What is The Construction Life? The Construction Life is a daily routine of waking up at 5am, working out, showering, preparing lunch, sending off the family, driving to the construction site, organizing and preparing for the day's work, building, having fun on the job, wrapping up at the end of the day, returning home, spending time with the family, and preparing for the next day. It's a lifestyle that involves a constant co ...
... Leggi dettagli
In this episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we welcome Ed Engel, founder of Engel Homes, a custom home builder serving Simcoe County and Muskoka with a focus on Plan, Design & Build. With roots in timber framing and hands-on construction, Ed brings not just experience, but a grounded philosophy about balancing the grind with living fully. We talk shop, covering: 🪚 Timber framing and the craftsmanship that sets Engel Homes apart 🌦️ Working in the elements and how the Canadian seasons shape the construction rhythm 🌍 Turning slow winter seasons into global travel—why Ed swapped stress for stamps in his passport 💬 The mental reset that comes from stepping away, and how travel fuels creativity and energy on the job 🦶 A wild story of a self-inflicted foot injury, a fall, a hospital trip, and STILL getting back on site within days—because the work never stops Established in 2017, Engel Homes has been steadily growing, and Ed shares what it takes to build a business, build homes, and still build a life you love. 🎧 Tune in for a refreshing, real conversation about the construction hustle—and the need to hit pause sometimes. 📸 Follow on IG: @engelcustomhomes 🌐 Website: www.engelcustomhomes.com Email him at ed@engelcustomhomes.com Phone 705 718-1184 Please check out https://one-spark.ca/ an organization close to Ed. #TheConstructionLife #EngelHomes #TimberFraming #BuilderMindset #WorkHardTravelHarder #ConstructionBalance #LiveBuildRepeat 🛠️🌍👣 This show is brought to you by. At 2x2 Construction, we value strong partnerships. From multiplexes to garden suites, we’re all about building better together and we want you to be a part of it. Reach out today at info@2x2construction.caor connect with us on Instagram @2x2Construction. Join the 2x2 Construction team—where great work meets great people. With affordable pricing and a reputation for quality, Home Star Roofing is building roofs and building trust, one project at a time. Visit them on social @homestar_roofing Or www.homestarroofing.ca or call 647-380-0625 for your free quote today. That’s homestarroofing.ca — where your roof is their reputation! Tired of handshake deals and loose estimates? ContractApp gives you solid contracts, built-in e-signatures, and a live project log—all in one place. Plus, both contractors and clients can rate and review, adding real accountability to every job. Book a free demo or sign up now at 👉 ContractApp.ca. Use promo code 🎁 TCL for your first month free. ContractApp — Build trust. Protect your business.
This episode marks the final installment of the Safety Corner series. Let it be made unequivocally clear: no one speaks on behalf of Manny or dictates what can or cannot be said on The Construction Life Podcast or any affiliated platform. Any attempt to misrepresent, control, or speak for Manny will result in immediate and irreversible changes. All content, episodes, and series under The Construction Life brand—including Safety Corner—are the exclusive intellectual property of Manny and his media platforms. This is non-negotiable. With a dose of political frustration—and a half-joking, half-serious conversation about building our own islands in international waters just to escape the red tape of construction in Canada. But the tone quickly shifts as we turn our attention to the devastating recent earthquake in Myanmar, where we reflect on the tragic loss of life and the critical importance of structural integrity in construction. Plus there was a fatality with a hydra worker and we share what we know about that situation. We dive into: 🔹 The idea of building outside the system—what would it take to construct a sovereign, floating platform? 🔹 Videos of the Myanmar earthquake aftermath—analyzing how and why certain structures collapsed 🔹 The harsh realities of poor building standards, lack of enforcement, and the human cost 🔹 The responsibility of builders, engineers, and governments to do better when lives are at stake This episode is a mix of provocative ideas, hard truths, and sobering reminders that construction is never just about building—it’s about protecting lives. 🎧 Tune in for bold talk, global perspective, and a wake-up call to build smarter and safer. #TheConstructionLife #EarthquakeEngineering #MyanmarTragedy #PoliticsInConstruction #StructuralIntegrity #GlobalBuildingStandards #BuildBetter 🌍🛠️🏗️ #SafetyCorner #NewPPE #ConstructionSafety #BidsAndTenders #HousingStarts #MannyAddAZero #RealTalkTrades #SafetyCorner #WomenInConstruction #JobSiteEquality #ConstructionSafety #RealWorkRealTalk 🚧👷♀️💪
In this beautifully detailed episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Paul De Maria, founder of PVD Tile, where craftsmanship meets creativity. Known for his obsession with precision, vision, and design, Paul brings decades of hands-on experience in marble, granite, ceramic, and porcelain tile installation—and he’s here to talk tools, techniques, and the artistry behind the trade. We cover: 🧰 Paul’s favorite tools—what he swears by to get clean, perfect cuts every time 💧 His go-to waterproofing system—keeping tile installations dry and built to last 🪵 His preferred mud and setting materials—and why the foundation matters just as much as the finish 🎨 A deep dive into the world of mosaics and artisan tile work—why he wants to see the industry lean more into custom designs and creative installations 🧱 Real talk about tile and stone—how to elevate craftsmanship in an industry that’s always evolving Paul is a true tile artisan, and this episode is a masterclass in tile setting for any tradesperson who values precision and passion in their work. 🎧 Tune in to get inspired, sharpen your skills, and fall in love with the art of tile. 📸 Follow Paul on IG: @pvdtile 🌐 Website: www.pvdtile.ca pvd_tile@hotmail.com 📞 Call: 647-403-7251 #TheConstructionLife #PVDTile #TileArtisans #PrecisionVisionDesign #MosaicRevival #TileTalk #CraftsmanshipMatters 🪨🔨🎨 This show is brought to you by. Visit maplegaragedoors.com, email maplegaragedoors@hotmail.com, or call 905-738-9231. Follow them on social @mapledoors and discover why quality, knowledge, and experience live at Maple. Maple Overhead Garage Doors — Built to Impress. Made to Last. Tired of handshake deals and loose estimates? ContractApp gives you solid contracts, built-in e-signatures, and a live project log—all in one place. Plus, both contractors and clients can rate and review, adding real accountability to every job. Book a free demo or sign up now at 👉 ContractApp.ca. Use promo code 🎁 TCL for your first month free. ContractApp — Build trust. Protect your business. With affordable pricing and a reputation for quality, Home Star Roofing is building roofs and building trust, one project at a time. Visit them on social @homestar_roofing Or www.homestarroofing.ca or call 647-380-0625 for your free quote today. That’s homestarroofing.ca — where your roof is their reputation!
In this episode of The Construction Life Podcast, we sit down with Adam Bernardi, an assistant site supervisor with five years in the industry, who’s not just here to build structures—he’s here to help build a better construction culture. Coming from the world of textbooks straight to the job site, Adam has faced the usual skepticism about his age and experience—but he’s not backing down. He believes in collaboration over ego, accountability over excuses, and that supers are there to protect the job at all costs. We get into: 🔹 The “books vs. bricks” debate—what school teaches vs. what the site demands 🔹 The role of a site super—as Adam puts it, “PMs keep the lights green, supers drive the bus” 🔹 Why ‘I don’t get paid to think’ is killing productivity and pride 🔹 Nepo construction—breaking into an industry that sometimes feels like it’s closed off 🔹 Defending his place on site—and proving that age doesn't define ability 🔹 Why collaboration beats dictatorship on any job site Adam is a breath of fresh air for the industry—young, sharp, and focused on building not just structures, but better culture in construction. 🎧 Tune in to hear how the next generation is pushing back on “we’ve always done it this way” and stepping up to lead differently. 📸 Follow Adam on IG: @bernardi_713 #TheConstructionLife #NextGenConstruction #SiteSuperLeadership #BooksVsBricks #ConstructionMindset #CollaborationOverEgo #BuildDifferent 🏗️🛠️🧠 This show is Brought to you by. Tired of handshake deals and loose estimates? ContractApp gives you solid contracts, built-in e-signatures, and a live project log—all in one place. Plus, both contractors and clients can rate and review, adding real accountability to every job. Book a free demo or sign up now at 👉 ContractApp.ca. Use promo code 🎁 TCL for your first month free. ContractApp — Build trust. Protect your business. With affordable pricing and a reputation for quality, Home Star Roofing is building roofs and building trust, one project at a time. Visit them on social @homestar_roofing Or www.homestarroofing.ca or call 647-380-0625 for your free quote today. That’s homestarroofing.ca — where your roof is their reputation! Visit maplegaragedoors.com, email maplegaragedoors@hotmail.com, or call 905-738-9231. Follow them on social @mapledoors and discover why quality, knowledge, and experience live at Maple. Maple Overhead Garage Doors — Built to Impress. Made to Last.
In this power-packed Safety Roundtable edition of Safety Corner, we’re joined by Eric Huard, Andrea Martin, and Henry Gouthro from White Cap for a deep dive into some of the most critical topics in job site safety today. 🎁 Plus, we’re giving listeners a chance to win an exclusive TCL x White Cap Canada branded safety tee! 👉 Just answer this question: How long do you have to enact a rescue of a fall-arrested worker? We cover it all: 🔹 Fall rescue plans—why you need one and how to build it right 🔹 Harnesses, trauma straps & lanyards—choosing the right gear and knowing how to use it 🔹 Fall protection inspections—when, how, and what to look for 🧤 Glove & hand protection—keeping your most important tools safe 🪖 Hardhats—chin strap or no chin strap? We break it down 👓 Eyewear & hearing protection—the overlooked essentials www.whitecapsupply.com @whitecapsupply for all socials canadianservice@whitecap.com This isn’t just theory—these are real conversations from real safety leaders working every day to keep crews protected and productive. 🎧 Tune in for expert insights, practical advice, and a full-circle look at fall protection and beyond. #whitecapcanada #safetyfirst #zeroaccidents #constructionsafety #SafetyCorner #WhiteCapSafety #FallProtection #JobsiteSafety #TCLxWhiteCap #SafetyRoundtable #RescueReady #PPEKnowledge #TheConstructionLife 🦺🎧👷♂️