Talk the TAUC Castos https://the-construction-user.castos.com Talk the TAUC podcast (formerly Construction User 2.0) is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 en © 2022 US US https://episodes.castos.com/63ab19eb8edc81-19535905/images/CONSTRUCTIONUSER1.png Talk the TAUC https://the-construction-user.castos.com Talk the TAUC podcast (formerly Construction User 2.0) is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. Kirk Westwood episodic Talk the TAUC podcast (formerly Construction User 2.0) is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. Kirk Westwood kwestwood@tauc.org false https://feeds.castos.com/g36z2 yes <![CDATA[From Plan to Project: Navigating Execution Realities in Complex Builds]]> Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2393455 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/from-plan-to-project-navigating-execution-realities-in-complex-builds If the best plan doesn't survive contact with reality, what actually separates the teams that adapt from the ones that fall apart?

Host Kirk Westwood sits down with Becky Chahal, Operations Leader at DPR Construction in the San Francisco Bay Area, to dig into what actually happens when a project moves from preconstruction into execution. Becky brings over two decades of field experience across healthcare, life science, data centers, and higher education — and she doesn't sugarcoat it. From early stakeholder alignment to labor curve management and modular prefabrication solutions, she walks through how DPR tackles complexity before it becomes a crisis. What separates the teams that adapt when schedules fall apart? According to Becky, it starts long before boots are on the ground. "The more that you can break down those silos early on is really key to driving a complex job quickly." What's the one planning assumption every contractor should revisit right now?


Becky Chahal is an Operations Leader with DPR Construction in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she manages the delivery of highly complex projects across demanding market conditions. With extensive experience in labor coordination, schedule management, and stakeholder alignment, Becky works at the intersection of planning and execution—helping project teams adapt to real-time challenges while maintaining productivity and trust across trades and owners.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Becky Chahal breaks down DPR's core markets and her path from intern to operations leader
  • (04:48) Where project planning breaks down and why traditional delivery methods fall short
  • (06:25) How construction technology has evolved from BIM and clash detection to 4D sequencing and AI
  • (09:57) Labor availability, workforce retention, and DPR's Building Belonging initiative
  • (11:10) Becky shares a real-world modular prefab success story on a California medical office building
  • (18:50) Why owner transparency and early tough conversations are the foundation of lasting relationships
  • (22:52) Becky's number one planning lesson — go slow to go fast
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

DPR Construction — www.dpr.com

Vantage Data Centers — www.vantagedc.com

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues

]]> full 15 2 false If the best plan doesn't survive contact with reality, what actually separates the teams that adapt from the ones that fall apart?

Host Kirk Westwood sits down with Becky Chahal, Operations Leader at DPR Construction in the San Francisco Bay Area, to dig into what actually happens when a project moves from preconstruction into execution. Becky brings over two decades of field experience across healthcare, life science, data centers, and higher education — and she doesn't sugarcoat it. From early stakeholder alignment to labor curve management and modular prefabrication solutions, she walks through how DPR tackles complexity before it becomes a crisis. What separates the teams that adapt when schedules fall apart? According to Becky, it starts long before boots are on the ground. "The more that you can break down those silos early on is really key to driving a complex job quickly." What's the one planning assumption every contractor should revisit right now?


Becky Chahal is an Operations Leader with DPR Construction in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she manages the delivery of highly complex projects across demanding market conditions. With extensive experience in labor coordination, schedule management, and stakeholder alignment, Becky works at the intersection of planning and execution—helping project teams adapt to real-time challenges while maintaining productivity and trust across trades and owners.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Becky Chahal breaks down DPR's core markets and her path from intern to operations leader
  • (04:48) Where project planning breaks down and why traditional delivery methods fall short
  • (06:25) How construction technology has evolved from BIM and clash detection to 4D sequencing and AI
  • (09:57) Labor availability, workforce retention, and DPR's Building Belonging initiative
  • (11:10) Becky shares a real-world modular prefab success story on a California medical office building
  • (18:50) Why owner transparency and early tough conversations are the foundation of lasting relationships
  • (22:52) Becky's number one planning lesson — go slow to go fast
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

DPR Construction — www.dpr.com

Vantage Data Centers — www.vantagedc.com

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> 00:26:08 <![CDATA[Labor Cost Trends in 2025: What CLRC’s Settlements Data Means for Contractors]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2389814 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/labor-cost-trends-in-2025-what-clrcs-settlements-data-means-for-contractors at would happen if both sides walked into bargaining looking at the same data? CLRC has it — and it's completely free.

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Carey Peters of the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) — the organization behind the most comprehensive database of union craft wage rates in the United States. Peters, who has spent years tracking collectively bargained labor agreements across every major trade and region, walks through the newly released 2025 Year-End Settlements Report. First-year settlements averaged 4.7% for the third consecutive year, a sharp jump from 2.8% just a few years ago — a trend Peters ties to post-COVID inflation and what he calls "the contractor's cost conundrum." The conversation covers regional disparities, trade-by-trade breakdowns, and what contractors should factor into bids and budgets heading into 2026. Can the industry sustain a new normal — or are settlements finally about to pull back?


Carey Peters is a representative of the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC), a nonprofit research organization that provides objective data and analysis on collectively bargained labor agreements in the union construction industry. CLRC’s annual Settlements Report is widely used by contractors, labor relations professionals, and industry leaders to forecast labor cost trends, benchmark negotiated increases, and inform strategic planning across crafts and regions.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Introduction to the 2025 settlements report - what it is, and why every contractor should know it
  • (04:53) The top-line numbers: 4.7% average settlements for three years running
  • (07:15) Why inflation — not the labor shortage — drove wage increases up after COVID
  • (11:26) Regional breakdown: the northwest leads and the northeast surprises
  • (13:04) Which trades are seeing the highest and lowest settlement increases
  • (16:00) How contractors can use CLRC data strategically for bidding and bargaining
  • (22:08) The contractor's cost conundrum: competing economic pressures at the bargaining table
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

CLRC 2025 Year-End Settlements Report: https://tauc.org/clrc-union-labor-costs-2025/

Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC): clrc.net

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazi...

]]> full 14 2 false at would happen if both sides walked into bargaining looking at the same data? CLRC has it — and it's completely free.

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Carey Peters of the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) — the organization behind the most comprehensive database of union craft wage rates in the United States. Peters, who has spent years tracking collectively bargained labor agreements across every major trade and region, walks through the newly released 2025 Year-End Settlements Report. First-year settlements averaged 4.7% for the third consecutive year, a sharp jump from 2.8% just a few years ago — a trend Peters ties to post-COVID inflation and what he calls "the contractor's cost conundrum." The conversation covers regional disparities, trade-by-trade breakdowns, and what contractors should factor into bids and budgets heading into 2026. Can the industry sustain a new normal — or are settlements finally about to pull back?


Carey Peters is a representative of the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC), a nonprofit research organization that provides objective data and analysis on collectively bargained labor agreements in the union construction industry. CLRC’s annual Settlements Report is widely used by contractors, labor relations professionals, and industry leaders to forecast labor cost trends, benchmark negotiated increases, and inform strategic planning across crafts and regions.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Introduction to the 2025 settlements report - what it is, and why every contractor should know it
  • (04:53) The top-line numbers: 4.7% average settlements for three years running
  • (07:15) Why inflation — not the labor shortage — drove wage increases up after COVID
  • (11:26) Regional breakdown: the northwest leads and the northeast surprises
  • (13:04) Which trades are seeing the highest and lowest settlement increases
  • (16:00) How contractors can use CLRC data strategically for bidding and bargaining
  • (22:08) The contractor's cost conundrum: competing economic pressures at the bargaining table
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

CLRC 2025 Year-End Settlements Report: https://tauc.org/clrc-union-labor-costs-2025/

Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC): clrc.net

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> 00:25:30 <![CDATA[Safety Beyond the Jobsite: Suicide Prevention & Mental Health in Construction]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2370267 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/safety-beyond-the-jobsite-suicide-prevention-mental-health-in-construction "Hope is just as contagious, if not more so. If you can see that Joe got help and Joe's like me, it makes it a lot less daunting to ask for help." — Wendy Farmer

Construction is one of the most safety-driven industries in North America — yet one of the most significant risks facing our workforce often goes unaddressed: suicide. In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Wendy Farmer and Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas — clinical psychologist, suicide prevention expert, and founder of United Suicide Survivors International — to discuss suicide prevention and mental health in construction, not as an awareness campaign, but as an implementation strategy. The conversation explores evidence-based prevention strategies, peer-driven approaches that work in trade environments, and how to thoughtfully integrate the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline into company safety systems without stigma or fear. Mental health is not separate from safety culture. It is part of it.


Wendy Farmer is a nationally recognized advocate and strategist in suicide prevention and workforce mental health. She works with industry leaders to translate research into practical, scalable systems that protect workers in high-risk professions. Wendy's focus is on implementation — moving organizations beyond awareness messaging into measurable structural change by integrating crisis response, leadership training, peer engagement, and behavioral health into existing safety operations.

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas is a clinical psychologist, internationally recognized suicide prevention expert, and founder of United Suicide Survivors International. With decades of experience advancing evidence-based prevention strategies across workplaces and high-risk industries, she specializes in translating behavioral science into actionable leadership practice — focusing on stigma reduction, upstream prevention models, and building cultures where asking for help is the norm.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Why the construction industry leads the nation in suicide risk
  • (03:36) The "blurry Venn diagram" between construction workers and veterans explained
  • (06:41) Why awareness campaigns, posters, and toolbox talks aren't actually moving the needle
  • (10:09) How peer-to-peer and crew-based approaches create contagious hope on job sites
  • (16:26) Why mental health must be an executive-level conversation, not just an HR checkbox
  • (20:27) Understanding the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and how to use it before a crisis hits
  • (26:46) Psychosocial hazards — the work-related root causes driving distress that leaders can actually control
  • (33:50) The one mindset shift every construction leader needs: treat mental health like a heart attack
]]> full 13 2 false "Hope is just as contagious, if not more so. If you can see that Joe got help and Joe's like me, it makes it a lot less daunting to ask for help." — Wendy Farmer

Construction is one of the most safety-driven industries in North America — yet one of the most significant risks facing our workforce often goes unaddressed: suicide. In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Wendy Farmer and Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas — clinical psychologist, suicide prevention expert, and founder of United Suicide Survivors International — to discuss suicide prevention and mental health in construction, not as an awareness campaign, but as an implementation strategy. The conversation explores evidence-based prevention strategies, peer-driven approaches that work in trade environments, and how to thoughtfully integrate the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline into company safety systems without stigma or fear. Mental health is not separate from safety culture. It is part of it.


Wendy Farmer is a nationally recognized advocate and strategist in suicide prevention and workforce mental health. She works with industry leaders to translate research into practical, scalable systems that protect workers in high-risk professions. Wendy's focus is on implementation — moving organizations beyond awareness messaging into measurable structural change by integrating crisis response, leadership training, peer engagement, and behavioral health into existing safety operations.

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas is a clinical psychologist, internationally recognized suicide prevention expert, and founder of United Suicide Survivors International. With decades of experience advancing evidence-based prevention strategies across workplaces and high-risk industries, she specializes in translating behavioral science into actionable leadership practice — focusing on stigma reduction, upstream prevention models, and building cultures where asking for help is the norm.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Why the construction industry leads the nation in suicide risk
  • (03:36) The "blurry Venn diagram" between construction workers and veterans explained
  • (06:41) Why awareness campaigns, posters, and toolbox talks aren't actually moving the needle
  • (10:09) How peer-to-peer and crew-based approaches create contagious hope on job sites
  • (16:26) Why mental health must be an executive-level conversation, not just an HR checkbox
  • (20:27) Understanding the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and how to use it before a crisis hits
  • (26:46) Psychosocial hazards — the work-related root causes driving distress that leaders can actually control
  • (33:50) The one mindset shift every construction leader needs: treat mental health like a heart attack
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 | 988lifeline.org

Veterans Crisis Line — Press 1 when calling 988

Spanish-Language Crisis Services — Press 2 when calling 988

Construction Working Minds — constructionworkingminds.org

Construction Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference — constructionmentalhealth.org

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas — sallyspencerthomas.com

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> 00:37:15 <![CDATA[Cyber Risk in Construction: What Leaders Miss — and How to Fix It]]> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2353779 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/cyber-risk-in-construction-what-leaders-miss-and-how-to-fix-it Why are construction companies considered "low-hanging fruit" for cybercriminals?

Kirk Westwood sits down with Mike Hamilton, founder of PISCES International, a nonprofit providing no-cost cyber monitoring for small governments and public utilities. With decades of experience as former Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Seattle and managing consultant for Verisign Security, Mike brings real-world threat response expertise to construction leaders. The conversation covers why construction companies are increasingly targeted, the three most common attack vectors, and what "good enough" cybersecurity looks like for organizations without massive IT budgets. Mike emphasizes one critical mindset shift: "The Internet is not a nice place. It's here to sell to you, steal from you and manipulate your opinion." Topics include ransomware mechanics, workforce development, and practical resilience strategies.


Mike Hamilton is the founder of PISCES International, a nonprofit providing no-cost cybersecurity monitoring and threat intelligence to small governments, public utilities, and critical infrastructure organizations. A veteran cybersecurity leader, Mike previously served as Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Seattle and as managing consultant for Verisign Security. Through PISCES, he combines live threat response with workforce development, using real-world data to train the next generation of cyber analysts. His work focuses on making cybersecurity accessible, actionable, and resilient for organizations that lack dedicated IT security teams.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Mike Hamilton on cybersecurity - What cyber risk actually means: the five business outcomes every leader should know
  • (08:33) The attacks you don't hear about: persistent access versus quick monetization
  • (10:37) When ransomware hits: what it looks like when nothing works
  • (15:26) The three ways hackers get in: social engineering, credential abuse, and vulnerability exploitation
  • (20:22) The single most important thing business leaders misunderstand about cyber risk
  • (27:01) Workforce development crisis: why cyber analysts are the fifth fastest growing job
  • (31:33) One mindset shift construction leaders can make tomorrow
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

PISCES International: https://pisces-intl.org/

Cybersecurity Resources

]]> full 12 2 false Why are construction companies considered "low-hanging fruit" for cybercriminals?

Kirk Westwood sits down with Mike Hamilton, founder of PISCES International, a nonprofit providing no-cost cyber monitoring for small governments and public utilities. With decades of experience as former Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Seattle and managing consultant for Verisign Security, Mike brings real-world threat response expertise to construction leaders. The conversation covers why construction companies are increasingly targeted, the three most common attack vectors, and what "good enough" cybersecurity looks like for organizations without massive IT budgets. Mike emphasizes one critical mindset shift: "The Internet is not a nice place. It's here to sell to you, steal from you and manipulate your opinion." Topics include ransomware mechanics, workforce development, and practical resilience strategies.


Mike Hamilton is the founder of PISCES International, a nonprofit providing no-cost cybersecurity monitoring and threat intelligence to small governments, public utilities, and critical infrastructure organizations. A veteran cybersecurity leader, Mike previously served as Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Seattle and as managing consultant for Verisign Security. Through PISCES, he combines live threat response with workforce development, using real-world data to train the next generation of cyber analysts. His work focuses on making cybersecurity accessible, actionable, and resilient for organizations that lack dedicated IT security teams.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Mike Hamilton on cybersecurity - What cyber risk actually means: the five business outcomes every leader should know
  • (08:33) The attacks you don't hear about: persistent access versus quick monetization
  • (10:37) When ransomware hits: what it looks like when nothing works
  • (15:26) The three ways hackers get in: social engineering, credential abuse, and vulnerability exploitation
  • (20:22) The single most important thing business leaders misunderstand about cyber risk
  • (27:01) Workforce development crisis: why cyber analysts are the fifth fastest growing job
  • (31:33) One mindset shift construction leaders can make tomorrow
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

PISCES International: https://pisces-intl.org/

Cybersecurity Resources

Government & Research

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> 00:32:50 <![CDATA[Why Construction Feels Slower — Even With Strong Demand]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2338647 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/why-construction-feels-slower-even-with-strong-demand What's the real impact of immigration enforcement on construction sites—and why are a third of contractors already affected?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Ken Simonson, Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, to discuss why construction feels more constrained despite strong demand and investment. Ken, widely cited by national and trade media for his economic analysis, helps unpack the market forces creating this paradox—from the low-hire, low-fire environment and regional employment variations to policy uncertainty around tariffs, interest rates, and immigration enforcement. The conversation covers data center and power construction booms, labor cost trends across four different measures, and why the Architecture Billings Index can be misleading. "There are huge parts of construction for which the ABI is a misleading indicator, not a leading indicator," Ken explains, offering practical context for planning in uncertain times.


Ken Simonson is the Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, where he analyzes economic trends affecting the construction industry, including labor markets, costs, regional activity, and investment patterns. Widely cited by national and trade media, Ken is known for translating complex economic data into clear, practical insight for construction leaders. He regularly surveys AGC's 28,000+ member companies across 87 chapters on market conditions, workforce challenges, and policy impacts, providing contractors with data-driven context to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. His economic analysis helps industry leaders make more informed decisions in uncertain markets.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Ken Simonson - the current construction market environment
  • (03:54) AGC survey reveals contractor sentiment across 17 construction segments
  • (06:30) Breaking down wage increases and labor cost trends
  • (09:03) Is there really a labor shortage in construction
  • (14:04) Regional variations and which states are leading or lagging
  • (18:10) How inflation interest rates and tariffs affect project starts
  • (22:29) Immigration enforcement as a major disruptor for construction sites
  • (25:14) Why the Architecture Billings Index is a misleading indicator
  • (29:24) What leading indicators contractors should watch going forward
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): www.agc.org (28,000+ member companies across 87 chapters nationwide)

American Institute of Archite...

]]> full 11 2 false What's the real impact of immigration enforcement on construction sites—and why are a third of contractors already affected?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Ken Simonson, Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, to discuss why construction feels more constrained despite strong demand and investment. Ken, widely cited by national and trade media for his economic analysis, helps unpack the market forces creating this paradox—from the low-hire, low-fire environment and regional employment variations to policy uncertainty around tariffs, interest rates, and immigration enforcement. The conversation covers data center and power construction booms, labor cost trends across four different measures, and why the Architecture Billings Index can be misleading. "There are huge parts of construction for which the ABI is a misleading indicator, not a leading indicator," Ken explains, offering practical context for planning in uncertain times.


Ken Simonson is the Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, where he analyzes economic trends affecting the construction industry, including labor markets, costs, regional activity, and investment patterns. Widely cited by national and trade media, Ken is known for translating complex economic data into clear, practical insight for construction leaders. He regularly surveys AGC's 28,000+ member companies across 87 chapters on market conditions, workforce challenges, and policy impacts, providing contractors with data-driven context to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. His economic analysis helps industry leaders make more informed decisions in uncertain markets.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Ken Simonson - the current construction market environment
  • (03:54) AGC survey reveals contractor sentiment across 17 construction segments
  • (06:30) Breaking down wage increases and labor cost trends
  • (09:03) Is there really a labor shortage in construction
  • (14:04) Regional variations and which states are leading or lagging
  • (18:10) How inflation interest rates and tariffs affect project starts
  • (22:29) Immigration enforcement as a major disruptor for construction sites
  • (25:14) Why the Architecture Billings Index is a misleading indicator
  • (29:24) What leading indicators contractors should watch going forward
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): www.agc.org (28,000+ member companies across 87 chapters nationwide)

American Institute of Architects (AIA) - Architecture Billings Index (ABI): www.aia.org

Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) - supported by AGC and TAUC: www.clrcconsulting.org

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): www.bls.gov

Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS): www.bls.gov/jlt

Architecture Billings Index (ABI): www.aia.org/aia-architecture-billings-index

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> 00:33:08 <![CDATA[A Helmet Saved My Life: Ike Pritchett’s Story]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2332600 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/a-helmet-saved-my-life-ike-pritchetts-story What's the one thing about PPE that could mean the difference between going home and never coming back?

In this powerful episode recorded live at STUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Ike Pritchett, a Kansas City ironworker with Local 10 who survived a catastrophic jobsite accident. Ike shares his journey from starting in construction at 14, through losing his brother Mack in a bridge accident in 2000, to his own near-fatal incident on February 21st when a come-along struck him in the face, crushing his skull. Thanks to his properly worn helmet, Ike survived and made a remarkable recovery. He now travels the country advocating for safety culture and proper PPE use. As Ike says, "PPE only works if you wear it correctly." His story reminds us that safety decisions aren't abstract—they're the difference between going home or not.


Ike Pritchett is a Kansas City-based ironworker and construction safety advocate with Local 10 Ironworkers. Since joining the union in 1999 (book #1263430), Ike has built bridges and infrastructure across the region, working for companies like Clarkson Construction. After surviving a catastrophic jobsite accident in which a come-along struck him in the face, crushing his skull, Ike has become a powerful voice for proper PPE use and safety culture. He travels the country sharing his firsthand account of how modern protective equipment—worn correctly—saved his life, inspiring construction professionals to prioritize safety on every job.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Ike Pritchett – ironworker at 14, joined Local 10 in 1999
  • (06:25) The devastating loss of Ike's brother Mack in a bridge accident and why he stayed in the trade
  • (13:05) How safety culture in construction has evolved since the 2000s
  • (29:30) The day everything changed: Ike describes his last memory before the accident
  • (32:19) What his crew witnessed and how they responded when disaster struck
  • (41:17) The mechanical failure that led to a 120-pound come-along striking Ike in the face
  • (45:05) The extent of Ike's injuries: crushed skull, displaced vertebra, and the long road to recovery
  • (50:29) Ike's powerful message: PPE only works if you wear it correctly
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> full 10 2 false What's the one thing about PPE that could mean the difference between going home and never coming back?

In this powerful episode recorded live at STUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Ike Pritchett, a Kansas City ironworker with Local 10 who survived a catastrophic jobsite accident. Ike shares his journey from starting in construction at 14, through losing his brother Mack in a bridge accident in 2000, to his own near-fatal incident on February 21st when a come-along struck him in the face, crushing his skull. Thanks to his properly worn helmet, Ike survived and made a remarkable recovery. He now travels the country advocating for safety culture and proper PPE use. As Ike says, "PPE only works if you wear it correctly." His story reminds us that safety decisions aren't abstract—they're the difference between going home or not.


Ike Pritchett is a Kansas City-based ironworker and construction safety advocate with Local 10 Ironworkers. Since joining the union in 1999 (book #1263430), Ike has built bridges and infrastructure across the region, working for companies like Clarkson Construction. After surviving a catastrophic jobsite accident in which a come-along struck him in the face, crushing his skull, Ike has become a powerful voice for proper PPE use and safety culture. He travels the country sharing his firsthand account of how modern protective equipment—worn correctly—saved his life, inspiring construction professionals to prioritize safety on every job.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Ike Pritchett – ironworker at 14, joined Local 10 in 1999
  • (06:25) The devastating loss of Ike's brother Mack in a bridge accident and why he stayed in the trade
  • (13:05) How safety culture in construction has evolved since the 2000s
  • (29:30) The day everything changed: Ike describes his last memory before the accident
  • (32:19) What his crew witnessed and how they responded when disaster struck
  • (41:17) The mechanical failure that led to a 120-pound come-along striking Ike in the face
  • (45:05) The extent of Ike's injuries: crushed skull, displaced vertebra, and the long road to recovery
  • (50:29) Ike's powerful message: PPE only works if you wear it correctly
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> 00:53:20 <![CDATA[Reinventing Construction Safety: Dr. Barry Miller on the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2285704 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/reinventing-construction-safety-dr-barry-miller-on-the-virginia-tech-helmet-ratings Could a simple helmet upgrade reduce your skull fracture risk by 66%?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Dr. Barry Miller, Senior Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, to discuss the groundbreaking construction helmet safety study released in September. Dr. Miller, a national authority on head protection and injury biomechanics, explains how Type II helmets significantly outperform traditional Type I hard hats in reducing traumatic brain injuries. The data reveals that switching to a Type II helmet can reduce concussion risk by 35% and skull fracture risk by 66%. As Dr. Miller emphasizes, "If you're exposed to falls from ladders or scaffolding, it'd be pretty wise to choose a Type II helmet." This conversation explores the testing methodology, top-performing brands, and what's next for construction head protection.


Dr. Barry Miller is the Senior Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, where he leads efforts to translate cutting-edge impact-testing research into practical tools that improve safety across multiple industries. A national authority on head protection and injury biomechanics, Dr. Miller has overseen the development of Virginia Tech's widely respected helmet rating systems, including the landmark construction helmet study released in September 2024. His work helps manufacturers innovate, helps workers stay safer on the job, and helps organizations make informed, evidence-based decisions about protective equipment.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) The headline: Type II helmets reduce concussion risk by 47% and skull fractures by 75%
  • (03:06) How Virginia Tech modeled real-world falls using OSHA data from 600+ injury reports
  • (08:09) Top performers revealed: Milwaukee BOLT, Studson, DeWalt, and KASK lead the ratings
  • (13:18) Industry partners who funded this life-saving research
  • (17:21) The biggest challenge: why helmet variability required 700+ helmets and 20 iterations
  • (22:08) Real-world proof: Superintendent Ike Pritchett's Type II helmet saved his life
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Construction Ratings:

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Website:

https://www.beam.vt.edu/helmet


TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues

]]> full 9 2 false Could a simple helmet upgrade reduce your skull fracture risk by 66%?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Dr. Barry Miller, Senior Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, to discuss the groundbreaking construction helmet safety study released in September. Dr. Miller, a national authority on head protection and injury biomechanics, explains how Type II helmets significantly outperform traditional Type I hard hats in reducing traumatic brain injuries. The data reveals that switching to a Type II helmet can reduce concussion risk by 35% and skull fracture risk by 66%. As Dr. Miller emphasizes, "If you're exposed to falls from ladders or scaffolding, it'd be pretty wise to choose a Type II helmet." This conversation explores the testing methodology, top-performing brands, and what's next for construction head protection.


Dr. Barry Miller is the Senior Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, where he leads efforts to translate cutting-edge impact-testing research into practical tools that improve safety across multiple industries. A national authority on head protection and injury biomechanics, Dr. Miller has overseen the development of Virginia Tech's widely respected helmet rating systems, including the landmark construction helmet study released in September 2024. His work helps manufacturers innovate, helps workers stay safer on the job, and helps organizations make informed, evidence-based decisions about protective equipment.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) The headline: Type II helmets reduce concussion risk by 47% and skull fractures by 75%
  • (03:06) How Virginia Tech modeled real-world falls using OSHA data from 600+ injury reports
  • (08:09) Top performers revealed: Milwaukee BOLT, Studson, DeWalt, and KASK lead the ratings
  • (13:18) Industry partners who funded this life-saving research
  • (17:21) The biggest challenge: why helmet variability required 700+ helmets and 20 iterations
  • (22:08) Real-world proof: Superintendent Ike Pritchett's Type II helmet saved his life
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Construction Ratings:

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Website:

https://www.beam.vt.edu/helmet


TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> 00:24:07 <![CDATA[Building a Culture That Saves Lives: Sonya Bohmann on Suicide Prevention in Construction]]> Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2284956 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/building-a-culture-that-saves-lives-sonya-bohmann-on-suicide-prevention-in-construction Did you know construction workers are 5 times more likely to die by suicide than from workplace injuries?

In this powerful episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). With over a decade in construction and a deeply personal connection to suicide prevention as a loss survivor, Sonya brings both industry expertise and authentic advocacy to this critical conversation. She reveals the sobering reality that construction sees 5,000 deaths by suicide compared to just 1,000 fatal workplace injuries annually. Sonya discusses practical tools for building cultures of care, breaking down mental health stigma, and implementing mental health champions on job sites. As Sonya powerfully states, "Is it about the mission or is it about a monument?" This episode challenges every construction professional to ask: Are we doing enough?

Sonya Bohmann is the Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), where she leads national efforts to reduce suicide risk and promote mental health across the construction workforce. With over a decade of experience in construction and as a loss survivor who lost her sister to suicide 17 years ago, Sonya brings both professional expertise and personal advocacy to this critical mission. She works with contractors, unions, and industry leaders to build supportive cultures, expand awareness, and equip organizations with free resources to protect workers' well-being and make mental health a core component of construction safety.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) The staggering statistics that reveal construction's hidden crisis
  • (03:37) How a loss survivor found her calling leading CIASP
  • (07:44) Mission versus monument: keeping suicide prevention work ego-free
  • (09:49) Breaking the stigma starts with making mental health conversation commonplace
  • (14:53) Mental health champions: creating identifiable allies on every job site
  • (19:11) Building cultures of care that go beyond pizza parties
  • (24:28) When you feel trapped: resources for workers with no way out
  • (26:47) The future of mental health in construction: making it what we just do
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

For more info visit: https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

]]> full 8 2 false Did you know construction workers are 5 times more likely to die by suicide than from workplace injuries?

In this powerful episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). With over a decade in construction and a deeply personal connection to suicide prevention as a loss survivor, Sonya brings both industry expertise and authentic advocacy to this critical conversation. She reveals the sobering reality that construction sees 5,000 deaths by suicide compared to just 1,000 fatal workplace injuries annually. Sonya discusses practical tools for building cultures of care, breaking down mental health stigma, and implementing mental health champions on job sites. As Sonya powerfully states, "Is it about the mission or is it about a monument?" This episode challenges every construction professional to ask: Are we doing enough?

Sonya Bohmann is the Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), where she leads national efforts to reduce suicide risk and promote mental health across the construction workforce. With over a decade of experience in construction and as a loss survivor who lost her sister to suicide 17 years ago, Sonya brings both professional expertise and personal advocacy to this critical mission. She works with contractors, unions, and industry leaders to build supportive cultures, expand awareness, and equip organizations with free resources to protect workers' well-being and make mental health a core component of construction safety.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) The staggering statistics that reveal construction's hidden crisis
  • (03:37) How a loss survivor found her calling leading CIASP
  • (07:44) Mission versus monument: keeping suicide prevention work ego-free
  • (09:49) Breaking the stigma starts with making mental health conversation commonplace
  • (14:53) Mental health champions: creating identifiable allies on every job site
  • (19:11) Building cultures of care that go beyond pizza parties
  • (24:28) When you feel trapped: resources for workers with no way out
  • (26:47) The future of mental health in construction: making it what we just do
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

For more info visit: https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> 00:28:37 <![CDATA[Culture First: Justin Azbill on Building Safer, Stronger Jobsites]]> Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2284950 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/culture-first-justin-azbill-on-building-safer-stronger-jobsites Why are we losing 20 times more construction workers to suicide than job site accidents?

In this important episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Justin Azbill of Tribal Group to tackle one of construction's most critical challenges: building safety cultures that actually save lives. Justin brings decades of frontline experience—from Marine Corps service to ironworker, firefighter, and safety leader for major contractors like Suffolk Construction and Canestro. He discusses the alarming reality that the industry loses approximately 20,000 workers annually to suicide and substance use disorder, and shares how his innovative Ally Code training is equipping leaders to address mental health proactively. Justin emphasizes that "a culture doesn't change overnight—it could be five years till you see ROI." Can your company afford to wait? Discover why true safety starts with respect, inclusion, and leadership that puts people first.

Justin Azbill is a workforce development and safety specialist with Tribal Group, where he helps contractors and unions strengthen jobsite culture through training, leadership coaching, and inclusive safety programs. A former Marine, ironworker, and firefighter, Justin has held senior safety leadership roles with Suffolk Construction, Canestro, and Milwaukee Tool. He founded Mission Mindset Us to address the construction industry's mental health crisis, which claims approximately 20,000 lives annually. Justin holds a PhD and advocates for a holistic approach to safety centered on respect, accountability, and empowering people at every level of the jobsite.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) From Marine Corps to ironworker to firefighter—Justin's unconventional path into construction safety
  • (10:23) The shocking statistics behind construction's mental health crisis
  • (13:41) Why traditional safety approaches miss the mark on culture and respect
  • (17:44) Understanding the four mindset risks that lead workers to crisis
  • (22:28) How the Ally Code is training leaders to spot warning signs and intervene early
  • (28:40) Breaking down the real causes of substance use disorder on jobsites
  • (30:07) What's next for Tribal Group and the future of the trades code
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

https://www.mission-mindsetus.org/

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast ar...

]]> full 7 2 false Why are we losing 20 times more construction workers to suicide than job site accidents?

In this important episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Justin Azbill of Tribal Group to tackle one of construction's most critical challenges: building safety cultures that actually save lives. Justin brings decades of frontline experience—from Marine Corps service to ironworker, firefighter, and safety leader for major contractors like Suffolk Construction and Canestro. He discusses the alarming reality that the industry loses approximately 20,000 workers annually to suicide and substance use disorder, and shares how his innovative Ally Code training is equipping leaders to address mental health proactively. Justin emphasizes that "a culture doesn't change overnight—it could be five years till you see ROI." Can your company afford to wait? Discover why true safety starts with respect, inclusion, and leadership that puts people first.

Justin Azbill is a workforce development and safety specialist with Tribal Group, where he helps contractors and unions strengthen jobsite culture through training, leadership coaching, and inclusive safety programs. A former Marine, ironworker, and firefighter, Justin has held senior safety leadership roles with Suffolk Construction, Canestro, and Milwaukee Tool. He founded Mission Mindset Us to address the construction industry's mental health crisis, which claims approximately 20,000 lives annually. Justin holds a PhD and advocates for a holistic approach to safety centered on respect, accountability, and empowering people at every level of the jobsite.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) From Marine Corps to ironworker to firefighter—Justin's unconventional path into construction safety
  • (10:23) The shocking statistics behind construction's mental health crisis
  • (13:41) Why traditional safety approaches miss the mark on culture and respect
  • (17:44) Understanding the four mindset risks that lead workers to crisis
  • (22:28) How the Ally Code is training leaders to spot warning signs and intervene early
  • (28:40) Breaking down the real causes of substance use disorder on jobsites
  • (30:07) What's next for Tribal Group and the future of the trades code
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

https://www.mission-mindsetus.org/

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> 00:32:42 <![CDATA[Building the Next Generation: Angie Simon on the Heavy Metal Summer Experience]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2233844 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/building-the-next-generation-angie-simon-on-the-heavy-metal-summer-experience How did one mechanical contractor president turn a pandemic idea into 51 camps across North America in just five years?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Angie Simon, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE). With 35 years at a union mechanical contractor—including 14 as President—and a term as SMACNA National President (2019-2021), Angie saw the workforce crisis coming and decided to act. She launched HMSE in 2021 as a two-shop pilot program teaching high school students about skilled trades through hands-on experience. Today, it's grown to 51 camps across North America, reaching nearly 900 students in 2025. Angie discusses the power of hands-on learning, changing parental perceptions, and building confidence in the next generation. "I thought we were gonna drop a little pebble in the water... I think we're doing a boulder right now, and I think we got tidal waves coming." How can your company get involved?

Angie Simon is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), a workforce development program that grew from 2 pilot camps in 2021 to 51 camps across North America. She spent 35 years at Western Allied Mechanical, including 14 years as President, and served as SMACNA National President from 2019-2021. Recognizing the construction industry's workforce crisis during the pandemic, Angie created a hands-on summer camp introducing high school students to skilled trades careers. HMSE has reached nearly 900 students and continues expanding rapidly.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Why a SMACNA president saw the workforce crisis coming during the pandemic
  • (03:19) The missing piece in construction recruitment: getting parents on board
  • (05:15) How two shops in East Palo Alto became a nationwide movement
  • (10:42) When a Rhode Island graduate went from camper to employee in one year
  • (16:22) Why high school students can weld fire pits but pre-apprentices cannot
  • (23:26) Stop complaining and get some skin in the game: advice for contractors
  • (29:40) What's next for Heavy Metal Summer Experience and how you can help
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Heavy Metal Summer Experience Website: https://www.hmse.org/
Email Contact: info@hmse.org (reaches Angie Simon directly)

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues

]]> full 6 2 false How did one mechanical contractor president turn a pandemic idea into 51 camps across North America in just five years?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Angie Simon, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE). With 35 years at a union mechanical contractor—including 14 as President—and a term as SMACNA National President (2019-2021), Angie saw the workforce crisis coming and decided to act. She launched HMSE in 2021 as a two-shop pilot program teaching high school students about skilled trades through hands-on experience. Today, it's grown to 51 camps across North America, reaching nearly 900 students in 2025. Angie discusses the power of hands-on learning, changing parental perceptions, and building confidence in the next generation. "I thought we were gonna drop a little pebble in the water... I think we're doing a boulder right now, and I think we got tidal waves coming." How can your company get involved?

Angie Simon is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), a workforce development program that grew from 2 pilot camps in 2021 to 51 camps across North America. She spent 35 years at Western Allied Mechanical, including 14 years as President, and served as SMACNA National President from 2019-2021. Recognizing the construction industry's workforce crisis during the pandemic, Angie created a hands-on summer camp introducing high school students to skilled trades careers. HMSE has reached nearly 900 students and continues expanding rapidly.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Why a SMACNA president saw the workforce crisis coming during the pandemic
  • (03:19) The missing piece in construction recruitment: getting parents on board
  • (05:15) How two shops in East Palo Alto became a nationwide movement
  • (10:42) When a Rhode Island graduate went from camper to employee in one year
  • (16:22) Why high school students can weld fire pits but pre-apprentices cannot
  • (23:26) Stop complaining and get some skin in the game: advice for contractors
  • (29:40) What's next for Heavy Metal Summer Experience and how you can help
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Heavy Metal Summer Experience Website: https://www.hmse.org/
Email Contact: info@hmse.org (reaches Angie Simon directly)

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> 00:35:38 <![CDATA[IMPACT: Strengthening the Future of Ironworkers Through Partnership]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2188426 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/impact-strengthening-the-future-of-ironworkers-through-partnership How is IMPACT tackling the construction workforce shortage that everyone's talking about?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Aaron Bast, the incoming CEO of IMPACT—the Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust. A 30-year ironworker veteran and former business manager of Ironworkers Local 5, Aaron brings firsthand perspective from both the field and management side. He discusses how IMPACT is tackling workforce shortages through expanded training and pre-apprenticeship opportunities while fostering stronger collaboration between contractors and unions. Aaron shares his vision for helping small to medium contractors grow their businesses to create more ironworker jobs and explains the culture shifts necessary for advancing jobsite safety. "The most important thing in our industry is our signatory contractors because we can have the best ironworkers in a room, but if there's no contractors to work for, then none of us have jobs," Aaron emphasizes.

Aaron Bast is the incoming CEO of IMPACT (Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust), bringing 30 years of hands-on ironworking experience to the role. Prior to joining IMPACT, Aaron served as business manager of Ironworkers Local 5 for a decade, where he focused on strengthening partnerships with signatory contractors and creating job opportunities for union members. His career spans both open shop and union construction, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and advantages of each model. Aaron's leadership approach is rooted in his field experience—from apprentice to journeyman, foreman, and general foreman—combined with his understanding of the business realities contractors face. At IMPACT, he's focused on helping small to medium-sized contractors grow their businesses, expanding workforce training and pre-apprenticeship programs, and building stronger labor-management partnerships across the ironworking industry.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Aaron reveals his 30-year journey from ironworker to CEO and his very first job interview
  • (02:10) Why signatory contractors are the most important part of the union construction industry
  • (03:09) The real reasons workers choose union construction over open shop
  • (19:47) What makes strong labor-management partnerships actually work in the field
]]> full 5 2 false How is IMPACT tackling the construction workforce shortage that everyone's talking about?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Aaron Bast, the incoming CEO of IMPACT—the Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust. A 30-year ironworker veteran and former business manager of Ironworkers Local 5, Aaron brings firsthand perspective from both the field and management side. He discusses how IMPACT is tackling workforce shortages through expanded training and pre-apprenticeship opportunities while fostering stronger collaboration between contractors and unions. Aaron shares his vision for helping small to medium contractors grow their businesses to create more ironworker jobs and explains the culture shifts necessary for advancing jobsite safety. "The most important thing in our industry is our signatory contractors because we can have the best ironworkers in a room, but if there's no contractors to work for, then none of us have jobs," Aaron emphasizes.

Aaron Bast is the incoming CEO of IMPACT (Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust), bringing 30 years of hands-on ironworking experience to the role. Prior to joining IMPACT, Aaron served as business manager of Ironworkers Local 5 for a decade, where he focused on strengthening partnerships with signatory contractors and creating job opportunities for union members. His career spans both open shop and union construction, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and advantages of each model. Aaron's leadership approach is rooted in his field experience—from apprentice to journeyman, foreman, and general foreman—combined with his understanding of the business realities contractors face. At IMPACT, he's focused on helping small to medium-sized contractors grow their businesses, expanding workforce training and pre-apprenticeship programs, and building stronger labor-management partnerships across the ironworking industry.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Aaron reveals his 30-year journey from ironworker to CEO and his very first job interview
  • (02:10) Why signatory contractors are the most important part of the union construction industry
  • (03:09) The real reasons workers choose union construction over open shop
  • (19:47) What makes strong labor-management partnerships actually work in the field
  • (22:44) Aaron's vision for growing small to medium contractors and creating more ironworker jobs
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

https://www.impact-net.org/
TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

]]> 00:25:59 <![CDATA[Science on the Jobsite: Research-Backed Safety in Action]]> Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2174330 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/science-on-the-jobsite-research-backed-safety-in-action What shocking trend is claiming more construction worker lives than falls and electrocutions combined?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Chris Cain, Executive Director of CPWR (the research and training arm of North America's Building Trades Unions). With her background as an industrial hygienist and years in OSHA enforcement, Cain brings unique expertise to construction safety challenges. Cain discusses advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat exposure, ergonomics, and mental health, along with focusing on emerging concerns like the opioid crisis plaguing construction workers. "We're trying to foster that and to promote it, but when you think about occupational safety and health, when you're in a large firm, you think about it as part of your risk control," she explains. How can large contractors better mentor smaller firms in safety practices?

Chris Cain leads CPWR’s national efforts to make construction jobsites safer, healthier, and more resilient. She bridges research and the real world—advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat and silica exposure, ergonomics, and mental health. Under her leadership, CPWR partners with labor, contractors, owners, and government to turn evidence into training, tools, and campaigns that save lives and improve performance across union construction.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Chris Cain and her role leading CPWR's research-backed safety initiatives
  • (03:48) Top safety challenges facing the construction industry today
  • (09:52) Recent strides in preventing suicides and overdoses in construction
  • (16:19) Helping small contractors adopt new safety technologies
  • (21:01) How contractors can partner with CPWR for better safety outcomes
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Chris Cain LinkedIn
CPWR Construction Chart Boo...

]]> full 4 2 false What shocking trend is claiming more construction worker lives than falls and electrocutions combined?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Chris Cain, Executive Director of CPWR (the research and training arm of North America's Building Trades Unions). With her background as an industrial hygienist and years in OSHA enforcement, Cain brings unique expertise to construction safety challenges. Cain discusses advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat exposure, ergonomics, and mental health, along with focusing on emerging concerns like the opioid crisis plaguing construction workers. "We're trying to foster that and to promote it, but when you think about occupational safety and health, when you're in a large firm, you think about it as part of your risk control," she explains. How can large contractors better mentor smaller firms in safety practices?

Chris Cain leads CPWR’s national efforts to make construction jobsites safer, healthier, and more resilient. She bridges research and the real world—advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat and silica exposure, ergonomics, and mental health. Under her leadership, CPWR partners with labor, contractors, owners, and government to turn evidence into training, tools, and campaigns that save lives and improve performance across union construction.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Chris Cain and her role leading CPWR's research-backed safety initiatives
  • (03:48) Top safety challenges facing the construction industry today
  • (09:52) Recent strides in preventing suicides and overdoses in construction
  • (16:19) Helping small contractors adopt new safety technologies
  • (21:01) How contractors can partner with CPWR for better safety outcomes
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Chris Cain LinkedIn
CPWR Construction Chart Book 

CPWR website for free educational materials and webinars

CPWR research and safety resources funded through NIOSH cooperative agreement

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

 

]]> 00:25:09 <![CDATA[Ryan Posnikoff-From the Field to the Future: Bridging Labor and Tech in Megaprojects]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2161718 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/ryan-posnikoff-from-the-field-to-the-future-bridging-labor-and-tech-in-megaprojects Why do most construction apps fail the eight-minute test for field workers?

Kirk Westwood sits down with Ryan Posnikoff, Vice President of Product Management at Contruent, who brings a unique dual perspective to construction technology. Starting as a union member with UA Local 488 in Edmonton following his father's footsteps, Ryan completed his apprenticeship in Alberta's oil and gas sector before overseeing major energy infrastructure megaprojects. Over 15 years, he evolved from boots-on-ground tradesperson to tech innovator, helping companies manage billions in capital through strategic data insights and purpose-built software. Ryan discusses bridging the gap between field workers and technology, emphasizing that "construction's biggest challenge is it's an information challenge." The conversation explores actionable data, digital trust, and what construction tech gets right and wrong.

Ryan Posnikoff brings over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career on jobsites overseeing massive oil and gas and energy infrastructure projects across Canada. His hands-on knowledge of field operations laid the foundation for his transition into construction technology, where he now works as a product leader helping organizations deliver complex megaprojects more efficiently. With deep expertise in aligning field needs with digital tools, Ryan is passionate about bridging the gap between boots-on-the-ground realities and cutting-edge innovation.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Ryan’s path from union tradesperson to tech executive at Contruent
  • (05:04) Transitioning from field operations to technology and strategy roles
  • (12:24) What actionable data really looks like for different construction roles
  • (20:33) How successful products are built and common mistakes in construction tech
  • (28:59) Getting buy-in from skilled labor and building digital trust on job sites
  • (36:58) Ryan defines what success looks like for construction technology solutions
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

]]> full 3 2 false Why do most construction apps fail the eight-minute test for field workers?

Kirk Westwood sits down with Ryan Posnikoff, Vice President of Product Management at Contruent, who brings a unique dual perspective to construction technology. Starting as a union member with UA Local 488 in Edmonton following his father's footsteps, Ryan completed his apprenticeship in Alberta's oil and gas sector before overseeing major energy infrastructure megaprojects. Over 15 years, he evolved from boots-on-ground tradesperson to tech innovator, helping companies manage billions in capital through strategic data insights and purpose-built software. Ryan discusses bridging the gap between field workers and technology, emphasizing that "construction's biggest challenge is it's an information challenge." The conversation explores actionable data, digital trust, and what construction tech gets right and wrong.

Ryan Posnikoff brings over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career on jobsites overseeing massive oil and gas and energy infrastructure projects across Canada. His hands-on knowledge of field operations laid the foundation for his transition into construction technology, where he now works as a product leader helping organizations deliver complex megaprojects more efficiently. With deep expertise in aligning field needs with digital tools, Ryan is passionate about bridging the gap between boots-on-the-ground realities and cutting-edge innovation.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Ryan’s path from union tradesperson to tech executive at Contruent
  • (05:04) Transitioning from field operations to technology and strategy roles
  • (12:24) What actionable data really looks like for different construction roles
  • (20:33) How successful products are built and common mistakes in construction tech
  • (28:59) Getting buy-in from skilled labor and building digital trust on job sites
  • (36:58) Ryan defines what success looks like for construction technology solutions
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Contruent
UA Local 488 Edmonton
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast past epsidoes

]]> 00:39:01 <![CDATA[From Coal to Code: Revitalizing Homer City]]> Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2159389 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/from-coal-to-code-revitalizing-homer-city Why is Western Pennsylvania becoming the unexpected center of America's AI revolution?

Host Kirk Westwood sits down with Shawn Steffee, Business Agent for Boilermakers Local 154 and seasoned union leader in the energy sector. A Homer City native who became a boilermaker in 2002, Steffee was elected Executive Board Trustee in 2017 and appointed Business Agent in 2018, gaining national recognition for his advocacy of union labor and fossil fuels industry. He believes natural gas and AI infrastructure represent the next industrial revolution for Western Pennsylvania. The conversation covers the devastating impact of coal plant closures, the $10 billion Homer City transformation into an AI-powered natural gas facility, and how union building trades are preparing for massive construction opportunities ahead. Steffee discusses workforce training needs, environmental advantages of natural gas over renewables, and his vision for replicating this model across coal country. "I really don't know a damn thing about AI, but the building trades sure as hell know how to build power plants," Steffee explains. Can this project become the blueprint for saving America's coal communities?

Shawn Steffee is a seasoned union leader and advocate for skilled labor in the energy sector. A native of Homer City, Pennsylvania, he began his career as a Boilermaker in 2002, serving in various supervisory roles. In 2017, he was elected as an Executive Board Trustee for Boilermakers Local 154, and in 2018, he was appointed as a Business Agent. Steffee has been instrumental in political advocacy, serving as Chairman of the Local 154 LEAP Committee, and is recognized nationally for his efforts in promoting union labor and the fossil fuels industry.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) How Shawn got his start in the boilermaker trade after manufacturing job loss
  • (03:25) Growing up in Homer City and witnessing the coal plant's impact on community
  • (05:39) The devastating ripple effects when Homer City coal plant closed
  • (08:33) Why Western Pennsylvania is becoming the next Silicon Valley for data centers
  • (12:04) Safety and environmental advantages of natural gas over coal and renewables
  • (16:...
]]> full 2 2 false Why is Western Pennsylvania becoming the unexpected center of America's AI revolution?

Host Kirk Westwood sits down with Shawn Steffee, Business Agent for Boilermakers Local 154 and seasoned union leader in the energy sector. A Homer City native who became a boilermaker in 2002, Steffee was elected Executive Board Trustee in 2017 and appointed Business Agent in 2018, gaining national recognition for his advocacy of union labor and fossil fuels industry. He believes natural gas and AI infrastructure represent the next industrial revolution for Western Pennsylvania. The conversation covers the devastating impact of coal plant closures, the $10 billion Homer City transformation into an AI-powered natural gas facility, and how union building trades are preparing for massive construction opportunities ahead. Steffee discusses workforce training needs, environmental advantages of natural gas over renewables, and his vision for replicating this model across coal country. "I really don't know a damn thing about AI, but the building trades sure as hell know how to build power plants," Steffee explains. Can this project become the blueprint for saving America's coal communities?

Shawn Steffee is a seasoned union leader and advocate for skilled labor in the energy sector. A native of Homer City, Pennsylvania, he began his career as a Boilermaker in 2002, serving in various supervisory roles. In 2017, he was elected as an Executive Board Trustee for Boilermakers Local 154, and in 2018, he was appointed as a Business Agent. Steffee has been instrumental in political advocacy, serving as Chairman of the Local 154 LEAP Committee, and is recognized nationally for his efforts in promoting union labor and the fossil fuels industry.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) How Shawn got his start in the boilermaker trade after manufacturing job loss
  • (03:25) Growing up in Homer City and witnessing the coal plant's impact on community
  • (05:39) The devastating ripple effects when Homer City coal plant closed
  • (08:33) Why Western Pennsylvania is becoming the next Silicon Valley for data centers
  • (12:04) Safety and environmental advantages of natural gas over coal and renewables
  • (16:20) The benchmark potential for transforming other coal towns across America
  • (20:14) Advice for attracting young workers to skilled building trades careers
  • (22:32) What union leaders are most looking forward to in the next five years
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Boilermakers Local 154 (Pittsburgh)

South Central Building Trades

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast past epsidoes

 

]]> 00:25:18 <![CDATA[Then vs. Now: What History Teaches Us About Building Faster]]> Fri, 26 Sep 2025 17:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2151014 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/then-vs-now-what-history-teaches-us-about-building-faster From the Empire State Building to the Panama Canal, history is full of examples where massive projects were built at astonishing speed. So why does it feel like construction today takes longer than ever?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Connor Watumull, Co-Founder and CEO of Miter, for a wide-ranging conversation on the pace of building. Together, they trace how regulation, compliance, financing, and an explosion of paperwork reshaped the industry—from a world of engineer’s notes and political green lights to today’s gauntlet of permits, pay apps, lien waivers, safety reports, and inspections.

Connor shares what’s been gained, what’s been lost, and how we can strike the right balance between speed, safety, and accountability. Looking ahead, he paints a vision of how better systems and smarter technology could help contractors cut through red tape, unlock innovation, and get back to what they do best: building.

Connor Watumull is Co-Founder and CEO of Miter, a comprehensive platform transforming how contractors manage people, projects, and payments. With deep expertise in construction technology and business operations, Connor focuses on streamlining the complex regulatory and administrative challenges facing modern contractors. His work at Miter addresses the growing paperwork burden that has become a significant barrier to construction efficiency and growth. Connor brings a unique perspective on how technology can help the industry balance necessary compliance requirements with the need for speed and scalability in an increasingly regulated construction environment.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) The shocking comparison between historic subway projects and today's timelines
  • (05:23) Why gear closets and legal codes have surprising similarities
  • (06:37) Historical mega-projects that would be impossible to build today
  • (12:01) The paperwork marathon contractors face before breaking ground
  • (16:01) How Texas and China became the future of fast infrastructure
  • (19:45) Lessons from Brooklyn Bridge builders that modern contractors need
]]> full 1 2 false From the Empire State Building to the Panama Canal, history is full of examples where massive projects were built at astonishing speed. So why does it feel like construction today takes longer than ever?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Connor Watumull, Co-Founder and CEO of Miter, for a wide-ranging conversation on the pace of building. Together, they trace how regulation, compliance, financing, and an explosion of paperwork reshaped the industry—from a world of engineer’s notes and political green lights to today’s gauntlet of permits, pay apps, lien waivers, safety reports, and inspections.

Connor shares what’s been gained, what’s been lost, and how we can strike the right balance between speed, safety, and accountability. Looking ahead, he paints a vision of how better systems and smarter technology could help contractors cut through red tape, unlock innovation, and get back to what they do best: building.

Connor Watumull is Co-Founder and CEO of Miter, a comprehensive platform transforming how contractors manage people, projects, and payments. With deep expertise in construction technology and business operations, Connor focuses on streamlining the complex regulatory and administrative challenges facing modern contractors. His work at Miter addresses the growing paperwork burden that has become a significant barrier to construction efficiency and growth. Connor brings a unique perspective on how technology can help the industry balance necessary compliance requirements with the need for speed and scalability in an increasingly regulated construction environment.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) The shocking comparison between historic subway projects and today's timelines
  • (05:23) Why gear closets and legal codes have surprising similarities
  • (06:37) Historical mega-projects that would be impossible to build today
  • (12:01) The paperwork marathon contractors face before breaking ground
  • (16:01) How Texas and China became the future of fast infrastructure
  • (19:45) Lessons from Brooklyn Bridge builders that modern contractors need
  • (24:35) The vision for making ambitious construction projects fun again
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Connor Watamull LinkedIn

Miter.com

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

 

]]> 00:28:12 <![CDATA[Talk the TAUC - S2: Union Strong - Future Ready]]> Tue, 27 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/2022732 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/talk-the-tauc-season-2-trailer Construction industry pros, welcome back to your favorite podcast. Host Kirk Westwood introduces "Talk the TAUC," formerly known as Construction User 2.0, with this Season 2 trailer highlighting powerful Season 1 moments. "What unions have afforded my family is economic security," shares Michigan State Senator John Cherry. Ever wonder how military veterans are finding their place in union construction? Marty Helms of Helmets to Hardhats explains. Kirk wraps up with a sneak peek at Season 2's hard-hitting topics: workforce development, clean energy projects, organizing strategies, and jobsite tech that's changing how we build.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Kirk introduces Talk the TAUC's new identity and podcast mission
  • (00:49) Senator John Cherry on how unions create family economic security
  • (01:04) John Burke shares State Group's award-winning safety culture approach
  • (01:43) Junaid Ahmed explains practical applications of AI in construction
  • (02:16) Geoff Colvin discusses business reimagination and future-proofing
  • (02:46) Marty Helms highlights Helmets to Hardhats veterans transition program
  • (03:06) Joelle Salerno on creating visible opportunities for women in construction
  • (03:33) Kirk previews exciting topics coming in Season 2

Resources:

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast past epsidoes

]]> trailer 1 2 false Construction industry pros, welcome back to your favorite podcast. Host Kirk Westwood introduces "Talk the TAUC," formerly known as Construction User 2.0, with this Season 2 trailer highlighting powerful Season 1 moments. "What unions have afforded my family is economic security," shares Michigan State Senator John Cherry. Ever wonder how military veterans are finding their place in union construction? Marty Helms of Helmets to Hardhats explains. Kirk wraps up with a sneak peek at Season 2's hard-hitting topics: workforce development, clean energy projects, organizing strategies, and jobsite tech that's changing how we build.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Kirk introduces Talk the TAUC's new identity and podcast mission
  • (00:49) Senator John Cherry on how unions create family economic security
  • (01:04) John Burke shares State Group's award-winning safety culture approach
  • (01:43) Junaid Ahmed explains practical applications of AI in construction
  • (02:16) Geoff Colvin discusses business reimagination and future-proofing
  • (02:46) Marty Helms highlights Helmets to Hardhats veterans transition program
  • (03:06) Joelle Salerno on creating visible opportunities for women in construction
  • (03:33) Kirk previews exciting topics coming in Season 2

Resources:

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast past epsidoes

]]> 00:04:30 <![CDATA[Safety Helmets with Barry Miller from The Helmet Lab]]> Tue, 06 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/1802408 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/safety-helmets-with-barry-miller-from-the-helmet-lab Join us as Dr. Barry Miller, Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab discusses cutting-edge research on protective headwear for the construction industry. Learn about the Helmet Lab's innovations, helmet rating processes, and how they aim to enhance worker safety. 
 
You’ll hear the fascinating origin story of the lab, starting from its groundbreaking 2007 initiative to quantify football helmet safety, to the development of their revolutionary star rating system. Dr. Miller explores the essential role of headgear in sports like soccer and flag football, especially for youth leagues, explaining how even minimal padding can significantly reduce head impact severity. We also dive into the lab's upcoming study on worksite safety helmets, aiming to replicate real-world accident scenarios to create more effective safety ratings. By understanding specific impact conditions, Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is striving to develop superior protection and reduce concussion risks across sports and workplaces alike. 

 

Barry Miller, PhD, is the Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. With a PhD in Biomechanics and experience in health and wellness, Dr. Miller is dedicated to advancing research on head protection and injury prevention. 
 

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  

 
Discussion points: 

  • The many products and testing protocols handled at Virginia Tech Helmet Lab 
  • Football head impact sensors inside helmets, driving data-driven improvements 
  • NFL helmet ratings and testing vs. “the masses” 
  • Examining headgear in sports, reducing head impact severity 
  • Flag football popularity is increasing, youth leagues, mandating headgear 
  • A study on worksite safety helmets, aiming to reduce concussion risks. 
  • Helmet safety testing methods, STAR scores - which evolve with technology and vary for different sports 
  • Advancements in helmet fit and durability - fit, materials, and design differ for various sports, single vs. multiple impact helmets 
  • The future of helmets and head injury reduction   
  • Preliminary research in construction helmets, collecting data for construction site safety 
  • Open call for submissions of videos of construction site helmet-related accidents - send them to your organization or Dr. Miller 
  • Spread the word about the upcoming research and testing in construction
]]> false Join us as Dr. Barry Miller, Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab discusses cutting-edge research on protective headwear for the construction industry. Learn about the Helmet Lab's innovations, helmet rating processes, and how they aim to enhance worker safety. 
 
You’ll hear the fascinating origin story of the lab, starting from its groundbreaking 2007 initiative to quantify football helmet safety, to the development of their revolutionary star rating system. Dr. Miller explores the essential role of headgear in sports like soccer and flag football, especially for youth leagues, explaining how even minimal padding can significantly reduce head impact severity. We also dive into the lab's upcoming study on worksite safety helmets, aiming to replicate real-world accident scenarios to create more effective safety ratings. By understanding specific impact conditions, Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is striving to develop superior protection and reduce concussion risks across sports and workplaces alike. 

 

Barry Miller, PhD, is the Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. With a PhD in Biomechanics and experience in health and wellness, Dr. Miller is dedicated to advancing research on head protection and injury prevention. 
 

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  

 
Discussion points: 

  • The many products and testing protocols handled at Virginia Tech Helmet Lab 
  • Football head impact sensors inside helmets, driving data-driven improvements 
  • NFL helmet ratings and testing vs. “the masses” 
  • Examining headgear in sports, reducing head impact severity 
  • Flag football popularity is increasing, youth leagues, mandating headgear 
  • A study on worksite safety helmets, aiming to reduce concussion risks. 
  • Helmet safety testing methods, STAR scores - which evolve with technology and vary for different sports 
  • Advancements in helmet fit and durability - fit, materials, and design differ for various sports, single vs. multiple impact helmets 
  • The future of helmets and head injury reduction   
  • Preliminary research in construction helmets, collecting data for construction site safety 
  • Open call for submissions of videos of construction site helmet-related accidents - send them to your organization or Dr. Miller 
  • Spread the word about the upcoming research and testing in construction 

 

Resources: 

Barry Miller LinkedIn 

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab 

TAUC Construction Leadership Conference May 2024 

Kirk Westwood TAUC 

TAUC Website 

Kirk Westwood LinkedIn 

The Construction User Magazine back issues 

Milwaukee Tool 

]]> 00:38:07 <![CDATA[TradesFutures and Recruitment - a discussion with Nicole Schwartz]]> Tue, 09 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/1782765 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/tradesfutures-and-recruitment-a-discussion-with-nicole-schwartz In this episode, Kirk speaks with Nicole Schwartz, Executive Director of TradesFutures, exploring her career journey and the organization's mission to bolster the trades. They delve into strategies for enhancing recruitment and retention, addressing labor challenges within the construction industry. 
 
Nicole shares her unique career journey, transitioning from a Spanish teacher and pastry chef to her current role in workforce development. We delve into the mission and initiatives of Trades Futures, including apprenticeship readiness programs, childcare pilots, and partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Nicole's diverse background provides valuable insights into how her varied experiences influence her work in promoting inclusivity and opportunity within the construction industry. 

In another segment, we discuss the multifaceted aspects of workforce development and apprenticeship programs. We highlight the importance of local connections with building trades councils to align training with regional job opportunities, ensuring a robust job pipeline.  
 
Nicole Schwartz, Executive Director of TradesFutures, brings extensive experience in education and workforce development to the position. Formerly NABTU’s Apprenticeship Readiness Program Coordinator, she oversaw 200 ARP programs nationwide. Prior to that, Schwartz taught Social Studies and Spanish in Milwaukee Public Schools and led initiatives in Restorative Practices and Positive Behavior Interventions. She holds a BA in International Affairs and Spanish for the Professions from Marquette University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Schwartz transitioned to workforce development in 2015, focusing on creating pathways to sustainable careers. 
 

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  

 
Discussion points: 

  • NABTU’s diversity initiatives 
  • Nicole’s journey includes teaching Spanish and time as a pastry chef 
  • Where TradesFutures finds people 
  • What the apprenticeship readiness programs are all about 
  • Childcare pilot programs - Milwaukee and NYC 
  • Childcare is key for full employment for communities 
  • You have to know where the industry stands now in order to get to new levels 
  • Changing scenarios in the industry require recalibration 
  • Looking forward into the future of TradesFutures programs 
  • DC focuses on making contracts easier, whatever the tech 

 

Resources: 

]]> full false In this episode, Kirk speaks with Nicole Schwartz, Executive Director of TradesFutures, exploring her career journey and the organization's mission to bolster the trades. They delve into strategies for enhancing recruitment and retention, addressing labor challenges within the construction industry. 
 
Nicole shares her unique career journey, transitioning from a Spanish teacher and pastry chef to her current role in workforce development. We delve into the mission and initiatives of Trades Futures, including apprenticeship readiness programs, childcare pilots, and partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Nicole's diverse background provides valuable insights into how her varied experiences influence her work in promoting inclusivity and opportunity within the construction industry. 

In another segment, we discuss the multifaceted aspects of workforce development and apprenticeship programs. We highlight the importance of local connections with building trades councils to align training with regional job opportunities, ensuring a robust job pipeline.  
 
Nicole Schwartz, Executive Director of TradesFutures, brings extensive experience in education and workforce development to the position. Formerly NABTU’s Apprenticeship Readiness Program Coordinator, she oversaw 200 ARP programs nationwide. Prior to that, Schwartz taught Social Studies and Spanish in Milwaukee Public Schools and led initiatives in Restorative Practices and Positive Behavior Interventions. She holds a BA in International Affairs and Spanish for the Professions from Marquette University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Schwartz transitioned to workforce development in 2015, focusing on creating pathways to sustainable careers. 
 

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  

 
Discussion points: 

  • NABTU’s diversity initiatives 
  • Nicole’s journey includes teaching Spanish and time as a pastry chef 
  • Where TradesFutures finds people 
  • What the apprenticeship readiness programs are all about 
  • Childcare pilot programs - Milwaukee and NYC 
  • Childcare is key for full employment for communities 
  • You have to know where the industry stands now in order to get to new levels 
  • Changing scenarios in the industry require recalibration 
  • Looking forward into the future of TradesFutures programs 
  • DC focuses on making contracts easier, whatever the tech 

 

Resources: 

Nicole Schwartz 

Trades Futures 

TAUC Construction Leadership Conference May 2024 

Kirk Westwood TAUC 

TAUC Website 

Kirk Westwood LinkedIn 

The Construction User Magazine back issues 

Milwaukee Tool 

]]> 00:35:04 <![CDATA[Meet Document Crunch]]> Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/1726940 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/meet-document-crunch Do you know what AI can do for your construction business right now? 

In today’s episode, host Kirk Westwood welcomes Document Crunch team members Kyle Dungca, Head of Industry Solutions; Maegan Spivey, Construction Contracts Specialist; and Chad Waite, Sr. Channel Manager. Document Crunch is a software program designed specifically for the construction industry that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify complex contracts.

You’ll hear how Document Crunch (founded by attorneys in the industry) aims to make contracts understandable by anyone involved in a project, from legal professionals to field crew. Unlike other software that adds on AI features, Document Crunch is built on AI from the ground up, allowing for functionalities like a new chat feature, AI-powered annotations on contracts, and time-saving features. This focus on AI allows Document Crunch to transform contracts with complex legal jargon into accessible information, saving time and money. 

Kyle Dungca is Head of Industry Solutions, and mainly responsible for developing and implementing strategies to address industry-specific challenges and opportunities for the company. His team works closely with other departments (Engineering, Product, Marketing, and Sales) to identify customer needs, develop solutions, promote them to target markets, and track KPIs.

Maegan Spivey is a Contract Specialist and serves the teams at Document Crunch to connect the work they do to the construction industry. This can include testing, prompt engineering or providing content and context to help the team provide the best experience for customers.

Chad Waite is not just a Sr. Channel Manager at Document Crunch; he's a visionary leader with a track record of driving growth in the tech industry. With extensive experience in business growth, channel strategy, and performance marketing, Chad has played integral roles in scaling startups and driving successful acquisitions. As a husband, father, and avid biker, Chad brings a unique blend of passion, creativity, and strategic thinking to every endeavor he undertakes.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

 

Discussion points:

  • New songs stuck in head - three guests reveal
  • What is Document Crunch?
  • Document Crunch helps remove your pain points
  • The A...
]]> full false Do you know what AI can do for your construction business right now? 

In today’s episode, host Kirk Westwood welcomes Document Crunch team members Kyle Dungca, Head of Industry Solutions; Maegan Spivey, Construction Contracts Specialist; and Chad Waite, Sr. Channel Manager. Document Crunch is a software program designed specifically for the construction industry that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify complex contracts.

You’ll hear how Document Crunch (founded by attorneys in the industry) aims to make contracts understandable by anyone involved in a project, from legal professionals to field crew. Unlike other software that adds on AI features, Document Crunch is built on AI from the ground up, allowing for functionalities like a new chat feature, AI-powered annotations on contracts, and time-saving features. This focus on AI allows Document Crunch to transform contracts with complex legal jargon into accessible information, saving time and money. 

Kyle Dungca is Head of Industry Solutions, and mainly responsible for developing and implementing strategies to address industry-specific challenges and opportunities for the company. His team works closely with other departments (Engineering, Product, Marketing, and Sales) to identify customer needs, develop solutions, promote them to target markets, and track KPIs.

Maegan Spivey is a Contract Specialist and serves the teams at Document Crunch to connect the work they do to the construction industry. This can include testing, prompt engineering or providing content and context to help the team provide the best experience for customers.

Chad Waite is not just a Sr. Channel Manager at Document Crunch; he's a visionary leader with a track record of driving growth in the tech industry. With extensive experience in business growth, channel strategy, and performance marketing, Chad has played integral roles in scaling startups and driving successful acquisitions. As a husband, father, and avid biker, Chad brings a unique blend of passion, creativity, and strategic thinking to every endeavor he undertakes.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

 

Discussion points:

  • New songs stuck in head - three guests reveal
  • What is Document Crunch?
  • Document Crunch helps remove your pain points
  • The AI in Document Crunch is protected, unlike OpenAI
  • Transforming contracts with complex legalese into accessible information
  • Founded by construction attorneys
  • Anyone can access the contracts - including crew out on jobs
  • Amazing capabilities of the new ‘chat’ feature
  • AI functions for redlining, comments
  • Looking at the math, saving time and money
  • Unlike other products with “add-on” AI functionalities, DC was built on AI from the ground up
  • DC focuses on making contracts easier, whatever the tech

 

Resources:

Document Crunch

Kyle Dungca

Maegan Spivey

Chad Waite LinkedIn

TAUC Construction Leadership Conference May 2024

Kirk Westwood TAUC

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood LinkedIn

The Construction User Magazine back issues

Milwaukee Tool

]]> 00:36:28 <![CDATA[NAWIC's Mission - A discussion with Joelle Salerno & Danielle Harshman]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/1666369 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/nawics-mission-a-discussion-with-joelle-salerno-danielle-harshman In this episode, we delve into the secrets to thriving as a woman in the construction industry with the inspiring insights of Joelle Salerno and Danielle Harshman. Together, we uncover the layers of support provided by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), illustrating the varied paths women navigate within this male-dominated field. 

You’ll hear about the pressing need for personal protective equipment tailored to women in the construction industry and the creative solutions being implemented. We discuss the impact of new OSHA regulations on PPE fit and how they are shaping a safer and more comfortable work environment for women. From the idea of a helmet designed with a ponytail slot to the broader issues of job site attire and childcare availability, we tackle the nuances that make a significant difference in the daily lives of women in construction. This episode is an eye-opener on the challenges women face, the growth opportunities that NAWIC provides, and how each of us can contribute to advancing women in this dynamic industry.

Joelle Salerno is the Assistant Executive Director for Chapter Innovation & Legislative Policy at Western Pennsylvania NECA chapter, as well as current vice president for the NAWIC Pittsburgh, PA Chapter.

Danielle Harshman is Executive Director at Ironworker Employers Association of Western Pennsylvania, and a Board Member at NAWIC Pitttsburgh, PA Chapter, showcasing her commitment to community impact.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

 

Discussion points:

  • New songs stuck in head - it’s all Taylor Swift
  • Insights from Joelle Salerno on diversity and workforce development
  • Danielle Harshman shares labor and management perspectives
  • Discussion on NAWIC's role in supporting women in construction
  • Highlighting the need for gender-specific personal protective equipment
  • An upcoming PPE women’s fashion show!
  • Addressing practical job site challenges for women
  • NAWIC initiatives like Women in Construction Week and Camp NAWIC
  • Encouraging involvement in local NAWIC chapters for support
  • Cel...
]]> full false In this episode, we delve into the secrets to thriving as a woman in the construction industry with the inspiring insights of Joelle Salerno and Danielle Harshman. Together, we uncover the layers of support provided by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), illustrating the varied paths women navigate within this male-dominated field. 

You’ll hear about the pressing need for personal protective equipment tailored to women in the construction industry and the creative solutions being implemented. We discuss the impact of new OSHA regulations on PPE fit and how they are shaping a safer and more comfortable work environment for women. From the idea of a helmet designed with a ponytail slot to the broader issues of job site attire and childcare availability, we tackle the nuances that make a significant difference in the daily lives of women in construction. This episode is an eye-opener on the challenges women face, the growth opportunities that NAWIC provides, and how each of us can contribute to advancing women in this dynamic industry.

Joelle Salerno is the Assistant Executive Director for Chapter Innovation & Legislative Policy at Western Pennsylvania NECA chapter, as well as current vice president for the NAWIC Pittsburgh, PA Chapter.

Danielle Harshman is Executive Director at Ironworker Employers Association of Western Pennsylvania, and a Board Member at NAWIC Pitttsburgh, PA Chapter, showcasing her commitment to community impact.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

 

Discussion points:

  • New songs stuck in head - it’s all Taylor Swift
  • Insights from Joelle Salerno on diversity and workforce development
  • Danielle Harshman shares labor and management perspectives
  • Discussion on NAWIC's role in supporting women in construction
  • Highlighting the need for gender-specific personal protective equipment
  • An upcoming PPE women’s fashion show!
  • Addressing practical job site challenges for women
  • NAWIC initiatives like Women in Construction Week and Camp NAWIC
  • Encouraging involvement in local NAWIC chapters for support
  • Celebrating women's strength and resilience in building industries

 

Resources:

NAWIC

NAWIC Pittsburgh

Joelle Salerno LinkedIn

TAUC Construction Leadership Conference May 2024

Kirk Westwood TAUC

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood LinkedIn

The Construction User Magazine back issues

Milwaukee Tool

]]> 00:28:25 <![CDATA[Quarterly Settlements Report with Carey Peters]]> Tue, 13 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/1660346 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/episode-25-quarterly-settlements-report-with-carey-peters In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Carey Peters, Executive Director of the CLRC (The Construction Labor Research Council). The CLRC provides comprehensive consulting and research services to national associations and their regional chapters, contractors, owners, unions, labor-management cooperatives, and others in the construction industry. Carey and Kirk discuss variables within the construction industry’s union labor costs, contracts, workforce demographics, and related information. CLRC’s work is objective, accurate, and credible.

Carey has extensive experience in a wide variety of research, consulting and data analysis projects. While enhancing CLRC’s existing products and services, he has developed numerous new products that convey unique perspectives on labor costs and workforce needs. This includes the Market Share, Union-Nonunion Wage & Fringe Benefits Comparison, Benchmark Analysis, and Contract Costing reports available from CLRC. Carey has also grown the CLRC settlements database from a few hundred contracts to over 1,500. Organizations are often interested in CLRC’s research, so Carey presents the results at numerous conferences and seminars each year.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

 

Discussion points:

  • New songs stuck in head - a Christmas classic
  • This issue of the report covers the end of 2023
  • How industry members use the report
  • Trends from 2023 - settlement sizes increasing at higher rates
  • Is there a political effect on these amounts?
  • Reporting differences in reports
  • Areas impacted in 2024 - High increases in Pacific Northwest and Southwest
  • Union strongholds in the Northeast were low
  • What’s the one big thing the average contractor or owner can use from the report?
  • Order the CLRC reports in the link below

 

Resources:

Carey Peters

]]> full false In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Carey Peters, Executive Director of the CLRC (The Construction Labor Research Council). The CLRC provides comprehensive consulting and research services to national associations and their regional chapters, contractors, owners, unions, labor-management cooperatives, and others in the construction industry. Carey and Kirk discuss variables within the construction industry’s union labor costs, contracts, workforce demographics, and related information. CLRC’s work is objective, accurate, and credible.

Carey has extensive experience in a wide variety of research, consulting and data analysis projects. While enhancing CLRC’s existing products and services, he has developed numerous new products that convey unique perspectives on labor costs and workforce needs. This includes the Market Share, Union-Nonunion Wage & Fringe Benefits Comparison, Benchmark Analysis, and Contract Costing reports available from CLRC. Carey has also grown the CLRC settlements database from a few hundred contracts to over 1,500. Organizations are often interested in CLRC’s research, so Carey presents the results at numerous conferences and seminars each year.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

 

Discussion points:

  • New songs stuck in head - a Christmas classic
  • This issue of the report covers the end of 2023
  • How industry members use the report
  • Trends from 2023 - settlement sizes increasing at higher rates
  • Is there a political effect on these amounts?
  • Reporting differences in reports
  • Areas impacted in 2024 - High increases in Pacific Northwest and Southwest
  • Union strongholds in the Northeast were low
  • What’s the one big thing the average contractor or owner can use from the report?
  • Order the CLRC reports in the link below

 

Resources:

Carey Peters

CLRC Reports

TAUC Construction Leadership Conference May 2024

Kirk Westwood TAUC

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood LinkedIn

The Construction User Magazine back issues

Milwaukee Tool

]]> 00:23:26 <![CDATA[Embracing AI - A conversation with Junaid Ahmed]]> Tue, 23 Jan 2024 13:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/1640473 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/episode-24-embracing-ai-a-conversation-with-junaid-ahmed Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the brick-and-mortar of the construction industry? Buckle up as we navigate through this dynamic transformation with Junaid Ahmed, a maven of video production and tech solutions. With a foundation firmly rooted in computer science and engineering, Junaid unveils his trailblazing strategies for streamlining workspaces, helping entrepreneurs and creators harness the immense power of AI. His tale is one of innovation, sharing how these digital experts on demand are reshaping tasks from user design to empowering budding entrepreneurs. And because we're not all work and no play, discover the catchy beat that recently hijacked Junaid's playlist, adding a human touch to our high-tech discourse.

Junaid Ahmed is a Tech Geek who loves helping people set up their Home Studios. He is also the host of the Hacks And Hobbies podcast where he invites like-minded entrepreneurs, speakers, writers, authors, actors, and producers and learns about their journey. The inspiration he got from Gary Vaynerchuk’s “Crush It! & Crushing It!” books led him to have 3 seasons of his podcast.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

 

Discussion points:

  • Songs stuck in our heads
  • Junaid Ahmed discusses AI in construction
  • AI's creative applications for workspaces explored
  • Music tastes and AI integration touched upon
  • OpenAI's beginner adoption for executives explained
  • Personalized AI usage for emails and tasks
  • AI's potential in government project dashboards revealed
  • AI's evolution and industry impact highlighted
  • Concerns of data quality and security addressed
  • AI's limitations and human expertise necessity discussed
  • Roadmap for AI integration and problem-solving shared

 

Resources:

Junaid Ahmed

Kirk Westwood TAUC

]]> full false Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the brick-and-mortar of the construction industry? Buckle up as we navigate through this dynamic transformation with Junaid Ahmed, a maven of video production and tech solutions. With a foundation firmly rooted in computer science and engineering, Junaid unveils his trailblazing strategies for streamlining workspaces, helping entrepreneurs and creators harness the immense power of AI. His tale is one of innovation, sharing how these digital experts on demand are reshaping tasks from user design to empowering budding entrepreneurs. And because we're not all work and no play, discover the catchy beat that recently hijacked Junaid's playlist, adding a human touch to our high-tech discourse.

Junaid Ahmed is a Tech Geek who loves helping people set up their Home Studios. He is also the host of the Hacks And Hobbies podcast where he invites like-minded entrepreneurs, speakers, writers, authors, actors, and producers and learns about their journey. The inspiration he got from Gary Vaynerchuk’s “Crush It! & Crushing It!” books led him to have 3 seasons of his podcast.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

 

Discussion points:

  • Songs stuck in our heads
  • Junaid Ahmed discusses AI in construction
  • AI's creative applications for workspaces explored
  • Music tastes and AI integration touched upon
  • OpenAI's beginner adoption for executives explained
  • Personalized AI usage for emails and tasks
  • AI's potential in government project dashboards revealed
  • AI's evolution and industry impact highlighted
  • Concerns of data quality and security addressed
  • AI's limitations and human expertise necessity discussed
  • Roadmap for AI integration and problem-solving shared

 

Resources:

Junaid Ahmed

Kirk Westwood TAUC

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood LinkedIn

The Construction User Magazine back issues

Milwaukee Tool

]]> 00:28:48 <![CDATA[Innovation and ConTech - a conversation with Brianne Stewart and Matt Hedke]]> Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/1620469 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/episode-23-innovation-and-contech-a-conversation-with-brianne-stewart-and-matt-hedke In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Brianne Stewart, Group Product Manager at Milwaukee Tool, and Matt Hedke, Director VDC Solutions at Barton Malow Company. The conversation covers the challenges and workarounds for connectivity at job sites, how the tech committee enables connections to industry people, companies, and resources, and what innovations the industry is working on for the future. 

Brianne Stewart is trusted industry voice and University of Iowa-trained mechanical engineer. She started her career in manufacturing as a process engineer at Procter & Gamble before shifting into new product development (NPD) at John Deere, working in diesel engines. As a trusted industry voice, she was featured on BuiltWorld’s coveted Adoption Leaders 50 List for the past two years (in 2022 and in 2021), has been profiled by the same organization, and recently spoke at their E&C tech adoption leaders forum.  

Matt Hedke, has been with Barton Marlow for 18 years, and serves as the Senior Virtual Design and Construction Manager. Matt is focused on how Barton Malow leverages technology to improve quality, safety, work flow efficiency and field productivity for all the trades Barton Malow self performs. (I.E. Civil earthwork, concrete, reinforcing steel, interiors, structural steel, boilermaker, Equipment setting). 

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  

 

Discussion points: 

  • Songs stuck in our heads 
  • How Brianne and Matt got connected with TAUC 
  • Connectivity and tech solutions to common industry pain points 
  • Job site creativity for wifi and cel service 
  • The Milwaukee Tool approach 
  • The tech committee and its benefits to accessing resources 
  • Collaboration and learning about others’ pain points 
  • Looking forward - what’s next? 
  • Data management and AI 
  • Strategies and processes for tech testing and scaling 

 

Resources: 

Brianne Stewart 

Matt Hedke LinkedIn 

Kirk Westwood TAUC 

TAUC Website 

]]> full false In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Brianne Stewart, Group Product Manager at Milwaukee Tool, and Matt Hedke, Director VDC Solutions at Barton Malow Company. The conversation covers the challenges and workarounds for connectivity at job sites, how the tech committee enables connections to industry people, companies, and resources, and what innovations the industry is working on for the future. 

Brianne Stewart is trusted industry voice and University of Iowa-trained mechanical engineer. She started her career in manufacturing as a process engineer at Procter & Gamble before shifting into new product development (NPD) at John Deere, working in diesel engines. As a trusted industry voice, she was featured on BuiltWorld’s coveted Adoption Leaders 50 List for the past two years (in 2022 and in 2021), has been profiled by the same organization, and recently spoke at their E&C tech adoption leaders forum.  

Matt Hedke, has been with Barton Marlow for 18 years, and serves as the Senior Virtual Design and Construction Manager. Matt is focused on how Barton Malow leverages technology to improve quality, safety, work flow efficiency and field productivity for all the trades Barton Malow self performs. (I.E. Civil earthwork, concrete, reinforcing steel, interiors, structural steel, boilermaker, Equipment setting). 

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  

 

Discussion points: 

  • Songs stuck in our heads 
  • How Brianne and Matt got connected with TAUC 
  • Connectivity and tech solutions to common industry pain points 
  • Job site creativity for wifi and cel service 
  • The Milwaukee Tool approach 
  • The tech committee and its benefits to accessing resources 
  • Collaboration and learning about others’ pain points 
  • Looking forward - what’s next? 
  • Data management and AI 
  • Strategies and processes for tech testing and scaling 

 

Resources: 

Brianne Stewart 

Matt Hedke LinkedIn 

Kirk Westwood TAUC 

TAUC Website 

Kirk Westwood LinkedIn 

The Construction User Magazine back issues 

Milwaukee Tool 

]]> 00:29:12 <![CDATA[Third Quarter Settlements Report with Carey Peters]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/1587347 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/episode-22-third-quarter-settlements-report-with-carey-peters In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Carey Peters, Executive Director of the CLRC (The Construction Labor Research Council). The CLRC provides comprehensive consulting and research services to national associations and their regional chapters, contractors, owners, unions, labor-management cooperatives, and others in the construction industry. Carey and Kirk discuss variables within the construction industry’s union labor costs, contracts, workforce demographics, and related information. CLRC’s work is objective, accurate, and credible.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

 

Discussion points:

  • Carey’s physical therapist daughter likes Taylor Swift
  • The 80,000 foot view of the Settlements Report
  • Reasons for the radical growth include inflation
  • Trends in settlements
  • Where the CLRC data comes from
  • The mode, stats and percentages, wage increases
  • Read the new CLRC report in the link below

 

Resources:

Carey Peters

Kirk Westwood TAUC

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood LinkedIn

The Construction User Magazine back issues

Milwaukee Tool

]]> full false In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Carey Peters, Executive Director of the CLRC (The Construction Labor Research Council). The CLRC provides comprehensive consulting and research services to national associations and their regional chapters, contractors, owners, unions, labor-management cooperatives, and others in the construction industry. Carey and Kirk discuss variables within the construction industry’s union labor costs, contracts, workforce demographics, and related information. CLRC’s work is objective, accurate, and credible.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

 

Discussion points:

  • Carey’s physical therapist daughter likes Taylor Swift
  • The 80,000 foot view of the Settlements Report
  • Reasons for the radical growth include inflation
  • Trends in settlements
  • Where the CLRC data comes from
  • The mode, stats and percentages, wage increases
  • Read the new CLRC report in the link below

 

Resources:

Carey Peters

Kirk Westwood TAUC

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood LinkedIn

The Construction User Magazine back issues

Milwaukee Tool

]]> 00:28:06 <![CDATA[Ransomware And How To Fight It: A conversation with Carole House]]> Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Kirk Westwood https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/50208/episode/1583154 https://the-construction-user.castos.com/episodes/ransomware-and-how-to-fight-it-a-conversation-with-carole-house In this episode, Carole House, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center, joins Kirk to discuss cybersecurity basics, the ways that cybercriminals target companies to extort, and some simple basic protections that you can implement to make your company less attractive.

Carole House previously served as the Director for Cybersecurity and Secure Digital Innovation at the White House National Security Council, and spent time at the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), where she led policy efforts on cybersecurity, virtual currency, and emerging technology. She is a former Army Captain, having served in chemical defense and military intelligence until November 2014. During her service, she undertook a deployment to Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, from 2012 to 2013 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. She is a respected figure in the fields of cybersecurity and technology policy.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

 

Discussion points:

  • The song - sea shantys from D & D
  • Carole’s background in government defense, the White House, Homeland Security
  • What is ransomware?
  • The disruption of ransomware and extortion relating to construction
  • Cybersecurity hygiene - what can be done
  • Basic precautions that should be in place
  • Which companies are ‘attractive’ targets for cybercriminals?
  • The lack of reporting of cybercrime and payouts
  • If you pay, you become a more attractive target
  • The Colonial Pipeline attack
  • What can your company do - the basics
  • These crimes are not going away

 

Resources:

Carole House Money 2020

Carole House Profile

]]> full false In this episode, Carole House, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center, joins Kirk to discuss cybersecurity basics, the ways that cybercriminals target companies to extort, and some simple basic protections that you can implement to make your company less attractive.

Carole House previously served as the Director for Cybersecurity and Secure Digital Innovation at the White House National Security Council, and spent time at the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), where she led policy efforts on cybersecurity, virtual currency, and emerging technology. She is a former Army Captain, having served in chemical defense and military intelligence until November 2014. During her service, she undertook a deployment to Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, from 2012 to 2013 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. She is a respected figure in the fields of cybersecurity and technology policy.

The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

 

Discussion points:

  • The song - sea shantys from D & D
  • Carole’s background in government defense, the White House, Homeland Security
  • What is ransomware?
  • The disruption of ransomware and extortion relating to construction
  • Cybersecurity hygiene - what can be done
  • Basic precautions that should be in place
  • Which companies are ‘attractive’ targets for cybercriminals?
  • The lack of reporting of cybercrime and payouts
  • If you pay, you become a more attractive target
  • The Colonial Pipeline attack
  • What can your company do - the basics
  • These crimes are not going away

 

Resources:

Carole House Money 2020

Carole House Profile

Carole House Crypto Article

Kirk Westwood TAUC

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood LinkedIn

The Construction User Magazine back issues

Milwaukee Tool

]]> 00:25:50