In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie are joined by Kiewit Senior VP Wayne Thomas to discuss the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild in Baltimore: one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region’s history. He explains why Kiewit chose a progressive design-build approach and a voluntary Project Labor Agreement, and how the firm’s partnership with union labor will create hundreds of career-track jobs for local workers. Thomas shares how Kiewit’s hands-on workforce development efforts - community events, school outreach, and even door-to-door recruitment - are helping residents access apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. He also reflects on the company’s 140-year history, its employee-owned structure, and its commitment to building not just bridges, but sustainable middle-class careers.

https://www.kiewit.com/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie
01:20 – Introduction of guest Wayne Thomas and overview of his role at Kiewit
02:21 – Wayne shares Kiewit’s 140-year history and employee-owned culture
03:42 – Story of how Wayne joined Kiewit and stayed for nearly four decades
04:51 – How Kiewit grew from bricklaying to national infrastructure leadership
05:49 – The company’s expansion into mining, energy, and heavy construction
06:44 – Discussion on Kiewit’s employee-ownership model and its impact on culture
07:47 – Recounting the Key Bridge collapse and Kiewit’s immediate response
08:49 – How Kiewit was selected for the rebuild and the progressive design-build model
09:52 – The project’s scale, trades involved, and job creation potential
10:57 – Kiewit’s community outreach and workforce development partnerships
12:00 – Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship initiatives for local residents
13:02 – Why Kiewit committed to a voluntary Project Labor Agreement (PLA)
14:01 – The value of union labor and fair pay for skilled tradespeople
15:19 – Economic ripple effects and creation of long-term middle-class careers
16:01 – Community and government collaboration supporting the rebuild
17:05 – Using the Key Bridge project as a model for workforce-driven infrastructure
18:45 – Wayne’s vision for sustained careers, not just temporary jobs
20:03 – How residents can get involved or apply for opportunities on the project
21:02 – Closing reflections and appreciation for partnership between Kiewit and labor