How did one mechanical contractor president turn a pandemic idea into 51 camps across North America in just five years?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Angie Simon, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE). With 35 years at a union mechanical contractor—including 14 as President—and a term as SMACNA National President (2019-2021), Angie saw the workforce crisis coming and decided to act. She launched HMSE in 2021 as a two-shop pilot program teaching high school students about skilled trades through hands-on experience. Today, it's grown to 51 camps across North America, reaching nearly 900 students in 2025. Angie discusses the power of hands-on learning, changing parental perceptions, and building confidence in the next generation. "I thought we were gonna drop a little pebble in the water... I think we're doing a boulder right now, and I think we got tidal waves coming." How can your company get involved?

Angie Simon is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), a workforce development program that grew from 2 pilot camps in 2021 to 51 camps across North America. She spent 35 years at Western Allied Mechanical, including 14 years as President, and served as SMACNA National President from 2019-2021. Recognizing the construction industry's workforce crisis during the pandemic, Angie created a hands-on summer camp introducing high school students to skilled trades careers. HMSE has reached nearly 900 students and continues expanding rapidly.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

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

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Why a SMACNA president saw the workforce crisis coming during the pandemic
• (03:19) The missing piece in construction recruitment: getting parents on board
• (05:15) How two shops in East Palo Alto became a nationwide movement
• (10:42) When a Rhode Island graduate went from camper to employee in one year
• (16:22) Why high school students can weld fire pits but pre-apprentices cannot
• (23:26) Stop complaining and get some skin in the game: advice for contractors
• (29:40) What's next for Heavy Metal Summer Experience and how you can help
• Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Heavy Metal Summer Experience Website: https://www.hmse.org/
Email Contact: info@hmse.org (reaches Angie Simon directly)

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues

How is IMPACT tackling the construction workforce shortage that everyone's talking about?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Aaron Bast, the incoming CEO of IMPACT—the Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust. A 30-year ironworker veteran and former business manager of Ironworkers Local 5, Aaron brings firsthand perspective from both the field and management side. He discusses how IMPACT is tackling workforce shortages through expanded training and pre-apprenticeship opportunities while fostering stronger collaboration between contractors and unions. Aaron shares his vision for helping small to medium contractors grow their businesses to create more ironworker jobs and explains the culture shifts necessary for advancing jobsite safety. "The most important thing in our industry is our signatory contractors because we can have the best ironworkers in a room, but if there's no contractors to work for, then none of us have jobs," Aaron emphasizes.

Aaron Bast is the incoming CEO of IMPACT (Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust), bringing 30 years of hands-on ironworking experience to the role. Prior to joining IMPACT, Aaron served as business manager of Ironworkers Local 5 for a decade, where he focused on strengthening partnerships with signatory contractors and creating job opportunities for union members. His career spans both open shop and union construction, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and advantages of each model. Aaron's leadership approach is rooted in his field experience—from apprentice to journeyman, foreman, and general foreman—combined with his understanding of the business realities contractors face. At IMPACT, he's focused on helping small to medium-sized contractors grow their businesses, expanding workforce training and pre-apprenticeship programs, and building stronger labor-management partnerships across the ironworking industry.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

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

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Aaron reveals his 30-year journey from ironworker to CEO and his very first job interview
• (02:10) Why signatory contractors are the most important part of the union construction industry
• (03:09) The real reasons workers choose union construction over open shop
• (19:47) What makes strong labor-management partnerships actually work in the field

What shocking trend is claiming more construction worker lives than falls and electrocutions combined?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Chris Cain, Executive Director of CPWR (the research and training arm of North America's Building Trades Unions). With her background as an industrial hygienist and years in OSHA enforcement, Cain brings unique expertise to construction safety challenges. Cain discusses advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat exposure, ergonomics, and mental health, along with focusing on emerging concerns like the opioid crisis plaguing construction workers. "We're trying to foster that and to promote it, but when you think about occupational safety and health, when you're in a large firm, you think about it as part of your risk control," she explains. How can large contractors better mentor smaller firms in safety practices?

Chris Cain leads CPWR’s national efforts to make construction jobsites safer, healthier, and more resilient. She bridges research and the real world—advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat and silica exposure, ergonomics, and mental health. Under her leadership, CPWR partners with labor, contractors, owners, and government to turn evidence into training, tools, and campaigns that save lives and improve performance across union construction.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

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

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Chris Cain and her role leading CPWR's research-backed safety initiatives
• (03:48) Top safety challenges facing the construction industry today
• (09:52) Recent strides in preventing suicides and overdoses in construction
• (16:19) Helping small contractors adopt new safety technologies
• (21:01) How contractors can partner with CPWR for better safety outcomes
• Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Chris Cain LinkedIn
CPWR Construction Chart Boo...

Why do most construction apps fail the eight-minute test for field workers?

Kirk Westwood sits down with Ryan Posnikoff, Vice President of Product Management at Contruent, who brings a unique dual perspective to construction technology. Starting as a union member with UA Local 488 in Edmonton following his father's footsteps, Ryan completed his apprenticeship in Alberta's oil and gas sector before overseeing major energy infrastructure megaprojects. Over 15 years, he evolved from boots-on-ground tradesperson to tech innovator, helping companies manage billions in capital through strategic data insights and purpose-built software. Ryan discusses bridging the gap between field workers and technology, emphasizing that "construction's biggest challenge is it's an information challenge." The conversation explores actionable data, digital trust, and what construction tech gets right and wrong.

Ryan Posnikoff brings over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career on jobsites overseeing massive oil and gas and energy infrastructure projects across Canada. His hands-on knowledge of field operations laid the foundation for his transition into construction technology, where he now works as a product leader helping organizations deliver complex megaprojects more efficiently. With deep expertise in aligning field needs with digital tools, Ryan is passionate about bridging the gap between boots-on-the-ground realities and cutting-edge innovation.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

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

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Ryan’s path from union tradesperson to tech executive at Contruent
• (05:04) Transitioning from field operations to technology and strategy roles
• (12:24) What actionable data really looks like for different construction roles
• (20:33) How successful products are built and common mistakes in construction tech
• (28:59) Getting buy-in from skilled labor and building digital trust on job sites
• (36:58) Ryan defines what success looks like for construction technology solutions
• Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Why is Western Pennsylvania becoming the unexpected center of America's AI revolution?

Host Kirk Westwood sits down with Shawn Steffee, Business Agent for Boilermakers Local 154 and seasoned union leader in the energy sector. A Homer City native who became a boilermaker in 2002, Steffee was elected Executive Board Trustee in 2017 and appointed Business Agent in 2018, gaining national recognition for his advocacy of union labor and fossil fuels industry. He believes natural gas and AI infrastructure represent the next industrial revolution for Western Pennsylvania. The conversation covers the devastating impact of coal plant closures, the $10 billion Homer City transformation into an AI-powered natural gas facility, and how union building trades are preparing for massive construction opportunities ahead. Steffee discusses workforce training needs, environmental advantages of natural gas over renewables, and his vision for replicating this model across coal country. "I really don't know a damn thing about AI, but the building trades sure as hell know how to build power plants," Steffee explains. Can this project become the blueprint for saving America's coal communities?

Shawn Steffee is a seasoned union leader and advocate for skilled labor in the energy sector. A native of Homer City, Pennsylvania, he began his career as a Boilermaker in 2002, serving in various supervisory roles. In 2017, he was elected as an Executive Board Trustee for Boilermakers Local 154, and in 2018, he was appointed as a Business Agent. Steffee has been instrumental in political advocacy, serving as Chairman of the Local 154 LEAP Committee, and is recognized nationally for his efforts in promoting union labor and the fossil fuels industry.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

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

Discussion points:

• (00:00) How Shawn got his start in the boilermaker trade after manufacturing job loss
• (03:25) Growing up in Homer City and witnessing the coal plant's impact on community
• (05:39) The devastating ripple effects when Homer City coal plant closed
• (08:33) Why Western Pennsylvania is becoming the next Silicon Valley for data centers
• (12:04) Safety and environmental advantages of natural gas over coal and renewables
• (16:...

From the Empire State Building to the Panama Canal, history is full of examples where massive projects were built at astonishing speed. So why does it feel like construction today takes longer than ever?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Connor Watumull, Co-Founder and CEO of Miter, for a wide-ranging conversation on the pace of building. Together, they trace how regulation, compliance, financing, and an explosion of paperwork reshaped the industry—from a world of engineer’s notes and political green lights to today’s gauntlet of permits, pay apps, lien waivers, safety reports, and inspections.

Connor shares what’s been gained, what’s been lost, and how we can strike the right balance between speed, safety, and accountability. Looking ahead, he paints a vision of how better systems and smarter technology could help contractors cut through red tape, unlock innovation, and get back to what they do best: building.

Connor Watumull is Co-Founder and CEO of Miter, a comprehensive platform transforming how contractors manage people, projects, and payments. With deep expertise in construction technology and business operations, Connor focuses on streamlining the complex regulatory and administrative challenges facing modern contractors. His work at Miter addresses the growing paperwork burden that has become a significant barrier to construction efficiency and growth. Connor brings a unique perspective on how technology can help the industry balance necessary compliance requirements with the need for speed and scalability in an increasingly regulated construction environment.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

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

Discussion points:

• (00:00) The shocking comparison between historic subway projects and today's timelines
• (05:23) Why gear closets and legal codes have surprising similarities
• (06:37) Historical mega-projects that would be impossible to build today
• (12:01) The paperwork marathon contractors face before breaking ground
• (16:01) How Texas and China became the future of fast infrastructure
• (19:45) Lessons from Brooklyn Bridge builders that modern contractors need

Construction industry pros, welcome back to your favorite podcast. Host Kirk Westwood introduces "Talk the TAUC," formerly known as Construction User 2.0, with this Season 2 trailer highlighting powerful Season 1 moments. "What unions have afforded my family is economic security," shares Michigan State Senator John Cherry. Ever wonder how military veterans are finding their place in union construction? Marty Helms of Helmets to Hardhats explains. Kirk wraps up with a sneak peek at Season 2's hard-hitting topics: workforce development, clean energy projects, organizing strategies, and jobsite tech that's changing how we build.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

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

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Kirk introduces Talk the TAUC's new identity and podcast mission
• (00:49) Senator John Cherry on how unions create family economic security
• (01:04) John Burke shares State Group's award-winning safety culture approach
• (01:43) Junaid Ahmed explains practical applications of AI in construction
• (02:16) Geoff Colvin discusses business reimagination and future-proofing
• (02:46) Marty Helms highlights Helmets to Hardhats veterans transition program
• (03:06) Joelle Salerno on creating visible opportunities for women in construction
• (03:33) Kirk previews exciting topics coming in Season 2

Resources:

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast past epsidoes

Join us as Dr. Barry Miller, Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab discusses cutting-edge research on protective headwear for the construction industry. Learn about the Helmet Lab's innovations, helmet rating processes, and how they aim to enhance worker safety.

You’ll hear the fascinating origin story of the lab, starting from its groundbreaking 2007 initiative to quantify football helmet safety, to the development of their revolutionary star rating system. Dr. Miller explores the essential role of headgear in sports like soccer and flag football, especially for youth leagues, explaining how even minimal padding can significantly reduce head impact severity. We also dive into the lab's upcoming study on worksite safety helmets, aiming to replicate real-world accident scenarios to create more effective safety ratings. By understanding specific impact conditions, Virginia Tech Helmet Lab is striving to develop superior protection and reduce concussion risks across sports and workplaces alike.

Barry Miller, PhD, is the Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. With a PhD in Biomechanics and experience in health and wellness, Dr. Miller is dedicated to advancing research on head protection and injury prevention.

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

Discussion points:

• The many products and testing protocols handled at Virginia Tech Helmet Lab

• Football head impact sensors inside helmets, driving data-driven improvements

• NFL helmet ratings and testing vs. “the masses”

• Examining headgear in sports, reducing head impact severity

• Flag football popularity is increasing, youth leagues, mandating headgear

• A study on worksite safety helmets, aiming to reduce concussion risks.

• Helmet safety testing methods, STAR scores - which evolve with technology and vary for different sports

• Advancements in helmet fit and durability - fit, materials, and design differ for various sports, single vs. multiple impact helmets

• The future of helmets and head injury reduction

• Preliminary research in construction helmets, collecting data for construction site safety

• Open call for submissions of videos of construction site helmet-related accidents - send them to your organization or Dr. Miller

• Spread the word about the upcoming research and testing in construction