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Talk the TAUC
Talk the TAUC episodes
- Implementing 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
40 min - Environmental 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
27 min - CLRC 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
33 min - Management 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
38 min - The 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
27 min - PLAs 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
33 min - PLAs 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
22 min - The State of Union Construction with General President Eric Dean
In this episode, Kirk Westwood talks to Ironworkers General President Eric Dean. They discuss the current state of the union construction industry and how technology has changed construction methods and workforce demands.
With over 40 years of experience, Dean shares his perspectives on the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry, including the retirement of baby boomers and the need for apprenticeship programs to replenish the workforce. He also delves into the concept of the "traveling local" to address the shortage of skilled labor and the importance of collaboration between employers, contractors, and unions to match workers with suitable jobs. Dean emphasizes the need for a blended crew in construction and the role of apprenticeship programs in sustaining strong unions, while acknowledging the challenges of leading a diverse team and adapting to new technology-driven construction methods.
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 last song that was stuck in Eric’s head
- State of the industry
- Technology has revolutionized construction methods, reducing workforce and changing skill demands
- Retirement of baby boomers creates demand for senior positions and workforce replenishment
- Apprenticeship programs essential for training next generation of skilled workers
- The industry faces challenges like member influx and proper training provisions
- ‘Traveling local’ concept helps address skilled labor shortage in the industry
- Union dynamics - democratic election processes and member support
- Employers and contractors - matching workers with suitable jobs
- Blended crews and apprenticeship programs
- Unions must adapt to changing construction landscape and support workers
- Industry must embrace technology-driven methods and market shifts to thrive
Resources:
Eric Dean Profile
Construction Leadership Conference May 16-19
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
26 min - Alex Weber on Leadership and Peak Performance
In this episode, Kirk Westwood talks to the “human shot of espresso” and soon-to-be guest speaker at the Construction Leadership Conference, Alex Weber. Alex is an international keynote speaker on leadership and peak performance, a competitor on American Ninja Warrior, and an award-winning entertainer for NBC. He’s an acclaimed author and one of the youngest coaches ever to win US Lacrosse Coach of the Year honors. Alex gives leaders & organizations his ‘Unstoppable Strategy’ to inspire engagement, gain a competitive edge, and unlock record-breaking achievements.
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 American Ninja Warrior experience
- Alex’s big failing moment and becoming unstoppable
- Playing hockey, LaCrosse, basketball etc. compared to Ninja Warrior obstacles
- There’s no secret formula, just show up and give it your best
- Technology, innovation, share burdens with your team
- Humility, showing up, figuring it out as you go
- Stress and mental health in the contruction industry
- Men We Admire organization - supporting other men
- Being committed, accepting failure, refusing to stop striving
Resources:
Alex Weber Website
Book: Fail Proof
Men We Admire Website
Construction Leadership Conference May 16-19
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
23 min - Helmets To Hardhats: An Interview with Martin Helms
In this episode, Kirk Westwood talks to Martin “Marty” Helms, Executive Director of the Helmets to Hardhats program. Kirk and Marty discuss the striking similarities of structure and responsibility within the military and construction industries, and how those similarities make construction an excellent civilian career for many ex-military personnel.
Martin Helms' Union career began as an IBEW apprentice and developed into being a Journeyman, Foreman, and then the Training Director for his local apprenticeship program. With over twenty-two years of ongoing service in the Army National Guard, years of joint labor-management apprenticeship experience, and an Associate Degree in Electrical Maintenance Technology from Stark State College, Marty brings strong training, management, military, and recruitment experience that the organized trades need for veteran recruitment. He has personally experienced the struggles of transitioning from military to civilian employment, which makes him uniquely empathetic to other service members.
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:
- What Helmets to Hardhats is all about
- Job board and opportunities for military members to get into construction industry apprenticeships
- The path to apprenticeships for different levels of experience
- Success stories - “Known Successful Transitions” or KST’s
- Structural, operational, leadership, and pay similarities between military and construction
- How can we help more military transition to civilian work?
- Vets can do amazing things for the trades- use HtoH as a pipeline for talent
Resources:
Martin Helms Profile
Helmets to Hardhats
Construction Leadership Conference May 16-19
Kirk Westwood TAUC
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood LinkedIn
The Construction User Magazine back issues
25 min
About Talk the TAUC
From the publisher's feed
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 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.