Building PA Podcast

The Building PA podcast celebrates women in construction. In this episode, listen in as Roxanne Harpster, Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, and Meghan White, Plumbers Local 520, share the best aspects of their jobs, what it takes be successful, and what the future holds within the construction industry. Harpster and White, who recently worked for McClure Company on the Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center project, also discuss the need for more women in construction and how they have come to embrace their careers. 

Listen as Andrew Conley, project superintendent with Alexander Building discusses the impact prefabrication has on project success. Although the trend is not new, implementing the approach created efficiencies along with improved productivity that went beyond project expectations. Conley shares the process and impact of off-site fabrication of bathroom pods on a new construction project. Positive impacts on the project included labor hour reduction and improved fabrication staff management. Conley also discusses the co-location aspect and impact of lean principles have on the project. 

To celebrate Engineers Week, Michael Cherock of AE Works joins the Building PA Podcast to talk about the professional services component of the construction industry.  AE Works is a 45-person firm with 3 offices and Cherock discusses how the company has embraced technology to review drawings and documents, the advantages of virtual work, how vital collaboration is for productivity, and the many expectations on professional services within the industry.  He also spends time talking about the role of real estate in the industry and the need to re-evaluate or re-imagine the physical building stockpile among cities and towns.

Listen as co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O’Brien discuss construction marketing.  Martin shares his insight on why contractors and others in the construction industry need to begin adapting their marketing messages.  He shares why safe, on time, and under budget is the WRONG message and how these ‘traditional marketing pillars’ continue to cause damage to the industry and businesses.  Martin offers alternatives to these marketing pillars why shedding light on the need to develop your company’s story to help future customers make the decision to hire those within the industry.

Gene Barr, president of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry joins us to discuss leading in challenging times.  Barr shares insight on addressing business challenges, balancing work and life, and ramifications that COVID will have on the business community and construction industry.   This episode is part of the Business Leadership Series brought to you by McQueen Building Company.

Tom Williams of Reager & Adler stops by to talk with us about contract resolution.  During the discussion, Williams shares the various methods of resolution along with specific negotiation provisions that construction contracts should include.

LISTEN IN as PA Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R), PA 35th District provides welcoming comments. As Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Langerholc has great insight into the upcoming transportation construction season. 

Legislative Insiders Provide Insights to the 2021/22 PA General Assembly Session

 If you're wondering what may happen in Harrisburg during this upcoming legislative session, then download this exciting episode. Listen to respected capital insiders as they share their opinions on the upcoming legislative session. 

This event features Stephen Caruso of PA Capital-Star, Alex Halper of PA Chamber of Business & Industry, Jan Murphy of PennLive/ Patriot-News, John Wanner of Wanner Associates, and moderated by Jon O'Brien of KCA.

The Building PA Podcast is on the road today visiting the Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center job site.  Steve Lee and Dan Flickinger join us to talk about Lean Construction approaches and the benefit of co-location.  Dan provides background on the project and how the medical facility came out of the ground.  Steve shares the impact that Lean Construction principles have helped bring this project to market quickly.

Listen as Zac Wolpert of Providence Engineering shares his take on the business development aspects of the industry.  Wolpert discusses not only the importance of the role, but the differences between contractors, engineers, and architects may face when pursuing business growth opportunities.  Our conversation focuses on research and a diligent focus on the potential customers and he shares additional skills needed for success. 

Listen to the passion and deliberate efforts Geoff McQueen applies to his company. His passion focuses on culture and how he gives trust to his employees and customers for a problem-free experience.   This episode is part of the Business Leadership Series brought to you by McQueen Building Company.