Phill shares his insider experience at the OGCA Safety Summit, where he connected with industry leaders, talked real safety, and—of course—made sure that Safety Corner’s reputation for rattling cages was well known. We dive into: ? Key takeaways from the Safety Summit—who’s talking, who’s listening, and who’s just there for the coffee. ? Networking in the safety world—building real conversations around what works and what doesn’t on job sites. ? The never-ending acronym madness—MILTSD? How many tax dollars are spent creating these titles? ? Ontario safety stats from 2013–2023—what’s improved ..read more

In this frustrating yet important episode of The Construction Life Podcast, Marc Fraser of Craigmhor Construction returns to share his nightmare experience trying to get an apprentice registered for Red Seal certification—a process that should be straightforward but instead is buried in government inefficiency. We get into: ? The endless hoops to jump through with the Ministry of Labour and why government organizations refuse to communicate. ? Skilled Trades Ontario’s role in gatekeeping and making it even harder for apprentices to get certified. ? The shocking removal of grants and financial ..read more

We welcome back Antonio Pereira of AquaStop Waterproofing to catch up on what’s been happening since Show #609. Antonio and his crew have been in the trenches, battling leaks, floods, and foundation nightmares, especially with all the extra snow and rain we have been getting and the clients that decided to hire the cheaper guy: ? What the past year has been like in the waterproofing industry—the wins, the struggles, and the lessons learned. ? How unpredictable weather & shifting construction trends are impacting waterproofing demand. ? Client expectations vs. reality—educating homeowners o ..read more

We sit down with Michael Pecchia of MP Tiles, a seasoned tile setter who’s seen the trade evolve—and not always for the better. 15 years in the business and got into the industry right out of high school. We dive deep into: ? The current state of the tile trade—what’s changed and what’s stayed the same. ? Younger trades entering the industry—what they should expect and what’s missing from their skillset. ? Client expectations vs. reality—dealing with budget constraints and Pinterest dreams. ? The rising cost of materials—how it’s shifting pricing and impacting installers. ? The lack of communi ..read more

We welcome Rob Soehner, owner of Fire Epoxy Inc., a true expert in the rapidly evolving epoxy industry. Rob’s passion for his craft is undeniable, and he’s here to break down what it really takes to be a pro in the epoxy business. We get into: ? The real-world epoxy application process—what separates the seasoned pros from the DIYers. ? Why epoxy is NOT just a weekend project—the science, technique, and skill behind flawless finishes. ? Common epoxy mistakes made by amateurs and how to spot fly-by-night businesses. ? How the epoxy industry is evolving and the new tech shaping its future. ? Rob ..read more

In this reflective and empowering wrap-up episode of Building Joy, Teresa Greco and Manny Neves take a moment to revisit some of the most insightful and inspiring moments from past guests. We explore: ✨ How to step deeper into happiness—it’s not about luck, it’s about choice. ? Breaking free from the cycle of repetition—why most people wake up to the same day over and over, and how to change that. ? Learning to wake up excited—because every day is an opportunity to create something new. ? The best investment you’ll ever make—YOU. The greatest masterpiece is the life you build for yourself. Thi ..read more

In this raw and real episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Daniel Santos, a Local 183 Rigger, for a conversation that goes where it goes—and trust us, it goes deep. We break down: ? The early days of life in the trades—learning the ropes and the lessons that shaped his career. ? Politics in construction—how it affects workers, job sites, and the future of the industry. ? The future of skilled trades—where construction is heading and what needs to change. ? Being a family man—balancing the demanding life of a tradesperson with fatherhood and family. ? Why the trades are mor ..read more

In this hard-hitting episode of Safety Corner, we confront one of the most dangerous and often underestimated hazards on a construction site—loads in motion. What starts as a routine lift can easily turn into a dropped load, and when safety measures aren’t in place, the consequences are often catastrophic. This episode isn’t just talk—we have real video content of dropped loads that have led to serious injuries and fatalities, serving as a sobering reminder of the risks that come with heavy lifting operations. We discuss: ? How loads in motion turn into deadly dropped loads—and the most common ..read more

We sit down with Gianluca Mastrangelo, a Local 27 carpenter with a deep well of experience in the trades. From his journey as an apprentice to becoming a journeyman, Gianluca shares valuable insights into the evolving construction industry, the mindset of young trades entering the workforce, and where he sees the future of carpentry heading. But we’re not just talking wood and nails—Gianluca also dives into the current state of the crypto market and how financial awareness plays a role in securing a future beyond the job site. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting in the trades, this ..read more

In this episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Noah Bray, a young entrepreneur balancing two demanding careers—owning a construction company and coaching online fitness clients. As the founder of Bray’k Away Development, Noah specializes in installing commercial playgrounds and backyard builds, creating spaces where families and communities thrive. But that’s just half the story. He’s also the force behind NPB Fitness, an online coaching platform, and a natural physique competitor who knows firsthand what it takes to build strength—both physically and in business. In this e ..read more