BUILD America

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

In this episode, Kerry Smith sits down with Adam Stark, a Special Forces veteran and host of "The Veterans Who Build Show" - a podcast dedicated to sharing stories of veterans transitioning from military service to the construction industry.

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

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

In this episode of BUILD America, Kerry Smith Buck sits down with cybersecurity experts Wayne Shaw and Jered Bare to discuss crucial Department of Defense (DOD) cybersecurity requirements for contractors and subcontractors. The conversation covers essential topics including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Federal Contract Information (FCI), and the implementation of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

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

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

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

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

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