The Builders' Table

Construction does more than build structures. It builds communities, creates opportunities and changes lives.  In this episode of The Builders' Table , Paul Robinson, Founder and CEO of ConstructReach, shares how his passion for community led him to create an organization focused on connecting people with purposeful careers in construction. Through partnerships with employers, schools and loc...

Credentials are more than just a line on a resume. They can shape careers, strengthen confidence and support workforce development across the construction industry.  In this episode of The Builders' Table, Richard Hannah, Director of Research at NCCER, discusses NCCER's latest Value of Credentials study and the insights uncovered throughout the research process. From hiring and career ad...

The demand for skilled workers continues to rise and training the next generation has never been more important. In this episode of The Builders’ Table , Keith Ledbetter, President and CEO of ABC Southeastern Michigan, discusses how the organization and the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy are preparing students for careers in construction. Through affordable, hands-on training and strong i...

In this episode of The Builders’ Table , Scott Evans, Senior Account Manager at Cemex USA and Founder of Invisible PPE, shares his personal journey and why he is passionate about mental health and suicide prevention in construction. After facing his own struggles, Scott now advocates for creating stronger support systems within the workforce. He discusses the realities behind mental health in the...

In today’s construction industry, success is not just about building projects. It is about building people. In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Jason Schroeder, Founder and COO of Elevate Construction, shares how his journey from concrete finisher to industry leader shaped his approach to workforce development. He discusses why respect, leadership and intentional training are critical to long-...

As demand for skilled workers continues to rise, the construction workforce is entering a new phase of growth and change. In this episode of The Builders’ Table , Rich Camacho, Founder and CEO of AlliedRecruit and BlueRecruit, discusses the key trends shaping the trades today. From rapid wage increases to evolving hiring practices, he explains what companies and job seekers need to know. With a gr...

In this episode of The Builders’ Table , Brent Bean, President of Build Mississippi, discusses how the organization is bridging the gap between education and industry. By supporting CTE programs, working closely with instructors and partnering with contractors, Build Mississippi is helping create a more seamless transition from classroom to career. From paid training programs to direct job placeme...

Career and Technical Education is shaping the future workforce. How do we ensure it continues to grow and evolve? In this episode of The Builders’ Table , Michael Connet, Associate Deputy Executive Director – Outreach & Partnerships of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), shares how CTE has developed over the past century and the role it plays in preparing students for su...

Across the U.S., millions of skilled workers are held back—not by ability, but by language barriers. In this episode of The Builders’ Table , Katie Brown, Founder and Chief Education Officer of EnGen, discusses how workforce-aligned English instruction is helping workers facing English language barriers strengthen their communication skills and thrive—especially in high-demand industries like cons...

The transition from military to civilian life isn’t always straightforward—especially when it comes to building a long-term career. In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Elizabeth O’Brien and Stefanie Watson share how Hiring Our Heroes is helping veterans and military spouses navigate that journey. Through initiatives like the Skilled Trades Academy, they’re connecting participants with training...

From a 30-year prison sentence to teaching skilled trades and helping others rebuild their lives. In this episode of The Builders’ Table, Ty Wade shares his powerful journey and how New Freedom is helping individuals reenter society through education, mentorship and careers in the skilled trades. Listen now to learn how second-chance opportunities are transforming lives.