The Construction Life

We talk about losing connection with where the family is from, understanding the struggles of our ancestors, and recognizing the opportunity to learn family stories. Tune in for a conversation everyone can relate to on this episode of The Construction Life Podcast.

Find Devin at LusoLoonie.ca and @LusoLoonie. Also check out his books, The Portuguese Immigrant and Finding Madeira on Amazon.

  Stay connected with The Construction Life Podcast by texting Manny at 416 433-5737 or emailing him at [email protected]. If you have something to contribute to the podcast, email [email protected] to schedule a time to join us in studio.

Are you interested in the latest trends in building, renovation, home improvement, real estate, architecture, design, engineering, contracting, trades, and DIY? Look no further! Our construction podcast and social media content cover a wide range of topics, including project management, safety, best practices, business development, leadership, marketing, customer service, productivity, sustainability, technology, innovation, and industry news

Trade school programs and connecting kids to the trades with Chris McKaskell, Heather Cummings and Sarah Blackler of Covenant Construction and Millennium Construction and Design Inc. We talk about getting kids into design and craft, finding respectful workplaces, and getting doers and thinkers to understand each other. We also discuss residential vs commercial woodworking, involving clients in the process, and standing up for your value. Find out what scope creep is on this episode of The Construction Life Podcast.

Check out Covenant Construction at CovenantConstruction.ca and @ChrisMcKaskell. Reach out at [email protected].

Check out Millenium Construction and Design Inc. at MCaDi.ca and @MCaDiLondon.

Any business, especially construction, requires us to know what’s going on at all times. But, how can we be in the high level of things and not the bits and bites, in order to be able to actually also have the time to build the business and take it forward? Because, see, whether we want it or not - we find ourselves dealing with the bits and bites - if we don’t have the right tool to operate our business. And by that I mean - if we are doing things manually instead of digitally. Now, I’m not talking about making sheets on excel or just texting instead of calling - I’m talking about whole new levels of doing things digitally - from knowing our employees clocked in at the right place and time, knowing our employees know the job they need to do, knowing what’s going on in the filed by receiving live forms or checklists - these all can be and should be done digitally! Not to mention your younger employees who work and live digitally, and expect to get that in their workplace as well. And if this sounds like fiction, it’s not - just switch to Connecteam - a platform built for managers - with a lot of different capabilities that helps you truly manage your business and gives you back time to focus on what you need, while giving your employees the work experience they expect to get in 2023 going on 2024.

Connecteam has a free plan and a 14 day free trial, try them today by checking out the link in the show notes.

Check out Connecteam at www.connecteam.com

@connecteamapp on Instagram. www.connecteam.com/pricing

and try out their free plan for companies with 10 employees or less.

  Stay connected with The Construction Life Podcast by texting Manny at 416 433-5737 or emailing him at [email protected]. If you have something to contribute to the podcast, email [email protected] to schedule a time to join us in studio.

Are you interested in the latest trends in building, renovation, home improvement, real estate, architecture, design, engineering, contracting, trades, and DIY? Look no further! Our construction podcast and social media content cover a wide range of topics, including project management, safety, best practices, business development, leadership, marketing, customer service, productivity, sustainability, technology, innovation, and industry news

Robert tells us about combatting parents' biases, preparing students for apprenticeship, connecting students to industry and learning new things from young trades. Shop class never ended on this episode of The Construction Life Podcast.

Reach out to Robert at [email protected].

CMPX – Canada’s largest HVACR and plumbing tradeshow – is just around the corner.  It’s happening in the South Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, from March 20th to 22nd, 2024 and it’s the ultimate industry showcase of everything new in HVACR and plumbing.  I’ll be there, broadcasting live

from the tradeshow floor, and taking it all in during 3 action-packed days.  Visit www.cmpxshow.com

Any business, especially construction, requires us to know what’s going on at all times. But, how can we be in the high level of things and not the bits and bites, in order to be able to actually also have the time to build the business and take it forward? Because, see, whether we want it or not - we find ourselves dealing with the bits and bites - if we don’t have the right tool to operate our business. And by that I mean - if we are doing things manually instead of digitally. Now, I’m not talking about making sheets on excel or just texting instead of calling - I’m talking about whole new levels of doing things digitally - from knowing our employees clocked in at the right place and time, knowing our employees know the job they need to do, knowing what’s going on in the filed by receiving live forms or checklists - these all can be and should be done digitally! Not to mention your younger employees who work and live digitally, and expect to get that in their workplace as well. And if this sounds like fiction, it’s not - just switch to Connecteam - a platform built for managers - with a lot of different capabilities that helps you truly manage your business and gives you back time to focus on what you need, while giving your employees the work experience they expect to get in 2023 going on 2024.

Connecteam has a free plan and a 14 day free trial, try them today by checking out the link in the show notes.

Check out Connecteam at www.connecteam.com

@connecteamapp on Instagram. www.connecteam.com/pricing

and try out their free plan for companies with 10 employees or less.

  Stay connected with The Construction Life Podcast by texting Manny at 416 433-5737 or emailing him at [email protected]. If you have something to contribute to the podcast, email [email protected] to schedule a time to join us in studio.

Are you interested in the latest trends in building, renovation, home improvement, real estate, architecture, design, engineering, contracting, trades, and DIY? Look no further! Our construction podcast and social media content cover a wide range of topics, including project management, safety, best practices, business development, leadership, marketing, customer service, productivity, sustainability, technology, innovation, and industry news

Kevin, Brendan and Jordan join us to talk about diverting from tropical hardwoods, introducing new products, and bringing a factory to North America. We also discuss saunas, grade standards, installation, innovation and dealing with change-resistant trades and imitators on this episode of The Construction Life Podcast.

Check out Thermory at ThermoryUSA.com and @ThermoryUSA. Reach out at [email protected].

Check out Russin at Russin.com and @RussinLumberCorp. Reach out at [email protected].

And check them out at the International Builder Show Feb 27-29 in Vegas booth numbers #SU1629 and #SU1633.  They will also be proudly displayed at the North American Model Home, the showcase home exclusive to tech and trending leaders in building science. 

  Stay connected with The Construction Life Podcast by texting Manny at 416 433-5737 or emailing him at [email protected]. If you have something to contribute to the podcast, email [email protected] to schedule a time to join us in studio.

Are you interested in the latest trends in building, renovation, home improvement, real estate, architecture, design, engineering, contracting, trades, and DIY? Look no further! Our construction podcast and social media content cover a wide range of topics, including project management, safety, best practices, business development, leadership, marketing, customer service, productivity, sustainability, technology, innovation, and industry news

Tyler Cabral and Eduardo Brenes from TMC Masonry to explore their innovative approaches and experiences in the masonry construction industry. From brand recommendations to modifying machinery, Tyler and Eduardo share valuable insights into their strategies for success.

The conversation kicks off with a discussion on brand recommendations and the importance of choosing the right tools and materials for masonry projects. Tyler and Eduardo delve into their experiences with modifying machinery to enhance efficiency and productivity on job sites, highlighting the challenges and benefits of these adaptations.

As seasoned professionals in the industry, Tyler and Eduardo reflect on their experiences at the Canadian Concrete Expo (CCE) and their participation in summer trades competitions. They emphasize the importance of bringing fun into construction to make the industry more appealing to young people and encourage the next generation of tradespeople.

Tyler and Eduardo also share insights into the importance of proper lifting techniques and the creation of the TMC gym to promote safety and reduce the risk of injuries among workers. They discuss the efficiency of carrying bricks and the significance of visual learning in masonry construction.

The episode concludes with a discussion on scaffolding and the importance of lead time warnings in construction projects. Tyler and Eduardo provide valuable tips and recommendations for ensuring safety and efficiency on job sites, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication among team members.

  Stay connected with The Construction Life Podcast by texting Manny at 416 433-5737 or emailing him at [email protected]. If you have something to contribute to the podcast, email [email protected] to schedule a time to join us in studio.

Are you interested in the latest trends in building, renovation, home improvement, real estate, architecture, design, engineering, contracting, trades, and DIY? Look no further! Our construction podcast and social media content cover a wide range of topics, including project management, safety, best practices, business development, leadership, marketing, customer service, productivity, sustainability, technology, innovation, and industry news

@dgrconcreteforming Scott Chambers and Ryan Godin from DGR Concrete Forming to explore their innovative approach to concrete construction and the use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). Join us as we delve into their unique insights and experiences in revolutionizing the industry.

Scott and Ryan kick off the discussion by introducing the concept of nonstick boots and the importance of finding the right fit for the team. They share their journey of transitioning from traditional concrete forming methods to ICF and the benefits it offers in terms of efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

The conversation delves into the differences between ICF and traditional construction methods, including building codes, manufacturing standards, and the elimination of costs associated with ICF. Scott and Ryan discuss the challenges of changing the perception of ICF within the industry and the importance of considering building science in construction projects.

As advocates for sustainability and innovation, Scott and Ryan share their thoughts on water stop solutions, new construction lingo, and the complexities of operating massive concrete pumps. They emphasize the significance of pump truck cleanliness and respecting the extra effort involved in maintaining equipment integrity.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of framing and the potential opportunities and challenges it presents. Scott and Ryan offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of concrete construction and the role of innovative techniques in shaping the industry's future.

  Stay connected with The Construction Life Podcast by texting Manny at 416 433-5737 or emailing him at [email protected]. If you have something to contribute to the podcast, email [email protected] to schedule a time to join us in studio.

Are you interested in the latest trends in building, renovation, home improvement, real estate, architecture, design, engineering, contracting, trades, and DIY? Look no further! Our construction podcast and social media content cover a wide range of topics, including project management, safety, best practices, business development, leadership, marketing, customer service, productivity, sustainability, technology, innovation, and industry news

We sit down with Josh Ruiters and Dan St. Onge from Hi-Tech Concrete Cutting to explore their innovative approach to building a people-first culture in the construction industry. Join us as we delve into their strategies for maintaining a skilled workforce, reducing turnover, and creating a workplace where employees can thrive.

Josh and Dan kick off the discussion by sharing their insights into adopting an employee-centric approach in a union environment. They emphasize the importance of offering more than just the standard union contract and providing employees with opportunities for growth, development, and long-term career prospects.

The conversation also touches on the significance of building a business where employees can retire comfortably. Josh and Dan discuss the value of creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates.

As advocates for collaboration and transparency, Josh and Dan highlight the benefits of mingling with other companies and breaking away from the old-school mentality of secrecy. They stress the importance of nurturing relationships within the industry and focusing on what can be controlled to foster a positive and productive workplace culture.

Throughout the episode, Josh and Dan share practical tips and strategies for setting employees up for success, relearning the industry, and navigating the challenges of a labor shortage. They underscore the growing awareness among young people about the opportunities available in the trades and the need for businesses to attract and retain top talent.

  Stay connected with The Construction Life Podcast by texting Manny at 416 433-5737 or emailing him at [email protected]. If you have something to contribute to the podcast, email [email protected] to schedule a time to join us in studio.

Are you interested in the latest trends in building, renovation, home improvement, real estate, architecture, design, engineering, contracting, trades, and DIY? Look no further! Our construction podcast and social media content cover a wide range of topics, including project management, safety, best practices, business development, leadership, marketing, customer service, productivity, sustainability, technology, innovation, and industry news

The dynamic world of concrete pumping with special guests Scott Sutherland and Eric Dunker from CanCrete. Join us as we explore their innovative approach to concrete pumping, engaging the next generation, and fostering a safer and more efficient industry.

Canadian Concrete Pumping on YouTube

[email protected] on  IG @cancrete_equipment

Scott and Eric kick off the conversation by sharing their experiences at the Concrete Pump Rodeo and trade shows, highlighting the excitement and camaraderie within the concrete pumping community. They discuss the evolving role of a "typical" pump operator and the changing employment landscape, emphasizing the need to engage and empower the younger generation to join the industry.

As advocates for safety and excellence, Scott and Eric emphasize the importance of presenting an unbiased picture of the industry and preparing for challenges that may arise. They share insights into CanCrete's training programs, designed to equip operators with the skills and knowledge needed to operate pumps safely and effectively.

The discussion also touches on the importance of hosting fun competitions and events to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among pump operators. Scott and Eric emphasize the need for adaptation in the face of economic uncertainty and the unpredictable nature of working hours in the industry.

Throughout the conversation, Scott and Eric highlight CanCrete's commitment to making the industry safer and better, one pump at a time. Their passion for innovation and excellence shines through as they discuss their vision for the future of concrete pumping and the vital role CanCrete plays in shaping it.

  Stay connected with The Construction Life Podcast by texting Manny at 416 433-5737 or emailing him at [email protected]. If you have something to contribute to the podcast, email [email protected] to schedule a time to join us in studio.

Are you interested in the latest trends in building, renovation, home improvement, real estate, architecture, design, engineering, contracting, trades, and DIY? Look no further! Our construction podcast and social media content cover a wide range of topics, including project management, safety, best practices, business development, leadership, marketing, customer service, productivity, sustainability, technology, innovation, and industry news

Check out HTG North America at HTGNorthAmerica.com

 and @HTGNorthAmerica

Reach out at 514-531-1729 and [email protected]. 

Also check them out Feb 14-15 at the Canadian Concrete Expo Hall 3 Booth 3201.

Guillermo from HTG North America is back, where we delve into the innovative world of concrete grinding. Join us as we explore the latest advancements in equipment, trade show experiences, and the future of concrete grinding technology.

Guillermo shares insights into the dynamic nature of his role, highlighting the constant travel involved and the exciting responses received at trade shows. As HTG North America introduces its cutting-edge 2-in-1 machine, Guillermo discusses the versatility and efficiency it offers for concrete grinding applications.

The conversation shifts to the importance of reconnecting with industry professionals and helping individuals enter the world of grinding. Guillermo emphasizes the value of renting equipment to allow customers to try it out, building trust and confidence in the HTG brand.

Scarifying sizes and the development of innovative laser technology are also explored, showcasing HTG's commitment to delivering precise and effective solutions for concrete preparation. Looking ahead, Guillermo discusses the potential of voice activation technology and app development for machine maintenance, offering a glimpse into the future of concrete grinding.

As the discussion concludes, Guillermo reflects on the unique characteristics of European concrete and the challenges and opportunities it presents for the industry. It's an insightful conversation that sheds light on the evolving landscape of concrete grinding and the innovative solutions offered by HTG North America.

  Stay connected with The Construction Life Podcast by texting Manny at 416 433-5737 or emailing him at [email protected]. If you have something to contribute to the podcast, email [email protected] to schedule a time to join us in studio.

Are you interested in the latest trends in building, renovation, home improvement, real estate, architecture, design, engineering, contracting, trades, and DIY? Look no further! Our construction podcast and social media content cover a wide range of topics, including project management, safety, best practices, business development, leadership, marketing, customer service, productivity, sustainability, technology, innovation, and industry news

@aqua.stop

Aquastopwaterproof.gmail.com

We dive into the world of waterproofing with our special guest Antonio from Aqua Stop. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of ensuring watertight basements and structures, and learn valuable lessons from years of experience in the industry.

As spring approaches, Antonio shares insights into the common problems that arise during this season and the importance of proactive waterproofing solutions. He emphasizes the yearly lessons learned from tackling various waterproofing projects, highlighting the need for meticulous attention to detail and high-quality workmanship.

Throughout the discussion, Antonio underscores the significance of treating clients well to build a reputation based on word of mouth referrals. He shares anecdotes about the detrimental effects of poor quality work on the industry as a whole, stressing the importance of upholding standards and delivering exceptional results.

Aqua Stop's expertise lies in transforming basements into beautiful and meticulously waterproofed spaces. Antonio delves into the horror stories of subpar workmanship encountered in the field and emphasizes the need for knowledgeable tradespeople, not just salespeople, to execute waterproofing projects effectively.

Warranties play a crucial role in instilling confidence in clients, and Antonio elaborates on Aqua Stop's commitment to standing behind their work. He also discusses the best ways to learn a trade, advocating for hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities.

In closing, Antonio shares valuable insights into client relationships, noting that clients who ask numerous questions often end up hiring the person with the answers. It's a testament to the importance of expertise and professionalism in the construction industry.

  Stay connected with The Construction Life Podcast by texting Manny at 416 433-5737 or emailing him at [email protected]. If you have something to contribute to the podcast, email [email protected] to schedule a time to join us in studio.

Are you interested in the latest trends in building, renovation, home improvement, real estate, architecture, design, engineering, contracting, trades, and DIY? Look no further! Our construction podcast and social media content cover a wide range of topics, including project management, safety, best practices, business development, leadership, marketing, customer service, productivity, sustainability, technology, innovation, and industry news