
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Construction Owners
Dive into the world of construction with CO Pod, where we dig deep into the triumphs and trials of industry trailblazers. Each episode brings you valuable insight from visionaries who transform blueprints into reality—sharing their hard-earned wisdom, gritty challenges, and groundbreaking solutions. From managing complex commercial projects and navigating residential builds to conquering specialized trades, these are the stories behind the scaffolding, the sweat, and the success.
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Barbara Durante has built a career that spans public accounting, small business ownership, and now construction finance advisory, and somehow found time to lead across six industry organizations along the way. As a Senior Manager at Grassi and Vice President of Professional Women in Construction (NY Chapter), Barbara brings more than thirty years of accounting expertise to a sector she's deeply passionate about: helping construction companies understand their numbers so they can grow with confidence. In this episode, Barbara talks about how she found her way into construction, why community-building is just as important as technical expertise, and what it really means to show up for an industry, not just professionally, but personally. She's warm, candid, and the kind of connector that makes every room feel smaller and more welcoming.
Reggie Torbor isn't your typical construction executive. Before founding Pylon Building Group, a Birmingham-based commercial general contractor, he spent eight seasons in the NFL as a linebacker, culminating in a Super Bowl win with the New York Giants. In this episode, Reggie shares how the discipline, accountability, and resilience he built on the field became his greatest assets in business, and how he's using construction as a vehicle for community equity, minority opportunity, and people-first leadership.From navigating the jarring identity shift that comes after a professional sports career, to building a company culture where personal growth and craft mastery go hand in hand, Reggie brings a perspective on leadership that is equal parts grounded and aspirational. He talks candidly about what it means to build the right team, choose the right partners, and stay rooted in a community even as you grow.
In this episode of CO Pod, Caroline talks with Adam Stark, a special operations veteran turned construction executive and founder of Jet.Build, about the connection between military experience and success in construction. Adam shares why veterans are a natural fit for the industry, how shared situational awareness can improve project outcomes, and why stronger visibility, accountability, and communication are essential for better results.
In this Women in Construction Week edition of CO Pod, we’re joined by Michele Wilson, a seasoned General Contractor and passionate homeowner advocate dedicated to making residential renovations smoother, smarter, and more predictable. Through meticulous planning, budgeting, and logistics, Michele helps homeowners navigate the renovation process with confidence and clarity. Beyond her contracting work, Michele is the founder of Coffee with Contractors® and Cocktails with Contractors®, two impact‑driven community platforms that bring together homeowners, contractors, and industry partners to connect, educate, and elevate the renovation experience.In this episode, Michele shares how she’s disrupting the construction industry with community and class, her strategies for protecting homeowners during projects, and her perspective on where women fit into the future of residential construction.
In this Women in Construction Week edition of CO Pod, Kristina Held, President and Founder of Held Architecture, joins us to explore what sustainability and high‑performance design really mean in today’s built environment. With more than 20 years in practice, Kristina’s career includes leadership at Insight Architects, the founding of Grün – Sustainable Architecture and Design, and now guiding Held Architecture’s innovative portfolio of urban infill and mixed‑use projects. As Charlotte’s first Passive House–certified architect, her global education and experience, from Belgrade and Kaiserslautern to UNC Charlotte, fuel her commitment to climate‑responsive, people‑centered design. This episode dives into how thoughtful, future‑focused architecture can shape healthier, more sustainable communities for generations.
In this Women in Construction Week edition of CO Pod, Bailey Shey Morris, President and Owner of Cadmus Construction in Raleigh, shares her perspective on leadership, resilience, and raising the bar for quality in the roofing and restoration industry.Leading a firm known for its craftsmanship, sustainable building practices, and dedication to client advocacy, Bailey combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise across both residential and commercial projects. From navigating complex insurance claim restorations to delivering high‑performance roofing systems, she’s built a company grounded in integrity, innovation, and trust.This episode explores Bailey’s approach to leading with purpose and how women are shaping the future of construction through collaboration, excellence, and heart.
In this Women in Construction Week edition of CO Pod, Nicole Kalafut, President of PMC Commercial Interiors in Raleigh, shares her insights on the power of design, leadership, and partnership in creating exceptional commercial spaces.With more than 25 years of experience spanning sales, contract negotiation, and workplace solutions, and recognition as the 2024 CORE Awards Service Provider of the Year, Nicole offers a thoughtful look at how collaboration between owners, vendors, and designers can shape project success. She also discusses how women leaders are influencing the next era of commercial interiors across the Southeast and beyond.
In this special Women in Construction Week edition of CO Pod, we sit down with Krystyna “KK” Kielbon, President of KK Interior Design Group, an international design firm with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh specializing in hospitality and commercial projects that blend modern sustainability with timeless luxury. KK shares how her team collaborates seamlessly with owners, architects, brokers, and contractors to bring design visions to life, from initial concept through construction, on both local and global stages. As the Charlotte and Raleigh Chapter President of Contractors, Closers & Connections (CCC), she’s also leading the charge in building relationships that strengthen the construction and real estate communities. Tune in as we dive into KK’s journey in leadership, her approach to design excellence, and how intentional networking is empowering more women to step into key roles across the construction industry.
Dive into the world of construction with CO Pod, where we dig deep into the triumphs and trials of industry trailblazers. Each episode brings you valuable insight from visionaries who transform blueprints into reality—sharing their hard-earned wisdom, gritty challenges, and groundbreaking solutions. From managing complex commercial projects and navigating residential builds to conquering specialized trades, these are the stories behind the scaffolding, the sweat, and the success.
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