Explore the future of construction through green building, youth engagement, and leadership development to build a sustainable and skilled workforce.
The construction industry is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by new technologies, changing societal needs, and a growing awareness of sustainability. But beneath the surface of blueprints and building codes lies a deeper story—one about leadership, education, and the next generation of skilled tradespeople. In this article, we’ll explore the intersection of green building, workforce development, and the creative ways contractors and industry leaders are shaping the future.
As the days grow longer and the air fills with the sounds of summer, there’s a unique energy that infuses both work and play. For many in the construction industry, summer is not just about getting projects done—it's about building relationships, fostering leadership, and even finding joy in unexpected places.
One innovative approach to leadership development comes from a company that decided to take its managers out of their comfort zones—literally. Instead of the usual boardroom workshops, these managers were challenged to perform stand-up comedy at a local open mic night. The goal? To improve their public speaking, preparation, and ability to command a room—skills that translate directly to more effective meetings and team management.
The lesson here is clear: growth often happens when we step into the unknown. Whether it’s facing the fear of public speaking or learning to adapt on the fly, these experiences build resilience and camaraderie. As one leader put it, “If you can put as much thought into this for the quality of a stranger, then you should be putting 10 times more effort into the quality of your employees.”
Everyone has a story about bombing in front of an audience—whether it’s a failed sermon, a botched presentation, or a joke that falls flat. But these moments of vulnerability are where real learning happens. As one mentor shared, “Your worst nightmare of this scenario has just happened and now you got over it and you realize that you’re fine and everything’s going to be okay. From here on up, it’s always going to be better because it can’t be that bad.”
This mindset—embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth—is essential not just for leaders, but for anyone looking to make a mark in the construction industry.
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a necessity. But what does it really mean to build “green,” and how can contractors and homeowners make meaningful changes without breaking the bank?
Mara, founder of Green Home Coach, has been at the forefront of the green building movement since 2006. Her journey began almost by accident, helping a friend launch an energy efficiency consulting firm in St. Louis. What started as a marketing role quickly evolved into a passion for sustainability, education, and community impact.
Drawing inspiration from mentors and personal experiences—including lessons from a grandmother who lived through the Depression—Mara discovered that green building is about more than just technology. It’s about creating homes that are healthier, more resilient, and easier to maintain.
Contrary to popular belief, green building isn’t just about installing solar panels. In fact, one of the biggest myths is that solar alone makes a home sustainable. As Mara explains, “If you have solar panels but you’re burning enough energy for a small city, you’ve just invested in enough solar panels to power a small city.”
True sustainability is holistic. It encompasses energy efficiency, health and wellness, durability, and ease of maintenance. It’s about making choices that improve quality of life while reducing environmental impact.
Myth 1: Green is Only for Millennials
While younger generations are often associated with sustainability, it’s actually Baby Boomers who are leading the way in adopting green measures. Having lived in their homes longer, they value ease of maintenance, durability, and health benefits.
Myth 2: One Product Solves Everything
No single product or technology can make a home truly green. It’s the combination of choices—energy-efficient lighting, non-toxic cleaning products, sustainable materials—that creates lasting impact.
Mara’s book, Living Green Effortlessly: Simple Choices for a Better Home, offers practical tips for anyone looking to make their home more sustainable. Here are a few favorites:
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs waste about 95% of their energy as heat. LEDs are far more efficient, saving money and reducing your cooling load.
Use Green Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaners contain toxic chemicals that can harm both people and pets. Opt for non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives for a healthier home environment.
Choose Tree-Free Toilet Paper
Traditional toilet paper often comes from old-growth forests. Brands like “Who Gives a Crap” offer recycled and bamboo options that are both sustainable and effective.
Consider Water-Saving Fixtures and Appliances
Low-flow toilets, showerheads, and efficient appliances can significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing performance.
Embrace Smart Home Technology
Motion sensors, programmable thermostats, and energy monitoring systems make it easier to save energy and money.
Even the best-designed green home won’t reach its potential without the right habits. Education and behavior change are critical. As Mara notes, “All of our outcomes are based on the things that are in our life—the physical things—but also how our behavior affects those. And this behavior part still gets left in the dark a lot, even though we talk about it a lot.”
The construction industry faces a looming workforce shortage. For every seven plumbers who retire, only one is entering the field. This gap is the result of decades of underinvestment in vocational education and a cultural shift away from the trades.
To address this challenge, programs like Construct My Future are stepping up. This annual camp introduces middle schoolers to the wide world of construction and skilled trades through hands-on activities, field trips, and mentorship.
The camp’s origins trace back to a similar initiative in Springfield, Missouri, where a citywide workforce development committee created an interactive event for high schoolers. Inspired by its success, Mara and a team of dedicated women in building brought the concept to their own community.
The first year was a whirlwind—balancing logistics, building relationships with schools and contractors, and overcoming skepticism. But the results spoke for themselves: 450 students attended the inaugural event, and the program has since grown to serve over 1,400 students annually, with similar camps now running in dozens of cities nationwide.
Supporting youth programs isn’t just about giving back—it’s about securing the future of the industry. By exposing young people to the trades, contractors help fill the pipeline with skilled, motivated workers. As Mara puts it, “Supporting events like these is helping to fill that pipeline for all of us in the trades and the construction industry.”
Today’s middle schoolers—known as Gen Alpha—are uniquely positioned to thrive in the trades. Having grown up with technology, they’re eager for hands-on, kinesthetic experiences. Give them a blowtorch or a welding mask, and they light up with excitement.
The camp’s philosophy isn’t to push kids into the trades, but to inspire curiosity and confidence. Whether it’s welding, carpentry, HVAC, or even asphalt paving, the goal is to show students the breadth of opportunities available and let them discover their own passions.
Running a camp of this scale isn’t without its hiccups—miscommunications, logistical snafus, and the occasional emotional outburst from an overstimulated camper. But these challenges are part of the learning process, for both students and organizers.
The vision for the future is ambitious: to “franchise” the camp model, partnering with organizations across the country (and even internationally) to bring hands-on construction education to more communities. The hope is to create a national network of camps, sharing resources, best practices, and a shared commitment to building a better future.
Not every contractor has the resources to launch a full-scale camp, but even small actions can make a difference:
The key is to bridge the gap between the industry and the next generation, showing young people that the trades are not just viable, but exciting and rewarding career paths.
At its core, the construction industry is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about people. Whether it’s mentoring a young apprentice, collaborating on a green building project, or sharing a laugh over a cold beer, the relationships we build are what truly stand the test of time.
From stand-up comedy nights to field trip mishaps, the stories shared by industry leaders remind us that growth comes from stepping outside our comfort zones, embracing failure, and supporting one another. Psychological safety, trust, and a willingness to try new things are the foundations of strong teams and successful projects.
Green building isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility. By making thoughtful choices in our homes and businesses, we can reduce our environmental impact, improve our health, and create spaces that stand the test of time. Education, both for homeowners and industry professionals, is key to driving lasting change.
Programs like Construct My Future demonstrate the power of community-driven solutions. By investing in youth, sharing knowledge, and fostering curiosity, we can ensure that the construction industry remains vibrant, innovative, and inclusive for generations to come.
As the episode of “Beers with Contractors” wraps up, the message is clear: whether you’re a seasoned builder, a green home advocate, or a curious student, there’s a place for you in the future of construction. The path forward is built on collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to making the world a better place—one project, one person, and one community at a time.
So raise a glass (responsibly, of course) to the leaders, learners, and dreamers who are building a brighter, greener, and more inclusive future for us all.
For more information on green building, youth camps, or to get involved, check out Green Home Coach and Construct My Future on social media or visit their websites. Every small step counts in building the world we want to see.
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