Laying the Groundwork

Tomlinson Group
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Join us as we dive into the real challenges shaping our operations! From on site trade-offs and emerging trends, to hard-won leadership lessons that actually move us forward - delivered through straightforward conversations grounded in decades of hands- on work. ​ ​ Whether you're in the field, leading teams, or navigating the industry, join us for insights that inform, challenge, and get things done.

  1. MAY 13

    Mentoring the Next Generation

    Welcome to Laying the Groundwork - the newly rebranded Tomlinson podcast. In this inaugural episode, host Francis Brazeau sits down with two of Tomlinson’s longest-serving team members: Dennis Colautti and Andre (Andy) Michaud. With nearly 100years of combined experience, they share candid stories and hard-earned wisdom on mentoring the next generation in construction. From family legacies and old-school foremen to modern challenges like training younger team members who may lack field experience, Dennis and Andy pull back the curtain on what it really takes to develop strong, capable leaders at Tomlinson. The conversation is filled with practical advice, funny stories, and valuable lessons on patience, integrity, planning, and building relationships that last. Episode Highlights Dennis’s remarkable family story - from his grandfather’s immigration to restarting the family construction business Andy’s journey starting at 18 on an iron crew under the “meanest foreman” in the business The famous “Padding” story - how a $30k–$40k mistake became one of Dennis’s most important teaching tools The 24-Hour Rule: Why patience and calculated responses matter in high-pressure situations Old-school wisdom vs. new realities - the importance of field experience, picking up the phone, and building real relationships Letting young team members “fail safely” and challenging them to think critically Tomlinson’s culture of integrity, customer service, and pride in the work Key Takeaways & Quotes On Patience: “I have a twenty-four hour rule… don’t give the answer right away. Sleep on it overnight. Think about it.” On Learning from Mistakes: “It was a real big learning curve… I learned my lesson and developed so we weren’t going to have it again.” On Mentoring: “Sometimes I’ll let them win one… and let them fail - as long as it doesn’t cost very much money. That way they learn.” On Communication: “You don’t just send an email and wait two weeks. Get on the phone. It takes five minutes.” On Leadership: “Do the hardest thing first in the morning… Don’t run away from anything.” On Tomlinson Culture: “They were never shy about doing the right thing and always supplying the right equipment and the right people.” Whether you’re a seasoned leader, a new team member, or someone considering a career in construction, this episode delivers timeless, practical wisdom rooted in decades of real execution.

    35 min

  2. APR 8

    Red Army Radio – Something Big Is Coming

    Red Army Radio has been the place where Tomlinson stories found their voice – a space built on pride, people, and the projects shaping our communities. Now, that legacy is evolving. Red Army Radio is getting a full rebrand. We’re taking everything you already love about the show and moving it into a bigger, bolder direction -one designed to take listeners deeper into the real-world processes that define the construction and environmental services industries. Whether you’re navigating industry trends, tackling operational challenges, or looking to stay sharp in a rapidly evolving field, this new chapter offers informed, authentic dialogue that resonates with professionals like you. We can’t wait to share the new name and the very first episode with you this May! Until then… stay tuned.

    1 min

  3. 12/10/2025

    Inside the Boardroom: What Leaders Want You to Know in 2025

    Welcome to Red Army Radio — the official Tomlinson Group podcast celebrating the people, projects, and progress driving our business forward. In this year-in-review episode, host Francis Brazeau is joined by Adam Hendriks, Ryan Downing, and Ron Tomlinson to break down the biggest wins, toughest challenges, and most surprising moments in the past year. Together, they reflect on how Tomlinson teams responded to major external pressures — including the February tariff shock and unexpected technology setbacks — while still delivering standout results in construction, materials supply, environmental services, and logistics. The conversation highlights cross-divisional collaboration, frontline resilience, and innovations that are shaping the future of our operations. Ron shares a breakthrough sustainability milestone: producing green asphalt without natural gas or conventional fuels, a major step forward for low-carbon road building. Adam spotlights the Thunder Road project, a standout example of circular construction that used 100% recycled materials while maintaining performance standards. The group also dives into a fun and revealing “Myth vs. Reality” segment, clearing up common misconceptions in the industry — like the idea that Head Office only focuses on strategy, that winter is downtime, or that quality slows production. They also unpack the real story on AI in construction, emphasizing that artificial intelligence is being adopted as a productivity and decision-support tool, not a replacement for skilled people. To close, the team looks ahead to what’s next: expanding the salt business, launching a new conveyor system at Ontario Trap Rock, and exploring opportunities to offer Material Supply and Logistics (MSL) services to external customers. Episode Highlights Tariff Surprise & Industry ImpactHow February tariffs sent shockwaves through operations — and how Tomlinson teams rapidly adjusted forecasting and planning.Green Asphalt InnovationA sustainability win: creating asphalt without natural gas or conventional fuels, reducing emissions while maintaining quality.Thunder Road Recycled Materials A landmark construction project proving recycled materials can deliver top-tier results at full scale.Myth vs. Reality: Construction & Head OfficeDebunking myths about field vs. office roles, winter operations, and the connection between quality and productivity.AI in the Industry (Productivity, Not Replacement)Real examples of how AI supports contract evaluation, tendering, and data analysis to help teams work smarter.The Challenge Coin StoryThe origin of the core values challenge coin and how it reinforces recognition and appreciation across Tomlinson. Key Takeaways & Quotes Resilience in Action“The thing I take away is that the Red Army just jumps right in and gets things done… it doesn't affect our business.”Innovation That Works“We were hoping it was going to work. We were happy when it did work.”Customer Strength Comes from the Field“The field is probably the greatest source of positive interactions with the customer side.”Quality Drives Speed — Not the Other Way Around“Quality does not slow us down. And we've learned that lesson firsthand a few times.”AI as a Competitive Advantage“AI is code for trying to use technology to get better at what we do and make decisions faster.”Always Evolving“We need to constantly change and evolve… and we will just continue to do that.”

    39 min

  4. 11/12/2025

    Great Lakes, Greater Logistics: Inside Tomlinson’s Marine Shipping & Logistics Team

    Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Rob Pierce and Rory Hughes from Tomlinson’s Marine Shipping and Logistics team. In this episode, we explore the massive world of shipping, dock development, and marine logistics from Ontario Trap Rock’s quarry operations in Bruce Mines to the evolving Universal Terminals site in Morrisburg.  Rory shares how the team is transforming the Morrisburg dock property, remediating soils and preparing the six-acre dock and fifty acres of industrial land for full-scale development. Rob breaks down the complexities of moving thousands of tons of stone across the Great Lakes and the partnerships that make it possible, including Tomlinson’s joint vessel ownership with McKeil Marine.  Together, they reveal what it takes to move millions of tons of material across North America’s waterways, the ingenuity behind new conveyor systems and dock expansions, and how teamwork and readiness turn unexpected opportunities into success stories.  Episode Highlights  Revitalizing the Site: How the team turned a fuel terminal into a modern marine logistics hub ready for large-scale development. The Power of Traprock: Why this dense, durable aggregate is in high demand for highways and rail lines across North America. Owning the Supply Chain: The strategic partnership with McKeil Marine that gives Tomlinson control from quarry to customer. Engineering Ingenuity: Installing a multi-kilometre conveyor under a highway to move material directly from the quarry to ships. Unexpected Opportunities: How the team helped deliver a massive grain dryer too large for road transport - proving readiness pays off. Smart Logistics: Using AI modeling to optimize shipping schedules, dock layouts, and product handling efficiency. Team Dedication: 24/7 coordination between quarry, docks, and marine carriers to keep shipments on schedule.    Key Takeaways  “Sometimes it’s about touching the material less to ensure better quality.” “There’s not a whole bunch of stuff we can’t handle.” “Every time you talk to a grain farmer in eastern Ontario, they’re looking for more outlets for their product—and we want to be part of that solution.” “Never a dull day. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, there’s another curveball that gets thrown your way.”

    32 min

  5. 10/15/2025

    Building Bank Street with Chadwick Haines and Robin Malyon

    Welcome to Red Army Radio!  Today, Francis sits down with Project Manager Chadwick Haines and Superintendent Robin Malyon to talk about life on one of their larger projects — the reconstruction of Bank Street from Riverside to Heron.  In this episode, we get into what it’s really like managing an integrated road, sewer, and utility project in the heart of the city — where every day brings a new surprise underground. Chadwick and Robin share how their team has kept things running smoothly through unexpected conflicts, deep excavations, and constant pedestrian traffic, all while keeping morale high and the work moving forward.  They also open up about teamwork, learning lessons, and what it means to lead a crew that truly cares. From hidden “duck banks” to late-night concrete pours, this one’s packed with humour, honesty, and heart from two of Tomlinsons team members.  Episode Highlights  How Chadwick and Robin got into the construction industry. A behind-the-scenes look at the Bank Street project When unexpected duck banks forced the team to dig twelve feet deeper than planned. How keeping the same crews on site built communication and trust. Navigating pedestrians, traffic pinball, and unexpected changes.  Shoutitng out all the team members that make this project run so smoothly. The stress of the first change order — and learning to stay calm through daily surprises. Robin’s lessons in patience and mentorship with new team members. The power of collaboration with Robinson Consultants and the City of Ottawa. The Chipotle wrap.  Key Takeaways  “Stuff comes up, we find a solution, we move on.”  “On this job we have over one hundred and ten CRs so far… over one hundred and sixty changes.”  “You can’t ask for more in a superintendent.”  “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had before on a job… I’m gonna be sad when this job ends.”  “I think patience — we deal with a lot of younger people these days and just taking time to sit down with them and explain stuff.”  “We had maybe thirty meters of pipe in… and then there was another duck bank”  “Any problem you need a solution to, we can find it.”

    31 min

  6. 09/10/2025

    Behind the Beams: Stories from Tomlinson’s Engineers

    Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Andrew Karam, Kaylish Henry, and Matthew Young-Davies from Tomlinson’s engineering team. In this episode, we dive into the world of temporary and permanent structures, the challenges of shoring and piling, and what it’s really like to be the in-house engineers behind some of Tomlinson’s most complex projects.  Andrew shares how the team has grown from a one-person operation into an internal consulting group serving bridge, shoring, and infrastructure projects across the company. Kaylish and Matt talk about their paths from summer students to engineers-in-training, and how they’re applying classroom knowledge in the real world. Together, they reveal why having an in-house engineering makes us more productive, while also driving innovation on site.  From terrifying excavation rescues to creative re-use of bridge girders, this episode showcases the ingenuity, judgment, and teamwork that power Tomlinson’s engineering solutions.  Episode Highlights:  Andrew’s nine-year journey from sole engineer to team lead. Kaylish’s start as a summer student and her path toward her P.Eng. Matt’s move from survey to engineering and his first major design projects. The difference between formwork and falsework—explained simply. Why internal engineering saves time, money, and avoids costly revisions. A near-disaster excavation project and how underpinning saved the day. Designing a massive heated enclosure for winter canal rehabilitation in Kingston. Team insights on choosing steel vs. concrete  The most satisfying part of being an engineering  Key Takeaways:  “Eight hundred thousand to a million pounds of force down - which is terrifying because it’s supposed to be on rock, and it’s not.” “It was a really cool slash terrifying project… but we got it done.” “I just really love understanding how things work on a fundamental level.” “Just going to site and seeing everything that you’ve built… that’s what makes me tick.” “We do structural engineering for everyone… come to us with all your needs and we’ll get it done.”

    32 min

  7. 08/13/2025

    Easiest Aggregates to Buy with Derek Thomas & Kevin Bowes

    Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Derek Thomas our Aggregates Sales Manager and Kevin Bowes, Scale Operator, who’s been part of the Tomlinson team for nearly three decades. In this episode, we explore how automation is transforming customer service, the logistics of getting products from quarry to job site, and the teamwork that keeps our projects running smoothly.  Derek explains how the sales team works with everyone from homeowners to major contractors to match each job with the right products. Kevin walks us through life at the scale house, from streamlining truck turn-around times to some of the wildest things he’s seen in 18 years at the scales. Together, they highlight how Tomlinson is embracing technology, expanding product offerings, and keeping customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do.  From large-scale automation to interesting homeowner requests, this episode offers a behind the scenes look at how one of the region’s busiest aggregate operations delivers both speed and service. Tune in for real world stories, operational insights, and a few laughs.  Episode Highlights:  Kevin’s 28-year career path from loader operator to scale lead. Derek’s decade in aggregate sales and approach to building long-term client relationships. How scale automation has cut truck processing from minutes to seconds. New product offerings, from salt to specialty products and why they matter to customers. Real success stories – such as 873 trucks going through the scales in one day The role of Tomlinson’s quality control lab in keeping products up to spec. Creative problem-solving, from rush racetrack builds to multi-home stone deliveries. The future of scale tech: kiosks, cloud access, and improved customer data tools.  Key Takeaways  “How can we get our customers to their job quicker, efficiently, and safely? That’s the goal.” “Once the customer is set up, they just run all day, they don’t have to talk to anybody, they just go.” “Our lab… I’d eat my lunch in there.” “Same day deliveries - we’re trying to make sure we’re available and have the trucking to do that.” “Eight hundred seventy-three tickets in one day - and no lineup.” “It’s too easy, just make the call, and we can make it happen.”

    26 min

  8. 07/09/2025

    Tomlinson at the Half: A Mid-Year Town Hall Conversation

    Welcome to Red Army Radio! In this episode, Rob Pierce hosts a special roundtable conversation with senior leaders across the Tomlinson Group to reflect on the first half of 2025. Joined by Adam Hendriks, Graziela Girardi, Francis Brazeau, and Ron Tomlinson, the group covers strategy, technology, market conditions, and what’s ahead for the Red Army.  From AI and automation to project wins and cross-team collaboration, this town hall offers a clear snapshot of the pulse of the business and where we’re heading together as One Team.  Episode Highlights:  Rob and Ron reflect on how internal alignment and better communication are driving performance. Graciela shares construction wins, including the Ottawa Hospital project and a record-setting winter for equipment utilization. The group talks AI, automation, and how new tools are saving time, boosting safety, and enhancing customer value. Francis spotlights innovations in concrete mix optimization  A  look at market conditions: interest rates, housing starts, and regional slowdowns. The importance of internal customer service and why breaking down silos is key to success. The group highlights the exceptional work of field teams, the energy of summer students, and the strong collaboration happening across divisions.    Key Takeaways:  “We have lots of great teams. When they connect and collaborate, it multiplies the business.  “If you touch a smartphone, tablet, or computer—AI will change how you work.”  "The Aggregates team took a real leap forward in putting it [automation] on the most complicated plant first."  “Utilization this winter was the highest we’ve seen in 10 years.”  "You have to keep evolving and changing. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out—the game changes."  “We're a longstanding business—but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to challenge our processes.”   “Strategy isn’t separate from the business—what you’re doing is the strategy."

    50 min
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About

Join us as we dive into the real challenges shaping our operations! From on site trade-offs and emerging trends, to hard-won leadership lessons that actually move us forward - delivered through straightforward conversations grounded in decades of hands- on work. ​ ​ Whether you're in the field, leading teams, or navigating the industry, join us for insights that inform, challenge, and get things done.

Information

  • Creator
    Tomlinson Group
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Tomlinson Group
  • Show Website
    Laying the Groundwork

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