The Rising Leaders Institute Class of 2025 includes from left, front row: Emily Johnson (Denison University), Julia Anderson (Anderson Aluminum Corp.), Zaneta Woo (Setterlin Building Company), Ryan Cepela (Continental Building Co.), Annie Bailey (Mid-City Electric / Technologies) and Sandy Youssef (Turner Construction Co.). Second row: Tyler Woodby (Columbus Steel Erectors, Inc.), Nick Rudd (Converse Electric), Damien Stover (Environmental Management, Inc.), Alex Guerra (Valley Interior Systems, Inc.), Mitchell Wille (Heiberger Paving, Inc.), Ben Cummings (Robertson Construction Services, Inc.), Mitch Zahn (Adena Corp.) and Maynard Duran-Stella (Capital Fire Protection Co.). Third row: Jason Mitchell (Speer Mechanical), Caitlyn Heerdt (Sauer Group, LLC), Seth Weikert (Lang Masonry & Restoration Contractors), Matt Mackey (Miles-McClellan Construction Co., Inc.), Mac Malone (Thompson Hine LLP), John Smolarski (SMBH, Inc.), Mitch Rogers (John W. Danforth Company) and Joe Fisher (George J. Igel & Co., Inc.). Back: Richie Markwell (Danis Building Construction Co.), Dom Trucco (Ironsite, Inc.), Ray Boyden (Thompson Concrete Foundations, Ltd.), Graham Watkins (Korda/Nemeth Engineering, Inc.), Sean Root (Marker, Inc.), Michael Watts (Vaughn Industries, LLC) and Mackenzie Calfo (Elford, Inc.). Not pictured: Jason Ritchie (Phinney Industrial Roofing, Inc.)
The Rising Leaders Institute has become one of most sought-after professional development programs in our community. Developed in partnership with The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, The Rising Leaders Institute is an intensive program that includes classroom time, case studies, projects and networking. Sessions are taught by faculty members from the Fisher College of Business, along with local industry experts.
This is the 19th year for the program, with a class of 30 industry rising leaders from local firms. Profiles of each participant will be featured in future editions of the BX eNewsletter.
For more information about The Rising Leaders Institute, contact Kelly Stover.
Jeremiah Layne
Superintendent
Years in the Industry: 16
Setterlin Building Company
| BXFlex |
Steven Pack
Lead Operator
Years in the Industry: 10
Barnhart Crane & Rigging
| BXFlex |
Margie Ramsey
Regional Director of Ohio
Years in the Industry: 21
Granger Construction Company
For more information about BXLX or BXFlex, contact Deb Murphy.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides your workforce with essential skills to identify and address mental health concerns at an early stage, creating a supportive work environment and reducing the long-term effects of mental illness on both individuals and the organization.
Much like how Standard First Aid and CPR prepare employees to handle physical emergencies, MHFA equips them with the tools to manage mental health crises and provide immediate support. In industries such as construction, where high levels of stress, anxiety and depression are common, it’s crucial to not only prioritize physical safety but also the mental well-being of your team.
By implementing MHFA training, you foster a culture of care, promote overall employee health, and improve job satisfaction, all while contributing to a safer and more productive workplace.
This course, taught by Paul Lawson (Paul Lawson Helps LLC), will provide the skills to recognize early signs of mental health issues in your team members, provide non-judgmental support and guide them toward appropriate professional help when needed. By equipping leaders and team members with the knowledge and confidence to handle these situations, we can create a safer and more supportive working environment.
For more information about this class, contact Ashton Chapman.
Mental Health First Aid
March 28 | 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Builders Exchange
$249 BX Employees | $349 Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to receive the member rate.
Paul Lawson
(Paul Lawson Helps LLC)
With a bachelor’s degree from Cincinnati Christian University and over a decade of experience in ministry, Paul has channeled his passion for wellness into the construction industry in Columbus. He is currently the lead mental health advocate at Mid-City Electric / Technologies and the founder of Paul Lawson Helps LLC. He also serves as a risk management coordinator and oversees the Mid-City Electric / Technologies Drug-Free Safety Program. Paul is certified to teach VitalCog, QPR and Mental Health First Aid.
A claim has been filed against the surety bond on your project; what do you do next? What if YOU need to file a claim? If you’re not sure how to answer those questions, it’s time to learn more about bonds, project documentation and risk management.
Join a team of industry risk management experts from J.S. Held who will walk you through the basics of surety bonds and explore how bonding impacts a project.
Participants will discuss the claims process and discover:
This course is ideal for anyone responsible for managing risk on a construction project – owners, contractors, subcontractors, legal and finance teams – from the foreman to the CEO.
For more information about this course, contact Deb Murphy.
Understanding Surety Bonds
April 3 | 8 - 10 AM
Builders Exchange
$59 BX members | $69 Non-Members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to receive the member rate.
Michael Margolius
(J.S. Held)
Seth Millam
(J.S. Held)
Dan Raglow
(J.S. Held)
Jim Roser
(J.S. Held)
Accurate surveying is essential in construction, ensuring that projects start on the right foot and stay on track. This interactive training helps develop the skills to spot problems and improve accuracy during the building layout phase, which can prevent further costs and/or delays.
Participants will have the opportunity to work directly with surveying equipment and layout tools, reinforcing key techniques used in the field.
For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.
Surveying for Construction
April 8 & 10 | 4 - 6 PM
Builders Exchange
$270 BX members | $370 Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to receive the member rate.
Eric Turner
(George J. Igel & Co., Inc.)
Kevin Wolfe
(Dugan & Meyers LLC)
Wellness in the construction industry is crucial for creating a healthier, more sustainable workplace. Positive change is possible, but taking the first steps can feel challenging. Companies are often at different stages of their well-being journeys, some may be just starting, while others are further along. However, it’s important not to let this variation discourage or hinder progress.
This discussion will explore strategic ideas and practical steps to promote a healthier work environment, regardless of where your company is on the wellness journey. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to expand your efforts, there are always actionable ways to move forward.
Topics covered will include how wellness initiatives can:
Tiffany Kuck (McGohan Brabender) will lead this session, sharing her expertise in population health management. She will present actionable strategies for integrating wellness into the workforce, ultimately creating a safer, healthier and more productive construction industry.
For more information about the BX Blueprints for Well-being Council or this presentation, contact Ashton Chapman.
BX Blueprints for Well-being Council Q2: Workforce Wellness Strategies
April 10 | 8 - 9:30 AM
Builders Exchange
FREE BX members | $39 Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to receive the member rate.
Tiffany Kuck
(McGohan Brabender)
Tiffany brings a wealth of experience with 10 years as a Population Health Manager at McGohan Brabender, one of the nation's largest independent employee benefits brokers. In her role, Tiffany has worked closely with health and wellness programs, assisting entire families with their health needs, and demonstrating her broad experience in working with both children and adults. Her expertise spans several key areas, including marketing, communications, marketing strategy, management, training, and fostering a strong company culture. Tiffany’s combination of health management and strategic business skills makes her an invaluable asset in the employee benefits and wellness space.
If the keynote at last week’s Ohio Construction Conference has you wanting to learn more about working effectively across the generations, here’s your opportunity.
Dr. Adam Rapp (Ohio University/The Tyson Group) will share insights on the multiple generations in the workforce today and participants will complete a self-assessment of their individual work style. The discussion will explore why these preferences have developed over time, and you may discover your characteristics are typical of another generation!
After this half-day workshop, attendees will be able to:
For more information about this course, contact Deb Murphy.
Intergenerational Management
April 11 | 8 AM - NOON
Builders Exchange
$359 BX members | $459 Non-Members
Group Discount: Send three members for $925
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Adam Rapp
(Ohio University & Tyson Group)
Adam is the executive director of the Ralph & Luci Shey Sales Center and associate professor of sales at Ohio University. He has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed articles and three books. Adam was awarded the Ohio University Presidential Research Award in 2021-2024. Adam has trained and consulted with hundreds of companies in the sales and leadership space and is currently the vice president of research integration at the Tyson Group.
This hands-on course brings your new hires up to speed on the essentials of construction project workflow, boosting their productivity from the start. Structured around the lifecycle of an actual project and led by seasoned local construction professionals, this program offers a practical understanding of the construction process.
Perfect for anyone with a year or less of construction experience, Construction Basics 101 covers the roles and responsibilities of key players on a project and how they all work together to get the job done!
Topics include:
For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.
Construction Basics 101
April 29 | 8 AM - NOON
Builders Exchange
$225 BX members | $325 Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to receive the member rate.
Paul Bryan
(MIELKE
Mechanical, Inc.)
Ed Keener
(Korda/Nemeth Engineering, Inc.)
Mike Kray
(Turner
Construction Co.)
Adrienne Sraver
(Barton Malow Builders)