Load Bearing Opinions

CJ Curtis
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Careers

Load Bearing Opinions is where construction, the trades, and life all intersect. We swap stories from the field, talk training and careers, and give our take on the stuff that really matters. No fluff—just solid opinions built to last.

  1. Oct 19

    Are We Getting Them In… or Keeping Them? | Liz Manning — TradeBuilt USA

    Are We Getting the Next Generation Into the Trades — or Just Through the Door? | Liz Manning 🎙️ This week on Load Bearing Opinions, we're joined by Liz Manning of TradeBuilt USA! Connect with Liz and her organizations: 🔗 TradeBuilt USA: https://www.tradebuiltusa.com/ 📱 TikTok: @TradeBuiltLiz 📸 Instagram/Facebook: @TradeBuiltUSA 🌐 Next Steps Webinars: https://www.nextstepswebinars.org/ 📸 Instagram: @next.steps.webinars Everybody in construction talks about needing more young people in the skilled trades. But what happens after we get them through the door? This week, CJ and Ryan sit down with Liz Manning to talk about workforce development, apprenticeships, career opportunities, and what the construction industry needs to do differently. Liz shares how she stumbled into construction from real estate, what inspired her to launch TradeBuilt, and why getting parents involved in career conversations might be one of the biggest missing pieces. We get into the college-versus-trades debate, the importance of training and mentorship, job hopping, and why a pizza party isn't going to convince somebody to stay with your company. And because this is Load Bearing Opinions, things eventually go sideways. We debate whether CJ or Ryan should be trusted in front of 500 high school students, whether everybody should know how to wire a ceiling fan, and which skilled trade Liz would choose for herself. We also tackle one of Liz's biggest frustrations: the idea that the next generation is somehow softer than everyone who came before them. It's a conversation about opportunity, responsibility, and making sure the next generation has more than just a job waiting for them. Also mentioned in this episode: Next Steps Webinars' December 8 event, from 12:00–1:30 p.m. Eastern, covering alternatives to a four-year college, including skilled trades, apprenticeships, technical colleges, and military pathways. Visit https://www.nextstepswebinars.org/ for details. 🎧 Load Bearing Opinions Straight talk. No script. No apologies. ▶️ http://www.youtube.com/@LoadBearingOpinionsPodcast 🌐 https://www.loadbearingopinions.com/ What's the biggest thing the construction industry needs to change to attract AND keep the next generation? #LoadBearingOpinions #TradeBuiltUSA #LizManning #SkilledTrades #ConstructionCareers #WorkforceDevelopment #Apprenticeships #BlueCollar #ConstructionLife

  2. Oct 16

    Season 1 Episode 23

    In this episode of the Low Bearing Opinions podcast, Ryan and CJ discuss the theme of comfort in various aspects of life, including personal experiences, technological advancements, and the construction industry. They explore whether society has become too comfortable and how innovation impacts our daily lives and work environments. In this conversation, Ryan and CJ explore the themes of struggle, mental health, work ethic, and the impact of technology on society. They discuss how comfort can lead to complacency and the importance of maintaining a balance between comfort and the necessity of struggle in life. Takeaways Comfort can hinder productivityInnovation must balance comfort and necessity Struggle is inherent to lifeComfort can lead to complacency Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Updates04:59 Exploring Comfort and Innovation10:01 The Impact of Technology on Comfort15:03 Comfort in the Construction Industry19:56 Creature Comforts and Their Evolution29:15 The Nature of Struggle31:55 Mental Health and Generational Differences39:39 The Impact of Comfort on Work Ethic49:29 Technology and Problem Solving54:50 The Future of Comfort and Struggle

  3. Oct 7

    Season 1 Episode 22

    In this episode, Ryan and CJ discuss the importance of speaking up in various situations, particularly in the workplace. They explore themes of safety, integrity, and personal anecdotes, emphasizing the need for open communication and accountability. The conversation explores various workplace scenarios, emphasizing the importance of accountability, communication, and the impact of reputation. From discussing lunch theft to addressing mistakes and innovative ideas, the hosts share insights on navigating professional relationships and maintaining integrity. In this conversation, CJ and Ryan explore the themes of responsibility, confrontation in the workplace, and the importance of evaluating when to speak up. They share humorous anecdotes and insights from their experiences, emphasizing the complexities of communication in professional settings. Takeaways Speak up for safetyIntegrity in teamwork Speak up about mistakesKarma affects reputation Responsibility comes with consequencesConfrontation often leads to unproductive outcomes Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes02:59 The Role of a Parent05:56 Navigating Workplace Dynamics08:56 Safety Culture and Speaking Up12:01 Integrity in Team Discussions15:01 Handling Lunch Theft at Work21:33 Lunch Theft and Office Culture22:27 Owning Up to Mistakes24:52 Home Repairs and Accountability29:03 Name Misidentification on Job Sites31:43 Credit for Ideas in the Workplace33:16 Addressing Personal Hygiene Issues38:03 Innovative Approaches to Work41:00 The Weight of Responsibility43:56 Navigating Workplace Confrontation50:52 Evaluating the Need to Speak Up54:00 Humorous Workplace Scenarios

  4. Sep 21

    Season 1 Episode 21

    The podcast features a discussion with Jacob Parish, a field engineer, who shares insights into the construction industry and his career journey. The conversation covers topics such as the impact of COVID-19, training, mentorship, challenges, and generational perspectives in construction. The conversation delves into the impact of integrity, the influence of mentors, and the challenges faced in field engineering. It also explores career development, growth opportunities, and the transition to leadership roles. The discussion highlights the importance of honesty, the role of influential mentors, and the need to avoid complacency in career growth. Additionally, it features light-hearted moments and humorous anecdotes from the job site. The conversation covers various aspects of the construction industry, from the absurdities of job site norms to the importance of mentorship and patience. It also delves into rapid-fire debates and concludes with a teaser for the upcoming topic of 'Speaking Up at Work'. Takeaways Importance of mentorship and training in constructionGenerational differences and perspectives in the construction industry Integrity and honesty are crucial in field engineeringMentorship plays a significant role in career developmentAvoiding complacency is essential for career growth Job site norms can be absurdPatience and mentorship are crucial in the construction industry Chapters 00:00 Podcast Introduction and Guest Introduction01:53 Understanding the Role of a Field Engineer03:27 Career Journey in Construction04:47 Impact of COVID-19 on Construction Work06:18 Becoming a Field Engineer07:58 Training and Mentorship in Construction09:40 Networking and Collaboration in the Industry11:11 Challenges and Mistakes in Construction16:41 Generational Perspectives in Construction24:19 The Impact of Integrity26:08 Mentorship and Career Development32:52 Growth and Opportunity in Field Engineering37:32 Preparing for Leadership43:26 Light-hearted Job Site Rules45:22 The Ridiculous Norm46:09 The Rollercoaster of Emotions47:09 Unsafe Silence48:24 The Joy of Setup48:42 Rapid Fire Debates54:21 Patience and Mentorship58:30 Upcoming Topic: Speaking Up at Work

  5. Sep 12

    Season 1 Episode 20 Operation Time Machine

    The podcast hosts engage in a lively discussion about time travel and the exploration of different historical eras. They delve into the concept of operation time machine and the excitement of going off the rails. The conversation transitions into a journey to the caveman era, followed by an exploration of the Bronze Age and the height of the gladiators in Rome. The hosts express their curiosity about the inventions, structures, and events of these historical periods, highlighting the significance of each era in human history. The conversation delves into various historical time periods, including Ancient Rome, the American Frontier, the Wild West Era, and the Roaring Twenties. Each period is explored in detail, highlighting the cultural, economic, and social aspects of the time. The hosts express their fascination with the unique characteristics of each era and discuss the impact of historical events on society. The conversation delves into nostalgia for the past, discussing the use of paddles in schools, the impact of the industrial age, the significance of the Vietnam War, and the role of music in rebellion during the 1970s. Takeaways Excitement of time travel and historical explorationCuriosity about ancient inventions and events Fascination with historical time periodsExploration of cultural and social aspectsImpact of historical events on society Nostalgia for the pastImpact of the Vietnam War Chapters 00:00 Off the Rails: Operation Time Machine10:08 Journey to the Caveman Era22:03 Exploring the Bronze Age27:06 The Height of the Gladiators28:49 Exploring Ancient Rome36:30 The American Frontier39:16 The Wild West Era47:14 The Roaring Twenties54:29 Nostalgia for the Past55:25 The Industrial Age01:07:07 The Impact of Vietnam War01:09:11 Music and Rebellion in the 1970s

  6. Sep 1

    Season 1 Episode 19

    The podcast conversation covers various aspects of career decisions, including the timing to leave a job, company culture, loyalty, career development, impressionability, and petty reasons to quit. The hosts share personal experiences and insights related to these topics, providing valuable perspectives on navigating career choices and workplace challenges. The conversation covers workplace red flags, job satisfaction, challenges, safety, ethical concerns, respect for management, and an off-the-rails episode on time travel. Takeaways Career decisions have consequencesCompany culture impacts job satisfaction and loyalty Identifying workplace red flagsImportance of passion and job satisfactionRecognizing the need for challenges and learning opportunitiesPrioritizing safety and ethical concernsMaintaining respect for managementExploring the concept of time travel in an off-the-rails episode Chapters 00:00 Setting the Stage01:26 When is it Time to Leave a Job?03:00 Company Culture and Decision Making17:38 Loyalty and Career Development22:48 Impressionability and Career Decisions31:00 Petty Reasons to Quit32:13 Workplace Red Flags35:46 Passion and Job Satisfaction38:32 Challenges and Learning Opportunities38:40 Safety and Ethical Concerns42:15 Respect for Management57:50 Off the Rails: Time Machine Episode

  7. Aug 26

    Season 1 Episode 18

    The conversation covers the topics of remembering Dolly Parton, identifying and dealing with difficult people at work, the contagious nature of negative attitudes, and the distinction between holding someone accountable and being an a*****e. The conversation delves into the topics of accountability at work, pride in one's work, self-reflection, and improvement. It also explores the idea of when it's time to leave a job. The speakers discuss the impact of accountability, the importance of taking pride in one's work, the value of self-reflection and improvement, and the considerations involved in deciding when to leave a job. Takeaways Dealing with difficult people in the workplaceLearning from challenging experiences Accountability at workPride in workSelf-reflection and improvement Chapters 00:00 Remembering Dolly Parton02:56 Identifying Assholes at Work11:04 Dealing with Assholes24:01 Assholes and Contagious Attitudes27:58 Holding Accountable vs. Being an Asshole28:52 Accountability and Work Ethic35:09 Pride in Work38:01 Self-Reflection and Improvement53:41 Leaving a Job

  8. Aug 16

    Season 1 Episode 17

    The conversation explores the impact of the people we surround ourselves with, both in personal and professional settings. It delves into the influence of environment on mindset and behavior, the importance of challenging and supportive relationships, and the role of leadership in fostering a positive work culture. The conversation delves into the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and the impact of personal relationships on growth and development. It also explores the need for self-reflection and the role of intentionality in choosing one's circle of influence. Takeaways Influence of EnvironmentChallenging RelationshipsLeadership and Work Culture Positive influences are crucial for personal growthSelf-reflection and intentionality are key in choosing one's circle of influence Chapters 00:00 The Power of Environment08:05 Influence of Relationships17:10 Leadership and Work Culture25:39 The Impact of Disagreements and Personal Growth26:16 Cutting Off Negative Influences27:29 Apologizing and Moving On28:40 The Role of Personal Relationships31:11 Self-Reflection and Intentionality33:02 The Importance of Personal Influence34:07 Challenging and Encouraging Others36:43 Reflection and Change38:06 Influencing and Being Influenced43:46 The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday45:25 Open Casting Call and Giveaway

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About

Load Bearing Opinions is where construction, the trades, and life all intersect. We swap stories from the field, talk training and careers, and give our take on the stuff that really matters. No fluff—just solid opinions built to last.

Information

  • Creator
    CJ Curtis
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 CJ Curtis
  • Show Website
    Load Bearing Opinions