Talk the TAUC

Kirk Westwood
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Talk the TAUC podcast (formerly Construction User 2.0) is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

  1. Why Construction Feels Slower — Even With Strong Demand

    2D AGO

    Why Construction Feels Slower — Even With Strong Demand

    What's the real impact of immigration enforcement on construction sites—and why are a third of contractors already affected? In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Ken Simonson, Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, to discuss why construction feels more constrained despite strong demand and investment. Ken, widely cited by national and trade media for his economic analysis, helps unpack the market forces creating this paradox—from the low-hire, low-fire environment and regional employment variations to policy uncertainty around tariffs, interest rates, and immigration enforcement. The conversation covers data center and power construction booms, labor cost trends across four different measures, and why the Architecture Billings Index can be misleading. "There are huge parts of construction for which the ABI is a misleading indicator, not a leading indicator," Ken explains, offering practical context for planning in uncertain times. Ken Simonson is the Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, where he analyzes economic trends affecting the construction industry, including labor markets, costs, regional activity, and investment patterns. Widely cited by national and trade media, Ken is known for translating complex economic data into clear, practical insight for construction leaders. He regularly surveys AGC's 28,000+ member companies across 87 chapters on market conditions, workforce challenges, and policy impacts, providing contractors with data-driven context to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. His economic analysis helps industry leaders make more informed decisions in uncertain markets. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) Ken Simonson - the current construction market environment (03:54) AGC survey reveals contractor sentiment across 17 construction segments (06:30) Breaking down wage increases and labor cost trends (09:03) Is there really a labor shortage in construction (14:04) Regional variations and which states are leading or lagging (18:10) How inflation interest rates and tariffs affect project starts (22:29) Immigration enforcement as a major disruptor for construction sites (25:14) Why the Architecture Billings Index is a misleading indicator (29:24) What leading indicators contractors should watch going forward Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Resources: Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): www.agc.org (28,000+ member companies across 87 chapters nationwide) American Institute of Archite...

    33 min
  2. A Helmet Saved My Life: Ike Pritchett’s Story

    JAN 27

    A Helmet Saved My Life: Ike Pritchett’s Story

    What's the one thing about PPE that could mean the difference between going home and never coming back? In this powerful episode recorded live at STUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Ike Pritchett, a Kansas City ironworker with Local 10 who survived a catastrophic jobsite accident. Ike shares his journey from starting in construction at 14, through losing his brother Mack in a bridge accident in 2000, to his own near-fatal incident on February 21st when a come-along struck him in the face, crushing his skull. Thanks to his properly worn helmet, Ike survived and made a remarkable recovery. He now travels the country advocating for safety culture and proper PPE use. As Ike says, "PPE only works if you wear it correctly." His story reminds us that safety decisions aren't abstract—they're the difference between going home or not. Ike Pritchett is a Kansas City-based ironworker and construction safety advocate with Local 10 Ironworkers. Since joining the union in 1999 (book #1263430), Ike has built bridges and infrastructure across the region, working for companies like Clarkson Construction. After surviving a catastrophic jobsite accident in which a come-along struck him in the face, crushing his skull, Ike has become a powerful voice for proper PPE use and safety culture. He travels the country sharing his firsthand account of how modern protective equipment—worn correctly—saved his life, inspiring construction professionals to prioritize safety on every job. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) Ike Pritchett – ironworker at 14, joined Local 10 in 1999 (06:25) The devastating loss of Ike's brother Mack in a bridge accident and why he stayed in the trade (13:05) How safety culture in construction has evolved since the 2000s (29:30) The day everything changed: Ike describes his last memory before the accident (32:19) What his crew witnessed and how they responded when disaster struck (41:17) The mechanical failure that led to a 120-pound come-along striking Ike in the face (45:05) The extent of Ike's injuries: crushed skull, displaced vertebra, and the long road to recovery (50:29) Ike's powerful message: PPE only works if you wear it correctly Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Resources: TAUC Calendar of Events TAUC Website Kirk Westwood TAUC The Construction User Magazine back issues The Construction User podcast archive

    53 min
  3. Reinventing Construction Safety: Dr. Barry Miller on the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings

    JAN 13

    Reinventing Construction Safety: Dr. Barry Miller on the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings

    Could a simple helmet upgrade reduce your skull fracture risk by 66%? In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Dr. Barry Miller, Senior Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, to discuss the groundbreaking construction helmet safety study released in September. Dr. Miller, a national authority on head protection and injury biomechanics, explains how Type II helmets significantly outperform traditional Type I hard hats in reducing traumatic brain injuries. The data reveals that switching to a Type II helmet can reduce concussion risk by 35% and skull fracture risk by 66%. As Dr. Miller emphasizes, "If you're exposed to falls from ladders or scaffolding, it'd be pretty wise to choose a Type II helmet." This conversation explores the testing methodology, top-performing brands, and what's next for construction head protection. Dr. Barry Miller is the Senior Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, where he leads efforts to translate cutting-edge impact-testing research into practical tools that improve safety across multiple industries. A national authority on head protection and injury biomechanics, Dr. Miller has overseen the development of Virginia Tech's widely respected helmet rating systems, including the landmark construction helmet study released in September 2024. His work helps manufacturers innovate, helps workers stay safer on the job, and helps organizations make informed, evidence-based decisions about protective equipment. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) The headline: Type II helmets reduce concussion risk by 47% and skull fractures by 75% (03:06) How Virginia Tech modeled real-world falls using OSHA data from 600+ injury reports (08:09) Top performers revealed: Milwaukee BOLT, Studson, DeWalt, and KASK lead the ratings (13:18) Industry partners who funded this life-saving research (17:21) The biggest challenge: why helmet variability required 700+ helmets and 20 iterations (22:08) Real-world proof: Superintendent Ike Pritchett's Type II helmet saved his life Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Resources: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Construction Ratings: https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/ Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Website: https://www.beam.vt.edu/helmet TAUC Website Kirk Westwood TAUC The Construction User Magazine back issues

    24 min
  4. Building a Culture That Saves Lives: Sonya Bohmann on Suicide Prevention in Construction

    12/30/2025

    Building a Culture That Saves Lives: Sonya Bohmann on Suicide Prevention in Construction

    Did you know construction workers are 5 times more likely to die by suicide than from workplace injuries? In this powerful episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). With over a decade in construction and a deeply personal connection to suicide prevention as a loss survivor, Sonya brings both industry expertise and authentic advocacy to this critical conversation. She reveals the sobering reality that construction sees 5,000 deaths by suicide compared to just 1,000 fatal workplace injuries annually. Sonya discusses practical tools for building cultures of care, breaking down mental health stigma, and implementing mental health champions on job sites. As Sonya powerfully states, "Is it about the mission or is it about a monument?" This episode challenges every construction professional to ask: Are we doing enough? Sonya Bohmann is the Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), where she leads national efforts to reduce suicide risk and promote mental health across the construction workforce. With over a decade of experience in construction and as a loss survivor who lost her sister to suicide 17 years ago, Sonya brings both professional expertise and personal advocacy to this critical mission. She works with contractors, unions, and industry leaders to build supportive cultures, expand awareness, and equip organizations with free resources to protect workers' well-being and make mental health a core component of construction safety. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) The staggering statistics that reveal construction's hidden crisis (03:37) How a loss survivor found her calling leading CIASP (07:44) Mission versus monument: keeping suicide prevention work ego-free (09:49) Breaking the stigma starts with making mental health conversation commonplace (14:53) Mental health champions: creating identifiable allies on every job site (19:11) Building cultures of care that go beyond pizza parties (24:28) When you feel trapped: resources for workers with no way out (26:47) The future of mental health in construction: making it what we just do Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Resources: For more info visit: https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/ 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 TAUC Website Kirk Westwood TAUC

    29 min
  5. Culture First: Justin Azbill on Building Safer, Stronger Jobsites

    12/16/2025

    Culture First: Justin Azbill on Building Safer, Stronger Jobsites

    Why are we losing 20 times more construction workers to suicide than job site accidents? In this important episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Justin Azbill of Tribal Group to tackle one of construction's most critical challenges: building safety cultures that actually save lives. Justin brings decades of frontline experience—from Marine Corps service to ironworker, firefighter, and safety leader for major contractors like Suffolk Construction and Canestro. He discusses the alarming reality that the industry loses approximately 20,000 workers annually to suicide and substance use disorder, and shares how his innovative Ally Code training is equipping leaders to address mental health proactively. Justin emphasizes that "a culture doesn't change overnight—it could be five years till you see ROI." Can your company afford to wait? Discover why true safety starts with respect, inclusion, and leadership that puts people first. Justin Azbill is a workforce development and safety specialist with Tribal Group, where he helps contractors and unions strengthen jobsite culture through training, leadership coaching, and inclusive safety programs. A former Marine, ironworker, and firefighter, Justin has held senior safety leadership roles with Suffolk Construction, Canestro, and Milwaukee Tool. He founded Mission Mindset Us to address the construction industry's mental health crisis, which claims approximately 20,000 lives annually. Justin holds a PhD and advocates for a holistic approach to safety centered on respect, accountability, and empowering people at every level of the jobsite. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) From Marine Corps to ironworker to firefighter—Justin's unconventional path into construction safety (10:23) The shocking statistics behind construction's mental health crisis (13:41) Why traditional safety approaches miss the mark on culture and respect (17:44) Understanding the four mindset risks that lead workers to crisis (22:28) How the Ally Code is training leaders to spot warning signs and intervene early (28:40) Breaking down the real causes of substance use disorder on jobsites (30:07) What's next for Tribal Group and the future of the trades code Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Resources: https://www.mission-mindsetus.org/ TAUC Website Kirk Westwood TAUC The Construction User Magazine back issues The Construction User podcast ar...

    33 min
  6. Building the Next Generation: Angie Simon on the Heavy Metal Summer Experience

    12/02/2025

    Building the Next Generation: Angie Simon on the Heavy Metal Summer Experience

    How did one mechanical contractor president turn a pandemic idea into 51 camps across North America in just five years? In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Angie Simon, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE). With 35 years at a union mechanical contractor—including 14 as President—and a term as SMACNA National President (2019-2021), Angie saw the workforce crisis coming and decided to act. She launched HMSE in 2021 as a two-shop pilot program teaching high school students about skilled trades through hands-on experience. Today, it's grown to 51 camps across North America, reaching nearly 900 students in 2025. Angie discusses the power of hands-on learning, changing parental perceptions, and building confidence in the next generation. "I thought we were gonna drop a little pebble in the water... I think we're doing a boulder right now, and I think we got tidal waves coming." How can your company get involved? Angie Simon is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), a workforce development program that grew from 2 pilot camps in 2021 to 51 camps across North America. She spent 35 years at Western Allied Mechanical, including 14 years as President, and served as SMACNA National President from 2019-2021. Recognizing the construction industry's workforce crisis during the pandemic, Angie created a hands-on summer camp introducing high school students to skilled trades careers. HMSE has reached nearly 900 students and continues expanding rapidly. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) Why a SMACNA president saw the workforce crisis coming during the pandemic (03:19) The missing piece in construction recruitment: getting parents on board (05:15) How two shops in East Palo Alto became a nationwide movement (10:42) When a Rhode Island graduate went from camper to employee in one year (16:22) Why high school students can weld fire pits but pre-apprentices cannot (23:26) Stop complaining and get some skin in the game: advice for contractors (29:40) What's next for Heavy Metal Summer Experience and how you can help Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Resources: Heavy Metal Summer Experience Website: https://www.hmse.org/ Email Contact: info@hmse.org (reaches Angie Simon directly) TAUC Website Kirk Westwood TAUC The Construction User Magazine back issues

    36 min
  7. IMPACT: Strengthening the Future of Ironworkers Through Partnership

    11/18/2025

    IMPACT: Strengthening the Future of Ironworkers Through Partnership

    How is IMPACT tackling the construction workforce shortage that everyone's talking about? In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Aaron Bast, the incoming CEO of IMPACT—the Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust. A 30-year ironworker veteran and former business manager of Ironworkers Local 5, Aaron brings firsthand perspective from both the field and management side. He discusses how IMPACT is tackling workforce shortages through expanded training and pre-apprenticeship opportunities while fostering stronger collaboration between contractors and unions. Aaron shares his vision for helping small to medium contractors grow their businesses to create more ironworker jobs and explains the culture shifts necessary for advancing jobsite safety. "The most important thing in our industry is our signatory contractors because we can have the best ironworkers in a room, but if there's no contractors to work for, then none of us have jobs," Aaron emphasizes. Aaron Bast is the incoming CEO of IMPACT (Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust), bringing 30 years of hands-on ironworking experience to the role. Prior to joining IMPACT, Aaron served as business manager of Ironworkers Local 5 for a decade, where he focused on strengthening partnerships with signatory contractors and creating job opportunities for union members. His career spans both open shop and union construction, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and advantages of each model. Aaron's leadership approach is rooted in his field experience—from apprentice to journeyman, foreman, and general foreman—combined with his understanding of the business realities contractors face. At IMPACT, he's focused on helping small to medium-sized contractors grow their businesses, expanding workforce training and pre-apprenticeship programs, and building stronger labor-management partnerships across the ironworking industry. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) Aaron reveals his 30-year journey from ironworker to CEO and his very first job interview (02:10) Why signatory contractors are the most important part of the union construction industry (03:09) The real reasons workers choose union construction over open shop (19:47) What makes strong labor-management partnerships actually work in the field

    26 min
  8. Science on the Jobsite: Research-Backed Safety in Action

    11/04/2025

    Science on the Jobsite: Research-Backed Safety in Action

    What shocking trend is claiming more construction worker lives than falls and electrocutions combined? In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Chris Cain, Executive Director of CPWR (the research and training arm of North America's Building Trades Unions). With her background as an industrial hygienist and years in OSHA enforcement, Cain brings unique expertise to construction safety challenges. Cain discusses advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat exposure, ergonomics, and mental health, along with focusing on emerging concerns like the opioid crisis plaguing construction workers. "We're trying to foster that and to promote it, but when you think about occupational safety and health, when you're in a large firm, you think about it as part of your risk control," she explains. How can large contractors better mentor smaller firms in safety practices? Chris Cain leads CPWR’s national efforts to make construction jobsites safer, healthier, and more resilient. She bridges research and the real world—advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat and silica exposure, ergonomics, and mental health. Under her leadership, CPWR partners with labor, contractors, owners, and government to turn evidence into training, tools, and campaigns that save lives and improve performance across union construction. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) Chris Cain and her role leading CPWR's research-backed safety initiatives (03:48) Top safety challenges facing the construction industry today (09:52) Recent strides in preventing suicides and overdoses in construction (16:19) Helping small contractors adopt new safety technologies (21:01) How contractors can partner with CPWR for better safety outcomes Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Resources: Chris Cain LinkedIn CPWR Construction Chart Boo...

    25 min
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About

Talk the TAUC podcast (formerly Construction User 2.0) is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Information

  • Creator
    Kirk Westwood
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Talk the TAUC