In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Carey Peters, Executive Director of the CLRC (The Construction Labor Research Council). The CLRC provides comprehensive consulting and research services to national associations and their regional chapters, contractors, owners, unions, labor-management cooperatives, and others in the construction industry. Carey and Kirk discuss variables within the construction industry’s union labor costs, contracts, workforce demographics, and related information. CLRC’s work is objective, accurate, and credible. The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.   Discussion points: Carey’s physical therapist daughter likes Taylor Swift The 80,000 foot view of the Settlements Report Reasons for the radical growth include inflation Trends in settlements Where the CLRC data comes from The mode, stats and percentages, wage increases Read the new CLRC report in the link below   Resources: Carey Peters Kirk Westwood TAUC TAUC Website Kirk Westwood LinkedIn The Construction User Magazine back issues Milwaukee Tool

In this episode, Carole House, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center, joins Kirk to discuss cybersecurity basics, the ways that cybercriminals target companies to extort, and some simple basic protections that you can implement to make your company less attractive. Carole House previously served as the Director for Cybersecurity and Secure Digital Innovation at the White House National Security Council, and spent time at the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), where she led policy efforts on cybersecurity, virtual currency, and emerging technology. She is a former Army Captain, having served in chemical defense and military intelligence until November 2014. During her service, she undertook a deployment to Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, from 2012 to 2013 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. She is a respected figure in the fields of cybersecurity and technology policy. The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.    Discussion points: The song - sea shantys from D & D Carole’s background in government defense, the White House, Homeland Security What is ransomware? The disruption of ransomware and extortion relating to construction Cybersecurity hygiene - what can be done Basic precautions that should be in place Which companies are ‘attractive’ targets for cybercriminals? The lack of reporting of cybercrime and payouts If you pay, you become a more attractive target The Colonial Pipeline attack What can your company do - the basics These crimes are not going away   Resources: Carole House Money 2020

In this episode we chat with John Burke, Vice President at The State Group Inc. We explore his insights and dive deep into The State Group Inc.'s award-winning safety culture, recognized as the 2021 Zero Injury Safety Awards (ZISA) Top Gold Star winner, achieving a remarkable 1,219,776 craft hours without a single recordable injury on-site. Larry Bradley worked with the Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter, NECA for 27 years in virtually every capacity of association management, serving as Executive Director for 18 years. His work positively impacted the lives of thousands of IBEW members and their families. He was inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contractors, NECA’s highest honor to recognize exceptional and outstanding service to the electrical contracting industry. Bradley has worked to ensure that funds are wisely managed, ensuring that the benefits offered to workers are available to them throughout their lives. The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.    Discussion points: The song - Easy Like Sunday Morning Award-winning power plant facility safety Top-down safety culture begins day one Client selection is key Why celebrating safety is important Employees appreciate the company’s top rate safety protocols Generational differences regarding safety 5 more award nominations for 2023 ZISA Awards - coming up!   Resources: John Burke LinkedIn The State Group ZISA Safety Awards October 26 Kirk Westwood TAUC TAUC Website

In this episode, we take a closer look at healthcare in the construction industry and question our traditional approach. Larry Bradley, an author, consultant, and former NECA executive director, shares insights on how our current healthcare system is more about "sick-care" than actual health management. Join us as we consider alternative perspectives and ways to shift this paradigm. Larry Bradley worked with the Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter, NECA for 27 years in virtually every capacity of association management, serving as Executive Director for 18 years. His work positively impacted the lives of thousands of IBEW members and their families. He was inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contractors, NECA’s highest honor to recognize exceptional and outstanding service to the electrical contracting industry. Bradley has worked to ensure that funds are wisely managed, ensuring that the benefits offered to workers are available to them throughout their lives. The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.   Discussion points: The song - Kind of a Drag by the Buckinghams and ‘linguistic opioids’ The hurdles of healthcare and leadership Staggering stats on healthcare in America Larry’s books and practicing what he preaches Leadership is influence A Sunday morning service question became a book How can the construction industry work toward health? MESS cleanse and mitigating stress Stress in our industry Choosing kindness, plummeting test scores, mindset training Pharmacogenetic testing for drug efficacy The U.S. ranks 37th in the world for healthcare quality The pilot program using pharmacogenetics - food, supplements, medication   Resources: Larry Bradley LinkedIn Article: Larry Bradley Retirement Book: Influence Book: Wake the F Up! Milwaukee Tool Kirk Westwood TAUC TAUC Website

In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Marty Mulcahy, Managing Editor of The Building Tradesman - the Official Publication of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. The Building Tradesman has served the highly skilled men and women in Michigan’s building trades unions in Michigan since 1952. Marty’s decades of experience reporting on the building trades gives him special insight into the construction industry. Join us as Kirk and Marty delve into an alternative perspective on the building trades, discussing the industry's current challenges and biggest issues, emerging trends, and the ever-evolving landscape of union construction. The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.   Discussion points: The song- B-52s Roam Background and guest intro Construction journalism and publications Strikes and other challenges in the industry Current major stories in the construction space Michigan and the change in legislature- a sea change in laws Looking forward - what is the outlook for dems vs. republicans? Staying current in the industry - what gets column space   Resources: Marty Mulcahy LinkedIn The Building Tradesman IGI Conference Sept 6-7 2023 Kirk Westwood TAUC TAUC Website Kirk Westwood LinkedIn The Construction User Magazine back issues

In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Geoff Colvin, renowned author and longtime editor and writer at Fortune. Geoff reveals strategies for future-proofing your company through effective leadership, cultural transformation, and proactive technology adoption. Gain expert insights on staying ahead in an evolving business landscape. Tune in to elevate your business preparedness. Geoff Colvin is an award-winning thinker, author, broadcaster, and speaker on today’s most significant trends in business. As a longtime editor and columnist for Fortune, he has become one of America’s sharpest and most respected commentators on leadership, globalization, wealth creation, the infotech revolution, and related issues. Geoff’s new book, just published, is Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know that Brilliant Machines Never Will. As a speaker, Geoff has engaged hundreds of audiences on six continents. The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.   Discussion points: The song- A western movie theme song How can companies keep up? A smart answer from GE’s CEO on culture How to think about tech- get some hands-on experience What small steps can an ‘archival’ construction company take? Succession management is critical It’s not what you know, it’s ‘who you are’ in leadership What Geoff sees on the horizon Reimagining business with tech - looking at electricity etc. in the past The upcoming IGI Conference   Resources: Geoff Colvin Book: Business at the Speed of Thought IGI Conference Sept 6-7 2023 Kirk Westwood TAUC TAUC Website Kirk Westwood LinkedIn The Construction User Magazine back issues

In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with two industry thought leaders from Procore - Will Lehrmann, VP of Product, and Brian Davis, Product Marketing Manager. Will and Brian unveil the essential keys to successful change management in construction tech adoption. Gain insights from their extensive experience to ensure seamless transitions, safeguard budgets, and empower your team. Brought to you by Procore, this episode is a must-listen for anyone driving innovation in construction. Used in over 150 countries, Procore software provides customers with the tools they need to grow their profits, protect their people, build their businesses, and get home safely. The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.    Discussion points: The songs and kids - Beatles, Taylor Swift, and Mariah Tech and ‘usability’ improvements Data - leveraging insights is evolving AI is impacting every industry, including construction Is the industry “tech-averse”? Communication and data collection Tech and efficiency improvements over the next 15 years Implementation means a cultural shift Executive ‘sponsorship’ vs. ‘support’ Continuing education and training is imperative Burning boats - no ‘old way vs new way’ - commit to only one way forward Change management - how not to get crushed? Strategies for approaching technology in your company Solving issues collectively in the industry What kind of low-risk first steps can leadership take? Find what’s painful and improve that first

In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Terry Dussault, Founder and President of Yellowknife Consulting Services. As a corporate EH&S professional, Terry has been Southern California's top safety expert for over 25 years. Terry specializes in the preparation and implementation of safety training programs related to Cal OSHA and DOSH, EPA, and DOT regulations. Terry has an extensive background in environmental compliance on a variety of projects including ones impacted with contamination from prior manufacturing and distribution operations.  You’ll hear Terry’s insights into the progression of safety in the industry - from basic personal protective equipment (PPE) to increasingly strict safety regulations. The conversation explores how emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and LiDAR are set to enhance safety compliance and reshape training programs. Furthermore, the episode emphasizes the importance of open communication in preventing accidents, highlighting a unique initiative called the Works Program, which involves community members in cleanup efforts. The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: The song - Footloose by Kenny Loggins The evolution of safety in the construction industry Early safety protocols focused on PPE alone  The future of safety in industrial construction AI, robotics, and LiDAR could revolutionize safety compliance and training The Works Program engages community in cleanup efforts Fostering an environment of dialogue & communication Environmental health and safety Safety training for a dynamic work environment Importance of continued education and certification  The importance of safety for overall business growth. Resources: Terry Dussault LinkedIn

In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with Carey Peters, Executive Director of the CLRC (The Construction Labor Research Council). The CLRC provides comprehensive consulting and research services to national associations and their regional chapters, contractors, owners, unions, labor-management cooperatives, and others in the construction industry. Carey and Kirk discuss variables within the construction industry’s union labor costs, contracts, workforce demographics, and related information. CLRC’s work is objective, accurate, and credible. The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is the Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: The song - Great Gig in the Sky - Pink Floyd CLRCs- what are they and why so important? Big changes, pent-up demand, new settlements, inflation 4.5% increases are average for settlements now Settlements vs. inflation 3-year settlements - tracking statistics Regional differences in the U.S.- Pacific Northwest and West Coast - very high Carpenters, mill rights, laborers, pipefitters Rare for individual wages to go down- but averages can go down Data sources - TAUC is a favorite CLRC is an excellent resource for the industry We’ll look forward to hearing an update in a future show Resources: Carey Peters CLRC Consulting Kirk Westwood TAUC TAUC Website Kirk Westwood LinkedIn The Construction User Magazine back is

In this episode, host Kirk Westwood speaks with John Stevens, Owner and Founder of Thermal Solutions. Thermal Solutions specializes in commercial and industrial insulation for the industrial market. John shares insight into his 40+ years in the business, how his family has joined him through the decades at Thermal Solutions, why he hires union workers, and what he expects from the future of the construction industry.  The Construction User 2.0 podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: John’s song - Thunderstruck by AC/DC The path of John’s career to Thermal Solutions A family affair - The Stevens family and Thermal Solutions A union man since age 18 Misconceptions and vitriol against unions - why? Benefits to union membership - to workers and to those who hire them The growth of future jobs  Adapting within the industry- for the shifting landscape Generational differences TAUC and networking From forecasting ‘x’ number of construction deaths vs. maintaining a ‘zero injury’ record The future is looking good Resources: John Stevens LinkedIn Thermal Solutions Kirk Westwood TAUC TAUC Website Kirk Westwood LinkedIn The Construction User Magazine back issues