Concrete Credentials

Discover why concrete is the material of choice for resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective homebuilding in this episode of Concrete Credentials. Host Shamim Rashid-Sumar sits down with Buddy Hughes, NAHB's 2025 Chairman of the Board, who shares his journey from homebuilder to industry advocate. Buddy offers expert perspectives on the benefits of concrete, discusses the latest resilient co...

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, we are joined by Birgitte Messerschmidt, Director of Research at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  She highlights NFPA’s unique, data-driven research and advocate for shifting fire safety assessments from product comparisons to evaluating real hazards. Tune in to hear insights on how these practices—and a focus on inclusive standards—are sha...

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, we are joined by Franck Boursier, CEO of Everlasting Homes Group. He explores how Everlasting’s use of SCIP and Ultra High-Performance Concrete enables homes to withstand disasters, reduce energy and maintenance costs, and minimize environmental impact. Tune in to learn how innovation, strategic execution and a focus on long-term value are setting new stand...

On this episode of Concrete Credentials we are joined by Rich Szecsy, CEO of Big Town Concrete for an in-depth conversation on AI adoption in concrete production and construction. Rich explores how clearly defining problems, prioritizing data quality and collaborating across industry and environmental groups are essential to leveraging AI for greater efficiency and sustainability—including advance...

In this episode of Concrete Credentials, we’re joined by Laurie Schoeman, Chief Investment and Impact Officer at Partners for the Common Good, for an insightful conversation on creating climate-resilient communities. Laurie discusses how stronger building codes, innovative financing and broad collaboration are essential to tackling extreme weather risks and supporting underserved populations. Tune...

In this episode of Concrete Credentials, we welcome Illya Azaroff, AIA President Elect, for a conversation on the ethical duty of architects and allied professionals to prioritize resilient, disaster-resistant design and to advocate against rebuilding in high-risk areas.

Tune in for the latest episode of Concrete Credentials with Karin Perrisinotto, Sustainability Manager at CalPortland. Learn more about the critical elements of effective sustainability communication and explore the importance of not only delivering the right message but also taking impactful actions and effectively sharing those efforts with your audience. 

On the Season 6 premier of Concrete Credentials, host Gregg Lewis is joined by Jeannette Monroe, Senior Vice President of Learning and Development at NRMCA. Jeannette shares insights on the significance of open communication and collaboration in managing change and advancing progress within the concrete industry, emphasizing the goal of increasing member value and industry engagement. 

On the Season 5 finale of Concrete Credentials, host Shamim Rashid-Sumar is joined by Brian Meacham, Director of Risk and Regulatory Consulting at Crux Consulting LLC. Brian discusses his expertise in the fire resilience of concrete and explores how engineers and architects can go beyond building code requirements to prioritize sustainability and resilience.

Tune in for the latest episode of Concrete Credentials with Julie Garbini, President of Concrete Advancement Foundation. Learn more about Julie's experience in the concrete industry and how the Foundation is building resilient, affordable communities and advancing the industry's role in decarbonization, sustainability and innovation. 

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, George Guszcza, President and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences,  joins Shamim Rashid-Sumar from the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association to discuss sustainable building innovations. Join us for an insightful discussion on energy efficiency, technology and the future of eco-friendly infrastructure. 

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Jennifer Foran from National Ready Mixed Concrete Association member company Lauren Concrete, shares her journey into the construction industry and the evolution of women's roles in concrete. Tune in now as Jennifer offers valuable insights for women looking to join the field. 

In this episode of Concrete Credentials, host Gregg Lewis is joined by Sean Devine, founder and CEO of XBE, to discuss AI’s evolving role in the concrete industry and his latest AI partnership with NRMCA, AskConcrete. Listen now as we discuss AI's potential to optimize concrete performance using AskConcrete. 

In the latest episode of Concrete Credentials, host Shamim Rashid-Sumar is joined by Dr. Anne Cope, Chief Engineer of Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Together, they explore her research on how to improve the performance of buildings during natural disasters and IBHS's initiatives to build disaster-proof homes.  

In the latest episode of Concrete Credentials, host Gregg Lewis is joined by Julie Shiyou-Woodard, President and CEO of Smart Home America. Together, the explore the initiatives Julie and her team are doing to educate and advocate for the development of resilient homes, aiming to lower insurance expenses and mitigate damage. Join in on this insightful discussion to learn how to reduce disaster-rel...

In this episode of Concrete Credentials, join Shamim Rashid-Sumar, NRMCA's Senior Vice President of Codes and Standards, and Evan Reis, Structural Engineer and Executive Director at the United States Resiliency Council Structural, for an insightful discussion on how resilient building design has a positive impact on sustainability goals and how it contributes to the economic vitality and sust...

In this episode, Gregg Lewis welcome Kim Spahn, the CEO of Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC). Together, they explore the advantages and common misconceptions surrounding concrete masonry, as well as provide insights on how to launch your career in this dynamic industry. 

In Season 5 Episode 4 of Concrete Credentials, Marty Ozinga, Ozinga CEO, and Ryan Cialdella, Ozinga Vice President of Innovation & Market Development, sit down to discuss the adoption of low-carbon concrete and how it will transform the design and build industry. Tune in to learn more about what industry experts have learned about building with low-carbon concrete and how we can continue to bu...

In Season 5 Episode 3 of Concrete Credentials, NRMCA's Senior Director of Building Innovations, Frank Mruk, is joined by Bill Yearsley and Pat Walker from Terra CO2. Terra CO2 is at the forefront of the transition to net zero construction. Tune in for an insightful discussion on decarbonization strategies and efforts within the cement industry.

In this episode, we are joined by Keith Crossland, CEO & CO-Founder of Carbon Negative. We discuss Carbon Negative's proprietary AI that develops carbon negative concrete and concrete products.

In the season premiere of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by Forensic Engineering Expert Derek Hodgin to discuss his career experiences and how he has found that building with concrete solves some of the largest challenges faced by the design and construction industry. To hear more from Derek, register now for the Anatomy of Construction Litigation Seminar on May 17: https://qrco.de/bf3dNE

In this episode, we are joined by Andrea Hektor, senior structural engineer at BIG Architects. We discuss BIG's new headquarters, located in Copenhagen, which is built with concrete. Hear why concrete was the material of choice for this innovative structure. 

In honor of National Medal of Honor Day, Chris Cassidy, President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, joined guest host Gary Mullings to discuss the National Medal of Honor Museum. The museum is under construction in Arlington, TX and is built using concrete from NRMCA member Martin Marietta. Join us for a discussion on this innovative and inspiring project! 

On Season 4 Episode 7 of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guests Leah Ellis and Brandon Williams of Sublime Systems. This episode explores Sublime Systems' breakthrough process to produce low-carbon cement by removing the carbon dioxide from the cement making process.  

On Season 4 Episode 6 of Concrete Credentials Gregg is joined by guest Gaurav Sant, professor and the Pritzker Endowed Chair of Sustainability in the Samueli School of Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles. This episode explores how engineers are working to decarbonize cement and the different pathways to achieving this.