Talk the TAUC

By Kirk Westwood

Talk the TAUC podcast (formerly Construction User 2.0) is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped m... more

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FAQs about Talk the TAUC:

How many episodes does Talk the TAUC have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.

Talk the TAUC episodes:

October 03, 2023Healthcare Over Sick-care: A conversation with Larry Bradley
In this episode, we take a closer look at healthcare in the construction industry and question our traditional approach. Larry Bradley, an author, consultant, and former NECA executive director, shares insights on how our current healthcare system is more about "sick-care" than actual health management. Join us as we consider alternative perspectives and ways to shift this paradigm.
Larry Bradley worked with the Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter, NECA for 27 years in virtually every capacity of association management, serving as Executive Director for 18 years. His work positively impacted the lives of thousands of IBEW members and their families. He was inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contractors, NECA’s highest honor to recognize exceptional and outstanding service to the electrical contracting industry. Bradley has worked to ensure that funds are wisely managed, ensuring that the benefits offered to workers are available to them throughout their lives.
The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. 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:
The song - Kind of a Drag by the Buckinghams and ‘linguistic opioids’
The hurdles of healthcare and leadership
Staggering stats on healthcare in America
Larry’s books and practicing what he preaches
Leadership is influence
A Sunday morning service question became a book
How can the construction industry work toward health?
MESS cleanse and mitigating stress
Stress in our industry
Choosing kindness, plummeting test scores, mindset training
Pharmacogenetic testing for drug efficacy
The U.S. ranks 37th in the world for healthcare quality
The pilot program using pharmacogenetics - food, supplements, medication

Resources:
Larry Bradley LinkedIn
Article: Larry Bradley Retirement
Book: Influence
Book: Wake the F Up!
Milwaukee Tool
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
...more
33min
September 12, 2023Construction From a Bird's-eye View, a discussion with Marty Mulcahy
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Marty Mulcahy, Managing Editor of The Building Tradesman - the Official Publication of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. The Building Tradesman has served the highly skilled men and women in Michigan’s building trades unions in Michigan since 1952. Marty’s decades of experience reporting on the building trades gives him special insight into the construction industry. Join us as Kirk and Marty delve into an alternative perspective on the building trades, discussing the industry's current challenges and biggest issues, emerging trends, and the ever-evolving landscape of union construction.
The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. 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:
The song- B-52s Roam
Background and guest intro
Construction journalism and publications
Strikes and other challenges in the industry
Current major stories in the construction space
Michigan and the change in legislature- a sea change in laws
Looking forward - what is the outlook for dems vs. republicans?
Staying current in the industry - what gets column space

Resources:
Marty Mulcahy LinkedIn
The Building Tradesman
IGI Conference Sept 6-7 2023
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
...more
27min
August 29, 2023Becoming Future Proof with Geoff Colvin
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Geoff Colvin, renowned author and longtime editor and writer at Fortune. Geoff reveals strategies for future-proofing your company through effective leadership, cultural transformation, and proactive technology adoption. Gain expert insights on staying ahead in an evolving business landscape. Tune in to elevate your business preparedness.
Geoff Colvin is an award-winning thinker, author, broadcaster, and speaker on today’s most significant trends in business. As a longtime editor and columnist for Fortune, he has become one of America’s sharpest and most respected commentators on leadership, globalization, wealth creation, the infotech revolution, and related issues. Geoff’s new book, just published, is Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know that Brilliant Machines Never Will. As a speaker, Geoff has engaged hundreds of audiences on six continents.
The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. 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:
The song- A western movie theme song
How can companies keep up?
A smart answer from GE’s CEO on culture
How to think about tech- get some hands-on experience
What small steps can an ‘archival’ construction company take?
Succession management is critical
It’s not what you know, it’s ‘who you are’ in leadership
What Geoff sees on the horizon
Reimagining business with tech - looking at electricity etc. in the past
The upcoming IGI Conference

Resources:
Geoff Colvin
Book: Business at the Speed of Thought
IGI Conference Sept 6-7 2023
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
...more
29min
August 22, 2023Implementing New Technology: a discussion with the Procore Team
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with two industry thought leaders from Procore - Will Lehrmann, VP of Product, and Brian Davis, Product Marketing Manager. Will and Brian unveil the essential keys to successful change management in construction tech adoption. Gain insights from their extensive experience to ensure seamless transitions, safeguard budgets, and empower your team. Brought to you by Procore, this episode is a must-listen for anyone driving innovation in construction. Used in over 150 countries, Procore software provides customers with the tools they need to grow their profits, protect their people, build their businesses, and get home safely.
The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. 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:
The songs and kids - Beatles, Taylor Swift, and Mariah
Tech and ‘usability’ improvements
Data - leveraging insights is evolving
AI is impacting every industry, including construction
Is the industry “tech-averse”?
Communication and data collection
Tech and efficiency improvements over the next 15 years
Implementation means a cultural shift
Executive ‘sponsorship’ vs. ‘support’
Continuing education and training is imperative
Burning boats - no ‘old way vs new way’ - commit to only one way forward
Change management - how not to get crushed?
Strategies for approaching technology in your company
Solving issues collectively in the industry
What kind of low-risk first steps can leadership take?
Find what’s painful and improve that first

Resources:
Will Lehrmann LinkedIn
Brian Davis
Procore
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
...more
40min
July 25, 2023Environmental Health and Safety - A Conversation With Terry Dussault
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Terry Dussault, Founder and President of Yellowknife Consulting Services. As a corporate EH&S professional, Terry has been Southern California's top safety expert for over 25 years. Terry specializes in the preparation and implementation of safety training programs related to Cal OSHA and DOSH, EPA, and DOT regulations. Terry has an extensive background in environmental compliance on a variety of projects including ones impacted with contamination from prior manufacturing and distribution operations.
You’ll hear Terry’s insights into the progression of safety in the industry - from basic personal protective equipment (PPE) to increasingly strict safety regulations. The conversation explores how emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and LiDAR are set to enhance safety compliance and reshape training programs. Furthermore, the episode emphasizes the importance of open communication in preventing accidents, highlighting a unique initiative called the Works Program, which involves community members in cleanup efforts.
The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. 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:
The song - Footloose by Kenny Loggins
The evolution of safety in the construction industry
Early safety protocols focused on PPE alone
The future of safety in industrial construction
AI, robotics, and LiDAR could revolutionize safety compliance and training
The Works Program engages community in cleanup efforts
Fostering an environment of dialogue & communication
Environmental health and safety
Safety training for a dynamic work environment
Importance of continued education and certification
The importance of safety for overall business growth.
Resources:
Terry Dussault LinkedIn
Yellowknife Consulting
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
...more
27min
July 18, 2023CLRC Quarterly Settlements Report With Carey Peters
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Carey Peters, Executive Director of the CLRC (The Construction Labor Research Council). The CLRC provides comprehensive consulting and research services to national associations and their regional chapters, contractors, owners, unions, labor-management cooperatives, and others in the construction industry. Carey and Kirk discuss variables within the construction industry’s union labor costs, contracts, workforce demographics, and related information. CLRC’s work is objective, accurate, and credible.
The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is the Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web streamer, and consultant. 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:
The song - Great Gig in the Sky - Pink Floyd
CLRCs- what are they and why so important?
Big changes, pent-up demand, new settlements, inflation
4.5% increases are average for settlements now
Settlements vs. inflation
3-year settlements - tracking statistics
Regional differences in the U.S.- Pacific Northwest and West Coast - very high
Carpenters, mill rights, laborers, pipefitters
Rare for individual wages to go down- but averages can go down
Data sources - TAUC is a favorite
CLRC is an excellent resource for the industry
We’ll look forward to hearing an update in a future show
Resources:
Carey Peters CLRC Consulting
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
...more
33min
June 27, 2023Management and the Future of Construction: A discussion with John Stevens
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with John Stevens, Owner and Founder of Thermal Solutions. Thermal Solutions specializes in commercial and industrial insulation for the industrial market. John shares insight into his 40+ years in the business, how his family has joined him through the decades at Thermal Solutions, why he hires union workers, and what he expects from the future of the construction industry.
The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. 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:
John’s song - Thunderstruck by AC/DC
The path of John’s career to Thermal Solutions
A family affair - The Stevens family and Thermal Solutions
A union man since age 18
Misconceptions and vitriol against unions - why?
Benefits to union membership - to workers and to those who hire them
The growth of future jobs
Adapting within the industry- for the shifting landscape
Generational differences
TAUC and networking
From forecasting ‘x’ number of construction deaths vs. maintaining a ‘zero injury’ record
The future is looking good
Resources:
John Stevens LinkedIn
Thermal Solutions
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
...more
38min
June 20, 2023The Changes in Construction Safety: A Conversation with Kathleen Dobson
In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with industry veteran Kathleen "Kathi" Dobson as she shares her insights on the current state of construction safety and how mental health influences safety in construction sites. Kathi Dobson is a 20+ year veteran of the construction industry and of Alberici Constructors, Inc. She works throughout the country & North America supporting safe work efforts in her company’s automotive, mining, heavy civil and industrial processes markets. Regardless of the issue, you’ll see that Kathi is a passionate advocate and fighter for health and safety throughout the industry.
The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. 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:
What has changed in safety in the industry over time
Safety is everyone’s job
The rules vs. creative problem solving
Mental health and other non-site safety concerns - suicide and addiction
Site jobs are long and grueling - what are we doing about it?
HR resources for the ‘outside of office’ employees
The future of safety in the industry - tech is helping tremendously
For more information, check out Part I of this discussion in the last episode
Resources:
Kathleen Dobson TAUC
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
...more
27min
June 06, 2023PLAs and Labor Economics - Part 2
Welcome to Part II of a two-part series on PLAs and Labor Economics. Host Kirk Westwood continues the conversation with Economists Peter W. Philips and Kevin Duncan. Dr. Philips and Dr. Duncan discuss the evolution and role of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) in both public and private sectors, they examine the controversy surrounding the I-15 corridor rehab project in Salt Lake County, and explore the economic aspects of PLAs and their potential benefits for all parties involved. They also share their views on the future of construction and the potential role of the private sector in the union construction and maintenance industry.
The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. 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:
PLA = Project Labor Agreements
Project labor agreements (PLAs) explained by Dr. Peter Phillips
PLAs in both public and private sectors
Attracting skilled labor with PLAs
I-15 corridor rehab project controversy
Customizing PLAs to fit project needs
Balancing benefits for all parties involved
Reducing costs with night shift premium changes
Public vs. private sector project differences
Prevailing wage laws impact on PLA economics
Future of construction industry examined
Banking and political systems' influence on construction
Private sector's role in union construction and maintenance
For more information, check out Part I of this discussion in the last episode
Resources:
Peter W Phillips Profile
Kevin Duncan Profile
Construction Leadership Conference May 16-19
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
...more
33min
May 29, 2023PLAs and Labor Economics - Part 1
Welcome to Part I of a two-part series on PLAs and Labor Economics. Host Kirk Westwood speaks with Economists Peter W. Philips and Kevin Duncan as they share insights regarding the effects of prevailing wage laws on construction workers, the communities they work in, and the industry in general.
Philips is a labor economist specializing on the construction labor market. He has ancillary interests in econometrics and American economic and business history. His current research interests include regulations, construction safety, women and minority employment in construction, construction apprenticeship programs, project labor agreements, bidding procedures on construction projects, and health insurance for construction workers. Philips is also a qualified forensic economist.
Kevin Duncan, Ph. D. is a Professor of Economics at Colorado State University-Pueblo and has been a visiting scholar at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment at the University of California, Berkeley. He teaches business and regional economics in the Hasan School of Business and has examined the effect of prevailing wage laws on construction costs and productivity, construction worker poverty and reliance on public assistance, minority employment in the construction industry, and the economic impact of the wage policy.
The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. 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:
Background on Peter and Kevin
Peter’s views on states with prevailing wage laws - the benefits - remuneration and safety
Peter’s dangerous ‘spotter’ job with a pipelaying company as a teen
A cave-in story around a backhoe
Kevin’s views on states with prevailing wage laws and who they help
Las Vegas construction workers and the health system
What is a prevailing wage law?
Tune in for Part II of this fascinating discussion
Resources:
Peter W Phillips Profile
Kevin Duncan Profile
Construction Leadership Conference May 16-19
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
...more
22min

FAQs about Talk the TAUC:

How many episodes does Talk the TAUC have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.