Why are construction companies considered "low-hanging fruit" for cybercriminals?

Kirk Westwood sits down with Mike Hamilton, founder of PISCES International, a nonprofit providing no-cost cyber monitoring for small governments and public utilities. With decades of experience as former Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Seattle and managing consultant for Verisign Security, Mike brings real-world threat response expertise to construction leaders. The conversation covers why construction companies are increasingly targeted, the three most common attack vectors, and what "good enough" cybersecurity looks like for organizations without massive IT budgets. Mike emphasizes one critical mindset shift: "The Internet is not a nice place. It's here to sell to you, steal from you and manipulate your opinion." Topics include ransomware mechanics, workforce development, and practical resilience strategies.

Mike Hamilton is the founder of PISCES International, a nonprofit providing no-cost cybersecurity monitoring and threat intelligence to small governments, public utilities, and critical infrastructure organizations. A veteran cybersecurity leader, Mike previously served as Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Seattle and as managing consultant for Verisign Security. Through PISCES, he combines live threat response with workforce development, using real-world data to train the next generation of cyber analysts. His work focuses on making cybersecurity accessible, actionable, and resilient for organizations that lack dedicated IT security teams.

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Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

Discussion points:

Resources:

PISCES International: https://pisces-intl.org/

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

What's the real impact of immigration enforcement on construction sites—and why are a third of contractors already affected?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Ken Simonson, Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, to discuss why construction feels more constrained despite strong demand and investment. Ken, widely cited by national and trade media for his economic analysis, helps unpack the market forces creating this paradox—from the low-hire, low-fire environment and regional employment variations to policy uncertainty around tariffs, interest rates, and immigration enforcement. The conversation covers data center and power construction booms, labor cost trends across four different measures, and why the Architecture Billings Index can be misleading. "There are huge parts of construction for which the ABI is a misleading indicator, not a leading indicator," Ken explains, offering practical context for planning in uncertain times.

Ken Simonson is the Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, where he analyzes economic trends affecting the construction industry, including labor markets, costs, regional activity, and investment patterns. Widely cited by national and trade media, Ken is known for translating complex economic data into clear, practical insight for construction leaders. He regularly surveys AGC's 28,000+ member companies across 87 chapters on market conditions, workforce challenges, and policy impacts, providing contractors with data-driven context to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. His economic analysis helps industry leaders make more informed decisions in uncertain markets.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

Discussion points:

Resources:

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): www.agc.org (28,000+ member companies across 87 chapters nationwide)

American Institute of Architects (AIA) - Architecture Billings Index (ABI): www.aia.org

Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) - supported by AGC and TAUC: www.clrcconsulting.org

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): www.bls.gov

Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS): www.bls.gov/jlt

Architecture Billings Index (ABI): www.aia.org/aia-architecture-billings-index

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

What's the one thing about PPE that could mean the difference between going home and never coming back?

In this powerful episode recorded live at STUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Ike Pritchett, a Kansas City ironworker with Local 10 who survived a catastrophic jobsite accident. Ike shares his journey from starting in construction at 14, through losing his brother Mack in a bridge accident in 2000, to his own near-fatal incident on February 21st when a come-along struck him in the face, crushing his skull. Thanks to his properly worn helmet, Ike survived and made a remarkable recovery. He now travels the country advocating for safety culture and proper PPE use. As Ike says, "PPE only works if you wear it correctly." His story reminds us that safety decisions aren't abstract—they're the difference between going home or not.

Ike Pritchett is a Kansas City-based ironworker and construction safety advocate with Local 10 Ironworkers. Since joining the union in 1999 (book #1263430), Ike has built bridges and infrastructure across the region, working for companies like Clarkson Construction. After surviving a catastrophic jobsite accident in which a come-along struck him in the face, crushing his skull, Ike has become a powerful voice for proper PPE use and safety culture. He travels the country sharing his firsthand account of how modern protective equipment—worn correctly—saved his life, inspiring construction professionals to prioritize safety on every job.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

Discussion points:

Resources:

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

Could a simple helmet upgrade reduce your skull fracture risk by 66%?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Dr. Barry Miller, Senior Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, to discuss the groundbreaking construction helmet safety study released in September. Dr. Miller, a national authority on head protection and injury biomechanics, explains how Type II helmets significantly outperform traditional Type I hard hats in reducing traumatic brain injuries. The data reveals that switching to a Type II helmet can reduce concussion risk by 35% and skull fracture risk by 66%. As Dr. Miller emphasizes, "If you're exposed to falls from ladders or scaffolding, it'd be pretty wise to choose a Type II helmet." This conversation explores the testing methodology, top-performing brands, and what's next for construction head protection.

Dr. Barry Miller is the Senior Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, where he leads efforts to translate cutting-edge impact-testing research into practical tools that improve safety across multiple industries. A national authority on head protection and injury biomechanics, Dr. Miller has overseen the development of Virginia Tech's widely respected helmet rating systems, including the landmark construction helmet study released in September 2024. His work helps manufacturers innovate, helps workers stay safer on the job, and helps organizations make informed, evidence-based decisions about protective equipment.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

Discussion points:

Resources:

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Construction Ratings:

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Website:

https://www.beam.vt.edu/helmet

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

Did you know construction workers are 5 times more likely to die by suicide than from workplace injuries?

In this powerful episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). With over a decade in construction and a deeply personal connection to suicide prevention as a loss survivor, Sonya brings both industry expertise and authentic advocacy to this critical conversation. She reveals the sobering reality that construction sees 5,000 deaths by suicide compared to just 1,000 fatal workplace injuries annually. Sonya discusses practical tools for building cultures of care, breaking down mental health stigma, and implementing mental health champions on job sites. As Sonya powerfully states, "Is it about the mission or is it about a monument?" This episode challenges every construction professional to ask: Are we doing enough?

Sonya Bohmann is the Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), where she leads national efforts to reduce suicide risk and promote mental health across the construction workforce. With over a decade of experience in construction and as a loss survivor who lost her sister to suicide 17 years ago, Sonya brings both professional expertise and personal advocacy to this critical mission. She works with contractors, unions, and industry leaders to build supportive cultures, expand awareness, and equip organizations with free resources to protect workers' well-being and make mental health a core component of construction safety.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

Discussion points:

Resources:

For more info visit: https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

Why are we losing 20 times more construction workers to suicide than job site accidents?

In this important episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Justin Azbill of Tribal Group to tackle one of construction's most critical challenges: building safety cultures that actually save lives. Justin brings decades of frontline experience—from Marine Corps service to ironworker, firefighter, and safety leader for major contractors like Suffolk Construction and Canestro. He discusses the alarming reality that the industry loses approximately 20,000 workers annually to suicide and substance use disorder, and shares how his innovative Ally Code training is equipping leaders to address mental health proactively. Justin emphasizes that "a culture doesn't change overnight—it could be five years till you see ROI." Can your company afford to wait? Discover why true safety starts with respect, inclusion, and leadership that puts people first.

Justin Azbill is a workforce development and safety specialist with Tribal Group, where he helps contractors and unions strengthen jobsite culture through training, leadership coaching, and inclusive safety programs. A former Marine, ironworker, and firefighter, Justin has held senior safety leadership roles with Suffolk Construction, Canestro, and Milwaukee Tool. He founded Mission Mindset Us to address the construction industry's mental health crisis, which claims approximately 20,000 lives annually. Justin holds a PhD and advocates for a holistic approach to safety centered on respect, accountability, and empowering people at every level of the jobsite.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

Discussion points:

Resources:

https://www.mission-mindsetus.org/

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

How did one mechanical contractor president turn a pandemic idea into 51 camps across North America in just five years?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Angie Simon, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE). With 35 years at a union mechanical contractor—including 14 as President—and a term as SMACNA National President (2019-2021), Angie saw the workforce crisis coming and decided to act. She launched HMSE in 2021 as a two-shop pilot program teaching high school students about skilled trades through hands-on experience. Today, it's grown to 51 camps across North America, reaching nearly 900 students in 2025. Angie discusses the power of hands-on learning, changing parental perceptions, and building confidence in the next generation. "I thought we were gonna drop a little pebble in the water... I think we're doing a boulder right now, and I think we got tidal waves coming." How can your company get involved?

Angie Simon is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), a workforce development program that grew from 2 pilot camps in 2021 to 51 camps across North America. She spent 35 years at Western Allied Mechanical, including 14 years as President, and served as SMACNA National President from 2019-2021. Recognizing the construction industry's workforce crisis during the pandemic, Angie created a hands-on summer camp introducing high school students to skilled trades careers. HMSE has reached nearly 900 students and continues expanding rapidly.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

Discussion points:

Resources:

Heavy Metal Summer Experience Website: https://www.hmse.org/
Email Contact: [email protected] (reaches Angie Simon directly)

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

How is IMPACT tackling the construction workforce shortage that everyone's talking about?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Aaron Bast, the incoming CEO of IMPACT—the Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust. A 30-year ironworker veteran and former business manager of Ironworkers Local 5, Aaron brings firsthand perspective from both the field and management side. He discusses how IMPACT is tackling workforce shortages through expanded training and pre-apprenticeship opportunities while fostering stronger collaboration between contractors and unions. Aaron shares his vision for helping small to medium contractors grow their businesses to create more ironworker jobs and explains the culture shifts necessary for advancing jobsite safety. "The most important thing in our industry is our signatory contractors because we can have the best ironworkers in a room, but if there's no contractors to work for, then none of us have jobs," Aaron emphasizes.

Aaron Bast is the incoming CEO of IMPACT (Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust), bringing 30 years of hands-on ironworking experience to the role. Prior to joining IMPACT, Aaron served as business manager of Ironworkers Local 5 for a decade, where he focused on strengthening partnerships with signatory contractors and creating job opportunities for union members. His career spans both open shop and union construction, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and advantages of each model. Aaron's leadership approach is rooted in his field experience—from apprentice to journeyman, foreman, and general foreman—combined with his understanding of the business realities contractors face. At IMPACT, he's focused on helping small to medium-sized contractors grow their businesses, expanding workforce training and pre-apprenticeship programs, and building stronger labor-management partnerships across the ironworking industry.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

Discussion points:

Resources:

https://www.impact-net.org/
TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

What shocking trend is claiming more construction worker lives than falls and electrocutions combined?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Chris Cain, Executive Director of CPWR (the research and training arm of North America's Building Trades Unions). With her background as an industrial hygienist and years in OSHA enforcement, Cain brings unique expertise to construction safety challenges. Cain discusses advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat exposure, ergonomics, and mental health, along with focusing on emerging concerns like the opioid crisis plaguing construction workers. "We're trying to foster that and to promote it, but when you think about occupational safety and health, when you're in a large firm, you think about it as part of your risk control," she explains. How can large contractors better mentor smaller firms in safety practices?

Chris Cain leads CPWR’s national efforts to make construction jobsites safer, healthier, and more resilient. She bridges research and the real world—advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat and silica exposure, ergonomics, and mental health. Under her leadership, CPWR partners with labor, contractors, owners, and government to turn evidence into training, tools, and campaigns that save lives and improve performance across union construction.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

Discussion points:

Resources:

Chris Cain LinkedIn
CPWR Construction Chart Book 

CPWR website for free educational materials and webinars

CPWR research and safety resources funded through NIOSH cooperative agreement

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

Why do most construction apps fail the eight-minute test for field workers?

Kirk Westwood sits down with Ryan Posnikoff, Vice President of Product Management at Contruent, who brings a unique dual perspective to construction technology. Starting as a union member with UA Local 488 in Edmonton following his father's footsteps, Ryan completed his apprenticeship in Alberta's oil and gas sector before overseeing major energy infrastructure megaprojects. Over 15 years, he evolved from boots-on-ground tradesperson to tech innovator, helping companies manage billions in capital through strategic data insights and purpose-built software. Ryan discusses bridging the gap between field workers and technology, emphasizing that "construction's biggest challenge is it's an information challenge." The conversation explores actionable data, digital trust, and what construction tech gets right and wrong.

Ryan Posnikoff brings over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career on jobsites overseeing massive oil and gas and energy infrastructure projects across Canada. His hands-on knowledge of field operations laid the foundation for his transition into construction technology, where he now works as a product leader helping organizations deliver complex megaprojects more efficiently. With deep expertise in aligning field needs with digital tools, Ryan is passionate about bridging the gap between boots-on-the-ground realities and cutting-edge innovation.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 

Discussion points:

Resources:

Contruent
UA Local 488 Edmonton
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast past epsidoes