In this episode, Dennis Doran sits down with Ryan Maibach, President and CEO of Barton Malow, and Ethan Uhl, General Superintendent, to explore the enduring legacy of Barton Malow—now 99 years strong. They discuss the core values and essential soft skills that have shaped the company’s culture and influenced the broader construction industry.

Ryan and Ethan offer personal insights into how Barton Malow nurtures its people, fosters leadership, and creates opportunities for growth. Their conversation highlights the role of faith, mindfulness, and genuine human connection in driving both professional success and personal fulfillment.

The episode wraps up with Dennis inviting listeners to explore his book, Soft as Steel, and share the podcast with colleagues and friends who value leadership rooted in integrity and heart.

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran speaks with Kabri Lehrman-Schmid, a lead project superintendent at Hensel Phelps, a respected leader in the construction industry. Their conversation highlights the vital role of soft skills in the workplace, particularly in construction. Topics include the responsibilities of a superintendent, the importance of psychological safety, effective communication, and the value of building strong relationships. Kabri also addresses mental health, inclusion, social justice, and the transformative power of love in leadership. She shares personal experiences and actionable strategies for fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.

Join us on Soft as Steel as Dennis Doran chats with Sandy Hamby, CEO of Moca Systems Touch Plan. They tackle big topics: why there aren't enough women in construction, the vital role of social justice, and how AI is shaking up the industry. Sandy also shares insights into building a strong company culture and redefining core values. Plus, they dive into the impact of colorblindness and the urgent need for more equality and respect in all our relationships.

Dennis Doran sits down with Alastair Boulding, a seasoned trades professional and educator in construction sciences and management. Together, they explore the challenges of encouraging younger generations to pursue careers in the trades, and why diversity and representation are critical to the industry’s future. Drawing from over 20 years of hands-on experience, Al reflects on his journey from apprentice to teacher, sharing valuable insights on inclusion, belonging, and the impact of leadership visibility. The conversation also dives into his research on these themes—highlighting how language and culture shape the industry's approach to equity and representation.

In this episode of the Soft as Steel podcast, host Dennis Doran interviews Daniel Dahlinger, a young engineer with hands-on experience in the construction industry. Their conversation dives into the importance of soft skills, the challenges young professionals face when entering the workforce, and the generational friction that exists on job sites. Daniel stresses the importance of companies aligning their vision with the personal goals of young engineers to foster long-term engagement. They also explore how integrating technology in construction can enhance safety and job stability. Daniel makes a compelling case for implementing fair family leave programs as a way to make the industry more appealing to emerging talent.

In this episode, Dennis Doran and Jonathan Goldhill dive deep into the realities facing small and mid-sized family businesses—particularly in the construction industry. They unpack what it means to be a "disruptive successor" and why that role is often key to driving meaningful change across generations. From leadership development and succession planning to building systems that last, this conversation explores how the right mindset and support can transform legacy businesses. With their combined expertise in coaching and business advisory, Dennis and Jonathan offer real-world insights for anyone preparing to lead or evolve a family-run company.

In this episode, Dennis Doran sits down with Adam Hoots—an industry leader with deep experience in architecture and construction—to explore how lean principles can reshape the future of construction.

Adam shares insights from his personal journey and research, highlighting the urgent need to foster a culture grounded in respect, dignity, and psychological safety. Together, they tackle critical topics like mental health, industry resistance to change, and the perception challenges facing the next generation of construction professionals.

Through candid conversation and shared optimism, Dennis and Adam underscore the power of collaboration, mindset shifts, and purposeful leadership in driving meaningful transformation across the industry.

Dennis Doran welcomes Manny Carrillo, founder and inventor of the Safety Anchor Post, for an insightful conversation on innovation and safety in the construction industry. With decades of hands-on experience, Manny shares the real-world challenges faced by workers at height and the critical need for reliable anchoring solutions. He takes us through his journey of inventing the Safety Anchor Post—from identifying the problem to navigating setbacks and ultimately earning recognition for his innovation.

Throughout the discussion, Manny highlights the essential role of communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to worker safety on every job site. He also speaks to his passion for educating others and fostering a culture where safety is not just a requirement, but a core value. Dennis commends Manny’s unwavering dedication and underscores the growing importance of safety as the construction industry continues to evolve.