#39 Breaking the Mental Health Stigma with Benjamin Jump, Pike Construction

#39 Breaking the Mental Health Stigma with Benjamin Jump, Pike Construction

From BUILD America by Kerry Smith

February 16, 2026 · 20 min · Episode 41

About this episode

Kerry Smith Buck interviews Benjamin Jump about mental health challenges in the construction industry and initiatives to address them.

In this episode, host Kerry Smith Buck sits down with Benjamin Jump, Safety Technician at Pike Construction, to unpack the urgent conversation around mental health in the construction industry. As part of a special series focused on wellbeing on job sites, Benjamin shares frontline insights on breaking the stigma, the impact of rigid project schedules, and the compounded stress faced by traveling crews working long hours away from home. Drawing from personal tragedy, he discusses why the industry’s suicide rates demand proactive - not reactive - solutions, and highlights initiatives like New York State’s “Building Hope Through Action” grant, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, monthly mental health toolbox talks, and the importance of using resources such as 988 and ManTherapy.org. This powerful conversation challenges construction leaders and workers alike to speak up, check in on one another, and remember: hundreds of people would rather take your call than attend your funeral.

People in this episode

Host: Kerry Smith Buck

Guest: Benjamin Jump

Topics covered

  • mental health
  • construction industry
  • wellbeing
  • suicide prevention
  • workplace stress
  • community support

Keywords

  • mental health stigma
  • construction safety
  • project schedules
  • traveling crews
  • Building Hope Through Action
  • QPR training
  • toolbox talks
  • 988

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pike Construction, New York State, ManTherapy.org

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