In this episode of Get the kNACk, host Sue Steele welcomes Sandy Hamby, President & CEO of MOCA Systems, Inc. and NAC member, along with Brandon Michalski, Chief Economist at MOCA Systems. Together, they explore how the rise of data centers is transforming construction and what this shift means for the industry, and for NAC’s vision of transforming the industry to build a better nation. Sandy and Brandon discuss how innovation through collaboration, data-informed planning, and a focus on community impact are essential to delivering these complex projects successfully. The conversation also examines the broader economic and policy forces driving data center demand, as well as key challenges facing the sector, including labor shortages and evolving workforce needs. Throughout the episode, the guests emphasize that while technology enables progress, people make transformation real. The rapid growth of data centers brings both opportunity and responsibility, and with strong leadership and collaboration, the industry can create lasting positive impacts to transform the nation.

In this episode, host Jerry Eyink welcomes Paul Giroux, a leading construction historian with decades of experience on mega projects and a professor of engineering practice at the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Purdue University, to discuss the current challenges facing engineering education. Paul explains that engineering programs are facing growing industry complexity and a gradual erosion of credit hours, both of which contribute to a widening skills gap. While increasing credit hours may not be feasible, Paul shares how schools can improve outcomes by taking a holistic approach, embedding communication, leadership, teamwork, ethics, and critical thinking throughout the curriculum. Paul also emphasizes the importance of helping students understand their Body of Knowledge (BOK) journey from an early stage and fostering lifelong learning through the use of case studies, visual tools, and real-world examples. Ultimately, this empowers students to take ownership of their career growth and plan their path to success in the engineering and construction industry.

Host Kevin Hilton welcomes back Cal Beyer, Senior Director of SAFE Workplaces for SAFE Project (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic), to continue their powerful conversation on mental health and suicide in the construction industry. In this episode, they explore the intersection of substance use, mental health, and suicide to raise awareness of how these issues deeply impact individuals and communities across the industry. Together, Kevin and Cal discuss the urgent need to break the stigma surrounding addiction, and the importance of open, honest conversations to raise awareness, support recovery, and encourage those struggling to seek help.

Episode References:

Articles on Recovery-Friendly Workplaces

From For Construction Pros website:

Ken Serviss — The Role of Employee Assistance Programs and Opioids in Construction

Building Trades Recovery Week — Breaking Down Stigma and Creating Hope

Naloxone Success Stories

Ryan Companies — Ryan Partners with SAFE Project to Combat Overdoses on Project Sites with Naloxone and Response Training

SAFE Project — Why Vulcan Materials Company Stocks Naloxone at All Operating Facilities

Alcohol Awareness

TheSnowball.org — (3-minute video)