Get the kNACk : A National Academy of Construction Podcast

National Academy of Construction
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Having “the knack” is to be proficient in your industry’s ever-changing realities. Moderated by our hosts Jerry, Bill, Kevin, and Sue, Get the kNACk shares the knowledge, insights, and wisdom of NAC members to give you the skills and expertise to master your career. The Get the kNACk podcast is published by the National Academy of Construction. NAC honors outstanding construction industry leaders and shares their collective experiences and expertise to help the Nation by improving their industry.  Visit our website at: https://www.naocon.org/get-the-knack/. 

  1. JAN 22

    Alcohol Awareness in the Construction Industry with Cal Beyer

    Construction workers have been considered nearly twice as likely as those in other industries to experience substance-use challenges, with alcohol playing a particularly prominent role. To spotlight alcohol awareness in the construction industry, host Kevin Hilton welcomes back Cal Beyer, Senior Director of SAFE Workplaces for SAFE Project (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic). In this conversation, Kevin and Cal discuss current trends surrounding alcohol use in the construction industry and the urgent need for greater awareness, support, and prevention. Cal highlights the importance of building recovery-friendly workplaces and offers practical guidance on how organizations can foster a culture of care and support. The episode emphasizes the human impact of alcohol use, addresses the stigma surrounding recovery, and calls for meaningful action to create safer, healthier workplaces across the industry. Episode Resources SAFE Project (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic) The Snowball — SAFE Project’s national recovery movement3-Minute Overview VideoIndustry Perspectives Real Talk: Alcohol Awareness and Promoting Workplace Recovery Asphalt Pro Magazine, Cal Beyer (November 2025)Promoting a Recovery-Ready Workplace by De-Emphasizing Alcohol at Company Gatherings Construction Financial Management Association, Cal Beyer (2024)Alcohol Education & Awareness (NIAAA) Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol & Your Health (English PDF)Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol & Your Health (Spanish PDF)What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?Personal Stories & Recovery Interview with Laura Jones, author of Beyond Sober: You Put Down the Booze, Now What?National Safety Council Substance Use Cost Calculator NSC Substance Use Employer Cost Calculator

    29 min

  2. JAN 8

    Transforming the Industry to Build a Better Nation: Data Centers and the Future of Construction with Sandy Hamby and Brandon Michalski

    In this episode of Get the kNACk, host Sue Steele welcomes Sandy Hamby, President & CEO of MOCA Systems, Inc. and NAC member, along with Brandon Michalski, Chief Economist at MOCA Systems. Together, they explore how the rise of data centers is transforming construction and what this shift means for the industry, and for NAC’s vision of transforming the industry to build a better nation. Sandy and Brandon discuss how innovation through collaboration, data-informed planning, and a focus on community impact are essential to delivering these complex projects successfully. The conversation also examines the broader economic and policy forces driving data center demand, as well as key challenges facing the sector, including labor shortages and evolving workforce needs. Throughout the episode, the guests emphasize that while technology enables progress, people make transformation real. The rapid growth of data centers brings both opportunity and responsibility, and with strong leadership and collaboration, the industry can create lasting positive impacts to transform the nation.

    32 min

  3. 11/20/2025

    Shaping the Future of Engineering Education with Paul Giroux

    In this episode, host Jerry Eyink welcomes Paul Giroux, a leading construction historian with decades of experience on mega projects and a professor of engineering practice at the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Purdue University, to discuss the current challenges facing engineering education. Paul explains that engineering programs are facing growing industry complexity and a gradual erosion of credit hours, both of which contribute to a widening skills gap. While increasing credit hours may not be feasible, Paul shares how schools can improve outcomes by taking a holistic approach, embedding communication, leadership, teamwork, ethics, and critical thinking throughout the curriculum. Paul also emphasizes the importance of helping students understand their Body of Knowledge (BOK) journey from an early stage and fostering lifelong learning through the use of case studies, visual tools, and real-world examples. Ultimately, this empowers students to take ownership of their career growth and plan their path to success in the engineering and construction industry.

    34 min

  4. 10/20/2025

    The Intersection of Substance Use, Mental Health, Suicide, and Overdoses with Cal Beyer

    Host Kevin Hilton welcomes back Cal Beyer, Senior Director of SAFE Workplaces for SAFE Project (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic), to continue their powerful conversation on mental health and suicide in the construction industry. In this episode, they explore the intersection of substance use, mental health, and suicide to raise awareness of how these issues deeply impact individuals and communities across the industry. Together, Kevin and Cal discuss the urgent need to break the stigma surrounding addiction, and the importance of open, honest conversations to raise awareness, support recovery, and encourage those struggling to seek help. Episode References: Articles on Recovery-Friendly Workplaces From For Construction Pros website: Ken Serviss — The Role of Employee Assistance Programs and Opioids in Construction Building Trades Recovery Week — Breaking Down Stigma and Creating Hope Naloxone Success Stories Ryan Companies — Ryan Partners with SAFE Project to Combat Overdoses on Project Sites with Naloxone and Response Training SAFE Project — Why Vulcan Materials Company Stocks Naloxone at All Operating Facilities Alcohol Awareness TheSnowball.org — (3-minute video)

    29 min

  5. 09/27/2025

    Beating the Odds, Starting and Sustaining a Construction Company with Jeff Ehret

    In the construction industry, half of all companies don’t make it past five years. In this episode of Get the Knack, host Jerry Eyink welcomes Jeff Ehret, founder and chairman of PENTA Building Group, to discuss starting and sustaining a construction company. Jeff shares his personal experience starting his own company and the lessons he learned along the way that allowed him to turn challenges into opportunities. He explains the leading causes of contractor failure, outlines different types of project and enterprise risk, and offers ways to mitigate them. Jeff also highlights the key elements behind PENTA’s success, including a culture that prioritizes people, safety, and communication to sustain long-term growth.

    40 min

  6. 09/09/2025

    Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry with Cal Beyer

    In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, host Kevin Hilton welcomes Cal Beyer, Senior Director of SAFE Workplaces for SAFE Project (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic), for an important conversation on mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. They discuss the severity of this issue and the urgent need for action to combat this growing epidemic. Cal discusses the initiatives he has been involved with to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote open dialogue around mental health. He reflects on how these efforts have evolved over time and the progress the industry has made in addressing mental health challenges. Additionally, Cal shares the importance of educating others about available resources and reinforces the message that true strength lies in asking for help. Cal urges all industry leaders to move upstream to consider how to reduce stigma and barriers to care relating to substance use and misuse among the industry’s workforce.  To learn more about SAFE Project, please visit https://www.safeproject.us/.  SAFE Project is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to overcoming the addiction epidemic in the United States. Established in 2017 by Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld after the tragic loss of their 19- year-old son Jonathan due to an opioid overdose, SAFE Project aims to save lives impacted by substance use and mental health challenges through overdose prevention and response, education on stigma, and development of prevention and recovery programs. SAFE Project also provides tailored guidance and training within its four key initiatives: SAFE Campuses, SAFE Communities, SAFE Workplaces, and SAFE Veterans.

    30 min

  7. 09/02/2025

    Cyber Security and Safety in the Construction Industry with Lucian Niemeyer – Part Three

    Host Sue Steele welcomes back Lucian Niemeyer, CEO of Building Cyber Security and former Assistant Secretary of Defense, for the final episode of a three-part series on cybersecurity in construction. In the previous episodes, Lucian discussed the importance of establishing a cybersecurity standard of care and integrating cyber safety considerations into the design phase. In this final installment, he expands on those concepts with techniques and actionable tips to enhance cyber safety in construction project delivery, including incorporating a cyber commissioning requirement distinct and unique to the traditional building commissioning process. The discussion offers valuable insights for safeguarding both life and property from cyber threats throughout construction and turn-over to the owner.

    35 min

  8. 08/13/2025

    AI in Construction with Dr. Burcin Kaplanoglu

    Artificial intelligence is transforming the construction industry. In this episode of Get the kNACk, host William O’Brien is joined by Dr. Burcin Kaplanoglu, Vice President of Oracle’s Industry Lab, to explore the evolving role of AI in construction. Burcin shares insights on where AI is delivering value, its current and future applications, and how emerging technologies are reshaping the industry. He also discusses how professionals can navigate challenges by adapting best practices, embracing technology, and leveraging tools that drive meaningful improvement.

    46 min
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About

Having “the knack” is to be proficient in your industry’s ever-changing realities. Moderated by our hosts Jerry, Bill, Kevin, and Sue, Get the kNACk shares the knowledge, insights, and wisdom of NAC members to give you the skills and expertise to master your career. The Get the kNACk podcast is published by the National Academy of Construction. NAC honors outstanding construction industry leaders and shares their collective experiences and expertise to help the Nation by improving their industry.  Visit our website at: https://www.naocon.org/get-the-knack/. 

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