CAM Building Michigan Podcast

Featuring current news and information regarding the latest construction techniques, methods and equipment, as well as economic updates and interviews with key people in Michigan's commercial construction industry.

Michigan Central Station, CAM Magazine's 2024 Project of the Year

In Season 4, Episode 3 of the Building Michigan podcast, we dive deep into the monumental restoration of Michigan Central Station, the recipient of the 2024 CAM Project of the Year Award. Once a stark symbol of Detroit's industrial decline, this iconic landmark has been meticulously brought back to life and now stands as the vibrant heart of Corktown’s new Innovation District. Hosted by CAM President Kevin Koehler, this episode features:Larry Brinker Jr., CEO of The Brinker Group, a leader in Detroit's construction industry who brings a wealth of experience in revitalizing the city and mentoring future leaders.Ron Staley, founder of Christman's Historic Preservation Group, a national expert in historic preservation with over 40 years of experience.Austin Giesey, Senior Project Manager from The Christman Company, who has a background in engineering and played a crucial role in coordinating the renovation.Their collective expertise and dedication helped transform the dilapidated train station into a beacon of Detroit's renaissance. If you enjoy this episode, you can purchase the book Ruin to Revival: Restoring Michigan Central Station: The Builders Journey, authored by Ron, Austin, and Rob Yallop, documenting each step of the Rehabilitation.

05-28
01:02:06

CAMPRO: Constructing Affordable Healthcare for Michigan’s Construction Industry

In our 20th episode of the “Building Michigan” podcast, we're introducing you to the team behind CAMPRO—a new level-funded healthcare insurance product designed specifically for small businesses in Michigan’s construction sector. Hosted by CAM President Kevin Koehler, the podcast features insights from:Tina Pelland, President of Varipro, who brings decades of experience in auditing and health insurance administration, ensuring that CAMPRO’s processes are robust and efficient.Tom Mittelbrun, T3 Advisory, with a background in managing multi-employer trust funds and association benefits, underscores the importance of transparency and flexibility for employers.Lisa Hierlwimmer, Business Development and Financial Analyst at Varipro, highlights the operational and client service strengths of the program.Their collective expertise ensures that CAMPRO is not just another insurance product, but a thoughtfully designed solution for Michigan’s construction community.

04-22
31:36

Economic Forecast Preview: 2025 and Beyond

In this episode of CAM's "Building Michigan" podcast, host Kevin Koehler speaks with Eric Lynch, a Certified Business Economist (CBE) from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), about the economic outlook for 2025 and beyond. Lynch provides valuable insights into the US economy and the construction industry, emphasizing the themes of moderation and "wait and see."

02-09
32:49

The Historic Renovation of Detroit’s Book Tower, CAM Magazine’s 2023 Project of the Year

This episode of the Building Michigan podcast, hosted by Kevin Koehler, president of the Construction Association of Michigan, shines a spotlight on the monumental renovation of Detroit’s historic Book Tower, CAM Magazine's 2023 Project of the Year. Koehler converses with key figures from the construction project team: Larry Brinker, Jr., CEO and President of Brinker Group, and Paul Yambor, Project Executive for The Christman Company. The two companies established a joint venture to manage Book Tower’s construction, successfully transforming this iconic structure.

06-04
35:53

Building America 2.0: Seizing This One-in-a Generation Opportunity to Grow and Thrive

In this episode of the Building Michigan podcast, hosted by Kevin Koehler, President of the Construction Association of Michigan, features a conversation with Alex Calderone and Patrick Bero of Calderone Advisory Group, a boutique financial advisory and litigation support consultancy based in Birmingham, Michigan.

10-24
46:26

Attracting, Hiring, and Retaining the Right Employees with CTC Talent Solutions

In this episode of the Building Michigan podcast, hosted by Kevin Koehler, President of the Construction Association of Michigan, recruiters Adam Cosola and Jason Epstein from CTC Talent Partners discuss the best ways to attract, hire, and retain the right employees.

08-14
38:10

Discover the Value of Business Succession Planning with MassMutual

Hosted by Kevin Koehler, President of the Construction Association of Michigan, this episode features a conversation about business succession planning with Brian Van Riper, Managing Director at MassMutual Great Lakes.

06-22
35:38

Lazear Capital Discusses Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

Hosted by Kevin Koehler, President of the Construction Association of Michigan, this episode features a conversation about employee stock ownership plans, or ESOPs, with Jeremy Garrett and Jeffrey Jamerino from Lazear Capital Partners.

05-23
41:22

DTE's Energy Efficiency Program for Business

Join Kevin Koehler, President of the Construction Association of Michigan and host of the Building Michigan podcast, and Sean McCoy, Operations Manager, DTE Energy Efficiency Program for Business, to examine how commercial businesses can capture significant rebate dollars through DTE's Energy Efficiency Program for Business.

03-30
29:16

Winning the War for Talent

Join Kevin Koehler, President of the Construction Association of Michigan and host of the Building Michigan podcast, for an interview with Jim Bitterle, author of Unquittable and Managing Partner at EDSI. Kevin and Jim talk about the challenges facing employers in today's job market. With 10 million available positions and only 5 million job seekers, Jim shares the strategies companies can adopt to win this war for talent.

02-07
34:48

Overcoming Challenges for Recruiting and Retaining Employees

Join Kevin Koehler, President of the Construction Association of Michigan and host of the Building Michigan podcast, for an in-depth discussion about trends in employment, workplace culture, and challenges to recruiting qualified staff. His guests include Kristopher Powell, CEO of HRPro/BenePro, and Mary Ann Fisher, Vice President Of Human Capital Services at HRPro.

11-14
43:04

ACE Mentor Program

Two top construction industry professionals discuss the ACE Mentor Program. Founded in 1984 the ACE Mentor Program of America (ACE) is a free, award-winning, afterschool program designed to attract high school students into pursuing careers in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering industry, including skilled trades. Join Jeff Chandler, President of VTC Insurance Group, Vince DeLeonardis, CEO of AUCH Construction, and Kevin Koehler, President of CAM, for an in-depth discussion about how ACE is developing our next generation of industry leaders.

09-19
36:00

CAMComp Workers' Compensation Program

The ninth episode of the Construction Association of Michigan’s Building Michigan podcast welcomes CAMComp, CAM’s self-insured workers’ compensation program, represented by Janice Shaver, Administrator, and Juan Ramirez, Marketing Representative. Hosted by Kevin Koehler, the President of CAM, this episode explores the relationship between CAM and CAMComp, as well as the various tools offered and the many ways in which CAMComp offers superior service to their participating members.

05-09
28:58

Economic Forecast Highlights

Episode #8 of the Construction Association of Michigan’s “Building Michigan” podcast series features an interview with Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB Assistant Vice President for Forecasting and Analysis, and featured speaker for the upcoming February 16th Economic Forecast Breakfast. Labor shortages, inflation, material costs, and other headwinds are dramatically impacting the residential and commercial construction markets in Michigan and nationwide.

02-07
30:29

2022 Great Lakes Design & Construction EXPO

CAM President Kevin Koehler, Tom Thompson from RS Dale and Brian Stanley from United Rentals, talk about the value of exhibiting at the show and way it has benefited their sales teams. Tracey McLenon, CAM Vice President of Operations, and Ron Riegel, CAM Manger of Expositions, provide details about the 2022 EXPO, including booth information and a rundown of the day’s planned meetings and events.

01-24
31:41

Three Key Elements for Successfully Transitioning Your Business

Join host Kevin Koehler as he examines the three key elements that create transferrable value with insight from the team at The Q5 Experience, including John Carter, CEO of Absolute Succession, Chris Cousins, President and Co-Owner of Financial Architects, and Chris Meso, Owner and Founder of T-Rex Advisory.

11-24
35:17

Improving Efficiency Through Technology

Kevin Koehler, CAM President, discusses technology trends in construction and ways to achieve efficiency with SPARK Business Works, represented by their President and CEO Bob Armbrister and Vice President and Director of Marketing Brad Wilson.

09-30
38:21

Making Best Use of Your Health Insurance Program with Priority Health

Join Kevin Koehler, CAM President, and Tom Spring, MS, Director of Wellness and Wellbeing for Priority Health Employer Solutions, and Rob Walter, Sales and Client Services with Priority Health, as they discuss insurance plan options, tools for addressing employee wellness, and ways in which employers can get the most out of their health insurance plan.

09-14
31:06

Examining Rising Material Costs and Supply Chain Issues, Part 2

Part 2: CAM examines rising material costs and expectations with Bill Gutherie of Gutherie Lumber, and Robb Hoffman of Wimsatt Building Materials.

06-24
31:42

Examining Rising Material Costs and Supply Chain Issues, Part 1

Part 1: CAM examining the rising material costs and future expectations with Jay Hults of Progressive Plumbing Supply Co., and Doug Bemis of Caniff Electric Supply.

06-24
30:58

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