From Ironworker to Safety Expert | Author Kim Pierce on 34+ Years in the Trades

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed construction safety expert, author, trades professional, and industry leader Kim Pierce. With more than 34 years in the construction industry, Kim has built an extraordinary career rooted in hard work, resilience, leadership, and a commitment to protecting workers. Growing up in Minnesota, she learned the fundamentals of construction from her father before embarking on a remarkable journey through the trades. Kim spent 14 years working hands-on as a carpenter and ironworker, gaining firsthand experience on job sites, from roofing projects to bridge construction. Those experiences—including real-world close calls and near misses—eventually inspired her transition into construction safety, where she has dedicated decades to helping workers stay safe and return home to their families. We discuss her powerful book, The Hands That Built This, which explores the realities of life in the trades, workplace safety, leadership, and the lessons learned from a lifetime in construction. Beyond her safety career, Kim is also an accomplished fiction writer. Under the pen name Jake B. Cage, she writes science fiction and post-apocalyptic novels. We also discuss the latest installment in her Enclave Series, Shadows Beneath the Ruins, and how storytelling complements her professional life. From a conversation recorded while traveling through Ontario, California, Kim shares insights on workplace safety, leadership, women in construction, skilled trades, writing, perseverance, and the value of experience. This is a fascinating discussion for construction professionals, safety leaders, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, authors, and anyone inspired by stories of grit, determination, and lifelong learning. Get the book:The Hands That Built This on Amazon For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991 Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.