Flintco Talks

The Inclusive Builders Alliance (IBA) represents the “heavy hitters” of Central Texas construction. This unique alliance of general contractors – competitors who share a common goal – was borne out of a shared vision to address an acute challenge within the construction industry: helping trade partners grow and succeed. In this episode of Flintco Talks, we sat down with founding members of (IBA) to discuss their mission of fostering collaboration among general contractors and supporting small and minority-owned businesses in the construction industry. If you work in the Construction industry and want to know more about the IBA, reach out to Shannon Dunn (Flintco), Terri Michalak (Rogers-O'Brien Construction) or HT Tran (Turner)! #construction #podcast #smallbusiness

Flintco Talks tackles one of the most urgent challenges facing Central Texas and our U.S. economy in general–the severe shortage of skilled tradespeople. In this episode you'll meet Kevin Brackmeyer, CEO, Skillpoint Alliance, Tamara Atkinson, CEO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Skillpoint graduate Jennifer Cobb, an electrical foreman with FSG Electric in Austin, who shares her compelling personal story. With more than $25 billion in active infrastructure projects (alone) and a growing demand for 10,000 new skilled workers per year just in Central Texas, the discussion goes deep into how this gap formed—and what’s being done about it. Skillpoint Alliance and Workforce Solutions are helping lead the charge with free, fast-track training programs, and wraparound support services. Our guests also delve into plans for a new Infrastructure Academy in Austin dedicated to training the next generation of our skilled workforce. Podcast Highlights: *Jennifer takes us through her journey from teen mom, to laid-off receptionist to foreman at FSG after completing Skillpoint’s pre-apprenticeship program. * Learn more about the FREE 4–6 week Skillpoint boot camp that prepares students for immediate, upwardly mobile careers. * How Workforce Solutions Capital Area supports the effort through childcare, transportation assistance, and career navigation. * And the new Infrastructure Academy in Austin, which is designed to unify employers, educators, and jobseekers around the skilled trades. Useful Links: https://skillpointalliance.org [https://skillpointalliance.org] https://www.wfscapitalarea.com [https://www.wfscapitalarea.com] Key Quote: “You believe that person is out there digging ditches because they lack opportunity—when really, they took advantage of one.” – Jennifer Cobb 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Meet the Guests 03:02 Austin’s Construction Boom 04:23 The 10,000 Workers Gap 06:28 How Did We Get Here? 10:18 The Skillpoint Solution 12:43 Jennifer’s Journey 16:50 Barriers to Entry 20:57 Changing the Narrative 26:01 Reaching the Schools 31:01 Misconceptions About the Trades 36:02 Parents Matter Too 39:33 What 'Hire Local' Really Means 43:31 What Is the Infrastructure Academy? 50:05 How to Get Involved with Skillpoint 53:03 Funding & Support 54:44 Infrastructure Academy Event Info 55:57 Final Thoughts #workforcedevelopment #skilledtrades #construction #podcast

#TogetherWeRise feels like a timeless theme for this year’s WIC Week™ celebration. The sentiment–unity, empowerment, and breaking barriers–are aspirations without an end. The work is never finished. In this episode of #FlintcoTalks we invited three construction professionals into the studio (Regina Munson, Cristina Marrero and Kendra Santa) to share their personal and professional journey. Their stories are both unique and universal. To women everywhere who still carry the extra burden of “proof” in the workplace, we stand with you! Leaders lead. Doers do. That’s all.

In 2024, Flintco Renewable Energy and Alberici reached a major milestone together: selection as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for two 128-MWdc (megawatt direct current) projects in central Illinois with owner, Adapture Renewables, Inc. (ARI). The Crooks Mill and Crooked Creek projects are expected to create more than 300 construction jobs and pump more than $250 million of economic impact into their local communities. Alberici Operations Director Mike McCallum joined Flintco Talks Host Daniel Oates for an in-depth discussion about these two projects, the state of the utility-scale solar market, and what’s driving solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage projects. Explore career opportunities and learn more about Flintco Renewable Energy at Flintco.com. Subscribe now to Flintco Talks and find it wherever you get your podcasts.

In February 2022, Flintco sent a 10-person team of volunteers to Rwanda with Bridges to Prosperity, a non-profit working in rural communities around the world, building pedestrian bridges that connect people and communities to healthcare, education, and other essential services. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Or so we thought. The success of that first build brought us back to Rwanda two years later, this time with volunteers from Flintco and our sister company, Alberici. We traveled to the Muhanga (ma-hung-ga) District in Southern Rwanda for a 2-week stay in-country and helped complete a 103-meter hybrid suspension bridge along the Matovu (ma-toe-voo) Trail. In February 2025, the next 10-person Flintco | Alberici team is returning to Rwanda to continue this vitally important work. Thanks to our trade partners and friends for your continued support! We invite you to join us again on our journey, building bridges to prosperity… #FlintcoTalks #Podcast #BridgestoProsperity #Construction #CommunityBuilding #Leadership #Inspiration