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In this episode: In this first news brief for February 2026, Christi and Angela share construction-industry updates with a focus on North Carolina and South Carolina. They highlight state government priorities aimed at removing bottlenecks and maintaining the Carolinas’ status as a top construction market, including South Carolina’s South Carolina Justice Act push to reform joint and several liability toward a proportionate fault system to reduce “deep pocket” lawsuits and lower insurance premiums. They also discuss South Carolina energy expansion bills to streamline permitting for high-voltage transmission lines and natural gas pipelines supporting the battery-belt surge, with electricians in high demand. Workforce items include a need for 500,000 workers nationally, ABC’s education strategy supporting certified apprenticeships, NAWIC’s 2026 safety/retention priorities for women, and North Carolina’s “graduation with a trade” pilot placing seniors on job sites to earn diplomas and Level 1 apprenticeship credentials.

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In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner welcome returning guest Jesse Hernandez (Depth Builder founder, partner in No BS with Jen and Jess, and host of Learnings and Missteps) to discuss leadership and systems in construction. Jesse shares pivotal moments from moving from installer to foreman, where intimidation got results but cost relationships, and how leadership training helped him shift to a people-centered approach. He explains why most leadership training is too generic and not contextualized to construction, emphasizing conversation, listening, and challenging ideas over slide-heavy agendas. For quick job-site results, he says leaders must be present, visible, and model desired behaviors. A simple ROI habit is setting daily targets and end-of-day check-ins to identify “time bandits” and interruptions. He urges listeners to meet someone new on the jobsite to build connections and improve the industry, and shares ways to reach him via LinkedIn and depthbuilder.com.

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In this episode: Christi Powell and co-host Angela Gardner interview Michelle James, owner and operator of Grace Construction Group and coordinator for WIC Week at NAWIC Columbia, about pivoting into construction at 47 after work in nonprofit and the legal world, including serving as a municipal judge. Michelle shares why she chose construction after COVID, how her legal background helps with contracts, liability, and building business processes, and how she brings accountability to a family-run company through communication, meetings, documentation, goal-setting, and aligning projects to a mission. She emphasizes “the cost of silence,” arguing that asking questions prevents expensive project misunderstandings and creates a healthier team environment. Michelle also discusses faith-driven community giving, partnering with HomeWorks, and her former Prosperity Project nonprofit in Columbia.

Sponsored by: GirlUp Greenville and Groundbreak

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In this episode: Women Talk Construction celebrates its four-year anniversary during Women in Construction Week 2026 with guest Jennifer Lacy of Robins & Morton, Director of Building Forward and LEAN Practices. Lacy discusses “respect for people” as the core of LEAN construction, emphasizing that leaders build psychological safety through daily interactions, especially by listening, asking open-ended questions, and responding directly to what others say rather than preconceived agendas. She explains how her “No BS with Jen and Jess” community began as live streams and grew into a space for uncomfortable but needed conversations. Lacy highlights mental and physical health as business strategies tied to retention and safety, sharing her father’s death after years of overwork as a warning against postponing self-care. She encourages creating transparent, vulnerable workplaces and serving others through everyday actions.

Sponsored by: NPK and Groundbreak Carolinas

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In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner host Patrick Scarpati, an ABC apprenticeship graduate and licensed HVAC-R journeyperson (refrigeration), who now works at ABC National, focused on construction technology and innovation. Patrick shares his path into the trades after college wasn’t a fit, his volunteer leadership with ABC chapters, and how ABC’s Construction Technology and Innovation efforts—supported by a 22-company member committee—help contractors of all sizes with tech strategy, adoption, and implementation. The conversation highlights ABC’s 2025 BuildTech report as the fifth tech report and its focus on job-site hardware and real-world field case studies (including tools like laser scanners and robotic total stations) to reduce hurdles, clarify ROI, and encourage champions in the field and office. Patrick discusses what’s being adopted most: project management software, safety technology (training, inspections, observations, incident tracking, and leveraging historical safety data for bidding and forecasting), and growing drone usage for progress monitoring, security, safety, and measuring stockpiles. They discuss how tech changes roles and training, the challenge of whether to hire for tech skills versus construction experience, and the need for an “aha” moment rather than forcing culture shifts, including guidance around AI policies. Patrick also explains ABC programs STEP (a safety management system to evaluate and improve safety culture) and Excellence in Construction (recognizing contractors across many project types and sizes). The episode includes a Conexpo-Con/Agg announcement (March 3–7, 2026, Las Vegas; code WTC20 for 20% off) and notes ABC’s participation as an industry and education partner, with Patrick predicting workforce impacts from equipment/tool management via telematics and increasing autonomy in equipment operation. Patrick directs listeners to abc.org, the technology resources and webinars, and how to find and join a local ABC chapter.

Sponsored by: ConExpo & NPK

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In this epsiode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner interview Angela Carter, a board member of ABC Carolinas and a leader at Metcon Building and Infrastructure. Angela shares her 30 years of experience in construction, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, leadership, mentorship, and accountability in building successful teams. She highlights her work in business development, community partnerships, and workforce development, including the RISE Academy initiative. Angela also discusses Metcon's impressive growth under her strategic guidance, underscoring the value of intentional leadership and team engagement. Listeners are encouraged to pursue careers in construction, and Angela offers her contact information for those interested in learning more.

Sponsored by: Groundbreak Carolinas

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In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner are joined by Beth Courtright from Studson and Candace Rogers from TwiceMe to discuss advancements in head protection for construction workers. The conversation highlights the shift from traditional type-one helmets to modern type-two helmets that offer comprehensive protection. They also delve into the integration of medical IDs into helmets, which can significantly aid first responders during emergencies. Other topics include the importance of comfortable, well-fitting safety gear and innovations in PPE management through digital solutions. The episode emphasizes the collaborative efforts of companies like Studson and twice me in driving safety advancements in the construction industry.

Sponsored by: ConExpo & NPK

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In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner speak with Kelly Wyatt and Jimmy Kaphusman from M.B. Kahn regarding their experiences in the construction industry. The discussion covers important topics such as mentorship, workplace culture, and the impact of technology and innovation in construction. Kelly shares her career journey from starting as an administrative assistant to becoming a project manager, emphasizing the importance of taking initiative and finding mentors. Jimmy discusses the significance of fostering a supportive workplace culture and the role of technology in leveling the playing field. The conversation also highlights the importance of mental health awareness and support within the industry. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to advance their career in construction or understand the evolving dynamics of the industry.

Sponsored by: ConExpo & NPK

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