Tools of the Trade: Your Number 1 Construction Industry Resource

The Builders Code - Taking the pledge and a stand for diversity, inclusion, bullying and harassment in the workplace

If you’re big into construction tech (aka contech), you’ve most likely heard of Procore. Procore is a smart and easy-to-use platform that’s designed to help users manage their projects, resources, and financials. In this episode, you’ll learn all the basics of construction tech (and Procore) from no less than Procore’s VP himself, Jas Saraw.Jas is a successful sales executive with close to two decades of technology experience including cloud construction and cloud ERP/CRM/Financial/eCommerce and content solution. He also has a vast experience in direct sales, territory and strategic account management, and prospecting and demand creation. In today’s show, we talked to Jas about Procore and construction tech and we covered all you need to know—how contech helps increase productivity, the impact of COVID-19 on the growing tech space, where he thinks things are going contech-wise, and what the future of tech is.If you want to know more about the use of technology in the construction space and how it can help you move forward, this is one episode you shouldn’t miss!

Jas Saraw VP of Procore Canada and the future of construction technology

Looking for a job and would like to know the best way to get your resume in front of the right employer? You have come to the right place! In today’s show, we covered all the basics of recruitment and got the facts straight from the expert recruiter himself, Jeremy Lawson. Jeremy is the VP of Design, Construction, and Property at PMC Specialist Recruitment Solutions, a company that specializes in the recruitment of construction and design professionals related to the buildings and infrastructure industries. Jeremy is skilled in management, interviewing, business development, and recruiting. PMC Specialist Recruitment Solutions offers flexible solutions to clients and provides crucial service offerings including screening, sourcing, and closing.In this episode, we picked Jeremy’s brain and asked him some of the most relevant questions we have about recruitment—how to know when it’s time to look for new opportunities, the benefits of working with third-party recruiters, and the value they bring to employers, among many others.Jeremy also provided some profound wisdom and shared his thoughts on comfort versus happiness and how not to sell yourself short. This episode is the right combination of valuable information and sound wisdom, so please don’t miss it!Please enjoy and if you would like to participate, please send an email to colin@toolspodcast.comFor show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:InstagramTwitterFacebookYoutubeThis podcast is presented by CompanyCamCompanyCam is a photo-based solution created for contractors, by contractors. Users can take unlimited photos—which are location and time stamped, sent to the cloud, and stored securely. Every photo is organized by project and instantly available to your team, allowing you to see what’s going on anytime, anywhere. Photos can be annotated with drawings, arrows, comments, tags, and voice notes and users can create project timelines, photo galleries, reports, and transformation photos through the app. Sharing photos with customers and insurance adjusters has never been easier, and keeping your entire process organized has never been simpler.To get your free account today visit companycam.com/toolsTags: constructionpeoplebuildingindustryalabaster

Finding that dream job or 'A' player and all things recruitment

Welcome to the Tools of the Trade Monthly Toolbox Talk August EditionToday’s guest is Chad Flinn, instructor for the first year and pre-app electrical as well as Apprentice to CEO programs at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Chad started his career as an electrician, eventually finding his way into the education system as an instructor. With hands-on training and labs being such a large part of the apprenticeship training curriculum, I thought that now would be the perfect time to check-in with an educator and chat about the current and future state of trades education. Our conversation was wide-ranging from Chad's career path out of the field into the classroom to some of the current challenges trades teachers are facing due to Covid-19 and which models are being considered to deliver effective trades training moving forward.Please enjoy and if you would like to participate, please send an email to colin@toolspodcast.comFor show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:InstagramTwitterFacebookYoutubeThis podcast is presented by The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and CompanyCamThe Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is the Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeship Research and Innovation.  A national non-profit organization connecting all members of the apprenticeship community, CAF-FCA advocates for Canada’s world-class apprenticeship system, produces meaningful data to inform strategies, and highlights innovation and promising practices in apprenticeship training.For more information visit www.caf-fca.orgCompanyCam is a photo-based solution created for contractors, by contractors. Users can take unlimited photos—which are location and time stamped, sent to the cloud, and stored securely. Every photo is organized by project and instantly available to your team, allowing you to see what’s going on anytime, anywhere. Photos can be annotated with drawings, arrows, comments, tags, and voice notes and users can create project timelines, photo galleries, reports, and transformation photos through the app. Sharing photos with customers and insurance adjusters has never been easier, and keeping your entire process organized has never been simpler.To get your free account today visit companycam.com/tools

The current and future state of trades education in a Covid world

When you step inside an Alabaster home, you can see and experience how every detail has been carefully considered and executed to perfection. Alabaster is a premier builder of homes. They draw inspiration from meaningful designs that span nations and centuries, from communities, and from the harmony and balance found in nature. In this episode, we talked to Alabaster’s Director of Construction, the powerful Dani Ferenc. Dani is responsible for managing the self-performing side of Alabaster’s construction projects. This powerhouse of a woman has over a decade of senior-level management experience in various aspects of construction. To date, Dani has helped build over 800 multi-family units. Dani also exhibits strong leadership in managing trades and sub-trades as well as managing cost expectations. In this episode, we covered many interesting topics such as how she manages her time, how she maintains close relationships and contacts, and how she avoids burnout. We also covered what her experience has been like as a woman in the construction industry, her volunteer work, and her advice to women who would like to get in the industry. Dani has been an absolute pleasure to talk with and if you’re a woman who’s considering a career in the construction industry or a man for that matter,  Dani’s journey might just inspire you to finally give it a go!Please enjoy and if you would like to participate, please send an email to colin@toolspodcast.comFor show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:InstagramTwitterFacebookYoutubeThis podcast is presented by CompanyCamCompanyCam is a photo-based solution created for contractors, by contractors. Users can take unlimited photos—which are location and time stamped, sent to the cloud, and stored securely. Every photo is organized by project and instantly available to your team, allowing you to see what’s going on anytime, anywhere. Photos can be annotated with drawings, arrows, comments, tags, and voice notes and users can create project timelines, photo galleries, reports, and transformation photos through the app. Sharing photos with customers and insurance adjusters has never been easier, and keeping your entire process organized has never been simpler.To get your free account today visit companycam.com/tools

"You don't look like construction..."

Welcome to the Tools of the Trade Monthly Toolbox Talk August EditionToday’s guest is Mark Buckshon, President and Lead editor for President at Construction News and Report Group of Companies.In this episode, Mark gives us the story of how he went from foreign correspondent reporting on the Rhodesian Zimbabwe civil war to founder and lead editor of a daily news publication that spans Canada and the US.Please enjoy and if you would like to participate, please send an email to colin@toolspodcast.comFor show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:InstagramTwitterFacebookYoutubeThis podcast is presented by The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and CompanyCamThe Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is the Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeship Research and Innovation.  A national non-profit organization connecting all members of the apprenticeship community, CAF-FCA advocates for Canada’s world-class apprenticeship system, produces meaningful data to inform strategies, and highlights innovation and promising practices in apprenticeship training.For more information visit www.caf-fca.orgCompanyCam is a photo-based solution created for contractors, by contractors. Users can take unlimited photos—which are location and time stamped, sent to the cloud, and stored securely. Every photo is organized by project and instantly available to your team, allowing you to see what’s going on anytime, anywhere. Photos can be annotated with drawings, arrows, comments, tags, and voice notes and users can create project timelines, photo galleries, reports, and transformation photos through the app. Sharing photos with customers and insurance adjusters has never been easier, and keeping your entire process organized has never been simpler.To get your free account today visit companycam.com/tools

From foreign correspondent to daily construction news publication | TBT #12 Mark Buckshon

Southwest Industrial Electric has been the leading solution to the electrical problems of Southern California for 4 decades now. With professional, prompt, and competent employees, they offer nothing but the best in terms of customer service. No wonder they’ve been recognized as Inc 5000 fastest growing company 2 years in a row.However, more than their impressive accomplishments, it was Southwest’s diverse and upbeat culture, dedication to training their employees, and their focus on ethical contracting that really piqued my interest. Fortunately, Kristin Larson and Alix Smith, Southwest’s CEO and CFO respectively, agreed to come on our show.In this episode, we covered many interesting topics including Kristin’s experience as a female CEO in the construction industry, how Alix and Kristin ended up in C-Suite positions, how COVID-19 has affected their operations, and what they have learned from the global pandemic.Please enjoy and if you would like to participate, please send an email to colin@toolspodcast.comFor show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:InstagramTwitterFacebookYoutubeThis podcast is presented by CompanyCamCompanyCam is a photo-based solution created for contractors, by contractors. Users can take unlimited photos—which are location and time stamped, sent to the cloud, and stored securely. Every photo is organized by project and instantly available to your team, allowing you to see what’s going on anytime, anywhere. Photos can be annotated with drawings, arrows, comments, tags, and voice notes and users can create project timelines, photo galleries, reports, and transformation photos through the app. Sharing photos with customers and insurance adjusters has never been easier, and keeping your entire process organized has never been simpler.To get your free account today visit companycam.com/tools

Behind the scenes of Southern California's Fastest Growing Electrical Company

Welcome to the Tools of the Trade Monthly Toolbox Talk July Edition. Today’s guest is Daniel Casey, red seal welder, and corporate quality manager for Lar-Mex, a building mechanical systems contractor based out of Ottawa Ontario. Dan's story is one that seems to be playing out more and more in these episodes, which is ditching the university model for the trades. After experience with multiple trades, he landed on welding, a career he found a lot of satisfaction in but he ultimately wanted to marry up his passion with a stable, salary based career close to home. In this episode, Dan gives us the story of how he got into trades and then used his passion for coaching and helping others to segway into quality management. His approach is unique, as he uses inspections as a method for coaching and making people better and quality higher. He underscores the importance of not trying to catch people in the act of poor quality work, but rather ensuring they understand why things are to be done a certain way and how to do them.We also get into a great conversation about what it takes to be a good apprentice, journeyperson and foreman. Whether you have been in the trades for your entire career or you are just getting started, this episode has something in it for you, you won't want to miss it!Please enjoy and if you would like to participate, please send an email to colin@toolspodcast.comFor show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:InstagramTwitterFacebookYoutubeThis podcast is presented by The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and CompanyCamThe Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is the Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeship Research and Innovation.  A national non-profit organization connecting all members of the apprenticeship community, CAF-FCA advocates for Canada’s world-class apprenticeship system, produces meaningful data to inform strategies, and highlights innovation and promising practices in apprenticeship training.For more information visit www.caf-fca.orgCompanyCam is a photo-based solution created for contractors, by contractors. Users can take unlimited photos—which are location and time stamped, sent to the cloud, and stored securely. Every photo is organized by project and instantly available to your team, allowing you to see what’s going on anytime, anywhere. Photos can be annotated with drawings, arrows, comments, tags, and voice notes and users can create project timelines, photo galleries, reports, and transformation photos through the app. Sharing photos with customers and insurance adjusters has never been easier, and keeping your entire process organized has never been simpler.To get your free account today visit companycam.com/tools

Quality control, inspections and mentorship | TBT#11 Daniel Casey

Today’s special guest is the first designer I’ve had the pleasure to interview on the podcast. In this episode, I talked to award-winning interior designer Jamie Banfield. Recognized for his signature West Coast style, Jamie specializes in design for all spaces with a focus on kitchen and bath. Jamie has an innate ability to transform and create spaces that exude both beauty and function. His work has been recognized by reputable home magazines and associations throughout Western Canada. Jamie is also recognized by the National Kitchen and Bath Association as one of the industry’s Top 30 Under 30 in North America.  In this episode, Jaime gave us an insight into what a day in his life as a designer and entrepreneur looks like, what functionality is for him, and what made him a force to be reckoned with in his industry. You’d surely enjoy today’s episode so don’t forget to tune in!Please enjoy and if you would like to participate, please send an email to colin@toolspodcast.comFor show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:InstagramTwitterFacebookYoutubeThis podcast is presented by CompanyCamCompanyCam is a photo-based solution created for contractors, by contractors. Users can take unlimited photos—which are location and time stamped, sent to the cloud, and stored securely. Every photo is organized by project and instantly available to your team, allowing you to see what’s going on anytime, anywhere. Photos can be annotated with drawings, arrows, comments, tags, and voice notes and users can create project timelines, photo galleries, reports, and transformation photos through the app. Sharing photos with customers and insurance adjusters has never been easier, and keeping your entire process organized has never been simpler.To get your free account today visit companycam.com/tools

Jamie Banfield on what designers do and why you need them with | #:31

Welcome to the Tools of the Trade Monthly Toolbox Talk July Edition. In this special episode of our Monthly Toolbox Talks, we interview an amazing woman whose love for helping others knows no bounds. France Daviault has an inspiring and big heart and an impressive resume to boot. Currently, France is the executive director at the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA), a non-profit organization that connects Canada’s apprenticeship community. Prior to leading CAF-FCA with utmost ease, she served as vice president of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada where she oversaw industry programs and association operations. France earned her Certified Association Executive designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives. A bilingual, renowned leadership professional, and advocate for apprenticeship, France holds a Master of Arts in Professional Communications from Royal Roads University (with a specialization in intercultural and international communications). In today’s show, we talked about something both close to our hearts—apprenticeship. France covered all the basics of apprenticeship, from skills gap concerns to the stigmas of blue-collar careers.  This episode is powerful, inspirational, and thought-provoking, so you owe it to yourself not to miss it!Please enjoy and if you would like to participate, please send an email to colin@toolspodcast.comFor show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:InstagramTwitterFacebookYoutubeThis podcast is presented by The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and CompanyCamThe Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is the Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeship Research and Innovation.  A national non-profit organization connecting all members of the apprenticeship community, CAF-FCA advocates for Canada’s world-class apprenticeship system, produces meaningful data to inform strategies, and highlights innovation and promising practices in apprenticeship training.For more information visit www.caf-fca.orgCompanyCam is a photo-based solution created for contractors, by contractors. Users can take unlimited photos—which are location and time stamped, sent to the cloud, and stored securely. Every photo is organized by project and instantly available to your team, allowing you to see what’s going on anytime, anywhere. Photos can be annotated with drawings, arrows, comments, tags, and voice notes and users can create project timelines, photo galleries, reports, and transformation photos through the app. Sharing photos with customers and insurance adjusters has never been easier, and keeping your entire process organized has never been simpler.To get your free account today visit companycam.com/tools

All things apprenticeship with France Daviault Executive Director of CAF| TBT#10

Podcasters always come to interviews prepared and I am no exception. However, at times, you talk to someone so honest, authentic, engaging, and vulnerable that you get derailed (and I mean that in a good way). The result? You’ll hear one of the most amazing and genuine conversations between two people about life, construction, vulnerability, and everything else in between! While often referred to as the deck guru, deck guy, and deck god, Paul Lafrance is so much more. Paul is also a musician, the CEO and founder of the world-renowned Paul Lafrance Design, and the doting dad to four girls. Since 1997, HGTV’s deck virtuoso has designed and installed everything from commercial outdoor spaces, custom-built homes, and revolutionary backyard retreats.  In this episode, Paul not only gave us a little insight into his brilliant mind, but he also candidly shared some of the valuable wisdom he has learned over the years. If you’re a fan of the man, you’ll be in for a treat. Armed with his quick wit, infectious energy, and unapologetic vulnerability, today’s episode is a true delight, so don’t miss it!For show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn

Building a place of rest in a world that's gone crazy | #30: Paul Lafrance

Welcome to the Tools of the Trade Monthly Toolbox Talk June Edition. This week's episode features Campbell Macdonald entrepreneur and the CEO of Proxxi, a smart sensor that senses and interprets electricity with software. Their first product, Proxxi Band, is targeted at electrical workers. It notifies the user by vibration when they get too close to an electric current. Currently, there are no connected, always-on devices to detect electricity for the 20 million US workers covered by an electrical safety plan. Before Proxxi, Campbell co-founded Pathful, an artificial intelligence solution for enterprise marketing. Since the rise of Covid-19, Proxxi has added a new product to its wearable tech line called "Halo".  Halo is a wrist-worn band that briefly vibrates to notify wearers that another band is within 6 feet (2 meters), reminding them of the need to maintain social distance. It is deployed to all personnel at a job site or workplace to help ensure a safe physical distance is maintained. Please enjoy and if you would like to participate, please send an email to colin@toolspodcast.comFor show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:InstagramTwitterFacebookYoutubeThis podcast is presented by The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and CompanyCamThe Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is the Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeship Research and Innovation.  A national non-profit organization connecting all members of the apprenticeship community, CAF-FCA advocates for Canada’s world-class apprenticeship system, produces meaningful data to inform strategies and highlights innovation and promising practices in apprenticeship training.For more information visit www.caf-fca.orgCompanyCam is a photo-based solution created for contractors, by contractors. Users can take unlimited photos—which are location and time stamped, sent to the cloud, and stored securely. Every photo is organized by project and instantly available to your team, allowing you to see what’s going on anytime, anywhere. Photos can be annotated with drawings, arrows, comments, tags, and voice notes and users can create project timelines, photo galleries, reports, and transformation photos through the app. Sharing photos with customers and insurance adjusters has never been easier, and keeping your entire process organized has never been simpler.To get your free account today visit companycam.com/tools

The future of wearable tech in construction and manufacturing with the CEO of PROXXI | TBT #09 Campbell Macdonald

Not everyone may be aware of it but the importance of business coaching cannot be overstated. Author Andrea Schlapia provided a clear insight into the value business coaches provide when she wrote “business coaches support professionals who desire major and comprehensive improvements in all aspects of their firm. Collaboration with a coach encourages breakthroughs in change, helps manage evolution, and supports the implementation of desired outcomes.” To further explore the key role business coaches play in the success of any business, I talked to my first business coach, John Nieuwenburg. John is an award-winning professional business coach, TEDx speaker, and overall nice guy. John has been a professional business coach since 2004. To date, he has coached hundreds of clients and was awarded Canada’s CEO Trusted Advisor Award by MacKay CEO Forums in 2019. In this episode, John candidly answered some of the questions most people have about entrepreneurship and coaching—how you can hold yourself accountable, his advice for those who want to scale their business, and the common misconceptions people have about delegation. My hope is you’ll get as much value as I have from today’s episode, so please don’t miss it!

Entrepreneurship and good wine with the business coach that has read over 500 books |  #29: John Nieuwenburg 

Welcome to the Tools of the Trade Monthly Toolbox Talk June Edition. These episodes focus on making construction a first choice career path by showcasing the beauty of the industry and asking the tough questions we need the answers to progress.This week's episode features Conor Kehoe, Red Seal Stonemason turned Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator (OYAP). Conor found trades later in life and helped provide him with clarity on his career path while finding something he was truly passionate about. Since then, he has moved on to helping our youth find their passion for skilled trades through OYAP programs in highschools. In this Toolbox Talk we get into the following:Why he decided to transition from the field into educationThe most gratifying part of his jobSpotlight stories of youth of have found their passionThe benefits of authentic skilled trade eventsSome ideas around breaking down the barriers to entry into skilled tradesAnd much, much more...Please enjoy and if you would like to participate, please send an email to colin@toolspodcast.comFor show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:InstagramTwitterFacebookYoutubeThis podcast is presented by The Canadian Apprenticeship ForumThe Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is the Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeship Research and Innovation.  A national non-profit organization connecting all members of the apprenticeship community, CAF-FCA advocates for Canada’s world-class apprenticeship system, produces meaningful data to inform strategies and highlights innovation and promising practices in apprenticeship training.For more information visit www.caf-fca.org

TBT #08 Conor Kehoe | From Stonemason to Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator

Welcome to the Tools of the Trade Monthly Toolbox Talk June Edition. These episodes are short, current, day in the life conversations with all walks of construction life! This week's episode features Jerry Pol (Business Development) and Ian Baird (Senior Project Manager) at Caliber Projects. Caliber is more than just a square foot builder, this episode had me complete fired up after Here are some key topics we discussed: In this Toolbox Talk we get into the following:Why they operate under an open book principle.What COVID has taught them that they will continue to implement.The benefits of working for a smaller sized company.How Jerry went from wanting to be a business guy to finding passion in construction.How Ian went from being a pharmaceutical scientist to a construction project manager.And much, much more...Please enjoy and if you would like to participate, please send an email to colin@toolspodcast.comFor show notes, blog posts and past guests, please visit: www.toolspodcast.comSign up for Colin's newsletter HEREInterested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at toolspodcast.com/contactFollow Colin:InstagramTwitterFacebookYoutubeThis podcast is presented by The Canadian Apprenticeship ForumThe Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is the Centre of Excellence for Apprenticeship Research and Innovation.  A national non-profit organization connecting all members of the apprenticeship community, CAF-FCA advocates for Canada’s world-class apprenticeship system, produces meaningful data to inform strategies and highlights innovation and promising practices in apprenticeship training.For more information visit www.caf-fca.org

TBT #07 Jerry & Ian | The OWN IT, LOVE IT CRUSH IT! Culture of Caliber Projects

Colin has been in the construction industry for 14 years and is a Master Electrician by trade. As he progressed professionally, he realized that the construction industry was falling behind. "We are behind technologically, we have a labor shortage, there is a major lack of resources and mentors and many people are put off by the blue-collar optics of construction." Tools of the Trade was created to help bring the construction industry up by sharing stories, tools, and resources from industry professionals. "This is a billion-dollar industry and we have some major international companies that make up that billion, how come no one knows who owns them or how they got started? I think we could all use some motivation and some good resources to help us grow"

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Tools of the Trade: Your Number 1 Construction Industry Reso...

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