The Morning Huddle Construction Show

Closing the skilled trades gap isn’t just a challenge—it’s a make-or-break priority for the industry. Matt McCaffrey, Vice President at Skanska, unpacks how early engagement, contractor leadership, and industry-wide collaboration can fuel workforce development. The conversation surfaces innovative strategies and real opportunities to attract and retain the next generation of construction talent.

AI isn’t the future of construction—it’s happening right now. Jordan Roberts, Content Manager at Journey Alliance, and Marc Pozzuoli, Partner at Journey Alliance, discuss how companies are already utilizing ChatGPT to streamline operations, spark innovation, and rethink the way business is conducted. From practical prompts to real-world use cases, this episode shows how AI can become your smartest...

AI isn’t some far-off concept anymore—it’s already disrupting and transforming the architecture, engineering, and construction landscape. Stjepan Mikulić , founder of AI in AEC , joins The Morning Huddle to share how forward-thinking firms are leveraging cutting-edge tools to streamline workflows, optimize efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for innovation. The conversation doesn’t shy away f...

Join us with Wilson Matthew Betances, Founder of Energize Us Edu Inc., as he reveals how a spark of inspiration in the electrical contracting trenches ignited his in-house Apprentice University—and why he’s now betting on affordable housing to keep talent charged up for the long haul. From his five-pillar system of character, work ethic, trust, skills and growth metrics, to the franchise-ready mod...

Join us for a focused conversation with Ryan Staton of Staton Walsh, where we dive into the key financial metrics—EBITDA, backlog ratios, debt-to-equity, and working capital—that drive construction business value, plus practical strategies for reinvesting profits, building operational continuity, and planning a successful exit.

Join Herb Sargent, CEO of Sargent, and Eric Ritchie, President & COO, as they delve into the intricacies of executing a successful succession plan. Drawing from their firsthand experiences, they discuss the challenges and strategies involved in leadership transitions within a legacy-driven, employee-owned company.​

Jonte Hawkins, Director of Safety at West Shore Home, and Roberto Gomez, Executive Director of Cornerstone Craftsman, dive into how the trades changed their lives—and how they’re now using that power to change others’. From second chances to workforce pipelines, they’re tackling the construction labor shortage by investing in the next generation.

In this episode, Jason Schroeder , Founder and CEO of ELEVATE Construction, LLC , explores what it truly means to elevate the field in construction. Tom Hughes, PE , VP of Construction Operations at Genesis AEC , joins as guest host to help guide a conversation on integrating field leaders into preconstruction, developing great superintendents, and bridging the gap between field and office. Packed...

Retention is where companies struggle. Ryan Englin , COO of Core Matters , breaks down what it takes to keep employees, strengthen the company's reputation, and make the trades a top career choice. From HR and marketing collaboration to standout job ads and talent pipelines, we’re covering the real keys to becoming an employer of choice.

What does it take to keep a construction project running smoothly? Eric Van Why , Jonathan Fox , and Megan Ross from Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) break down The Build Mindset—covering site logistics, safety, scheduling, financials, and the power of clear communication. Learn how CWC’s expertise, technology, and strong trade relationships ensure seamless execution from start to finish....

How can we recruit, retain, and advance more women in construction? Jennifer Wilkerson , VP of Innovations & Advancements at NCCER , joins us to unpack the In Her Own Words research and its game-changing impact on the industry. We discuss key findings, workplace improvements, and why job sites with women perform better. Plus, we dive into the ROI of training, the return of trade education, and...

We’re talking salary transparency with Hannah Williams, founder of Salary Transparent Street! From the impact of new salary transparency laws to why it’s crucial—especially in construction—Hannah breaks down the benefits of pay openness, what she’s learned from interviewing trade workers, and how we can bridge the massive labor gap. Plus, hear all about STS’s new job board and salary database, des...

Join Alex Kablanian, General Manager at ServiceTitan, as we dive into the exciting opportunities and challenges shaping the construction industry in 2025! From rising optimism and growth goals to tackling labor shortages and supply chain issues, Alex shares the must-know trends and strategies for contractors this year. Don’t miss it!

Stanley Stoll, PE , CEO and principal engineer of Knott Laboratory , uncovers the hidden flaws that compromise buildings—from water damage to foundation cracks. Learn how cutting-edge tech like drones and digital twins is revolutionizing inspections and how to prevent costly failures before it's too late!

Join Ruchir Shah , Founder & CEO of SkillCat , as he shares how SkillCat is revolutionizing trade education—offering affordable, online certifications in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more. Learn about their new nonprofit, GRIT Foundation , and how they’re tackling the skilled worker shortage.

Discover how William Mandara RA , CEO of Mancini Duffy , is disrupting architecture with patented tech, cutting-edge VR, and a sharp growth strategy. Hear how he scaled the firm from 40 to 130 people, diversified into high-stakes sectors like aviation and life sciences, and redefined architect-GC partnerships for game-changing project success.

In this episode, Joe Wilson , CEO/Founder of PROJEXION , reveals how contractors can finally unlock the power of their data. Learn how to identify problem projects, predict profitability, and make data-driven decisions using dashboards and KPIs. Joe explains why Projexion is the key to solving the construction industry's data crisis and how it can help you stay ahead in an ever-changing workforce....

Leaders who prioritize humanity create workplaces where people feel valued and supported, fostering loyalty, innovation, and growth. In this episode, Edward DeAngelis, CEO of EDA Contractors, shares how a people-centric approach builds cultures rooted in safety, respect, and alignment with organizational values. When leaders serve their teams with intention, they unlock the full potential of their...

Roger Krulak is “The OG in Modular” and a visionary shaping the future of urban development whose solution lends itself to multi-family, student housing, hotels, and much more. Like your recent guests, Roger is a pioneer who is continuously looking to create positive change in the building industry within his professional career. As a major advocate for wanting to meet the needs of today’s world,...

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities of attracting and retaining women in the construction industry. We’re joined by Emily Soloby, MA, JD , founder of Juno Jones Safety Boots , and Sally M. , product creator of Spectra Supply Inc. As founding members of the AWSAM (Alliance of Women's Safety Apparel Manufacturers) , they are at the forefront of a vital movement dedicated t...

What does the workplace look like nearly five years after COVID-19 flipped everything upside down? Mariela Buendia-Corrochano , Founder and CEO of estudioMBC LLC , explores how companies are redefining hybrid work, balancing full-time office mandates with flexible remote options. As leaders grapple with designing spaces and policies that boost productivity and retain talent, Mariela shares strateg...

With jurisdictions stepping up enforcement all over the country, contractors need to get smart about protecting their business from wage theft claims. Our guest, Matthew DeSarno , CEO of Verfico Technology , will tell us about current market trends around the country and discuss innovations to employee compensation that both satisfy the law and improve profitability.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Neil Agarwal , President and CEO, and Benjamin Britten , Director of Operations and Special Services at Frisco Woodline . In this episode, we explore the inspiring growth story of Frisco Woodline, a small business making waves in the lumber industry. Neil and Ben share their experiences navigating the challenges of expansion, detailing the strategic deci...

AI is obviously on everyone’s mind. For those of us who are busy building all day, it can be hard to wrap our heads around it, which means we often miss out on practical applications. That's where our guests, the Sousa Brothers—founders of Scalit AI—come in. They break down ChatGPT and other commonly known AI tools, sharing practical use cases for contractors that you can start using tomorrow.

Chad and Matt dive right into the question of the day: Why is growth necessary for construction companies? Growth means many different things, and they start by clarifying that growth doesn’t always mean higher revenues—sometimes, it means developing process and adding stability. Meanwhile, other times, it has everything to do with increasing revenue and profits. Either way, central to the need fo...