Meet Our Leadership Program Participants

Mental Health Tools for Construction

Mental health challenges are far more common in construction than many realize, yet they often go unaddressed despite their impact on focus, safety, morale and performance. Recognizing how everyday life stress appears at work is only the starting point; what matters most is knowing how to respond.  

This BX Blueprints for Well-being program is designed to go beyond awareness by equipping participants with practical, tangible tools they can immediately apply. Attendees will learn how to spot early warning signs, take clear and supportive action as leaders or coworkers and how to utilize specific resources that already exist to help the industry and the workforce. 

What You’ll Learn:

• Current trends and statistics surrounding workplace mental health
• How life stressors affect work performance and wellbeing
• Early signs someone may be struggling and how to respond appropriately
• Practical strategies leaders can use to build psychological safety
• Tools and resources that help employees manage stress in healthy ways

Join us for this important conversation as we take intentional steps toward building a workplace culture that supports well-being and strengthens teams.

For more information about this workshop or the BX Blueprints for Well-being Council, contact Ashton Chapman.

Keeping Your Cool on the Jobsite

It’s critical for field leaders to remain calm, focused, and effective on the jobsite—especially when unexpected challenges arise. Leadership on the Jobsite provides the tools and strategies needed to keep teams motivated, maintain productivity, and respond confidently to daily disruptions.

Provide your field leaders this necessary training from experienced industry professionals who understand the challenges they face on the jobsite and can provide practical, useful solutions. 

For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.

Understand the Basics with A Layman’s Look at Construction

Ready to build a strong foundation for a career in construction? This course is designed for new hires and those with limited experience, providing the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced construction environment.

Led by experienced industry professionals, this program provides interactive learning focused on the lifecycle of real construction projects and the roles of key stakeholders. Give your new employees a strong start, enroll them in Construction Basics 101 to boost productivity and efficiency from day one.

For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.

Leadership Awareness Matters in Construction

Construction projects succeed or fail based on several critical factors, including leadership blind spots, communication and critical execution. From the jobsite to the boardroom, how leaders speak, listen and respond directly influences productivity, morale, safety and project outcomes.

Using construction-specific scenarios, industry leadership experts BoB Ross and Denise Simmons (Professional Consulting Associates) will help participants understand how their behaviors impact the performance of themselves, others and the entire organization.

Participants will learn practical tools they can apply immediately to improve team performance and drive stronger results; and the value to their company will be measurable as well:

• Reduces friction, conflict and breakdowns that erode margins 
• Strengthens team cohesion and communication
• Improves problem-solving, safety outcomes, and job-site performance
• Boosts productivity across all roles through execution

This high impact, interactive workshop is built specifically for leaders across all levels — owners, executives, project managers, office staff, field supervisors and crew leaders.

For more information about this course, contact Deb Murphy.

From Blueprints to Bottom Lines

It’s important for your entire staff to understand the project budget and how each decision they make plays into it. Be sure your team has the basic skills to read, understand and apply this information.

Instructors Brian Dunn (Custom Air Conditioning/Air Force One) and Chris Mast (GBQ Partners LLC) will guide participants through the unique language of construction financials. Through a combination of in-depth lecture and interactive exercises, attendees will gain the essential skills needed to manage budgets effectively and keep projects on track.

This introductory course is ideal for office personnel, field employees, new employees or anyone who is looking to learn or refine their budgeting skills.

For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.

Navigate OSHA Confidently

OSHA inspections can happen at any time, and understanding your rights is essential to navigating them confidently and avoiding costly mistakes. This course delivers a practical, real-world look at what to expect during an inspection, what can trigger citations and how to respond effectively at every stage.

What sets this course apart is its dual perspective, combining the insights of a safety professional with those of a legal expert, giving participants a well-rounded understanding of both compliance and legal protection.

With a strong emphasis on worker and employer rights, attendees will leave this course with actionable tools they can immediately use, including how to:

• How to communicate with inspectors
• Stay organized
• Protect employees
• Respond if issues arise

Ensure your team is prepared to prevent violations, manage inspections effectively and protect your organization.

For more information about this course, contact Ashton Chapman.

How to Handle OSHA Inspections
May 15 | 8 – 10 AM
Builders Exchange

REGISTER NOW

$59 BX members | $99 Non-members
Group of 3 Discount: $145 Members | $249 Non-members
$49 BX Workers' Comp Group members
When registering online, be sure to log in to receive the member rate.

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS:

Jeremy Grayem 
(Ice Miller, LLP)

A.J. Hensel 
(Ice Miller, LLP)

 

Christopher Lewis
(Delphi Infrastructure Group)

BX/Staples Business Partner Spotlight

Staples Business has renewed its partnership with the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio (BX) to help members save money off the list price while simplifying purchasing for jobsites, offices and shared facilities.

The program is designed to support everyday operational needs with dependable facilities products that help maintain clean, safe and professional environments. From paper towels and tissue to cleaning chemicals and dispensers, members benefit from consistent quality and easy replenishment.

The BX program also supports breakroom needs, including coffee, snacks, beverages and disposable supplies that keep crews fueled and productive throughout the day. Centralized ordering reduces time spent sourcing from multiple vendors, while standardized products help control costs and maintain consistency across locations.

Reliable next-day delivery to 98% of the US ensures essential facilities and breakroom items are available when and where they are needed. Through the BX program, Staples Business helps members stay focused on their projects while everyday essentials are handled.

For more information about the BX/Staples program contact Kody Norwood at (616) 414-2273.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Meet Our Leadership Program Participants

Craftsmanship Nomination Deadline is April 17!

CRAFTSMANSHIP NOMINATION FORM
Deadline: Friday, April 17 | 4 PM

Have you considered honoring an individual or crew for the exceptional work they’ve performed this past year? If so, don’t delay…the clock is ticking for you to submit your nominations for a 2026 BX Craftsmanship Award! 

The online process is simple, and anyone can submit a nomination as long as the nominees are employed with a BX member firm. Following the application deadline, a team of judges will conduct site visits to view the work of all eligible nominees. Each nominee’s work will be evaluated on the following criteria: quality of work, level of difficulty, ingenuity, coordination and achievement of project goals.

Take a moment today to nominate a deserving craftsperson or crew for this prestigious award. For more information about the BX Craftsmanship Awards, contact Pam Austin.

Accidents Don’t Wait, Get Ready Now

In high-risk construction environments, immediate action can make a lifesaving difference. Standard First Aid/CPR/AED covers CPR techniques for cardiac emergencies, basic first aid for injuries and the proper use of an AED. 

This training will allow workers to feel empowered to quickly assess and manage injuries or health crises, ensuring a safer worksite and potentially saving lives. Upon successful completion, participants will receive an Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) certification card, valid for two years.

For more information about this class or to schedule a company-specific session, contact Ashton Chapman.

Time Off & Return to Work Focus of April HR Group Meeting

When an employee is off work, HR departments are challenged with keeping track of not only the type of time off, but also when the employee will return. 

Depending on the reason for the time away from work, it’s important to know how to keep track of FMLA, ADA and Workers' Compensation. Do you, or a member of your HR team, understand the requirements and regulations for each program?

At the April BX HR Group meeting, hosted by Marker, Inc., Attorney Pamela Krivda (Taft Law) will provide an overview of the laws surrounding time off and return to work, and answer questions from the group.

If your role includes human resources, you’re encouraged to join the April conversation and the BX HR Group. The group gathers up to nine times each year for a mix of educational programs, peer discussions and social events. 

For more information about the BX HR Group, contact Deb Murphy.

Drive ‘SAFE’ not on Autopilot

Driving is one of the most routine (and often most dangerous) tasks employees perform, where complacency can quickly lead to serious incidents. The SAFE PACE Defensive Driving Training, led by Keith Snead, helps drivers stay alert and engaged using a simple system:

• Plan Ahead
• Analyze Risk
• Communicate with Others
• Execute Safe Decisions

Through hands-on scenarios like backing, parking and blind spot awareness, participants see how quickly situations can escalate when attention slips, reinforcing that safe driving depends on staying focused, not falling into autopilot. 

For more information about this class, contact Ashton Chapman.

Beyond the Basics of Safety

This comprehensive class is designed for supervisors, safety managers and workers who want a deeper understanding of workplace safety and OSHA standards. Participants will learn how to recognize, prevent and address common workplace hazards, helping create safer jobsites for everyone.

Joe Sellers (Velocity Safety Advisors) will guide participants through the many OSHA rules and safety regulations that all construction employees need to understand. This course will cover a variety of topics, including:

• OSHA’s focus four hazards (falls, caught-in or between, struck-by & electrocution)
• Confined spaces
• Tools
• Ladders
• PPE
• and much more! 

Participants will receive a current OSHA code book and an OSHA-authorized course completion card. Lunch will be provided each day.

For more information about this course or to schedule a company-specific session, contact Ashton Chapman.

Prevailing Wage Can Be Confusing…and Non-Compliance Is Costly

In Ohio, prevailing wages are updated weekly according to new collective bargaining contracts submitted to the Department of Labor. Contractors must pay construction workers at least the prevailing wages and benefits in the area in which they are working.

For contractors who don’t perform a lot of public work, the long-standing Prevailing Wage law can be confusing – and costly – for non-compliance. 

Avoid the penalties by joining labor and employment expert, Matt Kissling (Thompson Hine LLP), as he explains the Ohio law and helps your team understand how the requirements impact your company. Attendees will also receive sample forms to assist with prevailing wage calculations and reporting on public work projects.

For more information about this program, contact Deb Murphy.

Maximizing the Value of Your BX Membership

Join us for breakfast at the Builders Exchange and connect with fellow members! 

You’ll hear from long-time members as they share their experiences, discover cost-saving opportunities through BX Business Services Partners and learn from BX staff about the many marketing, networking, safety, education and professional development programs available to you.

Both current and prospective members are welcome to attend. Attendance is limited to two (2) registrants per company. 

For more information about this program, contact Sean Cooper.