Build Me Up

  In today's discussion, we explore construction and design trends reshaping the healthcare industry. The design needs and construction requirements for medical centers are evolving rapidly, driven by new challenges, technological advancements and economic changes—and we're here to explore what this means for you and your projects. Laurisa is joined by Rachael Oelke of Kraus-Anderson, Matt Okeefe with Synergy Architecture Studio and Luke Sahly from Continua. Together, we discuss  navigating material uncertainties, speeding up project delivery and design choices in healthcare facilities that provide care for the cargivers working in them.

Today we welcome back Ben Shardlow, chief of staff at the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District. Ben joins us today to talk about the Downtown by Design 2035 plan for the city of Minneapolis. From safety to culture to the overall vibe of the city we cover some of the highlights of what we can expect in the next 10 years along with how the city engaged with neighborhood groups, organizations, and other cities to create a strategic vision for the future of downtown Minneapolis.   https://www.mplsdowntown.com/2035plan/   https://www.mplsdowntown.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MDC_2035Plan.pdf  

In this episode, Lori Barr, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Raise the Barr, joins "Build Me Up." Lori and her son Anthony, a former defenseman for the Minnesota Vikings and 4X NFL Pro-Bowler, founded the organization in 2016. The nonprofit aims to help single parents break down the social and economic barriers that come with pursuing higher education. We chatted with Lori about Raise the Barr's programs and resources, her personal experiences that led to the opening of the nonprofit, working with her son and the nonprofit's blueprint for success, and more! 

Back by popular demand, “Build Me Up” invited FMI's Partner and Managing Director of Research and Analytics, Jay Bowman, and KA's EVP and COO Rich Jacobson back to chat! They join us each year as we look to see what the new year is going bring the built market.    Jay specializes in construction spending forecasts, strategic planning, and research and analytics for the A/C/E industry. We recap our 2024, talk fed rates and building material prices, how AI and tech fits into our world, and of course predictions for 2025! Jay brings in the national perspective of what we can expect, and Rich gives a more focused, local approach of what is going on in the Midwest market. 

Season 6 of "Build Me Up" is complete. Thank you to all the guests who participated in Season 5, as well as to our listeners. We're grateful to have a platform where stories that build up the community can be shared. See you in the New Year!

Food shelves are essential for addressing food insecurity in communities, providing vital support to individuals and families who struggle to access adequate nutrition. They offer a safety net, especially during times of economic hardship, by distributing donated and surplus food to those in need. Food shelves help reduce hunger, promote health, and foster a sense of community by ensuring that no one goes without the necessity of food.  Leigh Zydonik and Lory Olsson from the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center in Cave Creek, AZ join the podcast to help us better understand the terms "food deserts" and "food insecurity," to deliver an honest picture of the food landscape within the US, to highlight their facility's services, and to discuss how their new building will help aid in the nonprofit's capabilities.  

Trigger Warning: This podcast contains references to sensitive themes, such as suicide, which may be distressing to some individuals. We ask you to put yourself and your mental health first when making the decision to listen. Death by suicide is all too common, particularly in the construction industry, as the suicide rate among male construction workers is 75% higher than men in the general population. Research indicates that talking about mental health and suicide helps with prevention, so "Build Me Up” is utilizing its platform to create a space for conversation. We're joined by the LIVIN Foundation, a nonprofit that seeks to prevent suicide by creating quality connections through everyday conversations about mental health by way of programs and partnerships. In this episode, we discuss the history of the nonprofit, its various services, the importance of talking about mental health, and what truly “LIVIN” means to our guests.  If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please text 988 to connect with the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline. Representatives are also available online to assist via chat.

Trigger Warning: This podcast contains references to sensitive themes, such as domestic and intimate-partner violence and sexual assault, which may be distressing to some individuals.   October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so "Build Me Up" is taking the opportunity to highlight Bemidji's Northwoods Battered Women's Shelter and the influential work that they do surrounding intimate-partner violence. As one in four women, as well as one in seven men experience domestic violence within their lifetimes, it's important to discuss how everyone can play a role in supporting survivors and fostering a community rooted in safety and respect.    If you or someone you know is experience domestic violence, please call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 to connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help. Representatives are also available online to assist via chat.    

"Build Me Up" sits down with the team at Darcy Solutions to discuss geothermal systems. We're turning up the heat—or should we say dialing it down?—with an exciting look at geothermal heating and cooling. Have you ever wondered how one can harness the Earth's natural energy to keep our homes and businesses comfortable year-round?   In this episode, we explore the science behind this sustainable technology, its benefits, and why it's gaining traction as a game-changer in the HVAC world. Get ready to go underground with us as we uncover the cool facts and hot trends in geothermal heating and cooling! 

Adolescence is a crucial time for building good habits that are key to mental health, such as good sleep, exercising, learning to cope with problems, and managing emotions. Having supportive family, school, and community environments really helps. Many factors can affect mental health, and the more risks teens face, the more it impacts them. Some teens are at higher risk of mental health issues because of tough living conditions, stigma, discrimination, or lack of support, like those in unstable settings, with chronic illnesses, or from minority backgrounds. In this episode, "Build Me Up" discusses the mental health of our youth and what the Prairie Care Fund is doing to provide support to schools and families on the front lines of this issue.

As residents of the large metro area of Minneapolis, Laurisa and Lisa sometimes forget what a privilege it is to have close access to a variety of leading healthcare providers. The reality for many is that they have to travel a long way to receive specialty care. Often, it means taking kids out of school, being away from the family's support system, and major disruptions to everyday life.    The Ronald McDonald House Charity works to improve the health and well-being of children and support families whose children are dealing with serious illnesses or injuries. By providing lodging, meals, and a K-12 school, to name a few of its services, it allows families to focus on their child's health.   In December 2023, the Eastern Wisconsin RMHC Chapter celebrated its 40-year anniversary. Laurie Bertrand, President and CEO, and Mike Timmers, board member / Kraus-Anderson's Director of Operations (Milwaukee), join the podcast to highlight the nonprofit's good work and services.

Kraus-Anderson's Building Information Modeling (BIM) Department joins this episode of "Build Me Up." From drones to 360-degree cameras to Digital Twin, Andrea, Michelle, and Micah sit down to discuss the various tools utilized to help aid the construction process. The team chats about clash detections, as well as the benefits of involving their department before, during, and after the building process.

Environmental, Social, and Government (ESG) requirements are popping up everywhere. Do you know the expectations of all the various stakeholders that impact your business? These include project owners, general contractors, investors, lenders, insurance companies, employees, and governmental agencies. Each comes with risks and opportunities. We are thrilled to join the Kraus-Anderson Insurance "Ilume" podcast to bring you an enlightening discussion on construction environmental risk and insurance. Mallory Thomas, a partner with Baker Tilly's risk management practice in Minneapolis joins us to discuss these emerging risk issues and ways to position your business for success, both internally and externally.

At "Build Me Up," we've noticed a surge in articles discussing the use of mass timber in construction. While timber has been a construction staple for centuries, conversation about it has increased due to its role in addressing sustainability issues, particularly embodied carbon. Advancements in timber products, like cross-laminated or glue-laminated timber, have enhanced its strength, prompting the industry to take a fresh look at this long-used material.  Kevin Bright, KA's Sustainability Manager, and Chad Rempe, KA's Design Phase Services Manager, join the podcast. Together, we delve into the realm of mass timber, aiming to debunk assumptions about embodied carbon and its significance in construction. 

Back by popular demand, "Build Me Up" invited FMI's Partner and Managing Director of Research and Analytics, Jay Bowman and KA's EVP and COO Rich Jacobson back to chat! They join us each year as we give in to a look ahead for the year.   Jay specializes in construction spending forecasts, strategic planning, and research and analytics for the A/C/E industry. We talk about strategic planning, tech, workforce challenges, and industry trends for 2024. Jay brings in the national perspective of what we can expect, and Rich gives a more focused, local approach of what is going on in the Midwest market.  

In this episode, Laurisa and Lisa delve into the fascinating world of The Learning Jet with our special guests, Steve Hurvitz and Kraus-Anderson's Doug Jaeger! Wonder what The Learning Jet is and what it does? The Learning Jet's primary goal is to ignite students' passion for STEM subjects by immersing them in aviation education programs and activities. As the nation's pioneering nonprofit organization of its kind, they've transformed a Boeing 727 cargo jet into a one-of-a-kind classroom. Join us as we explore the innovative hands-on experiences The Learning Jet offers to students and community organizations alike.

Wow— Five seasons of "Build Me Up"! Thank you to all the guests who participated in Season 5, as well as to our listeners. We're grateful to have a platform where stories that build up the community can be shared. See you in the New Year!

This week, Abbie Lown from Girl Scouts of River Valley, Barb Pecks from the Carpenters Union, and Laurie Trousil, Kraus-Anderson's Director of Diversity and Inclusion, join Build Me Up. The group talks about the Girl Scouts' Power Girls program which focuses on exposing middle school and high school girls to the trades and the impact it's having on not only the girls but their families as well. We also discuss the current state of women in the trades and what keeps some women from looking at trade work as a viable career. Kraus-Anderson recently sponsored an event at the Carpenters Union with the Girl Scouts, so we recap the day's activities and discuss the possibility of future events.

In this episode, Lisa and Laurisa chat with the awesome folks from the HealthPartners Clinical Simulation Program. The group dives into the different procedures they practice, as well as discusses the lab's interesting features. Learn how the team uses this tool to boost the skills, both hard and soft, of the healthcare workers to make the patient experience even better. Discover the importance of simulation technology and the big difference it's making in healthcare.

Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of New Brighton Jennifer Fink, Parks Superintendent for the City of Eagan Chris Fleck, and Eric Quam, a project manager in Kraus-Anderson's Government sector join this week's episode of "Build Me Up." We chat about the impact parks have in our lives (especially post-COVID), the many “hats” Jennifer and Chris wear in their jobs, how fulfilling a career in Parks + Rec can be, and more! "What I hear when I'm being yelled at is people caring really loudly..." -Leslie Knope

In this episode, we'll discuss all things artificial intelligence (AI) with Justin Grammens – a local educator and AI expert. With much discussion surrounding ChatGPT, Bard, and other AI-related tools, we're diving in to find out what its impacts are and will be on our lives – both at home and at work. What is it? Where does it get its information? How reliable is it, and how is it being used? Join us as we take a look into the future with this local expert. More about Justin Grammens and his work below: Bio: Justin Grammens is a lifelong learner, passionate about Software Development and Artificial Intelligence, and enjoys giving back to the community through non-profit organizations and teaching. He is the Founder and CEO of Recursive Awesome, a management consulting firm helping executives leverage Artificial Intelligence to bring efficiency and automation to their business. He is the Founder and CEO of Lab651, where his team helps companies quickly and efficiently build their custom software applications by guiding them with a proven process and talent to a successful release. He is the owner of IoT Weekly News, a co-founder of AppliedAI and Captovation, the host of the Conversations on AppliedAI Podcast, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Saint Thomas in their Graduate Programs in Software. A proven leader and builder of technology, Justin speaks regularly at meetups, conferences, and on the Lab651 and AppliedAI YouTube channels. Grammens was named one of the (Real) Power 50 by Minnesota Business Magazine and launched the first-ever Artificial Intelligence conference in Minnesota. He is a mentor to students of all ages through CoderDojo Twin Cities and Macalester College's MacStartups program. Most importantly, he is blessed to have a loving wife and two amazing boys who are the light of his life. - Myself https://justingrammens.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingrammens https://twitter.com/justingrammens My Business on Artificial Intelligence Consulting https://recursiveawesome.com My business on Software Development https://lab651.com My Business Using AI Speech Coach https://captovation.ai Applied AI & Emerging Technologies North Conference - https://appliedaiconf.com Monthly Meetup - https://appliedai.mn Podcast - https://podcast.appliedai.mn YouTube Channel - https://video.appliedai.mn Weekly Curated News - https://appliedaiweekly.com Monthly Newsletter - https://mailchi.mp/appliedai/signup LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/appliedai-mn Emerging Technologies North - https://www.emtechnorth.org/   University of Saint Thomashttps://software.stthomas.edu/about/faculty-staff/biography/justin-grammens/   Resources: Gartner Hype Cycle - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gartner_hype_cycle Ideaflow - https://www.ideaflow.design/

In this episode, we'll discuss the 2019 White Bear Lake referendum experience with Kraus-Anderson's retired director of K-12 project planning and development, Tony Sjolander, and Tim Wald from the White Bear Lake School District. While work is in full swing and the new high school is being built, we wanted to hear from Tony and Tim as they reflect on the referendum experience. We discussed the process and details of what went into passing the referendum, the challenges they faced in communicating the District's needs to the community, and the planning it took to pass the (now second) largest referendum in Minnesota's history.

In this episode, we're joined by Northfield Hospital + Clinics' Director of Facilities, Scott Norman, Kraus-Anderson's Director of Facilities Assessment, Tim Kittila, and Kraus-Anderson's Director of Project Planning and Development (Healthcare Group), Mike Stark. The group chats about Scott's experience with KA's facility assessment team— how it's impacted the hospital and assisted with long-term planning.

In this episode, Modist Brewing's Daniel Wellendorf and Perkins&Will's Jennifer Christiaansen join us at the brewery in Minneapolis' North Loop to discuss Modist's new event space opening in September! We talk about what went into the design of the space, differentiating Modist from other breweries in the area, how they name their beers, and more!

We're back from break!! In this episode, Sherman Associates' Director of Commercial Operations Ben Kepple joins us to talk about the development and reimagining of downtown Minneapolis, why Minneapolis is worth investing in, trends in commercial real estate, and what a developer looks for in a tenant. We also discuss our favorite Skyway lunch go-tos, what it's like to live and work in downtown, and more.

In this episode, we're joined by On Site Companies' CEO Molly Leonard and Director of Sales and Marketing Mike Kinney. Beginning as a sanitation and portable restroom rental company, Molly and Mike discuss the company's growth and how they've expanded to offer services and solutions to make your experiences at parks, concerts, and on construction job sites more clean and comfortable. We also chat about the history of the generational business, the most unique place they've seen an On Site rental, and more. PROGRAMMING NOTE: This is the last episode before "Build Me Up" takes a summer break. The regularly scheduled podcast will return on August 1st. Take this opportunity to catch up on past episodes and enjoy the summer sunshine!

In this episode, Melissa and Kingsley Gobourne join us to talk about their new business venture with Artemis Provisions and Cheese! While the business has been selling products online for a few years, a new storefront and restaurant are coming to Mount Horeb's main street. We chat about the highs and lows of owning and operating a small business, lessons learned, some of their favorite products, and what they hope to see for the future of Artemis.

In this episode, we're joined by Achieve Twin Cities' CEO Danielle Grant and Kraus-Anderson's director of professional development Mike Smoczyk. We chat about Achieve's programming, how their work serves the St. Paul and Minneapolis education systems, student success stories, and more.

In this episode, we're joined by New Ulm School Superintendent Jeff Bertrang and Kraus-Anderson Construction Executive Jason Rentmeester. We talk about New Ulm's Career Technical Education program, the need for industry and community buy-in to address the workforce shortage, presenting students with opportunities, and more.

In this episode, Dan Leingang and Alicia Uhde join us to talk about Bismarck State College's designation as a polytechnic university, as well as its new polytechnic facility, how the college approaches learning, how the University plays a role in building a strong and skilled workforce, and more!

In this episode, Pope Design Group's Vice President, Erica Larson, joins us to discuss workplace design. We pull from personal experience and chat about the factors that play a role in an office layout, the importance of employee participation in design decisions, how to build an adaptable workplace for the future, and more!

ARC Minnesota's Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson and ARC's Value Village Greg Rue join us to discuss ARC and its impactful work with people with disabilities. We discuss their services, how the Value Village thrift store is utilized as a revenue source for ARC Minnesota, favorite thrift store finds, and what makes Value Village “Minnesota's Best Thrift Store” (2021, 2022). This was a fun conversation. Click HERE for volunteer opportunities. ARC Minnesota Help Desk (Monday-Friday): 1-866-797-1122

Communities in Schools Twin Cities CEO and President Amanda Sappa and Program Director Colby Owens join "Build Me Up." We chat with the pair about the Communities in Schools program, its importance in the lives of youth, how organizations and individuals can get involved, and more.

Hunt Electric's Chief Operating Officer Keith Colvard joins "Build Me Up" this week to chat about the new facility in Hudson, Wisconsin, how the organization maintains a cohesive culture throughout its various offices, the company's plans for the future, and more.

In this episode, Dani and Laurisa join Chanti Miller and David O'Neil, co-founders of the Mosaic Venue in downtown Minneapolis, to discuss their new event space. They explain the story that led to their unique business plan, the design elements that make for a more inclusive venue, what they hope to see for the future of their business, and more.

In this episode, we're talking about health and wellness. A slight stray from our typical discussion topics, we look at one example of employee health and happiness through the eyes of Kraus-Anderson's Anne Grubish and former Profile employee Jasmine Nelson as we chat about Anne's health and weight loss experience. Recognizing that each individual is on his or her own health journey, we discuss how weight loss is not "one-size-fits-all," being comfortable and confident in your own skin, how happy and healthy employees make for a better workplace, and more.

Welcome back, Build Me Up listeners! We hope you had a relaxing holiday season and a great start to 2023. We're excited to kick off Season 5 with reoccurring guests Jay Bowman of FMI and Rich Jacobson of Kraus-Anderson. Together, we briefly discuss how 2022 played out for Kraus-Anderson, as well as the rest of the construction industry. Then, we jump into a "2023 Look Ahead" to talk about the possibility of a recession, popular market sectors, workforce development, technology, the value of relationship building/maintaining, and more.

It's the Season 4 Finale, so Laurisa and Dani chat about their favorite moments from the past 20 episodes and share their plans for the holiday season! Thank you to all the guests who participated in Season 4, as well as to our listeners. It's fun to have a platform where inspiring stories that build up the community can be shared. See you in the New Year!

Project managers Rachael Oelke and Megan Geiser, as well as Kathy Kuepers of Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County and Joni Olson of Gundersen Tri-County Hospital, join this episode of "Build Me Up." We chat with the group about their current hospital projects and how their collaboration benefits both teams and builds. We also discuss patient experience, building in rural versus urban settings, how the community benefits from the new facilities, and more.

National Adoption Day (November 19th, 2022) is this week, and Kraus-Anderson's very own Kevin Magstadt and his wife, Kris, are recent recipients of the Angels in Adoption award. The two join the episode to share their inspiring story about the adoption of their two grandchildren, Kaiden and Michaela. Jaia Lent, the deputy executive director at Generations United, also joins the podcast. She shares how the nonprofit is a resource for families navigating adoption, as well as offers a wealth of knowledge about adoption overall. While we know there is a variety of adoption stories and circumstances, our episode is primarily focused on “grand-families.”

This episode, we're joined by Tiffany Orth of Move Minneapolis and Ben Shardlow of the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District. Tiffany and Ben, as well as their teams, are passionate about the city of Minneapolis and work hard to make the downtown experience a positive one for all. We chat about sustainable transportation practices, how their work plays a role in the revitalization of downtown, and more.

Heather Hoffman, President of Commercial Drywall, joins this week's episode. In recognition of Construction Inclusion Week, we chat with Heather about her approach to a few of the week's designated topics: commitment and accountability, belonging, supplier diversity, and workplace culture. Heather details the events that led to the take-over of her father's subcontracting company and what she hopes to see for its future.

The Landmark by the Rivers project team joins this episode of "Build Me Up" to talk about the completed apartment and retail complex. The building, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016, provides downtown La Crosse with modern, luxurious living while maintaining its rich history. We chat with the team about the building's background, what to consider during historical renovation, and how they incorporated the past while building for the future.

Kyle Hanson, the recently-named Executive Director of Agate Housing and Services, as well as Michelle Perrin, the nonprofit's Director of Outreach and Shelter, join this week's episode of "Build Me Up"! They tell us about the organization's recent merger and name change (Fun fact: The Lake Superior agate is Minnesota's state gemstone!), dive further into the services and programs provided, and explain how businesses and individuals can volunteer or make donations.

Gail Shore, founder of Cultural Jambalaya, and this year's Cultural Jambalaya Diversity Award Winner, Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens, join Build Me Up! Dr. Stephens discusses her racial equity and social justice efforts within the St. Louis Park school district, as well as her students' passion and commitment to building a fair and just society for all. Gail explains Cultural Jambalaya's mission and tells us about the nonprofit's annual event. Learn more about the organization and buy tickets to the event HERE.

This episode, "Build Me Up" is joined by Alex Titterud, Bre Nava, and Josh Carr — a group of KA employees who turned their desire for connection, collaboration, and learning into a companywide initiative. We dive into Kraus-Anderson's Emerging Professionals group and discuss where the idea came from, how the group has evolved, and how it benefits the organization and its employees. "Together, building a collaborative environment for KA's future leaders to invest in technical and professional development through education, community engagement, and networking opportunities."  

BJ Jungmann, Terry Ritchie, Jason Rentmeester, and Quinn Hutson — individuals involved with the delivery of the beautiful Burnsville Fire Station — join "Build Me Up" to give listeners an inside look at the new building. We discuss the guiding principles that influenced the build, how the features play a role in the mental and physical health of the firefighters, and more. Make sure to visit the Kraus-Anderson podcast page on our website to see photos of the completed building.

After a short Fourth of July break, "Build Me Up" is back! Kraus-Anderson's Joe Baumann, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Melissa Wenzel, and buidling material reuse advocate Natalie Heneghan join the podcast to explain deconstruction. They highlight the benefits of the process, further explain some of its challenges, and give resources for those interested in implementing the process into their own lives. Additionally, they talk about how big-businesses, nonprofits, and government entities can work together to serve a common goal! Rethos Resources: https://www.rethos.org/resources  

Hearts and Hammers' Randi Prebil and Kraus-Anderson's Connor Hart join the "Build Me Up" podcast to discuss the wonderful organization that is Hearts and Hammers. We talk with the pair about how the nonprofit adds value to the communities in which we live, why people should volunteer, what to expect on program day, as well as Hearts and Hammers' short- and long-term goals.

We sit down with Korey Dean, founder of “The Man Up Club," an organization that's goal is to empower young, black men to make positive life choices and equip them with the tools to be successful post-high school. Joining Korey is Jaeveon Mottley, a member of "The Man Up Club" and recent barber school graduate.  Korey explains the meaning behind the name, the building blocks of the curriculum, and what he wants for the future of the organization, while Jaeveon shares insight into the benefit of the program and what it means to be a member of the Club. GodFlow Festival: https://www.themanupclub.org/godflow.html

This episode, we're joined by Barry Davies, Barb Pecks, and Terry Coleman — individuals all involved in various ways with construction trade unions. The trio helps us debunk stereotypes and common misconceptions associated with trade unions in this myth-busters-esque episode.