Today we bring you two key instructors from the Building Construction Technology department at Southeast Community College -Milford Campus, Mr. Jason Adams & Mr. Bruce Stutzman.  Jason is the Program Director & Instructor for Building Construction Technology program.  Jason is a graduate from SCC's Building Construction Technology and Architectural-Engineering program.  Bruce is also a graduate of Southeast community college in architectural engineering. He worked with Roth & Troyer Construction as a concrete foundation contractor before moving on and starting his own company as a residential concrete flatwork contractor. Bruce was recruited to specifically teach SCC's new 1 year diploma, Concrete Construction Technician.   There is a lot of exciting stuff happening in Milford and if you are a concrete contractor in Nebraska or if you have any vested interest in the construction programs in Milford, whether your a graduate or looking to hire.  This podcast episode is for you!   Talking Points in this Episode: Overview of SCC Building Construction Technology Program. Reaping the rewards of teaching What it takes to be successful at SCC Certification Programs at SCC NEW 1 year diploma for a "Concrete Construction Technician" Recruiting and promoting new programs like the Concrete Construction Technician? Future facilities - new trades building.   SCC-Milford Building Construction Technology Program Website   Follow us on FACEBOOK Twitter Spotify iTunes Stitcher

Concrete Garb

Episode 40: Jason Adams & Bruce Stutzman, Creating Pathway for Future Concrete Professionals

Today we bring you two of our top dogs at Stephens & Smith Construction who have not only mentored and advised my career here at Stephens & Smith over the past 4 years, but who have also impacted and influenced the lives of many young men and women over the course of their own careers.  Mr. Brett Richert, President of Real Estate Investment Properties who oversees and manages the development of our properties such as our self storage facilities and our apartment complexes.  Also with us today is Mr. Steve Willis, President and CEO of Stephens and Smith who oversees many of our employee owners benefits such as our Corporate Stocks, 401K, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Insurance, and more.   October is a special month for us here at Stephens and Smith Construction because there is a national campaign going on called Employee Ownership month which is a month long celebration of the undeniable benefits employee ownership provides to employees, companies, local communities, and the nation.   With these two bringing a combined years of service of over 75 years here at Stephens and Smith, who better to interview in October than these two.  Settle in boys and girls and join me in welcoming Mr. Steve Willis and Mr. Brett Richert. 

Episode 39: Steve Willis & Brett Richert, ESOP's and B-Bop's

Bob and Mike grew up right here in Lincoln, NE. They have been friends since junior high school. They came together shortly after graduating high school and formed Stephens & Smith Construction Co., Inc. in 1971. In the early days, they were considered builder then they focused on concrete flatwork...which then developed into concrete foundations, gypcrete, floor coatings, water-proofing and more.   Due to this expansion, it became apparent that if they wanted to realize their company vision, they needed to create a method for hiring and retaining highly motivated and talented employees.  A compensation system was devised that was uncommon to the construction industry. They felt that to achieve the success that they dreamed of, they needed to allow employees the ability to not only make a good living, but also to allow for the sharing in the profits and ownership of the company itself. This was accomplished with the establishment of a company employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP.   So now we can proudly say, Stephens and Smith Construction Company truly has, “An Owner on Every Project”.  The management style by Bob Stephens and Mike Smith, transformed the company from a relatively small Lincoln area concrete construction company into an employee owned regional company that has been ranked by Concrete Construction magazine as one of the top 100 most successful concrete construction companies in the nation.   What began as two friends who decided to become business partners in 1971, is now an organization currently with over 240 employee owners. I'm sure I can speak on their behalf as they would say, "It has been a great ride"   Ladies and Gentleman, allow me to introduce, Mr. Bob Stephens and Mr. Mike Smith. 

EP 38: Bob Stephens & Mike Smith, "Celebrating 50 Years!"

Mack Story has logged over 11,000 hours leading teams through organizational change and I would like to add personal change, personal transformation for many individuals, including myself.  He is the author of the extremely popular Blue-Collar Leadership® Series.  Which is a series of books, podcasts, and other resources specifically for the blue collar workforce.  He has a great personal story of success and fulfillment through servant leadership.  I can tell Mack truly cares about improving and helping others to reach their own goals.   His wife Ria Story is also an author, TEDx speaker, and expert in leadership and life skills for women. Ria has nearly 20 years of experience in leadership and management. Mack and Ria co-founded Top Story Leadership in 2008, are certified leadership speakers and trainers, and between the two have published 31 books on leadership development and personal growth.  What a great pair.    Ladies & Gents, Mr. Mack Story!

EP 37: Mack Story, Blue Collar Leadership - KEEP CLIMBING!

If you haven't heard already, Stephens & Smith Construction is celebrating 50 years in the biz and for 22 years we have had a safety director, Denny Ackerson, who has carried the load in regard to developing and implementing our safety program with nearly 250 employee owners.  One of our goals with this new safety initiative, was to get Denny some help and hire a couple safety coordinators for Omaha and Lincoln.  Well today, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the two individuals who are working with Denny to keep our workforce safe, Ms. Christen Rasmussen (aka Charlee) & Mr. Tim Held, who both have a passion for construction and a passion for safety.      Settle in boys and girls, it's a good one!

Episode 36: Christen Rasmussen & Tim Held

Personal development means consisting of activities that develop a persons capabilities and potential.  It means consisting of activities or exercises that build human capital and facilitates employability and enhancing the quality of life.  In short, personal development is simply being the best version of yourself.  So, what are you doing to become the best version of yourself?

Concrete Garb EP 35: Personal Development

Today we bring you two individuals who have played a huge role in the recent building of a concrete home for Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln.   Jeremy Trujillo joined Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln in September 2016 as ReStore Manager. In April 2018, he was promoted to Operations Director, overseeing the affiliate's construction and homeownership programs as well as ReStore. Prior to joining Habitat Lincoln, Jeremy was the Assistant ReStore Manager Habitat for Humanity in New Mexico, where he worked for 5 years. Jeremy has a Criminal Justice Degree from New Mexico State University.   Jeff Mulder joined Nebraska Concrete & Aggregates Association in 2018 as their Promotions Director.  Jeff has been working hard over the past few years promoting Insulated Concrete Forms and other concrete applications.  Prior to working for the NC&AA, Jeff worked at Menards in Columbus Nebraska for nearly 20 years as their General Manager.    Ladies and Gentlemen join me in welcoming mr Jeremy Trujillo and Mr. Jeff Mulder.    Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln https://lincolnhabitat.org Nebraska Concrete & Aggregates Association https://nebrconcagg.com Build With Strength https://buildwithstrength.com News Article on ICF habitat home... https://www.1011now.com/2021/05/24/lincoln-construction-crews-use-lumber-alternative-as-demand-skyrockets/   

Concrete Garb EP34: Habitat for Humanity Meets Build with Strength

Doug Fletcher has worked as a Safety and Health professional for over 23 years. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).   Prior to starting Fletcher Safety Consulting Inc., Doug worked for Federal OSHAs Omaha area office. During his 17 years with OSHA, he served as a Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CSHO), Assistant Area Director, and the Acting Area Director of both the Omaha and Des Moines area offices.   For much of his OSHA career, Doug served as the Compliance Assistance Specialist (CAS) for Nebraska. In this position, Doug acted as the face of OSHA for employers, employees, and other stakeholders throughout the state and the country. He was instrumental in providing training, outreach, and education on workplace safety and health to thousands of people across Nebraska and nationwide. He was also responsible for evaluating the safety and health programs of hundreds of companies, including those interested in participating in OSHA?s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) which are some of the finest safety and health management systems in existence. (https://fletchersafety.com)   Doug's Podcast, WHATS THE HAZARD?    

Concrete Garb EP 33: Doug Fletcher, Fletcher Safety Consulting

 Today, the Garb brings you three passionate concrete professionals from Stephens & Smith Construction company who have made a huge impact on Stephens & Smith's new safety initiative, Building CONCRETE "Building Concrete" is not just any safety program. It is tailored for Stephens and Smith's safety program and is the basis to our new culture moving forward.  "Building C.O.N.C.R.E.T.E” stands for “Creating Ownership, Networking, Culture, and Respectful Empowered Teammates Every day.” As a company, we need to “Make a choice by choosing safety.” Our goal is to do every task the right way, the first time and every time safely. Remember, Make a Concrete Choice, Choose Safety!  Join me in welcoming Denny Ackerson, Ryan Sadil, and Travis Jenkinson.  Booyah! 

Concrete Garg EP 32: Building CONCRETE

Matt is Chief Operating Officer for Kinning Design Build, specializing in designing and building custom homes in and around the Lincoln area. He joined his parents, Mike and Mary Kinning, in the business in 2010. Matt has been involved in KDB since he was born, everything from picking up trash, building decks, framing and trimming plus helping in the office. He knows the ins and outs of home building from working with potential new clients to the closing of their homes; his primary duties include sales, estimating and materials ordering.   He is a graduate of Lincoln Southwest High School and in 2012 he earned his real estate license. Matt has served as president for HBAL’s Young Building Professionals Council, is chairman of the HBAL Hog Roast committee and has helped with Santa Cop projects. He’s a mentor for HBAL at Lincoln High School.  More importantly, he is currently the 71st President for the Home Builders Association of Lincoln.   He and his wife, Lacey, have three children. In his spare time he enjoys golfing, Husker football and hockey with the Blackhawks being his favorite team.

Concrete Garb EP31: Matt Kinning, Kinning Design Build Inc.

Today we bring you Carmen Schwab, owner of Carmen Schwab Consulting.  Carmen is a Hastings Nebraska native who is passionate about people. She is a Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Coach and Trainer for the John Maxwell team and Owner at Carmen Schwab Consulting. If that doesn’t sound like enough, she also works for Zeng Granite, a local stone fabricator and more!  Ladies & Gentleman allow us to introduce, Mrs Carmen Schwab, a mother, a wife, and a leader.  Booyah! https://zenggranite.com https://www.carmenschwab.com  

Concrete Garb EP30: Carmen Schwab

Today, the Garb brings you Mrs. Pam Magner.  Pam began her career in kitchen and bath design in 1991 after graduating from UNK with one of the first degrees available in Kitchen Design. She began working for Reynolds Design and Remodeling in 1993, and became their General Manager in 2014.    Magner is an award winning designer with over 26 years of experience in kitchen and bathroom design and remodeling.  She has her Master’s Degree and has earned her Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) administered through the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).   Professionally, Pam has served as an officer for the local NKBA chapter and maintains her certifications through numerous continuing education courses. Locally, she has also served as Vice Chair and Chairman of the Remodeler’s Council, HBAL Board of Directors, member of HBAL’s Careers in Construction committee, a PTSO officer at her children’s school, and member of the LPS Community Curriculum Council.

Concrete Garb EP29: Pam Magner, Reynolds Design & Remodeling

Today, the garb brings you Heidi Polacek, Co-owner at Lincoln Cabinet.  Heidi is originally from Hastings, Nebraska and graduated from University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2004 with Bachelors of Science with emphasis in Kitchens and Bath. Heidi began working at Lincoln Cabinet starting in October 2006 starting as a Design Assistant, moving to the Office Manager position, and excelled in Sales and Design before becoming an owner in September 2016.  Heidi is an active member of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln currently serving Chair on their Remodeler's Council of Lincoln.  Heidi is also active with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and was president of the NKBA Nebraska/Kansas Chapter in 2012-2013.     

Concrete Garb EP28: Heidi Polacek, Lincoln Cabinet

Ted Butler is the current Chief Operating Officer with Nebco INC.  He started his construction career at Hawkins Construction Company in Omaha where he worked from assistant superintendent to VP of the company.  He then had a desire to work on larger, more complex projects and soon went to Kiewit and worked on various projects from tunnels in NYC to Levee work in New Orleans and even worked in Canada on light rail.  He has now found his home with Nebco inc.  NEBCO is a third-generation, family-owned, and operated business. With over 1,000 employees, and has grown to become one of Nebraska’s largest privately owned firms.  Please join me in welcoming Mr. Ted Butler aka Champ Champ.  

Concrete Garb EP27: Ted Butler, aka "Champ Champ"

Stan Haas is the Skilled and Technical Science Coordinator for the Lincoln Public Schools.  Skilled and Technical Sciences provide students with learning experiences and provide knowledge of various industries, occupations, and life skills.  High School students may choose from a variety of courses with focuses in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), CAD (Computer-Aided Design), Construction/Woodworking, Manufacturing, and Welding.  STS emphasizes design, problem-solving, cooperative effort, career opportunities, safe and efficient work habits, quality of work, and good stewardship of the environment.  Students will develop an appreciation for diversity and value the contribution of each person through a collaborative effort.  These courses are a great foundation to ensure that our students are career and/or college-ready. (LPS.ORG) So kick back, relax, and let's talk shop!

Concrete Garb EP26: Stan Haas, "Talking Shop"

Promoting the People, Rather than Product by giving the concrete industry a sense of style. Grab some Garb

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Concrete Garb

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