ConstructorCast

In this episode recorded live at the 2025 AGC Convention, host Max Nelson sits down with Alex Juarez (Pittsburg State University) and Chip Wilson (Colorado State University)—two soon-to-be graduates preparing to enter the construction workforce. They share what inspired their career paths, how AGC student chapters and internships have shaped their journey, and what they’re looking for in potential employers. Whether you're a contractor looking to connect with emerging professionals or a student thinking about your next step, this conversation offers real-world insights into the future of the industry. To learn more about AGC's Student Chapter network, visit agc.org/connect/chapters/student-chapters

In this episode, we are exploring the 2025 Construction Safety Week theme—All In Together—with insights from this year’s co-chairs. This theme underscores the industry’s shared commitment to safety, emphasizing that when every worker, company, and partner is fully engaged, job sites become safer for everyone. We'll chat about the initiatives shaping this year’s campaign, strategies for fostering a culture of safety, and how companies can take an active role in promoting teamwork and accountability on the job. Be sure to listen in and start preparing for Construction Safety Week 2025—because safety is a collective effort, and we’re All In Together! All resources discussed in the episode are available at https://www.constructionsafetyweek.com Guests: Mike Choutka - Chairman & CEO, Hensel Phelps https://www.henselphelps.com Adam Jelen - CEO, Gilbane Building Company https://www.gilbaneco.com

In this episode of ConstructorCast, we shine a light on a vital and often untapped workforce: military veterans. Host Max Nelson is joined by Adam Stark, founder of Jet.Build and the Veterans Who Build podcast, and Jesse Gemberling-Johnson, a Marine Corps veteran and construction professional leading a veteran hiring initiative. Together, they discuss the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, how their skills compare to those needed in construction, and what contractors can do to recruit and retain this incredible talent pool. Guests: Adam Stark Principal, Jet.Build | Host, The Veterans Who Build Show https://jet.build/ Jesse Gemberling-Johnson Chief Talent Officer, MCFA https://mcfaglobal.com/ Resources Mentioned: 🎧 The Veterans Who Build podcast – https://www.youtube.com/@veteranswhobuild >Jesse's Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc_zs7ldBAM 📖 An Organizational Guide to Leveraging Military Veteran Human Capital – https://repository.upenn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/08740453-d43d-4a38-98c0-cb3bb9138cea/content 📊 AGC Workforce Survey Results – https://news.agc.org/labor-hr/new-survey-shows-how-nations-failure-to-invest-in-construction-education-training-programs-makes-it-hard-for-firms-to-build/ 📄 National Construction Industry HR & Workforce Conference After-Action Report – https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Files/Communications/2025_AGC_Workforce_Conference_After_Action_Report_2.3.2025.pdf Don’t forget to subscribe to ConstructorCast! Search “ConstructorCast” in your favorite podcast app or visit agc.org/constructorcast to listen to past episodes.

In this episode of ConstructorCast, host and General Counsel for AGC, Leah Pilconis is joined by Chief Economist Ken Simonson and Vice President of Government Affairs Alex Etchen to unpack the results of the recent election and what they mean for the construction industry. From workforce challenges and regulatory shifts to infrastructure investment and tax policy changes, our experts provide key insights to help contractors prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Resources: 2025 Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MLTX6N6 Advocacy in Action and Data DIGest Newsletters: https://www.agc.org/news/newsletter AGC Judicial Advocacy Updates: https://news.agc.org/tag/judicial-advocacy Action Alerts:https://advocacy.agc.org/alerts

From automating tedious tasks to supercharging project management, AI is becoming a game-changer for construction professionals. But it’s not just about the tech—our guests share real-world stories of how AI is transforming their day-to-day work, making projects smoother and more efficient. We also tackle the big questions around ethics and responsible AI use, ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at a cost. If you're curious about how AI can take your construction game to the next level, this episode is a must-listen! Guests: Harry Schmidt Director, Business Strategies | O’Shea Builders https://osheabuilders.com/ Jared Christman Director, Innovation and Technology | Big State Electric, Ltd https://www.bigstateelectric.com/ Theresa Voorhies Manager of Construction Customer Success | Autodesk https://www.autodesk.com/ Resources: Practical AI in Construction: https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Files/ConstructorCast/Practical%20AI%20In%20Construction%20(AGC).pdf Member discount programs: www.agc.org/Discounts This episode is sponsored by Autodesk.