ConstructorCast

America's Moving Forward: Why Congress Needs to Pass an On-Time Highway Bill

America's transportation system is approaching a critical deadline. In this episode, host Spencer Phillips is joined by Deniz Mustafa, Jonathan Porter, and Al Stanley (Stanley Construction Company) to discuss the proposed Build America 250 Act, why a long-term highway bill matters, and how contractors, businesses, and everyday Americans can help ensure Congress acts before the September 30 deadline. The conversation covers: Why the current transportation law expires September 30 What's included in the Build America 250 Act How long-term funding creates certainty for contractors and state DOTs Why transportation investment impacts every American—not just the construction industry The role of AGC's America's Moving Forward advocacy campaign How listeners can take action today Resources Build America 250 Act: https://news.agc.org/advocacy/agc-leads-coalition-effort-calling-for-house-to-pass-build-america-250-act/ America's Moving Forward campaign: https://www.americamovingforward.com/ Learn more about getting involved with an AGC Division or Committee: https://www.agc.org/ AGC Advocacy Resources: https://advocacy.agc.org/ Take Action Contact Your Members of Congress: https://bit.ly/4abeA1z Help support a long-term highway bill by sending a message to your Senators and Representative through AGC's America's Moving Forward campaign.

The Most Dangerous Hazard You Cant See: Heat Safety and OSHA's New Standard

As 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.

Built to Connect: Inside the 2026 AGC Convention Experience

In 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/

2026 Construction Safety Week - Recognize. Respond. Respect.

Construction 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/.

Revolutionizing Construction with Autonomous Drones

Rapid 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