BUILD America

In this episode of BUILD AMERICA, host Kerry Smith Buck interviews Michael E. Cox, president of Horizontal Base Studs and inventor of StepStuds. Michael, a journeyman carpenter, developed StepStuds in 2018 after witnessing extensive flood damage in healthcare settings, seeking a "better way" to perform repairs.   StepStuds are the world's first patented horizontal base stud, designed to lift drywall off the floor, hidden behind cove base, to prevent water damage. This innovation dramatically cuts repair costs by 75% and reduces room downtime by half after water intrusion. While initially focused on healthcare, StepStuds have also been successfully used in schools.

In this episode of Build AMERICA, Kerry Smith Buck talks with Brian Conway, Principal Recruitment Consultant at LVI Associates, about the future of construction hiring. Brian shares how AI and data are streamlining recruitment—from sourcing candidates to speeding up placement timelines. They discuss the rise of hybrid roles, shifting Gen Z expectations, and why passive candidates are often the best hires. Whether you’re hiring or job hunting in construction, this episode offers real insight into where recruitment is headed.

In this episode of Build AMERICA, Kerry Smith Buck sits down with Daniel Conaway, VP of Operations, and Lea Ann Dies, Director of People and Culture at Russell, to talk about what it really takes to hire for culture fit in the construction industry. They share how Russell uses tools like Predictive Index, emotional intelligence assessments, and team referrals to go beyond resumes—focusing on soft skills, core values, and team chemistry. From panel interviews to team assimilations, this episode is packed with practical insights on building people-first construction teams.

In this episode of Build America, host Kerry Smith Buck speaks with Angie Lovatto, VP of HR, and Tony Roderman, Field Operations Manager at KCI Construction, about the evolving strategies for recruiting and retaining both office and field talent in the construction industry.   They discuss the power of employee referrals, mentoring future superintendents from within, reaching untapped talent pools like reentry programs and technical schools, and balancing tech tools with human connection. Whether it’s finding top-tier project managers or loyal tradespeople, this episode offers real-world insights on building a strong, people-first workforce.

Is your construction company's brand attracting the talent you need?   Host Kerry Smith-Buck and branding expert Liz Campbell from the Atlanta Electrical Contractors Association reveal why strong organizational branding is critical for recruitment and retention. Discover how to combat industry stigma, appeal to Gen Z's demand for authenticity, and successfully rebrand for a massive boost in apprenticeship applications and overall success. Learn practical tips, proving it's about "ownership," not just big budgets, to transform your company's future!