Construction industry pros, welcome back to your favorite podcast. Host Kirk Westwood introduces "Talk the TAUC," formerly known as Construction User 2.0, with this Season 2 trailer highlighting powerful Season 1 moments. "What unions have afforded my family is economic security," shares Michigan State Senator John Cherry. Ever wonder how military veterans are finding their place in union construction? Marty Helms of Helmets to Hardhats explains. Kirk wraps up with a sneak peek at Season 2's har...
May 27, 2025•5 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Join us as Dr. Barry Miller, Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab discusses cutting-edge research on protective headwear for the construction industry. Learn about the Helmet Lab's innovations, helmet rating processes, and how they aim to enhance worker safety. You’ll hear the fascinating origin story of the lab, starting from its groundbreaking 2007 initiative to quantify football helmet safety, to the development of their revolutionary star rating syste...
Aug 06, 2024•38 min
In this episode, Kirk speaks with Nicole Schwartz, Executive Director of TradesFutures, exploring her career journey and the organization's mission to bolster the trades. They delve into strategies for enhancing recruitment and retention, addressing labor challenges within the construction industry. Nicole shares her unique career journey, transitioning from a Spanish teacher and pastry chef to her current role in workforce development. We delve into the mission and initiatives of Trades Futures...
Jul 09, 2024•35 min
Do you know what AI can do for your construction business right now? In today’s episode, host Kirk Westwood welcomes Document Crunch team members Kyle Dungca, Head of Industry Solutions; Maegan Spivey, Construction Contracts Specialist; and Chad Waite, Sr. Channel Manager. Document Crunch is a software program designed specifically for the construction industry that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify complex contracts. You’ll hear how Document Crunch (founded by attorneys in the indus...
Apr 23, 2024•36 min
In this episode, we delve into the secrets to thriving as a woman in the construction industry with the inspiring insights of Joelle Salerno and Danielle Harshman. Together, we uncover the layers of support provided by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), illustrating the varied paths women navigate within this male-dominated field. You’ll hear about the pressing need for personal protective equipment tailored to women in the construction industry and the creative solutions...
Feb 20, 2024•28 min
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Carey Peters, Executive Director of the CLRC (The Construction Labor Research Council). The CLRC provides comprehensive consulting and research services to national associations and their regional chapters, contractors, owners, unions, labor-management cooperatives, and others in the construction industry. Carey and Kirk discuss variables within the construction industry’s union labor costs, contracts, workforce demographics, and related informatio...
Feb 13, 2024•23 min
Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the brick-and-mortar of the construction industry? Buckle up as we navigate through this dynamic transformation with Junaid Ahmed, a maven of video production and tech solutions. With a foundation firmly rooted in computer science and engineering, Junaid unveils his trailblazing strategies for streamlining workspaces, helping entrepreneurs and creators harness the immense power of AI. His tale is one of innovation, sharing how these di...
Jan 23, 2024•29 min
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Brianne Stewart, Group Product Manager at Milwaukee Tool, and Matt Hedke, Director VDC Solutions at Barton Malow Company. The conversation covers the challenges and workarounds for connectivity at job sites, how the tech committee enables connections to industry people, companies, and resources, and what innovations the industry is working on for the future. Brianne Stewart is trusted industry voice and University of Iowa-trained mechanical enginee...
Jan 02, 2024•29 min
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Carey Peters, Executive Director of the CLRC (The Construction Labor Research Council). The CLRC provides comprehensive consulting and research services to national associations and their regional chapters, contractors, owners, unions, labor-management cooperatives, and others in the construction industry. Carey and Kirk discuss variables within the construction industry’s union labor costs, contracts, workforce demographics, and related informatio...
Oct 31, 2023•28 min
In this episode, Carole House, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center, joins Kirk to discuss cybersecurity basics, the ways that cybercriminals target companies to extort, and some simple basic protections that you can implement to make your company less attractive. Carole House previously served as the Director for Cybersecurity and Secure Digital Innovation at the White House National Security Council, and spent time at the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enfo...
Oct 24, 2023•26 min
In this episode we chat with John Burke, Vice President at The State Group Inc. We explore his insights and dive deep into The State Group Inc.'s award-winning safety culture, recognized as the 2021 Zero Injury Safety Awards (ZISA) Top Gold Star winner, achieving a remarkable 1,219,776 craft hours without a single recordable injury on-site. Larry Bradley worked with the Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter, NECA for 27 years in virtually every capacity of association management, serving as Executive Director...
Oct 17, 2023•21 min
In this episode, we take a closer look at healthcare in the construction industry and question our traditional approach. Larry Bradley, an author, consultant, and former NECA executive director, shares insights on how our current healthcare system is more about "sick-care" than actual health management. Join us as we consider alternative perspectives and ways to shift this paradigm. Larry Bradley worked with the Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter, NECA for 27 years in virtually every capacity of associatio...
Oct 03, 2023•33 min
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Marty Mulcahy, Managing Editor of The Building Tradesman - the Official Publication of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. The Building Tradesman has served the highly skilled men and women in Michigan’s building trades unions in Michigan since 1952. Marty’s decades of experience reporting on the building trades gives him special insight into the construction industry. Join us as Kirk and Marty delve into an alternative perspecti...
Sep 12, 2023•26 min
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Geoff Colvin, renowned author and longtime editor and writer at Fortune. Geoff reveals strategies for future-proofing your company through effective leadership, cultural transformation, and proactive technology adoption. Gain expert insights on staying ahead in an evolving business landscape. Tune in to elevate your business preparedness. Geoff Colvin is an award-winning thinker, author, broadcaster, and speaker on today’s most significant trends i...
Aug 29, 2023•28 min
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with two industry thought leaders from Procore - Will Lehrmann, VP of Product, and Brian Davis, Product Marketing Manager. Will and Brian unveil the essential keys to successful change management in construction tech adoption. Gain insights from their extensive experience to ensure seamless transitions, safeguard budgets, and empower your team. Brought to you by Procore, this episode is a must-listen for anyone driving innovation in construction. Used i...
Aug 22, 2023•40 min
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Terry Dussault, Founder and President of Yellowknife Consulting Services. As a corporate EH&S professional, Terry has been Southern California's top safety expert for over 25 years. Terry specializes in the preparation and implementation of safety training programs related to Cal OSHA and DOSH, EPA, and DOT regulations. Terry has an extensive background in environmental compliance on a variety of projects including ones impacted with contaminat...
Jul 25, 2023•26 min
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Carey Peters, Executive Director of the CLRC (The Construction Labor Research Council). The CLRC provides comprehensive consulting and research services to national associations and their regional chapters, contractors, owners, unions, labor-management cooperatives, and others in the construction industry. Carey and Kirk discuss variables within the construction industry’s union labor costs, contracts, workforce demographics, and related informatio...
Jul 18, 2023•32 min
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with John Stevens, Owner and Founder of Thermal Solutions. Thermal Solutions specializes in commercial and industrial insulation for the industrial market. John shares insight into his 40+ years in the business, how his family has joined him through the decades at Thermal Solutions, why he hires union workers, and what he expects from the future of the construction industry. The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union...
Jun 27, 2023•37 min
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with industry veteran Kathleen "Kathi" Dobson as she shares her insights on the current state of construction safety and how mental health influences safety in construction sites. Kathi Dobson is a 20+ year veteran of the construction industry and of Alberici Constructors, Inc. She works throughout the country & North America supporting safe work efforts in her company’s automotive, mining, heavy civil and industrial processes markets. Regardless of...
Jun 20, 2023•27 min
Welcome to Part II of a two-part series on PLAs and Labor Economics. Host Kirk Westwood continues the conversation with Economists Peter W. Philips and Kevin Duncan. Dr. Philips and Dr. Duncan discuss the evolution and role of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) in both public and private sectors, they examine the controversy surrounding the I-15 corridor rehab project in Salt Lake County, and explore the economic aspects of PLAs and their potential benefits for all parties involved. They also share...
Jun 06, 2023•32 min
Welcome to Part I of a two-part series on PLAs and Labor Economics. Host Kirk Westwood speaks with Economists Peter W. Philips and Kevin Duncan as they share insights regarding the effects of prevailing wage laws on construction workers, the communities they work in, and the industry in general. Philips is a labor economist specializing on the construction labor market. He has ancillary interests in econometrics and American economic and business history. His current research interests include r...
May 29, 2023•21 min
In this episode, Kirk Westwood talks to Ironworkers General President Eric Dean. They discuss the current state of the union construction industry and how technology has changed construction methods and workforce demands. With over 40 years of experience, Dean shares his perspectives on the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry, including the retirement of baby boomers and the need for apprenticeship programs to replenish the workforce. He also delves into the concept of the "travel...
May 16, 2023•26 min
In this episode, Kirk Westwood talks to the “human shot of espresso” and soon-to-be guest speaker at the Construction Leadership Conference, Alex Weber. Alex is an international keynote speaker on leadership and peak performance, a competitor on American Ninja Warrior, and an award-winning entertainer for NBC. He’s an acclaimed author and one of the youngest coaches ever to win US Lacrosse Coach of the Year honors. Alex gives leaders & organizations his ‘Unstoppable Strategy’ to inspire enga...
May 09, 2023•23 min
In this episode, Kirk Westwood talks to Martin “Marty” Helms, Executive Director of the Helmets to Hardhats program. Kirk and Marty discuss the striking similarities of structure and responsibility within the military and construction industries, and how those similarities make construction an excellent civilian career for many ex-military personnel. Martin Helms' Union career began as an IBEW apprentice and developed into being a Journeyman, Foreman, and then the Training Director for his local...
May 02, 2023•24 min
In this episode, Kirk Westwood talks to author, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker Sterling Hawkins. They discuss his book, Hunting Discomfort, the #NoMatterWhat movement, and how anyone can improve by seeking discomfort, feeling it, and moving through it. Sterling Hawkins is an author, investor and entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and founder of the #NoMatterWhat movement. He shows people how to achieve the results they want regardless of the circumstances. After Sterling’s multi-billion dollar st...
Apr 25, 2023•24 min
