Deconstructed by the Grand Valley Construction Association

How do we build a more equitable future in the skilled trades? On this episode of Deconstructed , host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Dr. Eden Hennessey , Research and Programs Director at the Laurier Centre for Women in Science , to talk about her photo research exhibit Building Equitable Trades . From the systemic barriers women and gender-diverse people face, to the urgent labour shortages ahead...

What if the future of construction wasn’t just about building, but about reusing, repurposing, and reimagining what we already have? In this episode of Deconstructed , host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Carly Connor, founder and CEO of Green Salvage Materials , to explore how the industry can move from a waste-heavy model to a truly circular economy. From heritage brick to surplus windows, Carly s...

In this episode of GVCA Deconstructed , host Mandy Bujold chats with Stefanie Bruinsma and Emily Pyke, co‑founders of AutoCate , about their mission to help women feel confident in the garage and behind the wheel. They share how AutoCate’s hands‑on workshops teach practical skills—like changing a spare tire, boosting a battery, and reading your owner’s manual—while tackling the “pink tax” and brea...

In this episode of Deconstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Phil Mills, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region , to explore the challenges and opportunities in affordable housing, the role of Build Now, and what the future of community building looks like in Waterloo Region. Phil shares his unconventional career path, the evolving housing crisis and how BuildNow—a collaborative effor...

The construction industry is evolving, and with it comes a shift in workplace standards—especially when it comes to hygiene and accessibility. While hard hats and safety boots are non-negotiable, a new conversation is emerging about what it takes to create an inclusive, supportive work environment. That’s why the latest episode of GVCA deConstructed is worth tuning into. Hosts Jeff MacIntyre and M...

For construction leaders, projects depend on getting the right people to the right place at the right time. But what happens when skilled workers can’t reliably get to job sites?  Transportation has long been an overlooked barrier to hiring and retaining talent, especially for companies located outside of major transit hubs. Enter Hop In Technologies , a workforce transportation solution designed...

In this episode of Deconstructed, Mandy Bujold welcomes Jacinta Grootjen, Principal Consultant at Primary People Group , to explore how HR strategy and intentional leadership can help construction businesses thrive. Jacinta shares her journey into construction through her work with a developer where she built an HR department from the ground up. She explains how her firm supports businesses by pro...

In this episode of Deconstructed , host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Adam Palmer, Principal at co-elevate , to explore how collaboration, sustainability, and innovation are reshaping the construction and engineering industries. Adam shares the story behind co-elevate’s unique name and ethos, emphasizing their commitment to breaking down hierarchies and fostering a culture of humility and knowledg...

In this episode of deConstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Carlton Barrons, Associate Director and Steven Gava, Vice President of Surety at PLATFORM . Together, they explore the complexities of the construction industry, discussing key trends, challenges, and innovations that are shaping the future of the field. From the impacts of supply chain issues to the integration of new technologi...

In this episode of Deconstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Darren Johnston, Vice President of South Central Ontario Commercial Banking at TD. Darren shares his journey from a small-town teller to a key leader at TD, emphasizing the bank's commitment to community and its deep ties to the construction industry. Jeff and Darren discuss the crucial role of TD in supporting local business...

It's a podcast of Jeff's. Jeff Collins joins Jeff MacIntyre on the podcast to talk about Gowling WLG's commitment to community involvement and collaboration, especially in the construction industry as the Grand Valley Construction Association celebrates its 50th anniversary. The Jeffs also dig into importance of proper contracts in construction projects, including the risks associated...

When it comes to construction, safety is job number one. Few people know this better than Tyler Scott, President of AEC Safety Solutions . Tyler has been at the forefront of the transformation of worksite safety for nearly three decades. Tyler joined GVCA president Jeff MacIntyre on the deConstructed podcast to share his insights into the significant strides made in workplace safety and how the Gr...

Having diverse language skills within the construction industry is crucial, especially in a region as diverse as ours. This episode of deConstructed looks at the intersection of construction and community, exploring the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion within both industries. Host Mandy Bujold, Manager of Industry and Community Partnerships at Grand Valley Construction Associ...

Dive into the world of architecture and urban design with our latest episode with Laird Robertson, President & Creative Director, NEO Architecture Inc. Join Jeff and Rob as they talk about building identity and how to break free from the cycle of creating uninspired, lackluster structures. Get ready to uncover strategies and philosophies that breathe life into our cities, making them vibrant r...

Guest host Mandy Bujold welcomes Susan Carey, President of BuildSafe, to the deConstructed podcast. Susan and Mandy share a passion for safety, and on the episode, Susan talks about BuildSafe's mission to educate the workforce and help companies achieve highest level of job site safety and proof of due diligence.

Jeff steps inside the ring with Canadian Olympic boxing legend Mandy Bujold. Mandy has recently joined GVCA to help lead the efforts to create more opportunities for women in the trades and construction. In this episode, Mandy and Jeff talk about the parallels between sports and construction and Mandy's fight to make boxing qualifications equal for women boxers.

When he's not exploring cities by foot, Eric Avner is helping connect communities together as the President & CEO of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation . On this episode of deConstructed, Eric joins Jeff to talk about community building, how we can build better cities to retain talent workers across every industry, and how we can better collaborate to address pressing community issue...

Our producer, Alex Kinsella, steps out from behind the keyboard to share his thoughts on what makes a great community. Beyond producing the podcast, Alex is the creator of TL;WR , a weekly events, arts, and culture newsletter for Waterloo Region.

Canada welcomed over 400,000 new immigrants in 2022, but are we doing everything we can to help them successfully build new lives and careers in their new home? On this episode of Deconstructed, Jeff sits down with City of Kitchener Ward 5 councillor Ayo Owodunni to hear his experience immigrating to Canada and what we can do to ensure skills, experience, and education are properly recognized—and...

Attracting a new generation of workers to the construction industry means understanding what is driving Gen Z decisions on careers, education, and more. On this episode of DeConstructed, Jeff sits down with Holly Bachman, a recent graduate of the University of British Columbia. Bachman earned her B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability studies and she shares what recent graduates and other young...

On this episode, Jeff is joined by workplace safety consultant Monica Szabo. Monica and Jeff discuss the importance of safety culture, the history of construction safety, and where we are today.

Since 2014, Jill of All Trades has been bringing hundreds of young women together with industry leaders and advocates to help them explore the potential of a career in a skilled trade. On this episode, Jeff sits down with Brenda Gilmore and Rosie Hessian from Conestoga College to learn more about this innovative program and how it's helping increase the number of women in the skilled trades.

The simple act of going into a store to pick up milk can be challenging or even impossible for people who require a wheelchair to get around. Removing these barriers to make sure everyone can access any space at any time is the mission of the  StopGap Foundation . Jeff is joined by StopGap Foundation founder Luke Anderson to learn more about how the foundation is working to bring awareness to the...

Communities across Canada are struggling with multiple problems, but one in particular stands out — housing. On this episode of the deConstructed podcast, Jeff is joined by Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie. Cam and Jeff talk about the housing crisis in Guelph, how for-profit housing is making the crisis worse, housing for international students, and why Cam is so passionate about finding solutions so ever...

Founder is a term used in the tech scene, but it applies to anyone who starts and grows a business. On this episode of Deconstructed, we're joined by Simon Fallows from Freedom for Founders. Simon's mission is to help business owners understand their business value from a buyers perspective to maximize value, so when the time is right, owners are ready to sell on terms they have planned fo...