Labor Lounge Podcast

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

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for a candid conversation about his administration’s enduring partnership with organized labor. Governor Murphy reflects on eight years of landmark achievements: from raising the minimum wage and expanding apprenticeship programs to strengthening collective bargaining, protecting workers from misclassification, and making full pension payments for public employees. He also shares the stories behind recent legislation requiring labor history in public school curriculum and banning “captive audience” meetings, ensuring the next generation understands the legacy of labor rights in America. As he prepares to leave office, Governor Murphy discusses what comes next for labor in New Jersey, the culture shift his administration sparked, and why staying “at the table” will be essential for the future of working families.

https://nj.gov/governor/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie
01:20 – Introduction of Governor Phil Murphy and overview of his partnership with labor
02:08 – Discussion of new legislation on labor history curriculum and “captive audience” meetings
03:56 – Governor reflects on the importance of labor education and Peter J. McGuire’s legacy
04:55 – How Murphy’s administration built a comprehensive pro-labor agenda
06:17 – Key achievements: minimum wage, earned sick leave, project labor agreements, and pensions
07:03 – Governor’s advice for the future: stay at the table regardless of political change
08:42 – Reflecting on bipartisan progress and labor’s ongoing influence in New Jersey
09:52 – Major wins for public sector workers and pension reform
10:35 – Misclassification enforcement and whole-of-government approach to worker protection
11:18 – Record investments in infrastructure, education, and job creation
12:04 – How culture change and policy combined to strengthen worker protections
13:14 – The next generation of apprenticeships and workforce development
14:07 – Building lasting change: minimum wage, sick leave, and project labor agreements
15:28 – Governor discusses what’s next after leaving office and plans for the future
17:46 – Closing reflections and gratitude for his legacy with New Jersey’s working families

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Mike Schloff of Maplewoodshop. He is the Founder and CEO of Maplewoodshop, a leading provider in woodworking education solutions for schools, camps, Maker spaces, and community centers. Mike created Maplewoodshop in 2016 with the mission of developing life skills in all children through woodworking. He started by teaching hundreds of students directly, then developed a portable and safe program which contains proprietary equipment, hand tools, and a training program for any classroom teacher. Prior to Maplewoodshop, Mike was an Internet pioneer, building websites in 1995. He led marketing efforts on major accounts at several advertising companies before helping WebMD develop and execute its mobile strategy. Later, Mike helped the publisher, Wiley, develop new digital business models. He sits on the boards of The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Congregation Beth El, and the Newark Barringer High School CTE advisory board.

https://www.maplewoodshop.com/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie
01:20 – Introduction of guest Mike Schloff and overview of Maplewoodshop
02:26 – Mike explains Maplewoodshop’s mission to build life skills through woodworking
04:20 – Mike shares his early background and how woodworking became his calling
06:00 – Founding of Maplewoodshop and development of the portable classroom model
07:31 – Collaboration with the Carpenters Union and expansion into schools
08:47 – How the program works for teachers without trade backgrounds
09:51 – Benefits for students: learning math, problem-solving, and teamwork
11:13 – Lessons in resilience and confidence from hands-on learning
12:56 – Connecting woodworking to broader life and career skills
14:08 – How non-CTE teachers successfully run woodworking programs
15:11 – Breaking barriers and making woodworking accessible in all schools
16:35 – The need to rebuild respect for trades and hands-on education
18:29 – How early exposure builds confidence, purpose, and opportunity
20:13 – Mike’s experience on the Newark Barringer High School CTE advisory board
23:09 – National expansion and digital training that scales Maplewoodshop’s reach
26:14 – The transformation kids experience through hands-on woodworking
29:52 – Closing reflections on trades education, career pathways, and partnership success

In this special episode, Labor Lounge Podcast goes LIVE from the 11th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum by NJBIA. Anthony and Cyndie are joined by powerhouse podcast producers Carey Balogh and Lauren Sleeman of Brand Groupies for a behind-the-scenes look at how the podcast is made - and why podcasting is a powerful tool for brand visibility, business development, and executive thought leadership.

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

https://brandgroupies.com/

00:00 – Opening welcome to the Labor Lounge LIVE session
01:26 – Cyndie introduces the hosts and Brand Groupies team
02:43 – Anthony promotes upcoming podcast guests and platforms
03:54 – Carey shares how Brand Groupies podcast began
05:25 – Lauren explains why podcasting is the new PR
06:31 – Cyndie describes how she met Brand Groupies and started the show
08:33 – Anthony talks about challenges and benefits of launching a podcast
09:53 – Lauren explains how Brand Groupies handles production for clients
11:07 – Carey emphasizes consistency and social media amplification
12:51 – Lauren reveals the “dirty little secret” of podcast guesting
14:09 – Cyndie and Anthony share what recording days are like
16:05 – Advice for anyone considering starting a podcast
17:35 – Brand Groupies’ success stories and podcast performance
18:49 – Audience Q&A: cost, ROI, and marketing benefits
25:23 – Closing discussion on using podcasts to grow your brand

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Rob Smith, Executive Director of the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers. Rob shares how a family legacy in carpentry and education led him from the field to teaching and ultimately to leading apprenticeship and training across six states and D.C. The conversation explores the evolution of debt-free education into higher education pathways, the impact of the Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program on recruitment and retention, and how technology like virtual reality and iPads is shaping the next generation of tradespeople. Rob also reflects on mentorship, workforce challenges, and why building a level playing field for responsible contractors is essential to the future of union construction.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Rob Smith and his career in carpentry
03:28 – Early influences: family, sports, and the pull toward mentorship
05:28 – Leading a six-state training network and managing challenges
07:11 – Why the training fund merger was necessary and how it works
08:13 – Evolving beyond debt-free education into higher education partnerships
10:30 – University credits and the growing role of higher education in the trades
12:15 – Embracing technology: virtual reality, iPads, and LMS in training
15:05 – How VR reveals real-world readiness in apprentices
16:10 – The origins and impact of the Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program (CARP)
18:21 – Why CARP graduates are better prepared and more likely to succeed
19:19 – Expanding CARP across Pittsburgh, DC, and New Jersey
20:11 – Mentorship’s role in apprenticeship and career growth
22:23 – Preparing apprentices for leadership roles beyond the jobsite
23:31 – Contractor entrepreneurship and new pathways for growth
23:47 – The biggest challenge: creating a level playing field in construction
25:46 – Demand for apprenticeship spots and the jobs gap
26:38 – Defining personal and professional success in leadership
28:47 – Closing reflections on mentorship, success, and the future of the trades

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Tim Wakefield, founder and CEO of Dead Calm Seas Marine Services. Tim shares how his Navy background and passion for the ocean led him to build a multimillion-dollar marine services company that now leads projects in offshore wind, salvage, subsea infrastructure, and underwater archeology. The conversation highlights the vital role of safety, training, and union values in high-risk environments, the future of skilled trades in marine construction, and why crossover skills and certifications are key to long-term success in this challenging yet rewarding industry.

00:00 – Introduction to Tim Wakefield and Dead Calm Seas Marine Services
02:40 – How Tim and Anthony met, and how their union partnership began
03:35 – The overlap between marine and land-based construction work
04:00 – Why trust and safety are foundational in offshore diving
05:03 – Building a training center specifically for underwater construction
05:38 – What Dead Calm Seas actually does (diving, salvage, offshore wind, archeology, more)
06:46 – Addressing substandard labor practices and “the race to the bottom” in diving
07:59 – Why ongoing training is essential in high-risk underwater work
08:57 – What “salvage work” really involves, from fires to wreck recovery
10:31 – Tim’s path into diving through the U.S. Navy
11:57 – Union vs. non-union labor practices in international waters
12:42 – Comparing global safety standards: U.S. vs. Europe vs. Asia
13:57 – Why certifications and training create better business outcomes
15:03 – How Dead Calm Seas integrates union workers and shifts jobsite culture
16:09 – The future role of skilled trades and unions in offshore wind development
17:47 – The truth about turnover in commercial diving and why it’s so high
18:25 – The hidden value of paid apprenticeships and crossover skill development
20:56 – How diving as a lifestyle can shape career decisions
21:26 – High-profile jobs: shipwreck salvage and underwater archeology in Peru
23:48 – Giving back: recovering lost soldiers through underwater missions
23:59 – Closing thoughts on the partnership and the future of the industry

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jack Kocsis Jr., CEO of the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ). With more than 35 years leading the organization, Jack brings a rare depth of experience from both the construction site and the negotiation table. He reflects on the evolution of labor management partnerships, the origins of the Carpenter Contractor Trust, and how listening yes really listening has been the most powerful leadership tool in his career. Jack also shares his perspective on workforce development, public policy, apprenticeship, and the industry's responsibility to adapt and grow. From enforcing laws on wage theft to building bridges between contractors and unions, this conversation lays out what real collaboration in construction looks like and what still needs to change.

01:26 – Introducing Jack Kocsis Jr., CEO of ACCNJ
02:39 – Jack’s blue collar roots and journey into construction leadership
06:55 – Why the union construction industry is different and more honest
07:29 – What ACCNJ does and the value of listening in leadership
10:43 – The role of trust, fairness, and communication in successful negotiations
11:45 – What healthy labor management partnership really looks like
12:04 – The origins of the Carpenter Contractor Trust
14:53 – How labor and management built a new model of cooperation
15:20 – The challenge of educating policymakers and telling labor’s story
17:33 – The real cost of wage theft and misclassification
18:00 – A pivotal moment: why labor and management stuck together
19:39 – Why lowering wages isn’t the solution for competitiveness
20:00 – Apprenticeship, inclusion, and evolving recruitment in the trades
22:08 – Disproving the myth that union labor is unproductive or costly
23:49 – How contractor success drives union job growth
24:24 – Jack’s policy wish: enforcement over new laws
25:30 – Connecting agencies to catch unscrupulous contractors
26:19 – Changing the culture of the construction industry
26:58 – How Jack defines success after 35 years in the industry
27:41 – Final thoughts and appreciation for partnership

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jessica Ramirez, a Partner with the Law Offices of D’Arcy Johnson Day and a trial attorney specializing in serious personal injury, sexual abuse, medical device, and product liability litigation. She is an assemblywoman of the 32nd district serving Jersey City and Hoboken. She has served on the New Jersey Ethics Committee and served as an Eminent Domain Commissioner for the State of N.J., presiding over cases dealing with condemnation and eminent domain. Jessica’s main passion is advocating for clients who have suffered sexual assault. She has extensive settlement and litigation experience in this area and knows exactly what it takes to deliver results. Jessica’s newest venture is helping individuals fight back against abusive business practices, by holding sellers of goods accountable when they seek to profit by taking advantage of a consumer. She protects consumers’ rights when they are injured due to fraud, false or misleading advertising, and defective products. Jessica was selected as host of Images/Imagenes TV Show, a four-time Emmy Award-winning show highlighting the Hispanic population in New Jersey. Her passion to fight for justice is as strong today as the very first day she became a lawyer.

https://www.djdlawyers.com

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/ 

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jon Young, newly appointed Political Director of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. With nearly 30 years of experience in the labor movement and public service, Jon shares his powerful journey from working construction in Camden to leading policy for one of the most influential unions on the East Coast.

Jon also reflects on his time as a Camden County Commissioner and how partnerships with local schools are shaping future trade workers. If you’ve ever wondered how unions truly transform lives or what it takes to create lasting change in underserved communities, this conversation is a must-listen.

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

00:00 – Intro
 01:03 – Meet Jon Young: Political Director, Commissioner, Advocate
 02:24 – If you only knew one thing about the trades… it’s integrity
 03:16 – The two biggest misconceptions about union construction
 04:38 – Programs that promote diversity and access in the trades
 06:56 – Las Vegas training stories and union leadership impact
 09:11 – Jon’s journey: from non-union laborer to union leader
 15:50 – The link between policy and good jobs
 16:18 – How Project Labor Agreements benefit communities
 18:36 – Defining success through “the dash” and impact
 21:25 – The fight against wage theft and modern-day slavery
 24:29 – Educating policymakers and students about labor history
 26:25 – External vs internal challenges: wage theft vs aging out
 28:44 – How unions support families, not just workers
 30:18 – Reclaiming the labor movement’s story and relevance
 31:12 – Partnering with vocational schools to build the pipeline
 35:19 – Mentorship, expectations, and equity in recruiting
 37:19 – Support systems, career pathways, and higher ed access
 38:33 – Final thoughts and why representation matters

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Todd Vachon, a union carpenter, faculty member in the Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations at Rutgers University, and Director of the Labor Education Action Research Network (LEARN). As the Director of LEARN, Todd oversees the University’s labor education programs, including classes, research, and workshops for workers, unions, and other justice-focused organizations. His research focuses on inequality, labor, and justice. He has written several books and is currently president of the New Brunswick chapter of the Rutgers University faculty union, AAUP-AFT. He is also President of the Middlesex-Somerset Central Labor Council and Vice President for Higher Education of AFTNJ. 

https://smlr.rutgers.edu/academic-programs/areas-study/labor-studies-and-employment-relations-lser

https://smlr.rutgers.edu/LEARN

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/