Category: Podcast

Ep-29_-Safety-Helmets-with-Barry-Miller-from-The-Helmet-Lab-Transcript

Discussion points:

The many products and testing protocols handled at Virginia Tech Helmet Lab
Football head impact sensors inside helmets, driving data-driven improvements
NFL helmet ratings and testing vs. “the masses”
Examining headgear in sports, reducing head impact severity
Flag football popularity is increasing, youth leagues, mandating headgear
A study on worksite safety helmets, aiming to reduce concussion risks.
Helmet safety testing methods, STAR scores – which evolve with technology and vary for different sports
Advancements in helmet fit and durability – fit, materials, and design differ for various sports, single vs. multiple impact helmets
The future of helmets and head injury reduction
Preliminary research in construction helmets, collecting data for construction site safety
Open call for submissions of videos of construction site helmet-related accidents – send them to your organization or Dr. Miller
Spread the word about the upcoming research and testing in construction

Resources:

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In this episode, Kirk speaks with Nicole Schwartz, Executive Director of TradesFutures, exploring her career journey and the organization’s mission to bolster the trades. They delve into strategies for enhancing recruitment and retention, addressing labor challenges within the construction industry.

Nicole shares her unique career journey, transitioning from a Spanish teacher and pastry chef to her current role in workforce development. We delve into the mission and initiatives of Trades Futures, including apprenticeship readiness programs, childcare pilots, and partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Nicole’s diverse background provides valuable insights into how her varied experiences influence her work in promoting inclusivity and opportunity within the construction industry.

In another segment, we discuss the multifaceted aspects of workforce development and apprenticeship programs. We highlight the importance of local connections with building trades councils to align training with regional job opportunities, ensuring a robust job pipeline.

Nicole Schwartz, Executive Director of TradesFutures, brings extensive experience in education and workforce development to the position. Formerly NABTU’s Apprenticeship Readiness Program Coordinator, she oversaw 200 ARP programs nationwide. Prior to that, Schwartz taught Social Studies and Spanish in Milwaukee Public Schools and led initiatives in Restorative Practices and Positive Behavior Interventions. She holds a BA in International Affairs and Spanish for the Professions from Marquette University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Schwartz transitioned to workforce development in 2015, focusing on creating pathways to sustainable careers.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Discussion points:

NABTU’s diversity initiatives
Nicole’s journey includes teaching Spanish and time as a pastry chef
Where TradesFutures finds people
What the apprenticeship readiness programs are all about
Childcare pilot programs – Milwaukee and NYC
Childcare is key for full employment for communities
You have to know where the industry stands now in order to get to new levels
Changing scenarios in the industry require recalibration
Looking forward into the future of TradesFutures programs
DC focuses on making contracts easier, whatever the tech

Resources:

Nicole Schwartz

Trades Futures

The-Construction-User-2.0-Ep-28_-TradesFutures-and-Recruitment-a-discussion-with-Nicole-Schwartz-Transcript

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Do you know what AI can do for your construction business right now?

In today’s episode, host Kirk Westwood welcomes Document Crunch team members Kyle Dungca, Head of Industry Solutions; Maegan Spivey, Construction Contracts Specialist; and Chad Waite, Sr. Channel Manager. Document Crunch is a software program designed specifically for the construction industry that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify complex contracts.

You’ll hear how Document Crunch (founded by attorneys in the industry) aims to make contracts understandable by anyone involved in a project, from legal professionals to field crew. Unlike other software that adds on AI features, Document Crunch is built on AI from the ground up, allowing for functionalities like a new chat feature, AI-powered annotations on contracts, and time-saving features. This focus on AI allows Document Crunch to transform contracts with complex legal jargon into accessible information, saving time and money.

Kyle Dungca is Head of Industry Solutions, and mainly responsible for developing and implementing strategies to address industry-specific challenges and opportunities for the company. His team works closely with other departments (Engineering, Product, Marketing, and Sales) to identify customer needs, develop solutions, promote them to target markets, and track KPIs.

Maegan Spivey is a Contract Specialist and serves the teams at Document Crunch to connect the work they do to the construction industry. This can include testing, prompt engineering or providing content and context to help the team provide the best experience for customers.

Chad Waite is not just a Sr. Channel Manager at Document Crunch; he’s a visionary leader with a track record of driving growth in the tech industry. With extensive experience in business growth, channel strategy, and performance marketing, Chad has played integral roles in scaling startups and driving successful acquisitions. As a husband, father, and avid biker, Chad brings a unique blend of passion, creativity, and strategic thinking to every endeavor he undertakes.

Discussion points:

New songs stuck in head – three guests reveal
What is Document Crunch?
Document Crunch helps remove your pain points
The AI in Document Crunch is protected, unlike OpenAI
Transforming contracts with complex legalese into accessible information
Founded by construction attorneys
Anyone can access the contracts – including crew out on jobs
Amazing capabilities of the new ‘chat’ feature
AI functions for redlining, comments
Looking at the math, saving time and money
Unlike other products with “add-on” AI functionalities, DC was built on AI from the ground up
DC focuses on making contracts easier, whatever the tech

Resources:

The-Construction-User-2.0-Ep-27_-Meet-Document-Crunch-Transcript

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In this episode, we delve into the secrets to thriving as a woman in the construction industry with the inspiring insights of Joelle Salerno and Danielle Harshman. Together, we uncover the layers of support provided by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), illustrating the varied paths women navigate within this male-dominated field.

You’ll hear about the pressing need for personal protective equipment tailored to women in the construction industry and the creative solutions being implemented. We discuss the impact of new OSHA regulations on PPE fit and how they are shaping a safer and more comfortable work environment for women. From the idea of a helmet designed with a ponytail slot to the broader issues of job site attire and childcare availability, we tackle the nuances that make a significant difference in the daily lives of women in construction. This episode is an eye-opener on the challenges women face, the growth opportunities that NAWIC provides, and how each of us can contribute to advancing women in this dynamic industry.

Joelle Salerno is the Assistant Executive Director for Chapter Innovation & Legislative Policy at Western Pennsylvania NECA chapter, as well as current vice president for the NAWIC Pittsburgh, PA Chapter.

Danielle Harshman is Executive Director at Ironworker Employers Association of Western Pennsylvania, and a Board Member at NAWIC Pitttsburgh, PA Chapter, showcasing her commitment to community impact.

Discussion points:

New songs stuck in head – it’s all Taylor Swift
Insights from Joelle Salerno on diversity and workforce development
Danielle Harshman shares labor and management perspectives
Discussion on NAWIC’s role in supporting women in construction
Highlighting the need for gender-specific personal protective equipment
An upcoming PPE women’s fashion show!
Addressing practical job site challenges for women
NAWIC initiatives like Women in Construction Week and Camp NAWIC
Encouraging involvement in local NAWIC chapters for support
Celebrating women’s strength and resilience in building industries

Resources:

NAWIC

NAWIC Pittsburgh

Joelle Salerno LinkedIn

The-Construction-User-2.0-Ep-26_-NAWICs-Mission-A-discussion-with-Joelle-Salerno-Danielle-Harshman-Transcript

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In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Carey Peters, Executive Director of the CLRC (The Construction Labor Research Council). The CLRC provides comprehensive consulting and research services to national associations and their regional chapters, contractors, owners, unions, labor-management cooperatives, and others in the construction industry. Carey and Kirk discuss variables within the construction industry’s union labor costs, contracts, workforce demographics, and related information. CLRC’s work is objective, accurate, and credible.

Carey has extensive experience in a wide variety of research, consulting and data analysis projects. While enhancing CLRC’s existing products and services, he has developed numerous new products that convey unique perspectives on labor costs and workforce needs. This includes the Market Share, Union-Nonunion Wage & Fringe Benefits Comparison, Benchmark Analysis, and Contract Costing reports available from CLRC. Carey has also grown the CLRC settlements database from a few hundred contracts to over 1,500. Organizations are often interested in CLRC’s research, so Carey presents the results at numerous conferences and seminars each year.

READ THE REPORT

Discussion points:

New songs stuck in head – a Christmas classic
The Quarterly Settlements Report
This issue of the report covers the end of 2023
How industry members use the report
Trends from 2023 – settlement sizes increasing at higher rates
Is there a political effect on these amounts?
Reporting differences in reports
Areas impacted in 2024 – High increases in Pacific Northwest and Southwest
Union strongholds in the Northeast were low
What’s the one big thing the average contractor or owner can use from the report?
Order the CLRC reports in the link below

Resources:

Carey Peters

CLRC Reports

The-Construction-User-2.0-Ep-25_-Quarterly-Settlements-Report-with-Carey-Peters-Transcript

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Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the brick-and-mortar of the construction industry? Buckle up as we navigate through this dynamic transformation with Junaid Ahmed, a maven of video production and tech solutions. With a foundation firmly rooted in computer science and engineering, Junaid unveils his trailblazing strategies for streamlining workspaces, helping entrepreneurs and creators harness the immense power of AI. His tale is one of innovation, sharing how these digital experts on demand are reshaping tasks from user design to empowering budding entrepreneurs. And because we’re not all work and no play, discover the catchy beat that recently hijacked Junaid’s playlist, adding a human touch to our high-tech discourse.

Junaid Ahmed is a Tech Geek who loves helping people set up their Home Studios. He is also the host of the Hacks And Hobbies podcast where he invites like-minded entrepreneurs, speakers, writers, authors, actors, and producers and learns about their journey. The inspiration he got from Gary Vaynerchuk’s “Crush It! & Crushing It!” books led him to have 3 seasons of his podcast.

The-Construction-User-2.0-Ep-24_-Embracing-AI-A-conversation-with-Junaid-Ahmed-Transcript

Discussion points:

The song – Closing Time by Semisonics
Junaid Ahmed discusses AI in construction
AI’s creative applications for workspaces explored
Music tastes and AI integration touched upon
OpenAI’s beginner adoption for executives explained
Personalized AI usage for emails and tasks
AI’s potential in government project dashboards revealed
AI’s evolution and industry impact highlighted
Concerns of data quality and security addressed
AI’s limitations and human expertise necessity discussed
Roadmap for AI integration and problem-solving shared
Resources:
Junaid Ahmed
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
Milwaukee Tool

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In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Brianne Stewart, Group Product Manager at Milwaukee Tool, and Matt Hedke, Director VDC Solutions at Barton Malow Company. The conversation covers the challenges and workarounds for connectivity at job sites, how the tech committee enables connections to industry people, companies, and resources, and what innovations the industry is working on for the future.

Brianne Stewart is trusted industry voice and University of Iowa-trained mechanical engineer. She started her career in manufacturing as a process engineer at Procter & Gamble before shifting into new product development (NPD) at John Deere, working in diesel engines. As a trusted industry voice, she was featured on BuiltWorld’s coveted Adoption Leaders 50 List for the past two years (in 2022 and in 2021), has been profiled by the same organization, and recently spoke at their E&C tech adoption leaders forum.

Matt Hedke, has been with Barton Marlow for 18 years, and serves as the Senior Virtual Design and Construction Manager. Matt is focused on how Barton Malow leverages technology to improve quality, safety, work flow efficiency and field productivity for all the trades Barton Malow self performs. (I.E. Civil earthwork, concrete, reinforcing steel, interiors, structural steel, boilermaker, Equipment setting).

Discussion points:

Songs stuck in our heads
How Brianne and Matt got connected with TAUC
Connectivity and tech solutions to common industry pain points
Job site creativity for wifi and cel service
The Milwaukee Tool approach
The tech committee and its benefits to accessing resources
Collaboration and learning about others’ pain points
Looking forward – what’s next?
Data management and AI
Strategies and processes for tech testing and scaling

Resources:

The-Construction-User-2.0-Ep-23_-Innovation-and-ConTech-a-conversation-with-Brianne-Stewart-and-Matt-Hedke-Transcript

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In this episode, we take a closer look at healthcare in the construction industry and question our traditional approach. Larry Bradley, an author, consultant, and former NECA executive director, shares insights on how our current healthcare system is more about “sick-care” than actual health management. Join us as we consider alternative perspectives and ways to shift this paradigm.

Larry Bradley worked with the Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter, NECA for 27 years in virtually every capacity of association management, serving as Executive Director for 18 years. His work positively impacted the lives of thousands of IBEW members and their families. He was inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contractors, NECA’s highest honor to recognize exceptional and outstanding service to the electrical contracting industry. Bradley has worked to ensure that funds are wisely managed, ensuring that the benefits offered to workers are available to them throughout their lives. The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC).

Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Article: Larry Bradley Retirement

Discussion points:

The song – Kind of a Drag by the Buckinghams and ‘linguistic opioids’
The hurdles of healthcare and leadership
Staggering stats on healthcare in America
Larry’s books and practicing what he preaches
Leadership is influence
A Sunday morning service question became a book
How can the construction industry work toward health?
MESS cleanse and mitigating stress
Stress in our industry
Choosing kindness, plummeting test scores, mindset training
Pharmacogenetic testing for drug efficacy
The U.S. ranks 37th in the world for healthcare quality
The pilot program using pharmacogenetics – food, supplements, medication

Resources:

Larry Bradley LinkedIn

The-Construction-User-2.0-Episode-19_-Healthcare-Over-Sick-care_-A-conversation-with-Larry-Bradley-Transcript

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In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Marty Mulcahy, Managing Editor of The Building Tradesman – the Official Publication of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. The Building Tradesman has served the highly skilled men and women in Michigan’s building trades unions in Michigan since 1952. Marty’s decades of experience reporting on the building trades gives him special insight into the construction industry. Join us as Kirk and Marty delve into an alternative perspective on the building trades, discussing the industry’s current challenges and biggest issues, emerging trends, and the ever-evolving landscape of union construction.

IGI Conference Sept 6-7 2023

Discussion points:

The song- B-52s Roam
Background and guest intro
Construction journalism and publications
Strikes and other challenges in the industry
Current major stories in the construction space
Michigan and the change in legislature- a sea change in laws
Looking forward – what is the outlook for dems vs. republicans?
Staying current in the industry – what gets column space

Resources:

Marty Mulcahy LinkedIn

The Building Tradesman

Kirk Westwood LinkedIn The Construction User Magazine back issues

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The-Construction-User-2.0-Ep-18_-Construction-From-a-Birds-eye-View-a-discussion-with-Marty-Mulcahy-Transcription

In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Geoff Colvin, renowned author and longtime editor and writer at Fortune. Geoff reveals strategies for future-proofing your company through effective leadership, cultural transformation, and proactive technology adoption. Gain expert insights on staying ahead in an evolving business landscape. Tune in to elevate your business preparedness.

Geoff Colvin is an award-winning thinker, author, broadcaster, and speaker on today’s most significant trends in business. As a longtime editor and columnist for Fortune, he has become one of America’s sharpest and most respected commentators on leadership, globalization, wealth creation, the infotech revolution, and related issues. Geoff’s new book, just published, is Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know that Brilliant Machines Never Will. As a speaker, Geoff has engaged hundreds of audiences on six continents.