BUILD America

#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/

#14 Bringing the Power of VDC to Adaptive Reuse Projects with Byron Conley & Taylor Moon,

In this podcast episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith welcomes Byron Conley, a project engineer, and Taylor Moon, a senior VDC manager from Russell, to explore adaptive reuse projects. From transforming a century-old YMCA into a modern hotel and museum to discussing the role of VDC in preserving historical elements while integrating modern amenities, Conley and Moon shed light on the intersection of history and innovation in construction. Reflecting on the completion of the 21C project in St. Louis and anticipating future trends in adaptive reuse construction, listeners gain valuable insights into the transformative power of technology in reshaping architectural landscapes.
 
For more information, visit www.informationworks.org

#13 Mark Dalton, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council “Fighting Construction Industry Tax Fraud”

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith discusses the pervasive issue of tax fraud in the construction industry with guest Mark Dalton, Assistant Political Director for the Mid America Carpenters Regional Council. They explore how tax fraud and wage theft affect workers, communities, and the economy, highlighting red flags and enforcement efforts. With insights into the regional scope of the problem and calls to action for public involvement, the episode sheds light on the complexities of combating tax fraud in construction.
For more information, visit www.informationworks.org

#12 The Do’s and Don’ts of Construction Collections with Quinn Murphy

In this episode of BUILD America, hosted by Kerry Smith, attorney Quinn Murphy of Sandberg Phoenix explores the essential do's and don'ts of construction collection. Discussing the significance of having a structured system, understanding contractual and legal rights, and securing retainage through liens, Murphy provides valuable insights for contractors facing payment challenges. Kerry and Murphy delve into the complexities of contract reviews, cautioning against signing unconditional lien waivers before payment, and emphasizing the need for prompt initiation of collections. This episode offers practical advice and strategic considerations for construction professionals navigating the intricacies of receivable recovery.
For more information, visit www.informationworks.org
 

#11 Latest Trends in Indoor Ag Design & Construction w/ Clayco’s Ron Jones & Ron Mitchell

In this episode of BUILD America, Kerry Smith, owner of Construction News and Review (CNR) Magazine, explores the world of indoor agriculture with guests Ron Jones and Ron Mitchell from Claco. Ron Jones, the vice president of Claco's industrial group, discusses groundbreaking methodologies for delivering capital projects in the indoor grow and greenhouse space. Ron Mitchell, a master grower and expert in aeroponics and hydroponics, highlights the unique qualities of indoor agriculture compared to traditional outdoor methods. The conversation covers the challenges of controlling environmental factors, the diversity of crops grown indoors, and the complexities of mechanical systems and security in these specialized facilities. The episode sheds light on the evolving trends and technologies in indoor agriculture, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mentorship in this growing industry.For more information, visit www.informationworks.org