Constructing Greatness

Elevating Safety, Anchoring Legacy with Premier Building Anchors What happens when tradesmen turn frustration into innovation? Out of past conversations on this very podcast, a new partnership emerged—one that’s raising the bar for safety and growth across Philadelphia’s skyline. In this episode of Constructing Greatness , Nick reconnects with Anthony and John Zurzolo and John McCarroll, whose ear...

What happens when innovators decide that “normal” isn’t good enough anymore? A simple conversation can turn into a movement that changes minds and communities. In this powerful return of Constructing Greatness, we dive into the launch of Woolwich Wellness Company and its flagship dispensary, Frosted Nug, located in Carneys Point, New Jersey. After a nine-month break from podcasting, Nich reconnect...

Should you bet on your resiliency and adaptability to shape your success in the construction industry? In today's episode, we delve into Frank Gallagher 's story. From economic downturns to changes in the industry, Frank navigated every challenge that popped up by relying on his resilience and ability to adapt to setbacks, miscalculations, and obstacles. Throughout this conversation, you'll hear a...

"It's just not for everyone. It's really hard. And I think it's important to be honest; that it's a really, really tough job. But the tough jobs that you find a way to excel and win in are extraordinarily rewarding." - Coty Fournier In this episode, we have the privilege to learn all about business development and construction operations from Coty Fournier, who has over 25 years of sustained succe...

Have you ever thought a massive setback might be an opportunity to change your life? Sometimes, it is about being ready to adapt and understanding that life happens for us, not to us.  In today's episode, I'm honored to receive the extraordinary Chris Harder to talk about unconventional paths to success, his unique perspective on life, entrepreneurship, resilience to bounce back from adversit...

Did you know, right after high school, what you wanted to do with your life? For most people, even those with a strong inclination when they are kids, it takes time, patience, proper support and guidance, and multiple experiences.  Today, I'm joined by Jim Gardler, Director of MEP Operations at Bala Consulting Engineers, to talk about his vocational discovery journey, the moment he realized h...

"It's hard to learn who you are, but it's really easy to understand who you are not." In this episode, I'm joined by Kieran Williams to talk about entrepreneurship, priorities, motivation, and the thought process of choosing a career path. Kieran is a former competitive soccer player, a New Jersey native, a Digital Identity Specialist, and the Owner of The Garage Gym, a 24/7 access fitness facilit...

Is it possible to start a company with zero knowledge or experience in the industry and turn it into a successful business?  In today's episode, I'm joined by the wonderful Shira Charles, Interior Design Expert, Entrepreneur, ADHD Advocate, and Mom. Shira founded Charles Interior almost 8 years ago, and thanks to her passion and natural talent for interior design, she turned the company into...

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to ma...

Intentional networking is essential not only in construction but in any industry; creating meaningful connections can sometimes open more doors than formal education.  In this episode, I'm joined by Jessica Slack, Senior Executive and Private Sector Growth Leader at Gilbane Building Company, one of America's largest building companies. Although her father was widely known in Philadelphia's co...

Despite going after a degree in Communications following solid advice from his father, our guest, Chris Condon, knew he belonged to the Construction Industry. Following his passion, he transitioned from Marketing Coordinator to Lead Superintendent, to Project Manager, to Sr. Construction Manager. Today, 20 years of experience later, he is a Senior Vice President of Development, Construction &...

If you love what you do, your job will never feel like work, and as if that wasn't enough, you'll never have a bad day.  Meet Jeff Francesconi, President at Capital Concrete, a man in love with the trades since day one, who, in every concrete pouring, feels the same excitement he felt in his first one almost 20 years ago.  In this episode, we dive into Jeff's journey in the trades, from...

Would you know when is the right time to start your own thing?  In today's episode, Ron Ormsby, Founder of BellCo Demolition, joins us to talk about his journey in the trades. After a lifelong experience in the construction industry, Ron saw an opportunity where everyone else saw a crisis and decided to rely on his expertise to start his own business.  Throughout our conversation, Ron ta...

Being medically discharged from the Marine Corps certainly felt like one of life's curve balls for our guest, Mike Ward. Still, his calling for public service wouldn't be silenced by that; it'll just remain dormant for a time. Following his father and grandfather's steps, he'd become a Union electrician, which years became a critical piece for developing his career as a first responder. &nbsp...

Although it's hard to associate tattoed, long-haired, rough construction workers with people who pay attention to their emotions, that is one of the crucial points our guest, Ed DeAngelis, focused on to secure his success. He understood that those workers' emotions (even if they weren't ready to admit it) could and would interfere with their ability to be their best version at work. That is why hi...

Although most people think that things like luck or destiny are the ones behind new business opportunities or partnerships, these things are a byproduct of our openness to meeting new people and putting ourselves out there consistently.  Those are some lessons I've learned during the pandemic, like creating meaningful connections, being surrounded by like-minded people, keeping a curious mind...

Adaptability is the first thing people think necessary to run a successful third-generation family business. Undoubtedly, the firm's capacity to absorb and adjust procedures and techniques to the fast-paced advance of technology is detrimental, but it's not all of it.  In this episode, David Oliver joins us to reveal how making culture a priority served the family business hundreds of times m...

This week, Dan Paulson joins us to talk about his path in the construction industry, his relationship with the school and formal education, and his first steps in the trades, literally, from the ground up.  After high school, Dan quickly realized the school wasn't a place for him, at least not at that time. Then he started working in the trades, but his drive to constantly challenge and impro...

Kristen Pucci joins us today to talk about nurturing and following the entrepreneurship spirit, trusting the process, and the magical power of believing in ourselves.  Kristen is the founder and CEO of KRAE Consulting, a company created to assist successful AEC Industry business owners who don't have time to promote their companies and increase their presence on social media. Passionate for m...

Soon in his life, our guest, Andre Golsorkhi, found out he wasn't made to follow a traditional career path would demand. He had an entrepreneurial spirit, always eager to learn, solve specific problems, and discover new ways of doing things.  Andre Golsorkhi is the Founder and President of Sidecar, a company leader in e-commerce marketing technology, recently acquired by Quartile. Before Side...

We have a special guest today on the show, a man who puts his own life on the line to help others, Erin O'Donnell. He is a Firefighter recently promoted to Lieutenant at the Willingboro Fire Department, a loving husband, and a proud father of two beautiful daughters.  Knowing what he wanted to do when growing up never was an issue for Erin; being a fireman had been his deepest desire since he...

Knowing what he wanted to do never was an issue for our guest, Yan Girlya, who always knew he wanted to be in the construction industry.  One day in ninth grade, a professor asked the students to say their names and what they wanted to be as grown-ups during a history class. Lawyer, accountant, doctor, and engineer would be the most heard professions until young Yan raised his hand and said,...

After many years in the construction industry, our guest, Christine Workman, had an aha moment facing an elevator. The first thing she noticed was that nobody around seemed to know much about them, and the second thing she noticed was that until elevators are inspected, it is not possible to get anything done.  The idea of getting into the elevators industry was roaming inside her mind when d...

Today, Paul McDonald, President of McDonald Building Company, LLC, joined us to talk about his experiences in the construction industry.  When he started his company twelve years ago, Paul committed to four principles: safety, quality, integrity, and sustainability. Today, Paul's construction company specializes in providing peace of mind through their devoted attention to detail and excellen...

Things like ransomware, phishing, or spyware perhaps sound like something distant, too digital, in a certain way. However, the feeling of seeing our letterhead sent to one of our clients demanding a payment we never asked for can turn these digital threats into a scary palpable menace.  Joining us today is Tim Guim, Founder and CEO of PCH Technologies, to talk about the real danger of digital...