iBuild America Podcast

iBuild America Podcast
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The iBuild America Podcast empowers workforce development professionals with insights from industry leaders, exploring strategies, challenges, and solutions to build the Workforce of the Future. Join us to foster collaboration and drive meaningful change.

  1. FEB 10

    Cooking with Purpose: A Young Chef’s Journey of Legacy, Loss, and Leadership

    What does it look like when talent meets opportunity—and focus meets purpose? In this powerful episode of the iBuild America Podcast, host Lorraine Lane sits down with Chef Cameron Shaw, a young culinary talent whose journey is rooted in legacy, resilience, and vision. From working the dish pit to earning international recognition, Cameron shares how discipline, integrity, and mentorship shaped his path in the culinary world. Raised by renowned chefs and driven by generations of excellence, Cameron opens up about navigating loss during his senior year, staying focused in a distracted generation, and honoring his father’s legacy through his craft. You’ll hear real talk about starting from the bottom, earning respect, embracing pressure, and why the culinary arts are about far more than food. This episode is a must-listen for young professionals, educators, parents, and anyone passionate about workforce development, mentorship, and building meaningful career pathways. 🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and subscribe for more stories shaping America’s workforce.

    25 min

  2. JAN 29

    AI Is Changing The World And You Don't Want To Get Left Behind

    In this episode of the I Build America Podcast, host Byron V. Garrett sits down with Tremaine Davis, visionary tech entrepreneur, educator, and social impact leader with more than 26 years of experience building companies and communities from the ground up. A seven-time founder who launched his first tech company in 2000, Tremaine now leads two venture-backed global AI firms transforming industries across the U.S., Europe, and the MENA region. But his story isn’t just about innovation—it’s about resilience, service, and purpose. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Tremaine shares how early failure shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, why changing your relationship with failure is essential to success, and how AI—when built with equity and access in mind—can unlock economic mobility for communities everywhere. As Founder and CEO of Think P.G.C. (Think People, Think Global, Think Community), Tremaine works at the intersection of technology, workforce development, and social impact, advising startups, governments, and institutions while teaching the next generation as an adjunct professor and guest lecturer. In this conversation, you’ll hear: Why failure is a necessary step toward meaningful successHow AI is creating new career pathways beyond traditional tech rolesWhat AI literacy really means—and why anyone can start todayHow community-first innovation can drive global transformationIf you’re curious about the future of work, entrepreneurship, and how technology can be used as a force for good, this episode delivers insight, honesty, and inspiration.

    21 min

  3. 12/11/2025

    Jack of All Trades and How Mentorship Changes Lives with Yonni Castillo

    On this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, host Byron V. Garrett sits down with insurance professional, entrepreneur, mentor, musician, and family man Yonni Castillo—a multi-talented leader whose story proves that purpose, passion, and perseverance truly can coexist. Yonni opens up about his unconventional path—from growing up in Michigan, to a 20-year career with State Farm, to relocating across the country with his family, to now leading a thriving agency in Arizona. He shares how mentorship, faith, hard work, and family shaped every chapter of his journey. This conversation dives deep into: — Why mentorship matters at every stage of life — The importance of financial protection and generational stability — Leaving comfort zones to create new opportunities — How music, business, and family can coexist with purpose — The responsibility to lift others as you climb — Why faith, empathy, and perseverance matter now more than ever It’s honest, personal, and deeply human. 🎧 Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, parent, or simply navigating life transitions—this episode reminds us to “keep it moving,” stay focused, and never stop building toward the life you’re meant to live. Connect with Yonni below! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonni-castillo-7b9452a8/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/110548224911532 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yonnifromstatefarm/ X: https://twitter.com/YonniStateFarm Website: https://yonnicastillo.com/

    18 min

  4. 12/04/2025

    From Touring The World To Building A Digital EcoSystem with Dan Stechow

    On this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, host Byron V. Garrett sits down in Michigan with Dan Stechow, President & CEO of TPOP – The Power of Preparedness—a true renaissance leader whose journey has spanned music, business, digital innovation, and now workplace safety. Dan shares his remarkable story: from playing 2,000 shows across the world as a touring bassist performing at Bill Clinton’s inauguration, to founding multiple successful tech companies during the dot-com boom, to now leading a mission-driven organization focused on preventing workplace violence and building safer workplaces. This episode is about more than business or career transitions—it’s about grit, resilience, purpose, and using your talents to build something that matters. In this conversation, we explore: — The power of reinventing yourself and following passion over comfort — How real-world experience can become your greatest education? — Why culture and respect are critical in every workplace — How empathy and de-escalation can change outcomes and save lives — Why “taking the high road” is one of the most powerful tools we have Whether you’re a student, a parent, an entrepreneur, or someone rebuilding your future, you’ll walk away inspired to use what you’ve learned to help build a stronger America.

    30 min

  5. 11/27/2025

    Inspiring Our Next Generation Through Trade And Leadership with the Detroit Job Corps

    On this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, host Byron V. Garrett travels to the Detroit Job Corps Center to sit down with two powerful voices shaping the future of the workforce: Jordan Dent, an 18-year-old electrical student transforming his life one step at a time, and George Collard, a retired Chrysler professional turned Job Corps instructor who now dedicates his life to building the next generation “one student at a time.” What unfolds is one of the most honest, inspiring, and eye-opening conversations we’ve had yet. Jordan shares why he left home, chose independence, and committed himself to finishing his high school diploma and electrical trade — not for quick money, but to create a different future for himself and his family. Mr. Collard reveals how Job Corps changed his life as a young man, and why he now pours everything back into students like Jordan. His stories — including graduates earning six figures and lifting their entire families out of generational struggle — are nothing short of transformational. This episode dives into: — What Job Corps really is in 2025 (and why it works) — Why trades like electrical demand leadership, discipline, and real responsibility — The independence, confidence, and purpose students gain on campus — How Job Corps is changing entire families — not just individuals — The truth about today’s workforce: young people do care about their future This conversation is raw, real, and full of hope. Whether you're a parent, a young adult, an educator, or simply someone rooting for the next generation, this episode will move you. Connect with George Collar and the Detroit Job Corps Center LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-collar-94947179/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/detroit-job-corps-center/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wbl_detroitjobcorps/

    16 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    Automotive Legacy, Politics and Building Traditions with Kevin Rinke

    On this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, Byron V. Garrett sits down in Detroit with business leader, civic advocate, and former gubernatorial candidate Kevin Rinke—a man whose family legacy has shaped Detroit’s economy for nearly a century. Kevin opens up about growing up in a third-generation automotive family, what he learned from watching his father serve both his country and his community, and why he believes America is at a crucial turning point when it comes to education, workforce readiness, and personal responsibility. Together, Byron and Kevin dig into topics that touch every family: — Why reading and foundational skills matter more now than ever — How removing shop classes and hands-on learning changed America’s workforce — What students really need to prepare for life after graduation — Why accountability—not handouts—is the path to real opportunity — How technology and AI can help… but also harm, if we don’t stay grounded Whether you’re a parent, educator, business owner, or someone thinking about the future of this country, this conversation is one of the most honest and thought-provoking we’ve had yet. 🎧 Tune in and join a powerful conversation about what it truly means to build America—one student, one family, and one community at a time. Connect with Kevin below! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-rinke-86a886324/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinrinkemi/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KevinRinkeMI X: https://x.com/KevinRinke Website: https://rinkeformichigan.com/

    25 min

  7. 11/06/2025

    Being a Mother, Millionaire and Restaurant Guru with Rasheedah White

    From Corporate Leadership to Culinary Legacy. On this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, we sit down in Phoenix, Arizona with Rasheedah White, business executive, entrepreneur, and co-owner of Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, a soul food empire she has built alongside her husband, Larry White. Rasheedah’s journey began in banking, where she rose from teller to branch manager to home equity officer, and eventually into commercial lending during her 20-year career, all while earning degrees in Accounting and Organizational Management. She later stepped into healthcare leadership as a Chief Quality Officer and COO before joining the family business full-time. Since then, Rasheedah has been instrumental in growing Lo-Lo’s from two locations to nine across four restaurant brands — including Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, Monroe’s Hot Chicken, Brunch & Sip, and Warren’s Supper Club. Her story is one of discipline, family, and legacy building. An inspiring example, showing how skills gained in corporate leadership can be translated into entrepreneurial success. In this episode, Rasheedah shares: What it takes to scale a family-owned restaurant brand nationwide Lessons learned from careers in both finance and healthcare The role of family values in business and leadership How to build legacy while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood If you’ve ever dreamed of building a business that blends family, community, and culture, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss. Connect with Rasheeda below! Instagram: @mrslolos @loloschickenandwaffles Facebook: Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles Website: loloschickenandwaffles.com #IBuildAmerica #RasheedahWhite #LoLosChickenAndWaffles #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BlackExcellence #FamilyBusiness #RestaurantLeadership #LegacyBuilding #BusinessGrowth

    17 min

  8. 11/04/2025 · BONUS

    Street Talks: How an ASU Freshman is Redefining Success

    What does the American Dream mean to a new generation? In this iBuild America: Street Talks episode, meet Jackson, an 18-year-old sports business major from Wisconsin who’s passionate about sports, innovation, and making a difference. Jackson opens up about his faith, his purpose, and how he hopes to inspire others to create real impact — on and off the field. 🎧 Tune in for an honest, hopeful, and motivating conversation — and don’t forget to subscribe to the iBuild America Podcast for more authentic stories from campuses across America.

    8 min
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About

The iBuild America Podcast empowers workforce development professionals with insights from industry leaders, exploring strategies, challenges, and solutions to build the Workforce of the Future. Join us to foster collaboration and drive meaningful change.

Information

  • Creator
    iBuild America Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © iBuild America Podcast
  • Show Website
    iBuild America Podcast