Shows
Labor Lounge PodcastEP 7: Jack Kocsis of Associated Construction Contractors (ACCNJ)In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jack Kocsis Jr., CEO of the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ). With more than 35 years leading the organization, Jack brings a rare depth of experience from both the construction site and the negotiation table. He reflects on the evolution of labor management partnerships, the origins of the Carpenter Contractor Trust, and how listening yes really listening has been the most powerful leadership tool in his career. Jack also shares his perspective on workforce development, public policy, apprenticeship, and the industry's responsibility to adapt and grow. From enforcing laws...2025-07-1528 min
Labor Lounge PodcastEP 6: Jessica Ramirez of D'Arcy Johnson DayIn this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jessica Ramirez, a Partner with the Law Offices of D’Arcy Johnson Day and a trial attorney specializing in serious personal injury, sexual abuse, medical device, and product liability litigation. She is an assemblywoman of the 32nd district serving Jersey City and Hoboken. She has served on the New Jersey Ethics Committee and served as an Eminent Domain Commissioner for the State of N.J., presiding over cases dealing with condemnation and eminent domain. Jessica’s main passion is advocating for clients who have suffered sexual assault. She has extensive sett...2025-06-1036 min
Labor Lounge PodcastEP 5: Jon Young of Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council Of CarpentersIn this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jon Young, newly appointed Political Director of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. With nearly 30 years of experience in the labor movement and public service, Jon shares his powerful journey from working construction in Camden to leading policy for one of the most influential unions on the East Coast.Jon also reflects on his time as a Camden County Commissioner and how partnerships with local schools are shaping future trade workers. If you’ve ever wondered how unions truly transform lives or what it...2025-05-1336 min
Labor Lounge PodcastEP 4: Todd Vachon of Rutgers UniversityIn this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Todd Vachon, a union carpenter, faculty member in the Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations at Rutgers University, and Director of the Labor Education Action Research Network (LEARN). As the Director of LEARN, Todd oversees the University’s labor education programs, including classes, research, and workshops for workers, unions, and other justice-focused organizations. His research focuses on inequality, labor, and justice. He has written several books and is currently president of the New Brunswick chapter of the Rutgers University faculty union, AAUP-AFT. He is also President of the Middlesex-Somerset Ce...2025-04-1549 min
Labor Lounge PodcastEP 3: Edward DeAngelis of EDA ContractorsIn this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Edward DeAngelis, founder of EDA Contractors, which he established in 1999. Under Ed's leadership, EDA has become a top provider in the exterior envelope sector, specializing in roofing, masonry, and architectural wall panels while earning recognition as a top workplace in Philadelphia for six consecutive years. Ed is committed to high-quality work, exemplified by the EDA Envelope Warranty - a 10-year watertight guarantee. He fosters a positive workplace culture, prioritizing personal and professional development, mental health, and emotional intelligence. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Saint Joseph's University...2025-03-1146 min
Labor Lounge PodcastBonus Episode with Q104.3's Ken DashowIn a special "bonus" episode of Labor Lounge Podcast, Q104.3’s Ken Dashow sits down with Co-Hosts Anthony and Cyndie to discuss the inspiration behind the podcast, its mission, and what listeners can expect. They explore how Labor Lounge shines a spotlight on the skilled trades industry, offering real conversations, expert insights, and stories from those shaping the field. You can listen to Ken Dashow on Q104.3 in NYC or tune in to iHeartRadio's Custom stations nationwide. He is a Brooklyn-born rock music enthusiast who enjoys golfing and home remodeling, including basic plumbing and spackling. Ken is also a co...2025-03-0432 min
Labor Lounge PodcastEP 2: Rev. Dr. Willie Dwayne Francois III Fountain Baptist Church, Senior Pastor Building One AmericaIn this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Reverend Dr. Willie Dwayne Francois III who serves as Senior Pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey and President of the Black Church Center for Justice and Equality—a national think tank and policy advocacy organization. He also serves as Associate Dean of NYTS and Associate Professor of Theology at Union Theological Seminary, where he directs the Master of Professional Studies Program at Sing Sing and Bedford Hills Correctional Facilities and co-directs the Doctor of Ministry program. His second book, titled Silencing White Noise: Six Practices to Overcome ou...2025-02-1153 min
America’s Work Force Union PodcastAnthony Abrantes and Cyndie Williams, Labor Lounge | Greg Regan, TTDAnthony Abrantes, Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC), and Cyndie Williams, Executive Director of the Carpenter Contractor Trust (CCT), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Labor Lounge podcast and its role in connecting members and union allies.
Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and shared his thoughts on the current national political landscape, the importance of infrastructure investment and the ongoing efforts to enhance safety and job creation in the industry.
2025-01-2750 min
Labor Lounge PodcastEP 1: Joseph Jingoli of JingoliIn this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Joseph Jingoli, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of JINGOLI, Chairman of DCO Energy, and an owner and investor in a family of companies covering all facets of the construction and energy-related industry. Joe is also a partner in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. With more than four decades of expertise in construction, project and energy management, he has a reputation throughout the industry for his unique ability to use innovative strategies to bring projects to fruition. He is a friend of labor and all his...2025-01-1441 min
Labor Lounge PodcastMeet William Sproule of Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of CarpentersMeet William Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS). Bill oversees the development of policies, day-to-day operations, and expansion of work opportunities for union membership for more than 43,000 members across six states and several trade groups. Starting as an apprentice carpenter in 1989, he worked his way up through the ranks to hold various leadership roles within the organization, including Organizing Director, New Jersey Regional Manager, and President and Regional Manager of the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters. Bill serves as a Board Member of the NJ Building Authority, the New Jersey Energy Coalition...2025-01-1428 min
Labor Lounge PodcastMeet The Hosts: Anthony Abrantes & Cyndie WilliamsMeet Labor Lounge Podcast Hosts Anthony Abrantes, Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer of Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS), and Cyndie Williams, Executive Director of Carpenter Contractor Trust (CCT). Tune in to hear them discuss their professional history and vision for Labor Lounge Podcast. Anthony Abrantes is an accomplished professional who provides invaluable leadership and oversight for EAS, which proudly represents approximately 43,000 Union Carpenters across New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, he plays a pivotal role in managing t...2025-01-1434 min