Merit in Motion

ABC Southern California
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Merit in Motion is the official podcast of ABC Southern California, where we explore the people, policies, and projects shaping the merit shop construction industry. Hosted by ABC SoCal President and CEO Mike Mitchell, each episode features timely conversations on workforce development, political advocacy, regulatory updates, and the real-world challenges and opportunities facing contractors today. Whether you're a contractor, policymaker, apprentice, or industry advocate, Merit in Motion keeps you informed, inspired, and connected to the movement for fair and open competition.

Episodes

  1. Episode 3 - Fighting for Fairness: ABC SoCal’s Washington Recap

    07/09/2025

    Episode 3 - Fighting for Fairness: ABC SoCal’s Washington Recap

    Join host Russell Johnson, Frank Boecker, and Mike Brown for a compelling debrief of ABC Southern California’s recent trip to Washington, D.C. From legislative meetings on the Fair and Open Competition Act to emotional visits at the Pentagon, this episode captures both the policy stakes and the human stories behind ABC’s fight for merit shop values.

    43 min
  2. Episode 2: Rebuilding LA - Navigating Recovery After the Fires

    05/10/2025

    Episode 2: Rebuilding LA - Navigating Recovery After the Fires

    In this episode, we sit down with Russell Johnson, Government Affairs Director at ABC Southern California, to talk about the critical role ABC is playing in the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating Los Angeles fires. Recorded after his panel appearance at the BizFed Institute’s Rebuild LA Summit, Russell shares key insights on permitting delays, insurance hurdles, labor shortages, and the importance of using licensed, reputable contractors when rebuilding homes and businesses. We also dive into how ABC SoCal is helping upskill and expand the construction workforce to meet the region’s growing demand for skilled labor. Whether you're a property owner, contractor, or policymaker, this conversation offers practical knowledge and an honest look at the challenges and opportunities ahead for Los Angeles.

    18 min
  3. Episode 1: Tariffs, Trump, and the Merit Shop Mission with Russell Johnson

    04/20/2025

    Episode 1: Tariffs, Trump, and the Merit Shop Mission with Russell Johnson

    In the premiere episode of Merit in Motion, ABC SoCal President & CEO Mike Mitchell sits down with Government Affairs Director Russell Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation on the policies, politics, and challenges impacting California’s merit shop contractors. Russell shares his personal journey into advocacy and breaks down the latest on tariffs, interest rates, and the legal battles surrounding Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). From the “Trump effect” on the National Labor Relations Board to hopeful shifts in state and federal policy, this episode is packed with insights every contractor and construction professional should hear.

    26 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Merit in Motion is the official podcast of ABC Southern California, where we explore the people, policies, and projects shaping the merit shop construction industry. Hosted by ABC SoCal President and CEO Mike Mitchell, each episode features timely conversations on workforce development, political advocacy, regulatory updates, and the real-world challenges and opportunities facing contractors today. Whether you're a contractor, policymaker, apprentice, or industry advocate, Merit in Motion keeps you informed, inspired, and connected to the movement for fair and open competition.

Information

  • Creator
    ABC Southern California
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Merit in Motion