Concrete Credentials

On this episode of Concrete Credentials we are joined by Rich Szecsy, CEO of Big Town Concrete for an in-depth conversation on AI adoption in concrete production and construction. Rich explores how clearly defining problems, prioritizing data quality and collaborating across industry and environmental groups are essential to leveraging AI for greater efficiency and sustainability—including advances in low-carbon concrete. Tune in to learn how ongoing dialogue, strategic partnerships and a focus on outcomes are shaping the future of concrete and construction. 

In this episode of Concrete Credentials, we're joined by Laurie Schoeman, Chief Investment and Impact Officer at Partners for the Common Good, for an insightful conversation on creating climate-resilient communities. Laurie discusses how stronger building codes, innovative financing and broad collaboration are essential to tackling extreme weather risks and supporting underserved populations. Tune in to discover the value of proactive investment, effective communication and engaging diverse stakeholders in building a safer, more resilient future.

In this episode of Concrete Credentials, we welcome Illya Azaroff, AIA President Elect, for a conversation on the ethical duty of architects and allied professionals to prioritize resilient, disaster-resistant design and to advocate against rebuilding in high-risk areas.

Tune in for the latest episode of Concrete Credentials with Karin Perrisinotto, Sustainability Manager at CalPortland. Learn more about the critical elements of effective sustainability communication and explore the importance of not only delivering the right message but also taking impactful actions and effectively sharing those efforts with your audience. 

On the Season 6 premier of Concrete Credentials, host Gregg Lewis is joined by Jeannette Monroe, Senior Vice President of Learning and Development at NRMCA. Jeannette shares insights on the significance of open communication and collaboration in managing change and advancing progress within the concrete industry, emphasizing the goal of increasing member value and industry engagement. 

On the Season 5 finale of Concrete Credentials, host Shamim Rashid-Sumar is joined by Brian Meacham, Director of Risk and Regulatory Consulting at Crux Consulting LLC. Brian discusses his expertise in the fire resilience of concrete and explores how engineers and architects can go beyond building code requirements to prioritize sustainability and resilience.

Tune in for the latest episode of Concrete Credentials with Julie Garbini, President of Concrete Advancement Foundation. Learn more about Julie's experience in the concrete industry and how the Foundation is building resilient, affordable communities and advancing the industry's role in decarbonization, sustainability and innovation. 

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, George Guszcza, President and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences,  joins Shamim Rashid-Sumar from the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association to discuss sustainable building innovations. Join us for an insightful discussion on energy efficiency, technology and the future of eco-friendly infrastructure. 

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Jennifer Foran from National Ready Mixed Concrete Association member company Lauren Concrete, shares her journey into the construction industry and the evolution of women's roles in concrete. Tune in now as Jennifer offers valuable insights for women looking to join the field. 

In this episode of Concrete Credentials, host Gregg Lewis is joined by Sean Devine, founder and CEO of XBE, to discuss AI's evolving role in the concrete industry and his latest AI partnership with NRMCA, AskConcrete. Listen now as we discuss AI's potential to optimize concrete performance using AskConcrete. 

In the latest episode of Concrete Credentials, host Shamim Rashid-Sumar is joined by Dr. Anne Cope, Chief Engineer of Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Together, they explore her research on how to improve the performance of buildings during natural disasters and IBHS's initiatives to build disaster-proof homes.  

In the latest episode of Concrete Credentials, host Gregg Lewis is joined by Julie Shiyou-Woodard, President and CEO of Smart Home America. Together, the explore the initiatives Julie and her team are doing to educate and advocate for the development of resilient homes, aiming to lower insurance expenses and mitigate damage. Join in on this insightful discussion to learn how to reduce disaster-related losses.   

In this episode of Concrete Credentials, join Shamim Rashid-Sumar, NRMCA's Senior Vice President of Codes and Standards, and Evan Reis, Structural Engineer and Executive Director at the United States Resiliency Council Structural, for an insightful discussion on how resilient building design has a positive impact on sustainability goals and how it contributes to the economic vitality and sustainability of communities and businesses. 

In this episode, Gregg Lewis welcome Kim Spahn, the CEO of Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC). Together, they explore the advantages and common misconceptions surrounding concrete masonry, as well as provide insights on how to launch your career in this dynamic industry. 

In Season 5 Episode 4 of Concrete Credentials, Marty Ozinga, Ozinga CEO, and Ryan Cialdella, Ozinga Vice President of Innovation & Market Development, sit down to discuss the adoption of low-carbon concrete and how it will transform the design and build industry. Tune in to learn more about what industry experts have learned about building with low-carbon concrete and how we can continue to build towards our sustainability goals. 

In Season 5 Episode 3 of Concrete Credentials, NRMCA's Senior Director of Building Innovations, Frank Mruk, is joined by Bill Yearsley and Pat Walker from Terra CO2. Terra CO2 is at the forefront of the transition to net zero construction. Tune in for an insightful discussion on decarbonization strategies and efforts within the cement industry.

In this episode, we are joined by Keith Crossland, CEO & CO-Founder of Carbon Negative. We discuss Carbon Negative's proprietary AI that develops carbon negative concrete and concrete products.

In the season premiere of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by Forensic Engineering Expert Derek Hodgin to discuss his career experiences and how he has found that building with concrete solves some of the largest challenges faced by the design and construction industry. To hear more from Derek, register now for the Anatomy of Construction Litigation Seminar on May 17: https://qrco.de/bf3dNE

In this episode, we are joined by Andrea Hektor, senior structural engineer at BIG Architects. We discuss BIG's new headquarters, located in Copenhagen, which is built with concrete. Hear why concrete was the material of choice for this innovative structure. 

In honor of National Medal of Honor Day, Chris Cassidy, President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, joined guest host Gary Mullings to discuss the National Medal of Honor Museum. The museum is under construction in Arlington, TX and is built using concrete from NRMCA member Martin Marietta. Join us for a discussion on this innovative and inspiring project! 

On Season 4 Episode 7 of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guests Leah Ellis and Brandon Williams of Sublime Systems. This episode explores Sublime Systems' breakthrough process to produce low-carbon cement by removing the carbon dioxide from the cement making process.  

On Season 4 Episode 6 of Concrete Credentials Gregg is joined by guest Gaurav Sant, professor and the Pritzker Endowed Chair of Sustainability in the Samueli School of Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles. This episode explores how engineers are working to decarbonize cement and the different pathways to achieving this. 

On Season 4 Episode 5 of Concrete Credentials Gregg is joined by guests Matt Etu, John Rupp and Raf Godlewski to discuss their experience using ICFs for the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center. This unique project defies traditional concrete design elements, omitting straight walls or any conventional corners.

On Season 4 Episode 4 of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guest Rachely Rotem to discuss how architectural theory supports the use of concrete to build stronger, more sustainable structures. 

On Season 4 Episode 2 of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guests Joe Sheehy and John Mead to discuss the concrete industry's commitment to reaching net zero and the recent Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity build. This discussion explores the concrete industry's role in providing resilient and sustainable construction solutions. 

On the Season 4 premier of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guests Yasemin Kologlu and Eric Long from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The firm has been responsible for some of the most significant architectural and engineering achievements in modern history. In their conversation, Yasemin and Eric discuss the work they and their colleagues at SOM are doing to transform the industry's response to the climate crisis. This discussion explores the growing role architects, engineers, and other industry professionals have in researching and executing on sustainability goals and initiatives in the construction industry. 

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guest Scott Parson , former NRMCA Chairman and current President at CRH Americas. In their conversation, Scott Parson addresses the importance of mental health initiatives in the workplace. He also delves into the importance of initiatives that prioritize workforce recruitment and retention. 

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guest Tim Becken, former NRMCA Chairman and Current Senior Vice President at Cemstone. In their conversation, Tim Becken addresses the importance of sustainability initiatives within the industry and means for the industry to reduce its environmental impact. He also delves into how the pace of technology will change the trajectory of the industry in the next decade. Tune into this exciting discussion to learn more!

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guest Allen Hamblen, former NRMCA and PCA Chairman and the current President and CEO of CalPortland. In their conversation, Allen Hamblen delves into how CalPortland has been a leader in driving sustainability initiatives for decades and ways to prioritize creating a carbon neutral future. Hamblen also discusses the importance of company leadership being actively involved in any association they are a part of.  Tune in to learn more!

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guest John Carew, former NRMCA chairman and the current President at Carew Concrete & Supply Co., Inc. In their conversation, John discusses a range of topics including industry trends, the value of being an active NRCMA member, and how an “average concrete producer” can be a part of federal advocacy. Carew also touches on the how the national employee shortage issue affects the industry. Tune in to learn more!

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guest Henry Batten, former NRMCA chairman and President of the Concrete Supply Company. In their conversation, Henry shares key insight on the value of NRMCA's education courses, performance benchmarking survey, and various other services. Henry also shares what active engagement within the association means to him and important takeaways from his time at NRMCA. Tune in to this exciting discussion to learn more! 

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guest Tyler Ley, who was named one of the Most Influential People in the Concrete Industry by Concrete Construction Magazine in 2019. In their conversation, Tyler shares key insight on his practical experience in the fields of structural and concrete materials engineering. This exciting discussion touches on several topics, such as the benefits of concrete as a building material and innovation that surrounds all things concrete! 

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guest Jerry Howard, President and CEO of the National Association of Home Builders . In their conversation, Jerry shares key insight on how to respond to rising housing costs, subjects to look forward to at upcoming conferences, and his economic outlook for the remainder of 2022 and 2023. This riveting discussion also highlights the importance of affordability and resilience in the building industry.

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guest Lakisha Ann Woods, Executive Vice President and CEO at the American Institute of Architects. In their conversation, Lakisha offers insight on the importance of equity and diversity in the building industry. They also discuss advancing solutions in the sustainability space and addressing resilience issues. 

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by guest Darrin Borgschatz, General Manager over the Arizona Ready Mix District for Martin Marietta. In their conversation, Darrin offers insight into what the industry can offer to individuals willing to be part of a team as they create some of the most important buildings and infrastructure projects around the world. They discuss the essential role concrete delivery professionals play in the larger ecosystem of the concrete industry and in their own local communities. 

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by Chief Butch Browning, State Fire Marshal of Louisiana since 2008. Chief Browning has spent the last 34 years of his career in fire safety and has been an instrumental leader in modernizing Louisiana's fire safety systems and training programs. During their conversation, Gregg and Chief Browning discuss Chief Browning's career, his concerns for Louisiana as it relates to fire safety, the importance of building codes and standards in minimizing fire hazards, and the need to construct resilient buildings with non-combustible materials to protect against fires in the future.

On this episode of Concrete Credentials, Gregg is joined by Matt Morris, Senior Instructor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Matt shares with us his personal experience of losing his family's home in Boulder, as well as thousands of other Colorado residents, to a destructive wildfire in early 2022. Gregg and Matt discuss the wildfire's impact on Matt's perspective on construction strategies, how Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) play a role in building non-combustible structures, and how to plan for safer homes in the future. 

For this episode, Gregg sits down with Jerry Reimer, Founder and President of Urban Waters Development. They discuss his background in international consulting, and discuss how that has translated to a passion for equitable, sustainable community housing. They talk about the role of concrete in developing accessible, dependable homes, and Jerry explains his reasoning behind using ICFs in his upcoming projects.

For this episode, Gregg sits down with former President and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council Mahesh Ramanujam. Mahesh is a thought leader in green building standards and environmental sustainability. He discusses his background, his process developing the LEED certification and the future of sustainable concrete construction and how it will help countries achieve their ESG goals.

For this episode, Gregg sits down with Senator Paul Feeney and Representative Dan Donahue of the Massachusetts State Legislature. The group discussed H.2449 and S.1589 — An Act Relative to Safe Building Materials which would strengthen the building code and promote the use of non-combustible materials for a safer, more sustainable, and cost effective infrastructure in MA.

In this episode, Gregg sits down with Mike Ireland, President and CEO of the Portland Cement Association. In their conversation, Mike and Gregg discuss the relationship between the cement and concrete industries, how the two are working together for a greener future, and what the future looks like for both. 

Andrew Athias, Social Media & Digital Marketing Coordinator for Silvi Group Companies, joins us this week for one of our most unique episodes yet. Gregg and Andrew discuss how influencers are made, why social media is more important than ever for the concrete industry, and how even small producers can make their mark on the internet. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

In this episode, Gregg speaks with Bill Larson, Chairman of the Pacific Northwest Building Resilience Coalition. Bill is a-long time expert on concrete and how it's becoming greener and more resilient each day. In their discussion, Gregg and Bill discuss the importance of embodied carbon and the strides the concrete industry is making to reduce carbon output.

In this episode, NRMCA's Gregg Lewis is joined by Keith Meier, Executive Director  of Habitat for Humanity of Teller County. Keith is a registered architect with over 35 years of experience and a licensed General Contractor for more than 25 years. For the season 2 premiere, Gregg and Keith discuss the use of ICFs (insulated concrete forms) for new homes being built by Habitat for Humanity of Teller County in partnership with NRMCA.

In the season 1 finale of Concrete Credentials, NRMCA's Gregg Lewis is joined by Mike Wilson, Head of Facilities at Warren County Schools in Kentucky. Mike received his BA in Economics from Western Kentucky State University and has served as both the Board Chair and Vice Chair of the Warren County Board of Education. Mike also serves as the chair of the Building Committee responsible for planning future schools construction in the district. In this episode, Gregg and Mike discuss the process of planning and constructing new school buildings with concrete, from beginning to end.

In this episode, we speak with Jennifer Mitchell, Senior Manager for Design + Build at LinkedIn. Jennifer received her BS in Environmental Science from San Jose State University and a masters of Environmental Science in Sustainable Development and Policy from the University of Illinois Springfield. After growing up in the construction industry, Jennifer worked for 5 years with NRMCA member company, Central Concrete, and then moved on to work on construction herself. Currently, Jennifer is heading up the construction of LinkedIn's new headquarters in Mountain View, California. In this episode, Gregg and Jennifer discuss perspectives in the concrete industry and concrete sustainability.

On this episode we speak with Jeremy Gregory, the Executive Director of the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub and research scientist at the MIT Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Materials Systems Laboratory. Dr. Gregory received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and his research focuses on the economic and environmental implications of engineering ans system design decisions. In this episode, Gregg and Jeremy discuss why concrete is key to sustainable development of the future.

This episode features a conversation with Matthew Segal, an award winning architect partnered with Jonathan Segal FAIA. Matthew received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California in 2010, and then moved to San Diego to work as a principal and with his partner, building more than 250 units of housing and $150 million of real estate. Matthew also acts as the primary photographer for the award winning buildings that the firm produces. He has been published in the LA Times, Architectural Record, and other national and international publications. Finally, Matthew is currently serving on the North Park Main Street Board, the Downtown Community Planning Council, and is a member of the local ULI, American Institute of Architects.

In this episode, we speak with Ellis Coleman, President and CEO of EYC Companies. Throughout his impressive career, Ellis has built more than 3,500 single and multifamily markets in the Southeast. From his first 200 unit apartment project in North Carolina in 1996 to the foundation of EYC Companies, Ellis has integrated concrete and insulated concrete forms (ICFs) into his innovative and unique projects, including 17 South in North Charleston.

This episode features a conversation with Ryan Bedford of Bedford Development in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ryan is a former Olympian who competed in speed skating from 2004-2010. After his Olympic career, Ryan turned to development and since then, he has completed several multi-family projects in Wisconsin including the innovative and durable Walker's Landing. The firm is currently expanding to projects in Florida, and continues to focus on innovative ways to use concrete and insulated concrete forms (ICFs).

This episode features a conversation with Mark Ginsberg FAIA, LEED AP of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects LLP. Mark has a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University in Theater Design and Government. With more than 33 years of experience in planning, urban design, and housing projects, Mark is an expert in affordable housing, resiliency, and green design. In this episode, Mark and Gregg discuss how concrete plays a role in resilient, affordable, and green construction.