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The ICE Expo Podcast

The ICE Expo Podcast

Written by: Danielle McSorley
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About this listen

 Welcome to The ICE Expo Podcast, the official podcast of Ireland’s Construction & Engineering Expo. 🎙️ Each episode features real conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and exhibitors who are shaping the future of construction, plant machinery, and engineering. We dive into the latest technology, success stories from the field, and what’s next for the industry. Whether you work in the trade or just love the world of construction, this podcast gives you a front-row seat to the people and ideas driving change in Ireland’s construction scene.© 2026 Danielle McSorley Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Episode 11: Tom Guest

    Episode 11: Tom Guest
    Feb 27 2026

    In this episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we sit down with Tom Guest, UK & Ireland Operations Director at Safety Shield, to discuss how AI-powered human detection systems are transforming site safety across construction, utilities, agriculture, and beyond.

    Tom shares the powerful story behind Safety Shield’s creation, the company’s rapid global growth, and how their edge-computing AI system is now helping protect thousands of workers worldwide. From early AI challenges in 2011 to 15,000+ live units in the field today, this is a fascinating insight into innovation driven by real-life tragedy and a mission to save lives.

    We also chat about expanding into Ireland, partnerships with major contractors, Ice Expo plans, and what the future holds for AI safety technology.

    ⏱ Timecodes

    00:00 – Podcast sponsor: Euro Auctions
    00:12 – Introduction to Tom Guest, UK & Ireland Operations Director, Safety Shield
    00:38 – The origins of Safety Shield and the tragic event that inspired it
    01:23 – Early AI development (back in 2011) and the challenges of training the system
    02:22 – Working on London transport projects and early public-sector traction
    03:15 – When AI detection started becoming mandated on UK projects
    03:39 – Tom’s father’s background in pipelines and starting the business
    04:10 – How Tom joined the company (and balancing rugby career)
    04:27 – International growth: Australia, USA, Europe
    05:02 – Working with distributors in Ireland
    05:38 – What Safety Shield actually does (AI human-form recognition explained)
    06:32 – Applications beyond construction: agriculture, waste, warehousing
    07:30 – Accuracy rates (99.6%) and safety testing standards
    07:55 – Fleet tracking, SIM connectivity & portal access for operators
    08:59 – Rapid growth: hiring 20+ staff in months
    09:34 – Partnerships with major contractors & safety campaigns
    10:24 – Tom’s role: operations, sales, engineering teams & logistics
    11:19 – Installation process and working with OEM manufacturers
    12:31 – Industry traction and future factory-fit possibilities
    12:46 – Rugby career with London Broncos & life after professional sport
    13:57 – Vision for the future: global expansion & industry standardisation
    14:50 – Irish distributor Safety Solutions & growing Irish presence
    16:10 – Ice Expo plans: live demonstrations & exhibition trailer
    17:16 – Customer base: Tier 1 contractors, plant hire & major fleets
    18:54 – 15,000 units now live in the field
    19:32 – Continuous product development & competition in the market
    21:16 – Closing remarks & Ice Expo excitement
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    22 mins
  • Episode 10: Derek Feeney

    Episode 10: Derek Feeney
    Feb 20 2026

    We sit down with Derek Feeney, Technical & Quality Control Manager at Park West Fire Protection. Derek has worked his way up from installer to technical lead over 20 years, and his passion for the industry is impossible to miss.

    Passive fire protection isn't fire extinguishers or alarms — it's the hidden layer of tested systems inside your walls, floors and ceilings that stops fire and smoke spreading and buys precious time to save lives. Derek covers what it is, why early engagement on projects is critical, how their training programme works, and why getting it wrong is simply not an option. From the new Children's Hospital to apartment blocks and office buildings — this one covers it all.

    Sponsored by Euro Auctions.


    Timecodes

    0:00 Sponsor – Euro Auctions
    0:12 Introducing Derek Feeney, Park West Fire Protection
    0:27 Derek's background: 20 years, starting as an installer
    1:13 The Park West team and company culture
    2:54 What is passive fire protection? Active vs passive explained
    4:09 Early engagement: why getting in at the start matters
    5:20 Product selection, technical submittals and approvals
    7:23 Test reports and installing to manufacturer's instructions
    8:10 Late-stage engagement: the problems it causes
    9:13 The biggest risk in any building
    9:59 Older buildings and the challenges of retrofit
    10:52 Park West's in-house training facility
    12:28 Hiring and training new staff from scratch
    14:58 "You're too professional" — the story of losing a job for doing it right
    17:22 "Somebody from my family could be in this building"
    19:00 Spotting fire protection issues in hotels and public buildings
    19:21 How much is wrong out there in existing buildings?
    20:53 Awareness, tragedy and why this conversation matters
    21:19 Park West's work on the new Children's Hospital
    22:24 Major contractors: Sisk, Clancy, BAM and expanding into Europe
    23:47 Do fire barriers last forever? Maintenance and handover
    26:03 What landlords and building owners should have in place
    27:40 Concerned about your building? What to do
    29:49 The future of Park West Fire Protection
    32:29 The industry in 10 years: awareness driving rapid growth
    33:11 Fire stopping workshops: how they work
    36:05 Getting buy-in on site and changing mindsets
    37:45 Would Derek recommend fire protection as a career?
    39:26 Looking ahead to ICE Expo
    39:37 Wrap-up
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    40 mins
  • Episode 9: Pete The Builder

    Episode 9: Pete The Builder
    Feb 18 2026
    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Peter Finn, aka Pete the Builder, as he shares his journey from apprentice carpenter to becoming one of Ireland's most recognizable faces in construction.In this episode, Pete opens up about his early days learning the trade, how he accidentally stumbled into television on RTÉ's "Room to Improve" with Dermot Bannon, and the evolution of his social media presence. He discusses the viral "Galway Races" moment that took the internet by storm, working with content creators like John McGuigan, and his thoughts on how social media is changing perceptions of the construction industry.Pete also shares valuable life advice about consistency, mental health, and his philosophy of "this too will pass." We explore his business MDS Construction, his partnership ventures including the magical Christmas experience at Logos, and his excitement for Ice Expo 2026.Whether you're in the trades, thinking about a career in construction, or just love a good Irish success story, this episode is packed with humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom from one of Ireland's favorite builders.Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro & Sponsor Message00:00:12 - Welcome & Introduction to Pete the Builder00:00:28 - Early Days: How Pete Got Started in ConstructionGrowing up with a love for buildingGetting his apprenticeship with Hugh RileyLearning to build houses from foundation to finish00:01:42 - Breaking Into TelevisionFirst call from Room to Improve with Dermot BannonFeeling comfortable in front of camerasDoing eight episodes over six series00:02:48 - Transition to Home Rescue & Social MediaMoving to the Home Rescue spinoff showReluctantly getting into social mediaUnderstanding the importance of building a brand00:04:00 - Origin of "Pete the Builder"Working with Galway roofersHow a casual nickname became a brand00:04:22 - Dealing with Online NegativityThe reality of having a public profileHandling personal attacks and trollsThe block button strategy00:06:34 - Balancing Business and TV FameTV work being only 5-10% of his timeManaging MDS Construction with business partner MarkDoing one-off houses, extensions, and conservation work00:08:05 - Creating Content & Staying AuthenticThe time-consuming nature of social mediaWhy being yourself is easier than actingHaving confidence in his construction knowledge00:10:15 - The Importance of Banter & CommunicationLearning to communicate better with teamsLetting tradespeople work their own wayCreating a fun but productive work environment00:12:06 - That Viral Galway Races MomentComing up with the "ride" joke spontaneouslyAlan Barry's reaction and collaborationGetting 5 million views and going viral on TikTok00:15:29 - [SPONSOR BREAK]00:15:38 - Collaborations & Content CreationWorking with John McGuigan on comedy skitsThe banned Santa Claus videoCreating easy, authentic content00:18:02 - How Social Media Is Changing ConstructionBreaking down old stereotypesThe evolution of technology in buildingIncreased communication and professionalism00:19:34 - Irish Craftsmanship & Trade SkillsIreland's excellence at World Skills competitionsThe need to value trades more at homeComparing Ireland to Australia and Germany's respect for trades00:22:06 - Stories from the SitesHilarious breakfast roll mix-up storyThe magazine in the lunch box prankWorking with deaf and talented tilers00:24:20 - Ice Expo 2025 RecapFirst impressions of the exhibitionThe digger challenge competitionMeeting hundreds of people and the incredible turnout00:27:07 - Why Ice Expo Is UniqueBringing international shows to IrelandSaving exhibitors massive transport costsThe grassroots, hands-on nature of the event00:29:04 - Ice Expo 2026 PlansNew app for exhibitorsTire change challenge returningConor's digger challenge comeback00:30:25 - Best Advice: Stay ConsistentLearning from John Kavanagh and MMAThe power of showing up every dayApplying consistency to any area of life00:32:04 - Philosophy: "This Too Will Pass"Marcus Aurelius and training for Hell WeekDealing with mental health challengesPerspective on good times and bad times00:34:05 - What's Next for Pete the BuilderPlans for future TV showsPotential book projectSocial media ideas and jujitsu goals00:35:54 - Logos: The Christmas ExperienceTen years of Logos and recent reinvestmentCreating authentic magical family momentsThe real forest, log cabins, and professional actors00:37:33 - Easter, Halloween & Christmas at LogosNew train ride through the forestStunning views over DublinHow to get tickets00:38:59 - Closing RemarksLooking forward to Ice Expo 2026Prizes and activities planned00:39:27 - Outro & Sponsor Message
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    40 mins
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