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In this episode: Christi and Angela interview Erik Struebig, Technical Coordinator for North America at MGX Manitowoc Crane, a nine-year US Army veteran who moved from field technician roles in agriculture, Yellow Iron, and mining to overseeing technical coordination for 218 technicians. They discuss attracting more people into heavy-equipment and construction careers by showcasing the wide range of trade-adjacent roles, improving marketing and “cool” visual branding, and communicating earning potential and apprenticeship advantages without college debt. Erik emphasizes the need for clear advancement paths through regular employee reviews and leadership investment, plus ongoing technical training supported by manufacturers and partners. He describes Manitowoc’s community engagement—Touch-a-Truck events, school outreach, funding a welding program, internships across departments, scholarships, and tooling support—and his work with Crew Collaborative. He closes with mentee advice: listen, ask questions, and volunteer.

Supported by: NPK

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In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner interview Kate Birds, owner of Iron Lady & Co., and a heavy civil/industrial operator, recently promoted to superintendent after previously doubting her leadership and trying to demote herself. She describes a “rebirth” of accepting her place in the industry and her femininity, and explains how Iron Lady & Co. grew from punny clothing into sponsoring women-focused events, including SheGrooms, a hands-on camp in the ski industry that expanded into lift maintenance, snowmaking, welding, and heavy equipment exposure. Kate discusses leadership dynamics on job sites, earning respect through competence, consistency, and direct communication, and navigating setbacks by seeking feedback, recognizing unhealthy work environments, and rebuilding.

Supported by: NPK

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In this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner interview Breanna Howard, an estimator and business development professional at Palmetto State Roofing and co-owner of Eastern Waste Solutions, about balancing industry work, entrepreneurship, and raising a one- and two-year-old. Brianna explains how negative workplace experiences shaped her focus on creating a welcoming culture by building trust with field crews through jobsite engagement and employee appreciation. She shares Eastern Waste Solutions’ community efforts, including a charity dumpster filled with donated toys for Secret Santa of Simpsonville and a planned summer donation drive for women's and children’s shelters. Brianna describes flexible workforce practices such as allowing time off without PTO, emphasizing networking beyond one’s role, encouraging women to pursue construction despite social expectations, and discussing managing a learning disability by rereading and double-checking work while using it as motivation to succeed.

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