BUILD America

#24 Modular Housing's Role in Right-Sized Living with Amelia Dicks

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith sits down with Amelia Dicks, Director of Business Development at Wind River Built, to unpack the urgent issue of America’s housing shortage and why diversifying housing stock is a critical part of the solution. From the rise of single and two-person households to outdated zoning regulations, Amelia explores how offsite modular construction could pave the way for more financially viable small homes. The conversation challenges conventional building practices and advocates for smarter housing options that better reflect today’s market needs and life stages.

#23: Construction Tech Adoption with Lutalo Webb (Guarantee Electrical)

In this episode of BUILD America, Kerry Smith Buck interviews Lutalo Webb, Vice President of Guarantee Electrical Company, who emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey, not just focusing on the finish line. They discuss how leaders can balance delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality work while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and people-first values. The conversation also highlights the power of data-driven decision-making and the importance of understanding how different individuals interpret goals and challenges on the job.

#22 Mental Health Impacts Construction Safety with guests Joe Shryock and Drake Zappia

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith-Buck talks with safety experts Joe Shyrock and Drake Zappia about top construction hazards, including OSHA’s “Fatal Four” and the rising concern of mental health in the industry. They share real-world prevention strategies, the role of safety tech, and how their work with the Southern Illinois Builders Association helps promote a stronger, more supportive safety culture.

#21 Where Planning Meets Productivity with Yvette Paris

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith sits down with Yvette Paris, president and majority owner of Lauer Facility Planning in Collinsville, Illinois. With nearly two decades of experience in interior design and a background rooted in functionality and wellness, Yvette shares her inspiring journey—from a fresh design graduate to running a woman-owned business that blends design expertise with community impact.

#20 The Veterans Who Build: Transitioning from Military to Construction Adam Stark

In this episode, Kerry Smith sits down with Adam Stark, a Special Forces veteran and host of "The Veterans Who Build Show" - a podcast dedicated to sharing stories of veterans transitioning from military service to the construction industry.The conversation explores the natural synergies between military experience and construction careers, highlighting how the team-based environment, physical demands, and need for adaptability make construction an excellent fit for veterans.

#19 Detroit: The Poster Child for Resilience with PJ Jenkins, Pres & CEO of MIG Construction

In this compelling episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith interviews PJ Jenkins, President & CEO of MIG Construction, about resilience in both business and life. PJ shares the remarkable story of his fourth-generation construction company in Detroit, discussing their evolution from a multi-sector contractor to specialists in healthcare, gaming, and hospitality construction. PJ offers valuable insights on personal development, stressing the importance of holistic well-being in entrepreneurship, and shares his unique approach to hiring "industrial athletes" - team members valued more for their character and adaptability than technical skills.

#18 The Best Strategy for Marketing Your City with Patrick McKeehan

In this episode, Kerry Smith-Buck interviews Patrick Mckeehan from O'Fallon, Missouri about effective city marketing. Mckeehan shares his city's successful strategy of early stakeholder engagement and discusses three core principles: certainty, simplicity, and speed. The conversation covers how manufacturing projects prioritize workforce availability, while retail development focuses on demographics and location. Drawing from Mckeehan’s experience, the episode offers key insights into modern urban development approaches.
For more information, visit https://mycnr.com/

#17 Cybersecurity Standards for Contractors and Subs w/ Jered Bare & Wayne Shaw

In this episode of BUILD America, Kerry Smith Buck sits down with cybersecurity experts Wayne Shaw and Jered Bare to discuss crucial Department of Defense (DOD) cybersecurity requirements for contractors and subcontractors. The conversation covers essential topics including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Federal Contract Information (FCI), and the implementation of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
For those seeking more information, resources are available through:
Five Nines Consulting (http://http://fiveninessconsulting.com)
Security Insight (http://securityinsight.co)
AGCMO (http://agcmo.org)
http://CyberAB.org
For more information, visit http://www.informationworks.org

#16 Drug Test Cheating on the Upswing with Quest Diagnostics’ Suhash Harwani, PhD

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith Buck welcomes Dr. Suhash Harwani, Senior Director of Science for Workforce Health Solutions at Quest Diagnostics. Together, they explore a revealing survey on drug testing tampering and rising positivity rates in sectors such as construction. Dr. Harwani shares insights from the extensive drug testing index, which includes over 8 million tests, highlighting alarming trends like a 633% increase in substituted urine specimens. They discuss the implications for employers, the benefits of oral fluid testing, and the importance of well-crafted drug testing policies. Tune in to understand the critical data that could shape the future of workplace safety and wellness.
 
For more information, visit www.informationworks.org and www.mycnr.com/ 

#15 Moving DEI to the Project Level to Embrace Communities with Kiara Fortson

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith Buck explores the practical application of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the construction industry with Kiara Fortson, DEI Project Implementation Director at ArchKey Solutions. Kiara shares her journey into DEI, her challenges and strategies for fostering an inclusive environment, and the importance of community engagement and mentorship for small businesses. She outlines her framework for successful DEI implementation and discusses ArchKey's efforts in workforce development and supplier diversity. Kiara also reflects on the evolving demographics and future impact of DEI in construction. For more information, visit www.informationworks.org and https://www.archkey.com/