The Mobile Workforce Podcast

Are you looking for steps to adapt to evolving workforce demands? Discover transformative strategies in our latest podcast episode. Join Mike Merrill and renowned human relations expert Brent Kudzierski as they explore evolving workforce management trends to help you improve workplace productivity while attracting and retaining employees. "Every generation reshapes the workforce based on their experiences. Right now, we're shifting from living to work to working to live. Understanding and adapting to this change is key to future success." - Brent Key Takeaways: - Embrace technology to improve safety and efficiency. - Shift from work-life balance to prioritizing life. - Engage and value employees to boost productivity. In order to keep their companies competitive, construction professionals have to stay ahead of the evolving trends in workforce management. In this podcast, Brent discusses the historical shifts from efficiency-focused practices to modern, post-pandemic approaches that prioritize worker well-being and life outside of work. Brent and Mike give advice on how to deal with the shift from traditional management theories to the current model that emphasizes work-life balance. One of the common tools they highlight to help implement this change is through the use of technology. "Technology should support, not replace, human workers,” Brent said. Construction technology can create, track and store crucial information. Employers can use this technology, oftentimes in the form of a software, to build their safety programs and track compliance, manage productivity, deadlines and much more. See how WorkMax's construction time tracking and productivity management software can help you revolutionize your workforce management. With WorkMax, you can connect information from the field and office to provide you with real-time insights into workforce efficiency and project progress. https://workmax.com/workmax-employee-time-tracking/ https://workmax.com/insight-productivity-management/

Wondering how to balance tradition and modernization in your family business? In this episode, Matt DiBara of DiBara Masonry shares how integrating modern technology has revitalized their century-old masonry business, making it more efficient and competitive. Key Takeaways: Balancing tradition with innovation Empowering employees through tech Planning for future growth with AI Use technology to minimize site visits "My big pressure was always how can we innovate? And I started really taking over the business right around 2008 and I was petrified by what I saw with companies go out of business... And so I became obsessed with how do I modernize this business" - Matt DiBara Matt DiBara was able to keep the culture of an honest day's work for an honest day's pay through the use of construction technology. While many business owners fear a negative impact on their workforce from technology, DiBara Masonry has embraced it by combining technology with its family-based guiding principles. In doing this, Matt was able to empower his workforce while retaining the culture, helping his business grow. Matt discusses the difference construction estimating software has had on his workforce. With their increased operational efficiencies, they have become more competitive and taken their company to the next level by limiting time-consuming site visits and letting his employees take ownership through state-of-the-art software. The EDGE is the most robust construction estimating software for commercial contractors, takeoff professionals, and construction estimators.

Overwhelmed with payroll every busy season? We've got the solution. Join Mike Merrill as he chats with Jim Welsh, a construction payroll expert, who shares invaluable advice on preparing your payroll system for the busy season. Discover why now is the perfect time to streamline your processes. Key Takeaways: - Seasonal preparation tips - Importance of software integrations - The right timing for system updates "This is the time of year to really analyze your payroll and look back at some of the painful points of the previous year. Technology and the right processes can turn a traditionally hectic time into a period of smooth operation." - Jim Welch The episode opens with a discussion on the natural cyclical nature of construction and the varying employee counts that come with it. Welsh advises companies to use the quieter months to analyze past payroll challenges and to adopt technology solutions tailored to their specific needs. He emphasizes the importance of timing when implementing new systems, suggesting the off-season as ideal. Through the conversation, it becomes clear that delaying the adoption of modern payroll solutions only prolongs inefficiency and potential non-compliance issues. Welsh stresses that while the transition may seem daunting, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial effort. The talk concludes with a call to action for companies to proactively seek out and implement payroll technologies that align with the unique demands of the construction industry, ensuring smoother operations and a focus on growth during the peak season. Payroll4Construction is a complete construction-specific payroll service that offers everything from free construction reporting and union tracking to multi-state processing and complete tax filing. You submit the time, we do the rest. https://www.payroll4construction.com/

Are you doing enough to protect your workers and avoid OSHA citations? Join Mike Merrill as he sits down with attorney Mike Pascoe, an expert in OSHA compliance, to discuss the evolving landscape of construction safety. Dive into a world where technology, training, and proactive planning become your best defense against workplace hazards and OSHA violations. **Key Takeaways:** - Explore the influence political changes have on OSHA's priorities - Learn how to enhance safety through integrated technology - Understand the importance of consistent training and planning. "Technology has taken away the excuse of not knowing or responding to safety incidents." - Mike Pascoe Make safety a priority on your job site by discussing hazards and safe work practices with SafetyHQ's customizable toolbox talks.

Overwhelmed by payroll and inaccurate reports? Discover the game-changer, mobile time tracking. Join host Mike Merrill and construction time tracking expert Ron Craft as they explore the revolutionary benefits of digital time tracking in construction. Learn how this technology can streamline your processes, improve accuracy, and save substantial amounts of money. Key Takeaways: -Learn the top benefits of time tracking technology: - Streamline payroll - Eliminate unauthorized overtime - Enhance job visibility - Improve compliance and safety "You know... all these guys, I mean they're out in the field, they're heads down, they're working hard but they don't know if they're winning or losing, right? But if you give them a mobile app where it shows them in real time job progress and productivity and they're able to see." - Ron Craft At WorkMax, we know how complacency can cause a business to stagnate. With INSIGHT, you get construction productivity tracking that allows stakeholders to see real-time productivity data that ensures you're on a continued path for growth.

Feeling stuck in your business growth? Discover how to leap forward. Join Mike Merrill, John Lenker, and Assaf Arie for a second captivating discussion on the vital steps for contractors to elevate their businesses. Learn from the experts at LENKER, a management consulting firm that specializes in the construction industry. Key Takeaways: Avoid complacency Build unified principles Understand financials Adapt and grow "Do not feel comfy. Kodak felt comfy. Where are they today?" - Assaf Arie "One bad storm can take the whole thing down if you're not set up right." - Mike Merrill At WorkMax, we know how complacency can cause a business to stagnate. With INSIGHT, you get construction productivity tracking that allows stakeholders to see real-time productivity data that ensures you're on a continued path for growth.

Learn how to grow your construction business from 1 million to 100 million with the experts that have led others to the same success. Join Mike Merrill as he talks with John Lenker and Assaf Arie, who share invaluable insights on growing your contractor's business. At WorkMax, we know that running a contracting business can be challenging, but with our Construction Time Tracking Software, you can reduce labor costs and help your business grow with more profitable projects. Check out the LENKER Group at LENKER.com/mobileworkforce

In this episode of The Mobile Workforce Podcast, we delve into effective leadership and communication in construction companies. We emphasize the role of clear communication and caring leadership in driving employee engagement and success. Leaders must be clear and set expectations multiple times, empowering employees with autonomy and purpose. We discuss the importance of connecting the dots between tasks and the larger impact they have. Genuine care and interest in individuals lead to better problem-solving and enhanced client relationships. By prioritizing human connection, leaders can bring about positive change both within their organizations and in society as a whole. Tune in to gain insights and elevate your leadership abilities! Key Takeaways: - Effective leadership in construction - Clear communication and expectations - Reinforcing messages for comprehension - Engaging employees with open-ended questions - Connecting tasks to larger impact and purpose

In this exciting podcast episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming Brian Hodge, an esteemed leadership consultant specializing in helping entrepreneurs build strong teams. We dive into the world of EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System, outlined in Gino Wickman's book "Traction." Discover how implementing EOS can align your team's goals and priorities, leading to a common objective. Brian shares valuable insights on taking it step by step and offers guidance to overcome challenges. Tune in and learn how clarity and cohesion within your team can drive optimal results. Don't miss this episode of The Mobile Workforce Podcast! Key Takeaways: - EOS and its role in building strong teams - Importance of clarity and cohesion in achieving team goals - Accountability and communication within the leadership team - Significance of conflict and difficult conversations in team dynamics - Addressing pain points and known constraints in problem-solving as a team - The impact of employee engagement on company success - Effective leadership in fostering engagement and productivity - Caring about employees as individuals and its impact on motivation - Challenges in leadership roles in trades and manufacturing industries - The importance of being interested and clear as an effective manager

In this episode of the Mobile Workforce podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ryan Foland, a renowned expert on personal branding. Ryan shed light on the significance of personal branding for both individuals and businesses. We delved into how personal branding can impact the construction industry and urged listeners to consider the broader perspective when it comes to their own brand. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights for personal and professional growth. Tune in to discover Ryan's wisdom on personal branding and how it can transform your life. Key Takeaways: - Importance of personal branding for businesses and individuals - Power of the first word in conveying personality - Sharing experiences and lessons learned to establish expertise - Personal branding in the construction industry - Building trust and connections through personal branding

In this captivating episode of the Mobile Workforce podcast, join host Mike Merrill as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with project management expert Milton Stark. Prepare to dive deep into the world of software tools and their incredible relevance to project management. Get ready to enhance your understanding of how companies can take control of their projects like never before. Milton shares invaluable insights on recommended software systems that can truly elevate the success of project managers. From simple yet effective options like Excel spreadsheets to more comprehensive solutions like the renowned Primavera P6 system, discover the tools that can revolutionize your project management approach. Join Mike and Milton as they discuss the importance of having a document management system in place to handle the flow of documents within your organization. Learn how a formal process can ensure proper routing of documents, both internally and to clients. Discover the power of integrated software systems like ERP systems, which streamline various functions within an organization and enable efficient adjustments when necessary. Uncover how these systems can streamline processes, save time, and ultimately optimize your project management approach. Key Takeaways: - Software tools and project management - Importance of scheduling tools - Significance of project finances - Role of software in streamlining project management - Document management and efficient processes

Join host Mike Merrill in this captivating episode of the Mobile Workforce podcast as he delves into the world of project management with renowned expert Milton Stark. Discover the challenges that project managers face, with a special focus on scope management and the dreaded scope creep. Get ready to expand your knowledge as we explore the reasons why around 70% of projects worldwide fail, and how addressing scope issues can make all the difference. But that's not all! In this extended episode, we take a deep dive into the intricacies of project development and planning. Learn why relying solely on templates and shortcuts can be a double-edged sword. While they may speed up project implementation, they often fail to capture the unique requirements of each project, leading to unforeseen issues and surprises down the line. In this thought-provoking podcast, we also explore the cultural shift towards prioritizing speed and efficiency over careful attention to detail. Discover the potential consequences of overlooking critical project details and the significant cost implications that can arise from not properly considering materials and specifications upfront. Gain valuable tips and advice on how to avoid missing crucial details and properly manage project requirements. Key Takeaways: - Challenges faced by project managers - Scope management and scope creep - Importance of identifying scope changes and having a budget line - Issues with relying solely on templates - Attention to detail in project management

In this episode, we discuss the importance of fireproofing materials in steel structures. We'll explore the challenges faced in construction and operation of EV, battery, and semiconductor projects, and the role of building owners in successful execution. Tune in for insights on reducing mill thickness, optimizing schedules, and prioritizing safety. Let's dive into the world of construction and discover the keys to successful and secure projects. Don't miss out! Key Takeaways: - Importance of educating building owners on fireproofing materials for steel structures - Complexity of concrete floors in EV, battery, and semiconductor megaprojects - Benefits of reducing mill thickness in steel fireproofing - Importance of using safe and efficient materials in construction projects - Sherwin Williams' role in the construction industry and their Construction Solutions division - Using advanced tools to improve appearance and service to customers - Impact of innovation in the semiconductor industry and challenges faced - Significance of data storytelling in communicating effectively - Exploring alternative market segments beyond EVs in the future of energy - Challenges faced by owners and general contractors in implementing new methods

In this episode, we dive into modern fireproofing and construction with Joseph from Sherwin-Williams. We explore the benefits of intumescent fire coatings and their recent acquisition of a UK-based company that revolutionized fireproofing in the London skyline. Join us as we discuss the importance of efficient fireproofing techniques and the value Sherwin Williams brings to the industry. Key Takeaways: - Importance of modern fireproofing and construction - Benefits of passive fireproofing with intumescent coatings - Challenges and benefits of offsite fireproofing in a shop setting - Focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in fireproofing processes - Impact of Sherwin Williams in the steel industry and fireproofing, including their Construction Solutions division

In this podcast episode, we dive into the importance of training methodology in construction company safety programs. Engaging employees, avoiding distractions, and utilizing storytelling are key to effective training. We also discuss the dangers of using phones and noise-canceling earbuds in various situations. Join us as we explore how to create impactful and engaging safety training programs. Key Takeaways: - Importance of training methodology in construction safety - Dangers of distracted behavior on the job site - Engaging employees through storytelling in safety training - Personalizing safety messages and creating an open environment for discussion - Effective communication, proactive measures, and comprehensive safety programs Make safety a priority on your jobsite by discussing hazards and safe work practices with SafetyHQ's customizable toolbox talks.

Welcome to The Mobile Workforce Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the main idea of safety in the construction industry. We discuss the disconnect between the office and the workers on-site, the challenges faced by companies, and the need for better communication. Tune in for valuable insights on prioritizing safety and improving coordination in construction. Key Takeaways: - Importance of safety in the construction industry - Disconnect between office and workers on-site - Need for better communication and understanding - Challenges of ensuring safety amidst limited resources - Importance of prioritizing safety and coordination between stakeholders

In this episode of the Mobile Workforce Podcast, I had the opportunity to interview Josh Nielsen, the visionary behind Zencaster. We discussed not only podcasting but also digital marketing and its benefits for construction companies and entrepreneurs. Zencaster is a full creation suite for podcasters and content creators, providing high-quality recording and addressing common audio issues. We also explored Zencaster's new product, Zen AI, which simplifies content creation, scheduling, and sharing on social platforms. Key Takeaways: - Zencastr: Full creation suite for podcasters - Zen AI: Easily clip, schedule, and share content - Challenges of finding guests and maintaining audio quality - Leveraging social media for effective marketing - Importance of adapting to changing audience preferences and attention spans

In this episode of the Mobile Workforce podcast, host Mike Merrill engages in a captivating panel discussion with the team from Payroll for Construction. They explore the intricacies of integration and its pivotal role in connecting various systems, including payroll, job cost accounting, and mobile apps utilized for data collection in the field. Join us as we uncover the benefits of outsourcing payroll, the importance of finding the right payroll service, and the considerations for selecting construction-specific software. Don't miss this insightful conversation that will empower you to make informed decisions and optimize your payroll management. Key Takeaways: - Integration: Connecting payroll, job cost accounting, and mobile apps - In-house vs. Outsourced payroll processing: Advantages of outsourcing - Selecting the right payroll service: Due diligence and demos - Integrating accounting systems with outsourced payroll services - Importance of construction-specific payroll providers and software

Join us on The Mobile Workforce Podcast as we delve into the key differences between outsourcing payroll and having an in-house system for construction companies. Discover how payroll outsourcing saves time, shifts liability, and ensures timely payments. We also explore the challenges faced by construction companies without a payroll service, emphasizing the importance of compliance and efficient processes. Tune in to learn how to transition smoothly from in-house payroll to outsourcing and find the right service for your specific needs. Don't miss this insightful episode! Key Takeaways: - Differences between outsourcing and in-house payroll - Natural progression of construction companies' payroll management - Challenges of not using a payroll service for construction companies - Importance of finding the right payroll service for contractors - Challenges of finding the right outsourced payroll service

In this captivating episode of The Mobile Workforce Podcast, join me, Mike Merrill, and my esteemed guest, Sam Barakat, as we dive deep into the pressing issue of labor shortages in the construction industry. Our discussion revolves around the detrimental consequences of this shortage, including extended project timelines, heightened unpredictability, increased costs, and potential wage inflation. We shed light on the urgent need to bridge the gap left by the retiring generation of skilled workers and emphasize the importance of developing new professionals to prevent future problems. Moreover, we delve into the challenges of transferring knowledge and experience from older generations to the younger workforce, stressing the necessity of investing in technology for a seamless transition. Join us as we explore the significance of embracing innovation and investing in the construction industry's growth and productivity. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and be part of the solution to this profound challenge. Key Takeaways: - Labor shortages in the construction industry - Challenges of transferring knowledge and experience - Importance of investment in technology for productivity - Need for greater industry involvement and support - Attracting and retaining labor in the construction industry - Importance of efficient planning tools in construction projects