that places utmost importance on the well-being of its employees. The episode outlines how this organization prioritizes the health and welfare of its workforce, showcasing the significant benefits that result from such a commi...
Jun 13, 2023•23 min
In this podcast episode, the host introduces Josh Strickler, the Chief Operations Officer at Diplomat Demolition . The discussion centers around worker re-entry, a topic that has been increasingly discussed in recent years but has not been covered on the podcast before. Strickler shares his experiences and insights on employing veterans and individuals who are reentering the workforce after incarceration. He talks about how Diplomat Demolition started working with organizations like Impact Servi...
Jun 06, 2023•24 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Josh Strickler, the COO of Diplomat Demolition , has been employing workers through worker re-entry programs for almost 20 years. Diplomat Demolition employs workers who have gone through re-entry programs, with 70 out of 70 workers having some form of re-entry background. Approximately 20-30 workers have come directly from re-entry programs, while another 20 have criminal backgrounds. Diplomat Demolition has incorporated worker re-entry programs into its growth strategy. This initiative started...
Jun 06, 2023•24 min
In this episode, we have a special guest, Kerry Smith, a freelance writer and expert in media relations. We dive into the topic of storytelling and the interview process, exploring what makes a good story. Our enthusiastic hosts are excited to learn from Smith's wisdom and experience. Smith introduces herself as a serial entrepreneur however, she clarifies that her innovation lies in various writing forms, ranging from news publications to websites, ghostwriting, and now podcasts. Smith reflects...
May 30, 2023•27 min•Season 4Ep. 9
In this podcast episode, the focus is once again on safety. The discussion revolves around strategies that construction businesses can employ to create safer work environments, aiming for zero injuries and reducing OSHA recordable incidents. Original Content: The HR and Safety Director of Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, Seth Abraham, stopped by the Building PA Podcast to discuss labor relations and safety. Listen in as Seth discusses his thoughts on workforce development and the value relatio...
May 23, 2023•27 min
This positive and powerful podcast addresses a topic that the Building PA Podcast, can not talk enough about - workplace mental health and suicide prevention. Our guest, Cal Beyer, Vice President of Workforce Risk and Worker Wellbeing for Holmes and Murphy is sharing his personal and professional journey of communicating, educating, and informing individuals in the field of construction. Our co-hosts dig deep with Beyer to learn how companies can jump-start tough conversations with the office an...
May 16, 2023•28 min
Construction safety is an ongoing conversation. This podcast replay with Bob McCall, safety director for the MBA shares insight into job site safety and how safety is compromised when we aren't focused on the root cause which is often stress and mental health and wellness. On the heels of Construction Safety Week, we thought this podcast was a good refresher for everyone working in the construction industry. Original Content In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with the Director of S...
May 09, 2023•29 min
Our topic today, lowering OSHA recordables, may very well become the most popular download of the year. Why? Because we hear time and time again and have learned that the construction industry as a whole starts and ends the day with safety in mind. It's one of the most talked about topics in construction. Companies strive for a good safety rating. They wear in like a badge of honor. Our guest, Greg Johnson, president and CEO of SRS Group in Mechanicsburg, PA offers 24/7 medical triage of work-re...
May 02, 2023•25 min
The construction industry is a dynamic industry and fiercely competitive. Now more than ever, project presentation and how you sell and communicate your company's unique strengths to the owner, board, and decision-makers is critical. Long gone are the days when you can win a job by simply selling safe, on time, and on budget. These things are expected by owners. It's time to take the next step in selling and start to sell by telling your story. Every company has a story, or unique value proposit...
Apr 25, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week , April 17-21, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to share a podcast replay with Rich Barcaskey of the Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP). He shares some great advice. As drivers, follow work zone signs, slow down, and save lives! Take a listen to this podcast replay. It's a great reminder of the small things we can do to keep our highways safer. Original Content: We've all been there, you're in your car on your way ...
Apr 18, 2023•32 min
For this episode, we invited our friends Mackenzie Carolan and Todd Zdunkewicz with Linbeck Construction to join the podcast and share their seller/doer model of success. Our seller is Mackenzie Carolan, vice president, of business development at Linbeck in Dallas, TX. Our doer is Todd Zdunkewicz, project manager with Linbeck Construction in Houston, TX. We know a lot of our listeners use this method of selling, but Linbeck gave us an interesting perspective on their approach. Learn why they bel...
Apr 11, 2023•21 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Well, it looks like prefabrication IS here to stay. It's been over a year since we aired this podcast and supply chain issues continue to remain a headache for the construction industry. This podcast is worth another listen. Why? Because there are some great tips and stories of how prefabricated products are solving problems and helping to get jobs done without delay. Original Content - Jim Gabriel, president of MODLOGIQ shed light on why prefabrication is trending across the construction indust...
Apr 04, 2023•30 min
The podcast has had the privilege of interviewing many prominent architects in Pennsylvania. But today's guest is a different kind of architect. He's not building buildings, he's building and inspiring wellness. David Whitesock is the founder of Commonly Well and the architect of Recovery Capital Index®. RCI provides a comprehensive picture of a person's whole being using an online automated survey. The RCI is person-centered. The program is scientifically validated to reliably measure addiction...
Mar 28, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In honor of Women's History Month, we thought we would entertain our audiences with one of our most interesting and popular podcast interviews with a female guest. Tonya Byrd, business development manager for Gilbane Building Company, shares her insights on construction business development, building relationships, and life in general. This podcast replay is guaranteed to make you think a little bit about strategies for growing your business and building relationships...for life. Original Conten...
Mar 21, 2023•29 min
Our special guest, Executive Training Director at Eastern Atlantic States Technical College, and long-time Carpenter, Rob Smith, took some time to talk about recruitment efforts specifically in the underserved communities in Pennsylvania. Smith expanded on the statewide Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program (CARP). CARP is a Pennsylvania state-certified pre-apprentice initiative designed to open doors for people who may not have been exposed to the trades in the past. The goal is to create opportu...
Mar 14, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 5
This podcast replay focuses on the groundbreaking technology and work that CNX is doing and features one of the most down-to-earth environmentally-conscious "Yinzers" in the business, Nick Deiuliis. Read all the details in this news release on the Pittsburgh Airport project . Original Content: Everyone loves a good comeback story and there's no better story to tell than how the city of Pittsburgh turned from a depressed coal miner's town into a thriving city and suburb filled with environmentall...
Mar 07, 2023•27 min
In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, we talked with Joe Bucci, counsel at JacksonKelly PLLC who shares his unique education and career path - from trades to attorney. Bucci starts college, switches into the trades, goes back to college, earns his law degree, and is now an attorney for JacksonKelly PLLC practicing construction law. This podcast sheds light on the positive aspects of two very different paths for high school students - college or trades. Bucci contributes his ability to conn...
Feb 28, 2023•25 min•Season 4Ep. 4
February marks career and technical education (CTE) month. There's no better podcast replay to share than our recording with the President of the National ACE Mentor Program, Diana Eidenshink. This program is a fantastic opportunity for students and businesses. Students benefit and learn from mentors and mentors help educate young adults about architecture, construction, and engineering. Original Content Are you a professional in the field of architecture, construction, or engineering and feel l...
Feb 21, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Our guest on this episode of the Building PA Podcast is David Callahan, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition® (MSC). The MSCs mission is to work with exploration and production, midstream, and supply chain partners in the Appalachian Basin and across the country to address issues regarding the production of clean, job-creating American natural gas from the Marcellus and Utica Shale plays. The MSC wants to provide as much information to the public, policymakers, regulators, and other public...
Feb 14, 2023•23 min•Season 4Ep. 3
