The Build Zone Podcast - A Construction Podcast

Episode 196--In this episode of the Build Zone Podcast, brought to your by the ABC Self Insured Group, we sit down with Mike Conway and Brian Gaither, Territory Managers for EquipmentShare, to explore how technology, innovation, and customer-focused solutions are reshaping the construction industry. Mike and Brian bring years of experience working directly with contractors, helping them navigate t...

Episode 195-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to your by the ABC Self Insured Group, we sit down with Ronnie Kassif and Suzanna Gal Gombos, the driving forces behind Boston BuildHERS, a company that is reshaping what leadership and opportunity look like in the construction industry. Their story isn’t just about building projects—it’s about building pathways, breaking barriers, and...

Episode 194- In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by the ABC Self Insured Group, we sit down with Ryan McDonagh, Managing Director at HG Facilities Solutions, for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to keep facilities running smoothly—and why the skilled trades are at the center of it all. Ryan shares his journey into the industry, offering a can...

Episode 193-In this episode of The Build Zone podcast, we’re joined by Haley Moyers , Director of Workforce Programs and Initiatives at Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), to talk about one of the most exciting events shaping the next generation of construction leaders: the ABC National Construction Management Competition . Every year, this competition brings together some of the brightest...

Episode 192-In this inspiring episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by the ABC Self Insured Group, we shine a spotlight on the people helping shape the future of the construction industry—starting with this week’s guest, Sarah Reinhard. Sarah is a Business Development Representative at Structis and was recently nominated in recognition of Women in Construction Week—a well-deserved ackn...

Episode 191-In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by the ABC Self Insured Group, we sit down with David Tibbetts , Chief Safety Officer at Highwire, to talk about one of the most important — yet often overlooked — topics in the skilled trades: safety. Whether you’re on the jobsite every day, leading a crew, or working to build the next generation of tra...

On this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, sponsored by the ABC Self Insured Group, we sit down with Peter Murphy Lewis , the creator of the powerful docuseries People Worth Caring About —and fair warning, this conversation might stick with you long after the episode ends. Peter isn’t chasing clicks or clout. He’s chasing truth. Through People Worth Caring About , he turns the camera toward indivi...

Episode 189-In this episode, we sit down with Chris Landry and Nicole Harrison of Erland Construction and the Erland Foundation for a powerful conversation about building more than projects—building people, opportunities, and long-term impact in the construction industry. Erland Construction has long been recognized as a leader in commercial construction, known for delivering complex projects whil...

Episode 188-This episode is brought to you by DECCO--Ever wonder what the skilled trades hiring landscape really looks like behind the scenes? This week, I’m joined by someone who’s not just watching the evolution—he’s helping build it. I sit down with Brian Drucks , founder of WhereTradesGo.com , the platform that’s quickly becoming the go-to digital hub for connecting skilled trades professional...

Episode 187-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by DECCO, we sit down with Drew Patalano, Operations Manager for Medford Wellington Service Company , a respected leader known for his deep industry knowledge, hands-on leadership style, and commitment to operational excellence in the skilled trades. Drew brings more than experience—he brings perspective. From optimizing field o...

Episode 186-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, presented by DECCO, we sit down with Jesse Gioranino , Chairman of the Membership Committee for ABC Massachusetts , to explore the heartbeat of the organization—its members. Jesse brings his enthusiasm and deep understanding of the industry to a candid conversation about what makes ABC’s membership community so strong, diverse, and forward-thi...

Episode 185-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast , brought to you by DECCO, we sit down with Dr. Gretchen Gagel , a globally recognized leader, author, and advisor whose career has been dedicated to helping organizations achieve exceptional performance. From the boardroom to the classroom, Gretchen’s work has influenced countless executives and teams across industries — especially in engineer...

Episode 184-On this episode of The Build Zone Podcast , brought to you by DECCO, we sit down with a leader whose vision is shaping the future of Rhode Island’s construction industry—Joseph Lopes, President and CEO of ABC Rhode Island. With a career rooted in both business leadership and a deep commitment to workforce development, Joseph brings a wealth of insight into how the trades are evolving a...

Episode 183-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, presented by Optiline Enterprises, we sit down with two dynamic entrepreneurs who are reshaping the future of workplace safety—Hilary Gallin and Kaitlin McCarthy, the founders of ARX PPE . What started as a bold idea to challenge the outdated, one-size-fits-all approach to personal protective equipment has grown into a movement that’s not only...

Episode 182-What happens when you put a Marketing Specialist from Dynamic Interiors in front of a microphone instead of a mood board? You get a conversation that’s just as stylish—only with way more laughter and zero throw pillows. This week on The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by Optiline Enterprises, we’re joined by Brianna Raposo from Dynamic Interior , who knows how to turn drywall into d...

Episode 181-When it comes to building, most people think about steel, concrete, and cranes. But in the construction industry, some of the most critical foundations aren’t poured on job sites—they’re laid in conference rooms, pitch meetings, and partnerships. In this episode, we welcome Stephen Callahan , Vice President of Business Development at Callahan Construction Managers , a leader who knows...

Episode 180-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast , brought to you by Optiline Enterprises, we’re joined by none other than Brandon Patterson — a passionate advocate for the skilled trades, workforce development strategist, and proud Iowan on a mission to close the gap between industry needs and talent pipelines. With a career dedicated to elevating the trades and inspiring the next generation...

Episode 179-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcats, brought to by Optiline Enterprses , we’re thrilled to welcome Erik Hegre, Partner at the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Behnisch Architekten. With offices in Germany and the United States, Behnisch Architekten is known for its human-centered, sustainable, and visually stunning designs—and Erik Hegre stands at the forefront of thei...

Episode 177-In this electrifying episode of The Build Zone Podcast , brought to you by Optiline Enterprises, we sit down with Mike Cashin, a seasoned industry leader and driving force behind RELCO Electrical Contractors, Inc. With over two decades of hands-on experience in electrical construction and project management, Mike brings a unique blend of field knowledge, business savvy, and forwar...

Episode 176-In this illuminating episode of The Build Zone Podcast, we sit down with Joseph Marino, an expert who truly lives and breathes the electrical trade — a seasoned electrical inspector and respected electrical instructor for the Gould Construction Institute (GCI). With decades of hands-on experience in the field and a deep passion for education, our guest offers a unique perspective on wh...

Episode 175-On this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to your by Optiline Enterprises, we ditch the boring financial talk and dive into the real world of smart money decisions? In this episode, we’re bringing the energy (and a few laughs) as we sit down with Patrick DiCerbo , a dynamic and down-to-earth Wealth Management Advisor from Northwest Mutual who knows how to turn financial planni...

Episode 174-In this insightful and energizing episode of The Build Zone Podcast , brought to your by Optiline Enterprises, we sit down with Traci Austin, Chief Talent Officer of Elevated Talent Consulting, to explore what it really takes to build high-performing teams through intentional HR practices and values-driven leadership. Traci brings over two decades of experience in human resources, orga...

Episode 173-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by Optiline Enterprises, we’re diving deep into the world of skilled trades with Ryan Tuttle, a guest who knows the ins and outs of the industry from both the jobsite and the corporate side. Our guest is a Trade Specialist at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.—a company known around the world for equipping professionals with the t...

Episode 172-In this compelling episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by Optiline Enterprises, we sit down with JR Butler, the dynamic CEO and Founder of The Shift Group—a company redefining the way we think about performance, leadership, and organizational growth. With a career forged at the intersection of elite sports, business development, and personal mastery, JR brings a unique bl...

Episode 171-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by Optiline Enterprises, we sit down with Clarence Reid, the seasoned Safety Director of Erland Construction — a professional whose job goes far beyond just handing out hard hats and posting “Caution” signs. With decades of experience overseeing complex construction projects, our guest shares an inside look at what it really tak...