Building Newfoundland & Labrador Podcast

With a passion for the industry and what's to come, CCA Board Chair and General Contractor for RCS Construction, Brendan Nobes discusses the importance of inclusion, and how the industry must act to attract new recruits of all backgrounds to become a part of a more diverse and capable construction industry.

As Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality and MHA for the district of Harbour Grace - Port de Grave, Minister Pam Parsons discusses her experience at our Women In Construction Forum and how we can continue to support and empower both women and minorities to pursue careers in our construction industry to create a more diverse and inclusive team for the future.

With a background in financial services and technology, Minister Stoodley finds herself embarking on new ground in multiple roles as the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. 

Listen as Minister Stoodley talks about the incredible work ethic of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and how our grit and ingenuity help lead us to success in each and every project we take on. 

Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry Energy & Technology joins us to discuss all of the exciting renewable energy initiatives taking place in our province, and how Newfoundland and Labrador is at the forefront of opportunity as our world shifts focus towards renewable energy production. 

With a population as skilled and determined as ours, Minister Parsons offers some encouraging sentiments as he details how the future of energy in Newfoundland and Labrador will unfold, and how prosperous it will be for us all. 

Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation & Infrastructure, and Minister Responsible for the Public Procurement Agency joins us to discuss his journey from a childhood in Fortune Bay, Newfoundland, to a career today as a Minister with the provincial government.

With a current focus on supporting the efforts of Hurricane Fiona relief, as well as a number of other exciting projects, Minister Loveless discusses the importance of relationships in the industry, and how collaboration is the key to making great things happen.

Check out the recent message from NLCA's Board Chair Patrick Lafreniere! #advocacy #members #Growth 

In episode 4 of the Building Newfoundland & Labrador podcast, we continue our conversations with a new lineup of industry professionals.

Valerie Penney is a Project Manager at RCS Construction with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to share with the next generation. Taking pride in the projects she works on, Valerie sheds light on the challenging, yet rewarding opportunities that the construction industry has to offer. In an industry of constant change, Valerie discusses the attraction of working in a world of possibilities while encouraging other females to follow in her footsteps.

Past Chair at the NLCA, Ed LeGrow is a seasoned professional with wise words for those entering the industry. Providing insight on the value of hard work, trust, reliability, and more, our conversation with Ed is one of detailed experience and inspirational fortitude. 

Derek Brown is a Project Manager at The Cahill Group who loves mentoring as much as he loves learning. With a passion for his career, Derek serves as an incredible source of knowledge and education for the younger generation. Our conversation with Derek is enough to inspire anyone to pursue construction, but don't take it from us, listen to Derek! 

Carol Molloy of JSM Electrical Ltd. is a prime example of a powerful woman in the construction industry who conquered every obstacle in her path. Working hard, getting engaged, and looking for role models are her key pillars for success. As she encourages the next generation, Carol sheds light on the importance of diversity and the opportunity for young women to enter into an industry that is dedicated to providing guidance, mentorship, and support for all. 

In Episode 3 of the Building Newfoundland & Labrador podcast, we continue our conversations with a new lineup of industry professionals.

With over 23 years of experience at Macro Group Ltd., Cheif Operating Officer Rod Ackerman is a seasoned professional in the industry. Starting his career by moving to the west coast of Canada, Rod credits mentorship for helping facilitate his understanding of the general contracting world. With opportunities at his fingertips, Rod decided to move back to NL and help the industry become a better place for the next generation entering it.

President at Hampton Building Systems Inc., Gina Tapper shares her story of success that is rooted in passion, perseverance, and collaboration. Without an entrepreneurial upbringing, Gina managed to navigate the industry to realize her potential in technology that would lead her to co-found her own business. Crediting her mentors as well as her own self-confidence, Gina insists that there are endless opportunities for anyone in the construction industry, and you never know where you might end up.

Max Day is a Site Engineer at CAN-AM Platforms & Construction Ltd. who firmly believes in the power of perseverance. Facing the challenges of higher education, Max leaned on his colleagues for guidance and support to help each other succeed. Now as an experienced professional in the industry, Max takes pride in helping the younger generation achieve their goals and find success in their own roles.

Project Manager & Estimator at Jenco Electrical Contractors, Craig Drover is a prime example of the success that can be found when you avail of teamwork and mentorship throughout your career. Craig sheds light on the opportunity in the industry for employment as well as advancement while reaffirming the importance of teamwork in the industry and collaboration that allows everyone to thrive.

In Episode 2 of the Building Newfoundland & Labrador podcast, we continue our conversations with a new lineup of the best in the business.

With proficiencies in both project management and field engineering, David Cahill has garnered an extensive amount of experience in his time in the construction industry. Now as Senior Vice President of Operations at The Cahill Group, David sheds light on a number of topics including the importance of collaboration in commercial construction and how the NLCA plays a key role in facilitating it.

As a partner of Cox & Palmer, current NLCA board member Richard Gosse brings his legal expertise to the world of construction. Crediting his success to his authentic approach, Richard discusses the importance of a genuine attitude as you move through your career and discover what it is you love to do.

With almost 30 years of experience in the industry, Holly Hicks, Director of Special Projects at Vigilant Atlantic, discusses her involvement in helping the younger generation in construction. Holly also currently serves as the Education and Committee Training Chair at the NLCA, making her a key mentor for anyone looking to explore the construction industry who is eager to help those who are interested.

What started as a simple curiosity for how things were made, Matthew Mallam has now spent the last five years of his career in a leadership role as Project Manager with Olympic Construction Limited. Understanding the importance of guidance and mentorship, Matthew discusses the desire that members of the construction industry have to help others succeed, and how that helped him get to where he is today.

In Episode 1 of the Building Newfoundland & Labrador podcast, we kick it off with conversations from some of the best in the business.

With a passion for guidance and mentorship for the younger generation, our Board Chair Sandy Murphy provides encouraging insights into a career in construction and what it can do for you. With the ever-changing day-to-day operations and the people you meet along the way, Sandy is a voice of inspiration for youth looking for a field of work that is full of engaging, fulfilling opportunities.

Shedding light on innovation and the future of technology in the industry, Sourabh Dhawan talks about his experiences in the field and what the younger generation can expect to see. With Canada being one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the world, Sourabh makes sure to share his excitement for the future and all that it has to offer.

Mentorship and guidance are a virtue in the eyes of Vice-Chair Patrick Lafreniere. As he details his own experiences throughout his career, he makes sure to touch on all of the help he received along the way while encouraging those who are new to the industry to not be afraid of asking for it too.

Our strong-willed trailblazer, Central Director Candace Dominix shares her inspiring story of perseverance and self-confidence. With no association to the construction industry, she entered a field of work completely new to her and made a name for herself. Showcasing the importance of mentorship as well as availing of opportunities, she serves as a role model for anyone looking to embark into new territory like the construction industry.