Best Specified Technologies Inc Podcasts (2025)

1
Michael Crowley - Coffman Engineers 27:43

Play Pause

2+ y ago27:43

27:43

Key Takeaways Mike ’s Background Over 40 years of Fire Protection Consulting Experience Studied Fire Protection and Safety Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology Labs were at Underwriters Laboratories Received an MBA from University of Houston Working at Rolf Jensen and Associates and then Jensen Hughes Over 30 years Involved in the code w…

1
Rich Walke - Technical Director at Creative Technology Inc. 31:37

2+ y ago31:37

31:37

Key Takeaways Rich ’s Background Valparaiso University Grad, ,multi-Fraternity member Always wanted to go into engineering Passion started in Junior High School when he modified a bike Originally wanted to be in mechanical engineering, pivoted to civil engineering. Working at UL Had a friend who introduced him to the company. Lab work/office work c…

1
Special Interview with Landon Royals 34:19

3y ago34:19

34:19

Landon Royals, like many entrepreneurs, enjoyed his business, his people, his clients and his lifestyle. What he didn’t have was a plan that allowed him to get the money out of his business while remaining a vital part of its future. All that changed when he decided to “explore options” that would allow him to achieve his goals for him and his fami…

1
Chris Brown - Jensen Hughes 18:12

3y ago18:12

18:12

Today’s guest is Chris Brown, Chief Commercial Officer at Jensen Hughes. Key Takeaways Chris ’s Background Cornell University Board member of the Bucks County Children’s Museum BucksKids.Org Started in Software and Information Technology Career evolved through sales, product management and marketing. Exposed to Fire Protection Industry at Tyco. Wan…

1
Luke Connery - Conquest Firespray 27:34

3y ago27:34

27:34

Key Takeaways Luke’s Background Attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute Time on the football team helped develop skills needed in the professional world. Studied mechanical engineering System design engineer at Kidde-Fenwal, assessing explosion risk Went to Tyco and worked on the suppression side of the business Introduced to the lab and fire test…

1
The “Best of” Commercial Construction, Elevate the Industry 1:43:04

3+ y ago1:43:04

1:43:04

As the finale for Season 3, Dave decided to compile excerpts of interviews and solo efforts during the first 3 seasons into a single episode, the “Best of”. These clips embody the main reason behind the podcast; “to enlighten everyone from the owner to intern, through interviews of industry leaders and solo efforts about all aspects of the business…

1
Interview With Pastor Dan Crow 1:24:35

3+ y ago1:24:35

1:24:35

The interview with Pastor Dan Crow is a major deviation from our typical business podcast. We talk about everything from heaven, hell, and redemption to poverty and the Church’s role in it. During the intro, I mention that it’s more of a life issue and it is a risk mixing things like religion with a business podcast. I’m doing it to see if it makes…

1
Common Questions and Concerns in Commercial Construction 28:34

3+ y ago28:34

28:34

As he did in Season 1 and 2, Dave caps off this season by answering many common questions and concerns about the commercial construction industry. The answers are consistent with his podcast series and daily interactions in the business. These questions are relevant to everyone in the industry, from owner to intern, and can serve as a guide on how …

1
Interview with Charbel Tagher, Co-Founder, President of Specified Technologies, Inc. 1:19:30

3+ y ago1:19:30

1:19:30

Charbel has evolved STI into a leading company that provides passive fire protection in commercial buildings throughout the world. You may not see it but there are products making up tested systems built into the building that are designed to keep smoke and fire “compartmentalized” for a specific period. STI focuses on only firestop and has by far …

1
Interview with Brian Gibbons, CEO of Greenberg Gibbons Commercial 49:53

3+ y ago49:53

49:53

Dave has been after Brian now for two years for this interview because he knew it would be special. Brian, the driving force behind the extremely successful development company, opens up about the many challenges and successes he has encountered for more than 25 years in business. Brian explains how he got into the business and shaped it into a “br…

1
Building a Better You 25:23

3+ y ago25:23

25:23

In this seriously introspective solo effort, Dave compares the ways and reasons structures are built with building the best version of oneself. This is, after all a construction podcast and the parallels are amazing. Dave begins the episode by assuring the listeners that he is a “work in progress” and has many of the same questions and struggles ev…

1
Tom Hardiman - Modular Construction 25:28

3+ y ago25:28

25:28

Today’s guest is Tom Hardiman, the official spokesperson for the modular construction industry. Key Takeaways Tom ’s Background MBA from Marshall University Had a passion for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Director of the Associated Builders & Contractors Modular Construction Modular Construction is a process of constructing a building or…

1
Interview with Brian Perlberg, Esq., Associated General Contractors Senior Counsel and Executive Director of ConsensusDocs: 49:23

3+ y ago49:23

49:23

Brian, a nationally recognized construction attorney and association executive, is a perfect fit for our audience. He understands the nuances of the legal and practical side of being in the construction business and explains them in a way that is both understandable and usable. Brian discusses the first thing every manager should do when getting a …

1
Interview with Virginia and Scott Cameron of the Cameron Group 43:57

3+ y ago43:57

43:57

Virginia (Ginny) is the CEO and Scott; her son is the President of the Cameron Group. The Cameron Group of companies is a specialty contractor providing everything from insulation in residential homes to insulation, firestop and rainscreen systems in commercial buildings. The company was started in 1907, yes that’s right, 1907, over 121 years ago. …

1
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone 26:09

3+ y ago26:09

26:09

In this solo episode, Dave discusses the benefits and challenges faced when getting out of one’s comfort zone. It’s defined as “A place where you feel comfortable, and your abilities are not being tested” – or – “A place where you don’t do anything new or different” … If this sounds like something you want to change, Dave does a deep dive into what…

1
Eric Lacroix - STI 26:00

3+ y ago26:00

26:00

Today’s guest is STI’s Director of Strategic Accounts, Eric Lacroix Key Takeaways Eric’s Background Born in Massachusetts, grew up in the Carolina’s, went to college at Umass Dartmouth and then moved back south to work for STI in the Carolinas. Studied History at Umass Dartmouth, interested in going into Education Worked at a construction supply co…

1
Interview with Don Fries, Certified Leadership and Retirement Coach 54:24

3+ y ago54:24

54:24

Don Fries who is “here to help”, shares his thoughts on what a good coach provides to those who want to improve their life. He believes that the coach, different than a mentor or consultant, allows the client to lead and reinforces why it needs to be that way. Don talks about the stigma that too often inhibits people to engage a coach – a specialis…

1
Interview with Joe Wolf 1:05:39

3+ y ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Every business, regardless of the industry, must navigate the world of risk management. In commercial construction, Property Casualty insurance is a “must have”, not only for the protection of the company assets, but also for clients to even consider you for the project award. In this episode, we are fortunate to have Joe Wolf, the Sr. Vice Preside…

1
Interview With Bill Simpson 1:11:13

3+ y ago1:11:13

1:11:13

As the CEO of the non-profit Open-Door America, Bill Simpson is a foremost expert on something no one wants to talk about, Intergenerational Poverty. Bill traces back decades to the root problems in Baltimore and details how and why poverty is getting worse, not better. Bill believes that government is well intentioned but highlights why things lik…

1
Sell Your Business- Promo 1:41

3+ y ago1:41

1:41

In this brief promo, I will share with you what the first episode of Season 3 will look like. See you on 2-22-22By Dave Procida

1
Elevate The Industry- Season 3 Coming 2-22-22 1:24

3+ y ago1:24

1:24

I am so excited to release season 3 of my podcast series Elevate The Industry. Tune in on 2-22-22 to learn about Selling Your Business.By Dave Procida

1
Ruben Garcia - The Life Safety Guy 20:42

3+ y ago20:42

20:42

Key Takeaways Ruben’s Background Born and raised in Houston, Texas. Gained “Street Smarts” during his upbringing. Stumbled into Life Safety after getting a job with Johnson Control in the Fire Alarm industry. Learned code and developed his own Fire Alarm business. Came in as a maintenance technician at Texas Children’s Hospital. Developed a passion…

1
Sharron Halpert - Halpert Life Safety Consulting 17:35

3+ y ago17:35

17:35

Today’s guest is Sharron Halpert, owner of Halpert Life Safety Consulting. Sharron has been involved in multiple aspects of the Passive Fire Protection industry for over 15 years. She is truly a pioneer in a traditionally male dominated industry. Key Takeaways Sharron’s Background A rich history of volunteer work. Santa’s Helper at Ranfurley Home f…

1
Aaron Johnson 19:25

3+ y ago19:25

19:25

Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses and or…

1
John Mackey - The Mackey Group 28:48

4y ago28:48

28:48

Today’s guest is an innovative, collaborative, and forward-thinking industry leader with extensive experience building vision and driving financial results for growth-oriented organizations in Fire Protection & Life Safety, John Mackey. Key Takeaways John ’s Background Navy Veteran, served in the Gulf War Grandfathers were WWII vets, one a Navy Pil…

1
Joshua Brackett - Banner Health 32:35

4y ago32:35

32:35

The Burn: Beyond Firestop Hosted by John Zalepka Intro Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an unde…

1
Mark St. Onge - UL 25:44

4y ago25:44

25:44

The Burn: Beyond Firestop Hosted by John Zalepka Intro Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an unde…

1
Bill Koffel - Koffel Associates 32:46

4y ago32:46

32:46

The Burn: Beyond Firestop Hosted by John Zalepka Intro Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an unde…

1
Mike Kerrison - Unifrax 17:38

4y ago17:38

17:38

Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses and or…

1
Sales and Acquisitions 30:10

4+ y ago30:10

30:10

Dave walks you through the three basic types of exit plans. He discusses the reality of winding down a business and the pitfalls one will face. He then takes you through the nuances of an internal sale, one where management buys out the owner. On a subsequent podcast, Dave interviews experts in “Exit Planning” that does a deep dive into everything …

1
Patrick Tesché - Global Fire Protection Group 20:36

4+ y ago20:36

20:36

Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an understanding of how our guests and their businesses and or…

1
Common Questions and Concerns in Commercial Construction 43:20

4+ y ago43:20

43:20

As he did in Season 1, Dave caps off this season by answering many common questions and concerns about the commercial construction industry. The answers are consistent with his podcast series and daily interactions in the business. These questions are relevant to everyone in the industry, from owner to intern, and can serve as a guide on how to mov…

1
Interview with Darren Magarro 39:39

4+ y ago39:39

39:39

In this episode, Dave interviews Darren Magarro, President and Founder of DSM, a full-service marketing company based in New Jersey. Specializing in everything from Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to Social Media Marketing, Darren focuses on Branding in construction in this interview. Darren points out the many nuances of branding, how to properly…

1
Bill McHugh - FCIA 35:34

4+ y ago35:34

35:34

The Burn: Beyond Firestop Hosted by John Zalepka Intro Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Fire Stop. Our show is dedicated to life safety and code compliance in the built environment, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away with an unde…

1
Interview with Raymond Picone 54:36

4+ y ago54:36

54:36

In this episode, Dave interviews a long-time associate and friend Ray Picone who has been in the exterior wall business for over 40 years. Ray shares his story of how he grew in the business and how the business has evolved since the early days. From prefabricated EIFS panels to curtainwall and now onto rainscreen design, Ray has been busy througho…

1
Interview with Jeffrey Heymann 1:02:38

4+ y ago1:02:38

1:02:38

In this episode, Dave interviews building envelope specialist Jeff Heymann, currently the Vice President of Building Envelope Solutions for MiTek and long since the business development point person for Benson Industries. Jeff shares his experience that begin as a small business owner to working for Benson Industries, long recognized as a leading c…

1
Interview With ISA Architechtural 55:27

4+ y ago55:27

55:27

Founded in 2005, ISAarchitectural is the Mid-Atlantic's premier sales force for architectural and engineered architectural systems. An in-depth interview with the three partners at ISA. Over the last 20 years our team of associates have participated in thousands of construction projects nationwide, helping hundreds of design firms and contractors a…

1
Prefabrication: The Technique That's Here To Stay 36:50

4+ y ago36:50

36:50

In this episode, Dave shares his over 35 years of working with prefabricated components as an erector, assembler and now a manufacturer/contractor. You will get great insight into “offsite construction” in general with focus on the building envelope. You will hear firsthand how the business has evolved and as importantly, why is it such a factor in…

1
Firefighter Knowledge in Fire & Life Safety 35:00

4+ y ago35:00

35:00

The Burn: Beyond Firestop Hosted by John Zalepka Intro Welcome back to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. I'm your host. John's Zalepka. Our show, if you're not aware is focused on life safety, which puts me on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspective. Our hope is that our listening audience walks away wit…

1
Lainey Liotta - Lubrizol 31:20

4+ y ago31:20

31:20

Welcome back to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. I'm still your host John Zalepka. If you don't know, this show is dedicated to life safety. So I'm on a mission to find the most interesting people in the space to get their unique perspectives. Now you can usually find me training people so that they understand where firestop falls in the whole life safet…

1
Interview with Casey Robb 48:06

4+ y ago48:06

48:06

In this episode, Dave interviews Casey Robb, founder and CEO of C. F. Robb Consulting Services, Inc. Originally titled “Contemplating Change”, the episode name was renamed “Embracing Change”. We are all faced with change and depending on how we deal with it, makes us who we are. Casey shares his story that includes two basic types of change; forced…

1
Growing Commercial Revenue 44:18

4+ y ago44:18

44:18

We all know there are several ways to grow your revenue in commercial construction. Assuming you have a successful line of business already, you can do more of the same and hope you don’t reach the point of diminishing returns. You can take what you’re good at and expand geographically. Or, you can add adjacent scopes of work that increase your rev…

1
Inspect Point 31:23

4+ y ago31:23

31:23

Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. I'm your host, John Zalepka. Since this show is focused on life safety, I'm on a mission to find the most interesting people in this space to get their unique perspectives. As the training and development manager at STI, it's part of my job to help people understand how fire stop fits into life safety, but we w…

1
Interview with Steve Regalbuto 1:04:43

4+ y ago1:04:43

1:04:43

As Vice President of US Operations for Nova Drywall Systems, Inc, Steve is responsible for executing the work on massive projects in Southern California. Steve brings a rock-solid project management background style to his executive leadership role. He discusses issues that are prevalent in today’s construction market and shares how he handles both…

1
Marine Firestop 25:46

4+ y ago25:46

25:46

The Burn: Beyond Firestop Hosted by John Zalepka Intro Welcome to The Burn, Beyond Firestop. This is a podcast where I will be interviewing interesting people involved in construction to get their unique perspectives. I'm going to be using my experience as the training and development manager, to help our audience walk away with an understanding of…

1
Steps in a Successful Commercial Pursuit 30:05

4+ y ago30:05

30:05

In this episode, Dave outlines the ten critical steps in a successful commercial pursuit. With discipline and appropriate resources, your company can develop a process that wins work and make a positive impact when the job is awarded to a competitor. From Step 1 where the potential projects are screened to Step 10 where there is a post-bid debrief,…

1
Interview with Jesse Weissburg 46:04

4+ y ago46:04

46:04

Billd provides access to affordable financing for materials on a per project basis to help offset cash flow issues while boosting growth and meeting the needs of the contractor, suppliers and the client. In this episode, Jesse discusses “financing 101” in commercial construction. This includes everything from conventional banking to using credit ca…

1
Interview with Larry Regan 37:33

4+ y ago37:33

37:33

This interview is a fascinating look at the commercial construction industry through the eyes of Larry Regan, co-founder and principal of Source 1 Business Services. Larry has worked extensively with organizations to help them navigate the challenges and complexities facing most companies that are expanding and growing. He has in-depth experience i…

1
Welcome to The Burn 1:12

4+ y ago1:12

1:12

The Burn takes a dive into the life safety and code requirements for compliance in modern construction. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to design, build or erect a super tall, or how manufacturers test their products to meet codes and standards... then you’ve come to the right place. We are going to be sitting down and picking the brains of t…

1
Interview with Brett Rugo 40:55

4+ y ago40:55

40:55

From owner to intern is the phrase that describes those who will benefit from the podcast and Brett Rugo has demonstrated that the path works! Brett, who is one of the most successful stone contractors in the mid-Atlantic region, starter as a laborer for a stone company. His passion, work ethic and some key mentors helped Brett realize his dream as…