Shows
iBuild America PodcastJack of All Trades and How Mentorship Changes Lives with Yonni CastilloOn this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, host Byron V. Garrett sits down with insurance professional, entrepreneur, mentor, musician, and family man Yonni Castillo—a multi-talented leader whose story proves that purpose, passion, and perseverance truly can coexist.Yonni opens up about his unconventional path—from growing up in Michigan, to a 20-year career with State Farm, to relocating across the country with his family, to now leading a thriving agency in Arizona. He shares how mentorship, faith, hard work, and family shaped every chapter of his journey.This...
2025-12-1118 miniBuild America PodcastFrom Touring The World To Building A Digital EcoSystem with Dan StechowOn this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, host Byron V. Garrett sits down in Michigan with Dan Stechow, President & CEO of TPOP – The Power of Preparedness—a true renaissance leader whose journey has spanned music, business, digital innovation, and now workplace safety.Dan shares his remarkable story: from playing 2,000 shows across the world as a touring bassist performing at Bill Clinton’s inauguration, to founding multiple successful tech companies during the dot-com boom, to now leading a mission-driven organization focused on preventing workplace violence and building safer workplaces.This e...
2025-12-0429 miniBuild America PodcastInspiring Our Next Generation Through Trade And Leadership with the Detroit Job CorpsOn this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, host Byron V. Garrett travels to the Detroit Job Corps Center to sit down with two powerful voices shaping the future of the workforce: Jordan Dent, an 18-year-old electrical student transforming his life one step at a time, and George Collard, a retired Chrysler professional turned Job Corps instructor who now dedicates his life to building the next generation “one student at a time.”What unfolds is one of the most honest, inspiring, and eye-opening conversations we’ve had yet.Jordan shares...
2025-11-2716 miniBuild America PodcastAutomotive Legacy, Politics and Building Traditions with Kevin RinkeOn this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, Byron V. Garrett sits down in Detroit with business leader, civic advocate, and former gubernatorial candidate Kevin Rinke—a man whose family legacy has shaped Detroit’s economy for nearly a century.Kevin opens up about growing up in a third-generation automotive family, what he learned from watching his father serve both his country and his community, and why he believes America is at a crucial turning point when it comes to education, workforce readiness, and personal responsibility.Together, Byron and Kevi...
2025-11-2025 miniBuild America PodcastBeing a Mother, Millionaire and Restaurant Guru with Rasheedah WhiteFrom Corporate Leadership to Culinary Legacy.On this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, we sit down in Phoenix, Arizona with Rasheedah White, business executive, entrepreneur, and co-owner of Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, a soul food empire she has built alongside her husband, Larry White.Rasheedah’s journey began in banking, where she rose from teller to branch manager to home equity officer, and eventually into commercial lending during her 20-year career, all while earning degrees in Accounting and Organizational Management. She later stepped into healthcare leadership as a Chief Quality Officer and COO before join...
2025-11-0617 miniBuild America PodcastStreet Talks: How an ASU Freshman is Redefining SuccessWhat does the American Dream mean to a new generation?In this iBuild America: Street Talks episode, meet Jackson, an 18-year-old sports business major from Wisconsin who’s passionate about sports, innovation, and making a difference.Jackson opens up about his faith, his purpose, and how he hopes to inspire others to create real impact — on and off the field.🎧 Tune in for an honest, hopeful, and motivating conversation — and don’t forget to subscribe to the iBuild America Podcast for more authentic stories from campuses across America.
2025-11-0407 miniBuild America PodcastTrade School, SEMCA and Finding Passion in a Career with Keith LedbetterOn this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, we sit down in Detroit, Michigan, with Keith Ledbetter, President and CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan (ABC) and the Southeastern Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA).With nearly a decade of leadership in workforce development, Keith has been instrumental in creating pathways for students, career changers, and aspiring tradespeople to gain the skills, confidence, and certifications needed to literally build America.From investing in training centers to inspiring young people to choose skilled trades, Keith’s work centers around one mission — empowering people to build mean...
2025-10-3022 miniBuild America PodcastStreet Talks: Redefining the American Dream at ASUWhat does “building America” look like through Gen Z eyes?In this iBuild America: Street Talks episode, Arizona State University student Vienna opens up about chasing purpose, balancing dreams with reality, and what her generation really values.It’s an honest, hopeful, and thought-provoking look at how the future of America is being shaped — one story at a time.🎧 Tune in and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with tomorrow’s leaders.
2025-10-2807 miniBuild America PodcastLiving in a World of Art, Creativity, and Expression with Melissa MitchellOn this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, we find ourselves in Atlanta, Georgia welcoming Melissa A. Mitchell, visionary artist, author, and founder of A Better Life (formerly Abeille Creations). Melissa’s journey began in 2014 during a season of grief when she picked up a paintbrush for the first time. What started as an act of healing has since evolved into a global creative empire that spans fine art, fashion, home décor, publishing, and high-profile brand collaborations. Melissa has created over 500 original works of art, painted 40+ murals, authored five books, and built a platform that champions joy...
2025-10-2322 miniBuild America PodcastStreet Talks: ASU Students Keep It Real About Life, Loans & LeadershipHost Tev Grant is back at Arizona State University, home of innovation (and yes, maybe a few legendary parties), for another episode of Street Talks — a new segment of the iBuild America Podcast.This week, Tev chats with Tavai, Sydney, and Aaron, three ASU students with different majors, backgrounds, and bold perspectives on what it really means to build America.From defining the American Dream and debating student debt to sharing what they fear most about the future, their answers are honest, funny, and refreshingly real....
2025-10-2106 miniBuild America PodcastFinding Your Purpose, Building our Youth, and Fighting Addiction with Phil ClarkOn this episode of the iBuild America Podcast, we sit down in Atlanta, Georgia with Phillip Clark, CEO of Just Say Something and Interim Executive Director of Compass of Carolina. With over 30 years of nonprofit leadership, Phillip has been on the frontlines of substance use prevention, family strengthening, and mental health awareness.From designing statewide and national training programs to leading community coalitions, Phillip has built a career around uniting people, organizations, and resources to address some of the most urgent challenges facing families today. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and impact—sh...
2025-10-1618 miniBuild America PodcastStreet Talks: Inside the Minds of Tomorrow’s BuildersIn the first-ever episode of Street Talks, a brand-new segment of the iBuild America Podcast, host Tev Grant hits the Arizona State University campus — known as America’s #1 school for innovation — to talk with students about what it really means to build America’s future.This week, Tev sits down with Mason Paddie, a 26-year-old PhD student in mechanical engineering, to dive into the modern American dream, life as a grad student, and the hopes and fears facing today’s generation.From powerful insights on leadership and transparency to rapid-fire...
2025-10-1406 miniBuild America PodcastSolve Problems, Walk in Purpose, and Start a business with Dr. Velma TrayhamBreaking Barriers. Building Wealth. Inspiring Change.In this powerful episode of the iBuild America Podcast we travel to Phoenix, Arizona to sit down with Dr. Velma Trayham, President & CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona, award-winning businesswoman, philanthropist, best-selling author, and one of the nation’s most influential voices in economic empowerment.From closing the racial wealth gap to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship, Dr. Trayham has built her career around creating opportunities where others see barriers. She shares her incredible journey, her vision for building thriving, equitable communities, and how businesses can lead the charge in jo...
2025-10-0918 miniBuild America PodcastBeyond the Résumé: Unlocking Real Workforce PotentialHelen SneedPrincipal Partner and Founder Drive The Goal, LLC (Florida)Helen is the Principal Partner and founder of Drive The Goal, LLC. In her various roles, she empowers individuals through career coaching and HR services while helping them achieve their professional goals. Helen has provided internship opportunities through the Polk State College dual enrollment career-based experience program. She also works closely with entrepreneurs, small business owners, middle management, and community leaders to improve the work environment and business growth. Helen’s work with the South Lake Chamber of Commerce ha...
2025-09-2533 miniBuild America PodcastHow Workforce Programs Must Evolve — or Be Left BehindLaura Fautsch VP of Job Corps Operations Serrato Corporation (Illinois) Laura Fautsch is the Vice President of Job Corps Operations for Serrato Corporation. Laura has spent her career in workforce development with several stints as a U.S. Job Corps Center Director and, prior to this role, worked for the U.S. Department of Labor.Laura is a national expert in building workforce-based training programs and initiatives. She has extensive experience in curriculum development. During the conversation, Laura shares her background in music, languages, and...
2025-09-1823 miniBuild America PodcastLighting the Future: Workforce Development in FiberSean KellyTechnical Director Light Brigade (Pennsylvania)Sean Kelly, RCDD, CFHP, is a 25+ year fiber cable and connectivity professional working in technical, engineering, and business roles. Before joining Light Brigade as Technical Director and Head of Marketing, he spent his career with leading fiber connectivity companies, including TE Connectivity, CommScope, and Rosenberger. He has developed and presented numerous educational presentations and courses and has been involved in and held leadership roles with numerous industry groups.Since 1987, Light Brigade has offered worldwide, state-of-the-art, instructor-led, certified fiber optic training co...
2025-09-1132 miniBuild America PodcastFueling the Future: Where CDL Training Meets Career SuccessLena OwensRecruiter Agency AccountsTransTech Truck Driver Training School (North Carolina)Lena Owens is an Experienced Recruiting Leader with TransTech Truck Driver Training School based in North Carolina. Trans Tech, Inc. provides comprehensive Class A CDL training programs with modern facilities, small class sizes, late-model equipment, and instruction from professional, certified trainers. Trans Tech also offers full-time classes that last four weeks and part-time evening/weekend programs that last eight weeks.Lena is a leader in the transportation/trucking and logistics industry, bringing ex...
2025-09-0831 miniBuild America PodcastFrom LA to Detroit: Bring Film Making to MichiganRockson Arnold CEO & Creative Director Rockeagle Pictures (Michigan)Rockson Arnold is an actor and director known for The Good Neighbor, Cinematostrophe, Inferno X - Film Concept (2018), and The Grieving Seeker. Coming from an IT background, he had worked in the Tech industry for a number of years while partly engaging in filmmaking. He made his first documentary film in 2008 as part of a research project for a college institution in Michigan and has since worked on several documentary projects and short films as an actor and director. In 2014, he made a complete career...
2025-09-0443 miniBuild America PodcastRestoring Trust in Higher Education and TrainingDr. Jonathan WoodsSenior FellowAmerican Council on Education (Washington D.C.)Jonathan Woods is a Senior Fellow with the American Council on Education. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and holds academic degrees in general studies from Reedley College, adult learning from Southern Illinois University, business administration from Jacksonville University, and educational administration from the University of Florida. Woods has served as university faculty, curriculum developer, and as branch head, regional director, and policy chief for Navy education and training programs....
2025-09-0236 miniBuild America PodcastAdapting, Serving & Leading: Generational Change Through OpportunityCrystal Odom-McKinney National Director Easterseals (Illinois)As national director of the largest federally funded program for older adults who seek employment and training assistance and civic engagement, Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), Crystal provides oversight and support to Easterseals multistate partners and territories for workforce programs for people with disabilities, veterans, and older adults.For 12 years and counting, she has actively served as a Board member for the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) Region 5. Crystal is an alumna/ sponsor of the American Society on Aging's...
2025-08-2926 miniBuild America PodcastFuture Self, Future Workforce: Talent Transformation in the Age of AIEric ShepardExecutive DirectorFoundation For Talent Transformation (Florida)Eric Shepherd, Author of Talent Transformation, has been in the tech space for decades, from product development to CEO, and now runs a personal and team transformation non-profit organization (Foundation for Talent Transformation).Eric Shepherd’s journey in the computer industry began in the late 80s, when he gained experience across various domains, from software development and hardware to sales and marketing. As the CEO of a software company specializing in assessments, he traveled the world and interacted with la...
2025-08-2525 miniBuild America PodcastFrom Hard Hats to Headsets: How XR is Revolutionizing Skilled TradesDoug SmithDirector of Learning Success XR Guru (Ohio)Doug Smith, MBA, is the Director of Learning Success at XR Guru. Doug has helped hundreds of enterprise organizations and educational institutions incorporate pre-made and custom immersive learning and training modules into organizational processes. As an industry leader, he has presented XR information at conferences globally.XR Guru is the #1 AI-powered one-stop shop XR Platform offering simplified creation, enhanced collaboration, and a diversified collection of immersive experiences. They use Virtual Reality (VR) to advance workforce training through immersive simulations and interactive experiences. VR en...
2025-08-2130 miniBuild America PodcastWhy Workforce Development Needs to Evolve — NowBobby BrownU.S. Job Corps Center Director Serrato Corporation(Texas)Bobby Brown is the Center Director of the North Texas Job Corps facility. With roughly 30 years of experience in Job Corps, he is an established leader who understands the mechanics of operating an effective workforce development program.One of his newest innovative programs was the creation of an Aircraft Sheet Metal Repair program. Through the Advanced Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics training program, students operate on jet and piston aircraft, gaining skills in replacing an...
2025-08-1828 miniBuild America PodcastHow One ‘Yes’ Can Change EverythingJanina Jacobs - June 2, 2025Entrepreneur and Investor (Michigan)As an entrepreneur with several businesses in the golf industry, food service (owned a popular Detroit restaurant for 41 years), real estate development, the concert/music arena, and creating events of all kinds, her greatest talent lies in recognizing ways operations can be enhanced while connecting people working in the same direction on various projects.Jacobs, a native of Detroit who lettered three years on the Wayne State University men's golf team. During her three years, Jacobs became the first...
2025-08-1454 miniBuild America PodcastFrom Classrooms to Cabs: Building America’s Trucking WorkforceMartin Garsee Executive DirectorNational Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (Texas)Martin Garsee serves as the Executive Director of NAPFTDS and the Director of Transportation Training at Houston Community College.The National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS) is an organization for the promotion of public education for the transportation industry. Through membership, educators can network with other truck driving schools across the country to provide the highest quality, most cost-effective, and up-to-date training available.Trucks deliver 70 percent of all freight tonnage and 80 percent of U.S. communities receive their goods exclusively by tr...
2025-08-1133 miniBuild America PodcastHow One Individual Changes Everything - the inner city College Prep Program is changing the rules.Jessica Bartnick Founder and CEOFoundation For C.H.O.I.C.E.(Texas)By serving at risk youth through a one-to-one mentoring program, Foundation For C.H.O.I.C.E. (Consider How One Individual Changes Everything) creates opportunities for a college education through professionally supported relationships, inspiring the student to makepositive choices for their future.Through a structured 27-week course, Foundation For C.H.O.I.C.E. and their volunteer mentors empower hand-picked, at-risk students who demonstrate responsibility, motivation, and determination to overcome their own personal circumstances.The program emphasizes the importance of high school academics and...
2025-08-0727 miniBuild America PodcastFrom Steel to Skills: How TeamUp Academy Is Shaping America’s WorkforceJohn BonesFounder and Executive Director TEAM UP Academy (Michigan)John J. Bones is the Visionary Entrepreneur, Founder and Executive Director of Team Up Academy (TUA) and JJB Sales, LLC. His career has centered on creating programs and opportunities that improve lives and strengthen communities!Early in his own life, he was inspired by the strong work ethics and role models of those who worked in the automotive industry. That influence served to form John's life mission and he continues to dedicate his energies to...
2025-08-0436 miniBuild America PodcastWarriors to Work: Understanding the Military to Civilian ReintegrationMaurice Wilson President and Executive Director, National Veterans Transition Services (California)Maurice Wilson is a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer with 25 years of service, is the Executive Director of the National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. NVTSI is a nonprofit organization he co-founded with retired Rear Admiral Ronne Froman after serving as an advisory member for the Call of Duty Endowment (CODE) where he got his inspiration to design REBOOT.Troubled with the high unemployment, homelessness, suicide, and other issues associated with military-to-civilian reintegration, Maurice designed th...
2025-07-3136 miniBuild America PodcastThe Future of AI and How It Will Impact the WorkforceJustyn Hornor Co-Founder and CEOI/ONX High Performance Compute (Nevada)Justyn is, among other things, a nerd. He’s a full-stack developer with over 15 years of experience, but he’s also co-founded numerous startups via bootstrap, Seed, and Series A funding rounds.Justyn is a 5th-generation entrepreneur who started his first business at 19 years old. His first exit was in 2006, and since then, he has focused on scalable, technology-based startups. He has a passion for social entrepreneurship using technology to solve problems. Justyn is a gr...
2025-07-2836 miniBuild America PodcastIdeas for Building The Next Generation of the WorkforceDr. Jonathan WoodsSenior FellowAmerican Council on Education (Washington, D.C.)Jonathan Woods is a Senior Fellow with the American Council on Education. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and holds academic degrees in general studies from Reedley College, adult learning from Southern Illinois University, business administration from Jacksonville University, and educational administration from the University of Florida. Woods has served as university faculty, curriculum developer, and as branch head, regional director, and policy chief for Navy education and training programs.Dr. Woods is the former director...
2025-07-2434 miniBuild America PodcastSkilled Trades, Strong State: Michigan’s Workforce RevolutionValde Garcia United States Army Veteran, Former School EducatorFormer Member, Michigan House of Representatives (Michigan)Valde Garcia formerly served in the U.S. Army and later became a School Teacher before entering as a Member of the Michigan House of Representatives. Valde has over 30 years of experience as a high-performing operations executive in the U.S. military and the State of Michigan legislature with a consistent record of achieving results. He successfully led military, academic, interagency, and bipartisan political teams in complex work environments. ...
2025-07-2124 miniBuild America PodcastFrom Siloes to Systems: Reimagining Workforce CollaborationMaria PoseyCEOViking Impact Advisors (Washington, DC)Maria is the founder and CEO of Viking Impact Advisors, LLC, a small-business consulting firm that specializes in advising nonprofit and government clients on ways to better understand their impact, tell their impact stories, raise funds for impact, and plan for future impact.She is an experienced organizational management professional specializing in aligning organizational strategy, operations, business development, and programs to optimize impact. With a robust background in change management and a deep commitment to social impact, Maria founded Viking Impact to help...
2025-07-1725 miniBuild America PodcastGrace, Grit & Growth: One Man’s Journey to Transform Reentry in AmericaKurtis TaylorExecutive DirectorBob Barker Foundation (North Carolina)Kurtis Taylor is a person in long-term recovery. For him, this means that he has not used alcohol or any other substance since December 23rd, 2002. Mr. Taylor obtained his bachelor’s degree in social work from Shaw University in May 2019.For many years, Kurtis has been a voice for citizens seeking long-term recovery from substance use disorders. He was an appointed member of Governor Pat McCrory’s Task Force on Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder. He has...
2025-07-1431 miniBuild America PodcastStrategic Workforce Planning: A Global GuideWendy Perry Managing Director and Founder,Workforce BluePrint (Australia)Wendy Perry is an entrepreneur, innovator, leader, mentor, speaker, and writer on Workforce Planning and Development, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and TVET, International Capability Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Wendy's extensive experience includes management roles within private and public Registered Training Organisations, employment and government, business and industry development, consultancy, project management, and professional services.As a globally recognized leader, Wendy Perry has been the Founder and Managing Director of Workforce BluePrint since 2002. She is also...
2025-07-1032 miniBuild America PodcastMy Brother’s Keeper: A Journey of Helping People SucceedDanica Huber Retired U.S. Marine CorpsMilitary Transition Liaison, Workforce Training Academy (Arizona)Danica is a retired United States Marine Corps officer who served her country for more than a decade. On the program, Danica discusses her journey from Arizona to serving in the military. Similar to so many service members, the military provided stability and growth opportunities. While in the service, she was responsible for the Supply Battalion and managed a team of roughly 30 soldiers. Danica is very proud of the opportunity to serve her country.
2025-07-0726 miniBuild America PodcastWings of Freedom: Building Careers & Honoring Veterans in AviationIn this special Independence Day episode of the iBuild America Podcast, we sit down with Representative Tom Barrett of Michigan’s 7th Congressional District—a U.S. Army veteran, helicopter pilot, and relentless advocate for those who’ve served.Tom shares his powerful journey from military service across Iraq and the Korean DMZ to helping veterans transition into meaningful civilian careers. We also highlight our Aviation Sheet Metal Training Program—a 160-hour, hands-on course designed to launch high-demand careers in aviation maintenance.🎧 Hear how we’re merging patriotism with workforce emp...
2025-07-0315 miniBuild America PodcastBeyond the Uniform: Uplifting Military FamiliesBesa PinchottiChief Executive Officer, National Military Family AssociationBesa Pinchotti is Chief Executive Officer of the National Military Family Association (NMFA), which works with families to identify and solve the unique challenges of military life. Besa was drawn to NMFA’s mission to support the families who serve alongside those in uniform and has held leadership positions at the Association since 2013.Besa is an award-winning journalist and marketer whose passion for our military began during her time as a reporter and television news anchor. From Jacksonville, North Carolina, to Austin, Texas, and Eastern Europe, her assignments opened her eyes to th...
2025-06-3033 miniBuild America PodcastNo Veteran Left Behind: A Volunteer Who is Making A DifferenceMary Lamparter Community Volunteer, Entrepreneur, and InvestorFounder, Defense Corridor Center for Collaboration and Synergy (DC3S) (Michigan)Mary Lamparter is a dedicated community volunteer with a lifelong commitment to supporting military service members and their families. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of impactful roles, including serving as Vice President of Family Programs for the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Arsenal of Democracy Chapter.Mary has actively contributed to organizations such as the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund and Guardian Angels Medical Service...
2025-06-2630 miniBuild America PodcastAmerican Job Centers: Driving Innovation by one of America’s foremost workforce leadersDavid HunnPresident and CEO The SkillSource GroupDavid Hunn is a focused and seasoned executive who is intent on delivering local public services in an efficient and cost effective manner. He is an optimistic, dedicated, persistent, entrepreneurial and value getting things done.David concurrently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the SkillSource Group, Inc. a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, located in Vienna, Virginia. He started this organization and grew it to the current size of twenty one staff with an annual FY 2024 budget exceeding $12 million, and fully support an additional 31 affiliated staff and...
2025-06-2331 miniBuild America PodcastA State Senator’s Mission: Expand the Aerospace and Defense Industry in MichiganMichael MacDonaldFormer Senator Michigan State Senate (Michigan)Michael MacDonald served as a member of the Michigan Senate, representing the 10th district from January 1, 2019, to January 1, 2023. While in the Michigan Senate, he served on several committees including Appropriations, Health Policy and Human Services, Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health/Human Services, Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, Economic and Small Business Development, Appropriations Subcommittee on Licensing and Regulatory Affairs/Insurance and Financial Services, Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Appropriations Subcommittee on Universities and Community Colleges.Before being elected to th...
2025-06-1925 miniBuild America PodcastIt Doesn’t Matter Where You Come From, It Only Matters Were You Are GoingJohnny Taylor - Vice President of Job Corps Operations Serrato Corporation (Kansas)Johnny is a team player with the ability to motivate others and build strong teams that collaborate to achieve desired outcomes. With nearly 30 years of experience in Job Corps, he is an established leader who spent his career helping and coaching young people. He began his career in teaching before making the transition to Job Corps.Johnny discusses how if grew up in a single-parent home following the death of his father with 7 kids. His journey of...
2025-06-1623 miniBuild America PodcastFor the Love of Detroit: An Entrepreneur's Vision for MichiganRon Lamparter, Entrepreneur, Inventor, and Investor Founder, Defense Corridor Center for Collaboration and Synergy (DC3S) (Michigan)Ron Lamparter is a Native Detroiter born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Detroit Public Schools before graduating from Wayne University with a degree in Engineering.Ron is a Serial Entrepreneur having Founded and served as Chairman and CEO for over 20 different companies. He has also been awarded over 100 patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Many of the companies built were technology-based industrial-type operations. He credits his...
2025-06-1237 miniBuild America PodcastThe Marine Who is Leading One of America’s Largest CitiesRobert M. Dyer, Mayor, Virginia Beach (Virginia)Mayor Bobby Dyer was sworn in on Nov. 20, 2018, and is the first veteran to be directly elected as mayor in Virginia Beach history. Prior to that, he represented the Centerville District on the City Council for 14 years.Dyer is a physical therapist. Positions he's held in the past include healthcare executive, business consultant, and assistant professor in the School of Government at Regent University. Dyer served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 to 1972. In 1976, he earned a bachelor's degree in physical therapy...
2025-06-0921 miniBuild America PodcastFrom Chef to Workforce Development GuruDr. Francis Cole, Former Regional Director, Office of Job Corps, U.S. Department of Labor (Washington DC)Dr. Francis Cole is an Executive Chef by training who learned about the U.S. Job Corps program through his employer. He volunteered through his company to help build a Culinary Arts program at Job Corps and was hooked on the idea of assisting young people to learn the culinary industry at a high level.Throughout his career, Dr. Cole refined his expertise in Business Leadership and Management. When he decided to shift from the private industry to working at...
2025-06-0541 miniBuild America PodcastHow a Military Spouse is Bringing a New Perspective on Workforce DevelopmentRobin Lovewell, Workforce Administrator, City of Colorado Springs (Colorado)Robin Lovewell is a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) with 15+ years of experience in workforce development (businesses and job seekers), human resources, and military relations. She is known and trusted by the business, human resources, and military communities in the Pikes Peak region and beyond and currently serves as the Mayor of Colorado Springs’ representative for all workforce development initiatives including K - 12, business retention and expansion, and military/veterans/military spouses. She previously served as the Human Resources Supervisor for the American Team at...
2025-06-0526 miniBuild America PodcastCareer Success Standards: Why Job Corps Works!William Houston, Vice President of Job Corps Operations Serrato Corporation (Ohio) William is an expert professional and business leader with several decades of management experience. He is a former high school football standout who also played football at The Ohio State University football team. He began his career as an educator and has committed his professional career to helping young adults become better prepared through workforce development and training initiatives. During this interview, William connects the dots between his disciplined training as a high level athlete to his workforce coaching and student advocacy. Through the...
2025-06-0520 miniBuild America PodcastJust when you thought schools could not be innovative, here comes Dr. Hinojosa.Dr. Michael Hinojosa Former Superintendent - Dallas Independent School District (Texas) Dr. Michael Hinojosa served more than 27 years as a superintendent/CEO of six public education systems, including two of the 25 largest school systems in America: Dallas ISD in Texas and the Cobb County School District in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. His career in public education, from teacher and coach to superintendent/CEO, spans more than four decades. He retired from the Dallas ISD in June 2022 after a long career in public education. With a firm belief that education - not environment - is the key to a...
2025-05-2930 miniBuild America PodcastSpecial Edition: Honoring Our Heroes and Supporting Our VeteransGreg TaylorRetired Army VeteranExecutive Director, Workforce Training Academy (WTA)(Arizona)Greg is currently leading a national Workforce Training Academy (WTA).Before WTA, Greg joined the United States Marines following high school and later switched to the United States Army. He retired in 2018 from Military Service after more than 20 years.During his military career, Greg had several deployments that included Iraq and Afghanistan. Greg grew up in a military family with his father serving as a U.S. Marine and for Greg serving his country provided an enormous sense of purpose. While deployed, Greg was responsible...
2025-05-2641 miniBuild America PodcastThe unrelenting leader who is building hospitality workforce programs across Texas.Debbie partners with colleges and high school Hospitality programs that lead to an increased pool of knowledgeable and prepared potential employee candidates for Texas hotels.She is a former educator who works across the State of Texas helping people understand the Hotel Industry, while also helping organizations prepare and train employees to enter the Hotel Industry. She has proven success in project management and event planning and coordination, along with five years of state agency service at the Texas Education Agency; 17 years as a Secondary Teacher in Career and Technical Education; 7 years in Human Resources; and 10 years in Retail...
2025-05-2231 miniBuild America PodcastEmpowering Virginia's Workforce: A Conversation with Commissioner Nicole OverleyNicole Overley serves as the Commissioner of Virginia Works, the Commonwealth's dedicated workforce development agency. In this role, she leads a team committed to supporting both employers and job seekers across Virginia, coordinating a broad ecosystem of workforce programs and services.Before her appointment, Nicole spent over a decade at Deloitte Consulting in Northern Virginia, where she incubated and scaled the firm's Future of Work practice for government, nonprofits, and higher education. Her work earned her recognition in Consulting Magazine's "35 Under 35."Nicole holds two degrees from Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places across...
2025-05-1532 min
iBuild America PodcastHow an HBCU is leading the way in workforce development.Dr. Glenell M. Lee-PruittPresident Jarvis Christian University (Texas) On this week’s iBuild America Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, President of Jarvis Christian University.From increasing enrollment to launching adult learning and graduate programs, Dr. Lee-Pruitt shares how she’s modernizing HBCU education while honoring legacy.Jarvis Christian University Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt as the university’s 13th president, effective July 1, 2023. She succeeds Dr. Lester C. Newman, who served as the JCU President for 11 years. Dr. Lee...
2025-05-1433 min
iBuild America PodcastA Chef’s journey to reshape the hospitality industry - one of the largest industries in the U.S.High school students with Michelin-level skills? YES. In this episode of iBuild America Podcast, Chef Devin Niederhauser shares how he turned a Texas high school culinary program into a launchpad for careers. His passion, creativity, and commitment to student success are changing lives.This week on the iBuild America Podcast, we welcome Chef Devin Niederhauser, educator and culinary innovator at Richardson High School.Chef Devin shares how he built a cutting-edge high school culinary program from scratch—giving students hands-on skills, real-world experience, and a platform to shine.Chef Devin is an amazing and innovative leader who de...
2025-05-0929 min
iBuild America PodcastLeading a nonprofit’s Focus on Education and Teacher Policy in one of the largest states.Kevin MalonsonExecutiveDirector, Teach Plus TexasWe’re proud to feature Kevin Malonson, Executive Director of Teach Plus Texas, on the iBuild America Podcast.With 30 years in education, Kevin brings a deep understanding of policy, college access, and instructional excellence. His voice is reshaping education equity and elevating teacher leadership across Texas.Kevin Malonson is the Executive Director of Teach Plus Texas, leading Teach Plus’ policy and instructional practice work in the state and supporting national teacher diversity initiatives. Kevin has 30 years of expe...
2025-04-3029 miniBuild America PodcastLeading the movement to build the North American Workforce Initiative.Wes Jurey CEO Redemption Bridge (Texas) We’re honored to feature Wes Jurey, CEO of Redemption Bridge and workforce visionary, on the iBuild America Podcast.From shaping national workforce policy to pioneering education-to-employment models, Wes shares powerful insights on innovation, partnerships, and purpose in workforce development.Redemption Bridge, a non-profit intermediary, focused on establishing new models for workforce development. He is also the Founder, President and CEO of the Agriculture Technology Innovation Partnership (ATIP) Foundation, affiliated with the United States Department of Agriculture; Senior Advisor to the Manufacturing Skill Standa...
2025-04-3045 min
Revenue Engine PodcastInnovative Technology for the Construction Industry With Lew Schulman of iBUILD GlobalLew Schulman is a social entrepreneur who has helmed several successful businesses and organizations. He is the Chairman of the Board at iBUILD Global, a platform that digitizes construction flows. He is also Chairman of the Board for Karimi International, Managing Trustee of Builders of Hope Kenya Trust and a Trustee of Friends of the MAA Trust. Lew began his career in the US Navy before starting his own business and founding several fishing co-ops in South and Central America. In this episode… Construction is a notoriously difficult and tedious field. Every step of...
2022-06-0338 min