Deconstruction

In this engaging live broadcast roundtable, a panel of seasoned professionals from the retail, entertainment, and construction sectors delve into the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. They share their expertise on topics such as the current marketplace, the importance of entertainment in driving consumer engagement, the role of curation and collaboration in mixed-use developments, and the impact of entertainment on socialization and consumer spending. Panelists also touch on the challenges and opportunities in retail construction, the significance of early team building in the development process, and the need for adaptive repurposing to revitalize existing structures. Join this thought-provoking discussion to gain insights into the exciting world of retail, entertainment, and mixed-use development.

VCC Construction has long been dedicated to innovation, creating and implementing technology solutions to enhance construction efficiency, productivity, and predictability. By fully integrating technology into every stage of the project lifecycle, VCC provides clients with high-quality delivery, competitive costing, and seamless management of complex construction projects. The company's technology-driven approach, careful planning, and commitment to standardization set it apart from competitors. With a focus on continuous improvement and strong partnerships, VCC Construction is poised to lead the industry into a bright future, leveraging technology to transform construction practices.

In any project or initiative, those leading it set the tone. When expectations are unclear, or leadership doesn’t set them, failures can happen. And that’s not what anyone wants on a jobsite. Talking about good field safety leadership, Deconstruction with VCC host Tyler Kern spoke with the company’s Safety Director Scott Anders.

“Leadership needs to set expectations before any work even starts. Nothing is status quo because construction is inherently dangerous. Every conversation should include safety,” Anders says. 

Keeping safety top of mind requires communication, training, and reiteration. Without these things, safety may seem secondary to other aspects of the project. Unfortunately, that mindset can derail safety and cause failures in the field, which could have significant consequences.

For leaders managing projects, Anders counseled that safety has to remain a priority. “Leaders have to manage safety, production, and quality together. One cannot be put in front of another.”

Rhetoric on the job site should always include policies, procedures, and regulations. Besides verbal reminders, Anders also recommended investing in field safety training. “It should be a high priority. We expect that someone can do the job they were hired to do, but we need to always get all workers up to speed on safety topics.”

Such an investment in training isn’t just for the workers. Anders noted that leaders also need to refreshers on safety to continue to create a culture that places it at the forefront.

Women’s History Month, which kicks off each March after its official designation in 1987, is a great time to recognize the importance and value of women in the workforce. Construction is one industry striving to welcome more women into its field. As of 2020, women comprised only 9% of the construction industry.

Celebrating its 35th year in the building and construction industry, VCC looks to highlight the many contributions of the women leading the construction movement with its spotlight series, VCC Women in Construction. Host Michelle Dawn Mooney got recently acquainted with one such leader, Nancy Rodriguez, VCC’s Senior Risk Manager. Rodriguez joined VCC nine years ago as an assistant risk manager, and she’s continued her work with VCC up through her current role.

Rodriguez spoke with Mooney about her construction career journey. Their discussion includes:

• How Rodriguez’s father’s masonry background influenced her interest in pursuing a construction career
• The aspects of Rodriguez’s job that motivate her
• The rewarding aspects of being a woman in construction

“We’re problem solvers, as women, and so my perspective on many things is what gets it done,” Rodriguez said. “That is very rewarding because we target problems differently as women. Most of us are multitaskers; we have children and schedules to try to be at work and coordinate school and events. It’s rewarding to me to be able to know I have a handle on what’s happening in my department, and I feel fulfilled.”

Nancy Rodriguez is a risk management specialist with experience in construction risk and insurance. Rodriguez is also a notary public in Arkansas and received her BS in Biology/Biological Sciences from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

A recent study highlighted six major challenges faced by women in the construction industry. The construction industry is a traditionally male-dominated field, but there are many career opportunities for women who are interested in the construction industry.

On today’s episode of the VCC Women in Construction miniseries, host Gabrielle Bejarano speaks with Gabby Saenz, Project Manager with VCC Construction, to discuss the involvement and experiences of women in the construction industry.

Saenz developed an interest in construction from a young age, when she would accompany her aunt, an architect, to building sites. She eventually pursued a career in the field and is now a fully-fledged project manager in the industry, which is a significant accomplishment for her and an inspiration for women looking to pursue a career in construction.

Bejarano and Saenz discussed:

• Challenges within the construction industry
• Experience working in the construction industry as a woman
• Is it worth having a career as a woman in the construction industry?

“The best part of being in construction is seeing projects evolve and come to life from the designs on the paper to an actual building. A career in the construction industry is a great choice. It is rewarding and fulfilling to see a project evolve from designs to actual buildings. Imagine driving by a project you worked on, you will feel proud as a member of the team. Women can be significant members in the construction industry - women need to be proud of their work, let their abilities speak for them and never be afraid to speak up,” explained Saenz.

Saenz received her B.S. degree in Architecture and B.S. degree in Construction Science and Management from The University of Texas at San Antonio. Saenz has been working at VCC since 2015.