Building PA Podcast

Don Eldridge, training coordinator for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 520 shares his insight for becoming an apprentice plumber or pipefitter. During the discussion with Jon and Chris, Don explains the requirements for becoming an apprentice, expectations of the program, and the ongoing future training this Building Trades union provides.

Listen as Andrew Conley, project superintendent with Alexander Building discusses the impact prefabrication has on project success. Although the trend is not new, implementing the approach created efficiencies along with improved productivity that went beyond project expectations. Conley shares the process and impact of off-site fabrication of bathroom pods on a new construction project. Positive impacts on the project included labor hour reduction and improved fabrication staff management. Conley also discusses the co-location aspect and impact of lean principles have on the project.

To celebrate Engineers Week, Michael Cherock of AE Works joins the Building PA Podcast to talk about the professional services component of the construction industry. AE Works is a 45-person firm with 3 offices and Cherock discusses how the company has embraced technology to review drawings and documents, the advantages of virtual work, how vital collaboration is for productivity, and the many expectations on professional services within the industry. He also spends time talking about the role of real estate in the industry and the need to re-evaluate or re-imagine the physical building stockpile among cities and towns.

LISTEN IN as PA Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R), PA 35th District provides welcoming comments. As Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Langerholc has great insight into the upcoming transportation construction season.

Legislative Insiders Provide Insights to the 2021/22 PA General Assembly Session

If you're wondering what may happen in Harrisburg during this upcoming legislative session, then download this exciting episode. Listen to respected capital insiders as they share their opinions on the upcoming legislative session.

This event features Stephen Caruso of PA Capital-Star, Alex Halper of PA Chamber of Business & Industry, Jan Murphy of PennLive/ Patriot-News, John Wanner of Wanner Associates, and moderated by Jon O'Brien of KCA.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into the exciting world of electric vehicles and their impact on the construction industry. We are thrilled to welcome back Eido Almog, the Director of Strategy and Business Development for S&B USA, a global infrastructure and construction company.

Eido shares insights from S&B USA's recent pilot program focused on electrifying their fleet, which includes both on-road vehicles and off-road construction equipment. He discusses the motivations behind this initiative, highlighting the dual goals of reducing emissions for environmental sustainability and staying at the forefront of technological advancements in construction.

Throughout the episode, Eido provides a detailed overview of the data collection process that informed their decisions, revealing surprising findings about where the majority of emissions were coming from—primarily from on-road vehicles rather than heavy machinery. He emphasizes the importance of aligning the pilot program with capital expenditure plans to gain leadership buy-in, making it easier to transition to electric vehicles as older models are retired.

Listeners will learn about the specific electric vehicles S&B USA has integrated into their fleet, including two Ford F-150 Lightnings, and the infrastructure they are developing to support these vehicles, such as strategically placed chargers at job sites and employee homes. Eido also shares valuable lessons learned during the pilot, including the significance of vehicle range and the user experience, as well as the decision to maintain a traditional corporate branding approach for the electric trucks to avoid any stigma associated with driving an electric vehicle on job sites.

As the conversation unfolds, we explore the broader implications of electrification in construction, including potential cost savings and the innovative solutions that can arise from integrating electric technology into traditional practices. Eido also touches on the future of S&B USA's electrification efforts, with plans to expand their electric vehicle fleet and further develop their infrastructure.

This episode is packed with insights for construction professionals interested in sustainability and innovation. Join us as we uncover the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning to electric fleets in the construction industry. Don't miss this engaging discussion that promises to inspire and inform!