S12 E2: Overcoming Staffing Challenges: Contractor Insights for Hiring, Training and Retaining Great Talent

In this impactful episode of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down with industry experts Howard Meyers (Executive VP, ABEL RECON), Ryan Montijo (Co-Owner, Ellison-Mills), and Shane Harris (VP Operations, East Coast Infrastructure) to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing the wastewater and infrastructure industries today: the skilled labor shortage. Recorded live at the Reline America Annual Conference, this discussion dives into the strategies and innovative approaches companies are using to attract, train, and retain talent in blue-collar trades. The conversation highlights several key points that industry professionals won’t want to miss: Addressing the Skilled Labor Shortage: The guests discuss the stigma surrounding trade work, where college degrees are often prioritized over skilled trades, even though these careers offer stability and high earning potential. They emphasize the need to shift societal perceptions, promoting the value of trade work as an essential, rewarding career path. Engaging Youth and Building Awareness: Recruiting young talent is crucial for the industry’s future. Shane Harris shares how East Coast Infrastructure is engaging students through hands-on career days and technology demonstrations, like using robotic cutters, to show young people that trades today involve advanced, exciting technology. Technology in Skilled Trades: As the industry becomes more tech-centered, integrating digital tools and robotics is essential for appealing to a tech-savvy generation. Ryan Montijo explains how using advanced technology in day-to-day operations can align with younger workers’ digital skills and make these roles more attractive. Career Advancement and Mentorship: Structured career paths and mentorship programs are critical for retaining workers. Panelists emphasize the importance of offering certifications, leadership development, and recognition to foster long-term loyalty and professional satisfaction among employees. Supporting Work-Life Balance: Recognizing the demands on workers who often travel, companies are implementing policies to support work-life balance, such as paid family events, to help employees feel valued and supported. Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor and subscribe to The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast for more insights and innovations in the wastewater industry. Contact Information: • Howard Meyers Executive Vice President, ABEL RECON LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-myers-42500917 Website: abelrecon.com Email: [email protected] • Shane Harris VP Operations at East Coast Infrastructure LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-harris-5788ba10/ Website: eastcoastinfrastructure.com Email: [email protected] • Ryan Montijo Co-Owner of Ellison-Mills LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-montijo-eit-a1710aa4 Website: ellison-mills.com Email: [email protected] Key Takeaways for Industry Professionals: This episode provides a practical guide for companies seeking to build a resilient workforce in skilled trades. By breaking down stigmas, utilizing cutting-edge technology, and implementing structured career paths, these leaders are setting a new standard in workforce development—ensuring that trade careers are seen as dynamic, essential, and fulfilling. Tune in now to learn more about sustainable wastewater solutions! Don’t forget to subscribe to the Smells Like Money Podcast for more insights and innovations in the wastewater industry. Follow us on creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast for updates and more episodes. I hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have. Please let us know your thoughts about the episode! Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast: Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/ Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 760-217-8010 Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform: Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotify https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast: https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Be a guest on our show: https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guest Check Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros: https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros #WorkforceDevelopment #SkilledTrades #WastewaterIndustry #InfrastructureJobs #YouthInTrades #TechInTrades #CareerGrowth #BlueCollarPride #TradeCareers #EmployeeRetention #FutureOfWork #SmellsLikeMoneyPodcast