Construction Employers Podcast

Keith Laschinger and Jayson Richardson share a quick update on Cleveland Builds, highlighting the success of the Intensive Apprenticeship-Readiness Program and the industry leaders helping train the next generation of skilled workers.  Special guest Renee Timberlake of the Built Environment Collaborative joins to discuss collaboration across Greater Cleveland Works, key workforce wins, and what’s next as the program gains national attention. 

In this episode of the CEA Podcast, we explore Cleveland’s construction boom, with more than $850 million in active development projects shaping the region’s future.Host Glen Shumate sits down with Joe DiGeronimo, Diego Cortez & Tommy Farmer to discuss workforce development, contractor growth, and creating real pathways into the construction industry as Northeast Ohio works to meet rising demand.

 2025 was a year of growth, action, and measurable progress for the Construction Employers Association. In this year-in-review episode, Tim, Glen, Keith, and Kent reflect on the milestones that shaped the past year and set the stage for what’s ahead from the opening of CEA’s new 12,000 sq. ft. facility and podcast studio to major advancements in workforce development, advocacy, safety training, and Cleveland Builds placements across Ohio. You’ll hear highlights including: The launch of workforce promotional training beginning in 2026Advocacy efforts focused on prompt pay and contracting transparencyOver 1,000 attendees participating in safety classes and forums73 career seekers placed in 13 trades through Cleveland BuildsExpanded bargaining services in Cincinnati, Columbus, and DaytonIf you’re invested in the future of construction, leadership, and the union workforce in Ohio, this conversation offers insight into how CEA continues to deliver value for its members and what’s next. 

 In this episode, Communications Director Myra Rosario welcomes listeners to the first CEA Podcast recorded inside the new headquarters. She’s joined by Jackie Ruhlin and special guest Joe Jurec of CultureShoc to share key updates and preview the upcoming Young Professionals Development Forum on December 4th 

On this episode of the Construction Employers Podcast, we sit down with Al Arndt of Turner Construction Self Perform and Whitney Philips, a Cleveland Builds apprentice, 2nd year carpenter, to talk about mentorship, career growth, and the real-life impact of training programs in the trades. To learn more about Cleveland Builds and how you can get involved, visit https://www.clevelandbuilds.com/

In this episode of the Construction Employers Podcast, Kent Cryzter breaks down Q1 safety highlights, shares details on the 13th Annual Safety Day, and talks about the latest hands-on training classes designed to help your team stay OSHA-compliant and job-site ready.Don’t miss these important updates to keep your workforce safe and informed.

Listen in as Glen, Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the Contractor Assistance Association (CAA), dives into a jam-packed episode full of insights and updates.🔹 Q1 2025 -End Recap:  the latest in ADVOCACY, CAA highlights, and key movements from ACE. 🔹 What’s Next?:  what’s on the horizon for education, workforce, and inclusion programs. 🔹 Behind the Scenes: Get a front-row seat to Glen’s work on Diversity and inclusion Committees and State and local Workforce Initiatives.Tune in now – You won’t want to miss this one. 

In this episode, Director of Member Engagement Jackie Ruhlin sits down with Myra Rosario, our Communications Lead, for a candid conversation about everything happening in Q1 and what exciting opportunities are coming up next.From new educational programs to upcoming events, Jackie shares key updates every member should know to get the most out of their membership.

 In this special episode of the Construction Employer’s Podcast, we celebrate Women’s History Month and Women in Construction by spotlighting the powerful women shaping the construction industry. Host Tim Linville sits down with three inspiring leaders: Tari Rivera, CEA Board President and CEO of Regency Construction Services; Morgen Cost, CEO of Cleveland Building Restoration; and Jackie Tesar-Valek, COO of Tesar Industrial. Together, they reflect on the progress women have made in construction, share their personal journeys, and discuss what the future holds for women entering and leading in this field. Tune in for a candid, insightful conversation on leadership, legacy, and breaking barriers in construction with these powerful ladies.  

CEA Department heads come together to recap the wins for 2024 and talk about the strategic plan for 2025. 

Cuyahoga County Council President, Pernel Jones, Jr. Joins Tim and Glen on the podcast to provide us with an update on the county policies and procedures as it relates to the construction industry. 

On today’s show, Tim sat down with Mike Pascoe and Colten Siedlarczyk to talk about OSHA Policy Updates and information. Take a listen to learn more! 

On this episode, Tim Linville and Jackie Ruhlin sit down with OCP Contractor’s General Manager Sean Parker and Senior Superintendent Scott Tomala to discuss new projects and initiatives they are working on. 

On this episode we sat down with Tony DiGeronimo, Richard Schoepoerster, Tim O’Callahan, and Steven Duffy to discuss the new Construction Management Program at Cleveland State University. This program will begin instruction in Fall 2024 and will help strengthen the construction workforce pipeline. 

On this episode, we sat down with new CEA Member, Mualem Law Firm to talk about owner Nataly’s career, getting started working in the construction industry, and her H-2B visa program. 

Myra Rosario, Lead of CEA’s Communications Team, sat down with the Director of Member Engagement, Jackie Ruhlin to discuss highlights of the third quarter of 2024. 

Myra Rosario sits down with CEA’s Safety Director, Kent Crytzer, to recap the safety initiatives from the third quarter of 2024. 

Myra Rosario sits down with Executive Director of Cleveland Builds Keith Laschinger to discuss program updates from the third quarter of 2024. 

Myra Rosario sits down with CEA’s Executive Vice President Glen Shumate to recap the third quarter of 2024. Glen shares with us updates on the ACE Mentor Program, Contractors Assistance Association (CAA), education series, and advocacy efforts.  

On this episode we sat down with Jackie Ruhlin, Elise Nagy and Jeremy Angel to learn more about the new Young Professionals Education Series. This set of classes aims to provide workforce development opportunities for construction professionals at all levels of the industry.  

Myra Rosario sits down with CEA’s Safety Director, Kent Crytzer, to recap the safety initiatives from the second quarter of 2024, including OSHA Inspections, Workzone Safety, and more. 

Myra Rosario sits down with Executive Director of Cleveland Builds Keith Laschinger to discuss program updates from the second quarter of 2024. 

Myra Rosario, Lead of CEA’s Communications Team, sat down with the Director of Member Engagement, Jackie Ruhlin to discuss highlights of the second quarter of 2024. 

Myra Rosario sits down with CEA’s Executive Vice President Glen Shumate to recap the second quarter of 2024. Glen shares with us updates on the ACE Mentor Program, Contractors Assistance Association (CAA), education series, and advocacy efforts.  

Opioids impact both the overall mental health and wellbeing of the workforce as well as company performance. The construction industry has been adversely impacted by the nation’s ongoing opioid crisis. Today we sat down with Cal Beyer from SAFE Projects to discuss this topic, resources available and how to get help if you need it.  If you or someone you know is suffering with addiction, please reach out for help. Resources are available at: www.safeproject.us. 

On this episode, special guest host Jayson Richardson sat down with Keith Laschinger and AC Fenderson from Cleveland Builds and Jim Mulgrew from Max Hayes High School to discuss the connection between the construction program at Max Hayes High School and Cleveland Builds. 

Myra Rosario sits down with CEA’s Safety Director, Kent Crytzer, to recap the safety initiatives from first quarter of 2024, including Safety Day and OSHA Reporting Requirements. 

Myra Rosario sits down with Executive Director of Cleveland Builds Keith Laschinger to discuss program updates from the first quarter of 2024. 

Myra Rosario sits down with CEA’s Executive Vice President Glen Shumate to recap the first quarter of 2024. Glen shares with us updates on the ACE Mentor Program, Contractors Assistance Association (CAA), education series, and advocacy efforts.  

Myra Rosario, Lead of CEA’s Communications Team, sat down with the new Director of Member Engagement, Jackie Ruhlin to discuss her career, highlights of the first quarter 2024, and what’s new at CEA! 

Meet CEA Member, Ariane Kirkpatrick, CEO of the AKA Team, as she joins us to discuss her career, core values and navigating construction ownership while working in her many other businesses. Take a listen.

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Senior Vice President of the Gilbane Building Company, Kyle Merrill. He shares with us his career and achievements, as well as news and upcoming projects at Gilbane. 

The ACE Mentorship Program is designed to build a diverse talent pipeline for the union construction industry. The Cleveland chapter currently finished their strategic plan for 2024-2026. In this episode, Glen Shumate sits down with Janus Small and Matt Danis to talk about the program’s initiatives and events for this coming year and beyond. 

Andy Trares and Sarah Edelman joined us on today’s show to share the mission and work of the May Dugan Center in Cleveland, which helps people to enrich and enhance their lives and community. The May Dugan Center is a lifeline for over 20,000 individuals and families who need effective and meaningful programs that will improve their lives and their communities.Website - Home | May Dugan Center  Andy Trares - Andy Trares | LinkedIn Deputy Director, May Dugan Center Sarah Edelman - Sarah Edelman | LinkedIn Director of Education and Resource Center, May Dugan Center 

CEA Department heads come together to recap the wins for 2023 and talk about the strategic plan for 2024.  Take a listen.  Glen Shumate - Glen Shumate | LinkedIn Executive Vice President, CEA Executive Director, ACE Mentor Cleveland Executive Director, CAA Kent Crytzer - Kent J. Crytzer, CSP | LinkedIn Director of Safety, CEA Keith Laschinger - Keith Laschinger | LinkedIn Executive Director, Cleveland Builds Executive Director, Friends of Max S. Hayes High School Myra Rosario - Myra Rosario | LinkedIn Communications Director, CEA 

On this episode, we sat down with the Toledo area OSHA Director, Todd Jensen to discuss news and updates for the region. CEA’s Safety Director, Kent Crytzer also gives us a preview of what’s on the agenda for the 2024 Safety Day. 

On today’s episode of the Construction Employers Podcast, we sat down with Contractors Assistance Association leadership, Adrian Maldonado, Kathryn Hall and Glen Shumate to discuss the initiatives accomplished in 2023 and what’s in store for 2024!  GUESTSAdrian MaldonadoKathryn HallGlen ShumateCONTRACTORS ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATIONWebsiteLinkedIn

John A. Gambill, Partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, discusses terms in Ohio construction contracts contractors should beware of. LinkedInWebsiteEmail: [email protected] Phone: 614-334-6114

Listen in as Chris Halapy and Matt Danis of Shook Construction tell the Shook story and describe the 97-year-old company's mission, vision and values. LinkedInChris Halapy | LinkedIn Matthew Danis, MBA, CPSM | LinkedIn Shook Construction Episode #19, November 2019 (Shook's Mission Trip to Bolivia)

Elise Nagy (Turner Construction) and Tom FitzGerald (Precision Environmental), Chair and Vice-Chair of CEA's Future Executives Committee, talk with Tim Linville and Myra Rosario about their involvement with and questions about CEA. Elise NagyTom FitzGerald

On this episode, we sit down with the President of Next Generation Construction, Shakorie Davis. Shak shares with us his personal success story – from growing up on E. 55th & Woodland to becoming a successful contractor and business owner. Listen as Shak talks about how he built his company, different projects, his family, inclusion initiatives, the value of engaging in an industry association, and the importance of relationships in pursuing success. WebsiteLinkedIn

Today we sat down with Trevor and Morgen Cost who each serve on CEA's Board of Directors. They are both successful construction owners and Building Excellence Award winners! Take a listen to learn more about their personal and business successes, lessons learned and important involvement with CEA and the community. LinkedInMorgenTrevorWebsitesCleveland Building RestorationTotal RoofingWarren Roofing & Insulating

In this episode, Tim Linville lays out CEA's five long-range planning initiatives and give a progress update on the Association's effort to start a new Bachelors and Masters degree program in construction management at Cleveland State University. CSU CM Program

OSHA Cleveland Area Director, Howard Eberts, joins Tim Linville and Myra Rosario to discuss the Fall National Emphasis Program (NEP) and Heat Stress initiative along with other news on safety happening in the Cleveland region. OSHA WebsiteHeat Illness Prevention CampaignFall PreventionTrenchingWorkers Memorial Day

Listen in as Tari Rivera, President and founder of Regency Construction Services, describes her career in construction and journey towards success as a business founder and owner. Tari serves as Vice-Chair of the CEA Board of Directors and on the Board of Cleveland Builds. She is a past Chair of ACE Mentor Cleveland and has been very active promoting construction careers to young women and girls through the YWCA, National Association of Women in Construction and with the Carpenters Union. LinkedInWebsite

Drew Salyer is a driving force in the world of regulations. With over two decades of experience in the industry, he has successfully navigated the complex landscape of Department of Transportation (DOT) and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulations. His deep understanding of these regulations, combined with his strategic leadership, has helped countless companies streamline their operations while ensuring full compliance. Listen as Tim Linville and Kent Crytzer talk with Drew about a new safety partnership between CEA and Drive Team. LinkedInWebsitePhone: 330-922-3100

CEA's lobbyists, Paul Kudlak and Chris Sinagra, talk about how contractors can benefit from and get involved with CEA's legislative advocacy efforts and current issues.Co-Hosts: Glen Shumate & Myra Rosario

On this episode of the Construction Employers Podcast, Cleveland Builds’ Executive Director, Keith Laschinger, and Director of Mentoring and Placement, AC Fenderson, talk with Michelle Rose, Executive Director of Ohio Means Jobs Cleveland-Cuyahoga County. Listen in on the conversation about the latest news on what the City of Cleveland is doing in workforce development and Cleveland Builds' role in that initiative.Michelle Rose - LinkedIn OMJCC Website

Listen in as CEA's Glen Shumate and Myra Rosario speak with Latoya Smith, Danielle Acosta, and Tracie Cleveland of DNA Rising. Four veterans are now in a safe and renovated home in Forest Grove thanks to the philanthropic efforts of a group called DNA Rising. CEA and other community partners came together to help DNA Rising with their mission of providing this permanent housing for single mothers and veterans battling homelessness. Listen to this episode for more information on the program. LaToya Smith, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP | LinkedIn Danielle Acosta | LinkedIn Tracie Cleveland Thomas, MBA | LinkedIn Website

On this episode of the Construction Employers Podcast, Tim Linville and Cleveland Builds' Keith Laschinger sits down with John Simon, President of Cleveland Central Catholic High School, to discuss the school's new construction trades program. LinkedIn WebsitePhone: 216-441-4700