Explore every episode of the podcast Red Army Radio
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Inside the Boardroom: What Leaders Want You to Know in 2025 | 10 déc. 2025 | 00:39:15 | |
Welcome to Red Army Radio — the official Tomlinson Group podcast celebrating the people, projects, and progress driving our business forward. In this year-in-review episode, host Francis Brazeau is joined by Adam Hendriks, Ryan Downing, and Ron Tomlinson to break down the biggest wins, toughest challenges, and most surprising moments in the past year. Together, they reflect on how Tomlinson teams responded to major external pressures — including the February tariff shock and unexpected technology setbacks — while still delivering standout results in construction, materials supply, environmental services, and logistics. The conversation highlights cross-divisional collaboration, frontline resilience, and innovations that are shaping the future of our operations. Ron shares a breakthrough sustainability milestone: producing green asphalt without natural gas or conventional fuels, a major step forward for low-carbon road building. Adam spotlights the Thunder Road project, a standout example of circular construction that used 100% recycled materials while maintaining performance standards. The group also dives into a fun and revealing “Myth vs. Reality” segment, clearing up common misconceptions in the industry — like the idea that Head Office only focuses on strategy, that winter is downtime, or that quality slows production. They also unpack the real story on AI in construction, emphasizing that artificial intelligence is being adopted as a productivity and decision-support tool, not a replacement for skilled people. To close, the team looks ahead to what’s next: expanding the salt business, launching a new conveyor system at Ontario Trap Rock, and exploring opportunities to offer Material Supply and Logistics (MSL) services to external customers. Episode Highlights
Key Takeaways & Quotes
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| Great Lakes, Greater Logistics: Inside Tomlinson’s Marine Shipping & Logistics Team | 12 nov. 2025 | 00:32:25 | |
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
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| Building Bank Street with Chadwick Haines and Robin Malyon | 15 oct. 2025 | 00:31:28 | |
Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Project Manager Chadwick Haines and Superintendent Robin Malyon to talk about life on one of their larger projects — the reconstruction of Bank Street from Riverside to Heron. In this episode, we get into what it’s really like managing an integrated road, sewer, and utility project in the heart of the city — where every day brings a new surprise underground. Chadwick and Robin share how their team has kept things running smoothly through unexpected conflicts, deep excavations, and constant pedestrian traffic, all while keeping morale high and the work moving forward. They also open up about teamwork, learning lessons, and what it means to lead a crew that truly cares. From hidden “duck banks” to late-night concrete pours, this one’s packed with humour, honesty, and heart from two of Tomlinsons team members. Episode Highlights
Key Takeaways “Stuff comes up, we find a solution, we move on.” “On this job we have over one hundred and ten CRs so far… over one hundred and sixty changes.” “You can’t ask for more in a superintendent.” “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had before on a job… I’m gonna be sad when this job ends.” “I think patience — we deal with a lot of younger people these days and just taking time to sit down with them and explain stuff.” “We had maybe thirty meters of pipe in… and then there was another duck bank” “Any problem you need a solution to, we can find it.” | |||
| Behind the Beams: Stories from Tomlinson’s Engineers | 10 sept. 2025 | 00:31:59 | |
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:
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| Easiest Aggregates to Buy with Derek Thomas & Kevin Bowes | 13 août 2025 | 00:26:29 | |
Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Derek Thomas our Aggregates Sales Manager and Kevin Bowes, Scale Operator, who’s been part of the Tomlinson team for nearly three decades. In this episode, we explore how automation is transforming customer service, the logistics of getting products from quarry to job site, and the teamwork that keeps our projects running smoothly. Derek explains how the sales team works with everyone from homeowners to major contractors to match each job with the right products. Kevin walks us through life at the scale house, from streamlining truck turn-around times to some of the wildest things he’s seen in 18 years at the scales. Together, they highlight how Tomlinson is embracing technology, expanding product offerings, and keeping customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. From large-scale automation to interesting homeowner requests, this episode offers a behind the scenes look at how one of the region’s busiest aggregate operations delivers both speed and service. Tune in for real world stories, operational insights, and a few laughs. Episode Highlights:
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| Tomlinson at the Half: A Mid-Year Town Hall Conversation | 09 juil. 2025 | 00:50:05 | |
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:
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." | |||
| AI On Site: Meet AI Program Manager Tyler Craig | 25 juin 2025 | 00:35:25 | |
Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Tyler Craig, AI Program Manager at Tomlinson. In this episode, the conversation takes a deep dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in construction and how Tomlinson is leading the charge. Tyler shares his unconventional journey into tech, the company’s early adoption of AI, and how it's transforming workflows across the business. From the risks of lagging behind to the practical applications of AI—from site safety to contract analysis—this episode offers a comprehensive look at how AI is reshaping one of the most traditional industries. Tune in to hear about what's possible now, what’s on the horizon, and how employees can be part of this exciting shift. Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways: "This company will help grow people that recognize they want to grow and prove it." "We immediately created an app in Teams so everyone could get on ChatGPT—seven months before copilot existed." "If we push an AI tool out into the field and it's adding steps to their day, then we failed." "We're now dealing with large amounts of data leaving the source system... and every large language model to date has been jailbroken." "We don't want to just push stuff out. We want to hear from people and co-create use cases." "I don’t want to get to a place where we’re hanging an AI-generated Mona Lisa in our house and pretending it’s the same." "Try it at home. Ask what you can cook with what's in your fridge. You’ll learn how these systems work." | |||
| Construction 101: What is a Construction Manager | 11 juin 2025 | 00:30:48 | |
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:
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." | |||
| Making It Big: Meet Summer Students Brock Tipping and Jad Ziadat | 28 mai 2025 | 00:26:58 | |
This week on Red Army Radio, Francis sits down with Brock Tipping and Jad Ziadat, summer students from Carleton University working in construction coordination at Tomlinson. They discuss their backgrounds, including Brock’s transition from landscaping and Jad’s initial experience with shoring and piling. Brock and Jad share insights on the importance of on-site experience and the problem-solving skills gained from their engineering degrees. Brock talks about estimation and what that role was like for him. They highlight the supportive onboarding experience at Tomlinson and the guidance from experienced colleagues. They also talk about managing priorities, exciting summer projects, and offer advice for future summer students. Finally, they discuss their future plans and the best lessons learned during their internships. Don't miss this episode packed with insights and experiences from our summer students. Tune in to Red Army Radio to get the inside scoop on what it's like to work at Tomlinson. Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways “You're not treated as a student; people actually take the time out of their day to explain things to you.” “Once I saw that you can be on site, manage, and have input on a project – this is definitely what I want to do.” “You can go on a sewer and water job, a paving job, shoring and piling, and it’s all different.” “Every day is different for a construction coordinator, with lots of tracking and keeping the job flowing.” “When I started university, I had no idea what I wanted to do or where I saw myself going.” “I went into engineering because I really enjoyed making things at home, seeing how things are made, and actually doing things yourself.” “You come here and see Tomlinson dumpsters, Tomlinson bins, trucks – that’s something that really jumped out at me. I want to be a part of the big show.”
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| Phishing for knowledge: Meet Scott and Cody from our Network and Security team | 14 mai 2025 | 00:33:04 | |
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:
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" | |||
| The Ultimate Tomlinson Takeover at Guitars and Gasoline Music Festival! | 07 mai 2025 | 00:01:47 | |
Welcome to a special edition of Red Army Radio! Usually, we bring you educational content and spotlight our amazing team members, but today we've got some exciting news that you won't want to miss! Stick around until the end for some awesome giveaway info! | |||
| Small Team, Big Impact: Meet Industrial Waste Team Members Becky & John | 30 avr. 2025 | 00:32:54 | |
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:
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.” | |||
| Enviro-Line Concrete with Ryan Andre | 16 avr. 2025 | 00:30:13 | |
This week on Red Army Radio, Francis sits down with Ryan Andre, Quality Control Manager at Tomlinson Ready Mix, to explore the world of concrete. Drawing from his 18 years of experience with the Tomlinson team, Ryan shares his journey in the industry, from his beginnings as a Quality Control Manager to the influence of his family on his passion for concrete. Throughout their conversation, Francis and Ryan discuss the past, present, and future of concrete, highlighting its ubiquitous presence and daily usage around the world. They delve into the durability and sustainability of concrete, examining its lifecycle and sustainable production with local materials. The discussion also covers the focus on low carbon-intensive mixes, exploring how they are created and how Tomlinson Ready Mix collaborates with customers to design mixes that meet specific project goals.
Episode Highlights: · Ryan’s introduction and extensive background in the concrete industry · The reasons why concrete is the preferred building material · The locally sourced materials used in our mixes; all sourced within 400 km or less · Sustainability in the concrete industry and Tomlinson Ready Mix's ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability · The evolution of concrete mix designs from past to present · An exploration of supplementary cementing materials
Key Takeaways:
“My families in it, my father was in concrete, my brothers in it, my wife's in construction” “It's a byproduct of the steal – it becomes a bonus product for our concrete industry” “Slag cement is the number one supplementary cementing material in Ontario” “What we’re trying to do is lower that Global Warming Potential per cubic meter” “There are certain elements you're pouring in a project that we can make quite a bit greener” “You make an overall carbon budget to hit those targets, it’s the ideal way to do it” “Upfront if you were to just visually look at the mix, you’re not going to see any difference”
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| Growing in the Field with Kent & Nicolas | 02 avr. 2025 | 00:27:36 | |
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:
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| In the Hot Seat: Tomlinson Mechanics | 19 mars 2025 | 00:11:29 | |
Welcome to the third episode of 'In the Hot Seat'! Join us as we introduce two members from our Kingston shop: apprentice mechanic Mara Heitman and lead hand mechanic Carl Bowes. Discover how Mara ended up joining our team as she shares candid insights from her time with Tomlinson and learn about Carl’s role as a lead hand mechanic. In this exciting episode, Mara and Carl discuss the challenges they face, share advice for newcomers, reveal unusual skills they've acquired on the job, and much more! Get ready for laughs, spice, and valuable career insights that will leave you inspired and entertained! Episode Highlights: Meeting Mara & Carl: Hear about how Carl recruited Mara from a shop across the road and why he decided to pursue this career. The Garlic Fresno Glares: Starting with a mild and chunky sauce, Mara and Carl talk about the challenges they’ve faced, giving us a unique look into the differences between a new and a seasoned employee. Wisdom & Buffalo Sauce: Mara and Carl discuss advice they would give to someone pursuing a career in their field. Despite their different levels of experience, advice on tools was a common theme for both! Smokey, Sweet & a Little Bit Unusual: Learn about some of the unusual skills our mechanics have acquired in their roles – both mentally and physically. The Apollo Look Ahead: Turning up the heat and overcoming fears to finish our spicy challenge; discover where Mara and Carl see themselves in 50 years.
Tomlinson Group Website: https://tomlinsongroup.com/ | |||
| Women in Construction: Graziela Girardi ft. guest host Megan Tomlinson | 05 mars 2025 | 00:34:10 | |
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:
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/ | |||
| In The Hot Seat: Tomlinson Infrastructure Project Management | 19 févr. 2025 | 00:17:54 | |
Welcome to the second episode of "In the Hot Seat"! Join us as we introduce two members of the Tomlinson Infrastructure (TI) project management team: Junior Estimator Honglin Li and General Manager Joel McIntyre. From 10 months to 20 years, discover the career journeys that led them to where they are today. In this sizzling episode, Honglin and Joel share insights into their roles, the challenges they've faced, and the remarkable personal growth they've experienced at Tomlinson. Get ready for a blend of humor, authenticity, and valuable career insights that will leave you inspired and entertained! Episode Highlights:
Tomlinson Group Website: https://tomlinsongroup.com/ | |||
| 20 Years in 20 Minutes with Chris Kollar | 05 févr. 2025 | 00:25:01 | |
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:
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| In The Hot Seat: Tomlinson Environmental Waste Hauling | 22 janv. 2025 | 00:15:24 | |
This week, we're turning up the heat, both literally and figuratively, on "In the Hot Seat"! Join us as we welcome Tomlinson Environmental Services (TES) team members Phil Simser, a seasoned Truck Foreman, and Connor Pederson, a dynamic Front-end Truck Driver. In this engaging episode, we explore the diverse career journeys within TES's trucking division, contrasting the experiences of a long-term employee with that of someone newer to the company. As they navigate our signature spicy wing challenge, Phil and Connor offer candid insights into their roles, the challenges they face, and the growth they've experienced at Tomlinson, all while highlighting the company's commitment to its core values. Get ready for some laughs, some spice, and some genuine career wisdom! Episode Highlights:
Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/ | |||
| Switching Gears: Let's Talk CVOR Compliance with Mathew Lavallee and Rod Oattes | 08 janv. 2025 | 00:33:22 | |
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:
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| Looking back at 2024 with Adam, Dana, Francis & Ron | 04 déc. 2024 | 00:38:09 | |
Welcome to a very special episode of Red Army Radio featuring a Fireside Chat with senior leadership team members: Dana Lewis, Vice President of Human Resources; Adam Hendriks, Vice President for Strategic Implementation and Development; and CEO Ron Tomlinson. This episode offers an intimate look back at the past year, celebrating successes, acknowledging challenges, and exploring the exciting future of Tomlinson. Together, our guests delve into the company's three strategic goals: One Team, Operational Efficiency, and Leadership & Skills Development, and how these goals have shaped Tomlinson's growth. This insightful conversation unpacks how Tomlinson navigated this past year by doubling down on process improvements, strategic job selection, and a company-wide commitment to collaboration. The leadership team shares inspiring examples of cross-departmental cooperation and the tangible benefits of the "One Team" philosophy. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of continuous improvement, adapting to the accelerating pace of change, and empowering employees to own their career development through ongoing training and mentorship. The episode concludes with a glimpse into innovative sustainability initiatives, including waste-to-energy projects and low-carbon concrete solutions. Above all, the team wishes all Tomlinson employees a “Happy Holidays,” and offers them their sincere appreciation for embodying our core value of being Driven, and getting the job done to the highest standards. Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways: "We win together when we cooperate together. That's what winning feels like." "Training needs to happen in the field. Classes polish skills, but real learning is on the job." "Own your career. Have conversations with your supervisor. Keep pushing for growth." "Being open to change and trying new things is how we push the team forward." "The pace of change is getting faster. We must keep up and get ahead." "Every little improvement multiplied across hundreds of machines makes a big difference." "Strategy is choosing what to focus on.”" "Our success comes from people stepping up and going beyond their defined roles." "The most successful people act like everyone is their customer and give more than expected." "We embrace those who push limits. More and more stuff is coming, and that's how we succeed." “Happy holidays, everybody! Thanks for being driven and getting the job done to the highest standards this year! We wouldn't have had the success that we had without you this year. Thanks a lot!” Links: Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/ | |||
| Let's Talk About It: Mental Health in the Construction Industry | 06 nov. 2024 | 00:26:41 | |
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:
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Links: Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/ | |||
| The Heroes of Hazard: Meet Health and Safety Specialists Tracy Parks and Matt Szymczyk | 23 oct. 2024 | 00:21:32 | |
This week on Red Army Radio, Francis welcomes Tomlinson Health and Safety Team members, Tracy Parks and Matt Szymczyk, for a deep dive into the critical role of health and safety within the construction industry. Sharing personal experiences, including the unique paths that led them to their current positions, Tracy and Matt explore not only the importance of safety in the workplace but also the relationships and culture-building efforts that ensure safety is an ingrained value across every project. Throughout the conversation, our guests emphasize the often-overlooked challenges of getting workers to prioritize safety, noting that their own roles go far beyond enforcement. From recounting humorous on-site stories to addressing common misconceptions about the Health and Safety Team, they reflect on the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and leading by example. Whether it’s navigating the intricacies of safety regulations or building trust with construction crews, this dynamic duo offer listeners valuable insights on how to create and maintain safer, more effective work environments. Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways: "The success of Tomlinson is built on its people. Construction is very much a family." "I've been in the construction industry since I was 15. Safety was ingrained in me." "We're not safety officers; we're mentors. We're here to coach, not to catch mistakes." "Building relationships is key. When safety comes on site, it should be a welcome sight." "Take 60 seconds before starting a task. Look around. It could save a life." "Ask if you're unsure. There's always someone with more experience who can help." "COR is an audit of our safety program. It's about practicing what we preach." "Safety starts from the top down. Project managers need to be present and involved." "We're here to ensure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day." Links: Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/ | |||
| Layin' It Out: Meet Our Survey Team | 09 oct. 2024 | 00:29:25 | |
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:
Key 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/ | |||
| Culture & Comfort Stations: Meet New Employee Janine Charron | 25 sept. 2024 | 00:21:33 | |
In this latest episode of Red Army Radio, host Francis Brazeau interviews Janine Charron, a relatively new Business Development Representative at the Tomlinson Group whose lengthy list of achievements also includes podcast host, TEDX and international speaker, and Professional Athlete Mindset & Resiliency Development Coach. With only three months on the job at Tomlinson, Janine reflects on her transition from the wheelchair industry, the challenges she faced during onboarding, and how her background in athletics and business has seamlessly integrated her into the team. Her discussion with Francis here today highlights the critical role of teamwork, the vibrant company culture, and the innovative mindset that drives Tomlinson’s success. Listeners are offered a deep dive into Janine’s approach, which emphasizes hands-on learning, shadowing seasoned colleagues, and building strong relationships within the company. She shares her enthusiasm for Tomlinson’s dedication to safety, sustainability, and the environment, particularly through her experiences at the waste recovery center. The episode showcases how her athletic discipline and resilience have shaped her professional journey, making her a perfect fit for Tomlinson’s dynamic culture. Ultimately, Janine’s story, as shared here today, is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of a supportive and innovative work environment, and underscores Tomlinson’s commitment to fostering growth through collaboration and continuous improvement. Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways: "When I see an opportunity, I want something, I go after it. Hence the nickname Tiger." "Work smart, not hard. I wanted to mirror who was successful in my role before." "This industry blows my mind. It's remarkable." "Being part of the environmental team and seeing what we do with sustainability is just incredible." "Teamwork is so important to me. If I show up for them, they're going to show up for me." "I'm passionate about doing anything that's impactful to other people outside myself." "Tomlinson’s commitment to growth and innovation really excited me." "The sky is the limit here, and they’re open to creation." "I thrive on working in a team. I felt like this was the perfect fit." Links: Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/ Janine Charron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-charron-a69050139/ | |||
| What the Truck: Meet Truck foremen Kyle Stack and Derek Lenahan | 06 sept. 2024 | 00:26:33 | |
Welcome to a new episode of Red Army Radio, the podcast where we bring you educational content, promote industry innovation, and feature key employees of the Tomlinson Group. In this episode, your host, Francis Brazeau, sits down with two seasoned professionals from Tomlinson’s trucking division, Derek Lenahan and Kyle Stack. With a combined experience of nearly two decades, Derek and Kyle share their insights into the evolving world of trucking, from technological advancements to the day-to-day challenges on the road. This episode explores how technology is reshaping the trucking industry, from the integration of GPS and QR codes to the adoption of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) trucks, which are reducing Tomlinson’s carbon footprint. Derek and Kyle discuss the impact of these innovations on efficiency, safety, and customer service, while also reflecting on the human elements that remain critical to the job. Throughout their discussion here today, our knowledgeable guests highlight Tomlinson's commitment to sustainability, continuous training, and the importance of a respectful, team-oriented culture in attracting and retaining top talent. Episode Highlights:
Key Takeaways: "Technology is great, but there’s still no substitute for a well-trained driver who knows how to navigate the complexities of the job." "Our transition to CNG trucks is not just about cutting costs—it’s about reducing our carbon footprint and leading the industry in sustainability." "We’re always striving to put less waste into the environment, whether through recycling materials or reusing concrete." "At Tomlinson, respect is key. We treat our drivers with dignity, and in return, they give us their best." "The next ten years in trucking will be fascinating, with AI on the horizon, but we can’t lose sight of the human element." "Safety is our top priority—every day, every load, every trip." "Our driver training program is designed not just to teach the technical skills, but to instill a culture of safety and teamwork." "The adoption of tablets and GPS has revolutionized our operations.” "We’ve seen a significant reduction in incidents thanks to our focus on continuous driver education and safety protocols." "The future of trucking is about more than just technology—it’s about building a culture that attracts and retains the best talent." Links: Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/ | |||
| Trailer | 01 sept. 2024 | 00:00:51 | |
Welcome to Red Army Radio! The official podcast of Tomlinson Group of Companies. Join us as we dive into all things Tomlinson - from how it all started to project highlights happening now. With insightful interviews to behind-the-scenes stories, this podcast is your ultimate guide to all things related to our business. | |||