Building Leaders Radio Hour

Meredith Leapley, CEO & Founder of Leapley Construction, returns for part 2 of her recording on Season 4 of the Building Leaders Radio Hour.Recognized as a Most Admired CEO by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, an Outstanding Woman in Construction by Construction Business Owner Magazine, and one of Atlanta’s “Top 500” leaders by Atlanta Magazine, Meredith Leapley leads with integrity and compassion. Raised in Maryland, Meredith moved to Atlanta in 1999 and founded Leapley Construction to prioritize people throughout construction. Leapley Construction is proud to celebrate their 25th anniversary this year!This episode was recorded on October 15th.---0:00 Welcome! (Thank you Fly & Form Concrete Structures)0:54 Tuesdays with Bob Mathews5:26 Total Team Effort (bringing Alan Scoggins on the team)8:51 Learning from our mistakes13:45 Self-awareness as a leadership key14:52 Sponsorship Blurb (Fly & Form Concrete Structures)16:30 Importance of psychology at work19:00 Balancing personal and professional22:29 Maintaining culture starts with the interview25:22 Trailblazing26:52 Instilling leadership in the team29:50 How to unwind33:20 The final question---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining us for our 1st episode of Season 4 of the Building Leaders Radio Hour is Meredith Leapley, CEO & Founder of Leapley Construction.  Recognized as a Most Admired CEO by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, an Outstanding Woman in Construction by Construction Business Owner Magazine and one of Atlanta’s “Top 500” leaders by Atlanta Magazine, Meredith Leapley leads with integrity and compassion. Raised in Maryland, Meredith moved to Atlanta in 1999 and founded Leapley Construction to prioritize people throughout construction. Leapley Construction is proud to celebrate their 25th anniversary this year!Since then, through her involvement with CREW Atlanta, WBENC, CoreNet, Big Brothers Big Sisters, GSU WomenLead, Atlanta Women’s Foundation and Crafting Futures Together, she has maintained that focus and nurtured the business to deliver meaningful impacts to the community while earning annual revenues in excess of $120 Million---0:00 Welcome to Season 4 of BLRH (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)1:55 Welcome Meredith Leapley5:30 The origin of Leapley Construction12:30 Challenges and opportunities of being a woman-owned business15:20 Fly & Form Concrete Structures Sponsorship Blurb16:57 Importance of giving back18:34 Overcoming the challenge of attracting talent20:25 Evolution of Leapley23:15 How to ensure culture isn't left behind during growth24:50 "Letting go of the vine"27:20 Family learnings---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Building Leaders Radio Hour HITS THE ROAD for the first time in history! Listen along as Neil and Mark interview a variety of guests attending the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) Southeastern Conference in Chatanooga, Tennessee. Our next episode of this mini-series features Neil and Mark sitting down with Lou Perez, Founding Member at Lumber. ---0:00 Welcome (Thanks Fly & Form Concrete Structures)1:55 Lou Perez Intro (Lumber)3:50 About Lumber5:03 Resume isn't a defining factor (EOE of Hiring)7:44 Setting goals9:48 What sets Lumber apart 11:53 Lou's favorite books---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Building Leaders Radio Hour HITS THE ROAD for the first time in history! Listen along as Neil and Mark interview a variety of guests attending the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) Southeastern Conference in Chatanooga, Tennessee. In the first episode of this mini-series, Neil and Mark share important life updates and have the opportunity to interview Ellis Lord from Miller & Martin. ---0:00 BLRH on the road @ CFMA Southeastern Conference1:30 Thank you Fly & Form Concrete Structures1:55 Neil Family Update2:15 Mark Career Update5:20 First Guest - Ellis Lord7:28 Leadership Advice that Stuck---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining us for part 2 of his episode with Building Leaders Radio Hour is Greg Sizemore, Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Development for Associated Builders and Contractors.  Greg Sizemore is the vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development for ABC. With more than 45 years of industry experience, Sizemore is a leader and subject matter expert in construction and the business community on health and safety and workforce development initiatives. Prior to joining ABC in 2015, Sizemore played an integral role in the formation of competency-based health and safety, project management and craft workforce development programs.  Greg is the immediate past chair of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and is the past chair of the ABC National Craft Championships Committee and NCCER Workforce Development Committee. ---0:00 Introduction (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)0:56 Power of reputation7:00 Greg's move to ABC21:55 Fly & Form Sponsorship Blurb23:40 The most amazing call25:30 Total Human Health---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining as the third guest of our third season is Greg Sizemore, Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Development for Associated Builders and Contractors.  Greg Sizemore is the vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development for ABC. With more than 45 years of industry experience, Sizemore is a leader and subject matter expert in construction and the business community on health and safety and workforce development initiatives. Prior to joining ABC in 2015, Sizemore played an integral role in the formation of competency-based health and safety, project management and craft workforce development programs.  Greg is the immediate past chair of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and is the past chair of the ABC National Craft Championships Committee and NCCER Workforce Development Committee. ---0:00 Introduction (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)2:46 Greg Sizemore introduction4:49 Landing his first construction "gig"9:50 Getting out of the ditch15:08 Learning from construction leaders19:26 Sponsorship Blurb (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)21:07 Doing what you love30:00 Leading through tragedy---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining us for Part 2 his episode with the Building Leaders Radio Hour is Ryce Elliott, President of Benning Construction. This is part 1 of the episode. Ryce has been with Benning Construction Company for twenty-eight (28) years and in this time has worked in almost every position within the Company from general laborer to his current position as President. He works with owners and architects on budgeting for projects, works with subcontractors to prepare pricing and evaluates same. He has built and managed all types of construction: movie theaters, tilt up concrete construction, masonry and steel construction, sitework from 1 to 50 acres, underground detention facilities, heavy foundation work, retaining walls, renovations to active facilities, demolition, coastal construction, libraries, multi-story work, retail construction, dealing with contaminated materials, around the clock work, and DOT construction. In his current position as President, he is responsible for corporate planning, risk analysis, contract review, and pre-construction management. Ryce’s education is courtesy of the U.S. Army and a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University.---0:00 Introduction (Thank you Fly & Form Concrete Structures)1:18 Santa Claus (Indiana)4:28 Leadership lessons from the Army9:26 Real motivation is always personal14:23 Ryce's motivation21:14 Advice for the next generation27:44 Book recommendations---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining the Building Leaders Radio Hour for Episode 2 of this season is Ryce Elliott, President of Benning Construction. This is part 1 of the episode. Ryce has been with Benning Construction Company for twenty-eight (28) years and in this time has worked in almost every position within the Company from general laborer to his current position as President. He works with owners and architects on budgeting for projects, works with subcontractors to prepare pricing and evaluates same. He has built and managed all types of construction: movie theaters, tilt up concrete construction, masonry and steel construction, sitework from 1 to 50 acres, underground detention facilities, heavy foundation work, retaining walls, renovations to active facilities, demolition, coastal construction, libraries, multi-story work, retail construction, dealing with contaminated materials, around the clock work, and DOT construction. In his current position as President, he is responsible for corporate planning, risk analysis, contract review, and pre-construction management. Ryce’s education is courtesy of the U.S. Army and a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University.---0:00 Introduction (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)1:30 Ryce's start with Benning8:38 Learning from those who have been there15:51 Lead by example21:18 Sponsorship Blurb (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)24:14 Looking back28:09 Learning from mistakes---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Gil May, Founding Principal of May Architecture, returns for part 2 of his Building Leaders Radio Hour recording with Mark and Neil. Gil May, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, is the founding principal of May Architecture in Atlanta, Georgia. He has over 30 years of professional experience across a broad variety of award-winning projects. His focus is on projects in healthcare and higher education – and the intersection of these two areas. He is driven by a desire to combine both design and technical excellence and thrives on building consensus among various project stakeholders. Gil works by the mantra of “best idea wins”, a core principle of his design firm.---0:00 Introduction (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)1:15 Walking the walk8:23 Balancing ego13:56 Sponsorship Blurb (Fly & Form Concrete Structures)20:53 Ways to de-stress27:52 Gil's inspirations32:57 Beekeeping, flying, sailing and more---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining us for our first episode of season 3 is Gil May, Founding Principal of May Architecture. Gil May, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, is the founding principal of May Architecture in Atlanta, Georgia. He has over 30 years of professional experience across a broad variety of award-winning projects. His focus is on projects in healthcare and higher education – and the intersection of these two areas. He is driven by a desire to combine both design and technical excellence and thrives on building consensus among various project stakeholders. Gil works by the mantra of “best idea wins”, a core principle of his design firm.---0:00 Introduction (Thank you Fly & Form Concrete Structures)2:00 Welcome Gil May4:00 From undecided to architect7:14 A life moment10:47 An unexpected asset13:55 Fly & Form Sponsorship Blurb15:34 Growing the team18:38 Healthcare and higher education21:34 Hiring the right fit ("Best Idea Wins")27:30 Collaboration in practice---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining us for a special BLRH episode are Celeste Anthony-Johnson and Sheryl Alberico. Both Sheryl and Celeste volunteer with the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC). With over 115 chapters across the US, NAWIC serves as a support network that provides professional development, education, networking, and so much more for women in the construction field. With dual BA's in Architecture and Interior Design, Sheryl Alberico brings a unique perspective and 20 years of industry experience to her role as Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at iugis Construction Corp, a certified minority-owned construction and design company. Her sales strategies are rooted in building lasting relationships with both new and existing clients.Celeste Anthony-Johnson has been in the electrical industry managing the accounting and financial management divisions of IEC Atlanta/GA.  She loves the work and commitment of the IEC in training future electricians of tomorrow. Celeste is excited to have joined NAWIC in the spring of 2022 and enjoys the opportunity to serve and learn from and collaborate with women in the construction industry. Celeste currently serves as the treasurer for the Atlanta chapter of NAWIC.Women In Construction Week is the first full week in March. Click here for a list ofevents the Atlanta Chapter of NAWIC has planned.---0:00 Intro (Thanks Fly & Form Concrete Structures)1:00 Supporting WIC Week2:55 Maintaining support after WIC Week8:10 NAWIC brings EVERYONE together10:17 How to support NAWIC11:36 Atlanta WIC Week Events---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining us for a special BLRH episode are Celeste Anthony-Johnson and Sheryl Alberico. Both Sheryl and Celeste volunteer with the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC). With over 115 chapters across the US, NAWIC serves as a support network that provides professional development, education, networking, and so much more for women in the construction field. With dual BA's in Architecture and Interior Design, Sheryl Alberico brings a unique perspective and 20 years of industry experience to her role as Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at iugis Construction Corp, a certified minority-owned construction and design company. Her sales strategies are rooted in building lasting relationships with both new and existing clients.Celeste Anthony-Johnson has been in the electrical industry managing the accounting and financial management divisions of IEC Atlanta/GA.  She loves the work and commitment of the IEC in training future electricians of tomorrow. Celeste is excited to have joined NAWIC in the spring of 2022 and enjoys the opportunity to serve and learn from and collaborate with women in the construction industry. Celeste currently serves as the treasurer for the Atlanta chapter of NAWIC. Women In Construction Week is the first full week in March. Click here for a list of events the Atlanta Chapter of NAWIC has planned. Click here to learn how you can volunteer and support the Block Kids Competition Day on February 3rd, 2024. ---0:00 Intro (Thanks to Fly & Form Concrete Structures)2:00 ALL About NAWIC4:36 Celeste & Sheryl Introduction17:30 26th Annual WIC Week20:50 Block Kids Competition25:25 How do I get involved with NAWIC?---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining BLRH as the final guest of season two is Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's 29th Secretary of State. Secretary Raffensperger was first elected in 2018 and overwhelmingly re-elected in 2022. Secretary Raffensperger is a lifelong conservative Republican. He moved to Georgia 40 years ago to raise a family and start a small business. As a licensed Professional Engineer and Structural Engineer licensed in 40 states, and licensed General Contractor in Georgia and other states, Raffensperger successfully founded Tendon Systems, a provider of high-strength steel for construction projects. Under Raffensperger’s ownership Tendon Systems grew to become the southeast’s largest post-tensioning specialist contractor with approximately 150 employees and projects in over 40 states. Brad also founded Trillium Structures, a structural design consulting firm with commercial mid-rise and high-rise projects throughout the southeast.As Secretary of State, Raffensperger delivered the largest implementation of voting machines in the history of this country, on time and on budget.  Under Raffensperger’s leadership, Georgia modernized its election system by adding its first auditable paper ballot system and giving the power to secure Georgia’s elections directly to the voter. Brad and his wife Tricia started out as high school sweethearts and have now been married for over forty-five years.  They raised three sons and immensely enjoy spoiling their three grandchildren.  They are members of North Point Community Church.---0:00 Intro (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)2:45 A construction background12:37 Stepping into public service21:00 More on the role as Secretary of State30:17 Fly & Form Concrete Structures Sponsorship Blurb32:05 Engaging the next generation of public servants38:28 Finding common ground in politics47:38 The Southeast boom over the past two decades56:47 Maintaining integrity through turbulence---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining Building Leaders Radio Hour as our seventh guest of season two is Jason Hughes,  Co-Founder and President of IMPACT Development Management. A dynamic and well-rounded leader, Jason Hughes understands first-hand the viewpoint of the contractor, the investor, and the owner. With an undergrad in construction management, Jason spent the early part of his career working as a project manager for one of Atlanta’s top commercial contracting firms. In 2006, he transitioned to the developer side of the table, managing the construction program for $330 million-dollar deals across the southeast and later was engaged to do commercial project advisory work for an investment bank. Yet, it was in 2012, that Jason found his niche at IMPACT.Initially serving as the developer’s representative on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Jason’s comprehensive perspective and pure grit helped guide this $1.6 billion-dollar program to successful completion. Now, as President of IMPACT, Jason provides strategic direction, oversees day-to-day operations, supports his business partners in project management efforts, and ensures projects have proper resources available to achieve success. Recognizing that relationships are built on trust, he fosters transparency across all of our company operations through the sharing of information and consistent communication. A champion of culture, he instinctively knows how to motivate teams around a common goal, while his welcoming and friendly nature make him a called-upon resource for employees, clients, and industry partners alike.---0:00 Intro (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)2:41 Jason Hughes Intro4:16 Mercedes Benz Stadium Project12:46 The Owner/Developer Perspective16:29 What does IMPACT do?26:49 Finding Success on Their Own33:48 Fly & Form Concrete Structures Sponsorship Blurb35:30 Leadership Self-Awareness43:58 The Business Plan vs. Reality50:00 Injecting Positivity into Negative Situations---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Our sixth guest of season 2 is Brett Fortune, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Fortune-Johnson. Brett has been actively involved in the construction industry for over 35 years and has supervised the construction of more than 30,000 multifamily units since the company’s inception in 1991. Brett's experience covers all phases of construction operations ranging from estimating, scheduling, site development, building construction, and business development. Brett holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Marketing from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. Prior to forming Fortune-Johnson, Brett was a senior project manager with the Calibre Company of Georgia for nine years. Brett is a licensed general contractor in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. He is chairman emeritus for the Associated Builders & Contractors of Georgia and sits on the Construction Management Advisory Board for Clemson University, as well as Kennesaw State University’s Construction Management Advisory Board, of which he is a past chairman.---0:00 Intro (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)3:40 Brett Fortune Introduction9:45 The mindset to start a business17:01 Learning from the past26:16 Fly & Form Concrete Structures Sponsorship Blurb27:57 Evolving through challenges37:35 ABC's power to help strengthen businesses44:50 Motivating through headwinds50:02 Life in the fast lane (Nascar fun fact)---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining us as our fifth guest of season two is Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing coordinated leadership to protect free enterprise, engage members, capitalize on emerging trends, and mitigate risk to Georgia business.Chris received his bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University and his master’s degree in public administration from Georgia College and State University. Prior to joining the Georgia Chamber, Chris served as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and as Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Economic Development. Before his state service, he was the President of the Fayette County Development Authority and CEO of the Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce.Chris serves on the Board of Directors for the Council of State Chambers as the Secretary Treasurer, and sits on the boards of the Georgia Allies, the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Georgia College and State University Board of Trustees, and many others. ---0:00 Introduction (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)2:35 Chris Clark introduction8:51 Georgia Chamber info18:02 Business in GA over the next 10 years25:55 Learning from the past28:16 Fly & Form Concrete Structures Sponsorship Blurb29:32 The Chamber Way (building a great culture)33:44 The CEO Imperative38:40 Power of Mentorship41:52 Leadership Awareness44:40 Translating the Middle Ground50:48 Biggest Fears---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining us for our non-profit episode of season two is Melanie Kagan, CEO of The Center for Family Resources. The Center for Family Resources is a Cobb County-based organization that works exclusively to serve local families and individuals that are either homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.Melanie has more than 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit field in leadership positions that include fundraising, policy and advocacy, nonprofit management and program oversight. She has spent the last two years as the Northwest Regional Director for the United Way of Greater Atlanta where she had oversight of Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas and Paulding Counties.Prior to relocating to Cobb County, she held leadership positions with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico and the United Way of Central New Mexico. Melanie was honored as both a Women of Influence in 2016 and a 40 Under 40 young professional in 2017 by the Albuquerque Business Journal. She currently serves on the boards of the Cobb Collaborative and Georgia Metro Dance. Melanie and her husband Maxwell, along with their five children, reside in Cobb County.---0:00 Introduction (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)2:14 Melanie Kagan Introduction9:08 Melanie's intro to the non-profit world15:48 Keeping your team motivated during complex challenges22:00 How to help The Center for Family Resources30:41 Fly & Form Concrete Structures Sponsorship Blurb31:59 Seeing the bigger picture34:58 Cultivating creativity40:28 Evolving with the times46:03 Neighborhood karaoke and puzzles51:32 Employee motivation---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining BLRH as our third guest of season 2 is Michael Russell, Sr.  Michael was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of H. J. Russell & Company in 2003 succeeding his father, Herman Russell, who founded the company in 1952 and led it for 50 years. Michael is also Vice Chairman of Concessions International.A graduate of The University of Virginia and Georgia State University, Michael brings his 28 years of construction experience to lead the more than 2,000 employees across 10 major cities between H. J. Russell & Company and Concessions International.Michael is very active in the community and is involved in business and civic organizations. He serves on the boards of various organizations including the Metro Atlanta Chamber (Executive Committee), Commerce Club, SunTrust Atlanta Bank Advisory Board, Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business Advisory Board, and University of Virginia Foundation Board.  Michael is also a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club and 100 Black Men.---0:00 Introduction (Thank You Fly & Form Concrete Structures)2:52 Michael Russell, Sr. Introduction4:50 Big shoes to fill11:10 Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs23:11 Fly & Form Concrete Structures Sponsorship Blurb24:40 Start with making an impact30:00 Family impact36:04 Keys to keeping employees engaged41:27 Culture starts with fundamentals44:58 Working to mesh as a family-owned business54:18 Who would play Michael in a movie---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Joining us for our 2nd episode of the season is Gerry Hughes.  Gerry Hughes has been leading commercial construction within the Tri-State area of New York City for over 25 years, with expansion to the Atlanta market within the past 9 years as the Founder and CEO of South Ferry NY Llc, Melvin Construction lnc and Belter Tech Inc.Gerry took the leap of faith to embark on the American Dream as he left his homeland of Ireland at age 17 to continue his career in the construction industry. Gerry has a strong passion for identifying marketplace opportunities and strives to develop products that serve short and long-term goals specific to sustainability and ecological benefit for the construction sector.---0:00 Introduction (Thank you Fly & Form Concrete Structures)1:22 Gerry Hughes Introduction5:32 Importance of Trades7:04 Trip of a lifetime at 17 years old12:30 Going out on his own (again)21:08 Going green with Belter Tech28:47 Fly & Form Concrete Structures Sponsorship Blurb30:12 Putting together the right team41:56 Leave it better than you found it44:12 Gerry's motivating force49:32 Advice to a younger self---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs.Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!

Kicking off Season 2 of Building Leaders Radio Hour is Mike Bellaman, President and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors.  Mike's tenure in this role began in 2011 and he currently serves over 22,000 ABC members from 68 chapters across the US. A graduate of Penn State, Mike earned his bachelor's degree in architectural engineering and spent more than two decades in the construction industry before joining ABC's staff. In addition to launching initiatives that have strengthened ABC members' value proposition, Mike has led the way in ensuring Safety is at the forefront for each member through championing ABC's STEP Safety Management system. ---0:00 Introduction (Thank you Fly & Form Concrete Structures)2:25 Mike Bellaman Introduction6:55 Digging into the past10:52 22nd round pick14:32 You're only as good as your next game22:40 Fly & Form Concrete Structures 23:55 Prepare to perform30:22 Learning through experience33:21 Embracing and understanding volunteers38:20 Approach, Deployment, Results41:45 Stepping up for Safety49:03 Mike can do what?!?54:35 One final question---This season of BLRH is sponsored by Fly & Form Concrete Structures! Fly and Form is headquartered in Atlanta and does work throughout the southeast specializing in concrete structures. Visit their website at flyandform.com or call their team at (770)971-7873 to discuss your project's needs. Click here to subscribe to BLRH on your favorite platform and listen to other episodes. Share this link with your network so they don't miss out on BLRH!Thanks for listening!