Podcast
MSU Construction Management Mentorship Podcast
Hosted by Coty Fournier · EN
Welcome to the Construction Management Mentorship Podcast - brought to you by the Industry Alumni Board from the Construction Management program at Michigan State University. We are proudly hosted by Coty Fournier - a distinguished MSU alum, leadership consultant, author, and industry influencer at the intersection of business development and professional development for construction management firms and professionals.
Join Coty as she interviews prominent board members, graduates and supporters of MSU's Construction Management program - who are generously sharing their unique experiences, career paths, lessons learned, and professional guidance with tomorrow's construction leaders from all around the world.
Join Coty as she interviews prominent board members, graduates and supporters of MSU's Construction Management program - who are generously sharing their unique experiences, career paths, lessons learned, and professional guidance with tomorrow's construction leaders from all around the world.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
KEVIN FOUCHER: On the amazing people and opportunities in construction
May 6, 202501:16:18Tap to summarizeINTRODUCING TODAY'S GUEST:KEVIN FOUCHER is proudly serving as Vice President of Commercial Contracting Corporation – known in the market as CCC – which is a full-service general building and process equipment installation contractor based out of Auburn Hills, Michigan. With historical roots in Detroit’s automotive industry, CCC has evolved into one of the region’s most prominent self-performing construction companies, serving a variety of market sectors, including: manufacturing, aviation, education, food and beverage, healthcare, petrochemical, water and wastewater, and other heavy industrial facilities across the US and Mexico. As you are about to hear, Kevin’s steady rise over the past 25 years is a testament to his work ethic and team dedication, along with his soft skills to nurture successful relationships from the jobsite to the boardroom, and a bit of serendipity. In many ways, he is a poster child for what it takes to climb the executive ranks of the construction industry, and he is clearly one of the MVPs that I was writing about 10 years ago—particularly when it comes to his ability to effectively manage the client’s building experience.Kevin graduated in the class of 2000 from the Construction Management program at Michigan State University, where we serve together on the Industry Alumni Board. We certainly share a love for the Spartans, as well as hockey, and a ton of pride for the construction industry at large – standing side by side in respect and appreciation for people who go out there every day and build things with their own two hands.CONNECT WITH TODAY'S GUEST:Contact information for Kevin Foucher and other helpful links regarding this episode are listed below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-foucher-57153b4/https://www.cccnetwork.com/https://www.cccnetwork.com/careers/CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST:coty@cotyfournier.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cotyfournier/ Please visit the Construction Management Program at Michigan State University for more information on how you can build the career of your dreams in the construction management industry.
Transcribe →RICH BROWN: On the honor of serving as President of Ideal Contracting
Apr 6, 202501:11:11Tap to summarizeINTRODUCING TODAY'S GUEST:RICH BROWN is proudly serving as President of Ideal Contracting – where he brings over 20 years of industry experience to the table, in his efforts to oversees all aspects of the company. He previously served as Ideal’s Executive Vice President, and has continually advanced as a leader within the firm and the construction industry at large. Brown is also the Great Lakes District Council Contractor Co-Chair for IMPACT (which is the Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust). And of course, like many guests on this podcast, he is a proud graduate of Michigan State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. By way of background on Ideal Contracting – they are a leading general contractor based in Detroit, Michigan with operations across the U.S. The family-owned, certified MBE has a loyal team of over 400 union, self-performance professionals and more than 150 full-time staff, that honor Ideal’s commitment to building together. Utilizing a flexible array of delivery methods, Ideal Contracting successfully delivers industry-leading projects in a wide range of market sectors, including automotive, manufacturing, sports and entertainment, higher education, energy and petrochemical, and much more. The company’s people-first approach is supported by a best-in-class safety program, robust talent development process, and proactive engagement in the local Southwest Detroit community. Over the past 5 years, the company has experienced record growth, surpassing $500 million in annual revenue, exceeding one million man-hours per year, and maintaining a strong track record of safety excellence. If you are interested in learning a thing or two from the President of a highly successful construction company . . . or perhaps becoming one yourself one day . . . this episode with an inspiring Spartan is for you.CONNECT WITH TODAY'S GUEST:Contact information for Rich Brown and other helpful links regarding this episode are listed below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-brown-4281831/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ideal-contracting/posts/?feedView=allhttps://idealcontracting.com/CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST:coty@cotyfournier.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cotyfournier/ Please visit the Construction Management Program at Michigan State University for more information on how you can build the career of your dreams in the construction management industry.
Transcribe →NICK KUELSKE: On building a dynamic and diversified career with Turner Construction Company
Apr 6, 202501:11:00Tap to summarizeMEET TODAY'S GUEST:NICK KUELSKE is the Regional Procurement Manager for Turner Construction Company – based in their Detroit office. By way of background, Nick grew up in mid Michigan near the campus of Michigan State University. His father worked for a local general contractor and also later bought into another subcontracting business, so Nick was definitely raised around the construction industry. Upon graduation from MSU, he took an entry level position with Turner in Chicago – and has since worn many unique hats for Turner – which is why I was determined to interview him for this podcast. As you about to hear, his range of experiences is notable, and we talk about some of the important lessons learned and advantages he has gained from many of them. For example, Nick’s project portfolio ranges from mega projects, industrial projects, data centers, healthcare facilities, and stadiums. On the other end of the spectrum, he has also worked in Turner’s Special Projects Division – which is focused on smaller, fast-paced projects. And lastly, he also ran one of Turner’s self-perform divisions, which encompassed crews of skilled tradesmen (e.g. carpenters/laborers/operators) who performed demolition, drywall, drop ceilings, and other general labor on multiple Turner projects – all of which grew his direct building knowledge and expertise in labor productivity and scheduling. Fast forwarding to today, Nick’s longest tenure with Turner has been in their centralized procurement (or purchasing) department, which he now heads up for the Midwest region. We talked at length about the unique nature of this organizational role in the general contracting industry and the advantages that can be derived from it for all parties. Outside of work, Nick enjoys working on cars, hunting, and shooting sports. And by the way, he still plays hockey, with loving memories of the days when he played goalie for MSU’s club team and won a national championship. I started my own career with Turner and I remember it with much fondness and gratitude. They remain one of the world’s most prestigious construction companies – so if you have any interest in learning more about how to build a highly successful career within the Turner ranks, then this episode is for you. CONNECT WITH TODAY'S GUEST:Contact information for Nick Kuelske and other helpful links regarding this episode are listed below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-kuelske/https://www.turnerconstruction.com/life-at-turnerCONNECT WITH YOUR HOST:coty@cotyfournier.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cotyfournier/ Please visit the Construction Management Program at Michigan State University for more information on how you can build the career of your dreams in the construction management industry.
Transcribe →STEVE BLACK: On transferring building knowledge to the next generation
Oct 28, 202401:15:03Tap to summarizeMEET TODAY'S GUEST:STEVE BLACK is the Quality Support Director for Power Construction – based out of Chicago. He is a graduate of the Construction Management program at Michigan State University, where has tirelessly supported the program as a student, a graduate student, and a former leading member of the Industry and Alumni Board. Steve has built an impressive career path through long and loyal runs with McCarthy and now Power Construction, while serving in a wide variety of roles, from intern, to superintendent to project management and leadership of numerous training and talent development initiatives. His portfolio of completed projects range in size from $3M to $100M and covers many sectors, including parking garages, data and telecom centers, manufacturing plants, and healthcare facilities. And because he is too humble to say it, I will say it for him—he is a master teacher in the industry, who is passionately dedicated to sharing what he has learned with others. We discussed many important topics for emerging construction management professionals, such as: · The advantages of working for an ESOP· The advantages of working for a GC who self-performs some of their work· Why you might want to consider going to work for a large scale trade contractor· What happens when preparedness meets luck· Why it is valuable to be a great teacher in the construction industry· Or a rainmaker· The critical importance of life-long learning· And many other topics. And one more thing – Steve wears a beautiful Rose Bowl Championship ring from his glory days as a football player at MSU. So of course we had a little fun talking about that, and reminiscing about several other athletes at MSU who have successfully transferred their teamwork skills and competitive spirits into the construction management arena. CONNECT WITH TODAY'S GUEST:Contact information for Steve Black and other helpful links regarding this episode are listed below:sblack@powerconstruction.nethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-black-94125413/https://www.powerconstruction.net/https://www.powerconstruction.net/careers/life-powerCONNECT WITH YOUR HOST:coty@cotyfournier.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cotyfournier/ Please visit the Construction Management Program at Michigan State University for more information on how you can build the career of your dreams in the construction management industry.
Transcribe →MICHAEL HOUSTON: On program management, business development and the art of getting involved
Oct 14, 202401:37:21Tap to summarizeMEET TODAY'S GUEST:MICHAEL HOUSTON, CCM, LEED AP BD+C is a Vice President with Jacobs—one of the world’s largest providers of engineering and program management services—where he is responsible for developing business within their “People & Places Solutions” division.He is an accomplished senior executive and visionary leader with extensive experience in program management, strategic planning, and preconstruction services. For over 30 years in the built environment, Mike has forged solid partnerships with other executive leaders to drive organizational objectives and consistent best practices for clients in both the public and private sectors, across a wide variety of building types, including: healthcare, K-12 education, higher education, hospitality, sports, institutional, and government.Michael brings a commanding focus on team performance, continuous improvement, innovation, collaboration, career development, and DEI initiatives, all while managing capital programs and executing complex construction projects within strict scope, budget, schedule and quality requirements. Some of the clients featured in Michael’s project portfolio include: the City of Chicago, the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois and the Obama Presidential Center. And by way of credentials, he holds a B.Sc. degree in Construction Management from Michigan State University, and has also earned the designations of Certified Construction Manager from the CMAA and LEED Accredited Professional (AP) from the USGBC.Outside of his work with Jacobs, Michael enjoys spending time with his four daughters and serves his local community and the construction industry at large through an impressive list organizations, including: the Industry & Alumni Board for the Construction Management program at Michigan State University (MSU), the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), the Realty Club of Chicago, the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), the American Counsel of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the Illinois Road & Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA) and the Will County Center for Economic Development.All of which leads me to believe that one of Michael’s superpowers is clearly a willingness to get involved. His career is a testament to what can be achieved when you show up, roll-up your sleeves, get to work, and contribute to the lives of others.CONNECT WITH TODAY'S GUEST:Contact information for Michael Houston and other helpful links regarding this episode are listed below:Email: michael.houston@jacobs.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-a-houston-ccm-leed-ap-bd-c-273a6718/Website: www.jacobs.comCONNECT WITH YOUR HOST:coty@cotyfournier.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cotyfournier/Please visit the Construction Management Program at Michigan State University for more information on how you can build the career of your dreams in the construction management industry.
Transcribe →GRANT MALONE: On the power of strong work ethic
Oct 14, 202401:17:03Tap to summarizeMEET TODAY'S GUEST:GRANT MALONE is a Senior Project Manager with Alberici Constructors—an award-winning construction company that has delivered highly complex construction projects across North America since 1918. Grant started his construction career in high school, working as a carpenter and laborer in residential construction during the summers, near his hometown in Northern Michigan. He continued working in the field while earning his B.Sc. degree in Construction Management from Michigan State University, and also completed two internship programs with Alberici, before graduating in the Fall of 2013 and receiving the Outstanding Senior Award. Upon graduation, Grant joined the Alberici team full time as a Project Engineer and has been steadily promoted multiple times to his current role as Senior Project Manager. He has been involved on projects in a wide variety of market sectors, including: Energy, Industrial, Healthcare, Steel Fabrication and Erection, and Water and Wastewater Treatment. His projects have ranged in size from $10MM to $500MM, under various delivery methods, including Design-Build, EPC and multiple Joint Ventures. Grant serves on the Industry & Alumni Board for the Construction Management Program at Michigan State University, where he continuously pays his own success forward by co-chairing committees and mentoring students as they prepare to enter the workforce. Outside of construction, Grant enjoys an adventurous life with his wife Sarah and their three children. And when he can steal the time, he can be found tackling small projects around the house, hunting, fishing and traveling. And good luck keeping up with this guy. I’m not sure he has ever experienced a lazy day in his life. As you are about to hear, he’s a poster child for strong work ethic and where it can take you. CONNECT WITH TODAY'S GUEST:Contact information for Grant Malone and other helpful links regarding this episode are listed below:Email: gmalone@alberici.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantmalone/Website: https://alberici.com/Alberici Career Opportunities: https://alberici.com/construction-careers/ CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST:Email: coty@cotyfournier.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotyfournier/Please visit the Construction Management Program at Michigan State University for more information on how you can build the career of your dreams in the construction management industry.
Transcribe →ROBERT TRAIN: On becoming Vice President with Granger Construction
Sep 9, 202401:17:26Tap to summarizeMEET TODAY'S GUEST: Today I will be speaking with Robert Train. Rob is Vice President of Granger Construction – a highly reputable general contracting company that has thrived in central Michigan for nearly 65 years. He began his career in 1995, after earning his CM degree from Michigan State University, where he was a three-year letterman and two-year starter for the Spartan wrestling team. In 2001, Rob joined Granger Construction as an Estimator and Project Manager. Over the years, he has held successive key roles within the organization, including Senior Project Manager, West Michigan Regional Director, and Director of Preconstruction Services.In 2015, Rob took on leadership of the Correctional Facilities market segment and played a pivotal role in establishing a regional office in Columbus, Ohio, in 2017. His strategic vision and leadership were further recognized when he was appointed Vice President of Operations in 2019, which is the position he currently holds.Beyond his professional achievements, Rob is deeply committed to his community. He has served as a Village Councilman and Village President for the Village of Sheridan, Michigan and is presently a member of the Central Montcalm Public Schools Board of Education. Rob also holds certification as a LEED Green Associate and has been an active member of the American Society of Professional Estimators for many years. And lastly, he serves with me, and many other esteemed colleagues, on the Industry & Alumni Board for the CM program at Michigan State University. CONNECT WITH TODAY'S GUEST:Contact information for Robert Train and other helpful links regarding this episode are listed below:rtrain@grangerconstruction.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-train-12511a12/https://www.linkedin.com/company/granger-constructionhttps://www.grangerconstruction.com/careers/ CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST:coty@cotyfournier.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cotyfournier/Please visit the Construction Management Program at Michigan State University for more information on how you can build the career of your dreams in the construction management industry.
Transcribe →LISA HONAMAN: On careers in construction materials and manufacturing
Sep 9, 202401:24:41Tap to summarizeMEET TODAY'S GUEST:Today I will be speaking with Lisa Honaman. Lisa is a sales representative in the greater Chicago area for Viracon—one of the nation’s leading fabricators of high-end architectural glazing systems. This important episode highlights an alternative career path into the construction industry—through Lisa’s formal education and experiences as a chemical engineer—that eventually led into the world of construction materials and manufacturing. And as you are about to hear, she has played an important role on some very interesting projects, from multiple sports venues including the Arizona Cardinals Stadium, to Chicago’s sky-scraping AON Tower—where she performed caulking and sealant façade inspections from a swing stage 80 stories high. And coming up soon, you will find her working on projects at the Recreational & Wellness Center on MSU’s campus and the iconic Thompson Center in Chicago. Lisa is also a long-serving member of the Strategic Planning Committee for the MSU CM Advisory Board – where she brings her unique industry perspective and encourages students to learn more about the construction materials and manufacturing sector. I hope this episode plants a new seed of opportunity. If you have not yet considered this sector as a potential career path—Lisa’s story just might compel you to think outside the typical contracting box. She is certainly an example of someone who came into the construction industry, rather unexpectedly, and has made her mark in more ways than one. Outside of her career, Lisa loves to travel and experience different cultures, and see amazing forms of architecture from around the world! And like many Michiganders, she’s a huge sports fan, proudly cheering on the “restored roar” in Detroit, hoping for the Lions to make their first Super Bowl appearance very soon! CONNECT WITH TODAY'S GUEST:Contact information for Lisa Honaman and other helpful links regarding this episode are listed below:lhonaman@viracon.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-honaman-3365b11/www.viracon.comCONNECT WITH YOUR HOST:coty@cotyfournier.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cotyfournier/Please visit the Construction Management Program at Michigan State University for more information on how you can build the career of your dreams in the construction management industry.
Transcribe →DAN HAMILTON: On making a big impact in a short amount of time
Jul 25, 202401:34:37Tap to summarizeMEET TODAY's GUEST:DAN HAMILTON is an assistant project manager with The Christman Company—based in Lansing, Michigan—and he is also a member of the Industry & Alumni Board for the Construction Management program at Michigan State University. And as you are about to hear, he has already accomplished a great deal in his impressively short career. By way of his background, Dan grew up with a keen interest in building—brought on by his love of legos, and big cranes, and fond memories of walking around residential development projects with his Dad. After high school, he gained valuable field experience working in both skilled and unskilled labor positions, until he found his way to the Construction Management program at MSU, where he graduated in 2018. While in college, he participated in two internship programs—one for Whiting-Turner on a large federal project in Jacksonville, NC and the other for The Christman Company, back in Michigan, where he eventually accepted his first entry level position as a Project Engineer. Since graduation, Dan has worked on a variety of projects throughout mid Michigan. And true to the history of The Christman Company—which has been steadily shaping the building landscape across Michigan State University’s campus since 1908—Dan is now leaving his own impact on the grand home of the Spartans. His portfolio of campus work already includes: a $40M renovation to the Music Building, a $10M renovation to the historic Cowles House, and an $11M addition to the Packaging Building. And he will not be leaving MSU’s campus anytime soon, as he is scheduled to manage a $28M renovation of the Federal Credit Union (which is aka the “old” headquarters building), followed by a renovation to the Old Museum, and another addition to the Packaging Building. Outside of his day-to-day responsibilities, Dan also leads Christman’s Internship Program, where he is producing phenomenal results. Since volunteering to help a few years back, he has maintained a 100% track record for inspiring Christman’s interns to become full-time employees upon graduation. That’s not too shabby, particularly in today’s highly competitive race to attract new talent. CONNECT WITH TODAY'S GUEST:Contact information for Dan Hamilton and other helpful links regarding this episode are listed below: dan.hamilton@christmanco.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hamilton-72324092/https://www.christmanco.com/https://www.christmanco.com/Careershttps://www.facebook.com/The-Christman-Company-228424220505321/https://twitter.com/thechristmancohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-christman-company CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST:coty@cotyfournier.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cotyfournier/ Please visit the Construction Management Program at Michigan State University for more information on how you can build the career of your dreams in the construction management industry.
Transcribe →TIM PROCHKO: On building a career in construction law
Jul 15, 202401:13:58Tap to summarizeMEET TODAY'S GUEST:TIM PROCHKO is a 1996 graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Construction Management - and one of the program’s most prominent alumni. He began his construction career as a project engineer for a specialty contractor, where he helped build cleanrooms for Intel and other large players in semiconductor manufacturing. After gaining valuable entry-level field experience, he reinvested in his education and pivoted toward a new niche in the construction industry by graduating from law school at The University of Detroit in 2001.Since becoming a lawyer, Tim has compiled years of unique experiences in construction law—including several years with a large Michigan-based law firm, where he represented a wide variety of contractors, architects and engineers in various construction disputes. After which, he served as in-house counsel for Tarkett Sports – which is an international sports surfacing manufacturer and contractor. His tenure with Tarkett created exposure and participation in thousands of construction projects, involving the installation of artificial turf, synthetic running tracks, and tennis courts in some of the world’s most iconic and high profile professional and NCAA sports venues. In 2020, Tim returned to private practice, and now serves as Managing Attorney for American General Counsel, PLC. In this role, he continues to serve the construction industry, while expanding his entrepreneurial law practice into other areas, whenever possible. Outside of his work, he is a former Chairperson and long-standing member of Michigan State University’s Industry and Alumni Board for the Construction Management program, where he continues to lead by example with his guiding principles of respect, humility, and a quest for life-long learning and personal development. And good luck keeping up with this guy. I am told he picked up running in college 30 years ago and has no plans to slow down. He recently finished his 40th marathon. Do the math and that is more than one a year. Fortunately for all of us, he took a pit stop to join me for this interview to share some insights and inspiration from his truly unique journey in the construction management industry.CONNECT WITH TODAY'S GUEST:Contact information for Tim Prochko and other helpful links regarding this episode are listed below:Email: tprochko@agcplc.comWebsite: www.agcplc.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-prochko-092a7817/CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST:coty@cotyfournier.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cotyfournier/Please visit the Construction Management Program at Michigan State University for more information on how you can build the career of your dreams in the construction management industry.
Transcribe →