iReach Podcast

The trades have a reputation problem. And for a long time, construction was the industry you ended up in, not the one you chose. Carlos Rodriguez, owner of Mr. Roofing out of California, knows that story firsthand.

Carlos grew up watching his father build a roofing business from the ground up after immigrating from Mexico. He spent summers on tear-off crews as a teenager, went to UC Berkeley, worked in corporate, and eventually came back to take the family business to a level his dad never imagined. In this episode, he and Paul break down what it actually takes to run a construction company, why the stigma around trades is still real but slowly changing, and what young people are missing when they overlook this industry.

We discuss:

• The stigma roofing inherited and why it is finally starting to shift
• Growing up in the family business and what his dad's approach taught him
• What he looks for when hiring
• The looming labor shortage
• How to make the trades look as cool as they actually are
• His advice to every high schooler figuring out what comes next

Want to bring more young talent into construction? Let's talk.

#ConstructionCareers #TradesLife #WorkforceDevelopment #RoofingIndustry #iReachPodcast

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Meet Carlos Rodriguez
01:18 – Roofing industry stigma
03:06 – Family roots and lessons
04:37 – Reframing trades for youth
08:32 – Returning to grow the business
10:43 – From roofer to leader
12:42 – Culture and core purpose
15:42 – Modern trades misconceptions
18:24 – Hiring for heart and hustle
21:52 – Labor shortage and outreach
26:12 – Making construction look cool
29:19 – Trade vs. business skills
30:15 – Advice for high schoolers
31:11 – Closing thanks and wrap

Subscribe and Review the iReach Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Carlos Rodriguez:
Website: https://www.mrroofing.net 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-rodriguez-a481b69 

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

Drew "The MFG" Crowe is the founder and CEO of Drew Crowe Manufacturing and one of the most influential voices in American manufacturing today. Often referred to as the leader of the New American Manufacturing Renaissance, Drew is an MIT graduate and two-time Aerospace & Aviation Man of the Year. He served as Lead Professor of Advanced Manufacturing Technology at Ranken Technical College. His résumé includes speaking at the White House and the Pentagon, and features in Forbes Magazine and USA Today. His mission is to connect youth, underserved communities, and justice-impacted individuals to life-changing careers in manufacturing. And to help companies understand why that's not charity, it's a business solution.

In this episode, Drew and host Paul Robinson dig into the deep parallels between manufacturing and construction and why both industries are at a critical crossroads. Drew breaks down why 1.8 million manufacturing jobs sit unfilled and how that gap threatens national security and GDP. He explains why companies can no longer treat workforce outreach as a handout. The two get real about the generational barriers that keep diverse communities from entering the trades. They talk about why soft skills like grit and determination matter more than technical certifications. Drew also shares how he flips the script when talking to young people, connecting their passions for sneakers, video games, and cars to real manufacturing career paths paying $30+ an hour. Plus, he shares a powerful perspective on why he intentionally challenges corporate bias by showing up authentically in every boardroom he enters.

If this conversation hits home, subscribe, share with a colleague, and learn more about ConstructReach and the iReach podcast at constructreach.com.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:00 Drew's Against-the-Odds Journey into Manufacturing
03:00 What Manufacturing Actually Makes — And Why It Matters
05:15 3D Printed Houses and the Future of Construction and Manufacturing
06:07 Why Representation Matters When Reaching Young People
08:05 Connecting Overlooked Communities to Career Opportunities
10:22 It's Not Charity — It's a Business Solution
12:25 The State of Manufacturing: Tariffs, Workforce Gaps, and National Security
15:13 Construction's Workforce Crisis: 4 Million Jobs by 2031
17:45 The Most In-Demand Skill: Grit and Determination
21:26 What Separates Shops That Survive from Shops That Scale
25:06 Bringing Back CTE, Shop Class, and Career Pathways
27:19 Investing in Messengers Who Speak the Community's Language
29:21 Challenging Bias and Showing Up Authentically
35:00 What Drew Tells an 18-Year-Old About Manufacturing Careers
40:34 Closing Thoughts and Looking Ahead

Subscribe & Review the iRea

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

In this episode, Paul Robinson challenges one of the most common assumptions in construction and workforce development: that young people simply “don’t want to work.”

Speaking from experience hosting I Built This events across the country, Paul pushes back on the narrative and argues that the issue is not motivation, it is exposure.

Through conversations with high school students at an I Built This event, we hear directly from the next generation. Many admit they had little to no knowledge of the range of careers available in construction before attending. After exposure, their mindset shifts. Trades become real options. Debt-free pathways become attractive. Entrepreneurship becomes visible.

This episode reframes the labor shortage conversation. If young people do not know what the industry offers, the responsibility falls on the industry to make itself visible.

🎧 Subscribe, share, and learn more at https://constructreach.com

In this episode:

00:00 The “young people don’t want to work” myth

01:26 Generational assumptions and perspective

02:08 Hands-on mentorship and learning at IBT

03:23 Seeing the fruit of your labor in construction

04:29 Exposure changes everything

05:39 The industry’s responsibility to create visibility

06:33 Making informed decisions requires information

06:47 Debt-free pathways and skilled trades

07:47 Aging workforce and pipeline urgency

08:00 Students discovering opportunities they didn’t know existed

09:36 Early exposure through family influence

10:46 Why exposure during school matters

11:29 Technology, hands-on work, and different giftings

12:22 Self-inventory for employers

12:39 Labor shortage as opportunity

13:16 Students reflect on painting station and entrepreneurship

13:35 Growth requires vulnerability

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

In this solo episode, Paul Robinson reframes leadership as stewardship and challenges leaders to think beyond titles and power. He explores the difference between transactional and transformational leadership and explains why the most effective leaders focus on creating environments where people can grow, contribute, and thrive.

Paul connects leadership directly to workforce development, connecting the dots between culture, clarity, and accountability. With millions of jobs projected to go unfilled in construction and related industries, he makes the case that how leaders show up today shapes the workforce of tomorrow.

This episode is a call to rethink leadership as service and to build cultures that people want to be part of, talk about, and stay in

🎧 Subscribe, share, and learn more at https://constructreach.com

In this episode:

00:00 Leadership as responsibility, not title

00:52 Stewardship and developing others

01:35 Transactional vs transformational leadership

02:03 Creating the right environment and culture

03:13 Leadership and workforce development

03:36 Labor shortages and leadership urgency

04:11 Connecting current leadership to future talent

04:46 Closing reflections

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

Paul Robinson returns to the iReach Podcast for a powerful solo episode that reframes how we think about construction, purpose, and impact. As the founder of ConstructReach, Paul has built a national platform connecting construction, culture, and community—redefining what the industry can mean for the next generation.

In this episode, Paul challenges the narrow perception of construction as “just a job” and positions it as a lifestyle that touches every part of our lives—from where we live and learn to how we heal, worship, and play. He breaks down why storytelling, representation, and cultural relevance are essential to solving the labor shortage and inspiring young people to see themselves in the industry.

This is a mindset shift for business leaders, educators, and employers: if you want to attract, develop, and retain talent, you must connect construction to the whole person. Paul shares why urgency matters now—and how community engagement is no longer optional.

🎧 Subscribe, share, and learn more at https://constructreach.com

Things you’ll learn in this episode:

• Construction impacts every defined space in society
• Culture and storytelling are critical to workforce development
• Representation changes perception—and outcomes
• Community engagement is essential to solving the labor shortage
• Construction careers can align with purpose, identity, and lifestyle

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Purpose

00:14 Highlighting Diverse Stories in Construction

01:38 The Impact of Construction on Daily Life

03:50 Rebranding the Construction Industry

05:33 Connecting with the Next Generation

07:49 Call to Action and Conclusion

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

Ebony Robinson is the COO of ConstructReach—and the strategic engine behind a national workforce development consultancy reshaping how construction connects with the next generation. With a career built on elite sales performance, relationship-building, and executive leadership, she’s now applying that same discipline to a bigger mission: impact, access, and legacy. 

In this episode, Ebony and Paul Robinson go behind the scenes on what it really takes to build a purpose-driven company together as husband and wife—without competing for the spotlight. They break down why construction’s workforce crisis is also an opportunity, how “I Built This” creates real exposure for students and educators, and why representation (especially for women of color) isn’t a slogan—it’s a pipeline strategy.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and setting the vision for ConstructReach

02:10 Ebony Robinson’s background and path into leadership

05:18 From corporate sales to purpose-driven work

09:42 Building ConstructReach as a husband-and-wife team

14:30 Defining roles, trust, and decision-making in marriage and business

18:55 The construction workforce crisis—and why it’s a massive opportunity

24:40 “I Built This” and creating real exposure for young talent

30:12 Representation, women of color, and changing industry narratives

36:20 Scaling impact through partnerships and education

41:50 Leadership lessons, legacy, and long-term vision

45:10 Final reflections and advice for mission-driven builders

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Ebony Robinson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebony-robinson-edr24785

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

Tony Waller is the Vice President of Constituent Relations and Racial Equity at Walmart, where he builds deep, long-term relationships with diverse communities and helps one of the world’s largest employers show up as part of the community—not just a store on the corner.

In this episode, Tony and host Paul Robinson get real about “interesting times”: DEI backlash, language shifts, and what it means for corporations to keep doing the work when the headlines say otherwise. Tony breaks down the difference between transactional and transformational partnerships, why simply showing up changes everything, and how to design inclusion so no one is truly excluded. He shares his long-view mindset and a grounded philosophy of “trust the plan, honor your assignment” that leaders at every level can use.

If this conversation hits home, subscribe, share with a colleague, and learn more about ConstructReach and the iReach podcast at constructreach.com.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:37 Tony Waller's Role at Walmart

03:38 Building Trust and Relationships

07:09 Lessons in Relationship Building

11:21 The Importance of Showing Up

19:58 Facing Challenges and Looking Ahead

23:35 Understanding the Challenges of Change

24:13 The Importance of Actions Over Words

24:55 Adapting to New Realities

29:28 Building Trust in Diverse Communities

34:14 The Power of Collective Effort

42:29 Trusting the Plan and Playing Your Role

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Tony Waller

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonywalleroffical/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1solesearcher/

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

Director of Industry Advancement at Procore and the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Building Construction from Georgia Tech, Dr. Irish Horsey breaks down how she turned a childhood love of buildings into a purpose-driven career shaping the future construction workforce. 

In this episode, we get into Irish’s journey—from third-grade clay models to construction management, academia, and now leading programs that tackle labor shortages and broaden access. We unpack the weight of being “the first,” the power of representation, and the practical ways technology (think drones, robotics, AR) is rewriting what a construction career can look like—especially for women and underrepresented talent.. 

Subscribe, rate, and share. Learn more about Irish’s forthcoming book You Can Be Here: A Woman’s Guide to Construction Careers and join the preorder list at irishhorsey.com.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Irish Horsey

01:14 Dr. Horsey's Early Passion for Construction

04:43 Educational Journey and Career Beginnings

07:07 Achieving a Historic Milestone

15:29 Balancing Life and Education

17:48 Current Role and Industry Challenges

27:46 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Construction

34:36 Upcoming Book and Final Thoughts

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Dr. Irish Horsey

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/irishhorsey/
Website: https://www.irishhorsey.com/

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

Philadelphia construction trades educator Evin Jarrett is redefining what a classroom can be—running a hands-on build lab, a student-led podcast, and a culture where standards are high and the buy-in is real. From fourth graders sweating copper to alumni crushing CTE high schools, his results speak for themselves. 

In this episode, Evin breaks down how he built a top-tier program from four blank walls, why middle-school exposure beats 10th-grade “too late,” and the mindset shifts that keep kids off phones and on tools. We cover practical playbooks—relationships first, learning-by-doing, peer accountability, and mobile shop pop-ups that take advantage of any zip code. It’s a blueprint for transforming classrooms, careers, and communities.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

00:38 Evan Jarret's Journey into Construction

02:20 Inspiring the Next Generation

05:01 Classroom Dynamics and Teaching Philosophy

12:26 Building a Successful Program from Scratch

14:52 Balancing Work and Family

15:04 Introducing the Mobile Shop Concept

16:03 Empowering Students Through Hands-On Learning

16:27 The Importance of High Standards

18:55 Building Lasting Relationships with Students

21:46 Challenges and Misconceptions in Trades Education

24:24 Engaging Students in Practical Learning

27:04 Showcasing the Podcast and Final Thoughts

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Evin Jarrett

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/evin-jarrett-b0a13214a/

Website: https://www.mrjarrettconstruction.com/in-the-news

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjarrett_constructiontech/

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach

Michael Russell is the CEO of H.J. Russell & Company, one of the largest Black-owned real estate and construction firms in the country. The company was founded by his father, Herman J. Russell. After 16 years learning every corner of the business, Michael stepped into the top role. Today he leads a fast-growing operation with offices in Atlanta, Dallas, and Boston.

In this episode, Michael gets real about what it takes to scale. He talks about building the right culture, keeping clients at the center, and letting great work speak for itself. 

We dig into succession, trust, and what it means to lead as a second-generation CEO. Michael also breaks down how construction is evolving—more technology, more diversity, and more ways to enter the field. Whether you’re a student, a new professional, or building your own path, his advice is clear: stay curious, solve problems, and create your own lane. 

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

00:30 Michael Russell's Early Exposure to the Industry

06:04 Challenges and Lessons in Leadership

11:03 Company Growth and Future Goals

16:38 Promoting the Construction Industry to the Youth

23:45 Legacy and Final Thoughts

Subscribe & Review the iReach Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with our friends, and leave us a review. We read every single one.

Follow Michael Russell

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrussellsr/
Website: https://www.hjrussell.com/

Follow Paul Robinson
Connect with Paul Robinson on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on LinkedIn.
Follow ConstructReach on Instagram @contructreach
Check out the ConstructReach website at constructreach.com

This podcast is sponsored by Construct Reach.

As a workforce development initiative that builds reachable opportunities through construction, ConstructReach increases the visibility of the construction industry by educating students about career opportunities within construction, connecting general contractors to interns and innovative internship curricula, creating content and experiences to expose a diverse population to sustainable construction careers, and uniting stakeholders to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive.

#IReachPodcast #PaulRobinson #ConstructReach