BUILD St. Louis

Episode 33: Milwaukee Valve: The Connectedness of Builders and Suppliers with Jeff Kiefer

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, host Kerry Smith discusses the critical need for connectedness in the construction community with Jeff Kiefer, National Director of Commercial and Industrial Sales at Milwaukee Valve. Jeff emphasizes the importance of collaboration and training in four key areas: labor, regulations, technology, and the supply chain. He shares insights on leveraging suppliers for training, adapting to regulatory changes, and staying informed about evolving technologies and supply chain challenges. The discussion also highlights the role of the Mechanical Contractors Association in fostering connectivity within the industry. Jeff concludes by underscoring Milwaukee Valve's longstanding commitment as a family-owned business and the ongoing value of collaboration in navigating the complexities of construction.For more information, checkout www.informationworks.org

Episode 32: What is Lightweight Cellular Concrete? with Jane and Mike Megown, Elastizell of St. Louis

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, host Kerry Smith welcomes Jane and Mike Megown from Elastizell of St. Louis to discuss lightweight cellular concrete. They explore the material's composition, diverse applications including backfill for MSE walls and pipe abandonment, and its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional materials. The Megowns highlight a project in Nashville as an example of the material's efficiency in filling gaps around a parking garage foundation. They stress the importance of educating structural designers and engineers about lightweight cellular concrete's benefits and offer their expertise to interested parties. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the versatility and advantages of lightweight cellular concrete in construction.
 
For more information, visit www.informationworks.org

Episode 31: VDC Innovation with Clinton Murphy, Holland Construction Services

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, the guest is Clinton Murphy, the Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Manager at Holland Construction Services. They discuss the concept of VDC and its difference from Building Information Modeling (BIM). Clinton explains that while BIM uses 3D models to manage and optimize construction, VDC goes beyond that to include coordination, managing design, and other processes. He also talks about the benefits of using VDC in projects, such as prefabrication and early issue identification. Clinton shares examples of how Holland Construction has applied VDC in various projects, including apartment buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, and industrial work. He emphasizes the value of involving the VDC team from business development through pre-construction and operations.
 
For more information, visit www.informationworks.org

Episode 30: What Lies Beneath with Jeremy Rodriguez

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, host Kerry Smith interviews Jeremy Rodriguez, president of Crossroads Construction Services. They discuss Jeremy's expertise in environmental abatement and demolition services. Jeremy explains that his company primarily focuses on removing hazardous materials and conducting interior demolitions to create safe spaces for builders and developers. He mentions the various types of materials they handle, including asbestos, mold, lead, universal waste, and hazardous household waste. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of thorough testing and collaboration with environmental consultants to ensure proper handling and disposal of materials. For more information, check www.informationworks.org

Episode 29: Post-Pandemic Class A Office Leasing with Tom Ray

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, host Kerry Smith welcomes Tom Ray, a first vice president at CBRE, to discuss the state of California Class A office leasing in St. Louis in mid-2023. They explore the impact of remote work on the office market and how it has changed the traditional playbook of office space usage. Tom highlights the opportunities and challenges for landlords and tenants in this evolving landscape, including the flight to quality and the importance of creating a better office experience for employees. They also discuss the length of office leases, the rising construction costs, and the competition for talent. 
 
For more information, check www.informationworks.org

Episode 28: The Current State of the Supply Chain with Randy Bueckendorf

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, host Kerry Smith interviews Randy Bueckendorf, the president of BEX Construction Services. Randy shares his expertise on the state of the construction material supply chain, discussing the ongoing supply chain issues in the industry. He mentions that while the supply of raw materials like lumber, steel, and copper has improved, there are still significant challenges with electrical switchgear and HVAC equipment. Randy explains how project teams navigate these delays by adjusting project timelines and finding temporary solutions. He also highlights the importance of collaboration between designers, builders, and owners in finding innovative alternatives.For more information, check www.informationworks.org

Episode 27: Staying Safe on the Jobsite with John Flynn, Contegra Construction

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, host Kerry Smith interviews John Flynn, Safety Director at Contegra Construction, about the importance of staying safe on the job site. They discuss Contegra Construction's safety culture, which is characterized by collaboration and involvement from all levels of the company, including the leadership team. John highlights the company's commitment to employee safety and the implementation of measures such as pre-job meetings and kickoff meetings to address potential risks and ensure safety protocols are in place. He also emphasizes the importance of employee buy-in and involvement in the safety program. For more information, visit www.informationworks.org

Episode 26: IMEG: The Critical Importance of Big Data with Brendon Buckley

In this episode of the BUILD St. Louis podcast, host Kerry Smith interviews Brendon Buckley, leader of building intelligence and integration services at IMEG. They discuss the topic of big data and its life-saving power in the context of design and construction. Brendan explains the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) and how it relates to big data. He shares examples of how big data and IoT are being leveraged in different industries, such as airlines and theme parks, to enhance the consumer experience.
For more information, check www.informationworks.org