Hannes Blass, the CEO of Rotho Blass USA, discusses construction technology in the mass timber field. He takes us through his professional journey from a childhood underfoot in the family warehouse to leading the company’s US division. Hannes tells us how Rotho Blass advanced products are shaping the mass timber industry. We also explore how he is growing a nationwide sales team, even through the pandemic. 

We address the ever-evolving nature and innovation of mass timber construction, explore the process of building a post and plate point support system, and take a detailed tour of the 1510 Webster project in Oakland, California - showcasing the latest and greatest in tall mass timber construction and its remarkable project savings.

In the final segment, collaboration and networking's significance in the industry takes center stage. Hannes is taking his company’s extensive educational resources and mass timber knowledge on the road with seminars and events all across North America. Lessons from a recent timber event in Philadelphia are discussed, including his passion for building in-person industry relationships. Hannes offers career advice for construction professionals, emphasizing industry events, personal connections, and as he says, hitting the streets - to make the most of our time in life.

As we sign off Hannes agrees to take Nic and Brady out on his new sailboat next time they swing through Philly – and they’re taking him up on it!

Connect with Hannes on LinkedIn >>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaashannes/

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How do towering structures of wood combat fire? David Barber, a seasoned fire protection engineer with Arup, tells us how. David has over two decades of experience in the industry and offers a unique perspective on the intersection of fire safety and mass timber construction. David guides us through the properties of mass timber and their fire resistance, and discusses how concrete, steel, and mass timber can synergistically form more robust structures.
 
We look at several innovative buildings in North America and talk about the impacts they have on advancing mass timber adoption, including: the Workstack building in Charlton, UK, a remarkable structure made of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) featuring an architectural theme of a stepped cantilever. We explore why some areas embrace tall mass timber buildings while others have remained rooted in concrete and steel - including the role of supply and contractors in shaping those developments.
 
David shares how AEC backgrounds in light timber frame construction set up success when working with mass timber.  We explore the efficiencies of connections, interfaces, and articulation of facades in mass timber buildings and the challenges remaining. You definitely don't want to miss this. Every minute is packed with exciting revelations about the future of the timber industry.

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barber-2699b520/

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Learn how the exploding North American Mass Timber industry will shape the future of sustainable building.

Hardy Wentzel, a seasoned veteran with four decades of executive experience in the wood products industry, tells us how.   Hardy shares his insights about the growth and evolution of the Mass Timber industry through his tenure at Tolko Industries and Weyerhaeuser and then through his role as CEO of Structurlam Mass Timber.

We examine the rise of Mass Timber in Europe and the pressing need for identical expansion here in North America. Hardy details the trials and triumphs associated with setting up a mass timber factory. Then we jump into the the world of saw milling and  the critical role it plays in Mass Timber products. 

Hardy  credits much of his success to the mentorship he received from industry leaders. He shares about the people who have inspired him in the Mass Timber world, underlining the importance of investment in the next generation. 

Hardy’s vision for the future of the industry and his invaluable advice is a must-hear. Be  inspired by and get educated on the future of Mass Timber. 

Connect with Hardy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hardywentzel/

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What if we told you there's a way to build greener, cleaner structures while empowering the foresters who supply our wood?

Take a peek into the world of sustainable forests with Annie Perkins, senior director of green buildings, supply chain, with SFI  (Sustainable Forestry Initiative).  Annie enlightens us on a critical component of sustainable building – certified wood, and she takes us on a journey of understanding the role of certified wood in sustainable building and forest management. 

We touch on the importance of personal research and firsthand information when making decisions. Annie sheds light on the complexities of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and the commendable efforts of the US Green Building Council's LEED program in advocating for more environmentally friendly buildings. We examine the differences and similarities between Annie's organization, SFI, and others with similar objectives. She  shares her experiences working with SFI and how we can propel movement towards sustainable forestry and equitable development.

 Annie provides insights on the importance of embodied carbon of building materials and the key role mass timber plays. We highlight how wood isn't just a healthier building material, but it also fosters a connection between humans, their natural environment and communities. Join us on this journey and learn how to build a greener future, one building at a time.

Connect with Annie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-perkins-leed-green-associate-652b2710/

Learn more about SFI: https://forests.org/

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Welcome aboard as we navigate the fascinating journey of Chuck Leavell, a rock-star turned tree-farmer. Chuck, who made his mark on the world with musical legends like the the Allman Brothers Band and the Rolling Stones,  also shines in a different arena – tree farming and conservation. Together with his wife, Rose Lane, they have dedicated their lives to managing a 4,000-acre tree farm, setting a sterling example of land stewardship and sustainable forestry that's guaranteed to inspire you.

Explore the realm of forestry and sustainable building practices as Chuck helps us debunk several common myths. Prepare to get rocked on the importance of sustainable forestry practices - including clear cutting and the varying cycles of forestry. We delve into Chuck's incredible PBS series, "America's Forest with Chuck Leavell", and get a sneak peek into the new season they're cooking up.

And for those of you who are here for the music, you won't be disappointed. There's no shortage of fascinating stories and insights - from touring with the titans of rock, the Rolling Stones, to working with the hottest artists across all genres today, Chuck shares it all. Get ready for insider advice on making your own luck in the music world and life. We wrap  with a discussion on the biggest challenges facing new artists today, and how we can sustainably manage our forests for an eternity. Don't miss this unique blend of music, conservation, and forestry!

Chuck's Website: https://chuckleavell.com/
The Tree Man Documentary: https://www.chuckleavellthetreeman.com/
America's Forests with Chuck Leavell: https://www.americasforestswithchuckleavell.com/
Charlane: https://www.charlane.com/

One Child One Tree: https://onechildonetree.wordpress.com/project/
1 Ticket 1 Tree: https://www.1ticket1tree.com/home/

Mass Timber Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/masstimbergroup/
Mass Timber Group Website: https://www.masstimber.group/
Mass Timber Group Twitter: https://twitter.com/masstimbergroup

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What does it take to pioneer the future of sustainable building? Join our thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Greg Kingsley, President, CEO, and founding partner of KL&A Engineers & Builders. Discover his journey from knowing he wanted to be a structural engineer in high school to becoming a driving force in the advancement of sustainable building practices.

Listen in as Dr. Kingsley reveals how his passion for Mass Timber and embodied carbon has shaped his career and the trajectory of KL&A Engineers & Builders. From code reform advocacy and vast personal education, to collaborating with timber companies, government organizations, and fellow engineers - Dr. Kingsley's vision for a healthy forest and circular economy is truly inspiring.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn from Dr. Kingsley as he shares his perspective on breaking down industry silos and the importance of putting oneself out there to foster innovation and resilience in the world of sustainable building. You'll walk away inspired and ready to make a difference in your own community and industry.

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What if the key to revolutionizing the construction industry lies hidden within sustainable forest management practices? Join us for this insightful conversation with Russ Vaagen, a five-generation family member of the forest industry and 2020 AWB Entrepreneur of the Year, as we explore the incredible potential of Mass Timber and sustainable building methods.

In this enlightening episode, we discuss the fascinating history of Russ's family in the wood products industry and how they have adapted to the ever-changing landscape of the timber industry. We also delve into the world of Mass Timber production world of Vaagen Timbers, forest management, examining the technology, design, and building processes that can positively impact forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and decrease smoke in our air. Plus, we'll uncover how Mass Timber construction can create economic opportunities, foster healthier ecosystems, and even help reduce carbon footprints.

Finally, we wrap up with a look at the quantification of the carbon benefits of using wood versus alternative methods, the increasing corporate demand for carbon footprint reduction, and how Mass Timber construction could help revolutionize the industry. Don't miss this captivating conversation with Russ Vaagen, as we discover the world of sustainable building and its potential to shape the future of construction for the better.

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What if there was a sustainable building material that could revolutionize the way we construct our homes and commercial buildings? Today, we're joined by Steve Marshall, a pioneer in the sustainable building revolution, who shares his journey helping to bring Mass Timber to America through a 42-year career in the Forest Service to founding his own company, Mass Timber Strategy.

Our conversation dives into the evolution of Mass Timber and the adoption of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) in the United States. Steve shares how influential projects in London and Melbourne caught his attention, and how the incredible benefits of CLT – from its sustainability and speed of construction to its embodied carbon aspects – convinced him that Mass Timber was the future. We also explore the spectrum of values from different parties involved in using forest resources and how common ground has been found around Mass Timber

Join us as we discuss the challenges and opportunities faced in bringing Mass Timber into the U.S. Steve shares his insights from working with organizations like the American Wood Council and WoodWorks to push the envelope. We touch on the changes to building code that enabled the use of Mass Timber, the recent earthquake testing in San Diego, and the construction of a CLT factories across the country. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Steve Marshall as we explore the birth of the Mass Timber industry and its potential impact on the world of construction.

Mass Timber Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/masstimbergroup/
Mass Timber Group Website: https://www.masstimber.group/
Mass Timber Group Twitter: https://twitter.com/masstimbergroup

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What does it take to build a 3,100-mile-long trail that stretches from Canada to Mexico? Join us as we sit down with Bruce Ward, the man who led the Continental Divide Trail Alliance in its completion and the President of Choose Outdoors. Bruce shares his inspiring journey from growing up near Boston to collaborating with the US Forest Service on projects like the US Capitol Christmas Tree. Learn how his passion for connecting people to America's forests has driven his life's work.

Discover the importance of sustainable forestry, as we discuss the role of collaboration between the timber industry, conservation, and recreation communities in managing our forests. We'll hear about award-winning conservationist and Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell and his advocacy for sustainable forestry. We also explore the innovative ways beetle kill wood is being used, from musical instruments to incredible Mass Timber buildings as a sustainable resource in various industries.

Lastly, we'll look at the challenges and opportunities of outdoor recreation and conservation efforts. We examine the impacts of tourism on our national parks and other outdoor spaces, and the power of collaboration between groups to protect and enhance America's forests. Listen in on this fascinating conversation with Bruce Ward as we explore how we can all make a difference in the preservation of our forests and outdoor spaces.

Mass Timber Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/masstimbergroup/
Mass Timber Group Website: https://www.masstimber.group/
Mass Timber Group Twitter: https://twitter.com/masstimbergroup

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