Talkingsmart - Podcast Details

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TALKING SMARTA Conversation about the Belonging and Excellence for All Initiative In this Talking SMART special episode, SMART General President Michael Coleman, SMACNA President Anthony Kocurek and returning guest host Dushaw Hockett discuss the Belonging and Excellence for All initiative, also known as BE4ALL. Their conversation, which took place at the end of August 2023 during the SMART Leadership Conference, explores why BE4ALL is so vital for the unionized sheet metal industry as we enter a period of unprecedented opportunity. “We have some projects where the workforce for that project alone exceeds the amount of members we have in that entire local,” said GP Cole...2023-09-2636 min

TALKING SMARTOrganize, organize, organize! For this episode of Talking SMART, we sat down with Local 28 Business Agent Marvin Tavarez to discuss his journey from working non-union to being organized into SMART. He breaks down some of the myths about organizing into a union versus taking a more traditional full apprenticeship route. “Some people are like ‘Oh, that’s the backdoor, that’s the backdoor,’ ” says Tavarez. “But at the end of the day, it all comes down to educating the membership. You know, if you’re not organizing members in, you’re gonna be working against them and not with them.” 2023-06-0223 min

TALKING SMARTFighting for Freight Rail Safety In this episode of Talking SMART, we’re digging into the fight to improve rail safety at both the state and federal levels in the weeks following the disaster in East Palestine, Ohio. The East Palestine derailment and other well-publicized accidents since have made clear what SMART-TD and rail labor have been saying for years: Precision Scheduled Railroading is bad for workers, the public and the environment. SMART-TD Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity and SMART-TD Government Affairs Representative Daniel Banks joined Talking SMART to discuss current efforts to pass state and federal rai...2023-03-3035 min

TALKING SMARTNew Benefits and Incentives for Sheet Metal TravelersThis episode, we’re talking about how a wave of new megaprojects – or projects valued at over $1 billion – is creating unprecedented job opportunities for SMART sheet metal workers across the United States and Canada, as well as driving new changes and growth in the benefits available to SMART members. Darrell Roberts John Daniel Ken Colombo To meet the ongoing demand for sheet metal workers, SMART and SASMI are coordinating to expand travel incentives and benefits available to SMART sheet metal workers who are willing to travel for work, and the International is developing resources to help local unions org...2023-02-2343 min

TALKING SMARTBelonging and Excellence for All (BE4ALL) This episode, we’re talking about the Belonging and Excellence for All project, also known as Be4All. As a joint effort of SMART, union signatory contractors in SMACNA, and the International Training Institute, the project is tasked with working to ensure that all members, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, feel welcome and experience all the opportunities that come with being a union member. In short, Be4All is a bold, long-term effort to transform the unionized sheet metal industry by creating workplace and business environments that are welcoming and foster belonging for ALL workers and co...2022-10-0550 min

TALKING SMARTSMART Army Canada Mobilizes for Terry Fox Cancer RunThis episode, we’re talking about how the SMART Army is growing in Canada. Started in 2017, the SMART Army is a key vehicle for getting involved in our communities, raising our visibility and highlighting the important work SMART members do, as well as the essential services we provide. It is also a great way to improve our image among the voters, community leaders, and politicians whose support we count on to back new union-built projects, Project Labor Agreements, and the high workplace and training standards that are the foundations of good jobs that support our families and entire communities....2022-09-1230 min

TALKING SMARTSecuring Our Future Through OrganizingOrganizing is the foundation of our union and our labor movement, and recent years have seen an explosion of union organizing across America. From Starbucks stores and the Amazon Labor Union, to SMART campaigns in Washington state and New Jersey, workers have shown that they are eager to unionize – and unions like SMART are ready to answer the call. Eli Baccus Our featured guest is Eli Baccus, an organizer and director of partnership development at SM Local 33 (Northern Ohio). An Army veteran whose primary experiences before joining Local 33 were in residential construction and as a labor attorney, Eli...2022-08-1953 min

TALKING SMART“You’re either at the table, or you’re on the menu”A conversation with two SMART members who serve their communities in local elected positions about the importance of having regular working people in office. Matt Cherry Last episode, we heard from Joe de la Cruz, a SMART sheet metal worker in Groton, Conn., who is also a state senator, proudly serving the communities of Groton and New London. This episode we sit down with two more SMART members who have successfully run for elected office. We discuss their sheet metal and transportation careers, what motivated them to run for elected office, specific steps they took to build an...2022-05-2738 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 20: SMART Member Brings Voice of Working Families to CT StatehouseA conversation with 25-year sheet metal worker and Connecticut State Rep. Joe de la Cruz Over the next two episodes, we sit down with SMART members who have successfully run for local or statewide public office. We discuss their sheet metal and transportation careers, what motivated them to run for elected office, specific steps they took to build and run successful campaigns and key issues they focused on once in office. Joe de la Cruz Our featured guest this episode is Joe de la Cruz, a 25-year sheet metal worker with SMART and vice president o...2022-04-2737 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 19: Conversation with SMART TD President Jeremy FergusonBNSF "Hi-Viz" Attendance Policy and National Rail Contract Negotiations Were Focus of Discussion In this episode of Talking SMART, we sit down with SMART TD President Jeremy Ferguson to talk about a subject that is foremost on the minds of many members. In February 2022, BNSF arbitrarily changed its attendance policy and took advantage of a pro-management judge to force (as of now... this episode was recorded in early March), a draconian “Hi-Viz” attendance policy upon the very members who have kept the company operational through the pandemic – and who earned BNSF record profits in 2021. President Ferguson also provides an update...2022-03-1941 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 18: The 1st Year of the Biden-Harris AdministrationBack in April 2021, we met with Steve Dodd and Greg Hynes to talk about the first 100 days of the Biden administration. We have brought them back for this Talking SMART episode to talk about the first year of the administration and, more specifically, its impact on SMART members. Steve Dodd Brother Dodd is SMART’s Director of Governmental Affairs and a member of Local 137 in New York City. He spoke with us about the many ways in which funding and job creation under the new infrastructure plan will benefit SMART members, President Biden’s executive order in support of...2022-02-2344 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 17: The SMART Member Assistance Program Chris Carlough September was Suicide Prevention Month. This episode of Talking SMART is focused on suicide prevention, substance abuse disorder and all the resources and support available to our members through the SMART Member Assistance Program, or SMART MAP. Our featured guest is Chris Carlough, SMART’s director of education and a man who wears many hats in our union. In addition to preparing new generations of union leaders for the tasks they have ahead of them when they start their careers, he also runs SMART MAP. At the end of this episode, listen for the...2021-10-0541 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 16: Mentorship and the "I Got Your Back" Campaign Louise Medina In our new Talking SMART episode, we focus on mentorship, mutual support in the workplace, and working pro-actively to address issues such as hazing, bullying and discrimination. Our featured guests are SMART Local 265 Business Representative Louise Medina and Local 265 member Mike Powers. Every member has had at least one person in his or her career who has stood up for them, provided formal or informal mentorship, or been there in times of crisis or need. SMART has launched the “I Got Your Back” campaign as a way to recognize those who have stepped up and stoo...2021-08-2443 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 15: Long Trains, Two-Person Crews and Rail SafetyIn our new Talking SMART episode, we dig into freight rail issues that affect both the safety of railroad workers and the safety of communities around the country. Our featured guests are SMART Transportation Division Kansas State Legislative Director Ty Dragoo and Transportation Division Nebraska State Legislative Director Bob Borgeson. Ty Dragoo Brother Dragoo followed his father into the railroad industry and hired on as a conductor for Union Pacific in 2005. He has served as a legislative representative of Local 1503 in Marysville, Kansas, been the state’s legislative director since 2010 and helped lead efforts to create a tr...2021-06-1047 min

The Diary Of A Clueless EntrepreneurTrailblazers: Zareef Minty - SA'S own Richard Branson?On this week's episode I sit down with Zareef Minty, who has managed to accomplish so many things at such a young. At only 27 he has started various businesses, been involved in politics and charity work, he's also been featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 list and also the Mail & Guardian Top 200 young South Africans. He is a true example of what young people have the potential to do. In this episode we will be talking about his entrepreneurial journey, how he managed to defy the odds and build his success and what's next for him. This interview will inspire you...2021-05-251h 05

The Diary Of A Clueless EntrepreneurHow to identify and find your perfect customerThe reason your business is not growing is because you are trying to reach everyone and the golden rule is: if you try to reach everyone, then you won't reach anyone. That's why in today's edition of Talking Smart with thedandowman I'll be sharing with you ways to identify and find your perfect customer. Show notes: 1. Define your niche/offering 2. Define your "John" 3. Go where John is 4. Serve your John the best way you can Don't forget to subscribe for more content like this in the future. Follow us on Facebook @Talking Smart with thedandowman and Instagram @talkingsmart --- Send...2021-05-1417 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 14: The 1st 100 Days of the Biden-Harris AdministrationBack in January, we met with Steve Dodd and Greg Hynes to talk about the 2020 election and what to expect from the Biden-Harris administration. We have brought them back for this Talking SMART episode to talk about the first 100 days of the administration and, more specifically, its impact on SMART members. Steve Dodd Brother Dodd is SMART’s Director of Governmental Affairs. He spoke with us about the many actions the Biden administration has already taken to support working families, including positive impacts of the passage of the American Rescue Plan on COBRA, unemployment benefits, multiemployer pensions, and...2021-05-1344 min

The Diary Of A Clueless EntrepreneurEntrepreneurship advice - from the grape vineThis is the advice you didn't think you needed but actually do from the biggest trailblazers around. From Steve Jobs to Richard Branson to Mark Zuckerberg, Mark Cuban, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson. Find out what their best advice is for you as an entrepreneur. Check out our Youtube channel - https://youtube.com/channel/UChPCPGIyKrEtd6Y6PmPWb9A Instagram :@TalkingSmart Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/Talking-Smart-With-TheDandowman-172270084414283/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talking-smart-with-thedan/message 2021-04-2708 min

The Diary Of A Clueless EntrepreneurEntrepreneurship advice - from the grape vineThis is the advice you didn't think you needed but actually do from the biggest trailblazers around. From Steve Jobs to Richard Branson to Mark Zuckerberg, Mark Cuban, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson. Find out what their best advice is for you as an entrepreneur. Check out our Youtube channel - https://youtube.com/channel/UChPCPGIyKrEtd6Y6PmPWb9A Instagram :@TalkingSmart Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/Talking-Smart-With-TheDandowman-172270084414283/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/talking-smart-with-thedan/message 2021-04-2708 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 13: Illinois SMART Army Delivered When Disaster StruckIL Locals Hit the Road to Help Texans Matt Gugala April is SMART Army Month of Community Action. And this episode our featured guest is Matt Gugala, an organizer with SMART Local 265 and the SMART Army coordinator for the state of Illinois. Brother Gugala has been in the sheet metal trade since 1995, and was accepted to the apprenticeship program in 2002. He has worked on a wide variety of projects, including residential sheet metal, custom fabrication, commercial/industrial service and testing and balancing. He was also a subject matter expert in developing the ITI’s TABB Supervisor test. In 20...2021-04-2632 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 12: The SMART Army is on the Move in Virginia Ronnie Hobbs April is SMART Army Month of Community Action. And this episode our featured guest is Ronnie Hobbs, a true SMART Army pioneer. Brother Hobbs is the SMART Transportation Division legislative director for the state of Virginia, and a member of Local 854 in Portsmouth. In addition to working for Norfolk Southern and lobbying state legislators in Richmond, he is the state’s SMART Army coordinator. He has spent a lot of time and energy enhancing the union’s profile throughout the state of Virginia via the SMART Army. At the 2019 SMART General Convention, Ronnie was honored — along wi...2021-04-0536 min

The Diary Of A Clueless EntrepreneurHow to win the internal battle of deciding which business to get intoOn this episode I'll be giving you 3 steps which will lead you to making the decision of which business you should get into 💯 Follow us on: Instagram : @TalkingSmart Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Talking-Smart-With-TheDandowman-172270084414283/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel : https://youtube.com/channel/UChPCPGIyKrEtd6Y6PmPWb9A --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talking-smart-with-thedan/message 2021-03-3013 min

The Diary Of A Clueless EntrepreneurHow to win the internal battle of deciding which business to get intoOn this episode I'll be giving you 3 steps which will lead you to making the decision of which business you should get into 💯 Follow us on: Instagram : @TalkingSmart Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Talking-Smart-With-TheDandowman-172270084414283/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel : https://youtube.com/channel/UChPCPGIyKrEtd6Y6PmPWb9A --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/talking-smart-with-thedan/message 2021-03-3013 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 11: Indoor Air Quality and Reopening Schools & WorkplacesEp. 11: Indoor Air Quality and Re-opening Schools & Workplaces Dave Bernett This episode, our featured guest is Dave Bernett, the administrator at the National Energy Management Institute Committee, or NEMIC. Brother Bernett works with a team of professionals developing workforce training and personnel certifications for SMART members and employers in the sheet metal construction industry. With three COVID-19 vaccines now being distributed in North America and around the globe, attention is increasingly turning to how we can safely re-open schools, offices and public spaces across the country. Airborne transmission of COVID-19 in enclosed spaces is a m...2021-03-2243 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 10: What to Expect After Jan. 20This episode, we sit down with two of SMART’s national legislative leaders, Steve Dodd and Greg Hynes, to talk about the assault on our capital and what to expect after the January 20 inauguration. We also discuss the significance of the Georgia Senate race and Democratic control of the Senate, SMART’s legislative priorities in 2021, SMART’s election mobilization efforts, and what the Biden/Harris administration is likely to do to help working families and make union organizing easier. Steve Dodd Brother Dodd is SMART’s Director of Governmental Affairs and was a driving force in SMART’s 2020 elec...2021-01-2053 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 9: As AZ State Rep, TD Railroader Fights for Working Families Richard Andrade Our guest this episode is Richard Andrade, who has been a member of TD Local 1081 in Arizona for 26 years. Brother Andrade is a Democratic member of the Arizona House of Representatives, representing District 29, which covers parts of Phoenix and Glendale, Ariz. He is running for re-election in 2020 for his fourth term in the state House. A third-generation railroader, Andrade first hired out with the Santa Fe Railroad (now BNSF) in 1994. He is a certified engineer and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He serves on the state House’s Land & Agriculture, Public Safety and...2020-11-0132 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 8: Campaigning for a Future for All Kids in NV Jeff Proffitt Our guest this episode is Jeff Proffitt, who has been a member of Local 88 in Las Vegas, NV, for 28 years. He was previously the local’s training director and is currently serving as a business manager at Local 88. Brother Proffitt is also running for the Clark County School Board as a trustee from District B. It's a big position with one of the fastest-growing school districts in the country. As the saying goes, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Well, that’s not the case with this episode… Jeff told us ALL about what happens...2020-10-3055 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 7: Rich McClees Reflects on Legendary Career, Sheet Metal Industry Rich McClees This episode, we step back for a moment from the news of the day and talk with a long-time SMART member, apprenticeship instructor and international leader who helped build our union into what it is today. Outgoing SMART General Secretary-Treasurer Rich McClees sat down with us just before his retirement in 2019 to discuss changes he has seen in the industry, where SMART has been as a union, where we are going, and how we can get there. With more than 40 years in the sheet metal industry under his belt, Rich has more knowledge about how S...2020-09-1632 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 6: SMART Women Lead, Mentor, Train and Build Mechelle McNew Last episode, we heard from two SMART sisters — Lisa Davis and Vanessa Carman — who discussed how they got into the industry, training and mentoring, growing diversity in construction and opportunities for women in the sheet metal trade. In Episode 6, we continue that conversation with two more female leaders and activists in SMART who have taken the lead in creating new opportunities for women in the building trades. Our first guest is Mechelle McNew, chair of the SMART Women’s Committee and a longtime business manager at Local 464 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. She discusses how she got into...2020-06-2548 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 5: Sheet Metal Sisters Share Their Stories Lisa Davis In our fifth episode of Talking SMART, we hear from members of the SMART Women's Committee. While at the Partners in Progress conference in Las Vegas in February, we had a chance to sit down and talk with four SMART sisters who have taken the lead in breaking new ground for women in the building trades. They discussed how they got into the industry, growing diversity in construction and opportunities for women in the sheet metal trade. We hear from two of them in this episode, and two more in our next episode. Our first g...2020-05-1942 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 4: COVID-19, Stimulus Legislation, Canadian Response, Shipyards and Procuring PPEsIn the fourth episode of Talking SMART, we continue our focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on our members and their communities, and how SMART is mobilizing across North America to help members stay informed and be safe at home and on the job during this crisis. Our first guest is Steve Dodd, SMART’s director of government and legislative affairs. Steve addresses emergency stimulus legislation that passed in the United States, as well as its impact on SMART members and their families. We also talk with Chris Paswisty, an International Representative for SMART shee...2020-04-2251 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 3: SMART Locals Work With Contractors to Help Members, Local Communities Impacted by COVID-19In the third episode of Talking SMART, we hear from two local sheetmetal leaders about how they are working with signatory contractors to help us all get through this crisis. We also hear new updates about important COVID-19 related legislative issues impacting SMART members. Our first guest is Andy Bredeson, business manager of Local 45 in Des Moines, Iowa, who talks with us about a collaborative effort between his local and the area chapter of SMACNA to collect N-95 face masks and donate them to a local hospital that desperately needs them. We also talk with J...2020-04-1338 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 2: SMART Mobilizes in Response to the COVID-19 CrisisMarch 30, 2020 In the second episode of Talking SMART, we talk with SMART leadership about the impact the COVID-19 crisis is having on our members and their jobs, as well as how SMART is mobilizing across the United States and Canada to help and support members and communities in need. We first hear from Randy Krocka, the head of SMOHIT – the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust. Randy fills us in on the important work SMOHIT is doing to help members stay informed and be safe at home and on the job during the COVID-19 outbreak. ...2020-03-2937 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 1: The State of Your Retirement SecurityThe inaugural episode of the Talking-SMART podcast looks at a new proposal from Senate Republicans that poses a serious threat to our retirement security. Presented in a white paper by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), this plan would impose a new 10 percent tax on retirees and punish healthy plans with an 11-fold jump in fees. SMART General President Joseph Sellers is our featured guest as he discusses this dangerous proposal, as well as the overall state of retirement security in America. Related Resources: SM National Pension Fund This web site features a...2020-02-1136 min

TALKING SMARTEp. 1 - Open Mic segment with SMART General President Joseph SellersSMART General President Joseph Sellers answers your questions about important topics facing union members, including rail safety, women in the sheet metal industry, the upcoming election and more. 2020-02-1114 min