In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin share a recording from their field trip to Sicklerville, New Jersey, to explore the training initiatives in the carpentry industry.  Chris and Jon are joined by Phil Diaz, the training director for the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters located in New Jersey. Diaz shares insights into the leadership's foresight, the recently acquired GWO certification, and the diverse training programs available, including...

In today’s installment of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin continue their fascinating field trip to the Eastern Atlantic State's Regional Council of Carpenters Dive School in Sicklerville, New Jersey. Positioned on a serene lake, the hosts are joined by Dave Iannucci, the Special Projects Coordinator for the EAS Carpenters. They delve into the school's unique offerings and recent certifications, exploring its evolution from the Philadelphia Carpenters JAC and the...

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien take a field trip to Novinger's in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They are joined by Steve Powers, the Vice President of Sales at Novinger's, who is hailed as the cleanup hitter and the go-to person for all things related to panel construction and exterior panels. Steve shares insights into the evolution of prefabrication, from a curious construction method to a financial necessity driving project efficiency. The...

In this podcast episode, Brian Skripac, the Director for Virtual Design and Construction with the Design Build Institute of America, shares insights into the evolving landscape of construction technology.   Having transitioned from architecture to the realm of BIM leadership, Skripac discusses the excitement of leveraging new technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency in construction. He emphasizes the need for professionals in the industry, from contractors to architects and...

Dive into the depths of underwater construction with the latest Building PA Podcast episode in our field trip series featuring guest Don Gibbons, a Commercial Dive Instructor at the EAS Commercial Dive School.   Explore the unique skillset of commercial divers who undertake tasks like underwater inspections, and learn about the extensive training and education opportunities at the EAS Commercial Dive School in Sicklerville, NJ. From offshore wind farm maintenance to high-risk environments,...

In the latest installment of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin conclude their field trip series with a visit to Novinger's in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Accompanied by Jim Novinger, the owner of Novinger's, the hosts delve into the company's evolution and extensive expertise in panelization dating back to the 1920s. Jim shares captivating insights into Novinger's history, emphasizing its shift to panelization in the 1970s and its unwavering commitment to quality...

Join Chris and Jon as they welcome 2024 with a reflection of the past year. Our co-hosts discuss the impact Building PA Podcast has had within the PA construction community and beyond, and also touch on their favorite interviews of the year. No lookback would be complete without also looking ahead at the future, so listeners can expect to hear about plans for the upcoming year as well.    Thank you for another exciting year at Building PA Podcast and stay tuned for even more in 2024. Listen...

In this episode of Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin embark on a field trip to Novinger’s in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – a leading specialty contractor specializing in unitized exterior wall panels, fireproofing, structural framing, drywall installation, and ceiling work – to delve into the world of prefabrication.  A lively discussion unfolds as they explore Novinger’s' shop, joined by Dan Myers, Project Manager from Alexander Building Construction Company. This...

In the latest episode of Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin bring the audience to Sicklerville, New Jersey, to explore the fascinating setting of the Carpenters Dive School.  As they share insights from this unique location, including humorous moments and unexpected turns, they're joined by Ollie Olsen, the council rep for the Pile Drivers, Divers, and Dock Workers for the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters. The episode offers a firsthand look into the innovative...

In the latest episode of Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien set the stage for an engaging discussion on how to strengthen sales. This week we introduce an exciting guest, Steve Heroux, Founder and CEO of The Sales Collective, offering a sneak peek into Steve's unconventional journey from a guy in Boston with a unique upbringing to becoming the number one seller of Cutco knives in the country.  Tune in for a captivating conversation about sales, the sales revolution,...

In this Building PA Podcast episode, Chris and Jon interview Lorenzo Tabb, owner of Tabb Construction LLC in Reading, PA.  Lorenzo shares insights from his fourth-year apprenticeship with the Carpenters Union, details his shift to commercial contracts, and discusses managing large projects like the State Police Barracks in Hershey. The episode covers Lorenzo's experiences, the importance of certifications, and the challenges of being a business owner in the evolving construction industry....

Bridget Austin, a junior studying Civil Engineering at Penn State University shares her summer internship experience at Mascaro Construction.  Austin talks about her positive journey this summer and some of the challenges she faced that naturally come along with being a newcomer to construction. Like learning industry-specific terminology and software programs. She also highlights the importance of communication and person-to-person contact in her role. Bridget discusses her positive...

Lorenzo Tabb from Reading, PA, and owner of Tabb Construction, joins us on the podcast to discuss his journey as a fourth-year apprentice with the Carpenters Union and his transition into commercial contracting.  Tabb shared his experiences, challenges, and the certifications his company holds, such as EDWOSB (federal) and minority business certifications.  He emphasized he is currently focused on interior systems projects, including framing, drywall,  doors, and hardware.  Tabb also...

What makes your insurance broker invaluable? One that knows the construction safety side and the insurance risk side and uses that knowledge to find solutions for construction clients. We sat down with the Director of Construction Risk Partners, Joe Poliafico, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in construction risk management. Joe shares insights into his journey from the contractor side of the construction business to his current role at Construction Risk Partners (CRP)....

This podcast highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues, especially in the construction industry. The conversation with Marko Kaar, director of safety operations at BBE Incorporated, emphasized the need for open communication, resources, and support. Kaar touches on the nationwide prevalence of mental health challenges in the industry and encourages people to seek help through the 988 helpline.  Kaar shared his personal journey of recovery from alcoholism and early...

To further acknowledge Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, we reached out to Chris Lalevee, a business agent affiliated with the Operating Engineers Local 825. In an exclusive one-on-one interview, Chris opened up about a period in his life when he faced significant challenges, including anxiety, depression, and resorting to self-medication as a means of coping. Lalevee recognized that at that time when he turned to his health plan for resources in psychiatry and for mental health...

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, we have a well-respected thought leader in the mental health and wellness space, Senior Director of the National Stigma Initiative at Shatterproof, Rachel Cooper. This episode its all about stigma and how it is one of the key drivers and main barriers to treatment and recovery.  The national nonprofit organization Shatterproof was founded over 10 years ago. The organization is focused and is grounded on three main components: Increasing access to...

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month,  The Building PA Podcast is sharing a powerful podcast replay with one of the construction industry's most notable individuals and advocates for mental health in construction, Mandi Kime, Safety Director for AGC of Washington. This podcast replay is worth sharing not only with those in the construction industry but also anyone in a stressful job or personal situation. Share your comments to let us know what you are doing to recognize...

On the road again... Co-hosts John O'Brien and Chris Martin took the show on the road. This time their field trip landed them at the Carpenter's Dive School in Sicklerville, NJ. After touring the facility they sat down with Tim Waring, the training coordinator at the Sicklerville Dive School. This school is the first UBC (United Brotherhood of Carpenters) dive center.  Waring explains that commercial diving involves tasks such as welding, burning, and piling underwater. It's like being an...

We invited co-founders Kristen Fallon and Jon Lattin to the Building PA Podcast to share more about Let's Build of Lehigh Valley. This unique hands-on experience for girls aged 12-18 opens up the world of AEC. The mission of Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls was founded with a goal to ignite the spark within girls to explore the built environment through architecture, engineering, construction, and building materials manufacturing (AECM) related careers. Listen and share this podcast...

The primary goal of the WELL Building Standard is to prioritize the health and well-being of occupants. By incorporating features that enhance indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, and ergonomic design, buildings can create environments that support physical and mental health, productivity, and overall comfort. This podcast replay with guest Chip Desmone, CEO of Desmone Architects is the epitome of WELL Building which is expressed through his business practices, WELL Gold Certified...

The Constructors of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP) and the Master Builder's Association of Western Pennsylvania (MBA) have partnered to bring a new mental health initiative to the construction industry in western PA called Yinz Good? Jason Koss, director of industry relations for the CAWP, and Bob McCall, director of safety for the MBA are the co-founders of this initiative in partnership with Youturn Health. Jason and Bob joined us on the podcast to discuss the importance of this campaign and...

In this episode, we tap into the mind of the Vice President of Innovation for Wohlsen Construction, Ed McCauley to discuss innovation in the construction industry. Our co-hosts explore the role of technology and IT in construction. McCauley shares his thoughts on virtual design in construction. McCauley explains how they use innovative tools and technologies to improve project management, coordination, and efficiency. Various innovations in the construction industry are highlighted,...

The Building PA Podcast recently had a sit-down interview with Paul Hoback, the Executive Vice President, and Chief Development Officer for the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Hoback is currently overseeing the Terminal Modernization Program for the Pittsburgh International Airport. During the podcast, Hoback made an important announcement for all contractors and sub-contractors. On Thursday, August 10, from 3 PM to 5 PM, at the Carpenters Union Hall in Collier Township, the Allegheny...

Give yourself the chance to be inspired by Retired Major General John Gronski by listening to this enlightening podcast replay. The question of whether there are natural-born leaders or if leadership skills can be learned is a topic of debate. However, the truth is that both perspectives hold truth. It is undeniable that some individuals possess inherent qualities that make them effective leaders from an early age. On the other hand, anyone can acquire and enhance leadership abilities...