In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into an often-overlooked aspect of the construction industry: physical health. Joined by nurse practitioner and founder of Construction Care Solutions, Linde Collingwood, the conversation explores the unique health challenges faced by blue-collar workers, particularly in the construction sector.

Linde shares her extensive experience working on-site with pipeline construction crews, where she provided on-the-job medical care and developed a strong rapport with the workers. With a staggering 88% of her patients presenting with high blood pressure, she emphasizes the importance of addressing physical health alongside mental health, a topic that has been a focus of the podcast in the past.

The discussion highlights the cultural barriers that prevent workers from seeking medical care, including the stigma around self-care and the fear of job loss. Linde advocates for a shift in mindset, encouraging workers to prioritize their health without feeling weak.

Listeners will gain insights into the innovative telehealth services Linde offers, making healthcare accessible for those who often feel invisible in the system. This episode is a call to action for both workers and employers to recognize the importance of physical well-being in maintaining a healthy workforce.

Tune in to learn more about how Linde is making a difference in the lives of construction workers and how you can support this vital aspect of the industry.

In this exciting episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Brent Darnell, a renowned keynote speaker in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As we celebrate the unique appearance of a Lego R2-D2 in the background, we dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the importance of emotional intelligence and people skills in the construction sector.

Brent shares his extensive experience of over 25 years, emphasizing the shift in the industry towards recognizing the value of mental, physical, and emotional performance. He highlights how collaborative project delivery methods are becoming essential for success, moving away from traditional hard-bid approaches. The conversation touches on the critical role of communication and relationships in project outcomes, with Brent explaining that most project issues stem from people, not processes.

We explore the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and the necessity of human connection in the workplace. Brent discusses how isolation during the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges and stresses the need for ongoing efforts to foster relationships among team members. He advocates for a cultural shift in the industry, where empathy and communication are prioritized to improve project success and overall well-being.

As the episode comes to a close, Brent shares valuable insights into his coaching methodologies, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and accountability in building emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills—far beyond one-time training sessions. He also offers listeners free resources, including emotional intelligence tests and nutrition surveys available on his website, encouraging proactive steps toward personal growth and well-being. Those resources can be found here: https://www.brentdarnell.com/leadership-program

Join us for this enlightening conversation that not only sheds light on the evolving landscape of the construction industry but also inspires us to prioritize human connection and emotional intelligence in our professional lives.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien delve into a significant topic affecting the construction industry in Pennsylvania: the Separations Act. With a history spanning over a century, the Separations Act mandates that public construction projects at the state and local levels must hire at least four separate prime contractors—specifically for general trades, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.

Jon, who has extensive knowledge of the Act, explains its origins, enacted on May 1, 1913, in response to rampant corruption in public contracting, particularly highlighted by the over-budget Pennsylvania State Capitol project. The discussion touches on the historical context of the Act, including early efforts to repeal it and the political dynamics surrounding it, with both major political parties having attempted to modernize or repeal the law over the years.

The hosts explore the implications of the Separations Act on modern construction practices, noting that while it was perhaps necessary in its time, the construction landscape has evolved significantly. They discuss how the requirement for multiple prime contractors can hinder collaboration and efficiency in project delivery, contrasting it with more modern methods like design-build and construction management at risk.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Jon emphasize that they are not taking a political stance on the issue but rather aim to educate listeners about the Act's history and its current relevance. They highlight the need for increased awareness and education among legislators and industry professionals, particularly younger project managers who may not be familiar with the Act.