That's Riggin' Awesome Podcast

On this very special episode Dr. John Farrell, PHD., and PC cover important topics including high school funding of industrial arts programs, the epidemic of drug and opioid addiction of injured construction workers, the stigma behind men seeking counseling, no less talking to someone about their feelings and life's challenges, plus honest and direct suicide dialogue of underlying factors, prevention and steps to prevent this heart-breaking outcome.Dr. John L Farrell, PHD, is a Clinical Psychologist specialist in Homewood and Joliet, Illinois. He graduated in 1980, having over 40 years of diverse experience, especially in Clinical Psychologist. He also cooperates with other doctors and physicians in medical groups including Associates In Clinical Psychology And Substance Abuse. He can be reached at (708) 957-3695. Additionally, he served over a decade on a local high school board and understands the challenges, strategies and funding of the industrial arts programs. He is a long time active participant and contributing staff member on retreat weekends for the very successful Chicago men's organization, "Victories". Victories supports men through weekend and group programs that lead to deeper self-awareness, greater self-confidence, stronger relationships, and greater connection to themselves and community. Their weekends and peer support groups are designed by professionals, attended by licensed professionals, and based on widely accepted clinical principles that help men find peace and balance in their lives. For more information, please visit: https://www.victoriesformen.org/That's Riggin' Awesome Links:Vidcast: https://www.YourTube.com/c/thatsrigginawesomeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RigginAwesomeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thats-riggin-awesomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/RigginThat

Bob Glenn, publisher of Wire Rope Exchange, was hearing the buzz about That's Riggin' Awesome (TRA). He had to go to the source to hear what the excitement was all about. Bob interviews Pat Clark as to the mission of TRA, why it has become relevant amongst professional riggers, millwrights, ironworkers, pipe-fitters, crane operators and so many skilled trades people. The mission of TRA is "to be ambassadors of the construction industry", explains Pat. For too long the emphasize of college, post high school, has been an ever increasing financial burden on the children and parents. Long-term, high-interest debt has been a yoke around the necks for too long. The industrial arts programs need to return and serious consideration for a career in the construction industry needs to be part of conversations starting at earlier and earlier ages.Bob runs Wire Rope Exchange (WRE) and is constantly on the hunt for quality content to share with his audience. Until recently his main focus has been on providing a market place for the lifting and rigging industry through Wire Rope Exchange, both the magazine and the online edition. Construction industry businesses are able to take advantage of new connections and sales resources, as well as stay on top of the latest industry news and trends. Businesses use Wire Rope Exchange to buy, sell, connect, learn and grow. Become a part of the Exchange today!Wire Rope Exchange Links:Website: www.http://wireropeexchange.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWRExchangeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/wireropeexchange/LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wire-rope-exchangeThat's Riggin' Awesome Links:Podcast: https://rigginawesome.buzzsprout.com/Vidcast: https://www.YourTube.com/c/thatsrigginawesomeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RigginAwesomeLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thats-riggin-awesome

Her career path transitioned from a variety of vocations into welding and ironwork at the age of 30! Learn how this amazing lady didn't settle for less, and persistence and resilience, found her dream job.   Danielle Shaw, Journeywoman (Journey-Ma'am) IronworkerI became interested in the trades at age 30 after seeing so many men making good money, and I was working just as hard making half the amount.My dad is a retired welder/ boilermaker (Local 359) and I think that's why I gravitated towards welding. After my training, I applied to close to 100 welding jobs and was terribly discouraged. The typical responses were, “we lift too heavy of things”, “you would be a distraction”, “you don't look like a welder”. After I got a job welding production line bike parts for just above minimum wage, I finally got my break when the Ironworkers local 97 called me up for a 5-day shutdown, and I never left! I started my apprenticeship shortly after I started and was so impressed with the process, I felt like I was finally learning in a way that fit me. Being taught in a classroom setting then going out into the field in between levels to learn hands on what we've been taught with my journeyman as a mentor. I was learning, gaining skills and confidence with every year that passed, and making money!My apprenticeship was a bit longer than most as I became pregnant halfway through it. Although I took a 2-year hiatus from work, I did manage to attend my level 2, 5 months pregnant. Pretty sure I was the only pregnant woman the steel trades building had seen toting a tool belt and fabricating a wide flange beam.I have now completed my apprenticeship and can proudly say I am a Journeywoman Ironworker. I am so thankful for the support and confidence from my fiancé as well as my fellow brother and sisters in this great trade. careers, career transition, career planning, welding, welder, labor, labor shortage, workers, construction, general construction, shut downs, turnarounds, transportation 

EPISODE 20: SARAH EMIG OF CONNELLY CRANE RENTAL & IUOE LU 324 CRANE OPERATORTOPICS: Crane Operation, Crane Rental, Family Owned Business, Training the Next Generation, Pathways to Apprenticeship, Female Crane Operator, Career and Motherhood, and Lots of Hockey Conversation!ABOUT SARAH EMIG:My name is Sarah Emig I am the 4th generation at Connelly Crane Rental. My Great Grandpa started the family business back in 1943 and today my Father is the president. I grew up around the business, but it wasn't until about 3 years ago when I started working with Connelly Crane full time. I have a Business Management and Exercise Science degree from Adrian College where I also played NCAA Hockey.  Currently I am a Local 324 Operating Engineer apprentice.  I work both in and out of the field, as a NCCCO crane operator and  learning every aspect of the day to day operations of the crane rental industry. I really enjoy getting to learn all the moving parts of how our company operates. Hobbies of mine include spending time with my family including my husband Jeremy and our 2 month old daughter Aurora and dog Nash ,friends, hockey and anything to do with the outdoors.   

Chicagoland construction industry based Mechanical Engineer with 17 years of active hands on experience in the industry varying between Demolition, Construction Management and Commercial HVAC. 

That's Riggin' Awesome Episode 018, Jim Schmidt, Helping High School Student Define Their Career PathWatch Vidcast at: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThatsRigginAwesomeJim Schmidt has over 26 years of experience in education being a high school School Counselor, English and Social Science teacher, Activities Director, and for the past 11 years the Chair of a Guidance Department, as well as a high school track & field and cross country coach.  In addition, Jim is also an active School Board member for a K-8 school district, as well as having served on a College admission advisory board for the University of Minnesota and College Board's Guidance Admission Advising Council.As an educator, Jim has tirelessly worked to remove barriers that inhibit students' potential and develop programs and initiatives which open doors to maximize opportunities for students. Jim's knowledge is extensive and experiences vast, from being a first-generation college graduate to currently working in a top-tiered academically, racially, socioeconomically diverse public high school in the south suburbs of Chicago. Jim finds great joy and satisfaction in helping young men and women navigate the developmental years of their lives because he firmly believes that 16+ years of quality education and positive experiences are necessary for a long, productive and satisfying life.Jim holds an MA in School Counseling from Governor's State University, an MA in Administrative Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University, and a BA in History and Secondary Education from Knox College where he also competitively ran cross country at the NCAA Division III level.

GUEST DEREK VAUGHN, 5TH GENERATION PLUMBER, FULL TIME INSTRUCTOR, JAC LOCAL 130

College Bound Student Discusses High School Stigma with Entering the Skilled Trades as a CareerSubscribe for Always Free, New Episodes:Vidcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/thatsrigginawesomePodcast: https://rigginawesome.buzzsprout.com/

2020 ConExpo/Con-Agg Construction Equipment EventOverview of Great Corporate Skills Development Programs

Episode 14: Guest Amanda Swenson, Journeyman Operator, IUOE Local Union 701 discusses how her decision to become a crane operator helped her find the perfect work / life balance. Other topics include what it is like to be a female in a male dominated trade, how she got started with the operators union, and what they have done to help her and her family. IUOE youth outreach programs and labor gap initiatives are covered.

Mike and Pat discuss the CNC machined parts industry with president of Groth Manufacturing, John Groth. John vents his frustration at the lack of mechanical skills students have when leaving secondary education - lack of industrial arts programs. He discusses the benefits of computerized machining while also expressing the need to know how to do the job without the assistance of a computer. He says that all of theses skills can be taught on the job, and hopes young people who are mechanically inclined, who like to make things, will be attracted to the industry.

Larry Smith, Crane Operator and Project Manager for Wilkerson Crane Rental in Kansas City, KS, and member of International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local Union 101 discusses his start in the trades along with how others can get started as well as why it might be a fit.Larry accredits his father for instilling in him a solid work ethic and financial values that led to more opportunities for advancement in the crane industry, financial success, and overall enjoyment and accomplishment throughout his life - even though he graduated high school as soon as possible as he didn't feel that it was making the most of his time or abilities. Apprenticeship training is one path, Larry says, to achieve your goals and dreams toward a stable, secure future. He discusses options for industrial career entry, and also talk about the pros and cons along the way. A very open and honest episode that Larry hopes will assist others in learning more about the industrial trades, and as he says, "give it a shot... what have you got to lose?"That's Riggin' Awesome Links: Website: www.RigginAwesome.comPodcast: https://rigginawesome.buzzsprout.com/Vidcast: https://www.YourTube.com/c/thatsrigginawesomeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RigginAwesomeLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thats-riggin-awesomeEpisode Sponsor: Wilkerson Crane Rental The premier crane rental company of the greater Kansas City area. Their fleet includes cranes, from 11-tons up to a 500-ton hydro, tower cranes, material hoist(s), and their most recent acquisition, an MLC-300 crawler. They service construction sites, cell towers, plus wind energy projects, striving to meet your safety and budgetary goals, every time.www.WilkersonCraneRental.com | (913) 239-7030

Annie Huffman, International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local Union #701 apprentice with 8 months on  the job, discusses her work with crane set up, maintenance, and signal. She talks about what inspired her to work with cranes and heavy equipment, and how she got started in this trade. Annie opens up about her apprenticeship, the job itself, and what it's like to be a woman working in the skilled trades. If you're already working in the industry, or are interested in learning more about apprenticeship and working with cranes, heavy equipment, rigging, or the skilled trades in general... you don't want to miss this episode. 

A father with 4 college bound kids. How in the world can this be accomplished without sacrificing retirement while limiting high-interest debt to his kids?Topics covered:· The college story for this dad· His children's plan for college· Kids be discouraged or not be exposed to other opportunities besides college· How does a 4-year degree compared to the skilled tradesman financially in the long run?

Topics covered:·What is it like being a probationary elevator union apprentice•What path lead her to the Elevators Union?•How to get into the Trades•Dealing with sexism and lack of women in the trades •Advice for joining the skilled trades•Latinas In the Trades•Artistic side of the tradesLinks to programs mentioned in this episode:Chicago Women in Trade (CWIT): https://cwit.orgJane Adams for men and women: https://www.jane-addams.orgInternational Union for Elevator Constructors (IUEC). Local 2: http://www.iuec2.com

Topics covered:·        Why was there a need for this rigging training aid?·        Competitors competing for the same market?·        How does this compare when looking at AR/ VR training?

Topics covered: While in college for 3 years Mike was a Teamster helping to pay for school. He did not complete his degree; however, he decided he wanted to become an operator and went into the IUOE L.U. 139 and applied.Was constructing Miller Park in Milwaukee in July of 1999, when a terrible crane (Big Blue) tipped over with a load of 500 tons causing the deaths of (3) Iron Workers, members of the L.U. 8.Mike was instrumental in getting students and schools involved with Destinations Career Academy of Wisconsin, founded in 2016. They have a pipeline of approximately 70 students from 20 school districts (www.buildingwisconsintogether.com) Non-union companies versus the benefits that Mike and his union addressOther companies mentioned by Mike who are big supporters of DCA:Michels  https://www.michels.us/Boldt https://www.theboldtcompany.com/Miron https://miron-construction.com/Dawes https://www.allcrane.com/WI/Milwaukee/DawesRiggingCraneRental/Walsh Group http://www.walshgroup.com/

Stats are showing that there is currently a shortage of 400,000 welders. What will that mean for owners, project budgets, and all the way down to the consumer?

George “Red” Gilmartin has been a professional rigger for over 40 years. We talk about how he got his start and how he will be able  to leave a thriving company to his son, who is following in his footsteps.

Pat and Mike sit down with Jeff Steiner of Bigfoot Construction Equipment. We discuss his military start, into becoming an electrical lineman, then onto a career in making crane pads and matting with his father.Episode Links:Bigfoot Construction Equipment, Inc.Woodstock, IL 60098https://www.outriggerpads.com/That's Riggin' AwesomeSubscribe to the That's Riggin' Awesome YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/39QNzji

Mike and Pat discuss cranes and construction with Kerry Koberg of DICA.Episode Links:DICA Outrigger Padshttps://dicausa.com/That's Riggin' AwesomeSubscribe to the That's Riggin' Awesome YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/39QNzji

Episode 3, Crane Equipment, Operations & ApplicationsFeaturing Guest, Steven Brooks of SmartLift®Topics: SmartLift Cranes, Spider Cranes, Crane Equipment, Crane Applications, Crane Operations, Mobile Vacuum Window Installation, and Discussion About Getting into the Welding, Crane, or Skilled Trade Industries.Episode Links:www.riggin-awesome.comwww.smartliftus.com

Construction Topics Covered: 3D Printing, Structural Capacity in Construction,  DoD, Space Program, IoT / Robotic Augmentation, RFID, Economics of Construction Innovation, Construction Industry Technology, Innovation & Labor Shortage, Construction Budgeting & Smart Equipment, Kone Crane Synthetic Rope Hoisting, Wire Rope, Plasma Rope Spliced in the Field,  ASME B30Episode Links:NessCampbell Crane + Rigging: https://nesscampbell.com/Goodfellows Brothers Construction: https://www.goodfellowbros.com/Visit the That's Riggin' Awesome website for more videos and information at: http://riggin-awesome.com/