Life in Construction

Sika Corporation
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Do you live and breathe construction? Life in Construction is unlike any other podcast in the industry. Each episode we feature new guests and talk in-depth about the commercial construction industry.  We discuss topics such as labor shortages, freight, new health and safety standards, mental health, funding, and much much more.  Join us while we talk about what it's really like to work in construction!

  1. MAR 24

    Attracting and Retaining Talent in the Concrete Industry

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Life in Construction podcast, host Suzanne  Lianopoulos is joined by co-host Rick Montani, Senior Advisor at Sika, to explore one of the most pressing challenges facing the construction sector today: attracting and retaining talent within the concrete industry with special guest Julie Garbini! The conversation dives into the ongoing labor shortage impacting the industry and examines the underlying causes, from shifting workforce demographics to evolving career expectations. Suzanne and Rick discuss what makes the concrete sector unique, the misconceptions that may deter new entrants, and the opportunities available for those considering a career in construction. Listeners will gain insights into practical strategies companies can use to build stronger talent pipelines, improve employee engagement, and create workplaces that support long-term career growth. The episode also highlights the importance of industry-wide collaboration, modernizing the perception of construction careers, and investing in the next generation of skilled professionals. Whether you're an industry leader, hiring manager, or someone interested in the future of construction, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to strengthen and sustain the workforce in a rapidly changing landscape. For more information visit: https://www.concreteadvancement.org/ https://www.skate4concrete.com/ https://cshub.mit.edu/

    28 min

  2. FEB 24

    Developments, Trends, and Sustainability in Commercial Roofing

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Life in Construction, co-hosts Suzanne and Rick sit down with commercial roofing professionals Brian Whelan and Dan Murphy for an inside look at the current realities of the industry with the market developments, the people, the challenges, and the future opportunities. Looking back to 2025 and now forward into 2026, Brian and Dan discuss the key factors impacting the commercial roofing market.  Key trends in labor, supply chain, product technology, and sustainability are explored.  In addition, consolidation of manufacturers, distributors and (increasingly) contractors, are changing the industry dynamics in ways that will shape the future of commercial roofing. Whether you're exploring opportunities in roofing or simply want to better understand this large and important portion of the overall construction market, this conversation with two leading industry experts will surely bring key insights into focus!

    35 min

  3. JAN 6

    Inside the PEX Mission: Sustainability through the Preservation and Service Life Extension of Concrete Structures

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Life in Construction, new co-hosts Suzanne Lianopoulos and Rick Montani welcome industry leaders Peter Emmons (President/CEO/Founder of Structural Group Inc.) and David Whitmore (President and Chief Innovation Officer, Vector Corrosion Technologies) to introduce P+Ex — the Center of Excellence for the Preservation and Service Life Extension of Concrete Structures. With a combined 100 years of experience in concrete repair, protection, and strengthening, Peter and David share how P+Ex was founded, why extending the life of existing structures is one of the most powerful sustainability actions the construction industry can take, and how preservation shifts the mindset from “break and fix” to long-term asset management. The conversation explores P+Ex’s six strategic goals, its collaborative working groups, and real-world examples showing how concrete preservation reduces CO₂ emissions, conserves resources, and delivers financial value. This episode offers a practical, forward-looking perspective on sustainability that's focused not on building more, but on preserving what we already have.

    44 min

  4. 08/18/2025

    Preparedness [New Season Coming Soon!]

    Send us Fan Mail For this special switch-around episode, Angela Echols is the guest host, and John Manning (ALIC's usual host) is in the hot seat. Angela asks John how he prepares for success in his role in technical services.  He talks about going to job sites and training contractors. A favorite phrase by John, "one is none and two is one," emphasizes the importance of having a backup plan.

    29 min

  5. 07/10/2025

    Welding [New Season Coming Soon!]

    Send us Fan Mail ALIC host John Manning meets with Watson Bowman Acme's, part of Sika Corporation, Jason Gray, Head Welder, Fitter and Supervisor and Colin Mason, Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and Quality Control Supervisor. The trio talks about welding, inspections and fittings. They share their experience with welding as both a trade and an art form.

    36 min

  6. 06/20/2025

    Project Management [New Season Coming Soon!]

    Send us Fan Mail Your host John Manning, returns with Watson Bowman Acme's, part of Sika Corporation, Jeremy Childers, in an interview with Mike Grey, Vice President & Chief Business Officer of United Infrastructure Group, a bridge and heavy highway builder of the Southeast. They talk in great detail about the planning and execution throughout the project life cycle of design-builds in construction. This podcast was originally recorded in Salem, Virginia.

    55 min

  7. 08/24/2023

    Welding

    Send us Fan Mail ALIC host John Manning meets with Watson Bowman Acme's Jason Gray, Head Welder, Fitter and Supervisor and Colin Mason, Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and Quality Control Supervisor. The trio talks about welding, inspections and fittings. They share their experience with welding as both a trade and an art form.

    35 min

  8. 05/10/2023

    Mental Health

    Send us Fan Mail Our host, John Manning and co-host Angela Echols interview our featured guest Katie Burbee,  Program Director, Horizon Health Services. Burbee talks about the importance of focusing on your mental health and how to talk about it and seek help if necessary. This is a special episode for May, Mental Health Awareness month.

    37 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Do you live and breathe construction? Life in Construction is unlike any other podcast in the industry. Each episode we feature new guests and talk in-depth about the commercial construction industry.  We discuss topics such as labor shortages, freight, new health and safety standards, mental health, funding, and much much more.  Join us while we talk about what it's really like to work in construction!

Information

  • Creator
    Sika Corporation
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Life in Construction
  • Show Website
    Life in Construction