Episode 191-In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by the ABC Self Insured Group, we sit down with David Tibbetts, Chief Safety Officer at Highwire, to talk about one of the most important — yet often overlooked — topics in the skilled trades: safety. Whether you’re on the jobsite every day, leading a crew, or working to build the next generation of trades professionals, this conversation is packed with insight, real-world experience, and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.

David brings decades of experience in construction, risk management, and safety leadership to the table. He shares his personal journey into the industry, the moments that shaped his passion for protecting workers, and why he believes safety is not just a compliance requirement, but a culture that starts with people. From near-miss stories to leadership lessons learned the hard way, David reminds us that every safety rule is written in response to a real human experience.

We dive into how technology is transforming jobsite safety and how companies can use data to move from reactive to proactive safety strategies. David explains how organizations can better identify risk, improve communication, and create environments where workers feel empowered to speak up. He also challenges leaders to rethink their approach, shifting from enforcement to engagement, and from checklists to meaningful conversations.

For instructors, apprentices, and industry leaders, this episode highlights the critical role education plays in building safer futures. David discusses why safety training must start early, how mentorship impacts long-term outcomes, and why the next generation of trades professionals has an opportunity to raise the bar even higher.

We also explore the business case for safety — how strong safety cultures improve productivity, retention, and reputation. David breaks down common misconceptions and shares actionable steps any company, regardless of size, can implement immediately.

This episode is a reminder that safety is not just about policies or procedures. It’s about people, families, and the responsibility we all share to make sure everyone goes home at the end of the day. If you care about leadership, culture, and the future of the skilled trades, this is a conversation you need to hear.

You can learn more about Highwire by checking out his website here >> https://www.highwire.com/

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Learn more about ABC Massachusetts visit www.abcma.org

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://www.abcma.org/Membership/ABC-Insurance-Programs/ABC-Self-Insured-Workers-Compensation-Group-SIG

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://attaintechnology.com/

#thebuildzonepodcast

#abcmeritshopproud

#ConstructionSafety

#SafetyFirst

#WorkplaceSafety

#SafetyCulture

#SafetyTraining

#WorkersSafety

#HealthAndSafety

#SiteSafety

#ConstructionIndustry

#SafetyLeadership

On this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, sponsored by the ABC Self Insured Group, we sit down with Peter Murphy Lewis, the creator of the powerful docuseries People Worth Caring About—and fair warning, this conversation might stick with you long after the episode ends.

Peter isn’t chasing clicks or clout. He’s chasing truth. Through People Worth Caring About, he turns the camera toward individuals and communities that are too often overlooked, misunderstood, or written off entirely. The result is storytelling that’s raw, human, and deeply uncomfortable in the best possible way. These aren’t feel-good highlight reels. They’re honest portraits of people navigating hardship, resilience, dignity, and hope—sometimes all at once.

We talk about where the idea for the docuseries came from and what pushed Peter to pick up a camera and start asking questions that many of us avoid. He shares what it’s like to earn trust in spaces where trust has been broken, and why listening—really listening—is the most important skill a storyteller can have. Peter also opens up about the emotional toll of documenting difficult realities, and how he balances empathy with responsibility when telling someone else’s story.

This episode goes beyond filmmaking. We dig into why stories matter, how media shapes who we decide is “worth” our time and attention, and what happens when you slow down long enough to see people as more than labels. Peter challenges the idea that impact requires massive platforms, reminding us that meaningful change often starts with simply caring—and acting on it.

If you’re interested in storytelling, social impact, or just becoming a more aware human being, this conversation is for you. It’s thoughtful, challenging, and refreshingly honest. People Worth Caring About isn’t just a title—it’s a call to action. And after this episode, you may find yourself looking at the world, and the people in it, a little differently.

Grab your headphones, lean in, and get ready for a conversation that proves some of the most important stories are the ones we don’t hear often enough.

You can learn more about Peter by checking out his website here >> https://strategicpete.com/

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Learn more about ABC Massachusetts visit www.abcma.org

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://www.abcma.org/Membership/ABC-Insurance-Programs/ABC-Self-Insured-Workers-Compensation-Group-SIG

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://attaintechnology.com/

#Podcast #PodcastEpisode #NewEpisode #thebuildzonepodcast #abcmeritshopproud

#Storytelling #DocumentaryFilm #Docuseries #passion

#PeopleWorthCaringAbout #PeterMurphyLewis

#HumanStories #SocialImpact #AuthenticVoices

#PurposeDriven #MediaForGood #TruthTelling

#CreativeProcess #ListenAndLearn

Episode 189-In this episode, we sit down with Chris Landry and Nicole Harrison of Erland Construction and the Erland Foundation for a powerful conversation about building more than projects—building people, opportunities, and long-term impact in the construction industry.

Erland Construction has long been recognized as a leader in commercial construction, known for delivering complex projects while maintaining a strong people-first culture. But behind the job sites and schedules is a deeper commitment to workforce development, community investment, and giving back. That commitment comes to life through the Erland Foundation, an organization dedicated to expanding access to education, career pathways, and support systems for individuals pursuing futures in the skilled trades and beyond.

Chris and Nicole share how the Foundation came to be, why Erland believes philanthropy and business should go hand in hand, and how intentional investment in people strengthens not only communities, but the industry as a whole. We talk about the real challenges facing construction today—from workforce shortages to awareness gaps—and how partnerships, mentorship, and education play a critical role in closing those gaps.

This conversation also dives into the human side of leadership. Chris and Nicole discuss what it means to lead with purpose, how values-driven organizations attract and retain talent, and why giving employees a chance to be part of something bigger than a single project matters more than ever. They offer insight into how companies of any size can create meaningful impact, whether through foundations, community partnerships, or simply showing up consistently for the next generation of workers.

If you’re passionate about the future of construction, workforce development, or corporate responsibility done right, this episode delivers real-world examples and practical inspiration. It’s a reminder that the strongest foundations—on and off the job site—are built with intention, collaboration, and a commitment to people.

Tune in to hear how Erland Construction and the Erland Foundation are helping shape a stronger, more inclusive future for the industry—and why investing in people is the most important build of all.

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Learn more about ABC Massachusetts visit www.abcma.org

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://www.abcma.org/Membership/ABC-Insurance-Programs/ABC-Self-Insured-Workers-Compensation-Group-SIG

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://attaintechnology.com/

#ConstructionIndustry

#WorkforceDevelopment

#SkilledTrades

#BuildingTheFuture

#LeadershipWithPurpose

#abcmeritshopproud

#thebuildzonepodcast

#contractor

#abcma

#openshop

Episode 188-This episode is brought to you by DECCO--Ever wonder what the skilled trades hiring landscape really looks like behind the scenes? This week, I’m joined by someone who’s not just watching the evolution—he’s helping build it.

I sit down with Brian Drucks, founder of WhereTradesGo.com, the platform that’s quickly becoming the go-to digital hub for connecting skilled trades professionals with the employers who need them most.

Brian brings a sharp perspective on what today’s job seekers are looking for, how employers can modernize their approach, and why the skilled trades industry is overdue for a technological leap forward. We dig into everything from talent shortages and workforce pipelines to Brian’s mission to simplify hiring in a field where time, tools, and trust matter more than corporate buzzwords.

In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, you’ll hear:

🔧 How WhereTradesGo.com is changing the hiring experience for both workers and employers

🚀 Why skilled trades professionals deserve the same digital tools and visibility as any other career path

📊 The trends Brian is watching for 2025 and beyond

🧰 And yes… a few stories from the trenches of building a platform for an industry built on hands-on expertise

Whether you’re in the trades, hiring for them, or simply curious about the future of workforce development, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Tune in, get inspired, and maybe even rethink how you define “career pathways.”

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Learn more about ABC Massachusetts visit www.abcma.org

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://www.decco.com

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://attaintechnology.com/

#thebuildzonepodcast #abcmeritshopproud #SkilledTrades #TradesCareers #FutureOfWork #WorkforceDevelopment #passion #love #builder #contractor #construction #TradeJobs #ConstructionCareers #TechnicalEducation #TradesTraining

Episode 187-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by DECCO, we sit down with Drew Patalano, Operations Manager for Medford Wellington Service Company, a respected leader known for his deep industry knowledge, hands-on leadership style, and commitment to operational excellence in the skilled trades. Drew brings more than experience—he brings perspective. From optimizing field operations to elevating customer service standards, his work has helped shape Medford Wellington into one of the region’s most reliable multi-trade service providers.

Our conversation explores the realities of running operations in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment, where every decision impacts safety, efficiency, and long-term client relationships. Drew takes us behind the scenes of what it means to oversee diverse teams—HVAC techs, electricians, plumbers, refrigeration specialists—and how he ensures they have the tools, training, and support to deliver outstanding work, every time.

We dive into Drew’s leadership philosophy, the value of clear communication, and why accountability and culture are non-negotiables in a successful service company. He shares lessons learned from the field, insights into effective workforce development, and the importance of investing in people—both new apprentices and seasoned technicians. Drew also discusses the operational challenges facing today’s trades: labor shortages, evolving technologies, and the increasing expectations of customers who demand responsiveness and reliability.

For anyone working in the trades, managing service teams, or simply interested in how high-performing companies operate behind the curtain, this episode offers meaningful takeaways. Drew’s authenticity shines through as he reflects on his years at Medford Wellington, the pride he takes in seeing technicians grow within the company, and the strategic decisions that keep operations running smoothly even during the industry’s busiest seasons.

We also talk about the stronger role operations leaders must play in mentoring the next generation. Drew highlights why collaboration with trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and industry associations is essential to developing a sustainable workforce pipeline. His vision for the future of the skilled trades emphasizes adaptability, continuous improvement, and a renewed focus on attracting young people into meaningful, high-opportunity careers.

Whether you're a business leader, instructor, trades professional, or simply a fan of stories about leadership and craftsmanship, this conversation with Drew Patalano delivers insight, inspiration, and a reminder of the real people driving the trade industries forward.

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Learn more about ABC Massachusetts visit www.abcma.org

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://www.decco.com

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://www.gwgci.org

#thebuildzonepodcast #abcmeritshopproud #passion #SkilledTrades #TradesEducation #TradeCareers #FutureOfTheTrades  #WorkforceDevelopment

Episode 186-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, presented by DECCO, we sit down with Jesse Gioranino, Chairman of the Membership Committee for ABC Massachusetts, to explore the heartbeat of the organization—its members. Jesse brings his enthusiasm and deep understanding of the industry to a candid conversation about what makes ABC’s membership community so strong, diverse, and forward-thinking.

From helping contractors find value through networking and training to fostering the next generation of leaders, Jesse discusses how membership isn’t just a number—it’s a movement. He shares insights into how ABC Massachusetts supports its members through advocacy, education, and peer collaboration, and why engagement is key to sustaining a thriving merit shop community.

Whether you’re a long-time ABC member, a potential new partner, or just curious about how associations like ABC drive industry growth, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to belong to something bigger. Jesse’s energy and passion remind us that when members connect, the entire construction industry builds stronger together.

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Learn more about ABC Massachusetts visit www.abcma.org

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://www.decco.com

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://www.gwgci.org

Tune in for an inspiring discussion about leadership, connection, and the power of community in shaping the future of construction.

#ABCMassachusetts #ABCNational #abcMeritShopProud #BuildingConnections

#ABCMembership #IndustryLeaders #NetworkingMatters

#CommunityInConstruction #LeadershipInAction #GrowWithABC

Episode 185-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by DECCO, we sit down with Dr. Gretchen Gagel, a globally recognized leader, author, and advisor whose career has been dedicated to helping organizations achieve exceptional performance. From the boardroom to the classroom, Gretchen’s work has influenced countless executives and teams across industries — especially in engineering, construction, and infrastructure.

Gretchen brings a rare blend of academic insight and real-world experience. As the President and Managing Director of Greatness Consulting and an adjunct professor at the University of Denver, she’s passionate about building stronger leaders, smarter organizations, and more resilient workplaces.

In this conversation, we dive deep into topics like:

• How great leaders inspire trust and alignment in uncertain times
• The role of continuous learning in shaping innovative teams
• Why culture and communication drive long-term success
• Her take on the future of women in leadership and the built environment

Whether you’re a business owner, project manager, or future leader, this episode will leave you inspired to think bigger and lead better. Gretchen’s clarity, energy, and experience shine through every story she tells — and by the end, you’ll see leadership not just as a position, but as a practice.

🎧 Tune in to learn what it truly means to lead with purpose — and how you can start today.

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Learn more about Dr. Gretchen Gagel: https://greatnessconsulting.com/about-gretchen/

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://www.decco.com

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://www.gwgci.org

#abcmeritshopproud

#LeadershipDevelopment

#WomenInLeadership

#ConstructionLeadership

#TheBuildZonePodcast

#PodcastInterview

#LeadershipPodcast

#LeadWithPurpose

#Empowerment

#GrowthMindset

#SuccessThroughLeadership

Episode 184-On this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by DECCO, we sit down with a leader whose vision is shaping the future of Rhode Island’s construction industry—Joseph Lopes, President and CEO of ABC Rhode Island. With a career rooted in both business leadership and a deep commitment to workforce development, Joseph brings a wealth of insight into how the trades are evolving and why organizations like ABC RI are critical to the success of the industry.

As the head of one of the most influential construction trade associations in the state, Joseph is tasked with championing not only the contractors and businesses he represents but also the thousands of men and women who make up the skilled trades. In our conversation, he shares how ABC Rhode Island works to create opportunities for its members through advocacy, training, and a strong voice in policy discussions. From navigating regulatory challenges to addressing the ongoing labor shortage, Joseph offers a candid look at the issues facing the construction industry today.

We dive into the importance of investing in education and apprenticeship programs, highlighting how ABC RI is playing a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of builders. Joseph also reflects on the broader economic impact of the trades, emphasizing how construction is more than just a job site—it’s the foundation of communities, infrastructure, and growth. His passion for building a stronger Rhode Island is evident as he discusses strategies for ensuring that contractors, workers, and businesses alike thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

But beyond the numbers and policies, Joseph’s story is one of leadership and resilience. He shares personal lessons learned along his journey and what motivates him to keep pushing for progress in an industry that is constantly changing. For anyone curious about the future of construction, the role of trade associations, or simply what it takes to lead with purpose, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Whether you’re a contractor, a trades professional, or someone who just wants to better understand how construction shapes our daily lives, this conversation with Joseph Lopes will give you a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities facing Rhode Island’s building community.

Tune in, get inspired, and discover how leadership in the trades is building more than structures—it’s building futures.

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Learn more about ABC Rhode Island: https://www.abcri.org/

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://www.decco.com

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://www.gwgci.org

#ConstructionIndustry #ABCRhodeIsland #JosephLopes #SkilledTrades #ConstructionLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #BuildingTheFuture #TradeCareers #ConstructionPodcast #LeadershipInTheTrades #EconomicGrowth #ConstructionCommunity #TheBuildZone

Episode 183-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, presented by Optiline Enterprises, we sit down with two dynamic entrepreneurs who are reshaping the future of workplace safety—Hilary Gallin and Kaitlin McCarthy, the founders of ARX PPE. What started as a bold idea to challenge the outdated, one-size-fits-all approach to personal protective equipment has grown into a movement that’s not only protecting workers but also redefining what it means to design with inclusivity, comfort, and innovation in mind.

Hilary and Kaitlin share their journey from recognizing a critical gap in the market to launching a company that prioritizes people over products. For too long, PPE has been built for the “average worker,” often leaving women and individuals of different body types with ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and unsafe gear. ARX PPE was born out of the conviction that safety should never be compromised by poor design—and that everyone deserves access to equipment that actually works for them.

Throughout the conversation, Hilary and Kaitlin talk about the real-world impact of PPE that doesn’t fit, from the risks it creates on job sites to the message it sends about who belongs in the workforce. They explain how ARX PPE is turning that narrative around with products engineered to empower, protect, and perform—proving that innovation isn’t just about new technology, but about listening, observing, and rethinking the status quo.

We also dive into the challenges of building a startup in a space that hasn’t seen much disruption, what it takes to advocate for change in industries resistant to it, and the lessons they’ve learned as co-founders navigating entrepreneurship together. Their story is one of grit, vision, and an unwavering belief that progress starts by asking simple but powerful questions: Who is this for? Who is being left out? How can we do better?

Whether you’re a business leader, a trades professional, or someone curious about the intersection of safety and design, this episode will leave you inspired by Hilary and Kaitlin’s passion for creating solutions that serve everyone. Their mission with ARX PPE is clear: safety is universal, and it’s time the equipment we rely on reflects that truth.

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://optiline.com

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://www.gwgci.org

To learn more about ARX PPE check out their website: https://www.shoparxppe.com/pages/about-us

#thebuildzonepodcast #abcmeritshopproud #meritshop #PodcastLife #PodcastEpisode

#Podcast #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Innovation #WorkplaceSafety #Trades #ConstructionLife #StartupStory #Leadership #InclusiveDesign #SafetyFirst #BusinessInnovation #FutureOfWork #PPE #Founders

Episode 182-What happens when you put a Marketing Specialist from Dynamic Interiors in front of a microphone instead of a mood board? You get a conversation that’s just as stylish—only with way more laughter and zero throw pillows.

This week on The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by Optiline Enterprises, we’re joined by Brianna Raposo from Dynamic Interior, who knows how to turn drywall into drama, paint swatches into poetry, and marketing campaigns into works of art. We’ll dig into her secrets for making “open concept” sound sexier than it actually is, why marketing is basically just interior design for your brain, and whether the term “shiplap” is officially overused.

Expect witty insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few moments where we wonder if Dynamic Interiors should really let Brianna handle their TikTok account. (Spoiler: they should—she’s hilarious.)

So grab your headphones, because this episode proves you don’t need an accent wall to make a statement—you just need Brianna.

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: https://optiline.com

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://www.gwgci.org

#thebuildzonepodcast #abcmeritshopproud #meritshop #PodcastLife #PodcastEpisode #MarketingMagic #BrandBuilding #CreativeMarketing #MarketingTips #MarketingHumor #DynamicDesign #InteriorInspo #DesignAndMarketing #CreativeInteriors #DynamicInteriors