In this packed episode of Safety Corner , Phill kicks things off by sharing insights from a recent training day he led, bringing real-world safety issues straight to the mic. This episode gets into the nitty-gritty of construction safety , while also navigating the bigger picture of where the industry is heading . We cover: 🔸 New safety helmet designs —with a sample right on the podcast table, we look at what’s next in PPE. 🔸 Innovative harness technology —what’s changing, and how it affects d...
Mar 30, 2025•1 hr 5 min
We switch gears from job sites to event sites with Jonathan and Ashley Andrade of C and N Events . Planning events isn’t just about decorations and venues—it’s about balancing expectations, budgets, and creating unforgettable experiences . We dive into: 🔹 What clients really want in 2024 —the latest event trends shaping the industry. 🔹 Weddings, kids’ parties, and corporate events —how each requires a unique approach. 🔹 What guests expect vs. what planners can realistically deliver —finding t...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 34 min
In this special recap episode of Building Joy , we take a step back to reflect on the incredible journey of insights and inspiration we've had through past conversations, all guided by the joyful heart of Teresa Greco . This episode is a gentle reminder that happiness isn’t a destination or something you earn— it’s something you practice every day . We explore: 🌅 The little things that matter most —the daily habits and mindsets that keep us grounded in joy. 🧠 Happiness as a skillset —why it ta...
Mar 23, 2025•32 min
In this episode of Safety Corner , we tackle a topic that isn’t talked about enough but needs to be — women in construction . Representation is growing, but are job sites really set up to support and respect female tradespeople? We dive into: 🔹 The real numbers behind women in construction —beyond the PR campaigns, what’s actually happening? 🔹 Proper toilet facilities on site —why the basics, like hygiene and accessibility, are still being overlooked. 🔹 Making sure menstrual products are read...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 24 min
In this raw and real episode of The Construction Life Podcast , we welcome Barrett Dionne , a seasoned cement finisher with Local 506 who has 20+ years of experience in the concrete trade . Barrett, aka Bear , doesn’t hold back—he brings honest, positive, and realistic insights about the industry without naming names (but we all know the type). We get into: 🔹 How he was thrown into the construction fire at 16 —learning the hard way from the "Porkchops" and never looking back. 🔹 What the union ...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 41 min
In this brutally honest episode of The Construction Life Podcast , Brayden Harkness of Sandman Construction (Show #637) and Chris Wren of Wren Contracting (Show #649) return to the studio to discuss the harsh realities of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 —and why they’re worried about the future of construction . We tackle: 🔹 The financial storm hitting the trades —why younger contractors are feeling the squeeze harder than ever. 🔹 Letting go of ego in tough times —adjusting to a market wher...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 48 min
We’re talking electricity, efficiency, and lighting retrofits with Mitch Slade of Hickey Electrical Services —a trusted name in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional electrical work across the Waterloo Region . We dive into: 🔹 The importance of lighting retrofits —how upgrading old lighting improves efficiency, safety, and cost savings . 🔹 The biggest electrical challenges on job sites and how pros like Mitch solve them. 🔹 Common electrical mistakes homeowners and builders ma...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 47 min
We welcome Daniel Hadizadeh, CEO of Mitrex, to discuss how their innovative building-integrated solar cladding solutions (BIPV) are transforming new and existing projects across Canada, the USA, and worldwide. Mitrex isn’t just another building material supplier—it’s a game-changer in sustainable and high-performance cladding. We explore: 🔹 What makes Mitrex’s cladding different—cutting-edge solar technology built for the future. 🔹 The benefits of locally manufactured products—why "Made in Can...
Mar 17, 2025•58 min
On this powerful episode of Building Joy , Teresa Greco and Manny Neves sit down with Mark Sanchez , a man w ho has faced the depths of struggle and the highs of transformation . Mark opens up about: 🔹 Growing up in the drug trade —with parents involved as dealers and a life surrounded by crime. 🔹 His past in gangs and addiction —pretending things were great while his life was spiraling. 🔹 The breaking point —the moment he realized the drug life was killing him and the decision that changed e...
Mar 16, 2025•44 min
We’re diving into the world of garage renovations, storage solutions, and next-level flooring with James Secondino of Mint Garage Inc. Your garage isn’t just a place to park—it’s an extension of your home , and Mint Garage Inc. is here to turn it into something functional, stylish, and built to last . We discuss: 🔹 The key elements of a perfect garage renovation —flooring, storage, and custom renos. 🔹 Smart Slat storage solutions —why organization is just as important as aesthetics. 🔹 The shi...
Mar 15, 2025•1 hr 38 min
Phill shares his insider experience at the OGCA Safety Summit , where he connected with industry leaders, talked real safety , and—of course—made sure that Safety Corner’s reputation for rattling cages was well known. We dive into: 🔹 Key takeaways from the Safety Summit —who’s talking, who’s listening, and who’s just there for the coffee. 🔹 Networking in the safety world —building real conversations around what works and what doesn’t on job sites. 🔹 The never-ending acronym madness —MILTSD? H...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this frustrating yet important episode of The Construction Life Podcast , Marc Fraser of Craigmhor Construction returns to share his nightmare experience trying to get an apprentice registered for Red Seal certification —a process that should be straightforward but instead is buried in government inefficiency . We get into: 🔹 The endless hoops to jump through with the Ministry of Labour and why government organizations refuse to communicate. 🔹 Skilled Trades Ontario’s role in gatekeeping an...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 37 min
We welcome back Antonio Pereira of AquaStop Waterproofing to catch up on what’s been happening since Show #609 . Antonio and his crew have been in the trenches, battling leaks, floods, and foundation nightmares , especially with all the extra snow and rain we have been getting and the clients that decided to hire the cheaper guy: 🔹 What the past year has been like in the waterproofing industry —the wins, the struggles, and the lessons learned. 🔹 How unpredictable weather & shifting constru...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 29 min
We sit down with Michael Pecchia of MP Tiles , a seasoned tile setter who’s seen the trade evolve—and not always for the better. 15 years in the business and got into the industry right out of high school. We dive deep into: 🔸 The current state of the tile trade —what’s changed and what’s stayed the same. 🔸 Younger trades entering the industry —what they should expect and what’s missing from their skillset. 🔸 Client expectations vs. reality —dealing with budget constraints and Pinterest dream...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 29 min
We welcome Rob Soehner , owner of Fire Epoxy Inc. , a true expert in the rapidly evolving epoxy industry . Rob’s passion for his craft is undeniable, and he’s here to break down what it really takes to be a pro in the epoxy business. We get into: 🔹 The real-world epoxy application process —what separates the seasoned pros from the DIYers . 🔹 Why epoxy is NOT just a weekend project —the science, technique, and skill behind flawless finishes. 🔹 Common epoxy mistakes made by amateurs and how to ...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 33 min
In this reflective and empowering wrap-up episode of Building Joy , Teresa Greco and Manny Neves take a moment to revisit some of the most insightful and inspiring moments from past guests. We explore: ✨ How to step deeper into happiness —it’s not about luck, it’s about choice. 🔄 Breaking free from the cycle of repetition —why most people wake up to the same day over and over, and how to change that. 🌅 Learning to wake up excited —because every day is an opportunity to create something new. 💰...
Mar 09, 2025•47 min
In this raw and real episode of The Construction Life Podcast , we sit down with Daniel Santos , a Local 183 Rigger , for a conversation that goes where it goes —and trust us, it goes deep. We break down: 🔹 The early days of life in the trades —learning the ropes and the lessons that shaped his career. 🔹 Politics in construction —how it affects workers, job sites, and the future of the industry. 🔹 The future of skilled trades —where construction is heading and what needs to change. 🔹 Being a...
Mar 09, 2025•1 hr 52 min
In this hard-hitting episode of Safety Corner , we confront one of the most dangerous and often underestimated hazards on a construction site — loads in motion . What starts as a routine lift can easily turn into a dropped load , and when safety measures aren’t in place, the consequences are often catastrophic . This episode isn’t just talk—we have real video content of dropped loads that have led to serious injuries and fatalities , serving as a sobering reminder of the risks that come with hea...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 8 min
We sit down with Gianluca Mastrangelo, a Local 27 carpenter with a deep well of experience in the trades. From his journey as an apprentice to becoming a journeyman, Gianluca shares valuable insights into the evolving construction industry, the mindset of young trades entering the workforce, and where he sees the future of carpentry heading. But we’re not just talking wood and nails—Gianluca also dives into the current state of the crypto market and how financial awareness plays a role in securi...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 23 min
In this episode of The Construction Life Podcast , we sit down with Noah Bray , a young entrepreneur balancing two demanding careers —owning a construction company and coaching online fitness clients. As the founder of Bray’k Away Development , Noah specializes in installing commercial playgrounds and backyard builds , creating spaces where families and communities thrive. But that’s just half the story. He’s also the force behind NPB Fitness , an online coaching platform , and a natural physiqu...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 39 min
In this latest episode of The Construction Life Podcast , we sit down with the team from Sardinella Landscaping , featuring Draven Saliba and Anthony Henen , to discuss the grind, growth, and evolution of the trades . We dive right into: ❄️ Snow Removal Survival – The real challenges of keeping operations running in brutal Canadian winters . 🔨 Planning for the Future – How landscapers are expanding into renovations and diversifying their skill sets . 🚀 Business Expansion – The next steps for g...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 55 min
In this inspiring episode of Building Joy , we kick things off by tackling the cold weather blues and how the changing seasons can impact our mental and emotional well-being . Teresa Greco opens the conversation by diving into SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and why mindset and gratitude are the key to shifting your day from sluggish to amazing . Then, we welcome special guest Rick Salmeron , who shares his powerful insights on your most important investment—your self-esteem . Rick gets person...
Mar 02, 2025•54 min
In this raw and relatable episode of The Construction Life Podcast , we sit down with Jeff Larenjeiro from New Jersey’s Local 427 Laborers Union , a man who knows firsthand the hard knocks and high rewards of the construction industry. Jeff takes us back to his early days on the job site , sharing stories of: 🔹 Breaking into the construction world and the gritty reality of going out on his own. 🔹 Old-school lessons from his father , teaching him that sometimes you’ve just got to swing the hamm...
Mar 02, 2025•1 hr 17 min
On this recap episode of Safety Corner , we’re tying up loose ends and diving into some of the most important safety topics we’ve covered so far, with a few hard-hitting truths along the way. We revisit key points, clarify misconceptions, and shed light on: 🔹 Corruption in government safety regulations —how it impacts job sites and what you can do to protect your team. 🔹 ISO 45001 vs COR : Breaking down the differences, the pros and cons, and which one truly ensures a safer work environment. �...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, we welcome Marco Giorgio , aka Your Favourite Paisan , the man who proves that construction and comedy share more than just hard work—they both require a thick skin and impeccable timing . A regular at Yuk Yuks Comedy Clubs and the producer of #NoFilterComedySeries , with the creative mind behind the series being his lovely wife Susana, they bring a unique perspective on how building a career in comedy is a lot like building a house—brick by brick, joke b...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 41 min
In this heartwarming episode of The Construction Life Podcast , we sit down with Rosemary and her son Jordan from Royal Door & Trim Supplies , a family-owned business rooted in master craftsmanship and tradition . Royal Door & Trim Supplies isn’t just another supplier—it’s a heritage brand that started in 1975 , built by Rosemary’s father-in-law , an immigrant and master artisan in woodworking . Armed with nothing but his tools, skills, and passion for the craft , he began a humble works...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 54 min
On this powerful episode of Building Joy , Teresa Greco and Manny Neves sit down with Sarah Dawkins , a former nurse who bravely walked away from the medical profession when she realized her approach to healing—and happiness—needed a complete shift . Sarah’s journey wasn’t easy. Taught to see healing through a conventional medical lens, she began to question the system and the narratives she had followed for years. This internal conflict pushed her into a deep depression , leaving her struggling...
Feb 23, 2025•46 min
Ryan Borkowski, The Exterior Specialist, returns to TCL to talk all things construction, innovation, and efficiency. A true advocate for the skilled trades , Ryan is shaking things up with a game-changing web portal set to revolutionize the metal fabrication industry —and you don’t want to miss it. Beyond tech, we dive into market trends, supply chain challenges, and the push for locally sourced materials in construction. With a passion for efficiency and a soundtrack to keep the job site moving...
Feb 22, 2025•1 hr 54 min
In Part 2 of this eye-opening series on AI and Robotics in Construction , we tackle the biggest question facing the industry today : "It’s no longer about if robots will be on job sites—it’s about how much of the workforce they’ll replace." As technology accelerates, construction is witnessing unprecedented advancements in robotics, automation, and machine learning . Phill dives into: 🔹 The rapid development of autonomous machinery —from brick-laying robots to AI-driven site inspections. 🔹 The...
Feb 21, 2025•46 min
In this cutting-edge episode of (TCL) , we sit down with Jonathan Duquette and Charles Dumont from GoNano —a company at the forefront of material innovation through nanotechnology . Discover how GoNano’s groundbreaking technology is extending the lifespan of building materials like shingles, concrete, and wood by 10 to 100 years . With nanoparticles as small as 40 to 60 nanometers , their products go beyond surface-level protection— infiltrating materials and reinforcing them from within . 🔹 Th...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 42 min
