In this episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the impactful initiative known as the "Hike for Hope," a movement aimed at raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, particularly within the construction industry. I had the pleasure of speaking with Rob Labbe, a highly respected construction professional based in New York, who has been instrumental in launching this initiative.

We kick off the episode by introducing Rob and his extensive background in heavy civil work, where he has served as a superintendent and project manager. Rob shares his passion for improving safety in the workplace, not just in terms of physical safety but also mental well-being. This sets the stage for our discussion about the Hike for Hope, which Rob first learned about from Dr. Vince Hefeli in Florida. The event aims to connect communities, raise awareness, and provide information about various mental health resources.

Rob recounts the success of last year's hikes, which took place in multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, New York, and Arizona. He emphasizes the importance of leadership in this initiative, as many leaders are stepping up to share their personal experiences and support the cause financially. We discuss the challenges of organizing such events and the significance of community involvement.

Rob opens up about his personal connection to the issue of suicide, sharing a poignant story about his family's loss due to suicide and the ongoing struggles of his best friend with mental health challenges. This personal narrative underscores the urgency of addressing mental health in our communities, especially in high-stress industries like construction, where suicide rates are alarmingly high.

As we delve deeper into the conversation, Rob highlights the importance of conversation starters, such as the "Hope Coins" and hard hat stickers that promote mental health awareness. He shares how these tokens have sparked discussions and encouraged people to reach out for help or check in on their friends and colleagues.

Towards the end of the episode, we discuss the upcoming Hike for Hope events in Pennsylvania, scheduled for April 26th, where we will have two hikes led by local organizations. The excitement and positive response from the community are palpable, and Rob expresses his hope that these events will make a significant impact.

Overall, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of the Hike for Hope initiative, the importance of mental health awareness, and the power of community support. Rob's insights and personal stories serve as a reminder that we all have a role to play in addressing mental health challenges and supporting one another. Join us as we continue this vital conversation and work towards making a difference in our industry and beyond.

In this exciting episode of the Building PA podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Kathy Freeman, the Senior Director of Operations at Amphibious Medics. Kathy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in safety management, and we dive deep into the critical topic of managing injuries in the construction industry.

From the outset, Jon and Chris express their enthusiasm for the conversation, highlighting the importance of safety in ensuring that workers return home safely to their families. Kathy shares her passion for safety and her commitment to creating a culture that prioritizes the well-being of employees. She emphasizes that the goal of safety programs should not only be to achieve zero injuries but also to sustain that success over time.

Kathy recounts her impressive track record at Mortenson, where she played a pivotal role in breaking safety records and fostering a culture of accountability and trust. She explains that building strong relationships with team members is essential for a successful safety program, as it encourages open communication about injuries rather than hiding them out of fear.

The discussion shifts to the evolution of injury management in the industry. Kathy reflects on how the approach has changed from a reactive mindset—where injuries were often dismissed or treated with medication—to a more holistic view that prioritizes employee care and well-being. She shares a compelling story about a superintendent who benefited from alternative treatments like massage therapy and yoga, illustrating the positive impact of a caring approach to injury management.

As the conversation progresses, Kathy offers valuable advice for smaller companies looking to implement effective injury management programs. She encourages them to leverage resources from their insurance brokers and to foster a culture of trust by being present in the field and understanding their employees' needs.

Kathy also discusses the importance of measuring the success of injury management programs, noting that a key indicator is when employees feel comfortable reporting injuries without fear of repercussions. This trust leads to proactive communication and ultimately contributes to a safer work environment.

In closing, Kathy expresses her excitement about her new role at Amphibious Medics and the opportunity to make a broader impact on injury management across the nation. She is eager to share her philosophy and work with a team that aligns with her values.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the construction industry, as it sheds light on the often-overlooked aspect of managing injuries and emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of safety and care. Join us for this insightful conversation that not only highlights the challenges but also offers practical solutions for improving safety in the workplace.

In this exciting episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien celebrate the culmination of their fourth season by announcing the winners of the inaugural 2024 Podcast Awards. With a focus on recognizing outstanding contributions within the construction industry, the hosts reflect on the journey of the podcast since its inception in the spring of 2020.

The hosts dive into the details of the awards, which were determined by listener votes across three categories: Most Interesting Topic, Best Advice for the Industry, and Best Community Impact.

1. Most Interesting Topic: The award goes to Steve Powers from Novingers for his episode on prefab construction, which garnered 42% of the votes. Chris and Jon reminisce about their field trip to Novingers, where they witnessed the impressive prefab process firsthand. They highlight the significance of prefab construction in enhancing efficiency and productivity in the industry.
2. Best Advice for the Industry: Darren Rech from Alexander Building Construction Company takes home this award for his insightful discussion on improving toolbox talk delivery. The hosts emphasize the importance of engaging workers during these talks and how Darren's advice can revitalize this essential practice in the construction field.
3. Best Community Impact: Sonya Bohmann from the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention is recognized for her impactful episode addressing mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. Chris and Jon commend the relevance of this topic and share the behind-the-scenes effort that went into recording this episode, especially the quick turnaround to ensure it aired during Suicide Prevention Week.

Chris and Jon also announce the Listener of the Year award, which goes to Chris Lalevee from Operating Engineers Local Union 825. We celebrate Chris's dedication to promoting the podcast and engaging with the content, highlighting the importance of community involvement in the industry.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Jon express their gratitude to all nominees and guests, reinforcing their commitment to delivering valuable content that resonates with listeners. We encourage everyone to explore the extensive catalog of over 200 episodes available on our website, buildingpapodcast.com, and invite potential guests to reach out with topics of interest.

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to our followers for being part of our podcast community - here's to 2025!

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Ryan Parrish, a liaison with Pennsylvania 811, to discuss the critical topic of excavation safety. As we dive into the conversation, Ryan shares his role as a middleman between underground utility companies, designers, engineers, and the One Call center, emphasizing the importance of education and awareness in preventing accidents during excavation projects.

Ryan highlights the significance of calling before you dig, a well-known mantra in the industry, but he also elaborates on the various educational initiatives he leads, including the PA1 Call Safety Days. These events bring together municipal officials, engineers, and excavators to discuss their obligations and best practices for safe excavation. With five events scheduled across Pennsylvania, Ryan encourages listeners to participate and stay informed.

The discussion shifts to current trends in excavation safety, with Ryan pointing out that proper design is crucial for successful and safe excavation projects. He stresses that designers must provide accurate and up-to-date plans to excavators to avoid hitting underground utilities, which can lead to costly damages and legal disputes. Ryan also addresses the responsibilities of project owners, urging them to ensure that their designers have the necessary information to create safe excavation plans.

As the conversation progresses, we touch on recent legislative changes affecting excavation safety and the importance of compliance with PA One Call laws. Ryan explains the role of the Public Utilities Commission in enforcing these regulations and the necessity for project owners to be aware of their obligations regarding underground utilities.

One of the standout topics of this episode is the introduction of Coordinate PA, a new application designed to facilitate communication among project stakeholders. Ryan explains how this tool helps coordinate large projects, ensuring that all parties are on the same page and can collaborate effectively to avoid unnecessary disruptions and costs.

Throughout the episode, Ryan emphasizes the importance of safety and communication in the excavation industry. He encourages excavators to take their time on job sites, re-notify 811 if they notice any issues, and utilize the resources available to them, including the free services offered to homeowners.

In closing, we reflect on the need to spread awareness about the importance of calling 811 before any excavation work, whether for professional contractors or homeowners. Ryan's insights provide valuable information for anyone involved in construction and excavation, making this episode a must-listen for industry professionals and the general public alike.

Join us as we continue to explore the vital aspects of safety in the construction industry, and don't forget to visit buildingpapodcast.com for more resources and past episodes!

Welcome to a special year-end episode of the Building PA Podcast! As we wrap up another incredible year in the construction industry, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin take a moment to reflect on the highlights from 2024. With over 200 episodes and 25,000 downloads under our belt, we are thrilled to share some of our favorite moments, guests, and topics from the past year.

In this episode, we dive into three main categories and we invite our listeners to participate by voting for their favorites. We encourage you to visit our website at buildingpapodcast.com/vote to cast your votes and help us recognize the standout episodes of the year.

Most Interesting Topic/Trend

We kick off the discussion by highlighting some of the most intriguing topics we covered this year. Our first nominee is an episode featuring Steve Powell from Novinger Interior Construction Company, where we explored the evolution of exterior panel construction and its impact on efficiency and safety. Next, we recount our visit to the Carpenters Dive Training School in New Jersey, where we learned about the unique training for commercial divers from instructor Don Gibbons. Finally, we discuss our enlightening conversation with Matt Curry and Chad Stokes from Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company, who shared innovative approaches to workforce development through technology and gaming.

Best Advice for Builders

In this category, we focus on the invaluable advice shared by our guests. Ryan Angland, author of "Hire Better People Faster," emphasizes the importance of storytelling in the hiring process. We also feature Frank Baxter, who provided insights on building a successful safety program, stressing the need for management buy-in and a strong safety culture. Lastly, Darren Rech from Alexander Building Construction Company shares his strategies for enhancing toolbox talks, and making safety training engaging and effective.

Best Community Impact/Inspiring Story

We conclude with a powerful selection of inspiring stories that highlight the positive impact individuals and organizations are making in the construction industry. Makenzie Daniel, a scholarship recipient from IUP, shares her journey and aspirations in construction safety management. We also hear from Dona File, a retired safety professional, who reflects on her groundbreaking career and her commitment to mentoring young women in the industry. Additionally, we discuss the important work of Sonja Bowman from the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, who addresses mental health challenges in the construction sector. Finally, we spotlight the Bethel Village project by the JEM Group, which aims to transform the Harrisburg community through quality housing.

As we wrap up this episode, we express our gratitude to you, our listeners, and our guests for their support throughout the year. We invite you to participate in the voting process and help us celebrate the achievements and stories that have shaped our podcast in 2024. Voting will remain open until January 15th, 2025, and we look forward to announcing the winners in a future episode.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and here's to another year of building connections and sharing stories in the construction industry!

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Robert Hargrove, an acclaimed author known as the "CEO Whisperer," to discuss the essential steps for building a high-performance team in the construction industry.

We kick off the conversation by emphasizing the importance of character in team building. Robert shares his insights on how many organizations often overlook character skills in favor of credentials, leading to teams filled with mediocre talent. He advocates for hiring individuals based on their character traits—such as proactivity, determination, and the ability to build a shared vision—rather than merely checking boxes on a resume.

Robert introduces the concept of creating a "noble and mighty purpose." He draws parallels between sports teams and construction projects, highlighting how a shared vision can unite team members and help them work together towards a common goal. He challenges our listeners to consider whether they are merely focused on deadlines or if they are also embracing the deeper purpose behind their projects.

The discussion then shifts to the role of leadership, where Robert encourages leaders to transition from a "cop" mentality to that of a "coach." He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the master-apprentice dynamic, suggesting that true learning happens through hands-on experience rather than traditional classroom settings. Robert shares anecdotes from his experiences, illustrating how great leaders can inspire their teams to achieve more than they thought possible.

Throughout the episode, we explore the significance of communication and collaboration within teams, stressing that effective leaders must not only set the direction but also teach their teams how to work together harmoniously. Robert's insights are both practical and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on leadership in the construction industry.

As we wrap up, Robert reflects on the American dream and the noble purpose of construction work, reminding us that what we build is not just physical structures but also a sense of community and self-actualization.

This episode promises to inspire and empower those in the construction industry to rethink their approach to team building and leadership!

Listeners can check out Robert's books, "Masterful Coaching" and "Mastering the Art of Collaboration," for further insights into effective team building and leadership.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts John O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Gabriel Luber, co-owner of Lancaster Gift Box Company, to discuss the unique intersection of corporate gifting and relationship building within the construction industry.

Gabriel shares the origin story of Lancaster Gift Box, which began as a fresh grocery delivery service during the pandemic but pivoted to focus on highly customized corporate gifting and appreciation programs. He emphasizes the importance of using locally sourced, handcrafted products from Pennsylvania to create meaningful gift boxes that resonate with clients and employees alike.

Throughout the conversation, Gabriel highlights the significance of nurturing relationships in business, particularly in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors. He notes a shift from a relationship-based industry to a more transactional one over the past two decades, prompting a discussion on the need for businesses to invest in client retention strategies. Gabriel presents compelling statistics that illustrate the financial benefits of retaining clients, including the potential for increased profitability and the higher revenue generated from repeat business and referrals.

The hosts and Gabriel delve into the concept of "tactical generosity," which Gabriel defines as the strategic and thoughtful use of gestures of appreciation to transform interactions into lasting relationships. He outlines various touchpoints in the client and employee journey where businesses can show appreciation, such as during onboarding, follow-ups, and life events.

Gabriel also shares insights on how Lancaster Gift Box collaborates with corporate clients to create tailored gifting programs that align with their brand values. He emphasizes that showing appreciation should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than an expense, fostering a culture of generosity within organizations.

As the episode wraps up, Gabriel shares a testimonial from a satisfied client, highlighting the positive impact of their gifting programs. He invites listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about building meaningful relationships in business.

Join us for this enlightening discussion that not only explores the art of corporate gifting but also underscores the importance of intentional relationship-building in the construction industry.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome back Andy Gaslevich and Ben Miller from Cleveland Brothers for part two of their engaging discussion on the rapidly evolving technology in the construction equipment industry.

Following up on the previous episode, we explore the advancements in construction technology, particularly focusing on how these innovations can enhance productivity, safety, and efficiency on job sites.

Ben leads the conversation by highlighting the importance of utilizing technology beyond just the machines themselves. He discusses the benefits of two-way data transfer, which allows for real-time communication between the office and the job site. This capability can significantly reduce the need for physical travel, saving time and resources. We delve into specific technologies like Caterpillar's VisionLink and ProductLink, which provide remote monitoring of equipment, allowing operators and managers to track machine health, location, and maintenance needs efficiently.

Andy elaborates on the functionalities of ProductLink and VisionLink, explaining how they work together to optimize machine performance and reduce downtime. He emphasizes that while many users are aware of basic features like location tracking and hour logging, there is a wealth of data available that can further enhance operational efficiency if fully utilized.

As the discussion progresses, we touch on the role of operators in this technological landscape. We consider how timely access to updated information can empower operators to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to less rework and increased job satisfaction.

We also address the challenge of keeping clients informed about the latest technological advancements. Both Andy and Ben share insights into their strategies for educating customers, including hands-on demonstrations and training sessions. They emphasize the importance of tailoring their approach to accommodate varying levels of technological familiarity among clients.

The episode wraps up with a fascinating look at the future of construction technology, including the use of drones for site measurements and onboard scales for trucks, which streamline operations and provide immediate data. Jon and Chris express their excitement about the potential for live demonstrations and future collaborations, hinting at the possibility of a third episode to continue this important conversation.

Overall, this episode serves as an eye-opening exploration of how technology is transforming the construction industry, making it more efficient and productive while enhancing the operator's experience on the job site. We invite our listeners to stay tuned for more insights and developments in the world of construction technology.