Building PA Podcast

Learn about BIM and its impact on 3D scanning and drafting along with the variety of projects that are impacted by this technology from John Brown and Tim Libman of DJM.  Not only does BIM improve accuracy within the design process, but ongoing building records, assessments, and renovation work can be enhanced or improved.  Additionally, Brown and Libman share the positive impact on pre-construction with the adoption of BIM.  Our guests share the benefits of the technology, such as strengthened engagement of sub-contractors, streamline of process flow, and how visual collaboration enhances the design process.

Listen as Bob Dresser shares guidelines for improving morale through job site culture, productivity expectations, site-wide purpose, and need of a project team.  Dresser emphasizes the need to communicate the purpose for the project team to improve productivity.

Learn how Dresser’s approach showcases the benefits of improved morale such as:

·       Staff retention, 

·       Quality improvements such as reject rates, and

·       Project-wide efficiencies

This episode is part of the Better Project Outcome Series brought to you by Strategic Executive Consulting, Inc.

Listen to George Stark and William DesRosiers of Cabot Oil and Gas talk of the trends within the oil and gas industry and the looming investments that will aid the construction industry in the coming years.  These investments include job and economic opportunities, increased diversification, and a Pennsylvania workforce that comes from within the state and not other states or regions.  The dynamic duo also discusses the impact Act 66 will have on both industries in an energetic conversation.

This episode is part of the Business Leadership Series brought to you by McQueen Building Company.  Listen as Brandon Mendoza of NAIOP Pittsburgh joins the Building PA Podcast to discuss his leadership style.  As the voice of the 400 + leaders in the commercial building community, Mendoza balances old-school approaches with young mindsets to achieve solid returns.  Among the discussion, he also discusses trends impacting the industry, how he sees the development and construction industry working together, and the benefit of an emerging digital presence to communicate among the various members.  

As an added bonus, listen to NAIOP's MIC DROP podcast on any podcast platform. 

Joel Berg of BizNewsPA joined our co-hosts to share insight from a journalistic perspective to grow the industry.  During the discussion, Berg talked about the benefits of interacting with the media, how contractors can use perceived bad situations as opportunities, and the impact the media can play on community interaction and company success.

In this episode, we go on location to the Steamfitters Technology Center in Harmony, PA, where we meet Steamfitters Local No. 449 Business Manager Ken Broadbent. During our visit, Ken discusses training, expanded certifications, and his vision for the future of the trade. He specifically shares his personal approach to success, which lies in self-determination and motivation to accomplish goals. The passion that Broadbent brings to the job after 20 plus years in various leadership roles with the Steamfitters is evident throughout our conversation. Ken reinforces the need for training and how his team of instructors are building the next generation of steamfitters throughout the region.

Gordon Denlinger of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) stops by to discuss the various resources available to the countless small businesses within our industry.  During the discussion, Denlinger shares the biggest challenges facing small business owners including state and federal budget issues, regulatory relief, and taxes.  More importantly, he provides tips on how the NFIB is helping small businesses to succeed and grow. 

Occupop is an HR platform that has been designed for in-house HR managers specifically for the construction industry.  The Dublin, Ireland-based company is planning to enter the US market and has created a platform that accesses candidates while helping managers oversee the application process more efficiently.  Listen as Ted Campbell shares more detail of the technology and the company’s plans to support the Pennsylvania construction industry.  Reach out to Ted at [email protected]. 

Join us as Desmone Architects President Eric Booth joins co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O’Brien to discuss the growing trend of WELL design. Booth tells our co-hosts that the goal of WELL design is to design buildings and spaces that positively impact our health. As the world returns to some post-pandemic normalcy, WELL design has tremendous interest and impacts on the education, health and multi-family communities. In addition, this design trend could present real benefits to HR operations as well as maintenance and facility management.

Case Technologies’ own Mark Deitrich joins the podcast to talk about how BIM represents a digital repository of project information that extends the life cycle of the project and ultimately the building.  He shares his thoughts regarding planning and integration of the technology on various construction projects as well.