Building PA Podcast

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin celebrate five years of podcasting while diving into a critical topic: opioid awareness and pain management in the context of surgery. They are joined by Brand Newland, the CEO and co-founder of Goldfinch Health, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on how to navigate the challenges associated with opioid prescriptions following surgery.

Brand begins by addressing the opioid crisis, emphasizing the need for a shift in how we approach pain management, particularly in surgical settings. He shares insights from his experience as a pharmacist and discusses the founding of Goldfinch Health in 2018, which aims to improve the surgical experience by advocating for better pain management practices that reduce reliance on opioids.

The conversation highlights the importance of multimodal pain management strategies, which include using non-opioid medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as innovative approaches such as the TLC method (Tylenol, Lyrica, and Celebrex) to manage pain effectively before and after surgery. Brand explains how these methods can lead to quicker recovery times and fewer complications, ultimately allowing patients to return to work sooner—an average of 35 days faster than national benchmarks.

Jon and Chris share their personal experiences with opioid prescriptions, illustrating the common issue of being prescribed excessive amounts of pain medication post-surgery. Brand reassures listeners that there are alternatives and encourages them to advocate for themselves and their loved ones when it comes to pain management.

The episode also touches on the financial implications of better pain management practices, with Brand discussing a recent study that shows a significant return on investment for employers who implement Goldfinch's programs. This is particularly relevant for those in the construction industry, where physical labor is a daily reality, and managing pain effectively can lead to improved productivity and overall well-being.

As the discussion progresses, Brand introduces the concept of enhanced recovery protocols and the importance of preparing for surgery in a way that minimizes pain and anxiety. He shares practical tips, such as staying hydrated and consuming clear liquids before surgery, which can help improve recovery outcomes.

Towards the end of the episode, Brand discusses Goldfinch's new initiative, the Billion Pill Fudge Program, aimed at reducing the number of leftover opioid pills after surgery. He emphasizes the importance of safe disposal methods to prevent accidental poisoning, particularly among children.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into a significant legal case that has captured the attention of the construction industry in Pennsylvania, the Clearfield County Jail case. Joined by legal expert Mike Pascoe from Ice Miller, the discussion centers around the implications of a legal doctrine known as "nullum tempus" and its potential application to the statute of repose in construction law.

The episode begins with Jon and Chris introducing Mike Pascoe, who provides a brief overview of his background in construction litigation. Mike explains that the Clearfield County case involves a renovation of a jail built 40 years ago, during which it was discovered that critical structural elements were missing. The county is now facing an estimated $4 million in costs to rectify these issues. Traditionally, contractors and design professionals would not be held liable for problems arising after such a long period, but the county is arguing that the nullum tempus doctrine should allow them to pursue legal action indefinitely.

As the conversation unfolds, Mike elaborates on the differences between the statute of limitations and the statute of repose, emphasizing that the latter provides a definitive end date for legal claims. The Clearfield County case is significant because it challenges the long-standing understanding of these legal principles, potentially allowing public entities to sue contractors and designers long after the completion of a project.

Jon and Chris express their concerns about the ramifications of this case for the construction industry, particularly regarding the burden it could place on contractors who may be held liable for work completed decades ago. They discuss the practical implications of maintaining extensive documentation for projects that could be scrutinized many years later, highlighting the challenges of record-keeping in an industry where practices have evolved significantly over the decades.

The episode also touches on the financial implications of storing project data over long periods, with Mike providing eye-opening statistics on the costs associated with data management. The discussion underscores the importance of finality in construction contracts and the potential chaos that could ensue if public entities are allowed to pursue claims indefinitely.

As the episode wraps up, Mike shares insights into the current status of the case, including the timeline for briefs and the potential for oral arguments before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The co-hosts express their commitment to keeping their audience informed about the developments in this case, recognizing its far-reaching impact on the construction industry.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into an often-overlooked aspect of the construction industry: physical health. Joined by nurse practitioner and founder of Construction Care Solutions, Linde Collingwood, the conversation explores the unique health challenges faced by blue-collar workers, particularly in the construction sector.

Linde shares her extensive experience working on-site with pipeline construction crews, where she provided on-the-job medical care and developed a strong rapport with the workers. With a staggering 88% of her patients presenting with high blood pressure, she emphasizes the importance of addressing physical health alongside mental health, a topic that has been a focus of the podcast in the past.

The discussion highlights the cultural barriers that prevent workers from seeking medical care, including the stigma around self-care and the fear of job loss. Linde advocates for a shift in mindset, encouraging workers to prioritize their health without feeling weak.

Listeners will gain insights into the innovative telehealth services Linde offers, making healthcare accessible for those who often feel invisible in the system. This episode is a call to action for both workers and employers to recognize the importance of physical well-being in maintaining a healthy workforce.

Tune in to learn more about how Linde is making a difference in the lives of construction workers and how you can support this vital aspect of the industry.

In this exciting episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Brent Darnell, a renowned keynote speaker in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As we celebrate the unique appearance of a Lego R2-D2 in the background, we dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the importance of emotional intelligence and people skills in the construction sector.

Brent shares his extensive experience of over 25 years, emphasizing the shift in the industry towards recognizing the value of mental, physical, and emotional performance. He highlights how collaborative project delivery methods are becoming essential for success, moving away from traditional hard-bid approaches. The conversation touches on the critical role of communication and relationships in project outcomes, with Brent explaining that most project issues stem from people, not processes.

We explore the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and the necessity of human connection in the workplace. Brent discusses how isolation during the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges and stresses the need for ongoing efforts to foster relationships among team members. He advocates for a cultural shift in the industry, where empathy and communication are prioritized to improve project success and overall well-being.

As the episode comes to a close, Brent shares valuable insights into his coaching methodologies, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and accountability in building emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills—far beyond one-time training sessions. He also offers listeners free resources, including emotional intelligence tests and nutrition surveys available on his website, encouraging proactive steps toward personal growth and well-being. Those resources can be found here: https://www.brentdarnell.com/leadership-program

Join us for this enlightening conversation that not only sheds light on the evolving landscape of the construction industry but also inspires us to prioritize human connection and emotional intelligence in our professional lives.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien delve into a significant topic affecting the construction industry in Pennsylvania: the Separations Act. With a history spanning over a century, the Separations Act mandates that public construction projects at the state and local levels must hire at least four separate prime contractors—specifically for general trades, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.

Jon, who has extensive knowledge of the Act, explains its origins, enacted on May 1, 1913, in response to rampant corruption in public contracting, particularly highlighted by the over-budget Pennsylvania State Capitol project. The discussion touches on the historical context of the Act, including early efforts to repeal it and the political dynamics surrounding it, with both major political parties having attempted to modernize or repeal the law over the years.

The hosts explore the implications of the Separations Act on modern construction practices, noting that while it was perhaps necessary in its time, the construction landscape has evolved significantly. They discuss how the requirement for multiple prime contractors can hinder collaboration and efficiency in project delivery, contrasting it with more modern methods like design-build and construction management at risk.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Jon emphasize that they are not taking a political stance on the issue but rather aim to educate listeners about the Act's history and its current relevance. They highlight the need for increased awareness and education among legislators and industry professionals, particularly younger project managers who may not be familiar with the Act.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien welcome Pennsylvania State House Majority Leader Matt Bradford for an engaging discussion on leadership within the context of a divided government.

Matt shares his background, growing up in Chester County and his journey through law school at Villanova, where he also met his wife. He reflects on his political career, having been elected to the legislature in 2008 and serving in various capacities, including as the chair of the appropriations committee and now as majority leader with a slim one-seat majority.

The conversation delves into the challenges of leading a caucus in a hyper-partisan environment, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, compromise, and candid communication. Matt highlights the need for legislators to set aside personal ideologies to effectively govern and get things done for the people of Pennsylvania. He draws parallels between politics and sports, discussing the necessity of making adjustments and being pragmatic while maintaining a clear vision.

Throughout the episode, Matt also shares his admiration for notable coaches like Jay Wright and Charlie Manuel, emphasizing the value of having a strong team and the role of candor in leadership. The hosts appreciate his insights and the candid nature of the discussion, which underscores the importance of honest communication in navigating the complexities of governance.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Michelle Tarquino from the Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO) to discuss the initiatives aimed at making Pennsylvania a more business-friendly state. Michelle, who serves as the transportation coordinator, shares insights into the challenges businesses face, particularly regarding the permitting process.

The conversation highlights the creation of the OTO under Governor Shapiro's administration, which aims to streamline processes and improve transparency in permitting. Michelle discusses the PA Payback Program, designed to address delays in permit approvals, and the importance of feedback from businesses to enhance operations.

Listeners learn about the PA Fast Track Program, which facilitates collaboration between various agencies to expedite project approvals, ensuring that developers and municipalities can navigate the permitting landscape more efficiently. Michelle emphasizes the need for businesses to voice their concerns and engage with the OTO to foster a more supportive environment.

Throughout the episode, the hosts and Michelle explore the significance of transparency, communication, and collaboration in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. The discussion underscores the OTO's commitment to breaking down silos within government agencies to better serve the business community in Pennsylvania.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Tom Scott, the Director of Safety at McClure Company, to discuss the critical topic of safety culture within the construction industry. The episode marks the fifth season of the podcast, which has a strong focus on safety, and highlights the importance of fostering a safety-first environment on job sites.

Jon kicks off the conversation by acknowledging the significant changes the construction industry faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of safety professionals like Tom in developing effective safety protocols. Tom shares his extensive experience in the field, having been with McClure Company for over 20 years, and expresses gratitude for the company's commitment to safety, which has allowed him to thrive in his role.

The discussion delves into the challenges of establishing a safety culture, particularly the necessity of support from upper management. Tom recounts a past experience where he faced resistance to safety initiatives, illustrating the importance of having a leadership team that values safety as a core component of the business. He emphasizes that a successful safety culture requires time, effort, and a collective commitment from all levels of the organization.

Listeners learn about McClure's unique approach to safety training, which includes requiring all new employees, regardless of their role, to complete OSHA 10-hour training. This initiative not only provides a foundational understanding of safety but also fosters open communication and camaraderie among employees.

As the conversation progresses, Tom highlights the positive changes he has observed in the industry, such as the increasing presence of site safety professionals on job sites. He notes that collaboration among safety personnel from different trades enhances the overall safety culture and helps prevent accidents, which can halt productivity and impact morale.

The episode also touches on the evolving mindset of younger workers entering the industry, who are more safety-conscious and willing to engage in conversations about their well-being. Tom discusses the implementation of stop work policies, empowering workers to pause operations if they feel unsafe, which contributes to a culture of safety and accountability.

While wrapping up the episode, Jon and Chris reflect on the key takeaways, emphasizing the dual approach of top-down support and bottom-up involvement in creating a robust safety culture. Tom's insights provide valuable lessons for industry professionals looking to enhance safety practices within their organizations.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin delve into the Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) scholarship program, now in its fourth year. Jon, representing the KCA, discusses the unique structure of the scholarship, which offers recurring financial support for up to four years to Pennsylvania residents pursuing construction-related degrees at Pennsylvania colleges. This year, the KCA is committed to awarding $40,000 in scholarships, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with scholarship recipients.

The conversation highlights the program's growth, with applicants from 15 different colleges, including new institutions like Thaddeus Stevens College and Shippensburg University. Jon shares insights on how the KCA connects students with industry professionals, providing valuable networking opportunities even for those who do not win the scholarship.

Additionally, the episode announces the exciting launch of a KCA student chapter at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport. This initiative aims to further engage students with the construction industry by facilitating monthly events featuring various companies and professionals.

Listeners are encouraged to reach out to Jon through the KCA website for more information or to get involved. The episode concludes with a call to action for future collaborations and the potential for on-campus podcast recordings, showcasing the vibrant connection between education and the construction industry in Pennsylvania.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin discuss the upcoming BD Boot Camp, an exciting initiative by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Scheduled for April 8, 2025, during the AGC convention in Columbus, Ohio, the boot camp aims to enhance business development skills within the construction industry.

Chris, who will be the chair of the AGC's business development committee, shares insights about the event, highlighting various topics and speakers. Notable presentations will include Tanya Bird from Gilbane discussing the development of a go/no-go process, Angela Crawford from the Builders Association in Kansas City on creating a marketing budget, and Glenn Thompson and Omar Valez on pursuit management and lead generation. Additionally, Chris will present on developing a compelling value proposition to help companies stand out in a competitive market.

The episode emphasizes the diverse perspectives attendees will gain from experts across the country, making it a valuable opportunity for professionals in the construction industry. With already 45 to 50 registrants, the boot camp is poised to make a significant impact. Chris expresses enthusiasm for the event and the potential for future collaborations, while John encourages listeners to register and participate.