Coastlines to Cranes

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, an...

As the year winds down and the holidays approach, Shandon reflects on one of her biggest leadership lessons of the year: delegation. Through candid stories from professional 360 reviews, an end-of-year team celebration, and holiday traditions at home, this episode explores the shift from control to trust—and from delegation as task-offloading to delegation as invitation. Whether leading a team, a...

In this uplifting episode of Coastlines to Cranes , host Shandon Harbour shares the fun and unexpected origin story of Purple Wednesdays — a simple tradition that began in her family business and now brings camaraderie, positivity, and mid-week sparkle to ABC San Diego. Discover how one lavender shirt turned into a culture-builder, how the tradition spread organically across departments, and why s...

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 A...

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 cult...

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 disc...

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...

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 resili...

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 bu...

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 s...

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...

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....

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 wi...

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...

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...

In this episode of Coastlines to Cranes , Shandon pulls back the curtain on what many politicians don’t understand about our industry. She explains what a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is, why it matters, and how these agreements can impact the future of construction in our state. Shandon also highlights the incredible benefits of the merit shop model and why ABC’s political involvement is crucial...

This week on Coastlines to Cranes , we dive into the history and meaning behind Labor Day — from its roots in the American labor movement to why it remains a vital celebration of hard work and progress today. We’ll explore how ABC’s Apprenticeship Program continues that legacy by preparing the next generation of skilled professionals, strengthening our workforce, and honoring the spirit of those w...

Summer may be winding down, but the momentum is just heating up. In this episode, Shandon reflects on what makes summer so special, not just for vacations, but for getting things done . She shares a personal story from a recent family trip (yes, there’s a difference between a trip and a vacation ), breaks down why summer is her favorite season for making progress, and gives a heartfelt shoutout to...

What does a decorated Marine pilot have in common with the chaos of a jobsite? More than you think. This week, Shandon sits down with her first guest and husband—Earl “The Pearl” Wederbrook—for an unforgettable conversation about how the Cowbell actually originated in the Marines and why construction and the military are more alike than not. It’s part cowbell, part love story, part leadership mast...

We’ve got a fever—and the only prescription is... more cowbell. In this episode, Shandon takes you on a wild ride through the history of ABC San Diego’s most iconic noisemaker: the infamous Cowbell. From its stolen origins to the turf wars with other ABC chapters who dared try to steal it (literally), this episode hits all the notes—comedy, chaos, and construction pride. Learn more about the cowbe...

That's right! We launched a podcast like everyone else. Coastlines to Cranes is your 15-minute midweek chaos cure, hosted by ABC San Diego CEO Shandon Harbour. She’s dishing out unfiltered takes on construction, politics, and apprentice glory - sprinkled with sass, laughs, and zero corporate snooze. Drops Wednesdays at 6 a.m. Buckle up (or don’t). Want to connect with Shandon? Connect on ⁠Link...