Featured Guest - Ben Becker

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Becker, Area Manager at Sundt Construction, to explore what it takes to lead complex heavy civil construction projects across the country. Ben shares Sundt's rich history, the company's employee-owned culture, and how innovation—from AI to autonomous equipment—is shaping the future of construction.

The conversation dives into the value of self-performing work, managing project risk, and leading teams through communication, humility, and trust. Ben also reflects on lessons learned from landmark projects, including the Arlington Memorial Bridge, major highway design-builds, and construction in Alaska, offering practical insights into problem-solving, critical thinking, and schedule management.

Whether you're preparing for a career in construction management or looking to become a stronger leader, Ben's experiences highlight the importance of continuous learning, collaboration, integrity, and caring for the people who make every project possible.

In this episode of the BYU-Idaho Design, Construction Management, and Safety Podcast, Brett Riggs of Swain Electric shares his unique career journey—from changing majors at BYU-Idaho to working with large general contractors before transitioning to the electrical trade. Brett discusses how strong preconstruction planning, dependable partnerships, and a commitment to being the "easy button" for clients have helped Swain Electric build lasting relationships and earn opportunities on increasingly complex projects.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the evolving role of electrical contractors, the importance of continuous learning, and how asking questions can accelerate professional growth. Brett also reflects on lessons learned about leadership, work-life balance, and the value of giving others grace in a demanding industry. Whether you're a student preparing for a career in construction or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers practical advice on building technical expertise, developing strong relationships, and leading with integrity and purpose.

Guest, Dallas Maughan, shares his experience of choosing his career path, the influence of AI, construction's sustainability responsibilities, and insights to becoming a servant leader in our communities.

Dallas is an Idaho native who grew up in the farm fields of Southern Idaho.

He is a licensed professional engineer in several states and manages the construction management department for IMEG Consultants Corp in Idaho Falls, ID.

He has spent most of his career designing and overseeing the construction of industrial terminals.

Special Guest:

Jeff Stuart brings more than 30 years ofexperience to the insulation and building performance industry. He’s worked as a sales representative and as an owner/partner of two insulation companies, giving him a well‑rounded understanding of both the technical and business sides of the field.

Between owning his companies, Jeff spent threeyears in pharmaceutical sales with two Fortune 500 organizations, sharpening his communication and customer‑service skills.

 Jeff holds a B.A. in Business Administrationfrom Baldwin Wallace University and maintains several respected industry certifications, including:

Level III Thermography Certification

ENERGY STAR Rater

BPI Building Analyst

BPI Envelope Professional

Owens Corning CEE Board Member

Honored to have an Alumni from BYU join our podcast. Gavan Allen works for Suffolk Construction as a Project Engineer as apart of their Career Start program inOregon. Gavan shares his story about working on the highway at age 14 picking up trash among other stories about being a cheer champion. All of this relates back to becoming the best person you can become as a disciple of Jesus Christ in the construction world.

Amy Powell is the founder and CEO of Well Works, a training and education company focused on leadership, communication, and human performance in the construction industry. With a background in construction and a master’s degree in adult education, Amy works at the intersection of jobsite reality and tactical learning design.

Scott Givens is the President of Alturas Homes.

Gordon Werrett is the production manager.

Both guests share their stories of how they got into their career and how Alturas Homes is a valued home builder.

Our guest, Adam Evarts, CEO and Co-founder of allucent, a leading SaaS platform revolutionizing construction planning and scheduling space.

Adam is a construction industry veteran with over two decades of experience and has a strong educational foundation, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management from BYU-Idaho and a Master’s Degree in Information Systems from the University of Utah. Founding allucent was the perfect blend of his two passions, construction management and innovative software.

Heath Dooley is a Project Engineer II with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from BYU–Idaho and an Associate’s degree from BYU–Hawaii, bringing over three years of experience with The Weitz Company and a lifelong background in construction. He has contributed to a range of commercial and mission critical projects—including three full data center buildouts—leveraging tools such as Bluebeam, Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, DroneDeploy, CM Builder, and GSuite to manage workflows from preconstruction through closeout while coordinating effectively among owners, architects, contractors, and subcontractors.

Brian Owens is a VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) Engineer at The Weitz Company and a 2023 graduate of Brigham Young University–Idaho, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He leverages technologies such as drones, laser scanners, and robotics to support construction teams, combining innovative tools with practical problem-solving to bring projects to life.

Adam Ritter is our special guest.

With extensive experience in the construction industry since 2005, Adam began his career focusing on framing, which instilled a strong work ethic and appreciation for craftsmanship. In 2007, he earned his real estate license and built a successful fifteen-year career as a realtor, gaining firsthand insight into the rewards of dedication and hard work. He holds a marketing degree from the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University and joined Visionary Homes in 2016 as an estimator, later advancing through roles including Sales Consultant and Sales Manager, where he led a market-leading team. In March 2021, he was promoted to Vice President of Operations, overseeing the Estimating, Drafting, Preconstruction, Production, and Purchasing teams while managing responsibilities such as contract negotiations, budgeting, system implementation, and trade partner relations. His comprehensive understanding of the new construction process—from preconstruction to closing—has helped position Visionary Homes as one of Utah’s largest home builders. Passionate about building strong relationships, he prioritizes open communication, collaboration, and delivering a world-class experience for partners and customers alike.