Building PA Podcast Chris Martin

"Construction workers are statistically at higher risk for mental health issues than virtually any other profession." This is according to the Center for Disease Control. 

This statistic was true prior to COVID and even more so now. Growing mental health concerns exist in the construction industry because it ranks second highest in suicide rates among major industries.

This topic ranks high in importance on the Building PA podcast. We are dedicated to addressing and continuing the conversation about mental health and wellness by bringing experts on the podcast to talk about this topic who can share helpful information and resources for those in need or for those who just want to learn more. 

Today's guest, CEO, Matthew Stefanko is with Manual, a digital health company focused on men's health. Steffanko is the former vice president of, the National Stigma Initiative for Shatterproof. 

Steffanako's focus on men's health is based on a need to help men in the construction industry. This is a national crisis and the time has come to make the resources available and accessible for construction workers and to continue the dialogue to raise awareness about mental health not only for men but for construction industry professionals working in all facets of construction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and you would like to help them take the next step in their mental health call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. This is the first step in helping yourself, a coworker, or someone you know is hurting. 

Sometimes you record a podcast that leaves you feeling uplifted, inspired, and motivated.  It's filled with practical advice that can be applied to your professional career and your personal life. That's what you will hear in this episode of the Building PA podcast.

Our special guest, Ret. Major General John Gronski is a  world-renowned author and motivational speaker.  Gronski speaks about leadership and what it takes to become a good leader.

His advice to others is "have the courage to make a decision" and recognize that an all-in,  optimistic attitude can make all the difference in the outcome and the perception of those you lead.

John Gronski is the author of The Ride of our Lives and Iron-Sharpened Leadership.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with the Director of Safety, Bob McCall of the Master Builders' Association. McCall is a seasoned professional in safety-related matters and candidly spoke about COVID, mental health, and the need for more programs that help construction workers.

McCall shared that COVID placed a greater reliance on safety and the need for companies to plan their work. The pandemic brought personal lives into the workplace. Workers and their families who were affected by the pandemic had a greater level of stress on the job. It's a different level of impairment and one that brought the issue of mental health and awareness of construction workers front and center.

McCall shares that it's time to start having real conversations about mental health and share resources for workers in construction.

Please listen to this podcast and share it with your family, friends, and coworkers. 

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255.

No one likes a field trip more than our co-hosts, Chris and Jon. In this episode, the guys share their unique on-site visit to the Barry Isett and Associates Mechanicsburg field testing facility.  They were joined by Isett team members  Nick Bauer, project manager, and Erin Burke, marketing director who showed them about construction materials testing, the importance of testing, why it's necessary for projects, and what they do daily to help to make the job site and projects safer overall. 
Bauer, who has his degree in geology and environmental geo-sciences conducted a tour of the testing facility and the guys were able to see actual testing taking place. 
As Burke stated, there’s no better experience than hands-on experience to understand what Barry Isett and Associates do. 
Listen to the episode to learn about the materials they test and why. You’ll also learn about slump and swing tests and the impact these tests have on a project. 
Barry Isett has been serving the Pennsylvania market for over 45 years. They consider themselves part of the construction team. They are a full-service multi-discipline engineering and consulting firm headquartered in Lehigh Valley with seven regional offices serving eastern and central Pennsylvania.

The Building PA Podcast would also like to recognize our partnership with Barry Isett and Associates as the sponsor of the Healthy Work Environments Series.

We wanted to know more about what a B Corp is and what is fueling the desire to become B Corp certified. 

Our guest on this episode is passionate about their B Corp certification and took the time to share with us a broad overview of what it takes to achieve this status.

Beth Peiffer, owner and president of Ralph E. Jones, a painting, wallcovering, and special coatings contractor in Harrisburg, shares her company's experience around becoming B Corp certified.

Peiffer believes being a B Corp is the wave of the future. 

The philosophy behind this certification is to make your company focus less on your product or service and more on the prioritization of employees and their well-being, your environmental footprint, community impact, your governance structure, and your relationship with customers and suppliers.

Listen to this latest podcast episode to hear more about Peiffer's journey to becoming B Corp certified and how this decision has changed the way they do business.

Peiffer is proud to say, "Ralph E. Jones, painting a better community!"

WELL Building. What is it? How does it differ from Lead building and is this the wave of the construction future? These questions and many more are answered by "Charles" Chip Desmone, CEO of Desmone Architects.

Desmone and his team of architects designed the first WELL Gold Certified Building in Pittsburgh, PA. They are one of just six WELL certified spaces in Pennsylvania.

Listen and learn how WELL intersects design with human health. Desmone shares his journey through WELL certification and the continued commitment, and dedication it takes to maintain this certification status.

Desmone comments that their "accidental brilliance" has led them to have a healthy, productive workspace focused on their employees' mental health, fitness, and positive workplace culture.

This podcast is sponsored by Barry Isett & Associates Healthy Work Environment Series.