In this episode, host Kerry Smith Buck sits down with Benjamin Jump, Safety Technician at Pike Construction, to unpack the urgent conversation around mental health in the construction industry. As part of a special series focused on wellbeing on job sites, Benjamin shares frontline insights on breaking the stigma, the impact of rigid project schedules, and the compounded stress faced by traveling crews working long hours away from home. Drawing from personal tragedy, he discusses why the industry’s suicide rates demand proactive - not reactive - solutions, and highlights initiatives like New York State’s “Building Hope Through Action” grant, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, monthly mental health toolbox talks, and the importance of using resources such as 988 and ManTherapy.org. This powerful conversation challenges construction leaders and workers alike to speak up, check in on one another, and remember: hundreds of people would rather take your call than attend your funeral.

In this episode of BUILD America, we learn from Tractics CEO Tyler VanWinkle about how his company created a project management workflow inspired by those who are the closest to reliable, actionable data: those who are at the jobsite.

In this episode, Kerry Smith Buck speaks with Frank King, former Tonight Show comedy writer turned suicide prevention speaker, about how to start conversations that can save lives in the construction industry. Drawing from his own lifelong battle with depression and near-suicide, Frank explains why construction has the highest suicide rate in the U.S., how to recognize warning signs on the jobsite, what not to say when someone is struggling, and why asking directly about suicide can be a critical intervention. With humor, honesty, and real jobsite stories, this episode highlights why mental health is a safety issue - and how anyone, at any level, can make a difference by starting the conversation.

In this episode, Kerry Smith Buck is joined by Dr. Colleen Saringer PhD and Scott Satory to explore why kindness is not just a “nice-to-have,” but a critical workplace safety and mental health strategy in construction. Drawing from Colleen’s lifelong ties to family-owned construction businesses and Scott’s experience leading a multimillion-dollar roofing company, the conversation examines how knowing your people, leading with empathy, setting healthy boundaries with clients, and adapting work practices to protect workers’ wellbeing can reduce risk, improve safety, and save lives. Together, they make a compelling case for kindness as a practical, cost-free tool that helps teams stay alert, supported, and able to go home safely at the end of the day.

Join us and learn how an increasing number of general contractors are adding in-house development services and expertise. City of O'Fallon, Missouri Director of Economic Development Patrick McKeehan walks us through this intriguing industry trend.

In this episode, Kerry Smith Buck welcomes Cal Beyer, Senior Director of Safe Workplaces at the SAFE Project, as part of the show’s mental health, wellbeing, and construction series. Cal unpacks the critical intersection of substance use, mental health, suicide, and overdose in the construction industry, explaining why these issues must be addressed together rather than in isolation. Drawing from decades of experience, he emphasizes recovery-focused workplace strategies, peer support, psychological safety, and a shift from “mental illness” to “mental fitness,” offering a hopeful, practical roadmap for how construction leaders and crews can better support one another and reduce risk across job sites.

In this episode, Kerry Smith Buck speaks with Mike Cox, CEO of Crete United, about why safety is not a stand-alone program but a direct reflection of company culture. Mike shares how Crete United built an industry-leading safety record by focusing on non-punitive learning, near-miss reporting, field-first decision making and mental health awareness, while investing in dedicated safety leadership as the company scaled to over $1B in revenue. The conversation highlights how strong safety culture improves retention, reduces costs, strengthens acquisitions, and ultimately proves that when companies genuinely care for their people, safety performance and business results follow.

In this episode of BUILD America, host Kerry Smith Buck sits down with AJ Waters, Chief Evangelist at Kahua and the self-proclaimed “Chief Engine-Nerd” behind TheEngiNerdLife blog. Together, they explore the power of process, discipline, and authenticity in an industry that’s constantly racing to meet deadlines.

Borrowing a phrase from the U.S. Marines - “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast” - AJ unpacks how thoughtful, consistent processes can make projects more efficient, safer, and ultimately more successful.