Red Army Radio

Red Army Radio has been the place where Tomlinson stories found their voice – a space built on pride, people, and the projects shaping our communities. Now, that legacy is evolving. Red Army Radio is getting a full rebrand. We’re taking everything you already love about the show and moving it into a bigger, bolder direction -one designed to take listeners deeper into the real-world processes that define the construction and environmental services industries. Whether you’re navigating industry trends, tackling operational challenges, or looking to stay sharp in a rapidly evolving field, this new chapter offers informed, authentic dialogue that resonates with professionals like you. We can’t wait to share the new name and the very first episode with you this May! Until then… stay tuned.

Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Rob Pierce and Rory Hughes from Tomlinson’s Marine Shipping and Logistics team. In this episode, we explore the massive world of shipping, dock development, and marine logistics from Ontario Trap Rock’s quarry operations in Bruce Mines to the evolving Universal Terminals site in Morrisburg. Rory shares how the team is transforming the Morrisburg dock property, remediating soils and preparing the six-acre dock and fifty acres of industrial land for full-scale development. Rob breaks down the complexities of moving thousands of tons of stone across the Great Lakes and the partnerships that make it possible, including Tomlinson’s joint vessel ownership with McKeil Marine. Together, they reveal what it takes to move millions of tons of material across North America’s waterways, the ingenuity behind new conveyor systems and dock expansions, and how teamwork and readiness turn unexpected opportunities into success stories. Episode Highlights Revitalizing the Site: How the team turned a fuel terminal into a modern marine logistics hub ready for large-scale development. The Power of Traprock: Why this dense, durable aggregate is in high demand for highways and rail lines across North America. Owning the Supply Chain: The strategic partnership with McKeil Marine that gives Tomlinson control from quarry to customer. Engineering Ingenuity: Installing a multi-kilometre conveyor under a highway to move material directly from the quarry to ships. Unexpected Opportunities: How the team helped deliver a massive grain dryer too large for road transport - proving readiness pays off. Smart Logistics: Using AI modeling to optimize shipping schedules, dock layouts, and product handling efficiency. Team Dedication: 24/7 coordination between quarry, docks, and marine carriers to keep shipments on schedule.  Key Takeaways “Sometimes it’s about touching the material less to ensure better quality.” “There’s not a whole bunch of stuff we can’t handle.” “Every time you talk to a grain farmer in eastern Ontario, they’re looking for more outlets for their product—and we want to be part of that solution.” “Never a dull day. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, there’s another curveball that gets thrown your way.”  

Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Andrew Karam, Kaylish Henry, and Matthew Young-Davies from Tomlinson’s engineering team. In this episode, we dive into the world of temporary and permanent structures, the challenges of shoring and piling, and what it’s really like to be the in-house engineers behind some of Tomlinson’s most complex projects. Andrew shares how the team has grown from a one-person operation into an internal consulting group serving bridge, shoring, and infrastructure projects across the company. Kaylish and Matt talk about their paths from summer students to engineers-in-training, and how they’re applying classroom knowledge in the real world. Together, they reveal why having an in-house engineering makes us more productive, while also driving innovation on site. From terrifying excavation rescues to creative re-use of bridge girders, this episode showcases the ingenuity, judgment, and teamwork that power Tomlinson’s engineering solutions. Episode Highlights: Andrew’s nine-year journey from sole engineer to team lead. Kaylish’s start as a summer student and her path toward her P.Eng. Matt’s move from survey to engineering and his first major design projects. The difference between formwork and falsework—explained simply. Why internal engineering saves time, money, and avoids costly revisions. A near-disaster excavation project and how underpinning saved the day. Designing a massive heated enclosure for winter canal rehabilitation in Kingston. Team insights on choosing steel vs. concrete  The most satisfying part of being an engineering Key Takeaways: “Eight hundred thousand to a million pounds of force down - which is terrifying because it’s supposed to be on rock, and it’s not.” “It was a really cool slash terrifying project… but we got it done.” “I just really love understanding how things work on a fundamental level.” “Just going to site and seeing everything that you’ve built… that’s what makes me tick.” “We do structural engineering for everyone… come to us with all your needs and we’ll get it done.”  

Welcome to Red Army Radio! In this episode, Rob Pierce hosts a special roundtable conversation with senior leaders across the Tomlinson Group to reflect on the first half of 2025. Joined by Adam Hendriks, Graziela Girardi, Francis Brazeau, and Ron Tomlinson, the group covers strategy, technology, market conditions, and what’s ahead for the Red Army. From AI and automation to project wins and cross-team collaboration, this town hall offers a clear snapshot of the pulse of the business and where we’re heading together as One Team.  Episode Highlights: Rob and Ron reflect on how internal alignment and better communication are driving performance. Graciela shares construction wins, including the Ottawa Hospital project and a record-setting winter for equipment utilization. The group talks AI, automation, and how new tools are saving time, boosting safety, and enhancing customer value. Francis spotlights innovations in concrete mix optimization  A  look at market conditions: interest rates, housing starts, and regional slowdowns. The importance of internal customer service and why breaking down silos is key to success. The group highlights the exceptional work of field teams, the energy of summer students, and the strong collaboration happening across divisions.   Key Takeaways: “We have lots of great teams. When they connect and collaborate, it multiplies the business. “If you touch a smartphone, tablet, or computer—AI will change how you work.” "The Aggregates team took a real leap forward in putting it [automation] on the most complicated plant first." “Utilization this winter was the highest we’ve seen in 10 years.” "You have to keep evolving and changing. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out—the game changes." “We're a longstanding business—but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to challenge our processes.”  “Strategy isn’t separate from the business—what you’re doing is the strategy." 

Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Joe Skrepnek and Stephane Dallaire, construction managers at Tomlinson. In this episode, the group dives into what it means to be a construction manager, exploring daily responsibilities, key aspects of the role, memorable moments, and much more.Joe and Stephane discuss essential skills for their role, their journey to becoming construction managers, the importance of teamwork, prioritizing tasks, and recognizing their team. They also highlight the significance of safety on job sites and how AI is being integrated into their field. Tune in to gain valuable insights and hear firsthand experiences from our experts.Episode Highlights:Joe Spreknek and Stephane Dallaire share their backgrounds and their roles as construction managers.The importance of problem-solving and quick thinking in their day-to-day work.Fun and memorable moments from their careers.The value of teamwork in construction management.The largest projects they’ve ever worked on.Utilizing the collective knowledge within the Tomlinson team.Promoting health and safety by being on-site with their teams.The role of AI in modern construction management.Key Takeaways:"Somebody jumped our fence, climbed into an 80-ton crawler crane.""It's difficult, but there are great rewards and lots of interesting stories.""You have to really build that team mentality.""We backed concrete right up through the entire sanitary line.""Usually I'd be looking after about 20 to 30 projects a year.""I was blown away at how committed the field staff is to getting the job done."

This week on Red Army Radio, Francis sits down with Scott Allen and Cody Stephens from our network and security team to dive deep into the world of cyber security. Our guests share their backgrounds and what inspired them to pursue careers in this critical field. Leveraging their extensive experience, Scott and Cody provide valuable insights into  ransomware, the myriad ways hackers can infiltrate your systems and even get into government-funded hacking.  They describe how security is like an onion, with multiple layers working together to keep us safe. They recount stories about the testing methods they employ, such as phishing tests, and discuss the consequences when these tests are failed. Throughout the conversation, Scott and Cody outline the various precautions that can be taken to protect data, offer practical tips, give shout-outs to team members who excel in cyber security and even share some of the crazy ways they’ve seen hackers try to get data. Don't miss this episode packed with "byte"-sized wisdom. Tune in to Red Army Radio to get the inside scoop on staying a step ahead of cyber threats!  Episode Highlights: Scott and Cody share their backgrounds and why they decided to get into IT They touch on the different types of security tests conducted and precautions taken to protect teams. Insights into the consequences of ransomware attacks and what to do if you fall victim. The pair discuss the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks and the need for robust defenses. They share safe practices for online activities such as “Don't access your banking apps at a Starbucks or a random motel" Layers of security and the importance of not blindly trusting vendor-provided solutions.  Key Takeaways "Our firewall sees over 1 million events a day"  "I could spend $20 and get 1,000 compromised computers" "That vape had a USB drive, giving an attacker remote access to their computer" “Even if you pay the ransom, it doesn't mean they're out of your network" "One of the big misconceptions of security is that we're here to hinder any production" "If you get a phone call and it's just dead air - hang up" "Gotta fight fire with fire, these attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated" "Users are really the front line" 

This week on Red Army Radio, Francis sits down with Becky Gilmer and John Dwyer from our Industrial Waste team for an in-depth look at the essential work they do. Becky and John share their experiences and shed light on the operations of an industrial waste facility. They explain the types of materials they handle, how they treat hazardous waste, and the importance of proper disposal. You'll hear fascinating stories about some of the unique items they receive, including intriguing WWI relics, and learn about the types of waste they cannot accept. The conversation also covers the stringent regulations they follow and the critical role of compliance in their operations. Becky and John highlight the dedicated efforts of their 24/7 team and their collaboration with the Kingston division to serve the eastern portion of Ontario. They discuss innovative projects and the reasons behind their passion for this challenging yet rewarding field. Expect to be entertained by tales of unexpected encounters, including John’s memorable raccoon adventure. Episode highlights: Introduction to Becky and John and their roles within the Industrial Waste team Overview of the materials accepted and the treatment of hazardous waste Stories about unique and historical items that come through the facility Encounters with wildlife and other unexpected elements in their daily work (with video to prove it) The unpredictable and varied nature of their job Innovative projects and the dedication of their round-the-clock team Key takeaways: “Every time there's a new waste that comes in, we’re out taking a sample of it – we need to know what we’re dealing with.”“It’s a busy facility.” “Our team operates 24/7.”“With us and the Kingston division, we cover the entire eastern portion of Ontario.” “Every day is different – John has an amazing raccoon story he can share with us.” "It’s a dirty job, it’s a hard job, the guys have a lot of fun."“I turned around and started chasing it, because that's what you do.” 

This week on Red Army Radio, Francis sits down with Superintendent Nicolas Simoneau and Operations Manager Kent MacCaskill to explore the journey of building a successful career within the construction field at Tomlinson. Drawing from their combined decades of experience, Nicolas and Kent share their personal stories, from their first roles as operator and laborer to their current leadership positions. They offer valuable insights into the mindset, mentorship, and opportunities that fuel professional growth in this demanding industry.Throughout their conversation, Nicolas and Kent discuss the characteristics of individuals who thrive and advance, emphasizing the significance of taking initiative, embracing challenges, and maintaining a positive attitude. They reflect on the pivotal moments and influential figures in their careers, the evolution of the industry, and the importance of continuous learning. Listeners will gain practical advice on navigating the path from entry-level positions to management, highlighting the balance between individual drive and company support in achieving long-term success.Episode Highlights:Nicolas Simoneau and Kent MacCaskill’s journeys within Tomlinson and the industry.Identifying key traits for success and advancement in the field.The impact of mentorship and strong leadership on career development.Overcoming challenges on complex projects (Ottawa Hospital Parking Garage, Domtar Cornwall).The shift in workplace dynamics and expectations post-COVID.Balancing company support with personal responsibility for growth.Advice for aspiring laborers and foremen seeking advancement.The role of positivity and a learning mindset in career progression.Bridging the gap between experienced workers and new technology.Adapting leadership styles through personal and professional experience.Key Takeaways:"When I watch workers, you can see the ones proud of their work. You can also see the ones just putting in time." - Kent MacCaskill"That's key to having people grow is ask them questions and let them solve their own problems." - Kent MacCaskill"Never say no to the customer. Always be positive, even when it's tough." - Kent MacCaskill"Turn everything into a learning possibility... There's always a better way to be faster, more efficient." - Nicolas Simoneau"We need employees to tell us where they want to be... the company's role is to help them get there." - Kent MacCaskill"Show what you can do and that you want to grow. Don't just tell people where you want to be." - Nicolas Simoneau"The age difference in our industry is nice. People can help each other bridge the gap with technology." - Nicolas Simoneau"Keep doing what you're doing... Don't be shy to put yourself out there and show people... what you can do." - Nicolas Simoneau

Join us for a special episode of Red Army Radio in celebration of Women in Construction Week! Our special host, Megan Tomlinson, welcomes Graziela Girardi, Vice President of Tomlinson Infrastructure. Starting her journey in Brazil, Graziela shares insights into the differences in building practices, unique experiences on job sites, and her remarkable rise through various roles. Tune in to hear about the skills and determination that have driven her success. Episode Highlights: Graziela’s introduction and background in the industry. Stories for the early days of her career in Brazil. Highlights from her second week as a Project Manager on highway 34. Stories from Power Road, the dispatch guys and looking for a challenge.  Exploring some of the challenges and biases women in this industry face and her tips for overcoming them. Graziela shares her approach to being a mentor before flipping the question to our host. Key Takeaways: " I don’t know how to bake a cake, but I was very good in building mixed design on a job site. " " I want to apply for this job. He said, why? I said, because I can do it." " I had to drive, to do 200 kilometers takes like six hours, because there's no asphalt " " you’re always being challenged”  “You give them a challenge, we gotta get it done.  If you say it's impossible, we'll say no, it's not impossible. We'll get it done.”Links:Tomlinson Group:  https://tomlinsongroup.com/

Join host Francis Brazeau as he welcomes the long-awaited guest, Chris Kollar, a true icon and veteran of the Tomlinson Group. With a career spanning nearly four decades (split into two separate stints), Chris shares his remarkable journey from painting crushers as a teenager to his current multifaceted role. This episode dives deep into the history of Tomlinson, offering a unique perspective on its evolution, the values that have shaped its culture, and the lessons learned along the way. Chris recounts memorable projects, technological advancements, and the colorful characters he’s encountered, all while peppering the conversation with his signature sayings and euphemisms.Episode Highlights:Chris Kollar's introduction and background, spanning nearly four decades with Tomlinson Group.Reminiscing about his early days painting crushers, working on blasting crews with Kenny Tomlinson, and hauling rock at the Moody Drive quarry.Anecdotes about missing his high school graduation while working and earning his diploma on the job.Stories from the 416 highway project, including dramatic equipment failures and quick-thinking solutions.A discussion on the evolution of safety practices at Tomlinson, transitioning from common-sense approaches to formalized policies and procedures.Highlights from Chris's experience in the waste management business, including managing landfills and the demolition of the south side stands at Lansdowne Park.Insights into the capital equipment process at Tomlinson, focusing on the adoption of GPS technology in yellow iron and the use of T-Pass leasing for staying current.A look at the transition in the trucking industry with the implementation of DPF filters and the growing exploration of CNG vehicles.The origin and significance of Chris’s unique euphemisms and sayings.Key Takeaways:"Every excavator and bulldozer at Tomlinson is GPS equipped.""Safety was common sense. You got an earful if you did something unsafe.""It's technology is going to move us forward""You just had to get back on the horse""Technology moves so fast""No matter where you go, there you are" - Chris Kollar

In this episode of Red Army Radio, host Francis Brazeau delves into the crucial topic of CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration) compliance with two key members of the Tomlinson team: Mathew Lavallee, Tomlinson's CVOR/Fleet Compliance Advisor, and Rod Oattes, a 26-year veteran in the trucking division and recent recipient of the Eastern Ontario Driver of the Year award for 2024. Together, they explore the intricacies of maintaining a strong CVOR rating, the importance of safety in the trucking industry, and the benefits of a culture of pride and professionalism within Tomlinson. This episode offers a valuable insight into the efforts that go into keeping Tomlinson’s fleet safe, compliant, and operating at the highest standards.Episode Highlights:Introduction to Mathew Lavallee (CVOR/Fleet Compliance Advisor) and Rod Oattes (26-year trucking veteran and 2024 Eastern Ontario Driver of the Year).Explanation of what a CVOR is and its significance in commercial vehicle operations in Ontario.Discussion of Tomlinson's recent achievement of an excellent carrier rating and its rarity in the industry.Changes in trucking culture, including a shift towards safety and proactive vehicle maintenance.The role of senior drivers in mentoring and guiding new team members.The impact of a strong CVOR on daily operations and the potential consequences of non-compliance.Interactions with Ministry of Transportation (MTO) officers at weigh scales, emphasizing professionalism and respect.The company's commitment to maintaining clean and well-maintained vehicles and the positive effect that it has on the public's perception.Rod Oattes’ recognition as Eastern Ontario Driver of the Year and the criteria used for the award.Advice for aspiring truck drivers, emphasizing the importance of choosing a company that values its employees and offers mentorship opportunities.The benefits of Tomlinson's in-house training programs, specifically a new program on the horizon for driver certification renewals.An overview of Tomlinson’s Super Load program and its capabilities in moving large and oversized equipment.The difference between public sector and private sector approaches to safety and efficiency.The importance of proactive measures, continuous improvement, and networking within the trucking industry.Key Takeaways:"The CVOR...is basically the right to operate commercial vehicles...on our Ontario roadways." - Mathew"We obtained an excellent carrier rating... [less than] 0.01% of all carriers" - Mathew"Now [we’re] leaning more towards the safety end of it. Get your loads, but stay safe." - Rod"Without that high standard of CVOR, then you've got trucks sitting." - Rod"Every clean inspection gives us points...we want those inspections." - Mathew"Amongst maybe 150,000 drivers, he was picked to be in on top of that." - Mathew on Rod's Driver of the Year award."Try and pick one that's willing to stand behind their new employees...these are the guys that have the experience. They're there to help out." - Rod"Tomlinson is proud. We are not only able to do superloads, we are also able to teach and train people into acquiring a superload certification." - Mathew“Status quo will not keep us where we're at.” - Mathew“It’s not just driving for yourself anymore, it’s driving for the people around you now.” - RodLinks:Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/

In this episode of Red Army Radio, host Francis Brazeau sits down with Megan Leahy and Dany Poulin to discuss mental health awareness, particularly during Mental Health Month in November. Megan and Dany share their perspectives on the importance of open communication and support within the workplace, emphasizing the need to destigmatize mental health challenges. They discuss practical strategies for employees and supervisors to create a more supportive and understanding environment.The conversation explores the impact of mental health on individuals, highlighting the importance of recognizing signs and symptoms. Dany shares his experience fostering open communication within his team, encouraging employees to speak up without fear of judgment. Megan discusses the available resources, including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which offers confidential support for various challenges, including mental health, financial, and legal advice. They also address the potential pitfalls of social media and the importance of finding healthy ways to decompress and manage stress.Episode Highlights:The importance of discussing mental health in the workplace.Creating a supportive environment for employees to share their struggles.Addressing the stigma associated with mental health, especially for men.Utilizing the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as a confidential resource.Recognizing the difference between everyday stress and deeper mental health challenges.The impact of social media on mental well-being and the importance of real-world connections.Practical tips for managing stress and anxiety, including hobbies and activities.The role of supervisors in listening and supporting their team members.The importance of self-care for both employees and supervisors.Tomlinson's commitment to building a culture of support and understanding.Key Takeaways:"Mental health is universal. Everyone experiences it, whether positive or negative. Talking about it is crucial.""Creating a supportive environment requires open-door policies. Encourage employees to speak up.""The stigma around mental health persists. Men especially struggle to admit problems. We must change that.""Our Employee Assistance Program offers confidential support, from mental health to financial advice.""Social media often shows only the good. Comparing yourself to others can spiral into negative emotions.""Find hobbies to shift out of work mode. They help decompress and maintain mental well-being.""Listening is powerful. Sometimes, all someone needs is an ear to lighten their burden.""Don't be afraid to talk. Supervisors are there to listen, not judge. Communication solves many problems.""Building a culture where struggling is okay is vital. We want employees to feel safe and supported.""After listening to someone, take time for yourself. Decompress and recharge to maintain balance."Links:Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/

Welcome to another episode of Red Army Radio, your go-to source for insights on the construction industry, innovation, and the people behind Tomlinson Group of Companies. In this episode, host Francis Brazeau dives into the world of surveying with team leader Silvana Ruiz-Klinar and her colleagues Riley Boyle and Parker Armstrong. Together, they shed light on the critical role the survey team plays in Tomlinson's construction projects and discuss how emerging technologies like GPS integration, drone services, and 3D modeling streamline operations. Throughout the episode, the survey team gives an in-depth look at their daily operations and how they manage the constant challenges of project demands, design changes, and last-minute emergencies. They explain the importance of customer support, advanced planning, and how cutting-edge technologies like LiDAR and intelligent machines enhance productivity and safety in the field. The team also highlights the unique culture of collaboration and support that sets them apart, fostering a strong bond that extends beyond the workday. Tune in here today as these talented professionals share how all these factors help deliver efficient, precise, and safe results for various projects across Ottawa.Main Themes:The role of the survey team in construction, from tender phase to project completionIntegration of GPS, drones, and 3D modeling for enhanced precisionManaging workload and last-minute design changes in construction projectsAdvanced technologies like LiDAR, intelligent machines, and tilt compensationThe collaborative culture within the survey team and the importance of mutual supportThe use of drone services for stockpile management and progress visualizationStandardizing processes to improve communication and project efficiencyKey Quotes:"The success of Tomlinson is built on its people.""Our days are pretty sporadic, but the mornings are a lot like putting out fires.""Survey is the key piece in construction—everything starts with us.""We create designs so they know where to put the curbs, sidewalks, and structures.""We upload 3D models into machines so operators can visualize what they haven’t built yet.""Our drone flights allow clients to see job progress visually—it’s very cool technology.""Everything's within spec, from the tender phase to the end of the project.""Communication is key - the more involved the project team is, the smoother everything runs.""We’re always learning new tech—LiDAR allows us to see through trees now.""It's all about supporting each other, being efficient, and making sure everything’s done right."Links:Tomlinson Group:  https://tomlinsongroup.com/