Build Me Up

(For video version, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/KrausAnderson) Hello and welcome to Build Me Up! Today we're digging into AI, specifically AI in the tribal gaming world. Our guests today recently attended the Indian Gaming Association Trade Show and Convention, one of the largest gatherings of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country. This conference offers a meeting place where the community gathers to learn, network and exchange industry-specific ideas, as well as a cultural celebration of Native American success, strength and self-reliance. Episode guests: Bryon Miller (CEO, S&K Gaming), George Trujillo (Director, Project Planning and Development KA) and Tony Peleska (Chief Information Officer KA)

Trigger Warning: This podcast contains references to sensitive themes, such as suicide, which may be distressing to some individuals. We ask you to put yourself and your mental health first when making the decision to listen. Death by suicide is all too common, particularly in the construction industry, as the suicide rate among male construction workers is 75% higher than men in the general population. Research indicates that talking about mental health and suicide helps with prevention, so "Build Me Up" is utilizing its platform to create a space for conversation. We're joined by the LIVIN Foundation, a nonprofit that seeks to prevent suicide by creating quality connections through everyday conversations about mental health by way of programs and partnerships. In this episode, we discuss the history of the nonprofit, its various services, the importance of talking about mental health, and what truly "LIVIN" means to our guests. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please text 988 to connect with the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline. Representatives are also available online to assist via chat.

"Build Me Up" sits down with the team at Darcy Solutions to discuss geothermal systems. We're turning up the heat—or should we say dialing it down?—with an exciting look at geothermal heating and cooling. Have you ever wondered how one can harness the Earth's natural energy to keep our homes and businesses comfortable year-round? In this episode, we explore the science behind this sustainable technology, its benefits, and why it's gaining traction as a game-changer in the HVAC world. Get ready to go underground with us as we uncover the cool facts and hot trends in geothermal heating and cooling!

As residents of the large metro area of Minneapolis, Laurisa and Lisa sometimes forget what a privilege it is to have close access to a variety of leading healthcare providers. The reality for many is that they have to travel a long way to receive specialty care. Often, it means taking kids out of school, being away from the family's support system, and major disruptions to everyday life. The Ronald McDonald House Charity works to improve the health and well-being of children and support families whose children are dealing with serious illnesses or injuries. By providing lodging, meals, and a K-12 school, to name a few of its services, it allows families to focus on their child's health. In December 2023, the Eastern Wisconsin RMHC Chapter celebrated its 40-year anniversary. Laurie Bertrand, President and CEO, and Mike Timmers, board member / Kraus-Anderson's Director of Operations (Milwaukee), join the podcast to highlight the nonprofit's good work and services.

Environmental, Social, and Government (ESG) requirements are popping up everywhere. Do you know the expectations of all the various stakeholders that impact your business? These include project owners, general contractors, investors, lenders, insurance companies, employees, and governmental agencies. Each comes with risks and opportunities. We are thrilled to join the Kraus-Anderson Insurance "Ilume" podcast to bring you an enlightening discussion on construction environmental risk and insurance. Mallory Thomas, a partner with Baker Tilly's risk management practice in Minneapolis joins us to discuss these emerging risk issues and ways to position your business for success, both internally and externally.

Back by popular demand, "Build Me Up" invited FMI's Partner and Managing Director of Research and Analytics, Jay Bowman and KA's EVP and COO Rich Jacobson back to chat! They join us each year as we give in to a look ahead for the year. Jay specializes in construction spending forecasts, strategic planning, and research and analytics for the A/C/E industry. We talk about strategic planning, tech, workforce challenges, and industry trends for 2024. Jay brings in the national perspective of what we can expect, and Rich gives a more focused, local approach of what is going on in the Midwest market.

Wow— Five seasons of "Build Me Up"! Thank you to all the guests who participated in Season 5, as well as to our listeners. We're grateful to have a platform where stories that build up the community can be shared. See you in the New Year!

In this episode, Lisa and Laurisa chat with the awesome folks from the HealthPartners Clinical Simulation Program. The group dives into the different procedures they practice, as well as discusses the lab's interesting features. Learn how the team uses this tool to boost the skills, both hard and soft, of the healthcare workers to make the patient experience even better. Discover the importance of simulation technology and the big difference it's making in healthcare.