Coastlines to Cranes

In honor of Women in Construction Week, Shandon sits down with Marcella Garofalo, Director of Marketing at Lusardi Construction Co., to talk leadership in a male-dominated industry, why “getting involved” is career rocket fuel, and how community, associations, and service shape the construction world from the inside out.Key TakeawaysIf you want a bigger seat at the table, your first move is often outside your day job. Leadership is built by showing up, listening well, and contributing early. Networking is a skill, not a personality trait, and it can be learned.Resources: Connect with Marcella Garofalo⁠⁠Learn more about SMPS San Diego⁠Be a guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit Here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to ask Shandon anything? Connect on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠YouTube

Valerie McGuire (Controller at Pacific Rim Mechanical, CCIFP, CPA) joins Shandon Harbour to talk construction finance the way it actually happens: pressure, deadlines, tough calls, and the ripple effects on crews, subs, and customers.Valerie has lived on both sides of the business. She shares how her path moved from running work to running numbers, and how tough market shifts shaped the way she thinks about decisions, leadership, and protecting relationships.She walks through how she thinks about runway, what metrics matter when the market shifts, and why “penciling it out” beats guessing every time. She also breaks down what the CCIFP credential is really about, why she went back for her CPA, and how her role in ABC San Diego’s training trust keeps her connected to the people behind the work: apprentices, instructors, and craft pride.If you’ve ever wanted a clearer, calmer way to approach financial decisions in construction, this episode is a practical listen.Listen, subscribe, and share with a contractor, PM, or finance lead who’s trying to run a tighter, smarter operation.Resources: Connect with ⁠Valerie McGuire⁠ABC San Diego Events Calendar⁠Be a guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit Here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to ask Shandon anything? Connect on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠YouTube

If you’ve ever walked into an industry event and wondered what to say (or how to make it worth your time), this episode is for you.Jennifer Hopper, Community Affairs Manager at ABC San Diego, breaks down what her role really does for members: building relationships in the community, creating connections that matter, and helping the merit shop story get heard in a way that lands.Jennifer shares a simple approach to networking that doesn’t feel salesy, including how to start conversations, how to handle “big titles” without getting in your head, and the one move that makes people remember you fast: becoming the connector. She also touches on how she talks about merit shop apprenticeship and workforce opportunity when the conversation gets political, without turning it into a debate.You’ll get:Easy ways to start conversations without sounding salesy.The “connector” strategy that builds your network fast and naturally.How ABCSD shares the merit shop apprenticeship message through people-first stories, not debates.Resources: Connect with Jennifer Hopper⁠Be a guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit Here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to ask Shandon anything? Connect on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and YouTube

Shandon welcomes Terri from the CDC Foundation and Ernie from the San Diego-Imperial HIDTA to unpack why construction is getting hit so hard by fentanyl, from injuries and opioid exposure to counterfeit pills that look like “normal” meds. They share real local impact, including two deaths at a Coronado residential site and the story of Connor Gerhart, then lay out what employers can do now, especially making naloxone available and changing culture so people can speak up and get help.Related listen: If you want the step-by-step “what to do on the jobsite” playbook, go back to our Fentanyl on the Jobsite (Part 1 & Part 2) with Bill Perno.Want to ask Shandon anything? Connect on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be a guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit Here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Shandon sits down with Chad Fischer to break down the money moves that matter for contractors, without the accounting fog. Get practical insights on how to lower taxable income, stay compliant in California, and keep your numbers looking strong for banking and bonding. Chad, Senior Tax Manager at Aldrich CPAs + Advisors, also touches on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act so you can understand what could impact your tax strategy and what likely won’t.Resources: Connect with Chad Fischer, CPA | Aldrich AdvisorsWant to ask Shandon anything? Connect on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be a guest: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit Here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

This is Part 2 of our Fentanyl on the Jobsite series with Bill Perno (SAY San Diego). If you missed Part 1, start there for what fentanyl is, why it’s so dangerous, and the key overdose warning signs. In this episode, the focus shifts to what to do when it’s real and it’s happening. Bill walks through response steps, unpacks California law as it relates to overdose situations, and explains Narcan (naloxone), including what it can and cannot do. You’ll also hear additional drug stats that put the scope of the issue into sharp focus.What you’ll get out of Part 2Simple overdose response stepsClarity on the California lawNarcan basics, plus its limitsFind the resources for this episode here: ⁠abcsd.org/fentanyl-on-the-jobsite-resources/⁠Learn more about SAY San Diego: ⁠saysandiego.org⁠Want to ask Shandon anything? Connect on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be a guest: ⁠⁠⁠Submit Here!⁠⁠⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Membership - ABC San Diego⁠⁠

This is Part 1 of our two-part series, Fentanyl on the Jobsite. Today, Shandon Harbour talks with Bill Perno (retired deputy sheriff and senior prevention specialist with SAY San Diego) about what fentanyl is, why it’s so dangerous, and how it’s showing up in the construction world.Part 2 airs next week, covering how to respond step-by-step, California law, Narcan (naloxone) plus its limitations, and additional drug stats that put the scope into perspective.Find the resources for this episode here: abcsd.org/fentanyl-on-the-jobsite-resources/Learn more about SAY San Diego: saysandiego.orgWant to ask Shandon anything? Connect on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠ ⁠X⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Be a guest: ⁠⁠Submit Here!⁠⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠⁠⁠Membership - ABC San Diego⁠⁠

What if insurance felt less like paperwork and more like a power tool? In this episode, Shandon sits down with Matt Gorham of Rancho Mesa Insurance to talk about building real trust and turning insurance into a business asset, not a once-a-year headache. Matt shares how a contractor-first approach, trade-specific knowledge, and proactive planning can help you protect your people, your projects, and your peace of mind.They also explore how safety culture strengthens your story long before a claim ever happens, plus the tools and resources that help contractors stay ready and resilient. The big idea: when trust leads the conversation, insurance stops being a checkbox and starts supporting the way you build.Learn more about Matt + Rancho Mesa Insurance: ranchomesa.com/matt-gorhamWant to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠X⁠⁠,⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠,⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠For a guest feature: ⁠Submit Here!⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠⁠Membership - ABC San Diego⁠⁠

In this special episode, Shandon welcomes Scott Uren, outgoing Chair of ABC San Diego, and Steven Cabaj, incoming Chair, for a candid conversation about leadership transitions, teamwork, and the vision that drives the construction industry forward. Together, they reflect on how they started their own businesses, lessons learned, guiding the chapter through growth and change, and what’s next for ABC San Diego as it continues to champion merit-shop values and workforce development.Want to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠,⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠For a guest feature: Submit Here!Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠Membership - ABC San Diego⁠

When a back injury shifted his career, Corey Crosby discovered his calling: helping others stay safe on the job and get home to their families.Now, as Director of Safety at Teague Insurance Agency and ABCSD’s incoming Safety Committee Chair, Corey brings passion, field wisdom, and compassion to every conversation.In this episode, Shandon and Corey talk about what it takes to build a safety culture that goes beyond rules and regulations. From lessons learned in the field to leadership that puts people first, Corey shares how he’s turning “safety meetings” into something everyone actually wants to be part of.Keep up with Teague Insurance and their latest updates at teagueins.com⁠.Want to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠,⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠For a guest feature: Submit Here!Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠Membership - ABC San Diego⁠

In this practical and energizing conversation, Shandon welcomes Peter Lasensky, founder of Command Post, to talk about one of construction’s most persistent pain points – missing documentation and forgotten change orders. Peter’s passion for helping contractors stay organized and protected led him to create an app that makes jobsite documentation fast, intuitive, and reliable.Together, they discuss the real-world consequences of poor documentation, how technology can bridge the gap between field and office, and why small changes in process can lead to big gains in profitability and peace of mind.Learn more about Command Post at commandpost.aiWant to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠X⁠⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠For a guest feature: ⁠Submit Here!⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠⁠⁠Membership - ABC San Diego⁠⁠⁠ 

In this episode, Shandon sits down (on video too!) with Deirdre Maloney, founder of Make Momentum, Inc. and author of The Mission Myth and other acclaimed works, to talk about what truly drives results in business and nonprofit leadership.Together, they unpack the myths that hold organizations back, the clarity that comes from a solid strategic plan, and how to move from lofty mission statements to measurable impact.With stories from the field, practical insights, and plenty of laughs along the way, this conversation reminds leaders that momentum doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through alignment, accountability, and a plan that actually works.Takeaways:Strategy isn’t fluff — it’s how you stay ahead of changePassion drives success, but discipline keeps it on trackFocused teams outperform distracted onesLearn more about Deirdre and her work at MakeMomentum.com.Want to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, Facebook⁠, LinkedIn⁠⁠For a guest feature: Submit Here!Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠⁠Membership - ABC San Diego⁠⁠ 

In this powerful episode of Coastlines to Cranes, Shandon sits down with her husband, Earl “The Pearl,” a Marine fighter pilot and leader who’s lived through more than a few “character-building days.”From the flight line to the job site, Earl shares stories of grit, loss, and leadership, how true character is forged in the hardest moments. Together, they explore what it means to lead with resilience, build a culture of camaraderie, and show up for your team when it matters most.Takeaways:Why adversity is the ultimate training ground for growthHow small acts of leadership can change a lifeThe importance of camaraderie and loyalty in every workplaceWant to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠⁠Membership - ABCSan Diego⁠⁠  Listen on ⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠Listen on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠X⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For sponsors or guest features⁠⁠

In this special Coastlines to Champions episode, Shandon cranks up the spotlight on the Craft Champions who are bringing the heat at the November 1st showdown. These aren’t your average jobsite stories - this is where grit meets glory. Hear how they joined the apprenticeship program and how they are getting ready for the big day. Listen in to the real deal - because craftsmanship doesn’t just build things, it builds champions.Hard hats on, headphones in. Let’s build some buzz.Want to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠⁠⁠Membership - ABCSan Diego⁠⁠⁠  Listen on ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠⁠Listen on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠,⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For sponsors or guest features⁠⁠

What does it really take to lead with courage? In this episode, Lisa Norquist of Grey Monkey Group joins Shandon to unpack how vulnerability, open dialogue, and trust can reshape leadership in construction. Lisa shares practical strategies for creating psychological safety, improving communication, and strengthening retention, from handling tough feedback to fostering a culture where people feel safe to speak up. If you’re ready to lead with more confidence, compassion, and clarity, this episode is for you.Want to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠⁠Membership - ABCSan Diego⁠⁠  Listen on ⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠Listen on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠X⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠,⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For sponsors or guest features⁠⁠

From coastlines to construction sites, innovation is reshaping how we build. In this episode, Shandon sits down with Rowan Steelhall, COO of SmartBuild, to talk about the technology empowering small and mid-sized contractors. Rowan explains how SmartBuild is helping teams simplify project management, streamline paperwork with AI, and make cutting-edge tools accessible.They also explore what AI really means for the construction industry: how it’s already woven into daily life, why it’s not here to replace people, and how businesses can start embracing it now instead of being left behind.Learn more about SmartBuild: SmrtBld.comConnect with Rowan: LinkedInWant to chat with Shandon? Connect on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠⁠Membership - ABCSan Diego⁠⁠  Listen on ⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠Listen on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠X⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠,⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For sponsors or guest features⁠⁠

In this episode of Coastlines to Cranes, Shandon explores the generational shift reshaping the future of the workforce - how Gen Z is increasingly choosing the trades over traditional college paths. From the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the rising cost of living and a growing unwillingness to take on burdensome student loan debt, young people are rethinking what success looks like. Shandon also shares the inspiring story of an apprentice who made a complete career pivot into the trades, finding not only professional success but also deep personal fulfillment. It’s a conversation that reveals why the trades are more relevant - and rewarding - than ever.Want to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠Membership - ABCSan Diego⁠  Listen on ⁠Apple⁠Listen on ⁠Spotify⁠ Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠,⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠For sponsors or guest features⁠⁠

In this episode of Coastlines to Cranes, your host, Shandon Harbour, explores why culture may be the most important thing you can build in construction. Beyond paychecks and projects, culture drives retention, safety, and pride, shaping how teams work together and what they pass on to the next generation. Shandon also shares practical ways to strengthen culture on the jobsite, from celebrating wins to leading by example.Want to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠Membership - ABCSan Diego⁠  Listen on ⁠Apple⁠Listen on ⁠Spotify⁠ Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠,⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠For sponsors or guest features⁠⁠

This week on Coastlines to Cranes, Shandon Harbour opens up a conversation about one of the toughest challenges in our industry - mental health. From long hours and physical strain to the unspoken pressure to “be tough,” construction workers face unique struggles that can take a real toll. Shandon explores why breaking the stigma matters, the human cost of silence, and how programs like VitalCog are giving apprentices tools for resilience and support that extend far beyond the jobsite. This is a reminder that protecting our minds is just as important as protecting our bodies - and that wellness is strength, not weakness. Want to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠Membership - ABCSan Diego⁠  Listen on ⁠Apple⁠Listen on ⁠Spotify⁠ Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠,⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠For sponsors or guest features⁠⁠

At the turn of the millennium, people feared Y2K would knock out banks, planes, and power grids. Today, headlines warn that artificial intelligence is coming for our jobs. But what’s the truth behind the fear?In this episode of Coastlines to Cranes, Shandon Harbour takes us on a journey from the Y2K scare to the AI boom - two moments that sparked panic before understanding. She unpacks the real lessons we learned from Y2K, what AI means for the future of construction, and why the human element will always be at the heart of the construction industry.Want to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠Interested in becoming a member of ABC San Diego? ⁠Membership - ABCSan Diego⁠  Listen on ⁠Apple⁠Listen on ⁠Spotify⁠ Follow ABC San Diego on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠,⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠For sponsors or guest features⁠⁠