In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O&apos;Brien and Chris Martin welcome Lauren Maggi, a third-year architectural engineering student at Penn State University, who is currently interning on the exciting Beaver Stadium renovation project.Lauren shares her journey into the field of construction management, highlighting her unique minor in engineering leadership development, which emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills in engineering roles. As a project engineer intern with Alexander Building Construction, she discusses her responsibilities, including working on submittal documentation, creating RFIs, and participating in quality control and meetings.The conversation delves into the competitive nature of securing internships in construction, with Lauren expressing her excitement upon learning she would be working on the high-profile Beaver Stadium project. She reflects on how her experience has changed her perspective on the stadium, allowing her to see it through a more critical lens as she recognizes her contributions to the project.Lauren also emphasizes the value of hands-on experience in education, noting how her internship has enhanced her understanding of technical concepts learned in the classroom. As she looks ahead, she plans to continue her internship and is excited about the opportunity to study abroad in Rome next summer, further enriching her architectural education.Overall, this episode provides a fresh perspective on the construction industry through the eyes of a future leader, showcasing the importance of internships and real-world experience in shaping the next generation of professionals.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O&amp;apos;Brien and Chris Martin welcome Lauren Maggi, a third-year architectural engineering student at Penn State University, who is currently interning on the exciting Beaver Stadium renovation project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lauren shares her journey into the field of construction management, highlighting her unique minor in engineering leadership development, which emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills in engineering roles. As a project engineer intern with Alexander Building Construction, she discusses her responsibilities, including working on submittal documentation, creating RFIs, and participating in quality control and meetings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation delves into the competitive nature of securing internships in construction, with Lauren expressing her excitement upon learning she would be working on the high-profile Beaver Stadium project. She reflects on how her experience has changed her perspective on the stadium, allowing her to see it through a more critical lens as she recognizes her contributions to the project.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lauren also emphasizes the value of hands-on experience in education, noting how her internship has enhanced her understanding of technical concepts learned in the classroom. As she looks ahead, she plans to continue her internship and is excited about the opportunity to study abroad in Rome next summer, further enriching her architectural education.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Overall, this episode provides a fresh perspective on the construction industry through the eyes of a future leader, showcasing the importance of internships and real-world experience in shaping the next generation of professionals.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Lauren Maggi, a third-year architectural engineering student at Penn State University, who is currently interning on the exciting Beaver Stadium renovation project. Lauren shares her journey into the field of construction management, highlighting her unique minor in engineering leadership development, which emphasizes the importance of interpersonal skills in engineering roles. As a project engineer inte...

Engineering the Future: A Student's Hands-On Experience at Beaver Stadium with Lauren Maggi

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O&apos;Brien dive into the important topic of risk management in the construction industry. They are joined by experts Joe Poliafico and Skip Parry, who share their insights on how effective risk management can significantly impact a company&apos;s bottom line.The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about the changing landscape of Pennsylvania sports, but quickly shifts to the serious business of risk management. Skip provides a comprehensive definition of risk management, emphasizing its financial implications and the moral responsibility of keeping workers safe. Joe adds to the discussion by highlighting the evolving role of safety professionals and the importance of integrating safety into every aspect of a project, from estimating to project closeout.Listeners will learn about the competitive advantages of sharing risk with subcontractors and how innovative insurance products, like subcontractor default insurance and wrap-up policies, can benefit all parties involved. The episode also touches on the need for better education and training in risk management, encouraging younger professionals to embrace this vital aspect of the construction industry.Join us for this engaging and informative episode that not only sheds light on the complexities of risk management but also inspires a new generation of safety professionals. Don&apos;t miss out on the valuable insights shared by our guests—tune in now to the Building PA Podcast!

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O&amp;apos;Brien dive into the important topic of risk management in the construction industry. They are joined by experts Joe Poliafico and Skip Parry, who share their insights on how effective risk management can significantly impact a company&amp;apos;s bottom line.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about the changing landscape of Pennsylvania sports, but quickly shifts to the serious business of risk management. Skip provides a comprehensive definition of risk management, emphasizing its financial implications and the moral responsibility of keeping workers safe. Joe adds to the discussion by highlighting the evolving role of safety professionals and the importance of integrating safety into every aspect of a project, from estimating to project closeout.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Listeners will learn about the competitive advantages of sharing risk with subcontractors and how innovative insurance products, like subcontractor default insurance and wrap-up policies, can benefit all parties involved. The episode also touches on the need for better education and training in risk management, encouraging younger professionals to embrace this vital aspect of the construction industry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join us for this engaging and informative episode that not only sheds light on the complexities of risk management but also inspires a new generation of safety professionals. Don&amp;apos;t miss out on the valuable insights shared by our guests—tune in now to the Building PA Podcast!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien dive into the important topic of risk management in the construction industry. They are joined by experts Joe Poliafico and Skip Parry, who share their insights on how effective risk management can significantly impact a company's bottom line. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about the changing landscape of Pennsylvania sports, but quickly shifts to the serious business of risk manageme...

Navigating Risk Management in Pennsylvania's Construction Industry with Joe Poliafico and Skip Parry

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O&apos;Brien and Chris Martin dive into an engaging discussion about safety education in the construction industry with special guest Tracey Cekada, the chair of the Safety Sciences and Environmental Engineering Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).We kick off the episode with a light-hearted introduction, where Chris and Jon share their excitement about the topic and the importance of safety in construction. Jon highlights the Keystone Contractors Association&apos;s scholarship program, which recently awarded its first scholarship to Mackenzie Daniel, a student in IUP&apos;s safety program. This sets the stage for our conversation about the significance of safety education and the opportunities available for students in this field.Tracey Cekada joins the conversation to provide insights into IUP&apos;s safety program, which offers a Bachelor of Science in Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences, as well as a Master&apos;s and PhD in Safety Sciences. Tracey explains the recent merger of two departments into one, emphasizing the growing importance of safety education in various industries, including construction, oil and gas, and even sports.Throughout the episode, we discuss the common questions incoming students and their parents have about the job market and career prospects in safety. Tracey reassures listeners that the demand for safety professionals is high, with many medium to large companies employing safety experts. She shares inspiring stories of graduates who have found success in diverse fields, including a student working for Fox Sports, overseeing safety at major events.As we delve deeper into the educational experience at IUP, Tracey outlines what first-year students can expect, including foundational courses and hands-on laboratory experiences. She emphasizes the importance of internships and co-op opportunities, which are integral to the program, ensuring that students graduate with real-world experience.We also touch on the significance of communication skills for safety professionals, as Tracey explains how effective communication can make a difference in promoting safety culture within organizations. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the resources available for those looking to enter the safety field, including certification options and the potential for an associate&apos;s degree aimed at smaller contractors.Overall, this episode is a valuable resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in safety, particularly within the construction industry. Tracey&apos;s insights and the experiences shared by Jon and Chris highlight the importance of safety education and the myriad of opportunities available for students in this vital field. Tune in to learn more about how safety professionals are making a difference and how you can get involved!

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O&amp;apos;Brien and Chris Martin dive into an engaging discussion about safety education in the construction industry with special guest Tracey Cekada, the chair of the Safety Sciences and Environmental Engineering Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We kick off the episode with a light-hearted introduction, where Chris and Jon share their excitement about the topic and the importance of safety in construction. Jon highlights the Keystone Contractors Association&amp;apos;s scholarship program, which recently awarded its first scholarship to Mackenzie Daniel, a student in IUP&amp;apos;s safety program. This sets the stage for our conversation about the significance of safety education and the opportunities available for students in this field.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tracey Cekada joins the conversation to provide insights into IUP&amp;apos;s safety program, which offers a Bachelor of Science in Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences, as well as a Master&amp;apos;s and PhD in Safety Sciences. Tracey explains the recent merger of two departments into one, emphasizing the growing importance of safety education in various industries, including construction, oil and gas, and even sports.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Throughout the episode, we discuss the common questions incoming students and their parents have about the job market and career prospects in safety. Tracey reassures listeners that the demand for safety professionals is high, with many medium to large companies employing safety experts. She shares inspiring stories of graduates who have found success in diverse fields, including a student working for Fox Sports, overseeing safety at major events.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As we delve deeper into the educational experience at IUP, Tracey outlines what first-year students can expect, including foundational courses and hands-on laboratory experiences. She emphasizes the importance of internships and co-op opportunities, which are integral to the program, ensuring that students graduate with real-world experience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We also touch on the significance of communication skills for safety professionals, as Tracey explains how effective communication can make a difference in promoting safety culture within organizations. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the resources available for those looking to enter the safety field, including certification options and the potential for an associate&amp;apos;s degree aimed at smaller contractors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Overall, this episode is a valuable resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in safety, particularly within the construction industry. Tracey&amp;apos;s insights and the experiences shared by Jon and Chris highlight the importance of safety education and the myriad of opportunities available for students in this vital field. Tune in to learn more about how safety professionals are making a difference and how you can get involved!&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into an engaging discussion about safety education in the construction industry with special guest Tracey Cekada, the chair of the Safety Sciences and Environmental Engineering Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). We kick off the episode with a light-hearted introduction, where Chris and Jon share their excitement about the topic and the importance of safety in construction. Jon highlight...

From Classroom to Career: The Path of Safety Professionals at IUP with Tracey Cekada

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O&apos;Brien and Chris Martin welcome Kara McCaffrey, a construction industry rock star and chief wellness officer at Houck Group. Kara shares her journey from healthcare IT back to construction, driven by her passion for mental health and suicide prevention, especially after losing her brother to suicide.The conversation delves into the importance of mental health awareness in the construction industry, highlighting the progress made over the years and the need to transition from awareness to actionable solutions. Kara emphasizes the significance of toolbox talks focused on mental health, training programs like Mental Health First Aid, and the role of resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and the national 988 crisis hotline.Kara discusses her involvement with various organizations, including the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Construction Suicide Prevention Week, which aim to provide resources and support for mental health in the industry. She also shares insights on how to approach conversations about mental health with colleagues, stressing the importance of showing care and understanding.As the episode wraps up, Kara reflects on the incremental progress being made in the industry, noting that while suicide rates remain a concern, more individuals are seeking help and utilizing available resources. The hosts express their gratitude for Kara&apos;s contributions and the vital work being done to foster a supportive environment in construction.Join us for this enlightening discussion that underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the collective efforts to create a healthier construction industry.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O&amp;apos;Brien and Chris Martin welcome Kara McCaffrey, a construction industry rock star and chief wellness officer at Houck Group. Kara shares her journey from healthcare IT back to construction, driven by her passion for mental health and suicide prevention, especially after losing her brother to suicide.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation delves into the importance of mental health awareness in the construction industry, highlighting the progress made over the years and the need to transition from awareness to actionable solutions. Kara emphasizes the significance of toolbox talks focused on mental health, training programs like Mental Health First Aid, and the role of resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and the national 988 crisis hotline.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kara discusses her involvement with various organizations, including the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Construction Suicide Prevention Week, which aim to provide resources and support for mental health in the industry. She also shares insights on how to approach conversations about mental health with colleagues, stressing the importance of showing care and understanding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As the episode wraps up, Kara reflects on the incremental progress being made in the industry, noting that while suicide rates remain a concern, more individuals are seeking help and utilizing available resources. The hosts express their gratitude for Kara&amp;apos;s contributions and the vital work being done to foster a supportive environment in construction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join us for this enlightening discussion that underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the collective efforts to create a healthier construction industry.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Kara McCaffrey, a construction industry rock star and chief wellness officer at Houck Group. Kara shares her journey from healthcare IT back to construction, driven by her passion for mental health and suicide prevention, especially after losing her brother to suicide. The conversation delves into the importance of mental health awareness in the construction industry, highlighting the progress made over ...

Building a Supportive Culture:  How the Construction Industry is Tackling Mental Health with Kara McCaffrey

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O&apos;Brien and Chris Martin dive into the critical topic of connected construction workflows with our guest, Joe Hasson from Empower Business Solutions. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the importance of integrating technology into everyday operations cannot be overstated.We kick off the episode with a light-hearted introduction, where Chris sets the stage for an engaging discussion. Joe, a seasoned expert in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, shares his extensive background in the field, highlighting his transition to cloud-based solutions and the significance of real-time data in construction management.The conversation quickly shifts to the concept of connected construction workflows. Joe explains how modern ERP systems, like Acumatica, streamline processes from take-offs to job planning, ensuring that all aspects of a project are interconnected. He emphasizes the importance of having a single version of the truth, which allows project managers to access real-time data and make informed decisions that can significantly impact job profitability.We delve into specific tools like Stack, a digital takeoff software that digitizes blueprints and estimates, and how it integrates with job planning software to enhance project management. Joe discusses the challenges construction companies face when upgrading their systems, particularly the resistance to change from employees accustomed to outdated processes. He stresses the need for buy-in from all levels of the organization to ensure a successful transition to modern technology.As we explore the role of AI in construction, Joe shares his vision for the future, where AI can analyze data from ERP systems to provide predictive insights, helping companies forecast job profitability and make proactive decisions. He also touches on the importance of incorporating Building Information Modeling (BIM) into these systems for even greater efficiency.Throughout the episode, we highlight the common challenges companies face when adopting new technology, including the need for proper training and the commitment required from staff. Joe provides valuable insights into the ROI of modernizing systems and the impact it can have on employee satisfaction and retention.As we wrap up, we announce an exciting upcoming three-part webinar series featuring Joe, where he will guide listeners through the intricacies of Stack, job planning, and Acumatica Construction Edition. This episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice that will resonate with construction professionals looking to enhance their operations through technology.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O&amp;apos;Brien and Chris Martin dive into the critical topic of connected construction workflows with our guest, Joe Hasson from Empower Business Solutions. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the importance of integrating technology into everyday operations cannot be overstated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We kick off the episode with a light-hearted introduction, where Chris sets the stage for an engaging discussion. Joe, a seasoned expert in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, shares his extensive background in the field, highlighting his transition to cloud-based solutions and the significance of real-time data in construction management.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation quickly shifts to the concept of connected construction workflows. Joe explains how modern ERP systems, like Acumatica, streamline processes from take-offs to job planning, ensuring that all aspects of a project are interconnected. He emphasizes the importance of having a single version of the truth, which allows project managers to access real-time data and make informed decisions that can significantly impact job profitability.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We delve into specific tools like Stack, a digital takeoff software that digitizes blueprints and estimates, and how it integrates with job planning software to enhance project management. Joe discusses the challenges construction companies face when upgrading their systems, particularly the resistance to change from employees accustomed to outdated processes. He stresses the need for buy-in from all levels of the organization to ensure a successful transition to modern technology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As we explore the role of AI in construction, Joe shares his vision for the future, where AI can analyze data from ERP systems to provide predictive insights, helping companies forecast job profitability and make proactive decisions. He also touches on the importance of incorporating Building Information Modeling (BIM) into these systems for even greater efficiency.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Throughout the episode, we highlight the common challenges companies face when adopting new technology, including the need for proper training and the commitment required from staff. Joe provides valuable insights into the ROI of modernizing systems and the impact it can have on employee satisfaction and retention.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As we wrap up, we announce an exciting upcoming three-part webinar series featuring Joe, where he will guide listeners through the intricacies of Stack, job planning, and Acumatica Construction Edition. This episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice that will resonate with construction professionals looking to enhance their operations through technology.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into the critical topic of connected construction workflows with our guest, Joe Hasson from Empower Business Solutions. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the importance of integrating technology into everyday operations cannot be overstated. We kick off the episode with a light-hearted introduction, where Chris sets the stage for an engaging discussion. Joe, a seasoned expert in Enterprise R...

Unlocking Efficiency: The Power of Connected Construction Workflows with Joe Hasson

The Building PA Podcast serves the construction industry throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in brief, downloadable segments.  Hosted by Chris Martin, President of Atlas Marketing, and Jon O’Brien, Executive Director for the Keystone Contractors Association, the Building PA Podcast covers topics such as safety, workforce development, insurance, legal, legislation, business development and much more.

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