In the construction industry, half of all companies don’t make it past five years. In this episode of Get the Knack, host Jerry Eyink welcomes Jeff Ehret, founder and chairman of PENTA Building Group, to discuss starting and sustaining a construction company. Jeff shares his personal experience starting his own company and the lessons he learned along the way that allowed him to turn challenges into opportunities. He explains the leading causes of contractor failure, outlines different types of project and enterprise risk, and offers ways to mitigate them. Jeff also highlights the key elements behind PENTA’s success, including a culture that prioritizes people, safety, and communication to sustain long-term growth.

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, host Kevin Hilton welcomes Cal Beyer, Senior Director of SAFE Workplaces for SAFE Project (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic), for an important conversation on mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. They discuss the severity of this issue and the urgent need for action to combat this growing epidemic. Cal discusses the initiatives he has been involved with to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote open dialogue around mental health. He reflects on how these efforts have evolved over time and the progress the industry has made in addressing mental health challenges. Additionally, Cal shares the importance of educating others about available resources and reinforces the message that true strength lies in asking for help. Cal urges all industry leaders to move upstream to consider how to reduce stigma and barriers to care relating to substance use and misuse among the industry’s workforce.

To learn more about SAFE Project, please visit https://www.safeproject.us/.

SAFE Project is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to overcoming the addiction epidemic in the United States. Established in 2017 by Admiral James and Mary Winnefeld after the tragic loss of their 19- year-old son Jonathan due to an opioid overdose, SAFE Project aims to save lives impacted by substance use and mental health challenges through overdose prevention and response, education on stigma, and development of prevention and recovery programs. SAFE Project also provides tailored guidance and training within its four key initiatives: SAFE Campuses, SAFE Communities, SAFE Workplaces, and SAFE Veterans.

Host Sue Steele welcomes back Lucian Niemeyer, CEO of Building Cyber Security and former Assistant Secretary of Defense, for the final episode of a three-part series on cybersecurity in construction. In the previous episodes, Lucian discussed the importance of establishing a cybersecurity standard of care and integrating cyber safety considerations into the design phase. In this final installment, he expands on those concepts with techniques and actionable tips to enhance cyber safety in construction project delivery, including incorporating a cyber commissioning requirement distinct and unique to the traditional building commissioning process. The discussion offers valuable insights for safeguarding both life and property from cyber threats throughout construction and turn-over to the owner.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the construction industry. In this episode of Get the kNACk, host William O’Brien is joined by Dr. Burcin Kaplanoglu, Vice President of Oracle’s Industry Lab, to explore the evolving role of AI in construction. Burcin shares insights on where AI is delivering value, its current and future applications, and how emerging technologies are reshaping the industry. He also discusses how professionals can navigate challenges by adapting best practices, embracing technology, and leveraging tools that drive meaningful improvement.

In this episode, host Bill O’Brien is joined by Keith Molenaar, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, for a conversation on the evolving landscape of project delivery and risk management in the construction industry. Drawing on decades of experience, Keith reflects on how industry values have shifted and how modern delivery methods are helping build trust and confidence among stakeholders. Additionally, Keith emphasizes the role of continuous learning for project owners, and gives his perspective on how technology will continue to shape the industry. Tune in for valuable insights on the trends driving innovation and progress in the construction industry.

In this episode of Get the Knack, host Jerry Eyink is joined by Dr. Sam Ariaratnam, professor and program chair at the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University, and Mackenzie Schmader, a 2024 NAC Scholarship recipient and the 2025 Outstanding Graduate of ASU’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment. Together, they share valuable insights on the impact of student internship programs. Mackenzie reflects on completing four internships during her time at ASU and how those experiences helped shape her career path, bridge classroom learning with real world applications, and prepare her for a successful future in construction. Dr. Ariaratnam offers the university’s perspective, outlining key elements of ASU’s internship program that drive its success, including a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates. Their insights demonstrate the value of student internships in building a strong foundation for long-term success in the construction industry.