Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain MCA Podcast

A Conversation with Women about Women in the Skilled Trades

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Lindsay Williams who leads Service for U.S. Engineering across the Rocky Mountain region, Ashley Ekstrom, Project Manager for Trautman & Shreve, and Sarah Harkssen an officer of the women's committee with other women from UA Local 3 and UA Local 208 and Plumbing Campus Lead at Western States College of Construction.

Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What drew these women to the trades and what keeps them enthused about the job?
How do they handle mentorship of young women in the trades? What mentors and role models did they have?
What challenges have they had to overcome in a male-dominated industry? How did they approach those challenges?
What projects really stand out in their work histories?
What would younger versions of themselves have liked to hear as they were beginning their careers?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Trautman & Shreve, please visit their website.

For more information about U.S. Engineering, please visit their website.

For more information about UA Local 3, please visit their website. And for UA Local 208, please visit their website.

For more information about the Western States College of Construction, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Inside Denver Botanic Gardens with Suzi Latona

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Suzi Latona, Director of Operations at Denver Botanic Gardens whose mission is to connect people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

How much does the Director of Operations cover at an organization like this?
We pay a quick tribute to Brian Vogt and discuss his impact on Denver Botanic Gardens.
The Chatfield location has new projects coming online. What are they and what went into them?
What are the incredibly varied and unique HVAC and plumbing needs for housing this many different types of plants?
What goes into an event like Blossoms of Light? And when do they start planning for it?
What is something people may not know about the Botanic Gardens that they should?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Denver Botanic Gardens, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Agricultural Innovation of FarmBox Foods featuring Jason Brown

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Jason Brown, Vice President of Operations for FarmBox Foods which provides the tools and knowledge to sustainably grow locally sourced food year-round in any climate, anywhere in the world. They handle all of the transportation logistics and shipping, and their deployment team will help you get up and running once the farm arrives at your site. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What was the origin for FarmBox Foods?
How do you set up a farm inside a shipping container?
How much food can grow in one of these units and what types of foods are grown?
Who has been purchasing these types of units and what does it take to get them up and running?
What are the company's biggest accomplishments so far?
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about farming and agriculture?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about FarmBox Foods, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

New RMMCA Board President Lana Marsh

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome our Executive Director Randy Drennen and Lana Marsh, Executive at Olson Plumbing & Heating, a company committed to providing reliable plumbing services across Colorado. With decades of experience, their company prides itself on delivering exceptional service to home and business owners. Whether addressing a leaking pipe or a clogged drain or providing emergency plumbing services, their skilled team ensures prompt service day and night, resolving plumbing issues with professionalism and dedication to customer satisfaction. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

Olson Plumbing & Heating started in 1917. What can we attribute their success and longevity to?
What does the path to Board Presidency entail? How long is it?
What does she hope to accomplish in her tenure as President?
What issues are top of mind as we approach 2026?
What projects stand out most for Lana in her career?

Check out the original motorcycle of Mr. Olson in the picture below:

And here's the recent re-creation of it:

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Olson Plumbing & Heating, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Getting to Know MCAA CEO Tim Brink

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Robert Beck, CEO of Mechanical Contractors Association of America, which serves the unique needs of approximately 2,600 firms involved in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping, and mechanical service and is the national organization under which RMMCA exists. He is also the President of Hughes Environmental Engineering. This conversation will focus largely on Robert's role as MCAA CEO. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What was Tim's background that led him to lead the Mechanical Contractors Association of America?
What key issues is MCAA focused on now and what are they monitoring in the near and long term future?
What accomplishments is he most proud of?
How did the COVID-19 pandemic change the business? Has it returned to where it was, or has it changed forever?
What excites him most about the skilled trades? What keeps him up at night?
What is something everyone should know about the skilled trades that they may not currently?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Hughes Environmental Engineering, please visit their website.

For more information about the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Skills Jam featuring JJ Owen and David Ottavianelli

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome JJ Owen, Executive Director of Skilled Careers Coalition, and David Ottavianelli, Skilled Careers Coalition Advisory Board Member. In his role as Executive Director of Skilled Careers Coalition (SCC), JJ Owen creates, shapes, and directs the strategy behind SCC and its mission to fuel a robust pipeline of talent and help close the widening skilled labor gap by inspiring and empowering the next generation of skilled professionals. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What is Skilled Careers Coalition and how did they come to be involved in it?
Where have they seen the most success in recruiting more workers to the skilled trades?
What is Skills Jam?
How young is too young to get students thinking about potential career paths?
What has been the most rewarding accomplishment they've had in their time at SCC?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Skilled Careers Coalition please visit their website. Also be sure to check out Skills Jam on YouTube and TikTok.

For more information about Hughes Environmental Engineering, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Getting to Know MCAA President Brian Hughes

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Brian Hughes, President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and Hughes Environmental Engineering. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What was Brian's path in ascending to leading MCAA?
How long has Hughes Environmental Engineering been in business, and what does he attribute their longevity to?
What is a project he's worked on that stands out most in his mind? (It's very cool)
Why get involved in trade associations? What benefits are associated with membership and participation?
What has been most effective in developing the workforce for the skilled trades?
Where are some of the more unusual places new workers in the skilled trades are coming from?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about MCAA please visit their website.

For more information about Hughes Environmental Engineering, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Recorded at the Mile High Sports studio inside Number 38.

Debunking Myths about Labor Unions featuring Rick Allen

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:44:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Rick Allen, International Representative for the United Association. I'm also joined by Randy Drennen, RMMCA President. You can also view this episode on our YouTube channel. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

Who is the International Association and what does Rick's work entail?
What are the top myths both guests have heard about organized labor?
How have portrayals of unions in pop culture influenced some of the myths about labor unions?
Are the skilled trades simply "back up" for those who can't go to college?
Are skilled labor jobs dirty, dangerous and low-paying?
Are those in a labor union lazy?
What are the truths about these myths and what else might we not know about the realities of labor unions?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about the United Association please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Recorded at the Mile High Sports studio inside Number 38.

The Man Behind Denver's Number 38 featuring Spencer Fronk

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Spencer Fronk, Co-Founder of Number 38, where we also recorded this episode. You can also view this episode on our YouTube channel. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What is the origin of Number 38? How did it come to be?
How much time goes from ideation to doors open for a concept like this?
How vital are the skilled trades to a project like this, and what was Spencer's exposure to them prior to opening this venue?
How complex is a project like this with indoor and outdoor space, multiple draft lines, and a lot of unique needs?
What are the challenges of owning a restaurant in Denver in 2025?
What moments stand out during his time in owning Number 38?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Number Thirty Eight, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Skilled Trades and Sports Media featuring Nate Lundy

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Nate Lundy, CEO of Mile High Sports and our President Randy Drennen. We recorded this episode at the Mile High Sports studios inside Number Thirty Eight in Denver's River North neighborhood. You can also view this episode on our YouTube channel. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What is Nate's knowledge of the skilled trades, and what is his general impression of them?
What are the qualities that make for a good team and how does that impact how he shapes his own team?
What are the greatest moments each of us has experienced live?
What are the biggest challenges about working in sports media? What is not well-known about the work?
What are some surprising similarities between work in the skilled trades and in sports media?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Mile High Sports, please visit their website.

For more information about Number Thirty Eight, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Leading the Next Generation of Skilled Tradespeople featuring Michael Burke and Adam Nelson

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Michael Burke, Director of Post Secondary and Workforce Readiness, and Adam Nelson, Carpentry Teacher at Adams 27J School District, here in Colorado. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What is the Workforce Cooperative Program and how did it come to be?
How do the building trades and firefighter training go hand-in-hand?
What are the specifics of the kinds of things kids get to work on in this program?
How has this program helped to evolve the perception of the skilled trades?
What would the ideal future of education look like?
How ready are kids for job sites after going through this training?
If you have a stress dream where you show to school and take a test you're unprepared for, what subject is it in?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Adams 27J, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience featuring Angie Simon

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Angie Simon, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Heavy Metal Summer Experience, which exists to inspire students with real-world training showcasing dynamic career opportunities in the skilled trades, and to ensure the continued vitality of the union construction industry. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What is the Heavy Metal Summer Experience and how did it come to be?
What do campers do in their camps?
How much has the camp grown, and where does it operate now?
What do people most need to know about a career in the skilled trades?
What is Angie's professional journey, and how did it lead her to found this organization?
Is Angie a fan of heavy metal music?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Up Close and Personal RMMCA Executive Director Randy Drennen

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome our very own Executive Director, Randy Drennen. With his feet underneath him more since taking the role of Executive Director, Randy finally sits in the hot seat where Host Jon Ekstrom gets to know him a lot better. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What was Randy's career path that led his arrival as Executive Director of RMMCA?
Elevator pitch: Why should your average person care about the skilled trades?
What has been the most surprising thing he's learned during his tenure?
Whenever his time leading the organization is up - which we hope is not for a very long time - what will he want people to remember about him?
You'll get to know Randy a lot better in this episode as we learn a lot about his tastes:
- The ultimate concert he would throw himself?
- What's on his book and DVD shelves?
- Professional athlete whose brain he'd like to peek into?
- As a kid, what did he want to be when he grew up?

We think you'll enjoy this fun, off-kilter chat and walk away knowing our leader better than you did before listening. This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Technological Innovation at DEWALT featuring Benny Baltrotsky

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Benny Baltrotsky, Vice President, Partnerships & GTM for DEWALT. From their website: "When we put the DEWALT® name on something, it’s a commitment to get the job done right. It’s the mark we’ve left over 100 years of helping world-builders build the modern world." Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What are the key technological advances DEWALT has achieved?
Where are they headed in the future?
How does AI impact the construction industry? What can it be used for?
What concerns Benny the most about the future of construction?
What excites him the most?
What was Benny's career path that led him to this role?
How does DEWALT stand out from its competition?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about DEWALT, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Western States College of Construction featuring President Heather Sherwood

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Heather Sherwood, President of the Western States College of Construction, which is committed to supporting our industry by providing quality educational and training opportunities at our eight education centers. WSCC’s affiliated apprenticeship programs provide the opportunity to build an exceptional and fulfilling professional career in our industry. Our students earn excellent salaries while learning and practicing construction or service under the leadership of highly motivated construction professionals and mentors. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

How did Heather's professional journey lead her to become President of the Western States College of Construction?
How does Heather hope to change the perception of the skilled trades in Colorado?
How can a degree from WSCC confer credibility onto skilled trades professionals?
What excites Heather most about the future of the skilled trades? What keeps her up at night?
What would Heather tell someone considering entering the skilled trades about the opportunity that awaits them?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Western States College of Construction, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Representing DEWALT All Across the Country featuring Rex Buchanan

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Rex Buchanan, National Trade Association Manager for DEWALT. From their website: "When we put the DEWALT® name on something, it’s a commitment to get the job done right. It’s the mark we’ve left over 100 years of helping world-builders build the modern world." Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What differentiates DEWALT from its competitors?
What does a National Trade Association Manager do?
How does DEWALT work to recruit people to work in the skilled trades?
What challenges does Rex see for people attempting to work in the trades?
What kinds of technological advances has DEWALT made in its products?
How does Rex view the future of the construction industry?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about DEWALT, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Colorado Gives Day featuring Kelly Dunkin

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Kelly Dunkin, President & CEO of Colorado Gives Foundation. Kelly joined Colorado Gives Foundation as President and CEO in February 2019. Previously she worked for a variety of nonprofit, business and social impact organizations. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What is Colorado Gives Day and how does it work?
How can companies and individuals maximize their contributions to nonprofits?
What are some examples of innovative ways companies and nonprofits have utilized Colorado Gives?
How can small businesses utilize this platform?
How did Kelly come to be a part of this organization and how does she see her role within it?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Colorado Gives Foundation, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Behind the Scenes at Winter Park Resort featuring Kelly Mace

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Kelly Mace, Director of Lodging & Property Management at Winter Park Resort. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What are the unique challenges of managing a mountain resort?
What plumbing, HVAC-R and skilled trades challenges exist in this milieu?
How does one deal with wanting snow in one part of the resort and removing snow in another?
What new projects has Winter Park Resort undertaken during Kelly's tenure?
What sustainability measures has Winter Park Resort enacted that involve the skilled trades?
What is the future for Winter Park, winter recreation and mountain tourism?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Getting an Inside Look at Ball Arena featuring Danny Nichols

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Danny Nichols, Executive Director of Engineering and Sustainability for Kroenke Sports and Entertainment. He oversees operations at Ball Arena, Dick's Sporting Goods Park, the Paramount Theatre and four office buildings near Ball Arena. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

How did Danny get his start at Ball Arena and what was his career path there?
What are the unique challenges of HVAC and other skilled trades particularly when it comes to managing a venue that hosts professional ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and a variety of concerts and other events?
What is it like working under pressure in such a high profile gig?
What is the future of sustainability for venues such as these?
What would Danny say to anyone considering a career in the skilled trades?
Just how do they switch the floor from ice to hardwood and back? How quickly can they do it? What are the unique skilled trades challenges associated with this process?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Taking Care of Colorado's Iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre featuring Tad Bowman

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Tad Bowman, Venue Director for Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Denver Coliseum for the City and County of Denver's Division of Arts & Venues. Arts & Venues is the city agency that oversees cultural programs and Denver's owned entertainment venues such as Red Rocks, the Denver Coliseum, McNichols Civic Center Building and the theatres at the Denver Performing Arts Complex (Buell Theatre, Ellie Caulkins Opera House and Boettcher Concert Hall). Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

How did Tad get his start working in an organization like Division of Arts & Venues?
What are the unique challenges of managing an iconic venue like Red Rocks?
How are Red Rocks and the Denver Coliseum complementary in terms of their seasons and how does that influence maintenance and construction?
How are the two venues unique and how are they different?
Something you may not know: How is water uniquely handled at Red Rocks?
How important is having skilled trades partners for an organization such as this?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about City and County of Denver's Division of Arts & Venues, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Managing the Unique Needs of the Denver Center for Performing Arts featuring Glen Lucero

Wed, 15 May 2024 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Glen Lucero, Vice President of Venue Operations for the Denver Center for Performing Arts (DCPA). With more than 25 years of experience in operations, strategic planning, and facilities management, he oversees all DCPA properties including two buildings, six theatres and a ballroom within the Denver Performing Arts Complex. His team encompasses Engineering, Custodial, Security, Environmental Health & Safety and Patron Experience. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

How many different spaces and different types of spaces does Glen manage?
What are the unique challenges in operating performance spaces from an HVAC, plumbing and skilled trades perspective?
Glen expresses a passion for "establishing standards in public spaces." What does that mean, and how does it influence his approach to his work?
How did COVID fundamentally change aspects of, in particular, the HVAC systems at the DCPA?
How will policy influence the way venues are managed in the future?
How important is having skilled trades partners for an organization such as this?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Denver Center for Performing Arts, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Growing Need for Electricity: Revisiting Our Conversation with Dynalectric CEO Gina Cullen

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we revisit our conversation Gina Cullen, President & CEO of Dynalectric Colorado. As talk of moving to further electrify our power grid continues in Colorado and across the world, one certainty is that demand for skilled electricians will only increase. We have a special kinship with our brother and sister electricians, and that's why we thought it pertinent to revisit this conversation with Gina who talks at length about her journey from electrician to CEO and the many fascinating projects she's worked on along the way. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

How did an earthquake inspire Gina's career choice?
Why is the challenging architecture of the Denver Art Museum one of her most satisfying projects to work on?
How can the work of electricians literally change people lives for the better?
What is the best part of her job? What is the most challenging?
How is the work of electricians largely invisible?
What does a day in the life of an electrician look like?
How is electrical work like artwork?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Dynalectric Colorado, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Gina Cullen joined Dynalectric Colorado in 1992. She is active in the local industry organizations including the Colorado State Electrical Board, Denver Metro Economic Development Corporation Board of Governors, and various International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and National Electrical Contractors Association committees. She holds a Colorado Master Electrician License and a Bachelor of Science in organizational management – project management from Colorado Christian University.

Improving Diversity and Evolving the Construction Industry featuring Ale Spray

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Ale Spray, CEO and president of the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado (HCC). Their mission is to build opportunities to strengthen and sustain our members’ knowledge, connections and voice with in the public/private sector in the Colorado construction industry. Prior to this role, Ale was the community empowerment manager for Mortenson, where she was responsible for successfully overseeing community participation plans to maximize opportunities for small, women, minority and other diverse groups and workers on Mortenson’s projects. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

Who is the HCC and what do they do?
What does "diversity, equity and inclusion," or DEI, mean to Ale?
Why have DEI initiatives come under fire in some corners of the world, and how does Ale respond?
What is unique about HCC in their outreach to their communities to recruit talent to our industry?
What obstacles still exist for women as they look to advance into leadership positions in their companies?
What do she and HCC have their eye on in this year's legislative session?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Hispanic Contractors of Colorado, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Crisis Proofing Today's Learners featuring Jean Eddy

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Jean Eddy, President & CEO of American Student Assistance (ASA), an organization that aspires to help students know themselves, know their options, and make informed decisions about their education and career goals early in life. Our overall objective is to build a generation of successful individuals who are confident, competent, and ready to realize the future they envision. A national non-profit, ASA has been pioneering solutions to help students for more than 60 years.

Jean is also the author of a book titled Crisis-Proofing Today’s Learners: Reimagining Career Education to Prepare Kids for Tomorrow’s World. The book is an informative guide – for parents, educators, policy makers, and business leaders – of the best way to prepare youth for post high school education and career success. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

Who is the ASA, and what kind of work do they do?
Why is there a stigma around trade schools, community colleges and other forms of secondary educational opportunities?
How early should we be exposing kids to different career options?
Plumbers in Massachusetts make HOW MUCH?
How do we continue to evolve the perception of what jobs in the skilled trades actually look like?
What would an ideal high school experience look like to equip kids to better approach adulthood and their career?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about American Student Assistance, please visit their website. Jean's book can be found here.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

How the Skilled Trades Enhance the Live Sports Experience featuring Vic Lombardi

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Vic Lombardi, Altitude TV Reporter and Host. Vic has more than 25 years of experience in the sports industry and is a 32-time Emmy award winner, 16 for Best Sports Anchor and voted 2018 Colorado Sportscaster of the year. He is also the co-host of the Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 morning show. Lombardi is one of the most respected sports personalities in the country, which the number of awards attest. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

How do the skilled trades contribute to the live sports experience?
In a mixed use arena that houses both basketball and hockey, where does the ice go during basketball games?
Why is television the true competitor of the live sports experience?
What are some of Vic's favorite arenas and stadiums and why?
How has the world of arenas and stadiums changed in Vic's time working in the industry?
Do the Denver Nuggets or Colorado Avalanche bring home another championship trophy this year?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

To follow Vic Lombardi on social media, please visit his X profile.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Exit Interview with Outgoing RMMCA CEO Dave Davia

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, at the insistence of his partners at Catalyst Public Affairs and his producer Jon Ekstrom, Dave Davia sits down for an exit interview as he prepares to depart Rocky Mountain MCA after 17 years of service. Jon asks Dave for his origin story at Rocky Mountain MCA, asks him to name his proudest accomplishments (which Dave expertly and humbly deflects, as is his way), inquires what his advice would be for his successor, and closes by finding out what Dave wanted to be when he grew up.

The conversation is a fitting cap to Dave's impressive career advocating on behalf of the skilled trades and the many partnerships, friendships, and achievements along the way. We are grateful for Dave's service to the organization, and we wish him nothing but continued success and prosperity in his new venture. Please enjoy the capstone episode of this chapter of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast.

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Who is the Colorado BioScience Association? featuring Elyse Blazevich

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Elyse Blazevich, President & CEO of the Colorado BioScience Association. an organization that creates co-opportunity for the Colorado life sciences community. CBSA champions a collaborative life sciences ecosystem and advocates for a supportive business climate. From concept to commercialization, member companies and organizations drive global health innovations, products and services that improve and save lives. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

Who is the Colorado BioScience Association and what kind of work do they do?
What challenges and opportunities face your membership?
What is the state of the workforce pipeline in this industry?
How do the skilled trades and life sciences relate?
What does the Colorado BioScience Association have its eye on from a policy perspective?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Colorado BioScience Association, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Checking in with Colorado Hospital Association President & CEO Jeff Tieman

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Jeff Tieman, President & CEO of the Colorado Hospital Association. The Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) is the leading voice of the Colorado hospital and health system community. Representing more than 100 hospitals and health systems throughout the state, CHA serves as a trusted, credible and reliable resource on health issues, hospital data and trends for its members, media, policymakers and the general public. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

Who is Colorado Hospital Association, and what is their role?
What are the lingering effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic on Colorado hospitals?
What kinds of labor shortages do hospitals face with not only clinicians, but support staff?
How do the skilled trades intersect with hospitals and why is that relationship so vital?
What policies have led to increased costs on hospitals?
What issues are Jeff and CHA keeping their eye on in the coming year?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Colorado Hospital Association, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Partnership of Education and Business featuring Colorado Succeeds President Scott Laband

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Scott Laband. Scott is President of Colorado Succeeds, which was founded in 2006 by a group of CEOs who saw the need for a non-partisan business advocacy organization focused solely on education and workforce development. As a coalition of business leaders, our vision is to radically improve education and training outcomes for all Colorado learners. Our members are working to build a system where learners are educated to their greatest potential, employers can recruit homegrown talent, and policymakers are responsive to critical needs. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

Who is Colorado Succeeds? What is their mission? Who are their members?
What are some of the organizational successes of Colorado Succeeds?
What is the "Vision 2030 Framework?"
How does Colorado Succeeds champion college and career readiness?
How does this organization's mission intersect with that of Rocky Mountain MCA?
What issues in the upcoming legislative session are on the radar for Colorado Succeeds?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Colorado Succeeds, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Combining the Skilled Trades with Social Media Influencing featuring Roger Wakefield

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Roger Wakefield. Roger is The Master Plumber and inspiring entrepreneur, with over 40 years of plumbing expertise and every Texas state endorsement. He's on a mission to showcase the trades as a lucrative and rewarding career. As a successful YouTube content creator, speaker, and trainer, Roger not only shares valuable insights for aspiring plumbers and tradespeople but also empowers entrepreneurs to venture into social media marketing to grow their own businesses. He is the most viewed plumber on YouTube. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

How did Roger get involved in plumbing, and what types of work has he done in the field?
What are some of his favorite and most rewarding projects?
How did Roger become a social media influencer with such a large reach?
What is his ultimate goal with his abundance of social media activity?
How can the industry recruit, train, and retain the many thousands upon thousands of needed workers in the coming years?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Roger Wakefield, please visit his website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Sets Bell Plumbing & Heating Apart? featuring Tom Teynor

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Tom Teynor, President & CEO of Bell Plumbing & Heating. Bell has been providing plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical services for Denver families since 1926. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

Who is Bell Plumbing & Heating, and what has contributed to their longevity and success for nearly 100 years?
What drew Tom to this industry after working in financial services and tech startups?
What are the workforce challenges faced by the industry, and what is Bell doing to address them?
How has Bell evolved its business model since Tom took over the reins of the company?
What is the most satisfying part of working in the skilled trades industry for Tom?
What are the most common misconceptions about working in this industry?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Bell Plumbing, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Who is Consumer Energy Alliance? featuring Emily Haggstrom

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Emily Haggstrom, Vice President of Communications and Creative Development for Consumer Energy Alliance, the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

Who comprises the membership for Consumer Energy Alliance, and what issues do they focus on?
What workforce issues exist in the energy sector and how do they relate to those in the construction industry?
What is CEA doing to help cultivate the needed workforce?
Where does Colorado rank in terms of energy production, and what issues are top of mind?
What would ideal energy policy look like?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Consumer Energy Alliance, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Checking In With MCAA President Robert Beck

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Robert Beck, CEO of the John W. Danforth Company, an industry leader with over 130 years of experience, John W. Danforth Company specializes in providing engineered mechanical solutions in the Commercial, Sports & Entertainment, Industrial, Healthcare, Higher Ed & K-12, Government, and Advanced Technology Manufacturing (ATM) markets and the President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, which serves the unique needs of approximately 2,600 firms involved in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping, and mechanical service and is the national organization under which RMMCA exists. This conversation will focus largely on Robert's role as MCAA President. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What are the key issues MCAA is focused on now and in the future?
What has Robert learned in his time as President and traveling across the country to chapters?
How does union labor stack up against non-union labor in terms of cost and timeline of deliverables?
What is the coolest project he has worked on? (Hint: If you had "boblsed course" on your bingo card, please go to the pay window?
How does MCAA support local chapters of the organization?
How does the mechanical contractor industry continue to attract top talent from colleges, high schools, and even earlier?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

How Is the Homebuilding Industry in Colorado? featuring Ted Leighty

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Ted Leighty, CEO of the Colorado Association of Home Builders and the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver. The Colorado Association of Home Builders is the unified voice of the Colorado Home Building Industry. CAHB is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders and has 10 local home builders associations across Colorado. They advocate for positive legislative solutions and oppose measures that impair the ability to deliver housing and unreasonably regulate the industry; empower their members with learning opportunities at the local, state and national levels; and support the goals and activities of each of the 10 local associations. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What factors have led to Colorado's housing market to have high prices and low inventory?
What remedies could be administered to alleviate the pressure on both the price and the inventory?
What issues does the CAHB anticipate for the next legislative session?
How important are the skilled trades in terms of ensuring a reliable stock of housing options?
How do regulations play a role in terms of the supply of available housing at all price points?
What's ahead for the Colorado housing market?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about the Colorado Association of Home Builders, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Reflections on Eight Years at the Helm of Colorado Concern with President and CEO Mike Kopp

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Mike Kopp, President & CEO of Colorado Concern, an exclusive alliance of top executives with a common interest in enhancing and protecting the Centennial State’s business climate. They commit business leadership and financial resources to support legislative candidates and statewide policies that ensure a sound economic future for Colorado. Mike has led Colorado Concern for 8+ years, and will step down in December. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

Who are the types of members who participate in Colorado Concern?
What types of issues does Colorado Concern get involved in?
What are the biggest successes Colorado Concern has achieved with Mike at the helm?
What does Mike see as the biggest threats ahead to business in Colorado?
What are the biggest lessons Mike has taken away during his time leading the organization?
What's next for Mike Kopp?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about the Colorado Concern, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Present and Future of Energy featuring Colorado Oil & Gas Association President and CEO Dan Haley

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Dan Haley, President & CEO of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association (COGA). COGA strives to be the unified political and regulatory voice for the oil and natural gas industry in Colorado, and to support their members through advocacy, partnerships, education and stakeholder engagement. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What is the current state of the oil and natural gas industry in Colorado?
In his time running COGA, what are the technological changes that have occurred in the oil and natural gas industries?
How do the skilled trades intersect with and embolden the oil and gas industry?
What are the biggest misconceptions about the oil and gas industry?
For young people considering their career path, what would Dan tell them about work in the oil and natural gas industry?
What should people know about the push for electrification, climate change, and Colorado's future of energy?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Colorado Oil & Gas Association, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

U.S. Engineering is Making Sh*t Happen featuring Josh Seiler and Andy Wright

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 16:23:26 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Josh Seiler, General Manager of Service, and Andy Wright, Senior Project Manager with U.S. Engineering, a full-service mechanical contractor committed to providing solutions for the life of your facility. U.S. Engineering focuses on improving the total cost of ownership through construction, service, maintenance, metal fabrication and energy analysis. Their priority is to support your mission today and vision for tomorrow. On this episode we're discussing the Central Utility Plant for the National Western Complex, which is the largest sewer heat recovery system in North America. And Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What are the origins of the Central Utility Plant, and how did it come to be?
What unique components went into the design of this facility?
What challenges are associated with designing and implementing a system of this size?
How many tons of CO2 are saved by implementing a system like this?
How could a system like this work elsewhere?
What makes U.S. Engineering uniquely suited for such a project?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about the U.S. Engineering, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Many Hats of National Western Center Authority CEO Brad Buchanan

Sat, 15 Jul 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Brad Buchanan, CEO of the National Western Center Authority. When you hear National Western Center, you likely think of the National Western Stock Show, one of Denver's marquee events each year. We discuss the Stock Show in depth, but there is so much more happening at the National Western Center, this episode is your behind-the-scenes tour. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What else happens at this complex outside of the 16 days in January when the Stock Show occurs?
What construction projects are on the horizon for the National Western Center (and there are plenty)?
What types of innovative projects have the skilled trades been involved in with this complex?
What is the future of jobs in agriculture, construction, and the skilled trades?
What challenges exist in those industries, and how might they be overcome?
In this role, how does Brad contribute to our understanding of the future of food?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about the National Western Center, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Go Behind the Scenes at Water World with JR Berninzoni and Bob Owens

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Water World General Manager JR Berninzoni and Deputy Director Bob Owens. Water World is a water park that is part of the Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District and located in Federal Heights, Colorado, roughly 10 miles north of downtown Denver, Colorado. The park first opened in August 1979 with the first two waterslides in the state of Colorado, the Bonzai Pipeline. The park occupies 70 acres making it one of America's largest water theme parks, and features 50 attractions. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What types of work do skilled tradespeople do at Water World?
What does it take to manage a theme park as big and complex as Water World?
Which attraction has the highest degree of difficulty?
What advice would JR and Bob give to people considering a career in the skilled trades?
What are the hidden gems of Water World?
After 20+ years each working at Water World, what is their favorite ride?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Water World, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

A Wide Ranging Conversation with Denver Metro Chamber President J. J. Ament

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome J. J. Ament, President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. As president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the leading voice for Colorado's business community, J. J. Ament is focused on effectively advocating for small and large businesses in our region. Before being appointed to his current position, he served from 2017 to 2021 as the chief executive officer of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, a part of the Chamber family of organizations and the largest privately funded and governed economic development organization in Colorado. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What are the Chamber's key areas of focus? Who does it represent, and what does it do?
How would J. J. characterize this year's legislative session?
Equally as important, how does J. J. characterize the current regulatory environment?
Why is it vital for businesses to engage in the civic process?
What are the hurdles and possible solutions to workforce development in Colorado?
How do we embolden the skilled trades and build a strong pipeline of workers in this key industry?
What are J. J's thoughts on the evolving political climate in the city and region?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Many Wonders of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science featuring George Sparks

Mon, 15 May 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome George Sparks who has been the president & CEO of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science since November 2004. Sparks’ passion is public policy, particularly around science and education. He is a member of the Colorado Forum, Colorado Concern, and is on the boards of Colorado Education Initiative, Colorado Music Hall of Fame, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the Denver School of Science & Technology. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What was the journey that ultimately pointed George to the museum, which he has successfully led for 19 years?
What role do the skilled trades play in preserving the massive collection of artifacts stored by the museum?
Why does George have a profound passion for science and education?
How can we continue to get people excited about careers in the skilled trades?
What is the most surprising thing people could discover about the museum? (This answer is a doozy)
How does George view DMNS's place in the overall tapestry of the City of Denver?
Why is George so active in so many nonprofits and civic organizations throughout the city?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Sum and Substance featuring Ed Sealover

Mon, 01 May 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Ed Sealover, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Editor. He is also in charge of The Sum and Substance for the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining the Colorado Chamber, Ed was a multiple-time award-winning journalist at the Denver Business Journal and other publications. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

Why did Ed leave a decorated journalism career for the Colorado Chamber?
How did Ed cultivate a rapport with the business community and establish credibility?
What does Ed see as the future of journalism?
How does Ed see this transition as giving back to the business community and how does he hope to contribute positively to the economic future of the state?
What is going on at the Capitol with construction defects, construction and zoning legislation, and other pertinent issues to our industry?
Have the skilled trades broken through with our message to elected officials and what are the signs of that?
What is Ed's favorite craft beer of the moment?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

A Conversation with Governor of Colorado Jared Polis

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis. Governor Polis is an entrepreneur, education leader, public servant, and Colorado native. He was elected as Governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Prior to serving as Governor, Polis served on the State Board of Education and represented Colorado's 2nd Congressional district. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What steps are you taking to boost workforce development specifically in skilled trades, how can we reach Coloradans at a younger age to strengthen the talent pipeline?
What are some of the other innovative ways Colorado is thinking about workforce training?
How do your investments in workforce development specifically for the skilled trades contribute to this work?
In what ways can the private sector work with the state government to grow our workforce and keep our economy thriving?
What are some examples of things that you've seen that have worked in other states that could work here?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Governor Jared Polis, please visit his website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Who Is Economic Literacy Colorado? featuring Amy Sherman

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Amy Sherman, President and CEO of Economic Literacy Colorado, an organization that seeks “To empower Colorado students to achieve a lifetime of economic understanding and financial security.” Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

How does Economic Literacy Colorado work with school districts to empower students to be more financially literate?
What types of projects do they work on?
How has the conversation around economic literacy changed over the years?
How would Amy envision a holistic approach to ensuring every student has good economic literacy?
How does the mission of ELC align with RMMCA?
How can you get involved with ELC?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Economic Literacy Colorado, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

An Inside View of Denver International Airport featuring Stacey Stegman

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Stacey Stegman, Vice President of Communications, Marketing & Customer Experience at Denver International Airport (DIA). Denver International Airport is the third-busiest airport in the world. With over 69 million passengers traveling through the airport in 2022, DEN is one of the busiest airline hubs in the world’s largest aviation market. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $33.5 billion for the region annually. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What updates can she provide about the ongoing renovation?
Her job entails multiple roles. What's involved in each, and how do they differ?
How important are the skilled trades to ensuring DIA runs effectively 24 hours a day?
What does Stacey hope people say about their experience at DIA?
What's the story with all the conspiracy theories at the airport?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Denver International Airport, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Partnering on Developing Our Workforce featuring COBRT President Debbie Brown

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Debbie Brown, President of the Colorado Business Roundtable. The Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) is a public policy organization of executives from some of the state’s largest employers working to strengthen the state’s economic vitality. COBRT engages with elected leaders, business and nonprofit leaders, and other strategic allies to improve the business climate in our state by unapologetically amplifying the voice of business. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What types of members does COBRT have, and what issues do they engage on?
How do the members of COBRT perceive the state of business in Colorado in 2023?
How important are the skilled trades and/or construction industries to the members of COBRT?
What workforce development challenges exist in your view? And how do we overcome them?
What is the Opportunity Now Grant? How would such an initiative benefit the members of both RMMCA and COBRT?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Colorado Business Roundtable, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Does Energy Outreach Colorado Do? featuring Jennifer Gremmert

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Jennifer Gremmert, Executive Director of Energy Outreach Colorado. They believe everyone deserves affordable access to the vital resources that power their homes. When everyone can afford and maintain the energy in their home, then they can focus on living, rather than merely surviving. The foundation of their vision, mission, and values are to support, stabilize, and sustain vulnerable households in Colorado by providing home energy assistance through programs and outreach. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

How does Energy Outreach Colorado work to achieve their goals?
In what ways do they lean on the skilled trades?
How does Jennifer describe the current cultural environment pertaining to energy?
What lies ahead in the energy space?
What kinds of partnerships has Jennifer cultivated to help achieve her organizational goals?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Energy Outreach Colorado, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Importance of Developers Partnering with Skilled Trades featuring Joe Vostrejs

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Joe Vostrejs, Principal and Co-Founder of City Street Investors. City Street turns spaces into places through transformative real estate investments and strategic business operations. Their “Custom Crafting” concept means they create projects that synchronize the needs and desires of the community with investment in under-appreciated assets. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What does "custom crafting" mean and how does it involve the community?
How important is it as real estate developer who re-develops existing buildings into new concepts to collaborate with the skilled trades early and often?
How important is the input of skilled tradesman to making a project both feasible and successful?
City Street Investors has been a key player in the redevelopment of Denver Union Station and Lowry Hangar 2. What insights did Joe learn from those projects?
How did City Street turn two different 7-11s into restaurants?
What is the most difficult project City Street has ever done?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about City Street Investors, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Issues Has Common Sense Institute Flagged for 2023? featuring Kelly Caufield

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Kelly Caufield, Executive Director of Common Sense Institute, a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Colorado’s economy. Kelly is the key management leader of CSI and oversees the administration, strategic plan, and programming for the organization. Kelly brings nearly 20 years of policy, research, and advocacy experience to CSI. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What are the top 5 issues CSI is flagging for 2023?
How did Kelly end up as Executive Director of CSI?
How will recently passed laws affect the business community?
Why is it important that CSI remain non-partisan and how does that affect their research?
How should the intermingling issues of workforce development and higher education evolve?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Common Sense Institute, please visit their website. You can also follow them on Twitter.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Is a Business Manager for a Union? featuring Sean Wyatt

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Sean Wyatt, Business Manager for Plumbers Local 3, which has a company to fit your needs. Whether it is an old garbage disposal to be replaced or a new state-of-the-art hospital being built, Plumbers Local 3 has the companies of choice. All of their companies are registered with the state of Colorado which ensures that they are compliant with state and federal laws. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

What does a union's business manager do?
How are Locals numbered?
Why did Sean run for business manager?
How did he get into plumbing and what was his career path?
What are some of the key innovations in the plumbing industry?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Plumbers Local 3, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Does a Preconstruction Manager Do? featuring Sarabeth Gandara

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Sarabeth Gandara, Preconstruction Manager for U.S. Engineering, a full-service mechanical contractor committed to providing solutions for the life of your facility. Their innovative thinkers and expert collaborators combine over 125 years of expertise to help your facility evolve throughout generations.

Sarabeth shares her history in how she became a preconstruction manager, what that job is and what it entails, and why she loves working for U.S. Engineering. Here are some additional questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

Who is the Mechanical Contractors Association of America and what programs do they have?
What happens at student competitions?
What role does a preconstruction manager have in the scope of a project?
How is she involved with Junior Achievement?
What program has she helped developed to help students understand her job better?
What advice does Sarabeth have for young people considering a career path?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about U.S. Engineering, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

How Do the Apprentices of Local 208 Celebrate the Season of Giving? featuring Rusty Birdsell

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Rusty Birdsell, a 4th year apprentice, and Apprenticeship Council President for Denver Pipefitters Local 208. Denver Pipefitters Local 208 is all about providing the best labor force in Colorado. They pride themselves on providing the best training programs in the state. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this week's episode:

How did Rusty get into pipefitting?
What would Rusty tell someone who is uncertain about their career about working in the trades?
What types of things does Rusty work on as a pipefitter?
How did he become Apprenticeship Council President?
What are the volunteer activities undertaken by Local 208?
What other nonprofits does Rusty interact with?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Denver Pipefitters Local 208, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Let’s Break Down the 2022 Midterm Elections with Jennifer Brandeberry and Julie McKenna

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome founders of Brandeberry McKenna Public Affairs, Jennifer Brandeberry and Julie McKenna. They describe themselves this way:

"Politics are always changing – every four years, every two years, every day. This is no truer than in Colorado. From term limits to substantial campaign finance reforms, the old adage rings true: the only thing constant is change.

"Throughout the years, Brandeberry-McKenna Public Affairs has successfully navigated this environment with integrity, hard work and honest communication.

"We deal with the most complex and competitive issues of the legislature and we are focused on results. Results that strengthen your organization and create a lasting positive presence in the Capitol and throughout the State."

Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

What were the large takeaways from the 2022 midterm elections?
What leadership changes are in store for the state legislature?
What priorities does the newly re-elected governor have going forward?
How will any of the successful ballot measures impact our industry?
What is the general outlook for Colorado following the election?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Brandeberry McKenna Public Affairs, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What’s Up with Colorado Real Estate? featuring Elizabeth Peetz

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Liz Peetz, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Colorado Association of Realtors,the state’s largest professional, voluntary, non-profit, real estate trade association that is dedicated to serving more than 30,000 REALTOR® members across the state. These agents are also members of 30 local associations statewide and the National Association of REALTORS®. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

What are the trends in Colorado real estate?
Why is all real estate "local?"
How are interest rates and other factors impacting first time home buyers?
How is the Colorado association of Realtors working to address these challenges?
What opportunities exist to help people buy a home?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about the Colorado Association of Realtors, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Let’s Learn About Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain with President and CEO Robin Wise

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Robin Wise, President and CEO of Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc. which is part of the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to motivating kids for future career success, self-sufficiency, and financial acumen. They accomplish this through a huge network of stellar volunteers who share their stories with young people and deliver lessons in career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

What does Junior Achievement do?
What is the origin story for Junior Achievement and how far back does its history go?
What workforce development challenges exist and how is Junior Achievement tackling them?
What industries is Junior Achievement currently most focused on?
What is the Free Enterprise Center?
What is the Dream Accelerator?
How can people get involved in Junior Achievement?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Does the Future of Adams County Look Like? featuring Lisa Hough

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Lisa Hough, President and CEO of Adams County Regional Economic Partnership (AC-REP). As a public/private, nonprofit economic development organization, AC-REP serves the Greater Adams County region, its 10 municipalities, more than 10,000 companies, and just over a half a million residents by working to write the next chapter of the region by amplifying its unique business story, championing area real estate developments, and focusing on new infrastructure. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

What are some new projects underway in Adams County?
What makes the demographics unique in Adams County?
How is the region navigating the workforce challenges faced by the entire state?
What is the top regional challenge?
What is Lisa most excited about for the region?
What is the overall mood of the business community she serves?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about AC-REP, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

How Can Two Large Construction Contractors Collaborate? featuring Greg Friess and Jamie Hodges

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Greg Friess, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Murphy. Since 1907, Murphy has set the standard for mechanical and industrial construction, and engineering, providing clients throughout the United States with high quality, timely execution, excellent value and fair price. We're also joined by Jamie Hodges, Executive Vice President at Industrial Contractors/Management, Inc, or ICM for short. ICM's mission is as follows: "The employees of ICM commit to safely delivering the finest quality industrial construction projects, on time and on budget." Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

How doe these companies partner and collaborate on large scale projects?
What was the career path for these two executives as they rose throughout their respective companies?
What is a millwright? What does a millwright do?
What are some of the favorite projects they have worked on together?
What are the challenges in having multiple contractors working on one job together and how do you overcome them?
What impacts have they made on their communities?
Why do they believe construction has the best people of any industry out there?

For more information about Murphy Company, please visit their website.

For more information about ICM, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Talking About the Future of Education with Jason Gaulden

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Jason Gaulden, 2022 Education Fellow at Common Sense Institute and Partner at Oak Rose Group, a strategy consulting firm specializing in education, workforce development, and economic mobility. Jason has spent his professional career working at the intersection of the business and nonprofit sectors. He recently wrote an op-ed in the Colorado Springs Gazette called "Moving beyond 'college for all.'" Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

What is the "college for all" mindset and how do we evolve it to meet our cultural and economic needs?
What employment needs exist as a culture and how do we meet them?
What does the construction industry need to do to evolve its perceptual problem?
Which organizations are doing good work to evolve education and workforce development?
What role does the business sector have in developing the future of education?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Common Sense Institute, please visit their website.

For more information about Oak Rose Group, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

The Many Hats of ICM Director of Client Relations Rick Goodmay

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Rick Goodmay, Director of Client Relations at Industrial Contractors/Management, Inc, or ICM for short. ICM's mission is as follows: "The employees of ICM commit to safely delivering the finest quality industrial construction projects, on time and on budget." Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

What types of projects does ICM do?
What does a Director of Client Relations do on a day-to-day basis, and how many different types of people does he interact with?
What was the winding road with many stops that Rick took to arrive in his current role?
What values does Rick embody that help him be successful?
What are the biggest challenges in industrial construction?
What are the coolest projects Rick worked on during his time in the field?
What advice does Rick have for young people thinking about a career in the trades?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about ICM, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Why Work at Milwaukee Tool? featuring Tim Laupert

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Tim Laupert of Milwaukee Tool. Since the company began in 1924, Milwaukee Tool has led the industry in developing innovative solutions that deliver increased productivity and unmatched durability for professional construction users. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

How and why did Tim join Milwaukee Tool?
What are the different types of roles available at Milwaukee Tool?
What are "jobsite solutions?"
What are the best parts of representing such a large brand? What are the challenges?
How does Milwaukee Tool bring a new product to market?
What career opportunities exist at Milwaukee Tool?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Milwaukee Tool, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

New Energy Codes and their Impact on Housing Costs featuring Evelyn Lim

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Evelyn Lim, Common Sense Institute's 2022 Mike A. Leprino Fellow & 2021 Terry J. Stevinson Fellow. Evelyn is the Director of Policy and Research at the American Cornerstone Institute. She was most recently the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Regional Administrator for Region 8 which covers Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Earlier this year she authored a paper titled "The Uncertain Future Cost of Colorado’s Energy Infrastructure and Housing Affordability." Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

How has the growth of Colorado's population impacted the housing market?
How many new housing units need to be built to accommodate demand?
What are the new energy codes builders need to consider as they build new units?
How might those codes affect price?
What are the costs associated with moving toward universal electrification?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

To read the entire report referenced in this episode, you can find it here.

For more information about Common Sense Institute, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Can You Expect as a 4th Year HVAC Apprentice? featuring Bernardo Villaruel

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Bernardo Villaruel, a 4th year apprentice who is a member of UA Local 208 and works for American Mechanical Services (AMS), whose mission is to provide quality workmanship for a fair price. Their intent is to honor all of their commitments and to strive for 100% customer satisfaction. AMS is a privately owned family of companies providing primarily commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) service and construction work in various locations across the country. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

What is it like at the start of an apprenticeship?
What was the toughest part of his apprenticeship? (Hint: It was COVID-related)
What led him to a career in HVAC?
What is Bernardo's favorite thing about working in this trade?
What are "controls" and what kind of work did Bernardo do on them?
What is Bernardo's next goal upon graduating?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about American Mechanical Services, please visit their website.

For more information about UA Local 208, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Breaking Down the 2022 Legislative Session with Kelly Maher and James Mejia

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome political commentators and analysts Kelly Maher and James Mejia. They discuss their biggest takeaways from the recently adjourned Colorado legislative session including the largest budget ever passed, how actions during this session will impact the skilled trades, achievements for social outcomes, and a lot more. The two also discuss which legislators they think will be missed the most and do some light predicting of the November elections and beyond. It's fascinating insight from two experienced political analysts.

Kelly Maher is a Republican political analyst at 9News in Denver. She is a veteran of politics, public policy, and the media. On the national stage, Kelly has appeared on Fox News, The Daily Show and CNN. She is a speaker, writer, and aspiring urban farmer. You can find her at her Substack column Real Best Life.

James Mejia is a longtime Denver fixture and Democratic political expert also at 9News in Denver. He is a former front page writer for La Voz Colorado and a contributor of The Huffington Post. James was a cabinet member for Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and managed the building of 1 million square feet for the justice center during the administration of Mayor John Hickenlooper.

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Let’s Check In with our Board President Brodie Arndt

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Brodie Arndt, Board President for Rocky Mountain MCA and Vice President of Colorado Manufacturing and Logistics for Murphy Company. Since 1907, Murphy has set the standard for mechanical and industrial construction, and engineering, providing clients throughout the United States with high quality, timely execution, excellent value and fair price. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

What is it about Murphy Company that has caused Brodie to stay for 13 years?
What was his path through Murphy Company leading to where he is today?
Why did Brodie choose to serve on the Rocky Mountain MCA Board and now serve as its President?
What is fabrication? How does the process work?
What is "quick response?"
What was Brodie's favorite/most rewarding project at Murphy Company?
What is Brodie's advice for people considering getting into the trades?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Murphy Company, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

How Is Life as an Electrical Apprentice? featuring Brittney Alvarado

Sun, 15 May 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Brittney Alvarado, an electrical apprentice with IBEW Local Union 68. For more than 120 years, Journeyman and Apprentice Electricians of IBEW Local 68 have helped the counties of Adams, Arapahoe , Boulder, Broomfield , Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Eagle, Gilpin, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Grand, Jackson, Weld and Yuma as well as their surrounding areas, grow and prosper. They have provided superior and safe electrical construction and maintenance work that has allowed this region’s residences, communities, and businesses to thrive and continue to maintain their vision for the future. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

What led to Brittney choosing electrical apprenticeship over the other trades?
What does she like best about her apprenticeship? What would she change if she could?
Does she plan to focus more on commercial work, or on residential work?
What are the misconceptions from people about electrical work?
What would she tell young women considering a career in the trades?
What impact does her work ultimately have on the community? What would she like it to?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about IBEW Local Union 68, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Does an HVAC Maintenance Sales Rep Do? featuring Sue Russell and Crystal Ackerman

Sun, 01 May 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Sue Russell (right), Colorado Service Sales Manager at Tolin Mechanical Systems, and Crystal Ackerman (left), Service Sales Representative also at Tolin Mechanical Systems. Tolin Mechanical specializes in energy efficient HVAC Solutions for clients throughout the Southwest, including Colorado and Arizona, and into Washington D.C. Their skilled technicians keep facilities running at peak performance to lower energy costs and keep life comfortable. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What does a day in the life of a sales representative look like?
What led both Sue and Crystal into their roles working for a trades-based company like Tolin?
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about HVAC representatives?
What are the coolest projects they have ever worked on?
What technological advances are happening in the industry?
What would they want people to know about the diversity of work available in the trades?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Tolin Mechanical, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Is the Path for a 5th Year HVAC Apprentice? featuring Jake Schainost

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Jake Schainost, a 5th year apprentice who works for American Mechanical Services (AMS), whose mission is to provide quality workmanship for a fair price. Their intent is to honor all of their commitments and to strive for 100% customer satisfaction. AMS is a privately owned family of companies providing primarily commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) service and construction work in various locations across the country. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on the show:

How did Jake find his way to the trades, and why wasn't he interested in ultimately pursuing traditional college?
What is the best part of the apprenticeship in his opinion?
What is something he'd change about the apprenticeship?
What would Jake tell young people about pursuing a career in the trades?
What should a first year apprentice expect when he or she gets started?
What is his #1 tip for first year apprentices when they're on job sites?
What types of equipment does Jake work on?
How does climate control make modern life possible?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about American Mechanical Services, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What’s Life Like as a 4th Year Apprentice? featuring Travis James

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Travis James, a 4th year apprentice at UA Local 192 in Cheyenne, WY. Travis, interviewed from the hospital shortly after the birth of his second child, shares with us his journey from traveling rockstar (seriously!) to plumbing apprentice. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

Why did Travis choose plumbing over pipefitting, and how similar were the two?
How does an apprentice get assigned work?
How important is an apprentice's reputation in earning work? What types of things contribute to reputation?
Why do the attendees of Western States College of Construction have an advantage in work?
What ultimately led Travis to leave his career as a musician and pursue one in the trades?
What are the challenges of working and taking classes simultaneously?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about UA Local 192, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What’s the Path for a 3rd Year Plumbing Apprentice? featuring Moise Kombo

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Moise Kombo a 3rd year apprentice at Plumbers Local Union 3. Plumbers Local #3 has a company to fit your needs. Whether it is an old garbage disposal to be replaced or a new state-of-the-art hospital being built, we are the companies of choice. All of Local 3's companies are registered with the state of Colorado which ensures that they are compliant with state and federal laws.

Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

Why did Moise join the trades at such a young age?
What makes apprenticeship unique?
How does Moise feel about Plumbers Local Union 3? What sets it apart?
What it Moise most looking forward to about turning out?
What are his favorite and least favorite classes as part of the program?
What was Moise's most exciting project?
What would Moise tell someone considering pursuing the trades?

Moise also discusses his upbringing as a refugee and tells us about his next steps.

For more information about Plumbers Local Union 3, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

How Do You Become a Project Manager in Plumbing? featuring Nate Nicodemus

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Nate Nicodemus, Project Manager at Falcon Plumbing Heating and Mechanical in Grand Junction. Nate has worked for Falcon Plumbing Heating and Mechanical for 22 years and has a remarkable breadth of experience that spans his career.

Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What was Nate's career path to becoming a project manager?
What are the key differences between working as a foreman and as a project manager?
How often does he visit each job site and what is he looking for when he visits?
What have been the impacts of supply chain challenges on his projects?
What is the Joint Apprenticeship Training Center (JATC), and how does it help young professionals?
What do plumbers work on that average people have little understanding of?

For more information about Falcon Plumbing Heating and Mechanical, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Can We Expect from the 2022 Colorado Legislative Session? featuring Speaker of the House Alec Garnett

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Colorado Speaker of the House, Representative Alec Garnett. Speaker Garnett represents Colorado House District 2, and is term-limited this year. He joins the show for a lively discussion about the current legislative term.

Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What was Speaker Garnett's path to becoming an elected official and what is his view of his role?
What does a day in the life of the Speaker of the House look like?
What are the top priorities for the legislature this year?
What are elected officials considering to improve our environment and air quality?
How do we keep Colorado competitive, growing, and thriving?
What strategies are being considered to embolden and optimize Colorado's workforce?
Now that he's term limited, what's next for Speaker Garnett?

To keep up with Speaker Garnett, please visit his Twitter page.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Who Is SMACNA Colorado? featuring Nathan Cooper

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Nathan Cooper, Executive Director of The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) Colorado Chapter. SMACNA Colorado represents over 50 Contractor Members and 25 Associate Members who manufacture and supply our Contractors with equipment and materials. Nathan began as SMACNA Colorado’s Executive Director in January of 2018 and leads the association’s efforts in labor relations, education, advocacy and management of multiemployer health, retirement and training benefit funds.

Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What do the members of SMACNA fabricate?
How does one eventually become the leader of a trade association?
What role do trade associations play in helping to shape the careers of young people?
What is the most challenging aspect of leading a trade association?
What is the MEP Alliance?
What, in Nathan's view, is the most important aspect of designing a building, particularly with regard to the pandemic?
How did the COVID-19 pandemic shift this industry, and what does Nathan see ahead?

For more information about SMACNA Colorado, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What is the Career Path for a Plumbing Apprentice? featuring Niki Anema

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Niki Anema, a 4th Year Apprentice with United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 145. Local #145 is extremely proud to be a productive member of Western Colorado and the Grand Junction business community. Their jurisdiction is the entire Western Slope from the middle of the Rocky Mountains at Vail to the Utah border proudly serving all areas

Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What led to Niki leaving traditional four-year college to pursue a career in the trades?
What are the best parts of an apprenticeship?
What types of projects does Niki work on, and what are some of her favorites?
Why should women choose a career in the trades?
What opportunities to travel exist in the trades, and will Niki pursue them?
What opportunities to acquire new skills exist for Niki?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Local #145, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

From Electrician to CEO - What Is It Like To Be an Electrician? featuring Gina Cullen

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Gina Cullen, President & CEO of Dynalectric Colorado. Gina joined Dynalectric Colorado in 1992. She is active in the local industry organizations including the Colorado State Electrical Board, Denver Metro Economic Development Corporation Board of Governors, and various International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and National Electrical Contractors Association committees. She holds a Colorado Master Electrician License and a Bachelor of Science in organizational management – project management from Colorado Christian University.

Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

How did an earthquake inspire Gina's career choice?
Why is the challenging architecture of the Denver Art Museum one of her most satisfying projects to work on?
How can the work of electricians literally change people lives for the better?
What is the best part of her job? What is the most challenging?
How is the work of electricians largely invisible?
What does a day in the life of an electrician look like?
How is electrical work like artwork?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Dynalectric Colorado, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Is It Like To Be an Apprentice? featuring Training Director Beto Herrera

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Beto Herrera, Training Director at UA Local 58. Beto has more than 9 years of hands-on experience. He has been a member of UA Local 58 since 2008. He achieved his plumbing journeyman licensure in 2011. His noteworthy projects include power utility infrastructure for Vestas, new construction and expansion for multiple healthcare facilities of Parkview Medical Center, and original construction of Black Hills Power Plant serving all of Pueblo County.

Beto also has two years as a Training Coordinator of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, overseeing 15 instructors and 80 apprentices concurrently, and 4 years as an Instructor of Plumbing and Medical Gas curriculum. He holds Instructor Certification through the International Pipe Trades Association. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What is Beto's favorite part of being in the trade and why did he join?
What is Beto's favorite part of being a Training Coordinator?
How can work in the trades give back to the community?
What is a day in the life of a Training Coordinator like?
What is a day in the life of an apprentice like?
What advice does Beto have for new apprentices, and what makes them successful?
What is the coolest project Beto has ever worked on?
Why should one pursue a career in the skilled trades?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about UA Local 58, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Why and How Does One Become a Pipefitter? featuring Ben Frias

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 13:43:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Ben Frias, a 4th year apprentice at UA Local 192 in Cheyenne, WY. Ben shares with us how he got involved in the trades, discusses his past as a bullrider, why he chose pipefitting over electrical work, and where he sees himself going from here. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What led to Ben choosing a union job over other opportunities?
Why did an enjoyment of math lead to his choice of pursuing pipefitting?
What does a pipefitter do? And how does that type of work fit into hydrogen fueling stations?
How does this career allow one to travel?
What is "sticker trading?"
How are unions misunderstood, and what does Ben want to do to evolve their perception?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about UA Local 192, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

Why Choose a Career in Plumbing? featuring Sarah Harkssen

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:01:00 -0700

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Sarah Harkssen, an instructor at Plumbers Local Union 3. She recently completed her apprenticeship program (winning awards for her work during each year of the program) and has already transitioned into a foreman role. Sarah discusses her journey into plumbing, what her original career path was, and why she transitioned into the trades. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:

What does it mean to be an apprentice?
What types of things do you learn in apprentice classes?
How did Sarah ascend from apprentice to journeyman to foreman?
What would Sarah tell other women considering a job in the trades?
How do plumbers protect the health of a nation?
What are the economic benefits of pursuing a job in the trades vs. taking a traditional 4-year college path?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Plumbers Local Union 3, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Sets Mechanical Contractor U.S. Engineering Apart? featuring Todd VonLintel

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:01:00 -0600

On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Todd VonLintel, Vice President of Operations, Rocky Mountain Region for U.S. Engineering, a full-service mechanical contractor committed to providing solutions for the life of your facility. Their innovative thinkers and expert collaborators combine over 125 years of expertise to help your facility evolve throughout generations.

Todd shares his history with U.S. Engineering, discusses the evolution of the business over the last 30 years, and what he tells policymakers about new policies that would affect the industry. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:

How has the culture of safety in construction evolved over the last 30 years?
How has technology improved the process for subcontractor sequencing?
How did U.S. Engineering build a mobile COVID hospital at the Colorado Convention Center in just 17 days?
Which projects are among Todd's favorite that he's worked on?
What is the most fulfilling part of Todd's job?
What does it mean when U.S. Engineering wants to "leave a legacy?"
What should someone consider if they want to pursue a career in construction?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about U.S. Engineering, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.

What Does a Pipefitter Do? featuring Gary Arnold

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 18:14:46 -0600

Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast showcases the skilled trades our society depends on. The men and women of our industry build our skylines, our community, and our future.

On the inaugural episode of our show, we welcome Gary Arnold, Business Manager for Denver Pipefitters Local 208,Gary shares his work history and evolution as a pipefitter. He discusses his family history in the business, the many roles he's held, and his current role as an advocate for the industry. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this week's episode:

What types of projects does a pipefitter work on?
How has the industry evolved over the last several decades?
What is the career path for a pipefitter and what growth opportunities exist in the industry?
How much does education cost to become a pipefitter vs. attending a traditional four-year university?
What is the earning potential for a pipefitter?
What types of skills are most useful for someone considering a career as a pipefitter?

This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.

For more information about Denver Pipefitters Local 208, please visit their website.

For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.