PioneerCast

Women Leading Beyond the Jobsite: Meloni Raney at TEXO

Women Leading Beyond the Jobsite: Meloni Raney on TEXO, Culture, and Leadership in DFW Construction Women in construction are changing job sites, technology, and leadership—but we don’t talk enough about the women shaping the industry behind the projects. On the PioneerCast, host DeWayne Ables interviews Meloni Raney, President and CEO of TEXO, the merged AGC/ABC commercial construction association serving Dallas-Fort Worth and East Texas. They unpack what makes the DFW construction community so different—and what it looks like to lead beyond projects and profit. Meloni shares her journey from design-build roots at Beck to leading leadership development for an entire region, plus the real challenges construction faces in 2026–2027: 1. Talent shortages 2. Experience gaps 3. Fast promotions 4. The growing need for communication and soft skills. Together, they explore why culture is a competitive advantage, how we change the perception of the trades, and why women bring a unique edge to leadership through empathy, connection, and grounded purpose. If you’re an emerging leader—or you’re responsible for developing one—this conversation will help you connect the dots of your career and step into the impact you’re meant to have. Key Topics 1. Why DFW construction culture is different 2. The leadership gap: capable vs. trained 3. Building people-first teams (not just better projects) 4. Changing the narrative around the trades 5. Women in construction leadership: advantage + real challenges 6. TEXO’s member-driven model and what other markets can learn Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead on. #Construction #WomenInConstruction #Leadership #TEXO #AGC #ABC #DFWConstruction #PioneerIQ #DesignBuild #Trades #WorkforceDevelopment

4th of July Episode of the Pioneercast with Eric Turner from Forge Construction

Featuring Eric Turner from Forge Construction. Eric shares his personal and professional experiences, highlighting his transition from project manager to founder of his own company. The conversation covers key moments in Eric's life, the challenges and successes he faced, and his advice for emerging leaders. Eric shares invaluable insights into: 1. From Burnout to Boldness — The Founder’s Leap2. Leadership Isn't a Position — It's a Process3. Culture Doesn’t Happen by Chance — Forge It4. Opportunity Is Everywhere — If You Have the Courage to See It5. Only You Can Make It Happen — Inspiration to Lead OnWhether you're in the early stages of your career or looking to maximize your current position, Eric's story provides valuable insights and inspiration.LISTEN/WATCH ⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠⁠ [https://pioneeriq.com/pioneercast-forge]APPLE PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneercast/id1651159253 ⁠⁠⁠]SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pioneer-iq]00:00 Introduction to the 4th of July and Eric Turner's Story00:44 Welcome to the Pioneercast01:00 Interview with Eric Turner Begins02:42 Eric Turner's Journey with Forge Construction03:32 The Importance of Support and Mentorship07:41 Eric Turner's Early Career and Education10:47 Transition to Professional Life15:39 Advice for Emerging Construction Professionals17:22 Networking and Career Development23:37 Lessons from Mentorship and Career Transitions29:27 Challenges and Growth in Leadership Roles32:42 Career Moves and Founding Forge Construction35:17 Seeking Help and New Beginnings35:53 Lessons from Past Experiences36:15 Building Forge and Overcoming Challenges38:03 Support Systems and Relationships39:33 Celebrating Milestones and Personal Growth40:28 Defining the Future of Forge42:04 Leadership Development and Team Alignment45:14 Personal Reflections and Family Values01:02:42 Excitement for the Future and Succession Planning01:08:11 Final Thoughts and Inspiration #PioneerCast #Leadership #PioneerIQ #PioneeringLeader #LeadOn

Discovering Your Leadership Path: Cole Turner's Journey

This episode of PioneerCast dives into the multi-faceted world of leadership within the construction industry. Featuring Cole Turner of Turner Ceramic Tile and Square Foot Studios, this episode shatters the myth that success in construction follows a single track.Learn how Cole's early exposure to the industry, mentorship from key figures, and his unyielding obsession with excelling in his field have fueled his unique leadership journey. From his college days to running a state-of-the-art flooring showroom, Cole shares invaluable insights into1. Building meaningful professional relationships2. Leveraging his LinkedIn network3. Making impactful business decisionsThis episode is a must-watch for both emerging leaders and experienced mentors looking to find their own path or guide others on theirs. LISTEN/WATCH NOW ⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠⁠ [https://pioneeriq.com/pioneercast-turnertile/]⁠⁠⁠APPLE PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneercast/id1651159253]⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pioneer-iq] ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsJX67htP4Od6_KNhuH9U8Q] 00:00 Introduction to the Leadership Series00:32 Welcome to PioneerCast01:03 Introducing Square Foot Studios02:47 Cole Turner's Background and Vision06:24 Early Influences and Career Decisions14:34 Building a Network and Circle of Influence19:44 The Value of Networking and Connections20:10 Building a Strong Network20:41 The Vision Behind Square Foot Studios20:54 Launching Square Foot Studios22:14 Working with Developers and Saving Costs26:12 The Importance of Relationships in Business27:26 The Role of Family Influence27:49 The Construction Industry: Challenges and Rewards29:38 The Debate on College Education31:33 The Power of Obsession and Drive33:43 Advice for Young Professionals34:27 The Importance of LinkedIn35:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement#PioneerCast #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #PioneerIQ #PioneeringLeader #LeadOn

Pioneering Your Career Path: Leveraging Experience & Building Significance

FINAL EPISODE WITH Chris Migneron from JE Dunn Keep your High Performers & Maximize Their Potential This series is perfect if you're looking to design your own career path or if you're a leader and looking to help others on your team design their leadership journey. In the final episode, Chris shares his career journey from architecture to J.E. Dunn Construction, emphasizing the importance of: 1. Inspiring Leadership 2. A Clear Vision 3. Recognizing the Potential in Others Learn how to navigate career decisions, develop top talent, and build meaningful professional relationships. Don't miss this podcast on maximizing your career potential and impact. 00:00 Introduction to the Series 00:43 Welcome to the PioneerCast 01:31 Recap of Previous Episodes 02:02 Chris's Career Journey 03:41 Transition to J.E. Dunn 07:09 Building a Collaborative Team 13:00 Key Takeaways and Leadership Insights 17:17 Final Thoughts and Challenge to Leaders #PioneerCast #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #Internships #JEDunn #PioneerIQ #PioneeringLeader #LeadOn

Pioneering Your Career Path: Insights from Chris's Journey

Career Pathing: Designing a Leadership Journey We're kicking off 2025 with a new series with Chris Migneron from JE Dunn.  If you want to keep your high performers and ultimately maximize their potential, there are 3 things you must provide for them: 1. A Purposeful Vision 2. Purpose Driven Leadership  3. A Career Path  This series is perfect if you're looking to design your own career path or if you're a leader and looking to help others on your team design their leadership journey. Join us for episode 2 of the PioneerCast hosted by DeWayne Ables as he talks about Chris' leadership journey throughout his career and strategies for leaders to maximize their team’s potential. We're diving into Chris' insights on: 1. Leadership 2. Career Development 3. Not to let your company define your identity. Whether you're a rising talent or a seasoned professional, there's a wealth of knowledge to gain. Tune in to learn how to cultivate future-ready leaders and make meaningful career impact. LISTEN/WATCH: ⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠⁠: https://pioneeriq.com/pioneercast-careerpaths-2/ [https://pioneeriq.com/pioneercast-careerpaths/] APPLE PODCASTS⁠⁠⁠: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneercast/id1651159253 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pioneercast/id1651159253] ⁠⁠⁠ SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pioneer-iq [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pioneer-iq] 00:00 Introduction to Career Pathing 00:49 Welcome to the Pioneer Cast 01:09 Chris's Career Journey Begins 01:31 Building Expertise and Career 03:02 Significant Projects and Leadership 04:26 Exploring Different Leadership Styles 08:22 Navigating Career Opportunities 10:20 Lessons Learned and Career Advice 22:09 Encouragement for Emerging Leaders #PioneerCast #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #Internships #JEDunn #PioneerIQ #PioneeringLeader #LeadOn