Construction Safety Week 2026 is approaching, and this episode of ConstructorCast explores why this industry-wide initiative matters now more than ever.

Host Max Nelson is joined by 2026 Construction Safety Week Chairs Adam Jelen, President & CEO of Gilbane Building Company, and Kyle Larkin, President & CEO of Granite. Together, they discuss the evolution of Safety Week, the industry’s ongoing challenges with serious injuries, fatalities, and mental health, and how a unified approach can drive lasting change.

The conversation breaks down the 2026 theme—Recognize, Respond, Respect—with a focus on identifying high-energy, high-hazard work, putting effective controls in place, and executing plans with discipline across every phase of a project.

Construction Safety Week takes place May 4–8, 2026. Learn more, access free resources, and register your company at https://www.constructionsafetyweek.com/.

Rapid advances in drone technology are reshaping construction, from jobsite safety and progress tracking to automation and AI-powered insights. And with the FAA’s newly proposed Part 108 rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, the industry may soon see its biggest leap yet.

In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Max Nelson sits down with:

Spencer Phillips, Counsel, Regulatory and Litigation Advocacy

AGC of America | https://www.agc.org/

Grant Hagen, Head of Community

DroneDeploy | https://www.dronedeploy.com/

Together, they break down what contractors need to know about the proposed rule, including:

How BVLOS operations differ from the current Part 107 limitations

What “airworthiness acceptance” means and how it could impact the drone market

How contractors would certify their drone programs, not just individual pilots

The shift toward autonomous and remote piloting

The opportunities and risks as drones integrate into the national airspace

The timeline for FAA rulemaking and how contractors can engage in the process

Whether your firm is already using drones or just considering what’s next, this conversation helps demystify the regulatory landscape and paints a clear picture of what the future of drone usage in construction may look like.

Resources:

2026 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7VFSFT2

AGC's Comments on FAA 108: https://news.agc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FAA-2025-1908-2836_attachment_1.pdf

Article Overview on AGC News: https://news.agc.org/advocacy/faa-moves-to-allow-for-expanded-usage-of-drones/

The 2025 AI Resource Guide for Construction Professionals: https://www.agc.org/system/files?file=Files/TechHub/2025%20AI%20Resource%20Guide%20for%20Construction%20Professionals%20%28Final%29.pdf

DroneDeploy's Built Different Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-different/id1620061125

What happens when a construction company takes on the “impossible” and delivers it in record time? In this episode of ConstructorCast, we sit down with Claire Brehmer and Casey Port of Hubbell Construction Services to talk about their award-winning 2024 Extreme Build project, Homes for Hope.

In just five days, Hubbell and its partners designed, coordinated, and built two fully furnished homes for families of brain injury recovery patients through On With Life. The project not only pushed the limits of construction speed and logistics, but also left a lasting mark on the community and everyone involved.

Tune in to hear how Hubbell turned an “extreme” challenge into an even greater impact, proving that construction builds more than structures, it builds hope.

The AGC in the Community awards are open for applications now! Is your organization doing something to help your community? Submit now through October 31! https://agccharities.org/agc-in-the-community/

Guests:

Casey Port

Vice President

Hubbell Construction Services

https://hubbellrealty.com/about/executive-team/casey-port-leed-ap

Claire Brehmer

Communications Manager

Hubbell Realty Company

https://www.hubbellrealty.com

About the project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwj7JrhC7hA

Hubbell's Dig It Podcast: https://digit.hubbellcompanies.com/?utm_campaign=17194407-Dig%20It%20Podcasts&utm_source=HRC%20website&utm_medium=website

About Hubbell's AGC Recognition: https://hubbellrealty.com/about/news/2025/04/11/hubbell-construction-wins-national-award-from-associated-general-contractors-of-america

Recorded July 2, 2025

Tariffs are in the spotlight, and construction firms are feeling the heat. In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Suzanne Hitt sits down with supply chain leaders Tim Jed (DPR Construction) and Jay Pendergrass (Gilbane Building) to unpack the real-world impact of tariffs on materials costs, project timelines, and client decisions. From supplier price hikes and shifting policies to smart strategies and collaborative solutions, this conversation gets into what contractors need to know now, and how to stay ahead in an unpredictable market.

Guests:

Tim Jed

https://www.dpr.com

Jay Pendergrass

https://www.gilbaneco.com

Resources:

AGC's Tariff Resource Center for Contractors: https://www.agc.org/tariff-resources-contractors

Webinar Slides: Pricing Impact by Trade and Gypsum Rock Drywall Example: https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Files/ConstructorCast/Q2-2025_MCR%20chart.pdf

DPR 2025 Q2 Market Conditions Report: https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Files/ConstructorCast/Q2-2025_Market-Conditions-Report.pdf

2025 AGC Workforce Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/93YZ22K

In this episode recorded live at the 2025 AGC Convention, host Max Nelson sits down with Alex Juarez (Pittsburg State University) and Chip Wilson (Colorado State University)—two soon-to-be graduates preparing to enter the construction workforce. They share what inspired their career paths, how AGC student chapters and internships have shaped their journey, and what they’re looking for in potential employers. Whether you're a contractor looking to connect with emerging professionals or a student thinking about your next step, this conversation offers real-world insights into the future of the industry.

To learn more about AGC's Student Chapter network, visit agc.org/connect/chapters/student-chapters

In this episode, we are exploring the 2025 Construction Safety Week theme—All In Together—with insights from this year’s co-chairs. This theme underscores the industry’s shared commitment to safety, emphasizing that when every worker, company, and partner is fully engaged, job sites become safer for everyone.

We'll chat about the initiatives shaping this year’s campaign, strategies for fostering a culture of safety, and how companies can take an active role in promoting teamwork and accountability on the job.

Be sure to listen in and start preparing for Construction Safety Week 2025—because safety is a collective effort, and we’re All In Together! All resources discussed in the episode are available at https://www.constructionsafetyweek.com

Guests:

Mike Choutka - Chairman & CEO, Hensel Phelps

https://www.henselphelps.com

Adam Jelen - CEO, Gilbane Building Company

https://www.gilbaneco.com

In this episode of ConstructorCast, we shine a light on a vital and often untapped workforce: military veterans. Host Max Nelson is joined by Adam Stark, founder of Jet.Build and the Veterans Who Build podcast, and Jesse Gemberling-Johnson, a Marine Corps veteran and construction professional leading a veteran hiring initiative. Together, they discuss the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, how their skills compare to those needed in construction, and what contractors can do to recruit and retain this incredible talent pool.

Guests:

Adam Stark

Principal, Jet.Build | Host, The Veterans Who Build Show

https://jet.build/

Jesse Gemberling-Johnson

Chief Talent Officer, MCFA

https://mcfaglobal.com/

Resources Mentioned:

🎧 The Veterans Who Build podcast – https://www.youtube.com/@veteranswhobuild

>Jesse's Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc_zs7ldBAM

📖 An Organizational Guide to Leveraging Military Veteran Human Capital – https://repository.upenn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/08740453-d43d-4a38-98c0-cb3bb9138cea/content

📊 AGC Workforce Survey Results – https://news.agc.org/labor-hr/new-survey-shows-how-nations-failure-to-invest-in-construction-education-training-programs-makes-it-hard-for-firms-to-build/

📄 National Construction Industry HR & Workforce Conference After-Action Report – https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Files/Communications/2025_AGC_Workforce_Conference_After_Action_Report_2.3.2025.pdf

Don’t forget to subscribe to ConstructorCast! Search “ConstructorCast” in your favorite podcast app or visit agc.org/constructorcast to listen to past episodes.

In this episode of ConstructorCast, host and General Counsel for AGC, Leah Pilconis is joined by Chief Economist Ken Simonson and Vice President of Government Affairs Alex Etchen to unpack the results of the recent election and what they mean for the construction industry. From workforce challenges and regulatory shifts to infrastructure investment and tax policy changes, our experts provide key insights to help contractors prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Resources:

2025 Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MLTX6N6

Advocacy in Action and Data DIGest Newsletters: https://www.agc.org/news/newsletter

AGC Judicial Advocacy Updates: https://news.agc.org/tag/judicial-advocacy

Action Alerts:https://advocacy.agc.org/alerts

From automating tedious tasks to supercharging project management, AI is becoming a game-changer for construction professionals. But it’s not just about the tech—our guests share real-world stories of how AI is transforming their day-to-day work, making projects smoother and more efficient. We also tackle the big questions around ethics and responsible AI use, ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at a cost. If you're curious about how AI can take your construction game to the next level, this episode is a must-listen!

Guests:

Harry Schmidt

Director, Business Strategies | O’Shea Builders

https://osheabuilders.com/

Jared Christman

Director, Innovation and Technology | Big State Electric, Ltd

https://www.bigstateelectric.com/

Theresa Voorhies

Manager of Construction Customer Success | Autodesk

https://www.autodesk.com/

Resources:

Practical AI in Construction: https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Files/ConstructorCast/Practical%20AI%20In%20Construction%20(AGC).pdf

Member discount programs: www.agc.org/Discounts

This episode is sponsored by Autodesk.

In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Max Nelson is joined by key members of Jordan Foster Construction—Asma Bayunus and Tricia Kagerer—to delve into the crucial topic of mental health in the construction industry. They explore the alarming rates of suicide and addiction among construction workers and discuss Jordan Foster's innovative approaches to addressing these issues.

Discover the inspiration and development of Jordan Foster's Mind Saver program, and learn about the integration of mental health into daily operations to ensure both physical and psychological safety on-site. This episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies for promoting mental health awareness and resilience. Join us as we navigate this essential conversation, providing actionable steps to safeguard the wellbeing of construction professionals.

Guests:

Tricia Kagerer

Executive Vice President Risk Management

https://jordanfosterconstruction.com

Asma Bayunus

EHS Department - Operations Manager

https://jordanfosterconstruction.com

AGC's Mental Health Resource Page: https://www.agc.org/mental-health-suicide-prevention

More on AGC's Culture of Care: https://buildculture.org