The SiteVisit

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Day 1 Episode 2 | In this episode, from the conference floor at the VRCA Construction Leadership Forum 2023, James and Christian are joined by Dr. Dave Baspaly, President & CEO of the Council of Construction Associations and Don Schouten, Senior Manager at WorkSafeBC.


EPISODE LINKS:
Dr. Dave Baspaly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-baspaly-3507b66/
COCA Website: https://cocabc.ca/
Don Schouten LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-schouten-54305111/
WorkSafeBC Website: https://www.worksafebc.com/en

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

FOLLOW ALONG:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

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Day 1 Episode 1 | In this episode, from the conference floor at the VRCA Construction Leadership Forum 2023, James and Christian are joined by David McFarlane, Senior Vice President of Western Canada at EllisDon and Sarah Clark, President & CEO at Fraser River Pile and Dredge.


EPISODE LINKS:
Dave McFarlane LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mcfarlane-33092214a/
EllisDon Website: https://www.ellisdon.com/
Sarah Clark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-clark-a2876650/
FRPD Website: https://frpd.com/

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

FOLLOW ALONG:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

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In this episode, James and Christian are joined by Phillip Ogilby, Founder & CEO of  STACK Construction Technologies.

The conversation begins with Phillip sharing his journey in the construction industry, starting with his first roofing business in Dayton, Ohio, which he built in the 1980s. Phillip then discusses his experience building a digital blueprints business during the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, which was one of the first of its kind. From some hard-learned lessons building his first software business, Phillip digs into the evolution of his second software company and  how he eventually went on to  create STACK Construction Technologies. He talks about their product offerings, including Cloud Takeoff and estimating software, and the challenges and even ease of building a technology business for the second time. Phillip believes multiple alternative solutions must exist for the existing end-to-end construction management juggernauts. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round in which  Phil shares an incredible incident from the jobsite during his roofing days and wisdom about the importance of looking ahead in business to ensure that you are always building for the next stage.

Phillip Ogilby is the Founder & CEO of STACK Construction Technologies. Phillip started as a residential and commercial roofing contractor in 1984, witnessing firsthand the challenges of managing people, equipment, materials, and an ever-changing bid schedule. In 2001, working with his son, Justin Ogilby, Phil formed iSqFt (now known as ConstructConnect), a major force in moving construction from paper to digital. But Phil’s vision was even bigger, and in 2008 he began building STACK, formerly known as Cloud Takeoff.

STACK Construction Technologies is cloud-based software to help contractors run their businesses and maximize profits. Their preconstruction solutions enable fast and accurate takeoff and estimating and during their construction, solutions power real-time project collaboration.


EPISODE LINKS:
Phillip Ogilby LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-ogilby-32889320a/
STACK Website: https://www.stackct.com/
STACK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stack-construction-technologies/
STACK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stackconstruction/?hl=en
STACK Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/stackcontech

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

FOLLOW ALONG:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

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In this episode, James and Christian JOIN Wes Edmiston, Host of the Work Done Right Podcast, and discuss the founding story of SiteMax, their unique introduction to one another and their journey together in scaling the complete Jobsite Management platform built for construction. They share their insights on building a successful business by listening to customers, staying true to founding values and solidifying company culture through tumultuous times. The guys even get a rapid-fire round of their own, answering Wes’s questions about world travel, inspiration, motivation and leadership. With the tables turned, this episode provides an excellent behind-the-scenes look at SiteMax and James and Christian, hosts of the Site Visit podcast.

Wes Edmiston is the Director of Industry Strategy & Adoption at Cumulus Digital Systems, where he works with their product and commercial teams to provide experience-based perspectives and find solutions that will benefit their customers. Before joining Cumulus, Wes spent 15 years in industrial construction, leading teams and managing quality assurance activities on projects ranging from $30 million to $15 billion. When he isn’t working, you can find him enjoying time with his wife and two dogs, fostering rescue animals from local shelters, spending time outdoors, or practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Wes resides in the St. Louis area and holds a BS in Business Management.

The Work Done Right Podcast features conversations with real industry professionals for all things quality in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance. Hosted by 15-year construction industry veteran Wes Edmiston, Work Done Right™ was created by Cumulus Digital Systems.


EPISODE LINKS:
Wes Edmiston LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-edmiston-ab6968b6/
Work Done Right  Website: https://workdoneright.buzzsprout.com/

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

FOLLOW ALONG:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

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In this episode, James and Christian are joined by Daniel Loney, Principal at Excelsior Measuring, to discuss the labor gap, generational differences and current culture in the workplace. 

Daniel Loney, a financial advisor by trade, shares his experience managing different age groups and working in construction and his family's foster care background, which led him to work with young adults. The conversation covers various topics, from construction and culture to family and financial planning. They discuss the importance of collaboration and finding one's strengths, as well as the cultural issues in the workplace, such as imposter syndrome and creating a positive work culture. They also discuss the issue of people being scared to work in construction due to its perceived "low" status and how those who commit to the trades early on often life, don't reap the benefits until later in life. They agreed that this is completely untrue. Daniel shares a story from his Financial Planning days of a client who had a goal of making $400,000 a year, which he thought was called a "stupid" goal, but in no way flippantly. Loney explains that such a goal is easily achievable for someone in a specific profession and that people are often misled into thinking that money is what they want. Instead, Loney suggests setting lifestyle goals, such as what a person wants their life to look like when they wake up and finding their "why." 

Daniel Loney is the principal at Excelsior Measuring Inc., a family-owned and operated professional measuring business based in Langley, British Columbia. Established in 2014, Excelsior Measuring provides thorough 3D scanning services to create plan drafts/exact specs for clients' current or future projects. Their commitment to quality work and top-notch customer service is evident in their 100% Canadian-based business.

EPISODE LINKS:
Daniel Loney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielloney
Excelsior Measuring Website: https://excelsiorlevel.com/

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

FOLLOW ALONG:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

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In this episode, James and Christian are joined by Donna Grant, President of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA).

Their wide-ranging conversation highlights everything from education around small business ownership and the financial upside of a career in construction to supporting individuals in the trades who struggle with traditional learning methods, something that could be applied to many forms of secondary education, to challenges around mental health and the need for increased representation of the right people, both women and men, in the field. Donna shares a specific story about a recent VRCA event which hosted 180 women in construction and saw nearly every role in the field and the office, from trades to administration, represented. This conversation is recommended for anyone interested in leadership, education, and advocacy in the construction industry. The truth is, construction isn't just about playing in the dirt; a career in the trades now looks as good as ever.

Donna Grant is a well-respected construction industry figure with over a decade of experience as a board member, director, manager, and volunteer in various organizations. In June 2021, she was appointed the President of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) after an extensive hiring search. Donna is known for her advocacy work for mental health in the industry and her participation in many VRCA and industry events as a keynote speaker and panellist. She also served as the director of community for the Canadian Construction Women's Association. As the president of VRCA, Donna is committed to advocating for the needs of the construction industry in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada and providing meaningful support to its members. 

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) is the go-to resource for businesses in British Columbia's construction industry. With over 750 members, VRCA represents diverse professionals, including general contractors, trade contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and professional service providers. As a union and open-shop employer, the association represents the industrial, commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential construction industry. The association provides valuable networking opportunities, educational programs, and events that bring together professionals from all aspects of the construction industry.

EPISODE LINKS:
Donna Grant LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-grant-86993474/
VRCA Website: https://vrca.ca/
VRCA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vancouver-regional-construction-association/
VRCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanconstruct/
VRCA Twitter: https://twitter.com/VanConstruction 

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

FOLLOW ALONG:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

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In this episode, James and Christian are joined by Curt Janzen, Co-Owner & CEO of Beyond Group, to discuss building high-performing teams. Curt shares his background story growing up in a construction family, his experience working for a home builder and how he and his brother-in-law started Beyond Group. They discuss the importance of culture in building a high-performing team and the values that guide their work. They also discuss the characteristics of high-performing people and how to identify them in the recruitment process. They talk about the importance of having high-performing people on the team, what Curt calls "12 out of 10's," and the wrong people or "turds," and their impact on the team. Lastly,  Curt shares his approach to leadership and how he empowers his team to take ownership and make decisions. This is a must-listen episode on building a high-performing team, culture and approach to recruitment and leadership.

Curt Janzen is a co-owner of Beyond Group, a leading spray foam insulation and specialty contracting company based in Calgary, Alberta. With over two decades of experience in the construction industry, Curt has become an expert in the field of insulation. In 2000, as Curt was a site superintendent for a home builder, overseeing the installation of a rim joist insulation package on every home, he quickly became aware that very few contractors did this work and that they charged an awful lot to do it. These challenges inspired him to team up with his brother-in-law, Kevin Boschee, to establish Beyond Foam Insulation Ltd. Today, they are a reputable company with a team of experienced and qualified contractors who provide efficient, cost-effective and reliable insulation solutions to residential and commercial clients in Calgary and the surrounding areas.

Beyond Group is a family-owned company established in 2006 based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The company offers a one-stop shop for building owners and property managers looking for construction, maintenance, and repair services. Their extensive services help maintain a healthy building structure, including concrete lifting, thermal sealant replacement, roof structure coatings, spray foam insulation, drywall, and more. Beyond Group is known for being the problem solvers on the jobsite and has built a reputation as a trusted expert building service provider. They are committed to creating happy people and helping businesses save time and money, keeping their properties well-looked after and with preventative measures in their property maintenance schedule.

EPISODE LINKS:
Curt Janzen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-janzen-45029448/
Beyond Foam Website: https://www.beyondfoam.com/
Beyond Foam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondfoam/
Beyond Foam YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BeyondFoam

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

FOLLOW ALONG:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

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In this episode, James and Christian are joined by Joshua Gaglardi, the Founder & President of Orion Construction. In just four years, Orion has grown from a team of 4 to over 40 and was recently recognized as the fastest-growing company in Canada.

The trio covers a wide range of topics, beginning with Josh's involvement in bringing a new Junior B hockey team to Port Coquitlam. They go on to discuss his background in construction, including his experience as an electrical apprentice and his time at UBC studying economics. Josh then explains that timing, a unique service offering, and the ability to offer pre-construction services have been significant factors in the success of Orion Construction and that growth over the past four and a half years, has been made possible by frequent hiring in order to build a high-performing team, and attract top talent. The conversation also covers industrial construction and the company's strategy of diversifying its services within its current projects and the geographical market in which they now operate, having six new projects starting in 2023 between Kelowna, Kamloops, Langford, and Colwood. Overall, the interview provides valuable insights into the construction industry, innovation in industrial spaces, and the strategies a successful company uses to grow and maintain its reputation in a highly competitive market.

Josh Gagarldi is an experienced construction professional with a wealth of knowledge in building light industrial projects in Western Canada. At Orion Construction, Josh plays a key role in each project from start to finish. With a strong focus on project management and negotiation, he has secured over $1 billion in construction projects throughout Western Canada.

Orion Construction is an award-winning company that brings new construction projects to life with an exceptional team of experts. Their preconstruction process is well-defined, ensuring each step proceeds as planned, while their full-service construction management services oversee the entire construction process with a focus on quality and efficiency, building lasting relationships with clients. With over four million square feet of designed space, Orion provides creative solutions that meet all project requirements, including budget and timeline.

EPISODE LINKS:
Joshua Gaglardi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-gaglardi-73978025/
Orion Construction Website: https://orionconstruction.ca/
Orion Construction LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orion-constructionca/
Orion Construction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orionconstruction.ca/

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

FOLLOW ALONG:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

Send us Fan Mail

Day 2 Episode 4 | In this episode, live from the tradeshow floor at Buildex 2023, James, Christian and Andrew are joined by Sanjeev Dhillon from the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association.

They explore the importance of building a strong professional network in the construction industry and how leveraging LinkedIn can help strengthen that network and deliver results for your business and personal brand. Their guest, Sanjeev Dhillon, a construction networking legend, shares his insights and experiences, discussing his unique approach to construction marketing and networking. Sanjeev highlights the power of LinkedIn as a tool for connecting with industry professionals, promoting collaboration and innovation, and creating value for your network. They have some fun with a tangent on the possibilities of remote human-controlled robotics on jobsites and theorize how far away the world is from this scenario. Whether you are just starting out in the construction industry or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable strategies for building a strong professional network and utilizing LinkedIn to its full potential.

Sanjeev Dhillon is a construction networking legend with over two decades of experience in the industry. Having immigrated to Canada from Kenya, Sanjeev began his career in construction by managing the construction of four Pizza Hut locations in Northern BC. He then worked for the Vancouver Regional Construction Association, Procore Technologies, Chandos Construction, and the ICBA. Throughout his career, Sanjeev has developed a unique approach to construction marketing and networking, earning his approach and resulting impact its own nickname, "6 Degrees of Sanjeev". With over 25,000 followers on LinkedIn, Sanjeev is a relentless connector within the construction industry, consistently forging new relationships and creating value for his network and others.

The ICBA is proud to represent over 4,000 entrepreneurs, businesspeople, skilled construction professionals, independent contractors, sub-trades, and responsible resource development companies who together employ 150,000 Canadians. They are the open shop companies' independent contractors who treat their workers well, build incredible projects, seek fair bidding opportunities, and create our communities’ homes, schools, roads, services, and much more. They also offer services that help businesses grow, including human resources help, wellness programs, innovative professional development courses, wage and benefit surveys, job boards, and more. The ICBA is dedicated to serving these open shop businesses, protecting their workers and their families, and building a strong economy they know is vital to creating opportunities for projects and jobs.


EPISODE LINKS:
Sanjeev Dhillon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjeevdhillon/
ICBA Website: https://icba.ca/

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

FOLLOW ALONG:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit

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Day 2 Episode 3 | In this episode, live from the tradeshow floor at Buildex 2023, James and Christian are joined by Russell Hixson from SiteNews. 

They quickly jump into the fascinating world of AI and machine learning in construction, particularly as it relates to robotics applications. They discuss the latest advancements in this field, including how critical contract and documentation reviews could be streamlined through the use of these technologies. They also explore how AI can aid in the future designs of buildings and drawing coordination, making construction processes more efficient and cost-effective. Plus, they take a random tangent into the topic of unidentified flying objects and throw out some hilarious, and serious, theories around the recent "Balloon" saga. Tune in to this enlightening episode to learn more about the intersection of technology and construction.

Russell Hixson is an award-winning investigative journalist who spent the early parts of his career doing crime and court reporting in the U.S. before stumbling into covering Canada’s construction sector. He spent eight years writing for the Journal of Commerce, where he became well-versed in the industry and its issues. He’s covered the federal budget from Ottawa and documented the early impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while locked down in his bedroom. Hixson has developed a passion for the construction industry and seeks to convert others by sharing its stories through SiteNews. When he’s not writing stories, the East Vancouver resident enjoys kayaking, skateboarding and avoiding the neighbourhood skunks.

SiteNews is the modern voice of Canadian Construction and the pulse of what’s really happening in the industry—reporting, informing & inspiring in real-time.


EPISODE LINKS:
Russell Hixson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-hixson-a8082572/
SiteNews Website: https://readsitenews.com/
SiteNews LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/site-news/
SiteNews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readsitenews/
SiteNews Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReadSiteNews

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

FOLLOW ALONG:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thesitevisit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesitevisit