Do you live and breathe construction? Life in Construction is unlike any other podcast in the industry. Each episode we feature new guests and talk in-depth about the commercial construction industry. We discuss topics such as labor shortages, freight, new health and safety standards, mental health, funding, and much much more. Join us while we talk about what it's really like to work in construction!
Listen to our latest episodes out every month!
Life in Construction: Attracting and Retaining Talent in the Concrete Industry
In this episode of the Life in Construction podcast, host Suzanne Lianopoulos is joined by co-host Rick Montani, Senior Advisor at Sika, to explore one of the most pressing challenges facing the construction sector today: attracting and retaining talent within the concrete industry with special guest Julie Garbini!
The conversation dives into the ongoing labor shortage impacting the industry and examines the underlying causes, from shifting workforce demographics to evolving career expectations. Suzanne and Rick discuss what makes the concrete sector unique, the misconceptions that may deter new entrants, and the opportunities available for those considering a career in construction.
Listeners will gain insights into practical strategies companies can use to build stronger talent pipelines, improve employee engagement, and create workplaces that support long-term career growth. The episode also highlights the importance of industry-wide collaboration, modernizing the perception of construction careers, and investing in the next generation of skilled professionals.
Whether you're an industry leader, hiring manager, or someone interested in the future of construction, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to strengthen and sustain the workforce in a rapidly changing landscape.
Listen now on your favorite platform!
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YouTube COMING SOON!
Developments, Trends, and Sustainability in Commercial Roofing
In this episode of Life in Construction, co-hosts Suzanne and Rick sit down with commercial roofing professionals Brian Whelan and Dan Murphy for an inside look at the current realities of the industry with the market developments, the people, the challenges, and the future opportunities.
Looking back to 2025 and now forward into 2026, Brian and Dan discuss the key factors impacting the commercial roofing market. Key trends in labor, supply chain, product technology, and sustainability are explored. In addition, consolidation of manufacturers, distributors and (increasingly) contractors, are changing the industry dynamics in ways that will shape the future of commercial roofing.
Whether you're exploring opportunities in roofing or simply want to better understand this large and important portion of the overall construction market, this conversation with two leading industry experts will surely bring key insights into focus!
Listen now on your favorite platform!
Inside the PEX Mission: Sustainability through the Preservation & Service Life Extension
In this episode of Life in Construction, new co-hosts Suzanne Lianopoulos and Rick Montani welcome industry leaders Peter Emmons (President/CEO/Founder of Structural Group Inc.) and David Whitmore (President and Chief Innovation Officer, Vector Corrosion Technologies) to introduce P+Ex — the Center of Excellence for the Preservation and Service Life Extension of Concrete Structures.
With a combined 100 years of experience in concrete repair, protection, and strengthening, Peter and David share how P+Ex was founded, why extending the life of existing structures is one of the most powerful sustainability actions the construction industry can take, and how preservation shifts the mindset from “break and fix” to long-term asset management.
The conversation explores P+Ex’s six strategic goals, its collaborative working groups, and real-world examples showing how concrete preservation reduces CO₂ emissions, conserves resources, and delivers financial value. This episode offers a practical, forward-looking perspective on sustainability that's focused not on building more, but on preserving what we already have.
Listen now on your favorite platform!