Build Me Up

Heather Hoffman, President of Commercial Drywall, joins this week's episode. In recognition of Construction Inclusion Week, we chat with Heather about her approach to a few of the week's designated topics: commitment and accountability, belonging, supplier diversity, and workplace culture. Heather details the events that led to the take-over of her father's subcontracting company and what she hopes to see for its future.

The Landmark by the Rivers project team joins this episode of "Build Me Up" to talk about the completed apartment and retail complex. The building, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016, provides downtown La Crosse with modern, luxurious living while maintaining its rich history. We chat with the team about the building's background, what to consider during historical renovation, and how they incorporated the past while building for the future.

Kyle Hanson, the recently-named Executive Director of Agate Housing and Services, as well as Michelle Perrin, the nonprofit's Director of Outreach and Shelter, join this week's episode of "Build Me Up"! They tell us about the organization's recent merger and name change (Fun fact: The Lake Superior agate is Minnesota's state gemstone!), dive further into the services and programs provided, and explain how businesses and individuals can volunteer or make donations.

Gail Shore, founder of Cultural Jambalaya, and this year's Cultural Jambalaya Diversity Award Winner, Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens, join Build Me Up!

Dr. Stephens discusses her racial equity and social justice efforts within the St. Louis Park school district, as well as her students' passion and commitment to building a fair and just society for all.

Gail explains Cultural Jambalaya's mission and tells us about the nonprofit's annual event. Learn more about the organization and buy tickets to the event HERE.

This episode, "Build Me Up" is joined by Alex Titterud, Bre Nava, and Josh Carr — a group of KA employees who turned their desire for connection, collaboration, and learning into a companywide initiative. We dive into Kraus-Anderson's Emerging Professionals group and discuss where the idea came from, how the group has evolved, and how it benefits the organization and its employees.

"Together, building a collaborative environment for KA's future leaders to invest in technical and professional development through education, community engagement, and networking opportunities."

BJ Jungmann, Terry Ritchie, Jason Rentmeester, and Quinn Hutson — individuals involved with the delivery of the beautiful Burnsville Fire Station — join "Build Me Up" to give listeners an inside look at the new building. We discuss the guiding principles that influenced the build, how the features play a role in the mental and physical health of the firefighters, and more. Make sure to visit the Kraus-Anderson podcast page on our website to see photos of the completed building.

After a short Fourth of July break, "Build Me Up" is back! Kraus-Anderson's Joe Baumann, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Melissa Wenzel, and buidling material reuse advocate Natalie Heneghan join the podcast to explain deconstruction. They highlight the benefits of the process, further explain some of its challenges, and give resources for those interested in implementing the process into their own lives. Additionally, they talk about how big-businesses, nonprofits, and government entities can work together to serve a common goal!

Rethos Resources: https://www.rethos.org/resources

Hearts and Hammers' Randi Prebil and Kraus-Anderson's Connor Hart join the "Build Me Up" podcast to discuss the wonderful organization that is Hearts and Hammers. We talk with the pair about how the nonprofit adds value to the communities in which we live, why people should volunteer, what to expect on program day, as well as Hearts and Hammers' short- and long-term goals.

We sit down with Korey Dean, founder of "The Man Up Club," an organization that's goal is to empower young, black men to make positive life choices and equip them with the tools to be successful post-high school. Joining Korey is Jaeveon Mottley, a member of "The Man Up Club" and recent barber school graduate.

Korey explains the meaning behind the name, the building blocks of the curriculum, and what he wants for the future of the organization, while Jaeveon shares insight into the benefit of the program and what it means to be a member of the Club.

GodFlow Festival: https://www.themanupclub.org/godflow.html

This episode, we're joined by Barry Davies, Barb Pecks, and Terry Coleman — individuals all involved in various ways with construction trade unions. The trio helps us debunk stereotypes and common misconceptions associated with trade unions in this myth-busters-esque episode.