BUILD America

Join us in this compelling episode of the BUILD America Podcast as host Kerry Smith Buck (owner of Construction News and Review Magazine) learns from Tyfoom VP of Marketing & Growth Chris Walker about how critically important attention spans and visual/audio learning in "short bytes" is for jobsite teams.

In this episode, host Kerry Smith Buck sits down with Benjamin Jump, Safety Technician at Pike Construction, to unpack the urgent conversation around mental health in the construction industry. As part of a special series focused on wellbeing on job sites, Benjamin shares frontline insights on breaking the stigma, the impact of rigid project schedules, and the compounded stress faced by traveling crews working long hours away from home. Drawing from personal tragedy, he discusses why the industry’s suicide rates demand proactive - not reactive - solutions, and highlights initiatives like New York State’s “Building Hope Through Action” grant, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, monthly mental health toolbox talks, and the importance of using resources such as 988 and ManTherapy.org. This powerful conversation challenges construction leaders and workers alike to speak up, check in on one another, and remember: hundreds of people would rather take your call than attend your funeral.

In this episode of BUILD America, we learn from Tractics CEO Tyler VanWinkle about how his company created a project management workflow inspired by those who are the closest to reliable, actionable data: those who are at the jobsite.

In this episode, Kerry Smith Buck speaks with Frank King, former Tonight Show comedy writer turned suicide prevention speaker, about how to start conversations that can save lives in the construction industry. Drawing from his own lifelong battle with depression and near-suicide, Frank explains why construction has the highest suicide rate in the U.S., how to recognize warning signs on the jobsite, what not to say when someone is struggling, and why asking directly about suicide can be a critical intervention. With humor, honesty, and real jobsite stories, this episode highlights why mental health is a safety issue - and how anyone, at any level, can make a difference by starting the conversation.

In this episode, Kerry Smith Buck is joined by Dr. Colleen Saringer PhD and Scott Satory to explore why kindness is not just a “nice-to-have,” but a critical workplace safety and mental health strategy in construction. Drawing from Colleen’s lifelong ties to family-owned construction businesses and Scott’s experience leading a multimillion-dollar roofing company, the conversation examines how knowing your people, leading with empathy, setting healthy boundaries with clients, and adapting work practices to protect workers’ wellbeing can reduce risk, improve safety, and save lives. Together, they make a compelling case for kindness as a practical, cost-free tool that helps teams stay alert, supported, and able to go home safely at the end of the day.

Join us and learn how an increasing number of general contractors are adding in-house development services and expertise. City of O'Fallon, Missouri Director of Economic Development Patrick McKeehan walks us through this intriguing industry trend.

In this episode, Kerry Smith Buck welcomes Cal Beyer, Senior Director of Safe Workplaces at the SAFE Project, as part of the show’s mental health, wellbeing, and construction series. Cal unpacks the critical intersection of substance use, mental health, suicide, and overdose in the construction industry, explaining why these issues must be addressed together rather than in isolation. Drawing from decades of experience, he emphasizes recovery-focused workplace strategies, peer support, psychological safety, and a shift from “mental illness” to “mental fitness,” offering a hopeful, practical roadmap for how construction leaders and crews can better support one another and reduce risk across job sites.

In this episode, Kerry Smith Buck speaks with Mike Cox, CEO of Crete United, about why safety is not a stand-alone program but a direct reflection of company culture. Mike shares how Crete United built an industry-leading safety record by focusing on non-punitive learning, near-miss reporting, field-first decision making and mental health awareness, while investing in dedicated safety leadership as the company scaled to over $1B in revenue. The conversation highlights how strong safety culture improves retention, reduces costs, strengthens acquisitions, and ultimately proves that when companies genuinely care for their people, safety performance and business results follow.

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith Buck sits down with AJ Waters, Chief Evangelist at Kahua and the self-proclaimed “Chief EngiNerd” behind TheEngiNerdLife blog. Together, they explore the power of process, discipline, and authenticity in an industry that’s constantly racing to meet deadlines. Borrowing a phrase from the U.S. Marines - “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast” - AJ unpacks how thoughtful, consistent processes can make projects more efficient, safer, and ultimately more successful.

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith Buck talks with Tyler Myers, Assistant Vice President at Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS), a 100% employee-owned heavy civil contractor based in Missouri. Tyler shares how ESS attracts and retains top talent through employee ownership, hands-on training, and early engagement with students through trade schools and the ESS Foundation. He also discusses how culture, leadership, and clear career paths keep their teams strong across hundreds of infrastructure projects each year.

In this episode of BUILD AMERICA, host Kerry Smith Buck interviews Michael E. Cox, president of Horizontal Base Studs and inventor of StepStuds. Michael, a journeyman carpenter, developed StepStuds in 2018 after witnessing extensive flood damage in healthcare settings, seeking a "better way" to perform repairs. StepStuds are the world's first patented horizontal base stud, designed to lift drywall off the floor, hidden behind cove base, to prevent water damage. This innovation dramatically cuts repair costs by 75% and reduces room downtime by half after water intrusion. While initially focused on healthcare, StepStuds have also been successfully used in schools.

In this episode of BUILD America, Kerry Smith Buck talks with Brian Conway, Principal Recruitment Consultant at LVI Associates, about the future of construction hiring. Brian shares how AI and data are streamlining recruitment—from sourcing candidates to speeding up placement timelines. They discuss the rise of hybrid roles, shifting Gen Z expectations, and why passive candidates are often the best hires. Whether you’re hiring or job hunting in construction, this episode offers real insight into where recruitment is headed.

In this episode of BUILD America, Kerry Smith Buck sits down with Daniel Conaway, VP of Operations, and Lea Ann Dies, Director of People and Culture at Russell, to talk about what it really takes to hire for culture fit in the construction industry. They share how Russell uses tools like Predictive Index, emotional intelligence assessments, and team referrals to go beyond resumes—focusing on soft skills, core values, and team chemistry. From panel interviews to team assimilations, this episode is packed with practical insights on building people-first construction teams.

In this episode of Build America, host Kerry Smith Buck speaks with Angie Lovatto, VP of HR, and Tony Roderman, Field Operations Manager at KCI Construction, about the evolving strategies for recruiting and retaining both office and field talent in the construction industry. They discuss the power of employee referrals, mentoring future superintendents from within, reaching untapped talent pools like reentry programs and technical schools, and balancing tech tools with human connection. Whether it’s finding top-tier project managers or loyal tradespeople, this episode offers real-world insights on building a strong, people-first workforce.

Is your construction company's brand attracting the talent you need? Host Kerry Smith Buck and branding expert Liz Campbell from the Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association reveal why strong organizational branding is critical for recruitment and retention. Discover how to combat industry stigma, appeal to Gen Z's demand for authenticity, and successfully rebrand for a massive boost in apprenticeship applications and overall success. Learn practical tips, proving it's about "ownership," not just big budgets, to transform your company's future!

In this episode, host Kerry Smith Buck speaks with Pete Wisnom and Kyle Hullmann of AllSearch Recruiting to tackle one of the industry’s most pressing concerns: hiring and retaining talent in construction. They dive into how demographic shifts, like the aging workforce and the rise of Gen Z, are impacting the hiring landscape. From salary expectations and counteroffers to culture, training, and long-term career paths. This conversation explores the real reasons candidates stay or walk away.

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith sits down with Amelia Dicks, Director of Business Development at Wind River Built, to unpack the urgent issue of America’s housing shortage and why diversifying housing stock is a critical part of the solution. From the rise of single and two-person households to outdated zoning regulations, Amelia explores how offsite modular construction could pave the way for more financially viable small homes. The conversation challenges conventional building practices and advocates for smarter housing options that better reflect today’s market needs and life stages.

In this episode of BUILD America, Kerry Smith Buck interviews Lutalo Webb, Vice President of Guarantee Electrical Company, who emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey, not just focusing on the finish line. They discuss how leaders can balance delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality work while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and people-first values. The conversation also highlights the power of data-driven decision-making and the importance of understanding how different individuals interpret goals and challenges on the job.

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith Buck talks with safety experts Joe Shyrock and Drake Zappia about top construction hazards, including OSHA’s “Fatal Four” and the rising concern of mental health in the industry. They share real-world prevention strategies, the role of safety tech, and how their work with the Southern Illinois Builders Association helps promote a stronger, more supportive safety culture.

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith Buck sits down with Yvette Paris, president and majority owner of Louer Facility Planning in Collinsville, Illinois. With nearly two decades of experience in interior design and a background rooted in functionality and wellness, Yvette shares her inspiring journey—from a fresh design graduate to running a woman-owned business that blends design expertise with community impact.