Deconstructed by the Grand Valley Construction Association

In this episode of Deconstructed, Mandy Bujold welcomes Jacinta Grootjen, Principal Consultant at Primary People Group, to explore how HR strategy and intentional leadership can help construction businesses thrive. Jacinta shares her journey into construction through her work with a developer where she built an HR department from the ground up. She explains how her firm supports businesses by providing fractional HR services, streamlining processes, and helping leaders navigate transitions, from next-gen ownership to scaling operations. The conversation highlights common challenges construction companies face, such as maintaining quality during growth and preserving the “secret sauce” that makes them unique. Jacinta emphasizes the importance of focusing on people, processes, and tools to drive sustainable growth and innovation. She also addresses misconceptions about working with consultants, emphasizing the partnership model her firm employs, where solutions are co-created with business owners. Jacinta’s passion for building better communities shines through as she explains how fostering a positive internal culture leads to better outcomes for the industry as a whole. Whether you’re a next-gen leader stepping into big shoes or an owner looking to exit gracefully, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for navigating change while keeping your company’s values intact. Learn more about Primary People Group at primarypeoplegroup.com. 0:55 - 3:38: Jacinta’s background in HR, her journey into construction, and how she developed a passion for the industry. 3:39 - 6:03: The role of construction professionals in building communities and the challenges companies face as they grow. 6:04 - 11:08: Profiles of companies Jacinta works with, from next-gen leaders to owners looking to exit their businesses. 11:09 - 14:28: Signs that business owners need help, such as excessive time spent on operations or quality issues. 14:29 - 16:16: Commonalities among businesses Jacinta supports: gaps in people, processes, and tools. 16:17 - 20:48: Challenges faced by next-gen leaders stepping into established businesses and preserving the "secret sauce." 20:49 - 24:31: The emotional journey of leaders navigating change, and how Jacinta partners with them to reimagine their businesses. 24:32 - 29:58: Jacinta’s role as a partner and guide for business owners during transformational changes and challenging situations. 29:59 - 36:06: Misconceptions about bringing in a consultant, including fears of losing control or becoming overly reliant. 36:07 - 38:53: What "better" looks like for the construction industry: focusing on people and internal culture.

In this episode of Deconstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Adam Palmer, Principal at co-elevate, to explore how collaboration, sustainability, and innovation are reshaping the construction and engineering industries. Adam shares the story behind co-elevate’s unique name and ethos, emphasizing their commitment to breaking down hierarchies and fostering a culture of humility and knowledge-sharing. With expertise spanning projects in long-term care, Arctic construction, and beyond, Adam highlights the purpose-driven approach that fuels the company’s success. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in sustainable building, including the potential of mass timber construction and the need for municipalities and developers to adopt high-performance building standards. Adam also reflects on co-elevate’s collaborative team model, which prioritizes redundancy and work-life balance to ensure seamless project execution and employee satisfaction. From designing for the unique challenges of the Arctic to reimagining how the industry embraces technology, this episode offers insights into how co-elevate is pushing boundaries to build better communities. Whether you’re an industry professional or just curious about the future of construction, this episode will leave you inspired to think differently about design, collaboration, and sustainability.

The construction industry is facing a labour shortage across Canada—but what is driving that and what can we do to solve it? Charlene Hofbauer, Executive Director of the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin, has some ideas. On this episode of Deconstructed, Charlene and Jeff look at the reasons we have a shortage, what's impact the labour participation rate, how government policies are impacting the labour funnel, and most importantly—what can parents do to encourage their children to pursue a trade.

In this episode of Deconstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Matt Bolen from Edge Architects to discuss sustainability and how the construction industry can make projects more environmentally friendly. Matt provides some practical tips and advice on incorporating sustainable practices into construction projects and the benefits of doing so. The conversation then shifts to the role of government in speeding up construction projects. Matt shares his thoughts on how the government can help the industry by implementing policies that streamline the permitting process and incentivize sustainable building practices. Lastly, the discussion turns to the impact of AI on the construction industry. Matt provides his insights on how AI is changing the game and the ways in which architects and builders can adapt to keep up with the times. Join Jeff and Matt as they explore the intersection of technology, government policy, and sustainability in the construction industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the industry or anyone interested in the future of construction. Deconstructed is the official podcast of the Grand Valley Construction Association.

How do we build a more equitable future in the skilled trades?On this episode of Deconstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Dr. Eden Hennessey, Research and Programs Director at the Laurier Centre for Women in Science, to talk about her photo research exhibit Building Equitable Trades.From the systemic barriers women and gender-diverse people face, to the urgent labour shortages ahead, Dr. Hennessey shares why time alone won’t fix representation in the trades — and how policy, mentorship, and cultural change can. With stories of resilience, allyship, and a call for more data, this conversation is both a reality check and a roadmap for building a stronger, more inclusive industry.You're invited to share your thoughts in the Perception of Experiences in the Trades survey.

What if the future of construction wasn’t just about building, but about reusing, repurposing, and reimagining what we already have? In this episode of Deconstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Carly Connor, founder and CEO of Green Salvage Materials, to explore how the industry can move from a waste-heavy model to a truly circular economy.From heritage brick to surplus windows, Carly shares how her team is creating systems of trust and marketplaces that connect what contractors, designers, and municipalities throw away with those who need it most. With landfill space running out and construction costs on the rise, her vision offers not only an environmental solution, but also an economic one.If you’ve ever wondered how construction waste could become construction’s greatest untapped resource, this conversation will open your eyes to the possibilities.

In this episode of GVCA Deconstructed, host Mandy Bujold chats with Stefanie Bruinsma and Emily Pyke, co‑founders of AutoCate, about their mission to help women feel confident in the garage and behind the wheel.They share how AutoCate’s hands‑on workshops teach practical skills—like changing a spare tire, boosting a battery, and reading your owner’s manual—while tackling the “pink tax” and breaking down stereotypes in the trades. You’ll hear how their work is inspiring new confidence, building community, and showing that everyone belongs in the shop.00:00 – Stefanie’s journey into the trades04:15 – From shop class to engineering06:45 – The inspiration behind AutoCate08:03 – Workshops: spare tires, batteries, and more10:15 – Hands‑on learning builds confidence11:30 – Tackling the “pink tax”13:30 – Stories from participants21:23 – Emily’s perspective and Women of the Year award24:54 – On‑call advice for car owners26:21 – What better looks like in the industry

In this episode of Deconstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Phil Mills, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, to explore the challenges and opportunities in affordable housing, the role of Build Now, and what the future of community building looks like in Waterloo Region.Phil shares his unconventional career path, the evolving housing crisis and how BuildNow—a collaborative effort to streamline housing development—is working with municipalities to create thousands of attainable homes.He also discusses the 25-acre housing development in Waterloo and how the project is designed not just to house people but to build a thriving, connected community.[01:00] – Phil shares his career journey, from recreation and public health to leading Habitat WR.[03:07] – How Phil’s upbringing shaped his passion for community building.[04:50] – The evolving challenges in affordable housing—rising costs, increased demand, and funding struggles.[07:12] – Housing demand isn’t just growing—it’s changing. Why affordability impacts more people than ever before.[10:32] – The impact of Habitat’s Kehl Street project and how it’s transforming lives.[15:10] – The reality of homeownership today: skyrocketing costs, shifting expectations, and new housing models.[20:48] – How the BuildNow concept started—bold ideas, collaboration, and breaking down barriers.[24:14] – Habitat’s role in BuildNow and why trust is key to making it work.[28:09] – How Build Now Kitchener became the first proof-of-concept project.[32:41] – The Waterloo BuildNow project: A 25-acre site set to become a thriving, mixed-use urban village.[35:33] – Who will live in these communities? Workforce housing, families, and attainable homeownership.[38:56] – Why this isn’t just about affordability—it’s about designing a community where people want to live.[42:02] – Looking ahead: How we’ll measure success and ensure affordability lasts for generations.

The construction industry is evolving, and with it comes a shift in workplace standards—especially when it comes to hygiene and accessibility. While hard hats and safety boots are non-negotiable, a new conversation is emerging about what it takes to create an inclusive, supportive work environment. That’s why the latest episode ofGVCA deConstructed is worth tuning into.Hosts Jeff MacIntyre and Mandy Bujold sat down with Krista Plewes, Head of Marketing atCitron Hygiene, to discuss an often-overlooked aspect of workplace safety—washroom accessibility and hygiene solutions. With new federal and provincial regulations requiring better access to menstrual products and cleaner facilities, this conversation isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a workplace that supports everyone.

For construction leaders, projects depend on getting the right people to the right place at the right time. But what happens when skilled workers can’t reliably get to job sites? Transportation has long been an overlooked barrier to hiring and retaining talent, especially for companies located outside of major transit hubs. EnterHop In Technologies, a workforce transportation solution designed to bridge the gap between workers and the job sites that need them most.On the latest episode ofGVCA deConstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre spoke with Erich Ko, co-founder and CEO of Hop In, to explore how transportation challenges are impacting workforce development—and how data-driven solutions can change the game for employers.

In this episode of deConstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Carlton Barrons, Associate Director and Steven Gava, Vice President of Surety at PLATFORM. Together, they explore the complexities of the construction industry, discussing key trends, challenges, and innovations that are shaping the future of the field. From the impacts of supply chain issues to the integration of new technologies like AI and IoT, Carlton and Steven provide valuable insights into how PLATFORM is navigating these changes and supporting their clients. They also dig into the importance of community engagement and the company's commitment to fostering strong relationships in Waterloo Region. Whether you're a construction professional, a business leader, or simply curious about the industry, this episode offers a deep dive into the factors driving growth and change in construction today.

In this episode of Deconstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Darren Johnston, Vice President of South Central Ontario Commercial Banking at TD. Darren shares his journey from a small-town teller to a key leader at TD, emphasizing the bank's commitment to community and its deep ties to the construction industry. Jeff and Darren discuss the crucial role of TD in supporting local businesses and the construction sector, particularly in the rapidly growing Kitchener-Waterloo region. They explore TD's involvement in community initiatives, the challenges and opportunities within the construction industry, and the importance of fostering strong partnerships. Tune in to learn how TD is shaping the future of community building and supporting the growth of the construction industry across Ontario.

It's a podcast of Jeff's. Jeff Collins joins Jeff MacIntyre on the podcast to talk about Gowling WLG's commitment to community involvement and collaboration, especially in the construction industry as the Grand Valley Construction Association celebrates its 50th anniversary. The Jeffs also dig into importance of proper contracts in construction projects, including the risks associated with poorly drafted contracts and the need for a proactive approach to contract management.

When it comes to construction, safety is job number one. Few people know this better than Tyler Scott, President of AEC Safety Solutions. Tyler has been at the forefront of the transformation of worksite safety for nearly three decades. Tyler joined GVCA president Jeff MacIntyre on the deConstructed podcast to share his insights into the significant strides made in workplace safety and how the Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) has been pivotal in driving these changes.

Having diverse language skills within the construction industry is crucial, especially in a region as diverse as ours. This episode of deConstructed looks at the intersection of construction and community, exploring the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion within both industries. Host Mandy Bujold, Manager of Industry and Community Partnerships at Grand Valley Construction Association sits down with Geraldine Stafford, the first civilian Equity Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Waterloo Regional Police Services. Together, they discuss Geraldine's journey into EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) work, her personal connection with her former teacher Marie Voisin, and her diverse career path from law to corporate and now to policing. Geraldine shares how the changing demographics and infrastructure of the Waterloo Region impact policing strategies and community engagement efforts. With the area's construction boom, considerations for police services, response times, and community needs become paramount. Throughout the conversation, the importance of representation and visibility in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction and policing is emphasized. Both hosts underscore the significance of diverse voices and role models in inspiring future generations to pursue careers in these fields. Tune in to gain insights into the intricate relationship between construction, community development, and law enforcement and discover how embracing diversity is essential for progress and for creating safer and more inclusive communities.

Dive into the world of architecture and urban design with our latest episode with Laird Robertson, President & Creative Director, NEO Architecture Inc. Join Jeff and Rob as they talk about building identity and how to break free from the cycle of creating uninspired, lackluster structures. Get ready to uncover strategies and philosophies that breathe life into our cities, making them vibrant reflections of culture, history, and community. Whether you're a seasoned architect or simply passionate about the construction, this episode promises to ignite your imagination and inspire a fresh perspective on the spaces we inhabit.

Guest host Mandy Bujold welcomes Susan Carey, President of BuildSafe, to the deConstructed podcast. Susan and Mandy share a passion for safety, and on the episode, Susan talks about BuildSafe's mission to educate the workforce and help companies achieve highest level of job site safety and proof of due diligence.

Jeff steps inside the ring with Canadian Olympic boxing legend Mandy Bujold. Mandy has recently joined GVCA to help lead the efforts to create more opportunities for women in the trades and construction. In this episode, Mandy and Jeff talk about the parallels between sports and construction and Mandy's fight to make boxing qualifications equal for women boxers.

When he's not exploring cities by foot, Eric Avner is helping connect communities together as the President & CEO of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. On this episode of deConstructed, Eric joins Jeff to talk about community building, how we can build better cities to retain talent workers across every industry, and how we can better collaborate to address pressing community issues.

Our producer, Alex Kinsella, steps out from behind the keyboard to share his thoughts on what makes a great community. Beyond producing the podcast, Alex is the creator of TL;WR, a weekly events, arts, and culture newsletter for Waterloo Region.