Building PA Podcast

In this podcast episode, Brian Skripac, the Director for Virtual Design and Construction with the Design Build Institute of America, shares insights into the evolving landscape of construction technology. Having transitioned from architecture to the realm of BIM leadership, Skripac discusses the excitement of leveraging new technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency in construction. He emphasizes the need for professionals in the industry, from contractors to architects and engineers, to tell their stories in the face of declining media coverage. Skripac also delves into the strategic integration of technology into project management, highlighting the benefits of a collaborative design-build approach. The conversation concludes with a glimpse into the future, exploring the potential impact of augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning on the construction industry.  Stay tuned for a dynamic discussion on the ever-evolving intersection of technology and construction practices!

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien take a field trip to Novinger's in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They are joined by Steve Powers, the Vice President of Sales at Novinger's, who is hailed as the cleanup hitter and the go-to person for all things related to panel construction and exterior panels. Steve shares insights into the evolution of prefabrication, from a curious construction method to a financial necessity driving project efficiency. The episode promises a fascinating exploration of the history, challenges, and advancements in prefabrication, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the industry with a seasoned expert. 

Dive into the depths of underwater construction with the latest Building PA Podcast episode in our field trip series featuring guest Don Gibbons, a Commercial Dive Instructor at the EAS Commercial Dive School.  Explore the unique skillset of commercial divers who undertake tasks like underwater inspections, and learn about the extensive training and education opportunities at the EAS Commercial Dive School in Sicklerville, NJ. From offshore wind farm maintenance to high-risk environments, discover the strength, determination, and persistence required for this profession. Don also discusses the various training and ongoing education opportunities available at EAS Carpenters to get paid training and accreditation by the Association of Diving Contractors.  This episode is guaranteed to teach you something new about the vast and diverse needs within the construction industry. 

In the latest installment of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin conclude their field trip series with a visit to Novinger's in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Accompanied by Jim Novinger, the owner of Novinger's, the hosts delve into the company's evolution and extensive expertise in panelization dating back to the 1920s. Jim shares captivating insights into Novinger's history, emphasizing its shift to panelization in the 1970s and its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.The conversation takes an intriguing turn as the hosts recount a chance encounter with a building featuring Novinger's panels near Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. Jim elaborates on the unique architectural challenges they've embraced, such as a building shaped like a question mark with curved panels, showcasing the company's dedication to realizing architects' imaginative visions.The episode further explores Novinger's national footprint, spanning projects from New Jersey to Arizona, and delves into the complexities and strategies associated with managing projects across diverse geographical locations.Join Jon, Chris, and Jim for a compelling discussion on Novinger's rich history, diverse projects, and innovative solutions within the realm of exterior panels.

In this episode of Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin embark on a field trip to Novinger’s in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – a leading specialty contractor specializing in unitized exterior wall panels, fireproofing, structural framing, drywall installation, and ceiling work – to delve into the world of prefabrication. A lively discussion unfolds as they explore Novinger’s' shop, joined by Dan Myers, Project Manager from Alexander Building Construction Company. This episode provides a unique perspective on prefab and design assist, shedding light on the collaborative relationship between Alexander and Novinger. Listeners can anticipate an engaging conversation on the intricacies of prefabrication, the value of early involvement, and the innovative approaches to streamline construction processes, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of the topic with our knowledgeable guest.

In the latest episode of Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin bring the audience to Sicklerville, New Jersey, to explore the fascinating setting of the Carpenters Dive School. As they share insights from this unique location, including humorous moments and unexpected turns, they're joined by Ollie Olsen, the council rep for the Pile Drivers, Divers, and Dock Workers for the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters. The episode offers a firsthand look into the innovative initiatives led by the Eastern Atlantic State Regional Council of Carpenters under the visionary leadership of Executive Secretary-Treasurer, William Sproule. Listeners can anticipate a captivating discussion on the progressive approaches to training, recruiting, and addressing industry challenges, demonstrating the council's commitment to excellence and the well-being of its members.

In the latest episode of Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien set the stage for an engaging discussion on how to strengthen sales. This week we introduce an exciting guest, Steve Heroux, Founder and CEO of The Sales Collective, offering a sneak peek into Steve's unconventional journey from a guy in Boston with a unique upbringing to becoming the number one seller of Cutco knives in the country. Tune in for a captivating conversation about sales, the sales revolution, and the unfiltered truth about Steve's experiences that shaped his approach to the industry.

In this Building PA Podcast episode, Chris and Jon interview Lorenzo Tabb, owner of Tabb Construction LLC in Reading, PA. Lorenzo shares insights from his fourth-year apprenticeship with the Carpenters Union, details his shift to commercial contracts, and discusses managing large projects like the State Police Barracks in Hershey. The episode covers Lorenzo's experiences, the importance of certifications, and the challenges of being a business owner in the evolving construction industry. Topics include union partnerships, the role of Lorenzo's mother in the company, and Tabb Construction's certifications as a woman-owned business. The focus on interior systems projects, challenges in estimating jobs, staff expansion, and the company's exciting prospects are also explored.

Lorenzo Tabb from Reading, PA, and owner of Tabb Construction, joins us on the podcast to discuss his journey as a fourth-year apprentice with the Carpenters Union and his transition into commercial contracting. Tabb shared his experiences, challenges, and the certifications his company holds, such as EDWOSB (federal) and minority business certifications. He emphasized he is currently focused on interior systems projects, including framing, drywall,  doors, and hardware. Tabb also highlighted the support and encouragement he has received from the industry and expressed his determination to succeed. The conversation concluded with optimism about Tabb Construction's future and its growth within the commercial sector.

What makes your insurance broker invaluable? One that knows the construction safety side and the insurance risk side and uses that knowledge to find solutions for construction clients. We sat down with the Director of Construction Risk Partners, Joe Poliafico, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in construction risk management. Joe shares insights into his journey from the contractor side of the construction business to his current role at Construction Risk Partners (CRP). He provides a glimpse into CRP's unique approach to insurance brokerage, focusing primarily on the contracting space and helping contractors enhance their businesses through a risk-oriented lens.Joe's storytelling takes us through the pivotal moments of his career, highlighting the importance of safety and risk management in the construction industry. He emphasizes how safety isn't just about following textbook guidelines but also about practical implementation in the field. Joe candidly recounts his early experiences, where safety was viewed as a mere formality to secure insurance coverage, and how he turned that perspective around to become an integral part of the organization's success.The conversation delves into Joe's journey from being a figurehead for insurance compliance to a genuine advocate for safety and risk reduction. He shares anecdotes and challenges he faced along the way, showcasing his dedication to improving safety standards in the industry. Joe's passion for helping contractors succeed shines through as he discusses CRP's construction-centric approach and its commitment to understanding and enhancing clients' businesses.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the construction industry or those interested in the intersection of safety, risk management, and business growth. Joe's insights offer valuable lessons on how safety and success can go hand in hand, making it a compelling and informative conversation.

To further acknowledge Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, we reached out to Chris Lalevee, a business agent affiliated with the Operating Engineers Local 825. In an exclusive one-on-one interview, Chris opened up about a period in his life when he faced significant challenges, including anxiety, depression, and resorting to self-medication as a means of coping.Lalevee recognized that at that time when he turned to his health plan for resources in psychiatry and for mental health nothing existed.Fast forward to today, Lalevee shares how he turned his personal struggles into a personal mission to help fellow Operators and people in construction find the help they need.We're inspired by the support he's received from his union and the initiatives Lalevee has been able to put into place so others do not have to feel the burden or struggle Lalevee felt over a decade ago. Share this episode with a fellow co-worker or friend. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988. 

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, we have a well-respected thought leader in the mental health and wellness space, Senior Director of the National Stigma Initiative at Shatterproof, Rachel Cooper.This episode its all about stigma and how it is one of the key drivers and main barriers to treatment and recovery. The national nonprofit organization Shatterproof was founded over 10 years ago. The organization is focused and is grounded on three main components:Increasing access to and quality addiction treatment services. Engaging, mobilizing, and empowering the community. Addressing addiction stigma. Cooper notes "Stigma means different things to different people."  We delve deeper into the conversation of substance misuse, mental health, and how they are connected. This powerful episode gives each of us tools we can use to help reduce stigma not only in the world of construction but in the world around us. Click on the link to learn more about Shatterproof.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month,  The Building PA Podcast is sharing a powerful podcast replay with one of the construction industry's most notable individuals and advocates for mental health in construction, Mandi Kime, Safety Director for AGC of Washington. This podcast replay is worth sharing not only with those in the construction industry but also anyone in a stressful job or personal situation. Share your comments to let us know what you are doing to recognize National Suicide and Prevention Month! Be sure to listen to the The Building PA Podcast each week throughout the month of September for new podcasts on mental health and wellness. Take care!Original Content:According to the CDC, men working in construction have one of the highest rates of suicide compared to all other industries. A shocking statistic, but one not that can not be ignored.Today's podcast is all about shining a light on mental health and wellness in construction. We're kicking off this month with a candid conversation with the Director of Safety for the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington, Mandi Kime.Kime is an accomplished safety professional and leader within the construction industry on the topic of mental health & wellness.This podcast conversation is candid, bold, and thought-provoking. To learn that men are two and a half times more likely to die by suicide than homicide is jaw-dropping. That statistic is worth repeating, MEN ARE 2 1/2 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE BY SUICIDE THAN HOMICIDE, and the only way to move the needle on this statistic is to talk, engage, educate, and build awareness.This podcast is filled with tips to help recognize the signs of depression or distress. We've included resources and links to help you gain access to private mental assessments.If you are in the construction industry, take a moment to listen to this episode. Do it for yourself, your staff, a coworker, or a friend.If you or someone you know needs immediate help, text or call the Suicide and Crisis hotline at 988.Check out mantherapy.org for a private mental health assessment. This is a great resource and starting point if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, and/or substance abuse. 

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 underwater pile driver, where the skills used in above-ground construction are transferred to underwater projects.The Dive School allows for the training of both divers and pile drivers. It's seen as an additional skill to enhance a pile driver's capabilities, providing more opportunities for work.Listen to learn more about what the school has to offer young individuals interested in becoming carpenters or pile drivers. To learn more about the partnering opportunity heard at the beginning of the episode, Brand Builders, email Tracy@AtlasStories.com for more information. 

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 the young females in your life. Click on the link to learn more about Let's Build!

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 , and commitment to the WELL Building process.  Original Content:WELL Building. What is it? How does it differ from Lead building and is this the wave of the construction future? These questions and many more are answered by Chip Desmone, CEO of Desmone Architects.Desmone and his team of architects designed the first WELL Gold Certified Building in Pittsburgh, PA. They are one of just six WELL certified spaces in Pennsylvania.Listen and learn how WELL intersects design with human health. Desmone shares his journey through WELL certification and the continued commitment, and dedication it takes to maintain this certification status. Desmone comments that their “accidental brilliance” has led them to have a healthy, productive workspace environment focused on their employee’s mental health, fitness, and positive workplace culture.

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 now was the right time for it. When asked how Yinz Good? came to be, McCall commented that the rising rate of suicide among men in construction and the demand from their members for a program on mental health and wellness was a driving factor in the MBA's motivation to develop a program like this. Koss was on board noting that their members, unions, and other safety professionals recognized the need to help the construction industry in an open and non-threatening way. To do this, Yinz Good? centers its initiative on a central website, YinzGood.com. YinzGood.com houses free information on topics like:stress managementsubstance misusehow to have tough conversations and more. The digital library of resources include materials such as:videosblogswebinarsassessmentstoolbox talks YinzGood.com can be accessed anonymously and is available now for anyone to visit. The website was designed for construction employers, individuals, loved ones of those in the industry, and YOU.Tune in to this episode to learn more and help us start the conversation around mental health and wellness in construction by asking one simple question: "Yinz Good?"Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest news. You can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. 

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 image recognition for quality and safety observations, robotics for demolition and progress monitoring, and exoskeletons for enhancing worker capabilities and reducing strain. They also touch on the potential of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in construction, especially in maintenance and operations.The conversation further delves into the application of LEAN principles in the construction process, emphasizing continuous improvement and collaboration to identify and solve challenges. The trio also touches on the cyclical nature of technology innovation, expecting future tangible advancements that directly impact construction professionals in the field.McCauley believes that there will be continual advancements in drone usage and 3D modeling positioning this technology at the forefront of innovation for now and in the future.To learn more about Wohlsen visit their website wohlsenconstruction.com.

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 Airport Authority will be revealing opportunities for upcoming projects worth over $50 million.There are numerous opportunities for contractors to participate in this project, with several bid packages set to be awarded this fall. While registration is not mandatory, interested contractors and subcontractors are encouraged to register by emailing TMPinfo@flypittsburgh.com.The event will provide detailed information about four critical bid packages associated with the projects, which include:New offices/facilities for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.Relocation of the Allegheny County Police Department.Airline fit-outs.Landscaping.It's essential to note that this is just the beginning, as more projects are planned to follow in the future.Make sure to tune in to the podcast to learn more about these exciting current project opportunities and the airport's planned growth plans.

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 affected by addiction and suicide problems. Howard advises companies to start by conducting a needs assessment and creating a supportive culture that promotes open communication, work-life balance, and healthy behaviors. Providing resources and support such as counseling, mental health workshops, stress management training, and employee assistance programs is crucial. The podcast emphasizes the significance of reducing the stigma around mental health by promoting awareness and education.  The importance of self-care and meeting individuals where they are on their wellness journey, acknowledging their unique circumstances, and tailoring support accordingly. Overall, the goal is to improve employees' mental health and well-being through a multifaceted approach that prioritizes culture, support, and education.Edna Howard is the author of Mindset Reset: Three Powerful Principles to Transform Your Thinking. Click on the link to buy directly from Amazon. You can also learn more about Voices of Encouragement by clicking on the link attached.