ConstructorCast

America's transportation system is approaching a critical deadline. In this episode, host Spencer Phillips is joined by Deniz Mustafa, Jonathan Porter, and Al Stanley (Stanley Construction Company) to discuss the proposed Build America 250 Act, why a long-term highway bill matters, and how contractors, businesses, and everyday Americans can help ensure Congress acts before the September 30 deadlin...

As temperatures rise across the country, heat exposure remains one of the most serious and often underestimated hazards facing construction workers. In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Spencer Phillips sits down with Eric Simmons, Vice President of Risk Management at Helix Electric, to discuss what effective heat safety looks like on today's jobsites. From hydration and nutrition to acclimati...

In this special mini episode of ConstructorCast, host Glenda Johnson takes you on-site to the 2026 AGC Annual Convention in Orlando capturing real, unfiltered perspectives from attendees experiencing it firsthand. From students exploring career pathways to seasoned professionals building meaningful connections, this episode highlights what makes convention more than just an event, it’s a catalyst...

Construction Safety Week 2026 is approaching, and this episode of ConstructorCast explores why this industry-wide initiative matters now more than ever. Host Max Nelson is joined by 2026 Construction Safety Week Chairs Adam Jelen, President & CEO of Gilbane Building Company, and Kyle Larkin, President & CEO of Granite. Together, they discuss the evolution of Safety Week, the industry’s ongoing cha...

Rapid advances in drone technology are reshaping construction, from jobsite safety and progress tracking to automation and AI-powered insights. And with the FAA’s newly proposed Part 108 rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, the industry may soon see its biggest leap yet. In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Max Nelson sits down with: Spencer Phillips, Counsel, Regulatory an...

What happens when a construction company takes on the “impossible” and delivers it in record time? In this episode of ConstructorCast, we sit down with Claire Brehmer and Casey Port of Hubbell Construction Services to talk about their award-winning 2024 Extreme Build project, Homes for Hope. In just five days, Hubbell and its partners designed, coordinated, and built two fully furnished homes for...

Recorded July 2, 2025 Tariffs are in the spotlight, and construction firms are feeling the heat. In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Suzanne Hitt sits down with supply chain leaders Tim Jed (DPR Construction) and Jay Pendergrass (Gilbane Building) to unpack the real-world impact of tariffs on materials costs, project timelines, and client decisions. From supplier price hikes and shifting poli...

In this episode recorded live at the 2025 AGC Convention, host Max Nelson sits down with Alex Juarez (Pittsburg State University) and Chip Wilson (Colorado State University)—two soon-to-be graduates preparing to enter the construction workforce. They share what inspired their career paths, how AGC student chapters and internships have shaped their journey, and what they’re looking for in potential...

In this episode, we are exploring the 2025 Construction Safety Week theme—All In Together—with insights from this year’s co-chairs. This theme underscores the industry’s shared commitment to safety, emphasizing that when every worker, company, and partner is fully engaged, job sites become safer for everyone. We'll chat about the initiatives shaping this year’s campaign, strategies for fostering a...

In this episode of ConstructorCast, we shine a light on a vital and often untapped workforce: military veterans. Host Max Nelson is joined by Adam Stark, founder of Jet. Build and the Veterans Who Build podcast, and Jesse Gemberling-Johnson, a Marine Corps veteran and construction professional leading a veteran hiring initiative. Together, they discuss the challenges veterans face in transitioning...

In this episode of ConstructorCast, host and General Counsel for AGC, Leah Pilconis is joined by Chief Economist Ken Simonson and Vice President of Government Affairs Alex Etchen to unpack the results of the recent election and what they mean for the construction industry. From workforce challenges and regulatory shifts to infrastructure investment and tax policy changes, our experts provide key i...

From automating tedious tasks to supercharging project management, AI is becoming a game-changer for construction professionals. But it’s not just about the tech—our guests share real-world stories of how AI is transforming their day-to-day work, making projects smoother and more efficient. We also tackle the big questions around ethics and responsible AI use, ensuring that innovation doesn’t come...

In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Max Nelson is joined by key members of Jordan Foster Construction—Asma Bayunus and Tricia Kagerer—to delve into the crucial topic of mental health in the construction industry. They explore the alarming rates of suicide and addiction among construction workers and discuss Jordan Foster's innovative approaches to addressing these issues. Discover the inspira...

In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Max Nelson is joined by key members of the carbon reduction taskforce Myrrh Caplan from Skanska USA, Joe Rozza from Ryan Companies, and AGC's own Melinda Tomaino. They delve into the creation and significance of the AGC Decarbonization Playbook, discussing its formation, key drivers, content, and expected outcomes. Learn about the collaborative efforts behi...

Take a quick listen to this special ConstructorCast SHORT to hear how member company Alliance Construction Solutions are celebrating Construction Safety Week this year featuring Todd Konigsfeld - General Superintendent at Alliance Construction Solutions, LLC. Guest: Todd Konigsfeld General Superintendent Alliance Construction Solutions https://www.allianceconstruction.com/

Take a quick listen to this special ConstructorCast SHORT to hear how member company TDIndustries, a mechanical contractor based out of Dallas, Texas is celebrating Construction Safety Week this year featuring Jamie Dabbs - Vice President of Safety, Health & Environmental and this year's Construction Safety Professional of the Year! Guest: Jamie Dabbs Vice President | Safety, Health & Environmenta...

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of the Associated General Contractors of America's (AGC) litigation program, which serves as a crucial component of its broader advocacy efforts. We explore how AGC strategically engages in judicial matters to safeguard and improve the business environment for construction contractors, aligning with its overarching goal of advancing industry interests...

In this special episode of AGC's ConstructorCast, host Max Nelson sits down with industry leaders Dan Johnson, CEO of Mortenson, and Mike Choutka, Chairman and CEO of Hensel Phelps, to dive deep into the upcoming 10th-anniversary celebration of Construction Safety Week. As this year's Chair and Co-chair, Dan and Mike share their insights on the growth and evolution of Construction Safety Week over...

The Culture of CARE is an program created by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the AGC of Washington to support companies in creating diverse, safe, welcoming, and inclusive job sites and promote diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. Culture of CARE is more than just caring about people; it is asking companies to commit to building work environments where ever...

In this episode, AGC of America’s chief economist, Ken Simonson becomes your guide through the bustling landscape of construction economics, trends shaping the industry, sound projections for the upcoming year, and how all of the above can impact builders and stakeholders. Tune in to see what contractors can expect in 2024! Guest: Ken Simonson Chief Economist AGC of America Subscribe to the DataDI...

Join us as we explore the dynamic intersection of cybersecurity and the commercial construction industry. Our guest, CJ Dietzman at Alliant Insurance Services, talks about the latest trends in cyber threats, risk management strategies, and innovative solutions shaping the future of digital resilience on construction sites. Don't miss this insightful episode for a blueprint for safeguarding your pr...

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with construction professionals, Phillippe Falkner of Ed Bell Construction Company, and Perry Silvey from BT Construction who are true champions of trenching and excavation safety. Discover the critical importance of safeguarding lives and preventing injuries in the construction industry. Gain valuable insights and practical tips to ensure every project is...

Unleash the power of imagination in our latest episode, as we dive into the captivating story of “Grit Leads to Greatness”, a children’s book written by our two guests Chris Eccleston and Jenny Schroen. With workforce issues challenging the construction industry, this brilliant duo saw an opportunity to sow the seeds of interest early on and cultivate a generation that thrives on skill, creativity...

On this episode of ConstructorCast, we spotlight success stories and provide actionable strategies for creating a more diverse and inclusive future within the construction industry. You’ll hear from our guest host, Jorge Quezada, and two winners of this year's AGC Diversity & Inclusion awards program – Brad Lewis of Hensel Phelps and Judith Monrouzeau of Bermúdez Longo Díaz Massó (BLDM). They will...

Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry. It is four times higher than the national suicide average and five times higher than that of all other construction fatalities combined, according to the Centers for Disease Control. AGC of America has established a Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force to stand up against this issue and is honored to have had the chance to...