The Inclusive Builders Alliance (IBA) represents the “heavy hitters” of Central Texas construction. This unique alliance of general contractors – competitors who share a common goal – was borne out of a shared vision to address an acute challenge within the construction industry: helping trade partners grow and succeed.

In this episode of Flintco Talks, we sat down with founding members of (IBA) to discuss their mission of fostering collaboration among general contractors and supporting small and minority-owned businesses in the construction industry.

If you work in the Construction industry and want to know more about the IBA, reach out to Shannon Dunn (Flintco), Terri Michalak (Rogers-O'Brien Construction) or HT Tran (Turner)!

#construction #podcast #smallbusiness

Flintco Talks tackles one of the most urgent challenges facing Central Texas and our U.S. economy in general–the severe shortage of skilled tradespeople.

In this episode you'll meet Kevin Brackmeyer, CEO, Skillpoint Alliance, Tamara Atkinson, CEO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Skillpoint graduate Jennifer Cobb, an electrical foreman with FSG Electric in Austin, who shares her compelling personal story.

With more than $25 billion in active infrastructure projects (alone) and a growing demand for 10,000 new skilled workers per year just in Central Texas, the discussion goes deep into how this gap formed—and what’s being done about it. Skillpoint Alliance and Workforce Solutions are helping lead the charge with free, fast-track training programs, and wraparound support services. Our guests also delve into plans for a new Infrastructure Academy in Austin dedicated to training the next generation of our skilled workforce.

Podcast Highlights:

*Jennifer takes us through her journey from teen mom, to laid-off receptionist to foreman at FSG after completing Skillpoint’s pre-apprenticeship program.

* Learn more about the FREE 4–6 week Skillpoint boot camp that prepares students for immediate, upwardly mobile careers.

* How Workforce Solutions Capital Area supports the effort through childcare, transportation assistance, and career navigation.

* And the new Infrastructure Academy in Austin, which is designed to unify employers, educators, and jobseekers around the skilled trades.

Useful Links:

https://skillpointalliance.org

https://www.wfscapitalarea.com

Key Quote:

“You believe that person is out there digging ditches because they lack opportunity—when really, they took advantage of one.” – Jennifer Cobb

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Meet the Guests

03:02 Austin’s Construction Boom

04:23 The 10,000 Workers Gap

06:28 How Did We Get Here?

10:18 The Skillpoint Solution

12:43 Jennifer’s Journey

16:50 Barriers to Entry

20:57 Changing the Narrative

26:01 Reaching the Schools

31:01 Misconceptions About the Trades

36:02 Parents Matter Too

39:33 What 'Hire Local' Really Means

43:31 What Is the Infrastructure Academy?

50:05 How to Get Involved with Skillpoint

53:03 Funding & Support

54:44 Infrastructure Academy Event Info

55:57 Final Thoughts

#workforcedevelopment #skilledtrades #construction #podcast

#TogetherWeRise feels like a timeless theme for this year’s WIC Week™ celebration. The sentiment–unity, empowerment, and breaking barriers–are aspirations without an end. The work is never finished.

In this episode of #FlintcoTalks we invited three construction professionals into the studio (Regina Munson, Cristina Marrero and Kendra Santa) to share their personal and professional journey. Their stories are both unique and universal. To women everywhere who still carry the extra burden of “proof” in the workplace, we stand with you! Leaders lead. Doers do. That’s all.

In 2024, Flintco Renewable Energy and Alberici reached a major milestone together: selection as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for two 128-MWdc (megawatt direct current) projects in central Illinois with owner, Adapture Renewables, Inc. (ARI). The Crooks Mill and Crooked Creek projects are expected to create more than 300 construction jobs and pump more than $250 million of economic impact into their local communities.

Alberici Operations Director Mike McCallum joined Flintco Talks Host Daniel Oates for an in-depth discussion about these two projects, the state of the utility-scale solar market, and what’s driving solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage projects.

Explore career opportunities and learn more about Flintco Renewable Energy at Flintco.com. Subscribe now to Flintco Talks and find it wherever you get your podcasts.

In February 2022, Flintco sent a 10-person team of volunteers to Rwanda with Bridges to Prosperity, a non-profit working in rural communities around the world, building pedestrian bridges that connect people and communities to healthcare, education, and other essential services.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Or so we thought.

The success of that first build brought us back to Rwanda two years later, this time with volunteers from Flintco and our sister company, Alberici. We traveled to the Muhanga (ma-hung-ga) District in Southern Rwanda for a 2-week stay in-country and helped complete a 103-meter hybrid suspension bridge along the Matovu (ma-toe-voo) Trail.

In February 2025, the next 10-person Flintco | Alberici team is returning to Rwanda to continue this vitally important work. Thanks to our trade partners and friends for your continued support! We invite you to join us again on our journey, building bridges to prosperity…

#FlintcoTalks #Podcast #BridgestoProsperity #Construction #CommunityBuilding #Leadership #Inspiration

Two-time Flintco intern and newly minted project engineer, Lane Reynolds, was searching for his career path when an influential conversation with his brother-in-law unlocked his calling. Lane grew up in Dripping Springs, Texas, in a family of educators whom he admires for their dedication and commitment. However, Lane chose a different road, one that led him to Texas A&M University and a degree in Construction Science. If you are a student considering a career in construction or know someone who is, Lane offers valuable insight from his college experience in this latest episode of Flintco Talks.

Listen now and subscribe to Flintco Talks wherever you get your podcasts.

Building a resilient workplace culture is critical to the long-term success of any organization. Fostering psychological safety, encouraging a growth mindset, and supporting the "whole person" is all part of what it takes to build a high-performing company.

In this episode of Flintco Talks, host Daniel Oates welcomes Dr. Karen Bridbord, Ph.D, a licensed psychologist and Chief Talent Officer for the Alberici/Flintco enterprise. Karen shares her expertise and insights in this thought-provoking discussion around leadership, mental health, and what it takes to build a more resilient workplace culture.

With a robust career spanning various industries, including law, technology, finance, the arts, and construction, Karen’s enterprise role revolves around talent development, succession planning, organizational development, and employee wellness. She is a respected voice in the media, frequently featured as a relationship expert in notable publications such as the New York Times, CNN, Men’s Journal, and Parade Magazine.

Join us to learn about Karen's inspiring personal journey and her practical advice for companies and individuals interested in creating a more resilient workplace.

You can find Flintco Talks wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Flintco Talks, Dano sits down with Shir Abecasis, CEO and founder of Firmus, and Michael Thole, Flintco’s Director of Quality, to discuss how cutting-edge AI is transforming the construction industry. Firmus specializes in analyzing construction documents, identifying design issues early, and improving the quality of projects using advanced data analytics. Hear from Shir as she shares her journey from a competitive ballerina in Israel to leading a tech company that's changing the construction landscape. Michael dives into how Flintco utilizes Firmus AI to streamline quality processes and ensure projects stay on track, while discussing the future of AI in the industry.

This episode covers:

-The role of AI in preventing costly design errors.

-The importance of clear communication through construction drawings.

-How AI is reshaping quality control in the construction process.

-Real-world examples of how Flintco is leveraging this tech to enhance projects.

-Don’t miss out on this fascinating conversation about the intersection of construction and technology!

#FlintcoTalks #ConstructionTech #AI #Firmus #Flintco #BuildingExcellence #QualityControl #Innovation #ConstructionIndustry #Podcast

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Flintco Talks, we cover one of the most pressing and often overlooked issues in the construction industry—suicide prevention. Join Central Texas industry leaders David Mahoney, Vice President, TCS Mechanical, Eric Gribble, Healthcare Core Market Leader, DPR Construction, and Kyle Smith, President, Capital Industries Mechanical Contractors in this heartfelt and honest conversation.

From personal stories of loss to actionable insights on creating positive change, this episode of Flintco Talks is another step in our collective journey to help keep our people safe both on the job and away from it. Don’t miss this crucial conversation that could help save lives. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out—help is available.

Links to all resources mentioned below ⬇️

VitalCog trainer contact- [email protected]

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

https://mysteadymind.com

https://rippleintent.org

https://www.constructionworkingminds.org

https://www.sallyspencerthomas.com

#construction #suicidepreventionmonth #mentalhealth

Is value engineering a dirty word? Find out in this episode of Flintco Talks where host Daniel Oates, Senior Project Manager at Flintco, discusses Target Value Design (TVD) and preconstruction with Mackenzie McHale, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C, Office Director, Principal at HKS, Mark Montgomery, P.E., LEED AP, Senior Vice President at WSP, and Ed Smith, Vice President at Flintco. The group dives into how TVD breaks projects into manageable buckets, the importance of early trade partner involvement, and the benefits of constant collaboration. Learn how TVD can eliminate waste, reduce RFIs and change orders, and ultimately deliver a successful project that meets the owner's vision while maintaining budget and schedule.