Management Under Construction

Dee Davis

5.0 (2)
Management
Updated Weekly

We are all constantly under construction In our personal and professional lives we seek to constantly learn and grow, and make better decisions. Together we will explore topics of construction, sustainability, leadership, and business as they apply to various industries and our personal journeys.

23h ago

S4 E9 Building Career Pathways, Industry Partnerships, and Workforce Readiness with EPIC Campus part 1

Construction, career path, engineering, education, workforce, industry, employer, EPIC campus, jobs, jobsite Epic Campus: Building Career Pathways, Industry Partnerships, and Workforce Readiness Dee Davis sits down with Mark Finer and Beth Best from Epic Campus in Colorado to talk about how the school blends education and industry to help students explore real career pathways. The conversation covers how Epic chose its pathways, how it partners with employers, and why site visits and workplace expectations are baked into the student experience. In this episode, Mark and Beth share how Epic Campus is designed to let students test-drive careers, earn credentials, and see themselves in the trades and other industries before graduation. Key topics Epic Campus serves students from Littleton Public Schools, plus Inglewood and Sheridan, as a career and technical education campus focused on hands-on, career-connected learning. Beth Best explains her role as industry partnership coordinator, acting as the bridge between education and industry and bringing employers into Epic’s ecosystem. Mark Finer shares his path from working construction with his father to industrial arts education, residential remodeling, and helping build Epic Campus. The district selected pathways based on workforce demand, livable wages, regional job gaps, and long-term career viability, not just student interest alone. The team studied local and statewide labor trends, retirements, credential requirements, and postsecondary options to ensure students could leave high school career-ready. Epic avoids unnecessary duplication with nearby districts by coordinating offerings and sharing students across programs when it makes sense. The campus is still young, but it has already expanded pathways in response to student interest and industry demand, including behavioral health inside health sciences. One of the standout success stories is the RV technician pathway, launched after industry saw the potential and asked, "Why wait?" before adding design-side innovation. Epic became the first high school program in the country to certify students as level one RV technicians, with students moving into internships and jobs right away. Industry partners are involved day to day, helping shape curriculum, teach in classrooms, host tours, and even bring apprentices close to students’ ages so students can see themselves in the work. Mark emphasizes that partnerships are two way, asking companies what Epic can do for them, then aligning student learning with real workforce needs. Workforce readiness matters as much as technical skill, with students being evaluated on professionalism, teamwork, problem solving, and showing up prepared. Site visits are treated as class time, not field trips, with students required to follow jobsite expectations like off-site parking, boots, PPE, and punctuality. The campus culture is intentionally industry-based, from Epic gear and safety boots to jobsite-style classroom rules and expectations. Beth and Mark both stress the importance of representation, bringing in women, Latino professionals, and younger apprentices so students can picture a future in the industry. The episode closes on the idea that the construction industry has a major workforce gap, and programs like Epic are helping fill it by preparing students earlier and better. Timestamps 00:00 - Students should be able to see themselves in the industry 00:16 - Dee introduces Mark Finer and Beth Best from Epic Campus 00:50 - Beth Best’s industry background and bridge role 01:21 - Mark Finer’s construction and education background 02:25 - What Epic Campus is and who it serves 03:18 - Why Epic is built around exploration, not forced career choice 04:28 - Why workforce readiness matters alongside pathways and internships 05:33 - How Epic chose pathways based on real workforce demand 06:50 - Livable wages, retirements, and regional job research 08:26 - Avoiding duplication and building around community needs 09:21 - Why Epic added design thinking to construction earlier than planned 10:42 - Unique pathways and reciprocal partnerships with neighboring districts 11:49 - Why adding new pathways takes time, space, and approval 13:27 - Adding behavioral health and launching the RV technician program 14:52 - How Windish RV helped spark a new pathway 15:21 - Becoming the first high school RV technician certification program 16:44 - Students moving directly into jobs after the program 17:51 - How Beth recruits industry partners and sets engagement expectations 19:38 - Mark’s approach to industry partnerships as a two way street 21:34 - The construction workforce gap and industry involvement 22:24 - Why Epic asks partners to bring apprentices, women, and Latino professionals 23:20 - Adalia’s story and why student professionalism stands out 24:47 - How industry access gives students confidence and opportunity 26:45 - The biggest challenge with partners: time and scheduling 28:21 - Three hour classes and flexible levels of partner engagement 29:20 - Industry projects, real problems, and semester-long collaborations 30:47 - No boots, no work, and why Epic looks and feels like a jobsite 31:44 - The One River North site visit and students making an impression 34:09 - Why Epic calls them site visits, not field trips 35:37 - Career growth in construction without a traditional degree path 36:11 - Beth explains punctuality, PPE, and jobsite expectations 37:06 - How students learn real logistics from active jobsites 38:20 - Student professionalism during Block Kids 39:01 - Showing up unprepared means you do not work 40:03 - Why workforce readiness is missing in too many places https://www.littletonpublicschools.net/o/epiccampus https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-finer-30575932/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-best-29840421/
Aug 31

S4 E8 Employee Leave Coverage with Beth Wanner part 2

employer, employee, leave, coverage, parental leave, Human resources, mothers, fathers, parents, business, engineering, construction, continuity, retention, teams, people Mother Cover: Why Leave Coverage Matters for Working Parents and Teams This episode of Management Under Construction features Beth Wanner, founder of Mother Cover, a specialized agency built to cover interim leave for professionals during parental, medical, mental health, caregiving, and sabbatical absences. The conversation focuses on why leave coverage is a business continuity issue, a retention issue, and a culture issue, not just an HR policy question. Beth shares the personal story that led her to build Mother Cover, and Dee Davis connects it to the reality many construction and engineering professionals face: feeling like they can never truly step away because the work never stops. Together they explore how thoughtful leave planning can protect both the employee taking leave and the teammates absorbing the work. Key topics Beth Wanner explains how Mother Cover provides interim leave coverage for knowledge-worker roles, with an emphasis on continuity, transition planning, and handing work back smoothly. Beth shares that her background was in marketing, not HR, and that her own experience with infertility, IVF, pregnancy, layoffs, and being fired at eight months pregnant shaped the company’s mission. Dee and Beth discuss how leave-related discrimination affects both women and men, especially fathers taking parental leave and caregivers taking time away for family or health reasons. The episode highlights the hidden cost of “just dispersing the work” across existing staff, including burnout, resentment, turnover, and knowledge loss. Beth explains why Mother Cover uses experienced professionals with 10 plus years of experience, often 15 to 30, so they can step in quickly without heavy onboarding. The model is intentionally fractional, with coverage ranging from 15 to 30 hours a week, because some continuity can be preserved without replacing a role full time. Beth describes the importance of transition templates, monthly updates, and a welcome-back brief so employees returning from leave are not dumped back into work blind. The conversation reframes leave support as a retention strategy, especially for key people in revenue, customer-facing, leadership-track, and mission-critical roles. Dee and Beth discuss how return-to-office mandates can push out experienced parents and professionals who need flexibility, even when they would otherwise stay. Beth emphasizes that strong leave partners need low ego, emotional intelligence, and a genuine why for supporting someone through a vulnerable professional moment. Timestamps 00:00 - Why a construction and management podcast is talking about leave coverage 01:04 - Beth’s background in marketing and the personal story behind Mother Cover 01:45 - Why manager interpretation can make a policy feel wildly different 02:48 - Why policy on paper is not the same as policy in practice 03:20 - How Mother Cover was built to solve real company pain points around leave 03:20 - Why overlap matters and how fractional coverage works in practice 03:51 - The hidden cost of dispersing leave work across an already stretched team 03:51 - Burnout, turnover, and the AFLEC study on stress covering leave 05:00 - Misconceptions about Mother Cover as staffing or recruiting 07:37 - The business case and culture case for investing in leave coverage 09:18 - The retention data companies should track after parental leave 10:57 - Why fathers taking parental leave still face stigma and backlash 11:37 - What getting leave support right feels like for employees 15:53 - Return-to-office mandates and how they affect flexibility and hiring 21:26 - Who fits Mother Cover’s leave partner roster and why experience matters 21:26 - How Mother Cover vets leave partners and screens for a real why 22:34 - Why interim work requires low ego and high emotional intelligence 22:34 - Protecting the returning employee from being replaced by their leave partner 23:05 - Transition templates, monthly updates, and the welcome-back brief 23:42 - Why a 30, 60, 90 day return plan helps employees reenter smoothly 24:22 - Why returning from leave is often more stressful than vacation 26:28 - First conversations leaders should have before parental leave 27:35 - The double circle exercise for identifying critical roles and people 28:40 - Why employees should ask for a performance review before stepping away 29:43 - Where to learn more about Mother Cover Action items For leaders: start the leave handoff conversation three to four months before the leave begins. Map every role using the double circle exercise: critical role, critical person, or both. Build a contingency plan for every double circle person before leave happens. Track who takes leave, how long they stay after returning, and whether support is consistent across managers. Create written performance expectations before an employee steps away so there is clarity on return. Treat leave coverage as part of operational resilience, not as an optional favor. www.mothercoveragency.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethwanner/
Aug 24

S4 E7 Employee Leave Coverage with Beth Wanner part 1

parental leave, family leave, employer, medical leave, leave coverage, benefits, temporary coverage, burnout, construction, engineering, manager, return to work Mother Cover: Why Leave Coverage Protects Careers, Teams, and Culture Dee Davis speaks with Beth Wanner, founder of Mother Cover, about a problem many workplaces still handle poorly: who covers a critical role when someone goes on leave. The conversation focuses on parental leave, but it also reaches medical leave, mental health leave, caregiving, and sabbaticals, showing why coverage planning matters for retention, burnout prevention, and employee trust.Beth shares the personal experience that led her to build Mother Cover, how the company matches highly experienced leave partners with interim roles, and why the work is designed around continuity rather than replacement. Dee and Beth also dig into return-to-office pressure, manager-dependent leave experiences, and the hidden costs companies absorb when they assume the team can simply “pick up the slack.” Key topics Beth explains that Mother Cover is a specialized agency for interim leave coverage, not a recruitment firm. Her founding story includes infertility, IVF, a pregnancy layoff, and then being fired at eight months pregnant. She says the emotional impact of that experience, plus responses from hundreds of others on LinkedIn, showed her the problem was widespread. The conversation expands the issue beyond women and parental leave to include fathers, caregivers, medical leave, mental health leave, and sabbaticals. Dee and Beth discuss how teams often respond to leave by dispersing work internally, even when everyone is already operating near capacity. Beth cites burnout, turnover, and even additional leave triggered by covering someone else’s absence as hidden costs companies often miss. Mother Cover’s model uses leave partners with at least 10 years of experience, often 15 to 30, so they can step in quickly with minimal hand-holding. The company uses overlap periods, transition templates, monthly updates, and a welcome-back brief to support both the employee on leave and the person returning. Beth stresses that the best interim hires have low ego, strong emotional intelligence, and a strong why for doing the work. Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to Management Under Construction and the Mother Cover concept 00:45 - What Mother Cover does for interim leave coverage 02:30 - Beth’s background in marketing and the origin story of Mother Cover 03:26 - Pregnancy, layoff, and firing at eight months pregnant 05:11 - Why Beth’s LinkedIn post resonated with so many people 06:26 - Turning contract and fractional work into a leave coverage model 08:13 - Why this is not only a women’s issue 10:24 - The stigma men still face when they take longer parental leave 13:41 - Why overlap matters and how leave coverage is phased in 15:36 - The hidden cost of dispersing leave work across already busy teams 16:53 - Burnout data and the 2025 AFLAC findings 18:48 - The real business cost of ignoring coverage and losing clients 20:15 - Why junior employees should not be expected to absorb senior-level work 21:01 - How Mother Cover shapes its roster and engagement model 23:53 - Transition templates, monthly updates, and the welcome-back brief 25:55 - The stress of returning from leave and why handoff support matters 27:38 - Which roles are a fit for Mother Cover 28:45 - Why emotional intelligence matters as much as experience 32:18 - Why Mother Cover does not post roles publicly and looks for mission alignment 33:09 - Clear boundaries so leave partners are not seen as replacement candidates 37:38 - Warning signs that a company needs leave coverage help 39:29 - Tracking return rates and the retention risk after parental leave 42:25 - The manager lottery and why policy alone is not enough www.mothercoveragency.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethwanner/
Aug 10

S4 E6 Why You Need a Written Quality Program for Your Company

Construction, quality, program, QC, QA, training, inspection Why Construction Quality Matters Dee Davis explains why construction quality needs its own program, its own reporting structure, and its own authority in the field. This episode breaks down the difference between quality control and quality assurance, and why a written plan only works if people are trained on it and actually use it. Key topics The core difference between quality control and quality assurance QC is contractor-side and internal to the company performing the work QA is owner-side, often handled by a third party with no role in installing the work A strong quality program reduces conflict of interest by keeping reporting independent from construction execution Why company crews need to work from the same standards so quality does not vary by crew or person A written QC plan is essential, but it fails if nobody knows it exists or has been trained on it Leaving QC as a collateral duty for installation crews creates a high risk of inconsistent results Good QC and QA personnel need to know codes, standards, project plans, specifications, manufacturer instructions, and company quality plans Quality staff must have the authority to stop work when something does not comply Quality roles are not the same as building inspectors for permit sign-offs Inspection and test plans translate specifications into concrete field checks, test methods, and pass or fail criteria The goal of quality is to verify that materials, fabrication, installation, and testing all match the project requirements Timestamps 00:53 - QC versus QA: contractor-side and owner-side roles 01:43 - Why consistent standards matter across every crew 02:42 - QC must report independently from construction management 03:53 - The hidden failure of a quality plan nobody knows about 05:22 - Why assigning QC as a collateral duty is risky 05:52 - How QA differs and what third-party reviewers may specialize in 06:21 - What makes a strong QC or QA person 07:48 - Why quality staff need authority to stop work 08:47 - Quality starts with materials and continues through installation and testing 09:16 - How inspection and test plans turn specs into field requirements 10:05 - Mistakes in construction usually come from overload, not bad intent 10:31 - Trust but verify: why focused quality oversight protects the final system
Aug 3

S4 E5 The Hidden Risk of Putting Mechanical Equipment into Service During Construction

construction, mechanical, equipment, warranty, service, maintenance, ventilation, temperature, humidity, environmental control Putting Mechanical Equipment into Service During Construction Explore critical considerations for using permanent equipment during construction, including warranty management, maintenance responsibilities, and protective measures to ensure system longevity and quality. Key Topics: Why and when to use permanent equipment during construction Impact of factory startup on warranty periods Maintenance planning and responsibilities (owner vs contractor) Protecting air systems with filters and cleanliness standards Factory and extended warranty options for major equipment Best practices for preparing systems for turnover to owners Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to using mechanical equipment during construction 00:32 - Challenges of indoor climate control in enclosure phases 01:03 - Importance of understanding equipment warranty start points 01:30 - How factory startup triggers warranty coverage and extended warranty options 02:00 - Maintenance requirements for operational equipment during construction 02:44 - Responsibilities for equipment care: owner vs contractor 03:09 - Coordinating shutdowns, tie-ins, and system controls during construction 03:38 - Managing costs and documentation for maintenance performed during construction 04:19 - Ensuring accurate record-keeping for warranty Protection 05:18 - Protecting air systems with filters; importance of consistent upkeep 05:50 - The importance of verifying maintenance and cleanliness standards 06:16 - Ensuring rooms and systems are kept clean before turnover 06:37 - Preparing and servicing major HVAC components before project completion 07:01 - Factory checks, maintenance, and system cleaning prior to handover 07:31 - Extended warranty considerations for long-term equipment health 07:58 - Maintaining systems during prolonged construction periods 08:24 - Final thoughts on system use in dusty environments and warranty advice Resources & Links: HVAC System Maintenance Guide — ASHRAE Handbook
Jul 27

S4 E4 Can it Really Rain Inside Your Building During Construction?

humidity, temperature, construction, buildings, finishes, design, hvac, flooring, cabinets, adhesives, curing Discover how temperature and humidity affect construction projects, from material application to preventing indoor rain and mold. Essential insights for contractors, builders, and environmental managers aiming for quality and compliance. Main Topics: The basics of humidity and its measurement in construction How humidity impacts material curing, finishes, and building integrity The importance of managing temperature and humidity during construction Risks of indoor rain and mold caused by humidity swings The evolution of industry standards for humidity control in building projects Key Insights: Relative humidity (RH) measures moisture in the air; ideal human comfort range is 40-50% Most US climates hover around 50-60% RH, with exceptions like Colorado (20-40%) influencing static electricity issues Warmer air holds more moisture, which increases perceived heat and humidity sensations Psychrometric charts help predict moisture content at various temperatures, aiding construction planning Incorrect application of coatings, sealants, and flooring outside recommended humidity ranges voids warranties and causes failures Lower VOC paints and adhesives increased the industry’s need to control RH during application Early construction humidity management helps prevent indoor rain and mold, ensuring longevity and safety Controlling indoor humidity during construction can be achieved with temporary equipment or accelerated installation of permanent systems Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing the importance of temperature and humidity in construction 00:22 - Understanding humidity measurement and misconceptions 01:18 - The typical humidity ranges across the US and their implications 01:46 - How humidity affects human comfort and indoor environments 02:13 - Colorado’s dry climate and its technical effects on building conditions 03:08 - Static electricity as a symptom of dry climates 03:22 - Explanation of psychrometric chart and moisture content in air 03:51 - The impact of temperature and humidity on fog, dew, and rain formation 04:18 - Why managing humidity is crucial for construction materials and finishes 04:45 - Risks of applying coatings and sealants outside optimal humidity ranges 05:15 - Historical lack of climate control during construction and recent industry changes 05:40 - Challenges and solutions for temporary space conditioning 06:07 - Impact of low VOC materials on humidity management 06:32 - Early installation of permanent systems for better humidity control 07:01 - The necessity of controlling humidity to prevent interior rain and mold 08:25 - Real-world example of indoor rain caused by humidity issues 08:48 - The dangers of mold in construction and importance of early humidity management 09:17 - The critical need for managing humidity in sensitive builds like clean rooms 09:45 - Strategies for humidity control, including portable A/C units 10:13 - Concluding remarks: Keep buildings dry, safe, and compliant Connect with Dee Davis: LinkedIn
Jul 21

S4 E3 How to Get Submittals Approved in Record Time

Construction, submittals, engineering, project manager, project engineer, fast approval, contractor, save time How to Get Your Construction Submittals Approved Faster: Tips from Dee Davis In this episode, Dee Davis shares expert insights on streamlining the submittal process in construction projects to avoid delays, rejections, and bottlenecks. Whether you're a contractor, designer, or project manager, these practical tips will help you improve submittal quality and turnaround times. Key Topics Covered: The importance of submittals in construction and common misconceptions Why submittals often get delayed or rejected How to prepare clear, specific, and manageable submittals Strategies for faster review and approval, including paragraph-by-paragraph submissions Best practices for avoiding common mistakes like flooding the system or submitting overly large files Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: The importance and challenges of the submittal process 00:30 - Why submittals are necessary despite being tedious 01:21 - Reasons engineered review of submittals is critical 02:21 - How submittals communicate product choices and options 02:52 - The legal impact of approved submittals and substitutions 03:50 - Common issues delaying approval: size, clarity, and procedure mistakes 05:19 - Industry averages for submittal turnaround times and why they matter 05:48 - Typical contractor, designer, and owner frustrations 07:13 - The benefits of peer-reviewing your scope through detailed submittals 07:42 - Practical tips for effective submittal preparation 08:41 - How to make submittals small, clear, and specific 09:09 - The importance of tagging system-specific equipment and parts 10:14 - Using visual cues and markings for clarity 11:15 - Submitting for things not specified, and how to help the reviewer understand your scope 12:08 - What to avoid: lumping product types, large files, and vague info 12:39 - Managing the volume and timing of submittals for quicker approval 13:30 - The dangers of waiting to submit everything at once 14:27 - The advantage of submitting small, incremental submittals 15:00 - Dee’s innovative approach: paragraph-by-paragraph submittals 16:03 - How compartmentalized submittals speed up approval and reduce rework 16:58 - Final encouragement Connect with Dee Davis: LinkedIn Twitter
Jul 13

S4 E2 How Your Job Can Be More Than a Paycheck: Finding Purpose In Your Work

Happiness, finding your why, passion, motivation, paycheck, work, job, people, purpose, building, construction, engineering Finding Your Why: The Key to Purpose and Happiness at Work Discover how understanding your why can transform your approach to work, infuse you with passion, and lead to a more fulfilling career in construction, engineering, or any industry. Dee Davis shares personal insights and practical steps to help you uncover what truly motivates you. In this episode: Why your motivation for work should go beyond a paycheck The importance of introspection to find your personal "why" How your identified "why" can evolve over time Real-life examples of how a clear "why" fuels commitment and passion The role of purpose in supporting others, including family and team Practical tips for digging deeper into your motivations The significance of taking responsibility for your own happiness Encouragement to pursue work aligned with your true passions Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Why finding your "why" matters in your career 00:17 - Dee’s personal story of discovering his "why" during a seminar 00:48 - Why a paycheck isn't enough as a sole motivation 01:17 - The importance of looking inward to find what truly drives you 01:47 - How societal frustrations with pay and work are often misplaced 02:44 - Dee’s realization that his "why" is centered on his team and helping others 03:14 - The evolving nature of "why" over time with examples 03:47 - The significance of creating things with your hands and its deeper purpose 04:34 - How flexibility and helping save lives became Dee’s current "why" 05:02 - The motivation of creating life-saving medicines and supporting impactful work 05:30 - The joy of travel and new experiences as part of motivation 05:58 - Practical exercise: asking "why" repeatedly to uncover your true motivation 06:27 - Supporting family and fulfilling responsibilities as a "why" 06:53 - The importance of doing work you love while supporting loved ones 07:22 - Finding joy in daily routines and connections at work08:24 - Taking ownership of your career happiness and making changes if necessary 08:52 - Encouragement to explore new options until you find fulfillment 09:18 - Closing thoughts: live intentionally by knowing your "why" Resources & Links: Book: Start with Why by Simon Sinek Jeff Klubeck – Leadership & Culture Expert Connect with Dee Davis: LinkedIn Twitter

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

We are all constantly under construction In our personal and professional lives we seek to constantly learn and grow, and make better decisions. Together we will explore topics of construction, sustainability, leadership, and business as they apply to various industries and our personal journeys.

Creator

Dee Davis
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

83
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Yellowstone Professional Education 2026
Show Website

Management Under Construction