Podcast
ConstructorCast
Hosted by AGC of America · EN
AGC of America produces a monthly podcast, the ConstructorCast, a source for all the news, views, and interviews relevant to your construction business.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Most Dangerous Hazard You Cant See: Heat Safety and OSHA's New Standard
4w ago00:28:25Tap to summarizeAs temperatures rise across the country, heat exposure remains one of the most serious and often underestimated hazards facing construction workers. In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Spencer Phillips sits down with Eric Simmons, Vice President of Risk Management at Helix Electric, to discuss what effective heat safety looks like on today's jobsites. From hydration and nutrition to acclimatization, wearable technology, and weather monitoring, Eric shares practical strategies contractors can use to prevent heat-related illnesses before they become emergencies. The conversation also explores OSHA's proposed heat safety standard, the challenges of creating a one-size-fits-all regulation for a dynamic industry, and why education, planning, and worker engagement are critical to keeping crews safe during the hottest months of the year. Whether you're a safety professional, supervisor, or craft worker, this episode offers valuable insights for recognizing heat hazards, building a proactive safety culture, and protecting workers when the temperatures start to climb. In this episode: Recognizing the early warning signs of heat illness Why hydration starts before the workday begins The role of nutrition, acclimatization, and personal health Practical heat safety measures for construction jobsites Wearable technology and real-time heat monitoring OSHA's proposed heat safety rule and what it could mean for contractors Creating a culture where workers look out for one another Listen now and learn how leading contractors are taking a proactive approach to heat safety before the summer heat reaches its peak.
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Built to Connect: Inside the 2026 AGC Convention Experience
Apr 2400:15:38Tap to summarizeIn this special mini episode of ConstructorCast, host Glenda Johnson takes you on-site to the 2026 AGC Annual Convention in Orlando capturing real, unfiltered perspectives from attendees experiencing it firsthand. From students exploring career pathways to seasoned professionals building meaningful connections, this episode highlights what makes convention more than just an event, it’s a catalyst for growth, opportunity, and inspiration. Hear directly from attendees about: What exceeded their expectations and made the trip worthwhile The power of networking across the construction industry How students are preparing for careers in construction management, engineering, and beyond Why events like this play a critical role in bridging education and industry The impact of keynote speakers and shared experiences that resonate long after the event ends Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, one thing is clear: the connections made here are what keep people coming back. 🎧 Listen in to hear what inspired attendees, what they loved most, and why they’re already planning to return next year. Check out the video recap: https://youtu.be/SwnwOn_N08k?si=rrAnwti15r2m6AVW See the full lineup and be the first to know about Phoenix in 2027! https://convention.agc.org/
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2026 Construction Safety Week - Recognize. Respond. Respect.
Feb 1300:13:40Tap to summarizeConstruction Safety Week 2026 is approaching, and this episode of ConstructorCast explores why this industry-wide initiative matters now more than ever. Host Max Nelson is joined by 2026 Construction Safety Week Chairs Adam Jelen, President & CEO of Gilbane Building Company, and Kyle Larkin, President & CEO of Granite. Together, they discuss the evolution of Safety Week, the industry’s ongoing challenges with serious injuries, fatalities, and mental health, and how a unified approach can drive lasting change. The conversation breaks down the 2026 theme—Recognize, Respond, Respect—with a focus on identifying high-energy, high-hazard work, putting effective controls in place, and executing plans with discipline across every phase of a project. Construction Safety Week takes place May 4–8, 2026. Learn more, access free resources, and register your company at https://www.constructionsafetyweek.com/.
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Revolutionizing Construction with Autonomous Drones
Nov 2000:40:38Tap to summarizeRapid advances in drone technology are reshaping construction, from jobsite safety and progress tracking to automation and AI-powered insights. And with the FAA’s newly proposed Part 108 rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, the industry may soon see its biggest leap yet. In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Max Nelson sits down with: Spencer Phillips, Counsel, Regulatory and Litigation Advocacy AGC of America | https://www.agc.org/ Grant Hagen, Head of Community DroneDeploy | https://www.dronedeploy.com/ Together, they break down what contractors need to know about the proposed rule, including: How BVLOS operations differ from the current Part 107 limitations What “airworthiness acceptance” means and how it could impact the drone market How contractors would certify their drone programs, not just individual pilots The shift toward autonomous and remote piloting The opportunities and risks as drones integrate into the national airspace The timeline for FAA rulemaking and how contractors can engage in the process Whether your firm is already using drones or just considering what’s next, this conversation helps demystify the regulatory landscape and paints a clear picture of what the future of drone usage in construction may look like. Resources: 2026 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7VFSFT2 AGC's Comments on FAA 108: https://news.agc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FAA-2025-1908-2836_attachment_1.pdf Article Overview on AGC News: https://news.agc.org/advocacy/faa-moves-to-allow-for-expanded-usage-of-drones/ The 2025 AI Resource Guide for Construction Professionals: https://www.agc.org/system/files?file=Files/TechHub/2025%20AI%20Resource%20Guide%20for%20Construction%20Professionals%20%28Final%29.pdf DroneDeploy's Built Different Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-different/id1620061125
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Extreme Impact: The Power of Purpose-Driven Construction
Sep 2400:35:45Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a construction company takes on the “impossible” and delivers it in record time? In this episode of ConstructorCast, we sit down with Claire Brehmer and Casey Port of Hubbell Construction Services to talk about their award-winning 2024 Extreme Build project, Homes for Hope. In just five days, Hubbell and its partners designed, coordinated, and built two fully furnished homes for families of brain injury recovery patients through On With Life. The project not only pushed the limits of construction speed and logistics, but also left a lasting mark on the community and everyone involved. Tune in to hear how Hubbell turned an “extreme” challenge into an even greater impact, proving that construction builds more than structures, it builds hope. The AGC in the Community awards are open for applications now! Is your organization doing something to help your community? Submit now through October 31! https://agccharities.org/agc-in-the-community/ Guests: Casey Port Vice President Hubbell Construction Services https://hubbellrealty.com/about/executive-team/casey-port-leed-ap Claire Brehmer Communications Manager Hubbell Realty Company https://www.hubbellrealty.com About the project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwj7JrhC7hA Hubbell's Dig It Podcast: https://digit.hubbellcompanies.com/?utm_campaign=17194407-Dig%20It%20Podcasts&utm_source=HRC%20website&utm_medium=website About Hubbell's AGC Recognition: https://hubbellrealty.com/about/news/2025/04/11/hubbell-construction-wins-national-award-from-associated-general-contractors-of-america
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Tariff Ready? Lessons From The Front Lines
Jul 800:32:00Tap to summarizeRecorded July 2, 2025 Tariffs are in the spotlight, and construction firms are feeling the heat. In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Suzanne Hitt sits down with supply chain leaders Tim Jed (DPR Construction) and Jay Pendergrass (Gilbane Building) to unpack the real-world impact of tariffs on materials costs, project timelines, and client decisions. From supplier price hikes and shifting policies to smart strategies and collaborative solutions, this conversation gets into what contractors need to know now, and how to stay ahead in an unpredictable market. Guests: Tim Jed TimJ@dpr.com https://www.dpr.com Jay Pendergrass JPendergrass@GilbaneCo.com https://www.gilbaneco.com Resources: AGC's Tariff Resource Center for Contractors: https://www.agc.org/tariff-resources-contractors Webinar Slides: Pricing Impact by Trade and Gypsum Rock Drywall Example: https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Files/ConstructorCast/Q2-2025_MCR%20chart.pdf DPR 2025 Q2 Market Conditions Report: https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Files/ConstructorCast/Q2-2025_Market-Conditions-Report.pdf 2025 AGC Workforce Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/93YZ22K
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Not Just a Job: Why Students Are Choosing The Industry
May 2, 202500:18:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode recorded live at the 2025 AGC Convention, host Max Nelson sits down with Alex Juarez (Pittsburg State University) and Chip Wilson (Colorado State University)—two soon-to-be graduates preparing to enter the construction workforce. They share what inspired their career paths, how AGC student chapters and internships have shaped their journey, and what they’re looking for in potential employers. Whether you're a contractor looking to connect with emerging professionals or a student thinking about your next step, this conversation offers real-world insights into the future of the industry. To learn more about AGC's Student Chapter network, visit agc.org/connect/chapters/student-chapters
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ConstructorCast - All In Together: Construction Safety Week 2025
Mar 9, 202500:22:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are exploring the 2025 Construction Safety Week theme—All In Together—with insights from this year’s co-chairs. This theme underscores the industry’s shared commitment to safety, emphasizing that when every worker, company, and partner is fully engaged, job sites become safer for everyone. We'll chat about the initiatives shaping this year’s campaign, strategies for fostering a culture of safety, and how companies can take an active role in promoting teamwork and accountability on the job. Be sure to listen in and start preparing for Construction Safety Week 2025—because safety is a collective effort, and we’re All In Together! All resources discussed in the episode are available at https://www.constructionsafetyweek.com Guests: Mike Choutka - Chairman & CEO, Hensel Phelps https://www.henselphelps.com Adam Jelen - CEO, Gilbane Building Company https://www.gilbaneco.com
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Mission-Ready: Why Veterans Are a Perfect Fit for Construction Careers
Feb 6, 202500:37:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of ConstructorCast, we shine a light on a vital and often untapped workforce: military veterans. Host Max Nelson is joined by Adam Stark, founder of Jet.Build and the Veterans Who Build podcast, and Jesse Gemberling-Johnson, a Marine Corps veteran and construction professional leading a veteran hiring initiative. Together, they discuss the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, how their skills compare to those needed in construction, and what contractors can do to recruit and retain this incredible talent pool. Guests: Adam Stark Principal, Jet.Build | Host, The Veterans Who Build Show https://jet.build/ Jesse Gemberling-Johnson Chief Talent Officer, MCFA https://mcfaglobal.com/ Resources Mentioned: 🎧 The Veterans Who Build podcast – https://www.youtube.com/@veteranswhobuild >Jesse's Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc_zs7ldBAM 📖 An Organizational Guide to Leveraging Military Veteran Human Capital – https://repository.upenn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/08740453-d43d-4a38-98c0-cb3bb9138cea/content 📊 AGC Workforce Survey Results – https://news.agc.org/labor-hr/new-survey-shows-how-nations-failure-to-invest-in-construction-education-training-programs-makes-it-hard-for-firms-to-build/ 📄 National Construction Industry HR & Workforce Conference After-Action Report – https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Files/Communications/2025_AGC_Workforce_Conference_After_Action_Report_2.3.2025.pdf Don’t forget to subscribe to ConstructorCast! Search “ConstructorCast” in your favorite podcast app or visit agc.org/constructorcast to listen to past episodes.
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ConstructorCast - The Road Ahead: Post-Election Outlook for Contractors
Nov 16, 202400:28:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of ConstructorCast, host and General Counsel for AGC, Leah Pilconis is joined by Chief Economist Ken Simonson and Vice President of Government Affairs Alex Etchen to unpack the results of the recent election and what they mean for the construction industry. From workforce challenges and regulatory shifts to infrastructure investment and tax policy changes, our experts provide key insights to help contractors prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Resources: 2025 Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MLTX6N6 Advocacy in Action and Data DIGest Newsletters: https://www.agc.org/news/newsletter AGC Judicial Advocacy Updates: https://news.agc.org/tag/judicial-advocacy Action Alerts:https://advocacy.agc.org/alerts
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