Concrete Garb - Giving The Concrete Industry A Sense Of Style!

Today, the Concrete Garb brings you Bo Jones with Tru-Built Construction.  Bo is the President of Tru-built Construction who focuses on design and build solutions for commercial & residential projects such as renovations, custom homes, additions and remodeling.  In addition to his full time job, Bo has been working on a project that will help increase your company's visibility to the next generation workforce...more importantly increasing the visibility of job seekers to different career paths.  This project is called Tradegamz.  The vision of tradegamz is to have a platform to help every student and job seeker find their path to a fulfilling and successful career.    Ladies and Gentleman, Allow the Garb to introduce Bo Jones with Tru-Built Construction!  Lets do this.   Tru-Built Website www.tradegamz.com    

Today we have a repeat guest, Mr. Bob Irwin.  Bob was a guest on the Garb back in March of 2015 in episode #3.  Bobs passion for the concrete flatwork industry is second to none and that's the reason to have him on the garb for another round.  Now retired, Bob spent 39 years at Stephens and Smith, ending his career as the Flatwork department Vice President.  Bob and I met in 2006 and soon learned Bob was very passionate about the concrete industry.   Bob was President of the American Concrete Institute Nebraska Chapter in 2009 and in 2015.  He has been a huge supporter of organizations such as Concrete Cares of Nebraska and has worked hard on attracting the next generation of concrete finishers via various coop programs dating back to the 80's.  He has also been instrumental with ACI's Flatwork Finisher class as an instructor.  

As many of you know, this week is Women in Construction Week.  "Women in Construction Week, celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. This year's theme, 'Many Paths, One Mission', celebrates the different pathways women have taken towards strengthening the success of women in the construction industry."   Concrete Garb is doing its part by bringing you Emmeline Watson.  Emmeline is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Nebraska within the Durham School of Engineering and Construction. Professor Watson started her career path in the Construction Industry in her hometown in Brazil, where she was in a variety of roles in vertical construction, before coming to the US for graduate school.   After finishing her masters, Professor Watson worked as a Structural Engineer in the Rail and Aviation Industry, and Certification Coordinator before coming back to academia as a Professor of Practice. She has acquired a Bachelors in Civil Engineering, a Masters in Engineering Me

For the first time ever, the Garb brings you some of our highlights of 2022.  Happy New Year! 

Today, the garb brings you Sarah Bryan, Executive Vice President of Slurry Monster.  Slurry Monster is the only dedicated, end-to-end slurry management company in the world, who can help you implement safe, efficient, and compliant methods of waste treatment. In addition, Sarah is also the founder & President of the newly formed, Women's Association of Concrete Professionals.  Founded in 2022 by women in the concrete construction trades, the Women's Association of Concrete Professionals (WACP) was formed to be a place for women specific to the concrete industry to find resources to better their careers and have made it their mission to become the greatest resource for women in concrete.   Ladies and Gentleman, allow the Garb to introduce, Mrs Sarah Bryan, Founder & President of the Women's Association of Concrete Professionals.   Website: https://www.wacponline.org World of Concrete Discount Code: A26WC Slurry Monster LLC https://slurrymonster.com/?SID=d56e34325f86a9b4088d4e7be347f1ff  

Glenn White has recently become in charge of Customer Relations at ready mix concrete company here in Lincoln Nebraska.  Prior to his current role, Glenn was a Ready Mix Truck Driver for 40 years and has seen the city of Lincoln develop and grow largely in part from the materials he has delivered over the past 4 decades.  If you have been placing concrete in Lincoln Nebraska for any amount of time, I'm sure you have a soft spot for Mr. white.   Ladies and Gentleman, allow the Garb to introduce, Mr. Glenn White, the gentle giant!   YOUTUBE: A day in a life of a ready mix driver, Glenn White

Today, the garb brings you Joshua Jones.  Josh is the director of The Career Academy (TCA) here in Lincoln NE since 2020.  Before being TCA's director, Josh spent 3 years as TCA's coordinator.  Prior to joining TCA, Jones was assistant principal at Elliott Elementary School and a special education teacher at Lincoln Southeast High School. Before joining LPS, he held numerous leadership positions with Aurora Public Schools in Colorado.   The Career Academy is a joint venture between Lincoln Public Schools and Southeast Community College. The goal of TCA is to provide academic and real world experiences to high school juniors and seniors through high school and dual credit courses in 16 different career pathways.   Ladies and Gentleman, Let's "test drive your future" and allow the garb to introduce, Mr. Joshua Jones with the Career Academy!

Today, the garb brings you Greg Mulder.  Greg is the Executive Director of the Iowa Concrete Paving Association and the Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Greg came to the ICPA/IRMCA in January of 2017 from the Iowa Department of Transportation, where he held many positions over the past 20 years and most recently the Director of Construction and Materials for IDOT.   Greg holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University and is a registered professional engineer in Iowa.  He has specialized in construction administration, construction process improvements, innovations, and common sense throughout his career. Greg has helped the Iowa become a national leader in e-Construction and started the e-Ticketing program while at the DOT.   Ladies and Gentleman, allow the garb to introduce, Mr. Greg Mulder with Iowa Concrete Paving Association and the Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association, otherwise known as the "Concrete State"!    Special Thanks to our Sponsor: Stephens & Smith Construction Co., Inc.

Today, the garb brings you Bev Garnant with the American Society of Concrete Contractors.  Bev is the current Executive Director for ASCC and will be retiring next month and the Garb thought it would be critical to get her story recorded.  A graduate of Cornell College, Bev started her career at Widmar/Garnant & Associates in 1976, which was primarily operating in the Public Relations and Publicity sector.  In 2003, she made her final career move to ASCC as their Executive Director. The American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of concrete contractors and those who build with concrete, and to providing them a unified voice in the construction industry.   Ladies and Gentleman, allow the garb to introduce, Mrs. Beverly Garnant, American Society of Concrete Contractors.  

Today, the Garb brings you Andrew Schellpeper with Murray Custom Homes.  Andrew is a project manager for Murray Custom Homes and his job is to keep projects moving along efficiently. Keeping in direct contact with subcontractors regarding scheduling and payment. After the building process, Andrew works with the homeowners to ensure warranty items are addressed in a timely fashion.  I was first introduced to Andrew 5 years ago through the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, otherwise known as HBAL.  We have both been active members of HBAL and their committees such as Careers in Construction.  A committee dedicated to increasing awareness of construction careers.    Ladies and Gentleman, allow the garb to introduce, Mr. Andrew Schellpeper with Murray Custom Homes! Let's do this!

Today, the garb brings you Steve Turner.  Steve is the owner and operator of Turner Upholstery since 1989 and has recently founded the organization, "Bring Back the Trades".  Bring Back the Trades is a New Hampshire based non profit organization who is dedicated to promoting and educating the public on the need for skilled trade professionals.  Particularly, Bring back the trades's mission is to change the mindset of the education system and its perception of the need for skilled trades.   Bring Back the Trades Website Bring Back the Trades Facebook Bring Back the Trades LinkedIn Bring Back the Trades Instragram

Today, the garb brings you Jason Ells.  Jason is the Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development and is responsible for developing strategic sales and marketing.  Jason is also the current VP for the Concrete Foundation Association, which supports the cast-in-place  foundation contractor as the voice and recognized authority for the residential concrete industry.  His approach to business is “Take care of people and people will take care of you”!   I met Jason a couple years ago through a mutual colleague, Jim Baty, with the Concrete Foundation Association.  I recently stumbled on a podcast interview with Jason titled "Destination Employer" via the  "Be Worth Following" podcast.  Thirty minutes later, I was begging Mr. Ells to join me on the garb.  In this episode, we will touch on company culture, leadership, and what it means to be a "Destination employer".   Let's do this!

Today, Concrete Garb brings you Sheila O'Connor, Executive Director with the AGC Nebraska Building Chapter.  Prior to AGC Nebraska Building Chapter, she was the VP & Interim President for the Nebraska Trucking Association where she developed programs for member recruitment and retention, enhanced the image of the Association and its members, and created opportunities for membership networking and education.  She also has experience with academia as she spent nearly a decade at Metropolitan community college in the public affairs office working to develop, design, plan and implement communications, marketing and outreach program for Metro.  I would also like to add she worked as the Director of Events and conferencing for Midland Lutheran College, as well as, Sales development manager for Lincoln/Lancster County Convention and Visitors Bureau.   Ladies and Gentleman, allow the garb to introduce, Mrs. Sheila O'Connor aka your Chief Curiosity Correspondent.

Well, It's Construction Safety Week Garb fans! Today, the garb is going to keep this theme of safety by sitting down with our two Omaha Safety Coordinators, Mr. Steve Clasen and Mr. Mark Bruhnzel to finish off this week.  Steve Clasen is a Military Veteran with 28+ years of experience in the United States Army. Steve possesses a comprehensive background in personnel and operations management derived from conducting domestic and global operations in the United States, Germany, Somalia, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.  He also possesses extensive knowledge in coaching, logistics and performance metrics. Steve also is the recipient of multiple awards for outstanding performance and professionalism. Mark Bruhnzel has a construction background with 32 years of Masonry experience in and around Minnesota running jobs and managing crews. Mark has exceptional communication skills with proven results in communicating with diverse types of people of all backgrounds and educations levels.  Before joining Stephens and

Today the garb brings you Joseph Whiteman.  Joe is the Director of Safety Services for the American Society of Concrete Contractors and brings over 17 years of safety experience gathered from working for Turner Construction (largest domestic contractor in the United States as of 2020) and Morley Construction (specialty concrete contractor).  Joseph joined ASCC full time in the fall of 2019 to help implement one of ASCC’s goals in having the safest concrete contractors in the industry!   Joseph received an Associate of Science degree in Environmental Technology - Occupational Health and Safety and holds both the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and the Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) certification through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP).   Mr. Whiteman also served as a scout team leader with Alpha company fourth light armored reconnaissance battalion, United States marine core. He received the National Defense medal, received the Presidential Unit Citation along with rece

Dear Concrete Nation, Today, the garb brings you Lance Jordan.  Lance retired from Stephens & Smith at the end of 2021 with 43 years of hard work and dedication.  I can attest that Lance went from a work-a-holic, to being fortunate enough to spend his retirement with his wife and especially his grandkids.  Lance was the Vice President of the Omaha Foundation Division at Stephens & Smith Construction Company.  He is a past chairman of the board for Stephens & Smith Construction, past board member for the concrete foundation association, and he was awarded the CFA "Contractor of the Year" in 2012.  Let's do this!

Today the garb brings you Dave Swanson.  Dave is the current Director of Business Development at Metro Pavers in Iowa City Iowa.  His main expertise is with the cement as he has spent the last 20 years in sales and marketing in the cement industry.  Dave has been a personal friend and colleague of mine since 2006.  His passion for our people as well as our product is unmatched by most.   Allow me to introduce, Dave Swanson.  A true concrete advocate and construction enthusiast with a passion for people!

Today the Garb brings you Dr. Tyler Ley.  Tyler has more than 20 years of experience in the fields of structural concrete and concrete materials.  He is currently a professor at Oklahoma state university but he as also worked as design consultant and contractor.     He has won nearly every award our industry has to offer with my favorite being his recognition as one of the Most Influential People in the Concrete Industry by Concrete Construction Magazine in 2019.   He is very active with the American Concrete Institute as a voting member on numerous committees.  His YouTube has over 6 million views.  People.  What else can I say?   Ladies and gentlemen, Concrete Garb presents Dr. Tyler Ley,  a true Concrete Cowboy from Oklahoma State University, lets do this!

Today the Garb brings you Mr. Tim Hostettler.  Tim is the Program Director for the newly formed Concrete Industry Management Program at South Dakota State University, which is one of 5 universities in the nation where you can earn a bachelors degree in Concrete!    Construction Industry Management students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of the concrete industry, its production techniques and construction applications through typical classroom-style learning, as well as hands-on experience through an array of internship opportunities.  As of 2020, there are nearly 500 students pursuing degrees in CIM and more than 1,300 have graduated from the program since its inception in 1996.   Now, what makes Tim such a good fit to be the program director of this newly developed program at SDSU? Tim is a testament to his own success as he is a CIM graduate himself as he received his Masters Degree in Concrete Industry Management at Middle Tennessee State University and has also taught in the CIM program for

Today, the Garb brings you Randall Jantzen, Director of Market Growth at Leadership Resources.  Randall has over a decade of experience in corporate and customer relationships, office and team management, and building connections with the community.  As Director of Market Growth, he helps leaders and businesses realize their potential through strategic planning and leadership development.   Grab your headphones and let's grab some Garb!