Deconstructed by the Grand Valley Construction Association

Grand Valley Construction Association

Deconstructed is the podcast of the Grand Valley Construction Association. Host Jeff MacIntyre talks with industry leaders to break down the issues affecting our business so we can understand them better and move towards building a stronger construction industry here at home and across Canada.

  1. 03/12/2025

    A Community of Caring: Habitat for Humanity and the Future of Affordable Housing

    In this episode of Deconstructed, host Jeff MacIntyre sits down with Phil Mills, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, to explore the challenges and opportunities in affordable housing, the role of Build Now, and what the future of community building looks like in Waterloo Region. Phil shares his unconventional career path, the evolving housing crisis and how BuildNow—a collaborative effort to streamline housing development—is working with municipalities to create thousands of attainable homes. He also discusses the 25-acre housing development in Waterloo and how the project is designed not just to house people but to build a thriving, connected community. [01:00] – Phil shares his career journey, from recreation and public health to leading Habitat WR. [03:07] – How Phil’s upbringing shaped his passion for community building. [04:50] – The evolving challenges in affordable housing—rising costs, increased demand, and funding struggles. [07:12] – Housing demand isn’t just growing—it’s changing. Why affordability impacts more people than ever before. [10:32] – The impact of Habitat’s Kehl Street project and how it’s transforming lives. [15:10] – The reality of homeownership today: skyrocketing costs, shifting expectations, and new housing models. [20:48] – How the BuildNow concept started—bold ideas, collaboration, and breaking down barriers. [24:14] – Habitat’s role in BuildNow and why trust is key to making it work. [28:09] – How Build Now Kitchener became the first proof-of-concept project. [32:41] – The Waterloo BuildNow project: A 25-acre site set to become a thriving, mixed-use urban village. [35:33] – Who will live in these communities? Workforce housing, families, and attainable homeownership. [38:56] – Why this isn’t just about affordability—it’s about designing a community where people want to live. [42:02] – Looking ahead: How we’ll measure success and ensure affordability lasts for generations.

    45 min
  2. 01/23/2025

    Partnering for Progress: How Primary People Group Supports Construction

    In this episode of Deconstructed, Mandy Bujold welcomes Jacinta Grootjen, Principal Consultant at Primary People Group, to explore how HR strategy and intentional leadership can help construction businesses thrive. Jacinta shares her journey into construction through her work with a developer where she built an HR department from the ground up. She explains how her firm supports businesses by providing fractional HR services, streamlining processes, and helping leaders navigate transitions, from next-gen ownership to scaling operations. The conversation highlights common challenges construction companies face, such as maintaining quality during growth and preserving the “secret sauce” that makes them unique. Jacinta emphasizes the importance of focusing on people, processes, and tools to drive sustainable growth and innovation. She also addresses misconceptions about working with consultants, emphasizing the partnership model her firm employs, where solutions are co-created with business owners. Jacinta’s passion for building better communities shines through as she explains how fostering a positive internal culture leads to better outcomes for the industry as a whole. Whether you’re a next-gen leader stepping into big shoes or an owner looking to exit gracefully, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for navigating change while keeping your company’s values intact. Learn more about Primary People Group at primarypeoplegroup.com. 0:55 - 3:38: Jacinta’s background in HR, her journey into construction, and how she developed a passion for the industry. 3:39 - 6:03: The role of construction professionals in building communities and the challenges companies face as they grow. 6:04 - 11:08: Profiles of companies Jacinta works with, from next-gen leaders to owners looking to exit their businesses. 11:09 - 14:28: Signs that business owners need help, such as excessive time spent on operations or quality issues. 14:29 - 16:16: Commonalities among businesses Jacinta supports: gaps in people, processes, and tools. 16:17 - 20:48: Challenges faced by next-gen leaders stepping into established businesses and preserving the "secret sauce." 20:49 - 24:31: The emotional journey of leaders navigating change, and how Jacinta partners with them to reimagine their businesses. 24:32 - 29:58: Jacinta’s role as a partner and guide for business owners during transformational changes and challenging situations. 29:59 - 36:06: Misconceptions about bringing in a consultant, including fears of losing control or becoming overly reliant. 36:07 - 38:53: What "better" looks like for the construction industry: focusing on people and internal culture.

    40 min

About

Deconstructed is the podcast of the Grand Valley Construction Association. Host Jeff MacIntyre talks with industry leaders to break down the issues affecting our business so we can understand them better and move towards building a stronger construction industry here at home and across Canada.