Building PA Podcast

Universities are facing various challenges and design is one resource that is being relied on to meet the competitive demands.  Join Jon and Chris as they speak with Sean Sheffler of LGA Partners to learn more about the college and university's future design needs.  In this episode, Sheffler shares how architecture and design can help improve living spaces, learning environments, and the overall campus design.  One trend we discuss is adaptive reuse and how technology is impacting the student needs.  During the conversation, Sheffler shared that, “colleges are learning to do more with what they have making adaptive reuse a continuing trend.”  Join us to learn more about future design trends on college campuses. 

DRONES!  In this episode, Seth Zora of aerdia, a veteran-owned drone service provider shares with Jon and Chris the challenges of starting a business and how aerdia has grown to meet the drone needs of the construction industry.

Listen as Becker joins Jon and Chris to share information on Remote Assist, a technology that Haller Enterprises is using to improve their customers' lives.  The technology - a direct video connection via a customers' device - creates opportunities to save time and improve safety while addressing issues created in both residential and commercial settings.

Emily Lowe of Alexander Construction Group joins the Building PA Podcast.  Our co-hosts set out on a road trip of sorts and visit the job site of the Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center in Enola, PA as guests of Alexander.  During this episode, Emily discusses how vital communications is in the Lean Construction concept; the principles behind the approach; and the impact of the process on the job site.

Learn more about Coatings Pro Magazine from Editor in chief Stephanie Chizik.  Chizik joins Jon and Chris to discuss how the publication aids the coatings industry, shares trends, the impact of COVID on the supply chain, and the environmental impact on those working in the industry (Silica and Berelium).  She also shares the broad impact of the coatings industry and the benefit of working in this segment of construction.

Listen to past episodes and more at BuildingPAPodcast.com and follow the podcast on Facebook and LinkedIn.

This episode is brought to you by PJ Dick, a full-service general contractor with design/build, construction management, and consulting services across the Mid-Atlantic region.

State Representative Greg Rothman stopped by the Quandel Studios to discuss the future of the City of Harrisburg school district and the potential impact receivership may have on the city and the state related to workforce development and education.

Listen to past episodes and more at BuildingPAPodcast.com and follow the podcast on Facebook and LinkedIn.

This episode is brought to you by PJ Dick, a full-service general contractor with design/build, construction management, and consulting services across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Listen as Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin share their favorite moments and topics from the first season of the Building PA Podcast.  Topics reviewed include:

• Season One successes - we don't use scripts
• Crisis communications
• Successful tips for growing your business
• Continuing education in construction
• Co-location trend across the state
• And so much more ... 

Listen to past episodes and more at BuildingPAPodcast.com and follow the podcast on Facebook and LinkedIn.

This episode is brought to you by PJ Dick, a full-service general contractor with design/build, construction management, and consulting services across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Kate Jackson of Serrano Search, discusses with Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin the changes in the labor relations market and the professionals who work as Labor Relations Managers and Directors.

Listen as Jackson shares input on trends in the labor relations market, how the industry has rebounded from COVID-19 and what companies seek when looking for a labor relations manager.  

A takeaway from the discussion is the industry is facing a labor relations shortage in the coming years and Jackson encourages young professionals to consider labor relations as a career option.  Jackson said, "most young professionals are focusing on the human resources side of the industry, but specializing in labor relations presents the opportunity to build a long career in an industry that is very rewarding." 

Listen as Noble ‘Bud’ Quandel shares insight into growing a construction business.  Bud shares his thoughts related to diversification and experience from his time at the helm of Quandel Construction.  Co-hosts Jon O’Brien and Chris Martin dive into what Bud looks for in employees, retention of team members and how to build a team in this industry.  To stand out in the industry, Bud says:

• Take a longer view of training
• Know where you are going
• Combine intelligence with experience
• Educate yourself while you live the job

 “It pays to be a learning organization.  Learn from mistakes and learn from adapting to the industry and the world,” said Bud Quandel when speaking with Jon and Chris of the importance of growing a business.  Quandel also shares his experience with Vistage, a CEO peer-to-peer group that serves as a resource for leadership and self-improvement.

Co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin speak with Kerry Zettlemoyer, business manager of the Ironworkers Local No. 404 in Harrisburg, PA.  Kerry shares insights into the 17 building trades groups throughout the Commonwealth and the structure of the Ironworkers.

In this episode, Zettlemoyer talks about the changes that have been implemented to improve the apprenticeship program, how the local has restructured and how safety has changed the industry.  Zettlemoyer shared, "when I got in if you were over 30 you didn't stand a chance, but now, we are seeing older apprentices come in and are doing very well," when asked about the ages of apprentices in the Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program.

Listen as Zettlemoyer shares advice for joining the industry and the trades and the training program that ensures ironworkers are ready to erect steel across the state.