Building PA Podcast

No one knows communication and organization better than Bob Dresser of Strategic Executive Consulting. In this fourth episode in the Better Project Outcomes Series, Bob addresses a key component in the success of construction companies, projects, and profitability—change management.  In this episode, Bob highlights the key components needed to set the stage for a  successful project. Communication...

In today’s podcast, Maria Elliott, attorney/partner for Barley Snyder talks about contracts and risk management.  Maria shares her insight about the changes being made in contracts since COVID.  Maria commented that before COVID, owners and general contractors were focused on force majeure, which is the unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract. Since COVID, the s...

Jim Gabriel, president of MODLOGIQ shed light on why prefabrication is trending across the construction industry.  Owners, general contractors, designers, and architects are turning to modular construction for several reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that the world is changing. Gabriel speaks openly about the pandemic and how modular construction has helped contractors and projects continue...

Listen as President Rivera shares insight into industry trends related to workforce development beyond traditional construction-related skills such as career counseling, heavy equipment training, and professional career paths that will have significant impact. It's vital to the success of any workforce development programs they rely on training to address the entire student to ensure that fut...

2021 proved to be an unconventional year – we battled a pandemic, did our best to manage an erratic supply chain, and watched many businesses grow at an exponential rate. With 2021 behind us, Chris and Jon wanted to take a moment and reflect on several highlights from some inspiring guests they interviewed throughout the year. During this episode, Chris and Jon discuss their favorite podcasts and...

Are you a professional in the field of architecture, construction or engineering and feel like you have experience and knowledge to share?   Do you have a desire to provide insight into your profession and help mentor students? The ACE Mentor program may be the right fit for you. Diana Eidenshink, national president of ACE Mentor program talks with Chris and Jon about all aspects of the ACE progra...

Listen as Jamey Bednez, vice president of Stalwart Insurance Group talks with us as we discuss the impact of wellness on insurance premiums. Bednez shares that wellness initiatives help employers identify inefficiencies. For example, he states that 61 percent of employees surveyed say that their workplace causes stress, which leads to over $300 billion in healthcare costs. To improve your costs, B...

The HR and Safety Director of Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, Seth Abraham, stopped by the Building PA Podcast to discuss labor relations and safety.  Listen in as Seth discusses his thoughts on workforce development and the value relationships bring to creating a safety culture across five offices and seven states.  Seth shared that at Kalkreuth, the company sees HR and safety as a combination...

Michael Klein joins us from the law offices of Blumling & Gusky, LLP to share his expertise on building materials and the impact they have on contracts.  With the pandemic slowing down (or picking up, depending on where you live) the supply chain has impacted the construction industry around the globe.  Today, we talk about this growing trend and how contractors can protect themselves legally....

David McGlennen, culture coach and leadership expert, stopped by the Building PA Podcast to share his wisdom related to culture and its impact on the industry.  David understands the construction industry, so much so that in the first segment of the show, he suggests utilizing toolbox talk time to discuss and expand on the rituals that make up your culture.  He was quick to caution that creating a...

When discussing the impact of virtual meetings on sales efforts, Sandler Sales Training expert Steve Kelly told the Building PA Podcast co-hosts a simple truth, “the things that were done previously changed very quickly and most people didn’t adapt.” Listen as Steve Kelly shares best practices for improving your sales efforts in a virtual world.  Steve discusses methods for changing your technique...

Jessica Meyers, owner and president of JEM Group, based in Harrisburg, joins co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O’Brien on the latest episode to discuss her leadership style, the future of JEM Group, and how the company is focusing on professional development among her team. During the episode, Meyers tells how she came to work in the construction industry and some of the obstacles she overcame to beco...

Have you ever asked yourself what it takes to work with legislators?  Have no fear, John Wanner is here to share his dos and don’ts for government relations.  Wanner, the founder of Wanner Associates and a registered lobbyist stops by to speak with Chris and Jon.  During the conversation we learned the dos of lobbying: • Be professional • Create leave-behinds or briefs • Make an appointment • Prep...

Tori Shriver, political director for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters) joins Chris and Jon to discuss a day in the life of a union political director. Shriver discusses her role in promoting and educating legislators and the public on policies that affect the EAS Carpenter membership, her team of ‘political nerds’, and the challenges she faces as the young...

As the former international president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and a current adjunct professor of architecture at Carnegie Mellon University, William Bates joined the Building PA Podcast to discuss the future of architecture.  Before we discuss the future, Bates shared insight into his tenure with the AIA and discussed best practices from his time traveling the world to promot...

Join the Building PA Podcast to listen to Kevin Trout share his insights into the benefits a strong culture will have on your company.  Kevin joins us as a former owner and CEO of a medical supply company and current Vistage chair and facilitator for CEO groups. In the discussion, Trout emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong culture as part of the hiring, onboarding, and operations pro...

Customer service is a part of our everyday lives, said DJ Craven of The Gildea Group.  During this episode on the impact customer service has on project outcomes, Craven shares his approach and explains a new approach to relationships now known as the Craven V .  In addition, you will hear how customer service as a core value has helped The Gildea Group grow and remain in business for over 60 year...

The Laborers may be one of the largest building trades unions in the country and we had the pleasure of speaking with Eric Remetta, Training Director, Laborers District Council of Eastern PA to learn more.  In our conversation, Eric shares the requirements of becoming a Laborer including the time needed to become a journeyman.  It’s 4000 hours and you can achieve that by balancing work on sites an...

Listen as Nick Vuono, a Steamfitter apprentice shares his personal insight into what it means to be a Steamfitter.

Listen in as Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin share insight on the upcoming issue of the Keystone Contractor Magazine . The latest issue will focus on the importance of culture and how a structured program to establish improved morale, focus, and vision will benefit your company.  Additionally, the magazine staff has created supporting articles that detail the connection between lean construction...

According to Bob Dresser of Strategic Executive Consulting, workface planning creates opportunities for work schedules for a one-week period.  This includes preparing all tools, materials, and drawings for that timeframe.  In our conversation, you can hear Bob share how this element of project planning improves work retention and decreases talent loss.  Bob mentions that the best time to embrace w...

Do you know what it takes to be an apprentice Steamfitter?  Listen in as Tom Doran, apprenticeship coordinator for Steamfitters Local 449 joins Chris and Jon to discuss the program and the requirements.  Tom shares that each apprentice comes out of the program with certifications that ensure each person is ready for work in the field.  The skills learned are focused on welding, Hydronics, drawing,...

Have you considered what is needed to develop a strong on-site project culture?  Listen as Eric Pascucci, Director of Estimating and Pre-Construction for PJ Dick, and Tom Price, Principal with Strada Architecture share lessons learned and practical recommendations for building a strong relationship between contractor and architect.  Both agree that collaboration is key, along with a heavy reliance...

Link Business’s Chris Caldwell joins the podcast to discuss business valuation and the steps necessary to sell your business.  Caldwell mentions that to determine what a business is worth owners must set realistic goals, plan accordingly and communicate with those they are considering selling to.  He also highlights the value of defining what you plan to sell as part of this process.  Listen to a...

Learn about BIM and its impact on 3D scanning and drafting along with the variety of projects that are impacted by this technology from John Brown and Tim Libman of DJM.  Not only does BIM improve accuracy within the design process, but ongoing building records, assessments, and renovation work can be enhanced or improved.  Additionally, Brown and Libman share the positive impact on pre-constructi...