Episode 195-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to your by the ABC Self Insured Group, we sit down with Ronnie Kassif and Suzanna Gal Gombos, the driving forces behind Boston BuildHERS, a company that is reshaping what leadership and opportunity look like in the construction industry. Their story isn’t just about building projects—it’s about building pathways, breaking barriers, and creating space for more women to thrive in the trades.

Ronnie and Suzanna share how Boston BuildHERS was founded with a clear purpose: to elevate women in construction while delivering high-quality work that stands toe-to-toe with any firm in the industry. A major milestone in that journey has been becoming a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certified company—a designation that not only validates their leadership but also opens doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and projects that prioritize diversity and inclusion.

But as they explain, WBE certification is more than just a credential—it’s a responsibility. It means representing a broader movement, advocating for equity in hiring and contracting, and proving every day that diverse teams drive innovation and success. Ronnie and Suzanna dive into what it took to achieve certification, the challenges they faced along the way, and how that recognition has impacted their growth and credibility in a competitive market.

The conversation also explores the real, on-the-ground experiences of being women in a traditionally male-dominated field. From job site dynamics to leadership expectations, they offer an honest look at the obstacles—and the progress—that define the industry today. More importantly, they highlight the importance of mentorship, visibility, and community in creating lasting change.

Whether you’re in construction, workforce development, or simply interested in leadership stories that challenge the status quo, this episode delivers both inspiration and practical insight. Ronnie and Suzanna remind us that change doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built, project by project, decision by decision.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead with purpose while pushing an entire industry forward, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Learn more about ABC Massachusetts visit www.abcma.org

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor Ryan Foye: https://www.abcma.org/Membership/ABC-Insurance-Programs/ABC-Self-Insured-Workers-Compensation-Group-SIG

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://attaintechnology.com/

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Episode 194-In this episode of The Build Zone Podcast, brought to you by the ABC Self Insured Group, we sit down with Ryan McDonagh, Managing Director at HG Facilities Solutions, for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to keep facilities running smoothly—and why the skilled trades are at the center of it all.

Ryan shares his journey into the industry, offering a candid look at how he built his career and what led him to a leadership role in facilities management. From day-to-day operations to long-term strategy, he breaks down the complexity behind maintaining buildings, managing teams, and delivering consistent, high-quality service in an industry where expectations never stop rising.

We also dig into one of the biggest challenges facing the trades today: workforce development. Ryan talks about the growing demand for skilled professionals, the importance of training and mentorship, and how companies like HG Facilities Solutions are working to attract, develop, and retain talent. His perspective highlights the real opportunities available in the trades—and why now is the time for more people to consider these career paths.

Throughout the conversation, Ryan emphasizes the value of adaptability, communication, and leadership in a field that often operates behind the scenes but impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Whether it’s responding to unexpected challenges, implementing new technologies, or building a strong team culture, his insights provide a practical roadmap for anyone looking to grow in the industry.

If you’re a student, instructor, or professional in the skilled trades—or simply curious about the world of facilities management—this episode delivers a thoughtful and engaging look at an essential, evolving field.

Tune in to hear Ryan McDonagh’s perspective on leadership, workforce development, and the future of facilities solutions—and walk away with a deeper appreciation for the people and processes that keep everything running.

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Learn more about ABC Massachusetts visit www.abcma.org

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor Ryan Foye: https://www.abcma.org/Membership/ABC-Insurance-Programs/ABC-Self-Insured-Workers-Compensation-Group-SIG

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://attaintechnology.com/

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Episode 193-In this episode of The Build Zone podcast, we’re joined by Haley Moyers, Director of Workforce Programs and Initiatives at Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), to talk about one of the most exciting events shaping the next generation of construction leaders: the ABC National Construction Management Competition.

Every year, this competition brings together some of the brightest construction management students from across the country to test their skills in a high-pressure, real-world simulation of what it takes to successfully run a construction project. From project scheduling and safety planning to estimating, logistics, and team presentations, the competition challenges students to think like real construction managers—because for a few intense days, that’s exactly what they become.

Haley pulls back the curtain on how the competition works, what students experience when they step into the arena, and why the event has become such an important bridge between education and industry. She shares how teams are tasked with solving complex construction problems, building project strategies, and presenting their solutions to panels of experienced industry professionals.

But this episode isn’t just about the competition itself—it’s about the bigger mission behind it. Haley explains how programs like this help prepare the next generation of construction leaders while giving companies a chance to see emerging talent in action. For many students, participating in the ABC National Construction Management Competition is more than a class project—it’s a career-defining experience that opens doors to internships, job offers, and lifelong industry connections.

We also talk about the importance of workforce development in the construction industry and how initiatives from Associated Builders and Contractors are helping strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals entering the field. Haley shares insight into the role collaboration between educators, industry leaders, and organizations plays in building the future of construction.

Whether you’re a student considering a career in construction management, an educator preparing the next generation, or an industry professional passionate about workforce development, this conversation offers an inside look at how the industry is investing in its future.

Tune in to hear how Haley Moyers and the team at Associated Builders and Contractors are creating opportunities for students to showcase their skills, gain real-world experience, and compete at the highest level through the ABC National Construction Management Competition.

Listen to the full episode here- https://www.abcma.org/Membership/The-Build-Zone-Podcast

Learn more about ABC Massachusetts visit www.abcma.org

Please visit our sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor Ryan Foye: https://www.abcma.org/Membership/ABC-Insurance-Programs/ABC-Self-Insured-Workers-Compensation-Group-SIG

Lightning Round Sponsor: https://attaintechnology.com/

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