In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Salomon Moreno-Rosa, the Managing Director of Strategy and Philanthropy at Envoy. The discussion centers around the concept of "Recovery Ready Workplaces" and the importance of fair chance employment, particularly in the construction industry.

Salomon explains that fair chance employment initiatives aim to create inclusive hiring practices that support individuals from the reentry community and those navigating recovery from substance use disorders. He highlights the significance of community-based partnerships, which can help employers tap into new talent pools while providing essential wraparound services such as transportation, housing, and childcare.

The episode delves into the Recovery Ready Workplace series, a program designed to equip employers with the tools and resources needed to foster a supportive work environment. Salomon outlines the structure of the series, which includes virtual modules, downloadable toolkits, and opportunities for one-on-one consultations with HR professionals. The series aims to reduce stigma, improve employee wellness, and ultimately enhance productivity and retention within companies.

Listeners are encouraged to consider the benefits of participating in the series, which is free and accessible to employers across Pennsylvania. Solomon emphasizes that the initiative not only supports employees in recovery but also helps companies reduce turnover and improve workplace morale.

As the episode wraps up, Jon and Chris express their gratitude to Salomon for sharing valuable insights and resources that can help employers navigate workforce development challenges while making a positive impact on their communities.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin tackle a critical and often overlooked issue in the construction industry: suicide prevention. They are joined by Sonya Bohmann, the Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), who brings her expertise and personal experience to the conversation.

Sonya discusses the significant stigma surrounding mental health in the construction sector, which often prevents workers from seeking help. She emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to express their struggles. The conversation highlights the alarming statistics related to suicide in the industry, with one in nine construction workers knowing someone who has attempted or died by suicide.

The hosts and Sonya delve into the resources available through CIASP, including a new initiative aimed at helping companies develop mental health and wellness programs. They also discuss the importance of community and connection, encouraging listeners to reach out to colleagues and check in on their well-being.

Throughout the episode, Sonya shares valuable insights on recognizing warning signs of mental distress and the importance of open conversations about mental health. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to utilize the resources provided by CIASP and to foster a culture of support within their workplaces.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that addressing mental health and suicide prevention is not just a personal issue but a collective responsibility within the construction industry.

In the latest episode of Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien interview Alexander Papson from Schneider Downs about the Secure Act 2.0. Papson, an investment advisor specializing in retirement plans, discusses how the legislation aims to improve private retirement plans and outlines key provisions, including tax credits for employers and automatic enrollment options. They delve into challenges employers face, such as complying with new rules for long-term part-time employees, and offer resources for both employers and employees interested in understanding the implications of the Secure Act 2.0.

Today’s podcast discusses the experiences and insights of Dona File, a seasoned construction safety expert, who reflects on her career journey and the evolution of safety practices in the construction industry. She highlights the critical role of communication and collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic, where safety protocols were rapidly developed and implemented to keep construction sites operational. The pandemic, despite its challenges, led to a significant improvement in hygiene standards and opened up more effective dialogue between trades and contractors about safety practices. Dona also discusses the founding of the Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council and the ongoing challenges in ensuring consistent safety communication across different trades.

In this podcast episode, Lorelee Isbell, Associate Vice President for Career and Workforce Development at Shippensburg University, and Laura Potthoff, Director of Business Development from F&M Trust Bank, discuss a collaborative workforce development initiative aimed at addressing the labor shortage in the construction industry in South Central Pennsylvania. They highlight the creation of a short-term, non-credit construction program designed for unemployed and underemployed individuals, which provides hands-on training, industry certifications like OSHA 10, and direct engagement with employers. The program is unique due to its inclusive ecosystem approach, involving local employers, social service organizations, and community partners to ensure participants are well-prepared and connected to job opportunities.

This week’s podcast discusses the KCA's scholarship program, highlighting its success in fostering the next generation of construction leaders in Pennsylvania. James Fretz, a scholarship recipient and construction management student at Penn College, shares his journey from a high school carpentry program to his current internship experiences. He emphasizes the valuable mentorship and hands-on learning he's received, which have prepared him well for a future in the construction industry. James also discusses the importance of evolving industry practices, such as lean construction and integrated project delivery, and the blend of traditional knowledge with new methodologies.

In this week’s podcast episode, Jon and Chris chat with Ryan Englin, author of “Hire Better People Faster!” – an Amazon best-seller that reimagines hiring philosophies. Englin has been dedicated to helping service contractors and construction companies hire better people for over a decade. His passion stems from observing his father's struggles as an owner-operator in the construction industry. Englin identified a gap in the industry: a lack of knowledge on how to hire and retain good employees. He developed a system to address this, teaching companies across the country how to build effective teams. Englin shares his insights and emphasizes the importance of creating a positive work culture and adapting to new ways of thinking to attract and retain talent in the construction industry.

In this week’s podcast episode, Jon and Chris chat about the evolution and impact of their long-running podcast, particularly their popular safety episodes. To keep the educational safety content from June’s National Safety Month going, the pair brought in Darren Rech to discuss even more safety resources. They emphasize the importance of toolbox talks and informal safety discussions covering a range of topics essential for maintaining safety awareness on job sites. Darren Rech, the Safety Director for Alexander Building Construction, shares insights into how toolbox talks are conducted, highlighting their flexibility, the necessity of relevant content, and the significance of fostering open communication within smaller crews. The conversation also touches on best practices for safety communication and the role of technology in facilitating these talks.