Podcasts about associated builders

Send us a textJoin the CRE Collaborative Roundtable hosts for a candid conversation and insights into the real estate industry, focusing on Digital Transformation and Technology in Real Estate, Tariffs and Construction Industry Impacts, Fiscal Policy, Tax, and Opportunity Zones including Broader Regulatory and Economic Considerations. This month's RoundTable Hosts: Andreas Senie, Host, Founder CRE Collaborative, Technology Growth Strategist, CRETech Thought Leader, Founder & Brokerage OwnerSaul Klein, Realtor Emeritus, Data Advocate & Futurist, Original Real Estate Internet Evangelist, Executive Editor Realty TimesChris Abel, Vice President Associated Builders & Contractors Association, CT Chapter•Dan Wagner, Senior Vice President Government Relations at The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc.Learn more at https://welcome.creco.ai/reroundtable## Key Take Aways ## Despite economic uncertainties, positive trends include:- Busy market conditions with active lending, growing investor interest, and steady construction activity- Continued evolution and adaptation of MLS systems and real estate data management- Increased focus on technology integration (both AI and digital platforms) to drive efficiency and customer satisfaction• Emphasis on proactive engagement:- Encouragement for industry participants to become involved in policy discussions, association activities, and technological innovation to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the evolving real estate landscape.ABOUT THE ROUNDTABLE: Your all in one comprehensive view of what is happening across the real estate industry -- straight from some of the industry's earliest technology adopters and foremost experts in Technology, Marketing, Capital, Construction & Cyber Security in Real Estate  Join us live at 6 PM EST on the 1st Thursday of each month, across all major social media channels and wherever you get your podcasts.  This three-part show consists of:  Part I: Introductions and what's new for each panelist and the business sector Part II: Sector Focus on the past month's most prominent news and paradigm shifts Part III: What does all this mean for real estate businesses, and what you can do for the next 30 days  Learn more at https://welcome.creco.ai/reroundtable #crecollaborator #CRE #CommercialFinance #RealEstate #cpace #CommercialRealEstate #Financing #Podcast#DST #1031exchanges #datadrivenbusiness #businessmanagement #commercialrealestateDon't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel where there is a host of additional great content and to visit CRECo.ai the Commercial Real Estate Industry's all-in-one dashboard to connect, research, execute, and collaborate online CRECo.ai. Please be sure to share, rate, and review us it really does help! Learn more at : https://welcome.creco.ai/reroundtable

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, host Eric Ritchie teams up with a group of graduates from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Young Professionals program to discuss how it has shaped their leadership journeys. They highlight the importance of honing “soft skills” like communication, relationship-building, and mentorship—especially when working with seasoned veterans in demanding environments.If you liked this week's episode and are interested in becoming an Employee-Owner at Sargent, please visit our careers page on the Sargent website. https://sargent.us/apply/If you have an episode suggestion, please send your idea to:sbennage@sargent.us

Send us a textThis episode navigates the intricate relationship between poetry and politics, featuring insights from poet Bianca Stone. We discuss the nuances of non-didactic poetry, the historical implications of literary voices, and how poetry serves as a vessel for personal and collective experiences. Bianca Stone is a Vermont-based poet. Stone's newest book is What is Otherwise Infinite, (Tim House 2022). She is the host of Ode and Psyche podcast. Stone's poems, art, book reviews, and essays have appeared in a variety of magazines including The New Yorker, Poetry Magazine, American Poetry Review, The Brooklyn Rail, and many others. She returned to Vermont in 2016. Bianca houses the Ode & Psyche Podcast.• Examining the tension between political and poetic expression• The impact of didacticism on modern poetry• The philosophical discourse surrounding poetry through Plato's lens• Individual voices in poetry reflecting collective narratives • Analyzing Larry Levis's poem on Lorca• The importance of ambiguity and interpretation in poetry Explore this thought-provoking dive into the complex world of poetic expression and its implications for understanding our human experience. Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeThe Obvious PodcastA podcast presented by the Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East-Coast...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf

A lot is going on in Washington, DC these days. In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Kristen Swearingen Vice President, Legislative & Political Affairs at the Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. and spokesperson for the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace joins host Peter List to discuss some of the issues, including the re-introduction of the PRO Act, Sen. Josh Hawley's “PRO Act-Lite” framework, as well as President Trump's nominee to head the Department of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer.__________________________LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio is a subscriber-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a subscriber here.

Send us a textJoin the CRE Collaborative Roundtable hosts for a candid conversation and insights into the real estate industry, focusing on market dynamics, the impact of natural disasters, and construction challenges. It highlights the importance of local knowledge, licensing considerations, and the role of real estate professionals in adapting to changing conditions. The discussion also covers technological advancements, data-driven marketing, and the influence of economic and regulatory factors on the market.This month's RoundTable Hosts: Andreas Senie, Host, Founder CRE Collaborative, Technology Growth Strategist, CRETech Thought Leader, Founder & Brokerage OwnerSaul Klein, Realtor Emeritus, Data Advocate & Futurist, Original Real Estate Internet Evangelist, Executive Editor Realty TimesChris Abel, Vice President Associated Builders & Contractors Association, CT ChapterRebekah Carlson, Founder & CEO Carlson Integrated, Past President NICAR Association, Brokerage Owner ## Highlights"Just because you can doesn't mean you should."-- Saul Klein"Uncertainty leads to like standstill in the industry, in all industry."-- Becca"Perception and reality. That line does become very blurred. Perception can be reality.""Until you know value, everything's worthless. Once you know value, everything has value."## Takeaways 1. Real estate industry updates from technology adopters and experts. 2. Three-part show format: introductions, sector focus, and business implications. 3. Introduction of roundtable hosts: Andreas Sene, Saul Klein, Rebecca Carlson, Chris Abel. 4. Discussion on real estate market dynamics in San Diego. 5. Impact of natural disasters on real estate inventory and market. 6. Opportunities in real estate despite challenges. 7. Licensing and jurisdiction considerations for real estate professionals. 8. Differences between residential and commercial real estate markets. 9. Importance of local knowledge in real estate transactions.10. Construction industry challenges ABOUT THE ROUNDTABLE: Your all in one comprehensive view of what is happening across the real estate industry -- straight from some of the industry's earliest technology adopters and foremost experts in Technology, Marketing, Capital, Construction & Cyber Security in Real Estate  Join us live at 6 PM EST on the 1st Thursday of each month, across all major social media channels and wherever you get your podcasts.  This three-part show consists of:  Part I: Introductions and what's new for each panelist and the business sector Part II: Sector Focus on the past month's most prominent news and paradigm shifts Part III: What does all this mean for real estate businesses, and what you can do for the next 30 days  Learn more at https://welcome.creco.ai/reroundtable  Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel where there is a host of additional great content and to visit CRECo.ai the Commercial Real Estate Industry's all-in-one dashboard to connect, research, execute, and collaborate online CRECo.ai. Please be sure to share, rate, and review us it really does help! Learn more at : https://welcome.creco.ai/reroundtable

Ben Brubeck, Vice President of Regulatory, Labor and State Affairs, Associated Builders and Contractors. President Trump's Economic Agenda, Workforce Shortages, Labor Policy and More

  On this week's Tipping Point interview Paul sits down w/ Carla Kugler head of the NM chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. They discuss New Mexico's performance in the organization's Merit Shop Scorecard. They talk about New Mexico's massive $6 billion in unspent capital outlay dollars and the State's deteriorating roads. Finally, they discuss New Mexico's construction workforce and how the state can find and train new workers in the trades and what ABC is doing about it. You don't want to miss this important discussion! 

MLG's budget is out and it offers taxpayers nothing. Paul and Wally do a bit of a deep dive into the budget process and why it is so confusing and lacking in transparency.  Not all legislators want to address New Mexico's medical provider shortage. A $10B program to buy EVs for the U.S. Postal Service is far behind schedule, with defense contractor Oshkosh not disclosing significant manufacturing difficulties for more than a year. The USPS has received only 93 trucks - far fewer than the 3,000 expected by now. Cost is $167K per truck  New Mexico sticks out (badly) in the brand new "Merit Shop Index" put out by Associated Builders and Contractors which ranks state construction environments in all 50 states.

In this episode of the GovCon Giants podcast, we have Randie Ward of Alchemy Gov, alongside industry heavyweights Ben Brubeck and Matt Abeles from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) organization. Ben, Vice President of Regulatory, Labor, and State Affairs, and Matt, Vice President of Construction Technology and Innovation, share their expertise on the rapidly evolving construction landscape. They delve into the impact of new government regulations, the pressing labor shortages, and cutting-edge technology trends like AI and immersive reality shaping the industry. Whether you're navigating regulatory hurdles or exploring technology-driven solutions, this episode equips federal contractors with essential tools to thrive in a dynamic environment. Matt's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-abeles-2854a018/  Ben's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbrubeck/  Company Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associated-builders-and-contractors/ Website: https://www.abc.org/ 

Jeremy Osterberger speaks with Greg Sizemore, VP of HSE and Workforce Development at Associated Builders and Contractors, at the ECC PerspECCtives Conference. They discuss the importance of mental health in the construction industry, emphasizing that safety extends beyond PPE to the well-being of workers. Sizemore highlights challenges such as aging workforce, veteran transitions, and rising suicide rates, introducing ABC's “Total Human Health” program and the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention as key initiatives to address these issues. For more news on the renewable energy industry, manufacturing industry, oil and gas industry and more, visit: https://www.bicmagazine.com/

As the construction industry faces a significant workforce shortage projected to surpass half a million workers, the need to inspire and educate the next generation about the value of construction careers is more critical than ever. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the U.S. construction industry needs to attract 501,000 additional workers in 2024 to meet labor demands. This shortage is driven by factors such as high retirement rates among experienced workers and insufficient numbers of young people entering the trades.How can we change the narrative around construction careers for young minds and emphasize the importance of grit and perseverance?In the latest episode of "Straight Outta Crumpton," host Greg Crumpton welcomes Jenny Schroen, a creative developer at Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB) and co-author of the children's book "Grit Leads to Greatness." The conversation explores the inspiration behind her book, the importance of grit, and how construction can save the world, one project at a time.Key Points of Discussion:The creation of the children's book "Grit Leads to Greatness" and its message of perseverance and the importance of construction trades.The innovative ad campaign that highlights the veteran spirit and character traits essential in construction, which won an international marketing award.The challenges and triumphs of self-publishing and distributing a book aimed at inspiring children and changing perceptions about construction.Jenny Schroen is a creative developer at Delmarva Veteran Builders and co-author of the children's book "Grit Leads to Greatness." With a background in graphic design from Flagler College, Jenny has worked across various industries before finding her niche in construction. Her dedication to promoting the construction trades and inspiring young minds has made her a pivotal figure in DVB's innovative initiatives.

This week we have the honor of sitting down with Randy Humphrey, a stalwart in the commercial construction industry, as he opens up about living a life grounded in biblical principles. From the joys and challenges of raising four boys to maintaining a rich relationship with his 84-year-old father, Randy shares heartfelt reflections on fatherhood, continuous self-improvement, and making the right choices. His insights into the importance of wisdom, faith, and family values provide a compelling look into how these principles shape one's life and career.Join us as we navigate the intricate dynamics of the construction industry, from communication challenges and union-related issues to the culture and values of Randy's family-owned business. Hear about the unique approach of employee ownership, the significance of mentorship, and the ongoing support of organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors.We'd love to hear from you! Send us a text message here!|| Connect with Us || Check out all our episodes on all major streaming platforms, and further engagement with the 17Twenty crew on social media at:https://17twenty.buzzsprout.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/17twentyhttps://www.instagram.com/17twentypodcastGrab your copy of the Mountain Mover Manual: How to Live Intentionally, Lead with Purpose, and Achieve Your Greatest Potential, by Kevin CareyOriginally in print:https://amzn.to/441OPeHAnd now available on Audible:https://adbl.co/45YIKB2

If you'd like to read the tea leaves on South Florida's economic future, just call on the people who are shaping it. In this episode, SFBJ Editor-in-Chief Mel Melendez takes the temperature with Peter Dyga, President & CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors, who has a pulse on the region.

Danielle Hart, the Regional Director of Membership Services for the Eastern PA chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors joins us today. We'll talk with her about the benefits of working with trade associations, including apprenticeships, training, and job placement.

This Day in Legal History: Free Exercise Clause Applies to StatesOn this day, May 20, in 1940, the United States Supreme Court made a landmark decision in the case of Cantwell v. Connecticut, significantly shaping the landscape of religious freedom in America. The Court held that the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, which guarantees individuals the right to practice their religion freely, applied to state governments. This decision was pivotal as it extended the protections of the Bill of Rights to state actions, not just federal, through the incorporation doctrine.The incorporation doctrine is a constitutional principle that ensures the fundamental rights and freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights are protected against infringement by state governments. This doctrine relies on the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which has been interpreted to incorporate most of the protections guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. The Cantwell case was a critical moment in the application of this doctrine, marking the first time the Supreme Court applied the Free Exercise Clause to the states.In Cantwell v. Connecticut, the case involved Jehovah's Witnesses who were arrested for soliciting without a permit and for inciting a breach of the peace. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Cantwells, stating that their arrests violated their First Amendment rights. This decision underscored the importance of protecting religious expression from state interference and set a precedent for future cases involving the incorporation of other Bill of Rights protections.This ruling reinforced the principle that religious freedom is a fundamental right that must be respected by all levels of government, ensuring that individuals could practice their faith without undue state interference. It paved the way for broader interpretations of the First Amendment and fortified the legal framework that guards against religious discrimination and promotes religious liberty in the United States.Donald Trump, currently on trial in New York for falsifying business records, may testify in his defense this week, although his decision remains uncertain. While Trump initially indicated he would testify, his lawyer Todd Blanche has since expressed uncertainty. Trump faces 34 counts related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, aimed at silencing her allegations of an affair before the 2016 election, which Trump denies. Outside the courtroom, Trump has labeled the trial a politically motivated effort to undermine his 2024 presidential campaign. Inside, he has listened to testimony, including lurid details from Daniels and accounts of efforts to suppress negative stories. Prosecutors are expected to conclude their case after testimony from Michael Cohen, Trump's former fixer who made the payment to Daniels.Trump's legal team will soon present their defense, potentially calling witnesses, including Trump himself. If Trump chooses to testify, he could challenge the allegations directly but would also face rigorous cross-examination, posing risks of perjury and damaging his credibility. The outcome of this trial, one of four criminal cases Trump faces, could impact his political future.Trump has the chance to testify at hush money trial - if he so chooses | ReutersColorado is set to become the first U.S. state to enact a comprehensive law regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in employment and other critical areas with Senate Bill 24-205 (SB205). Passed on May 8 and awaiting Governor Jared Polis' signature, the law aims to prevent algorithmic discrimination and will take effect in 2026. It targets high-risk AI systems influencing decisions in employment, education, finance, government services, healthcare, housing, insurance, and legal services.SB205 imposes significant compliance obligations on both developers and users of high-risk AI systems. Developers must provide detailed information about their AI systems, publish risk management strategies, and disclose known discrimination risks to the attorney general. Deployers are required to implement risk management policies, conduct annual impact assessments, and notify consumers about the use of AI systems in decision-making.The law also mandates that businesses inform consumers about the purpose and nature of AI systems, their influence on decisions, and the right to opt out of profiling. The Colorado attorney general will enforce the law, treating violations as unfair and deceptive trade practices, though there is no private right of action. Businesses can defend themselves by showing they discovered and corrected violations through feedback or internal reviews.This groundbreaking legislation is expected to influence broader AI regulation across the U.S., as other states consider similar measures, prompting employers nationwide to prepare for stricter AI compliance requirements.Colorado Passes Groundbreaking AI Discrimination Law Impacting EmployersThe U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) funding mechanism, which allows it to draw funds from the Federal Reserve rather than through annual congressional appropriations. This 7-2 decision, issued on May 16, has broader implications for other financial regulators such as the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which also rely on independent funding mechanisms. Justice Elena Kagan, in a concurring opinion joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Amy Coney Barrett, and Brett Kavanaugh, emphasized that Congress has historically used various funding mechanisms for federal agencies, underscoring the constitutionality of such arrangements. This decision signals to potential litigants that challenges against the funding of financial regulators are unlikely to succeed.The ruling reassures that the established funding methods for these agencies, which include assessing fees on the banks they supervise, are constitutionally sound. The decision also highlighted that the independent funding of U.S. regulatory agencies has long been accepted due to its prevalence and practical necessity.Dissenting Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch, while disagreeing with the majority on the CFPB, did not find the funding methods of other regulators constitutionally problematic. They pointed out that the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and OCC operate on specific charges for services, contrasting with the CFPB's unique funding ability.Legal experts see this ruling as a robust defense of the current financial regulatory framework, suggesting that any future claims against the funding structures of these agencies will likely face significant hurdles. The case referenced is CFPB v. Community Financial Services Association of America, U.S., No. 22-448.Banking Regulators See Relief From Funding Fights in CFPB RulingStates poised to receive portions of $7 billion for bringing solar power to low-income communities face a significant skilled labor shortage in the construction industry. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected 60 applicants, including many state energy departments, to implement the Solar for All program, aimed at providing residential solar to disadvantaged populations as part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.The program faces a shortage of 500,000 skilled construction workers, exacerbated by early retirements and recruitment challenges, according to Ben Brubeck of the Associated Builders and Contractors. The Department of Energy's 2023 US Energy and Employment Report noted that 97% of construction employers find it difficult to hire qualified solar workers.The Solar for All funding encourages project labor agreements, which may deter non-union contractors. Currently, only about 11% of solar energy workers are unionized. This shortage raises concerns about maintaining high-quality and safe infrastructure.Labor union representatives argue that the issue is more about wages than worker availability. Higher wages, as mandated by the program, might attract more skilled workers. However, the absence of solar-specific apprenticeship programs, unlike those in other construction sectors, contributes to the labor gap.States like Michigan, Colorado, Washington, and New York are planning to address these workforce challenges during their planning periods. Michigan is considering partnerships with community colleges and labor organizations to meet the expected demand surge. Colorado aims to balance labor distribution between rural and urban areas, while Washington plans to require an apprentice for each solar installation project. New York will leverage federal funding to enhance its existing clean energy jobs and workforce development programs. The EPA emphasizes that workforce development is crucial for the success of Solar for All, with many applications proposing partnerships to build a robust clean energy workforce.States Set for Solar Cash Infusion Aim to Build Worker PipelineNew federal staffing requirements for nursing homes, introduced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in April, aim to enhance care quality but face significant hurdles due to waivers and exemptions. These regulations, set to take full effect in 2026, mandate specific staffing levels for registered nurses (RNs) and nurse aides. However, federal laws and the Social Security Act allow states and the Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary to grant waivers, potentially delaying compliance for many facilities.Thousands of nursing homes may qualify for exemptions from these staffing requirements, which worries advocates like Sam Brooks from the Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. These exemptions could disproportionately benefit poorly performing homes, undermining the rule's intent. Enforcement is further complicated by a shortage of state nursing home inspectors, affecting timely compliance verification.The rule stipulates that facilities must provide 3.48 hours of care per resident per day (HPRD), with specific hours allocated to RNs and nurse aides. Significant staffing gaps exist, with an estimated need for 12,000 RNs and 77,000 nurse aides to meet the new standards. Facilities in nonrural areas have three years to comply, while rural ones have five.Exemptions are not guaranteed; facilities must document efforts to hire staff and meet transparency requirements. Critics argue the exemption process is cumbersome and may lead to facility downsizing or closures, limiting seniors' access to care. CMS aims to encourage compliance through these transparency and documentation mandates, but industry representatives are concerned about the feasibility and impact of these rules. The ongoing labor shortage in the nursing home sector and the high cost of compliance, estimated at $43 billion over 10 years, present additional challenges to the successful implementation of these staffing requirements.Nursing Home Watchers Wary of Staffing Rule Waivers, Exemptions Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Join Greg Sizemore, Joe Xavier, and Haley Moyers from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) as they delve into the critical topic of mental health in construction. Discover how ABC is revolutionizing industry attitudes and explore their transformative initiatives like the Total Human Health Initiative and the pioneering Vital Cog program. Gain actionable insights into implementing mental health support within construction companies while hearing inspiring stories of contractors championing worker wellness.

Peggy Smedley and Greg Sizemore, vice president of health, safety, environment, and workforce development, Associated Builders and Contractors, talk about the labor shortage facing construction. He says we have made progress, but the challenge is not just creating the conditions for individuals to find out about an amazing career, but on top of that is an urgency. They also discuss: Two things that come to mind when talking about what is causing the shortage. Training and how construction companies can best prepare for the future of work. Why contractors need to be thinking outside the box today. abc.org  (4/23/24 - 868) IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, 5G, cloud, sustainability, future of work, podcast, Greg Sizemore, Associated Builders and Contractors This episode is available on all major streaming platforms. If you enjoyed this segment, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts.

April 5, 2024 - Brian Sampson, president of the Empire State Chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors, explains why he is against an effort to mandate project labor agreements on SUNY construction projects worth at least $3 million.

THE MASTER'S APPRENTICE IS HELPING KIDS GET INTO CONSTRUCTION The Master's Apprentice, which recently received nearly $1 million from the Lowe's Foundation, is on today. That very generous grant to help disadvantaged young adults find a career in the construction trades is helping the program grow. The organization was founded by Coloradans Luis Villarreal and Scott Flores more than a decade ago. There is an acute skilled trades workforce crisis in the US, with the Associated Builders and Contractors estimating that 501,000 new skilled tradespeople will be needed on top of the normal pace of hiring to meet demand this year alone. Scott Flores joins me today at 12:30 to chat about it. Find out more by clicking here.

Listen now and nominate a colleague who is making a similar impact in our field!Matthew K. Cashion, Jr., CIC, CRM (Matt), born and raised in Little Rock, was enrolled in the seventh grade at Pulaski Academy upon its inception by his parents. Before graduating in 1977, he attended Boys State and served as state president of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). His next phase of life found him following in the footsteps of his next older brother, Ted, graduating from Westminster College in Fulton, MO in 1981 with degrees in Economics & Business Administration and Accounting, and a fiancee, Susan Pippin. While at Westminster, he served as a member of the college's prestigious Skulls of Seven Society and is a Sigma Chi. After graduation, he joined the family agency alongside both brothers, Benson and Ted, and his father, Knight, and marrying his college sweetheart in the spring of 1982.Education and industry involvement was instilled in the agency fiber by Knight and continues as part of its DNA today. Soon after joining the agency, his father sent him to the Reliance Insurance Company's Agent Surety School in 1983. In 1986, Matt received his Certified Insurance Counselor Designation and completed the requirements for his Certified Risk Manager designation in 2004. Additionally, Knight gave him the opportunity to attend surety industry association meetings, where he found his business passion. With mentors from all over the countryproviding wind in his sails, Matt volunteered his way through the ranks of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP), serving as a Regional Vice-President, Board Member, various committee memberships and chairmanships, and in 2003-2004 he served as the youngest national president.His lane through NASBP was via education. Attending its Level 2 surety school in 1986, he discovered a second passion; teaching. Returning to the association's school two years later, Matt was recently honored as the longest tenured instructor for NASBP clocking in 35 years of volunteer service to thousands of students from every state in the union as well as seven foreign countries. Further participation has included curriculum development and review of all levels of the association's educational offerings on contract surety, text editing of The Basic Bond Book, curriculum review for The Institutes' AFSB designation as well as recording select course introduction videos.Having just completed another term as chair of NASBP's Professional Development Committee, Matt is currently serving as co-chair of the Annual Meeting Program committee for a record sixth time.NASBP honored Matt with the President's Award in 2004, the John J. “Jack” Curtin Presidents Award for Distinguished Service in Surety Education in 2009, the Bruce T. Wallace Award for Career Contributions in 2013 (its highest award), and the John J. “Jack” Curtin Award again in 2023, becoming the only two time recipient.Matt also followed the leadership example set by his business partner, Jim Allbritton, serving as president of The Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas (Big I - Arkansas) in 2015-2016. In 2021, Big I honored Matt with its highest award, the Allan Kennedy Memorial Award.An unintended consequence of volunteer service to various construction trade associations over the years has resulted in awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Arkansas (ABC) (2020 - Phillip Joiner Award for leadership) and Associated General Contractors of Arkansas (AGC) (2011 - Distinguished Service Award; 2021 - President's Award). After having served as a founding member of National AGC's Surety Industry Advisory Council and acting as its Outreach and Education Task Force Chair in 2001, AGC inducted Matt into its Consulting Contractors Council of America in 2009.Further involvement has included presentations and speaking opportunities all over the country to various groups ranging from the AICPA, the National Home Builders Association, local surety associations, trade associations (AGC, ABC, ASA, NAWIC), universities, engineers, and as a convention keynote speaker in Puerto Rico.Outside of the industry, Matt has offered his time to a variety of civic organizations including Pulaski Academy, Alzheimer's Arkansas Programs and Services, the Metropolitan YMCA, and the Heflin Youth Foundation. Additionally, he has received gubernatorial appointments to the Information Network of Arkansas and the Contractors Licensing Board, where he has served as Chair.Combining his passion for teaching and his greatest blessing, Matt and his wife have co-led various small groups at their church for over 30 years, most recently post college single adults. Pushing the comfort zone limits, he even became an ordained minister during the pandemic in order to perform a requested wedding service for a couple that had met in the class.His most recent passion and greatest joys are found in spending time with his six amazing grandchildren. His daughter Rachel and her husband Dr. David Rainwater, have three wonderful girls. His son, Matthew K. Cashion, III (Tripp) and his wife Kara, have two amazing girls and his only grandson (Matthew K. Cashion, IV aka Knight).

"What would life be like without our industry," asks Mike Bellaman, President and CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). The boys talk workforce development, worker choice, meritocracy, technology, 2024 outlook, and a bit of Mike's playing time with the Cleveland Indians. Right now, contractors can get a $1000 gift card when they go to navienfurnace.com and submit their first NPF purchase info. Subscribe to the Appetite for Construction podcast at any of your favorite streaming channels and don't forget about the other ways to interact with the Mechanical Hub Team! Follow Plumbing Perspective IG @plumbing_perspective Follow Mechanical Hub IG @mechanicalhub Sign up for our newsletter at www.mechanical-hub.com/enewsletter Visit our websites at www.mechanical-hub.com and www.plumbingperspective.com Send John and Tim your feedback or topic ideas: @plumbing_perspective

In this episode: Angela and Christi speak with Michele Daugherty,  President & CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors  (ABC) Central Florida Chapter where her leadership extends to various boards and committees, fostering workforce development and safety initiatives. In her current role in Central Florida, Michele continues to create pathways for others and advocates for diversity, safety, and total human health in the industry. Daugherty shares the challenges and experiences of being in the construction industry, the importance of communication and asking questions, strategies for driving growth and success, and the passion for supporting women in the field. If only we could bottle up the knowledge that Michele has about leading, communicating, and supporting an industry with a labor shortage of over 400 thousand women and men in 2023! Listen to hear more!Support the show

In episode 383, we dig deep into the archives to retrieve what was thought to be lost: An epic 2018 interview with a pair of construction industry superstars, Fred Perpall and Meloni Raney.  As CEO of The Beck Group, Perpall leads the firm's global architecture, planning, real estate consultancy, and construction businesses. He began his career in design and construction in 1996. Two decades later, the American Institute of Architects elected him into its prestigious College of Fellows. In 2023, Fred Perpall became the 67th president of the United States Golf Association (USGA). He is the first African American and Texan to serve in this role and is proud to expand and nurture diversity and inclusion in the game. “We talk too much about what separates us and not enough about what unites us. In golf, we're a community,” said Perpall. “When we lean in together, when we include more people in the game, not only will the game get better, but our lives will get better, too.” A native of Nassau, Bahamas, Perpall played on the 1994 Bahamian National Basketball Team. He moved to the U.S. to attend the University of Texas at Arlington, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program and is a former Americas Fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute. Meloni Raney (AIA) is President and CEO of TEXO, The Construction Association. TEXO is the largest commercial contractors association in Texas and the largest affiliated with both the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).  TEXO provides innovative programs, quality services and strategic alliances for contractor and industry members doing more than $9 billion of work annually in North and East Texas. one of the largest construction associations in the country.  Meloni is a University of Oklahoma graduate who earned a degree in Architecture along with a minor in Construction Management. Meloni attained her architecture license while working at The Beck Group.   View clips from past episodes on our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@bradleyhartmannandco     This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® which will organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes. *** If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd sincerely appreciate it if you left a review on Apple Podcasts. The feedback helps improve the show and helps with our visibility as well. The more people listen to the podcast, the more we can invest into it to make it even better. Since we're asking for things . . . we'd also love it if you recommended this show to your friends and colleagues. Your network looks to people like you to learn where to invest their time and attention. We'd love the opportunity to add value to more people in our community.

December 20, 2023 - We learn about "merit shop" construction contractors and consider the competitive burdens New York policymakers place on non-union construction players, with the help of Brian Sampson, president of the Empire State Chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors.

Construction is a booming industry across the United States with a bright future partially fueled by an increase in governmental infrastructure projects. However, the industry is also facing unique challenges due to a shrinking pool of trade labor, economic uncertainty in the private sector and continued supply chain issues post-pandemic.In this episode of The Wrap, our hosts welcome Will Aderholt, CPA, CCIFP, leader of Warren Averett's Construction Industry Practice, as well as special guest Jay Reed, President of Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama, to discuss specific challenges and opportunities affecting the construction industry . In this episode, you'll hear: How workforce development programs are looking to address labor shortages of skilled trade positionsInformation about supply chain issues and how they are still impacting construction projects post-pandemicDiscussion surrounding the fear of a recession and how it is affecting construction projects and financingInsight about succession planning specific to the construction industryAdvice for diversifying your construction business and building relationships with competitorsResources for additional information:Blog: Four Economic Factors Impacting Construction Companies (And How To Overcome Them)Blog: Proactive Planning for Contractors in Uncertain TimesBlog: Bouncing Back From the Pandemic: Tips for ContractorsBlog: Selling a Business: Checklist From a Buyer's PerspectivePodcast: Episode 010 – Don't Let the Sell Run DryPodcast: Episode 050 – Employee Retention and Recruiting in Today's Competitive Environment

In this episode, Christian sits down with Jeff Echols, Senior Advisor and the Head of Marketing at Shadow Partners. Jeff is on a mission to change the way AEC firms do business. He leverages 30 years of experience working in, starting, and managing firms to help drive innovation in the business of architecture and AEC adjacent industries. Jeff hosts the Build Your Brand podcast, the live-stream show Context & Clarity LIVE, and the daily short-form podcast Shadow Shorts. A prolific speaker, Jeff has shared his experience and thought leadership. Jeff's speaking clients have included private companies, local governments, colleges and universities, and industry organizations like, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Professional Services Management Journal (PSMJ), and Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). https://shadowpartners.co/ https://theantiarchitect.com/

Ralph welcomes the CEO of the National Cooperative Bank, Casey Fannon to discuss his bank's work serving cooperatives and other member-owned organizations. The NCB helps finance affordable housing, healthy food, renewable energy, small businesses, community-driven health care, and non-profit organizations and generally advises cooperatives around the country on how to build and grow. Plus, Ralph talks a little more about the Trump indictments and responds to some of your feedback.Casey Fannon is President and CEO of National Cooperative Bank, a leading financial services company dedicated to providing banking products to cooperatives and socially responsible organizations nationwide.Access to capital is one of the major stumbling blocks for any small business, but particularly small cooperative and new, young cooperatives.Casey FannonThere's a small tent view of cooperatives and a large tent view of cooperatives. And I think that by focusing on the big tent…allows for a better NCB. I think NCB is better, and I think our consumer cooperatives are better off that we are tied into the cooperative ecosystem in a more fulsome way.Casey FannonIn Case You Haven't Heard with Francesco DeSantis1. The progressive, Wisconsin-based legal group Law Forward has filed a brief with the Wisconsin Supreme Court alleging that the state's legislative maps violate the state constitution due to rampant partisan gerrymandering. Not only are the petitioners demanding new legislative maps, they are also calling on the court to cut all existing senate terms short. In practice, this would mean the entire legislature would be up for election in 2024. This could mean a political sea-change in the Badger State.2. The LA Times reports that AOC, along with ten other progressive members of Congress, are planning to visit Latin American nations led by Leftist governments, in order to “learn from our counterparts in these countries, including how to confront disinformation and violent threats to our democracies.” She went on to add “It's long past time for a realignment of the United States' relationship to Latin America…The U.S. needs to publicly acknowledge the harms we've committed through interventionist and extractive policies, and chart a new course based on trust and mutual respect.”3. In a win for workers, the Department of Labor has issued a rule on the Davis-Beacon Act, which “sets a wage floor for construction workers on public-works projects,” per the American Prospect. This law is also known as the “prevailing wage,” law as it sets benchmarks for wages in a given area. This rule could have major positive ramifications for workers as President Biden's infrastructure package and the CHIPS Act are put into action. This New Deal era labor rule was significantly weakened under the Carter and Reagan administrations, and labor groups have been pushing for its restoration ever since. The article notes however that “the rule…is expected to be immediately challenged,” with the Associated Builders and Contractors trade group poised to file a lawsuit as early as next week.4. In more labor news, the Washington Post reports that 11,000 Los Angeles city employees joined the writers, actors, and hotel employees in a one day strike to “shut down the city of Los Angeles,” according to David Green, executive director and president of SEIU Local 721. Green added “The message we're sending is that our workers are just fed up. They've reached a breaking point. And we need these folks in the city to come back to the table for the good of the city.”5. VICE reports that a group of 32 economists have sent a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency in support of rent control. This is the latest tactic in a campaign led by People's Action. The article notes that “Economists have historically been the strongest critics of rent control,” but, like on the issue of minimum wage “some economists believe the orthodoxy on the topic has been contradicted by research and real-world examples.”6. The climate focused news site Heatmap reports that the Department of Energy is launching a new procurement program focused on technology to “remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.” Notably, while agencies have “previously granted money to carbon-removal companies, funded R&D, or subsidized their activities, it has never pledged to buy their services directly.” Utilizing the government's purchasing power to effect changes in society more broadly has been done before, perhaps most famously with automobile airbags, following the advocacy of Ralph Nader.     7. A new report on 90 year-old Senator Dianne Feinstein in the New York Times covers the legal battle between her daughter and her step-daughters over her late husband's estate. Buried in this report is a startling fact – Senator Feinstein's daughter holds power of attorney over her mother's legal affairs. It is disturbing to think that a person incapable of managing their own legal affairs is one of only two Senators representing 40 million people in the upper house of Congress.8. DCist reports that the Washington, D.C. Democratic Party is suing to prevent ranked choice voting and open primaries from appearing as ballot measures in next year's elections. D.C. Democratic Party officials have claimed these reforms would disenfranchise voters, with one opponent even calling ranked choice voting “electoral gentrification.” Implicit in these criticisms is the fact that the overwhelming power of D.C.'s Democratic Party may be challenged somewhat by these reforms, opening electoral space for independents or other parties.9. The tech website Stackdiary reports that the ubiquitous teleconferencing app Zoom has quietly added sinister new sections to their terms of service. Put simply, sections 10.2 and 10.4 explicitly allow for the company to collect user data and “use this data for machine learning and artificial intelligence, including training and tuning of algorithms and models…effectively allow[ing] Zoom to train its AI on customer content without providing an opt-out option.”10. The American Prospect reports that a bipartisan group of Senators, led by Senators Dick Durbin of Illinois and Roger Marshall of Kansas, are championing the Credit Card Competition Act, which aims to crack down on credit card swipe fees by “forc[ing] card issuers…[like] (Visa and Mastercard) to enable competitor networks to manage the processing and routing—the service for which swipe fees are levied.” Panicked by these developments, “shadowy right-wing groups have been issuing mailers and other advertisements claiming the [the bill] is a liberal handout for “woke” big-box retailers like Target. One set of mailers was bankrolled by the Conservative Accountability Foundation, a newly formed organization based in Sen. Marshall's home state of Kansas but without a listed address or phone number.” In other words, corporations and their political front groups are pushing the culture war button to avoid consumer protection regulation. What else is new. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

In this Real Estate News Brief for the week ending April 22nd, 2023… we have two new forecasts on whether we'll see a recession this year, some good news about the cost of construction materials, and a report that shows how much wealthier you are if you own instead of rent.    Hi, I'm Kathy Fettke and this is Real Estate News for Investors. If you like our podcast, please subscribe and leave us a review.   Economic News   We begin with a look at economic news from the past week. There are a few new reports predicting that we'll have a “mild” recession in the second half of the year. The Conference Board's leading economic indicator index, or LEI, was down for a 12th month in a row in March. It fell 1.2%, which is the biggest decline in the last three years, according to MarketWatch. The index is a compilation of 10 indicators. One Conference Board manager says: “Economic weakness will intensify and spread more widely throughout the U.S. economy over the coming months, leading to a recession starting in mid-2023.” (1)   Fannie Mae economists are also predicting a recession later this year. The GSE's Economic and Strategic Research Group says the economy is “running out of steam.” Although the economy got off to a strong start this year, the ESR group expects to see an economic contraction during the second half of 2023. Fannie Mae's chief economist Doug Duncan, says: “The economic slowdown has resumed – whether the end result is a modest recession or simply a soft landing remains unanswered.” He attributes much of his optimism to the strength of the housing market, saying: “The greater-than-expected resilience of the housing sector to the affordability pressures of higher home prices and mortgage rates is central to our expectation that the recession will be modest.” (2)   The Labor Department reported another weekly increase in jobless applications, which are now at their highest level since the end of 2021. Initial claims were up another 5,000 to a total of 245,000. That's still an historically low number. Continuing claims also jumped a bit. They were up 61,000 to a total of 1.87 million. (3)   Housing starts were down .8% in March, to a rate of 1.52 million. The drop is mostly due to a slowdown in condo construction which fell 6.7%. Starts for single-family homes offset that a bit with an increase of 2.7%. Permits for single-family homes were also higher, by 4.1% while permits for multi-family buildings were down almost 25%. The pullback in apartment construction follows a red-hot building streak over the last several months. (4)    Builders are feeling more confident about the market as demand grows for new homes. The National Association of Home Builders says its monthly confidence index was up one point to 45 in April. It's the fourth month that the index has gone higher, and it's now the strongest it's been since September of last year. Demand is strong because the inventory for existing homes is so low. (5)   Meantime, existing home sales were down 2.4% in March, to an annual rate of 4.44 million. Compared with March of last year, they are down 22%. Prices are also falling which means that current homeowners would lose some of their equity if they sold now. The National Association of Realtors says that prices were down 1% in March, which is the biggest monthly drop in a decade. That's a national number. A recent report from Black Knight says that prices are falling in the West but rising in the East. Prices are falling the most in cities that experienced a pandemic housing market boom. (6) (7)   Mortgage Rates   Mortgage rates started rising again this last week. Freddie Mac says the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was up 12 basis points to 3.69%. The 15-year was up 22 points to 5.76%. (8)   In other news making headlines…   Prices Dipping for Construction Materials    Prices for construction materials are finally coming back to earth. According to an analysis by the Associated Builders and Contractors group, they are lower today than they were a year ago. It's the first year-over-year decrease we've seen in more than 18 months. Construction Dive says that building costs are still almost 40% higher than they were right before the pandemic struck. (9)   Costs for some individual construction materials remain high, however. Bisnow reports that concrete is up 14.5% from a year ago. Construction machinery and equipment is also about 12% higher. Prices are also fluctuating a lot from month to month. Chief Economist Ken Simonson for the Association General Contractors of America told Construction Dive that: “Contractors remain wary about committing to projects” because of the price volatility.   Some contractors are also putting the brakes on hiring. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 50% drop in construction job openings at the start of this year.   Homeowner vs. Renter Wealth Report   Many homeowners are becoming much wealthier than renters, thanks to an increase in their home equity. A study by the National Association of Realtors shows that over the last decade, homeowners became more than 40 times wealthier than the average renter because of that equity. (10)   The average gain since 2012 is about $99,000 for low income homeowners, about $122,000 for middle-income homeowners, and about $150,000 for upper-income homeowners.    That's it for our latest economic and housing market updates. Please check the show notes for links at newsforinvestors.com. And please remember to click on the Join for Free button at our website for information about real estate investing, and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, if you haven't already!   Thanks for listening. I'm Kathy Fettke.   Links:   1 - https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-u-s-economy-is-headed-toward-recession-leading-index-keeps-signaling-afe5f314?mod=economy-politics   2​​ - https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/fannies-latest-forecast-maintains-modest-recession-still-in-play/   3 - https://www.marketwatch.com/story/jobless-claims-climb-to-245-000-and-signal-rising-layoffs-5409f9d7?mod=economy-politics   4 - https://www.marketwatch.com/story/u-s-housing-starts-decline-in-march-as-apartment-construction-cools-717828a7?mod=economic-report   5 - https://www.marketwatch.com/story/builder-confidence-rises-for-fourth-consecutive-month-amid-low-number-of-resale-listings-d377885e?mod=economic-report   6 - https://www.marketwatch.com/story/u-s-existing-home-prices-fall-nearly-1-in-march-biggest-drop-in-a-decade-910e9be5?mod=economic-report   7 - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/home-price-regional-breakdown-mortgage-housing/   8 - https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms   9 - https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/construction-development/construction-material-costs-lower-than-a-year-ago-still-39-higher-than-pre-pandemic-118528   10 - https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/study-homeowner-wealth-is-40-times-higher-than-renters

It's been over 80 days since President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have met to discuss the debt ceiling, as the President and his top advisors continue refusing to negotiate on a debt ceiling increase. Though McCarthy has not come forward with the clean proposal the President is calling for, he has introduced the new 'Limit, Save, Grow Act,' legislation that agrees to raise the debt ceiling if certain spending cuts are made. The Speaker is now looking to House Republicans this coming week, as he aims to round up at least 218 votes to pass the bill and strengthen his stance on the debt ceiling before future talks with the President. On the Rundown, Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) joins to discuss what 'reckless' spending has led the U.S. economy to become $31 trillion in debt and why it's crucial that both parties put the American people before politics when coming to an agreement on the debt ceiling. Later, he shares his concerns about China's potential plans to invade Taiwan and how the U.S. should work to ensure Taiwan is equipped for war as soon as possible.    There's a lot of construction work to be done in America, however, there aren't enough workers to meet the demand. According to Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry must employ over half a million workers in order to meet this year's labor demands. Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment, and Workforce Development at Associated Builders and Contractors Greg Sizemore joins the Rundown to discuss what factors are contributing to the shortage, how money should be invested, and the benefits of construction work and apprenticeships.   Plus, commentary by columnist David Marcus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices