Voice of Construction

Episode 13 of the Voice of Construction Podcast features Jason Mordhorst, President of Hazard Construction and 2026 President of AGC San Diego. With over two decades at Hazard, Jason shares the story behind one of San Diego’s longest-standing infrastructure contractors and the evolution of the industry over the past century. The conversation covers everything from major transportation projects and workforce development to the realities of public funding challenges and shifting agency budgets. Jason also outlines his priorities as AGC President, including growing membership, strengthening industry programs, and preparing for the chapter’s centennial. This episode offers a grounded look at leadership, legacy, and what lies ahead for construction in San Diego. This episode is sponsored by West Coast Group Benefits, helping contractors manage benefits, compliance, labor costs, and prevailing wage strategies. Learn more at westcoastbenefits.com.

Episode 12 of the Voice of Construction Podcast features Aimee Faucett, CEO of the Building Industry Association of San Diego. With a background at City Hall and as former Chief of Staff to Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Aimee brings a unique perspective on the region’s housing challenges. She explains why today’s housing crisis is really a policy crisis, and how regulation, CEQA, and local decision-making continue to impact affordability and supply. This conversation dives into the importance of educating elected officials, increasing housing inventory, and reshaping public perception of the building industry. Aimee also shares how BIA is mobilizing the next generation of advocates to push for meaningful change across San Diego. This episode is sponsored by one of your Diamond Sponsors, Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP, your partner in building success on site and in court. Visit ftblaw.com or call 858-737-3100 for more info!

Episode 11 of the Voice of Construction Podcast dives into the future of infrastructure in Southern California with guest Jon Switalski, Executive Director of Rebuild SoCal Partnership. From his roots in a working-class Detroit community to leading major advocacy efforts across California, Jon shares how policy, funding, and collaboration shape the built environment. This conversation explores critical regional challenges including water infrastructure, stormwater capture, transportation funding, and the realities of getting projects approved and delivered. Jon also breaks down how shifting voter sentiment and economic pressures are impacting future ballot measures. This episode offers valuable insight into the intersection of construction, politics, and long-term planning across San Diego and beyond. This episode is sponsored by Casper Company, a leader in safe, innovative demolition solutions.

In Episode 10 of the Voice of Construction podcast, we welcome Ilka De León for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, advocacy, and the importance of industry engagement. Ilka shares insights from her experience working at the intersection of government, infrastructure, and construction, highlighting how relationships, communication, and policy awareness shape the future of the industry. The discussion explores how contractors and industry leaders can more effectively engage in the public process, build stronger partnerships, and help drive decisions that impact construction across the region. It’s a candid conversation about leadership, influence, and the evolving role of the construction industry.

In Episode 9 of the Voice of Construction podcast, Eddie Sprecco and Dustin Steiner recap a busy start to the year and highlight AGC San Diego’s growing presence across the region. From partnerships with the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association and SDMAC’s WEST Conference to Chamber leadership transitions and renewed momentum at the Taxpayers Association, Eddie and Dustin break down why relationship-building matters for contractors. They also cover major Monday Morning Quarterback updates, including EPA vehicle emissions changes, SANDAG PLA guidance, Pure Water progress, SDSU’s Reno competition success, and key upcoming federal contractor events. This episode is sponsored by Milwaukee Tool, an AGC San Diego member and Diamond Sponsor, delivering innovative, trade-specific solutions that drive safety and productivity on jobsites nationwide.

This week, while Eddie Sprecco and Dustin Steiner recover from their respective illnesses, we’re bringing back a timely ‘best of’ episode of the Voice of Construction podcast. In this re-release of Episode 5, Eddie and Dustin take a deep dive into more than 30 years of infrastructure ballot measures - from the origins of TransNet to SANDAG reforms, shifting voter thresholds, and lessons learned from past transportation initiatives. With major new funding conversations already shaping 2026 and 2028, this episode provides important historical context on what works, what doesn’t, and what construction leaders should be watching next.

In Episode 7 of the Voice of Construction podcast, hosts Eddie Sprecco and Dustin Steiner sit down with Thomas L. Brown, President of Sierra Pacific West, Inc. and immediate past President of AGC of America. Tom shares his journey from young contractor to national industry leader, highlights landmark San Diego projects, and reflects on decades of involvement with AGC, workforce development, and apprenticeship programs. He also offers insights on national construction trends, advocacy, and the value of industry engagement. The episode wraps with the Monday Morning Quarterback recap covering workforce trends, infrastructure funding, AGC updates, and industry news. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by West Coast Group Benefits, helping contractors manage benefits, compliance, labor costs, and prevailing wage strategies. Learn more at westcoastbenefits.com.

In Episode 6 of the Voice of Construction podcast, Eddie Sprecco and Dustin Steiner welcome Mike McManus, AGC’s Director of Engineering Construction and Industry Relations, for the debut of the new segment, “Ask an Engineer.” Mike draws on his 36-year career at Caltrans to share behind-the-scenes insight on major San Diego freeway projects, missing on-ramps, agency decision-making, and what contractors really want from public owners: prompt payment, fair change orders, and collaborative dispute resolution. The episode also includes a full Monday Morning Quarterback recap covering new state construction laws, PLA grievance procedures, work zone safety updates, and AGC’s 2026 construction outlook.

In Episode 5 of the Voice of Construction podcast, Eddie Sprecco and Dustin Steiner take a deep dive into San Diego’s history of infrastructure ballot measures and what they mean for the future of construction funding. From the origins of TransNet to shifting voter thresholds, SANDAG reforms, and the evolving role of citizen-led initiatives, the discussion breaks down why passing transportation and infrastructure measures have become both easier and harder at the same time. They also take a look at lessons learned from recent failed measures and what to watch as the region looks ahead to 2026 and beyond. Plus, tune in for a full Monday Morning Quarterback recap with key industry updates.

In this episode of the Voice of Construction, Eddie Sprecco and Dustin Steiner sit down with Colin Parent, CEO of Circulate San Diego, for a discussion on San Diego’s biggest infrastructure and housing challenges. Colin breaks down the barriers slowing transit projects, the permitting gridlock driving up costs, and the smart policy solutions needed to make building homes easier across California. Eddie and Dustin also cover highlights from the latest Monday Morning Quarterbacks, including updates on PLA myths, zero-emission vehicle mandates, and key industry policy shifts. This episode is sponsored by one of your Diamond Sponsors, Finch, Thornton & Baird LLP, your partner in building success on site and in court. Visit ftblaw.com or call 858-737-3100 for more info!

In this episode of the Voice of Construction podcast, Eddie Sprecco and Dustin Steiner break down a full slate of news shaping San Diego’s construction industry. We recap Monday Morning Quarterback, celebrate the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday, and analyze the impacts of recent off-year election results, including how Prop 50 could reshape California’s congressional map. Then we cover SDSU’s newly endowed Jim Ryan Chair of Construction Management, Caltrans’ updated safety requirements, AGC’s community partnerships, liaison committee updates, and insights from the Military Economic Impact Report. Plus, reminders on AGC’s Holiday Toy Drive and upcoming events.

In Episode 2 of The Voice of Construction, AGC San Diego CEO Eddie Sprecco recaps the latest construction headlines, from California’s stalled defect litigation reform to Governor Newsom’s zoning shakeup under SB 79. He also highlights the 2025 Build San Diego Awards, key policy updates from the Joint Legislative Meeting, and upcoming industry events. Then, meet Adrianna Lopez, AGC’s new Director of Labor Relations, as she shares insights on PLAs, prevailing wage compliance, and supporting both union and open-shop contractors through training, trust fund guidance, and hands-on member support. 🎧 From policy reform to project recognition, this episode covers the full spectrum of construction life in San Diego.

In the premiere episode of the Voice of Construction Podcast, AGC San Diego CEO Eddie Sprecco and VP of Government Affairs Dustin Steiner break down everything you need to know about what’s happening across the industry, from project labor agreements and federal DBE updates to Prop 50’s redistricting debate and the latest local events. They also highlight standout AGC member achievements, community involvement, and how advocacy, leadership, and teamwork keep San Diego’s construction industry moving forward. 🎧 Tune in for insights, updates, and a few laughs from the team behind the region’s top construction voice.