The Construction Life

In this landmark episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we're celebrating a major milestone—750 episodes of real talk, raw stories, and relentless passion for the trades.You don't get to 750 without making a few enemies—and a whole lot of allies.This isn't just a podcast—it's a movement. And this episode captures the energy of a full-day celebration with over 100 past guests, amazing food, powerful conversations, and an unforgettable Power Panel featuring some of the industry's most respected voices:

On this episode of TCL Podcast, we sit down with Vic and Max, the powerhouse duo behind Acadia Design Consultants Inc., a full-service design-build firm transforming residential, commercial, and industrial spaces across the GTA.Whether it's laneway suites, custom homes, interior renovations, or commercial transformations, Acadia DC is leading the charge by blending visionary design with real-world execution.We dive into:

In this dynamic episode of TCL Podcast, we sit down with brothers Andrew and Dan, founders of Sposa Millwork Group and Paiano Contracting Inc., to talk about their wild journey from music stages to construction sites—and how they built one of the GTA's most respected names in custom cabinetry and architectural millwork.We dive into:

In this unique and refreshingly creative episode of TCL Podcast, we welcome Jen Morin, founder of The Lasting Past based in Barrie, Ontario. Jenn specializes in estate clear-outs, architectural salvage, repurposing, and antiques—bringing new life to forgotten pieces and old materials with stories to tell.We dive into:

Fitness Fridays | TCL with Coach Dimitri GiankoulasIt's never too late to take control of your health — and this episode of Fitness Fridays proves it.Whether you're just getting started or starting over, Coach Dimitri delivers a no-excuses wake-up call for men who want to live better, perform better, and age powerfully. In a world where living into your 100s is more possible than ever, the only thing stopping you… is you.Dimitri opens up about his personal testosterone results, shares honest insights on longevity, and challenges listeners to stop chasing aesthetics and start training for performance, function, and real-life strength.This isn't just about looking good — it's about being the strongest version of yourself for your family, your career, and your future.

In this eye-opening episode of TCL Podcast, we welcome back Rob Cinapri of CFO Collective to unpack the financial realities shaping the construction industry—and why so many Canadian builders are being left behind.We get into everything from financial clarity and business growth to the uncomfortable truths about modular housing, government agendas, and the disconnect between immigration and skilled trades.Topics include:

In this cutting-edge episode of TCL Podcast, we sit down with Paul M. Pires, founder of EMPIRES Digital Inc., to explore how AI automation is transforming the way business gets done—not just in marketing, but across the entire construction and supply chain industries.With a background that spans safety leadership, digital strategy, and heavy equipment certification, Paul brings a unique and powerful perspective to the mic.We dive into:

In this powerful return episode of TCL Podcast, we welcome back Pete Zeppetella, founder of ZeppsGear, to talk about how his innovative safety gear is not just changing the game—it's saving lives on job sites across North America.We dive into:

In this forward-thinking episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Taj Brah, CEO of Quotograph, a Waterloo-based tech company that's turning heads—and construction sites—upside down with cutting-edge innovation.Quotograph is redefining the future of construction by transforming how we see, document, and manage job sites. Forget the clipboard and the printed blueprint—this is construction intelligence in real time.We dive into:

On this deeply reflective and power-packed episode of TNT, Manny teams up once again with co-host Jonathan Cinelli of the People First Podcast to dig into some hard truths about why so many of us in construction—and in life—seek out struggle instead of embracing joy.We get real about:

In this unapologetically honest and high-energy episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we're joined by Stefan Orestovich of HamontHVAC—a certified tradesman, deep thinker, and proudly self-proclaimed

In this vibrant episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Gianluca LaMarca of Selective Painting and AG Flooring, a father-and-son-run painting business built on pride, passion, and precision. Gianluca first reached out during the 2022 holiday season, and now he's on the mic sharing his story, trade knowledge, and respect for the craft.We talk about:

Welcome to another powerful episode of Fitness Fridays, where we break down the real issues tradespeople face — and too often ignore.This week, Coach Dimitri opens with a sobering story: a friend in the trades who nearly lost his foot because he ignored a small wound. It's a lesson too many men learn the hard way — that little problems ignored become big ones.In this episode, we talk about the culture of silence among men in construction — how pain becomes normal, discomfort gets pushed aside, and health takes a back seat to hustle. From chronic inflammation to preventable injuries, we dive into why the construction lifestyle is all high wear, low care, and what we can do to change that.You're strong enough to build a city — now build a life you can enjoy. You service your tools, your truck, your gear — why not your body?

On this explosive episode of TNT, Manny is joined by co-host Jonathan Cinelli of the People First Podcast and special guest Alberto Rocha from Premier Physiotherapy and Sport Medicine to break down what it really takes to thrive in the trades—physically, mentally, and emotionally.We dig into:

In this episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Joe Gaspar, owner of Joe & Co. Contracting Inc., a trusted name in home renovations and custom construction across the GTA.Joe shares his journey from union member to independent contractor, opening up about:

On this episode of Fitness Fridays, we get real about the male body and what's really behind the drop in testosterone levels. Coach Dimitri Giankoulas dives deep into the hard truths men aren't hearing from their doctors.From the rise of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) to the surge in fatty liver disease, we break down why many are choosing the easy fix instead of facing the real problem — their lifestyle.We discuss how your daily choices, like that loaded morning coffee, are silently wrecking your insulin levels, liver, and hormone balance. You'll learn about MLF (Muscle Liver Fat) and how it's becoming the fastest-growing health issue for men in the trades and beyond.Dimitri also calls out the healthcare system — is it the price, the program, or the person that's failing you?This episode isn't about quick fixes — it's about long-term strength. It's about taking back your health, one smart move at a time.

Welcome to our new weekly series Fitness Fridays, the unfiltered truth about fitness, health, and the construction life — only from TCL and Pure Motivation Fitness.Every week, Coach Dimitri Giankoulas brings the fire with real conversations, practical workouts, and hard-earned lessons tailored for tradespeople. From pain to power, recovery to resilience, and discipline to deep work, this show hits every corner of what it takes to keep your body, mind, and soul in shape for the demanding construction lifestyle.Dimitri doesn't hold back. He teaches you how to eat, sleep, train, and think like a tradesperson who wants to thrive, not just survive. This is more than a fitness show — it's a guide to living strong, working smart, and building a life you're proud of.

In this raw and revealing episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Rich Ruela—a union framer with experience on high-rise crews, running his own business, and working alongside family—to talk about the real-life challenges that don't get covered in any site safety manual.Rich opens up about:

In this episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we're joined by Nelson Oliveira, the man behind CJ's Express Plumbing and Electrical Ltd., a name you won't forget—and yes, we talk about the “sex” in CJ's Express (you'll never unsee it now).With a reputation built on honesty, professionalism, and old-school customer service, Nelson brings decades of insight into the world of plumbing, gas fitting, and mechanical systems, all while keeping it local, clean, and done right the first time.We get into:

In this episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we welcome Ed Engel, founder of Engel Homes, a custom home builder serving Simcoe County and Muskoka with a focus on Plan, Design & Build. With roots in timber framing and hands-on construction, Ed brings not just experience, but a grounded philosophy about balancing the grind with living fully.We talk shop, covering:

This episode marks the final installment of the Safety Corner series.Let it be made unequivocally clear: no one speaks on behalf of Manny or dictates what can or cannot be said on The Construction Life Podcast or any affiliated platform. Any attempt to misrepresent, control, or speak for Manny will result in immediate and irreversible changes.All content, episodes, and series under The Construction Life brand—including Safety Corner—are the exclusive intellectual property of Manny and his media platforms.This is non-negotiable.With a dose of political frustration—and a half-joking, half-serious conversation about building our own islands in international waters just to escape the red tape of construction in Canada.But the tone quickly shifts as we turn our attention to the devastating recent earthquake in Myanmar, where we reflect on the tragic loss of life and the critical importance of structural integrity in construction. Plus there was a fatality with a hydra worker and we share what we know about that situation.We dive into:

In this beautifully detailed episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Paul De Maria, founder of PVD Tile, where craftsmanship meets creativity. Known for his obsession with precision, vision, and design, Paul brings decades of hands-on experience in marble, granite, ceramic, and porcelain tile installation—and he's here to talk tools, techniques, and the artistry behind the trade.We cover:

In this episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Adam Bernardi, an assistant site supervisor with five years in the industry, who's not just here to build structures—he's here to help build a better construction culture.Coming from the world of textbooks straight to the job site, Adam has faced the usual skepticism about his age and experience—but he's not backing down. He believes in collaboration over ego, accountability over excuses, and that supers are there to protect the job at all costs.We get into:

In this power-packed Safety Roundtable edition of Safety Corner, we're joined by Eric Huard, Andrea Martin, and Henry Gouthro from White Cap for a deep dive into some of the most critical topics in job site safety today.

On this unapologetically real episode of Safety Corner, we take a deep dive into the dirty truth behind construction site washroom standards, workforce demographics, and a few political “coincidences” that are hard to ignore.We get into:

In this inspiring episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Joe Mizzi, founder of Teamway General Contracting Inc., who brings over 40 years of industry experience and an attitude that proves you're never too seasoned to evolve.Joe opens up about:

We welcome Nuno Fonseca, founder of Portuguese Products—a company built on passion, heritage, and innovation.Nuno's story is anything but conventional and this show is about having the opportunity to reinvent yourself. From his early days as a personal trainer, through his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey, to the demanding hours in IATSE 873 on film sets, Nuno lived the grind. But when the intensity of the film industry became overwhelming, he made a bold decision: to reconnect with his Portuguese roots.Now, as a business developer for architectural materials—specializing in stone and ceramic tiles from Portugal—Nuno is on a mission to bridge two worlds:

Jonathan Cinelli is back for another TNT show, we sit down with Jennifer Jenssen, from the Netherlands to Canada, whose story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. From enduring four deaths in four days, to rising above the chaos of life and construction, Jennifer opens up about the power of connection, calmness, and finding clarity through adversity.We unpack:

On this powerful episode of Safety Corner, we're joined by Chris Campbell, the President of the Local 27 Carpenters Union, for an in-depth conversation that covers the past, present, and future of the construction industry.We dive into:

On this episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we're joined by Jonathan Barnaby of S&J Plumbing Service, a seasoned pro with 25 years in the plumbing industry—and trust us, he's seen it all (and smelled it too).Jonathan shares the realities of the high-rise plumbing world, from the early days of learning the ropes, to branching out and starting his own business with his partner Peter Komjenvic, who couldn't make the episode but gets plenty of well-deserved shout-outs.We dive into:

In this packed episode of Safety Corner, Phill kicks things off by sharing insights from a recent training day he led, bringing real-world safety issues straight to the mic. This episode gets into the nitty-gritty of construction safety, while also navigating the bigger picture of where the industry is heading.We cover:

We switch gears from job sites to event sites with Jonathan and Ashley Andrade of C and N Events. Planning events isn't just about decorations and venues—it's about balancing expectations, budgets, and creating unforgettable experiences.We dive into:

In this special recap episode of Building Joy, we take a step back to reflect on the incredible journey of insights and inspiration we've had through past conversations, all guided by the joyful heart of Teresa Greco.This episode is a gentle reminder that happiness isn't a destination or something you earn—it's something you practice every day.We explore:

In this episode of Safety Corner, we tackle a topic that isn't talked about enough but needs to be—women in construction. Representation is growing, but are job sites really set up to support and respect female tradespeople?We dive into:

In this raw and real episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we welcome Barrett Dionne, a seasoned cement finisher with Local 506 who has 20+ years of experience in the concrete trade. Barrett, aka Bear, doesn't hold back—he brings honest, positive, and realistic insights about the industry without naming names (but we all know the type).We get into:

In this brutally honest episode of The Construction Life Podcast, Brayden Harkness of Sandman Construction (Show #637) and Chris Wren of Wren Contracting (Show #649) return to the studio to discuss the harsh realities of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025—and why they're worried about the future of construction.We tackle:

We're talking electricity, efficiency, and lighting retrofits with Mitch Slade of Hickey Electrical Services—a trusted name in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional electrical work across the Waterloo Region.We dive into:

We welcome Daniel Hadizadeh, CEO of Mitrex, to discuss how their innovative building-integrated solar cladding solutions (BIPV) are transforming new and existing projects across Canada, the USA, and worldwide. Mitrex isn't just another building material supplier—it's a game-changer in sustainable and high-performance cladding. We explore:

On this powerful episode of Building Joy, Teresa Greco and Manny Neves sit down with Mark Sanchez, a man w ho has faced the depths of struggle and the highs of transformation.Mark opens up about:

We're diving into the world of garage renovations, storage solutions, and next-level flooring with James Secondino of Mint Garage Inc.Your garage isn't just a place to park—it's an extension of your home, and Mint Garage Inc. is here to turn it into something functional, stylish, and built to last.We discuss:

Phill shares his insider experience at the OGCA Safety Summit, where he connected with industry leaders, talked real safety, and—of course—made sure that Safety Corner's reputation for rattling cages was well known.We dive into:

In this frustrating yet important episode of The Construction Life Podcast, Marc Fraser of Craigmhor Construction returns to share his nightmare experience trying to get an apprentice registered for Red Seal certification—a process that should be straightforward but instead is buried in government inefficiency.We get into:

We welcome back Antonio Pereira of AquaStop Waterproofing to catch up on what's been happening since Show #609.Antonio and his crew have been in the trenches, battling leaks, floods, and foundation nightmares, especially with all the extra snow and rain we have been getting and the clients that decided to hire the cheaper guy:

We sit down with Michael Pecchia of MP Tiles, a seasoned tile setter who's seen the trade evolve—and not always for the better. 15 years in the business and got into the industry right out of high school.We dive deep into:

We welcome Rob Soehner, owner of Fire Epoxy Inc., a true expert in the rapidly evolving epoxy industry. Rob's passion for his craft is undeniable, and he's here to break down what it really takes to be a pro in the epoxy business.We get into:

In this reflective and empowering wrap-up episode of Building Joy, Teresa Greco and Manny Neves take a moment to revisit some of the most insightful and inspiring moments from past guests.We explore: ✨ How to step deeper into happiness—it's not about luck, it's about choice.

In this raw and real episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Daniel Santos, a Local 183 Rigger, for a conversation that goes where it goes—and trust us, it goes deep.We break down:

In this hard-hitting episode of Safety Corner, we confront one of the most dangerous and often underestimated hazards on a construction site—loads in motion. What starts as a routine lift can easily turn into a dropped load, and when safety measures aren't in place, the consequences are often catastrophic.This episode isn't just talk—we have real video content of dropped loads that have led to serious injuries and fatalities, serving as a sobering reminder of the risks that come with heavy lifting operations.We discuss:

We sit down with Gianluca Mastrangelo, a Local 27 carpenter with a deep well of experience in the trades. From his journey as an apprentice to becoming a journeyman, Gianluca shares valuable insights into the evolving construction industry, the mindset of young trades entering the workforce, and where he sees the future of carpentry heading.But we're not just talking wood and nails—Gianluca also dives into the current state of the crypto market and how financial awareness plays a role in securing a future beyond the job site. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting in the trades, this episode delivers real talk, real lessons, and a fresh perspective on what's next for the industry.This show is brought to you by.Schooley Mitchell Don't let extra expenses keep you from achieving the success you deserve. Reach out today to schedule your risk-free analysis and unlock your savings! www.schooleymitchell.com/office/aegiuggio/about/ erika.giuggio@schooleymitchell.com 416-605-0193 Try 3WAY today and revolutionize your drywall game. Perfect corners, every time!To purchase or check out some “how to videos” to see installs in action, visit 3way.ca or connect with them at 306 514-3768 or drop them an email 3waytheworld@gmail.com Expert Plumbing And DrainsNeed help now? Call Expert Plumbing & Drains at 905-531-4111. That's 905-531-4111. Or visit them online at expertplumbinganddrains.com and on social media @expertplumbinganddrainscanadaAt 2x2 Construction, we value strong partnerships. From multiplexes to garden suites, we're all about building better together and we want you to be a part of it. Reach out today at info@2x2construction.caor connect with us on Instagram @2x2Construction. Join the 2x2 Construction team—where great work meets great people.

In this episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Noah Bray, a young entrepreneur balancing two demanding careers—owning a construction company and coaching online fitness clients.As the founder of Bray'k Away Development, Noah specializes in installing commercial playgrounds and backyard builds, creating spaces where families and communities thrive. But that's just half the story. He's also the force behind NPB Fitness, an online coaching platform, and a natural physique competitor who knows firsthand what it takes to build strength—both physically and in business.In this episode, we get into:

In this latest episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with the team from Sardinella Landscaping, featuring Draven Saliba and Anthony Henen, to discuss the grind, growth, and evolution of the trades.We dive right into: ❄️ Snow Removal Survival – The real challenges of keeping operations running in brutal Canadian winters.