<![CDATA[Load Bearing Opinions]]>Load Bearing Opinions is where construction, the trades, and life all intersect. We swap stories from the field, talk training and careers, and give our take on the stuff that really matters. No fluff—just solid opinions built to last.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 12:45:10 GMTSun, 08 Feb 2026 02:44:52 GMT60CJ Curtis<p><b>Load Bearing Opinions</b> is where construction, the trades, and life all intersect. We swap stories from the field, talk training and careers, and give our take on the stuff that really matters. No fluff—just solid opinions built to last.</p>episodicCJ Curtisccurtis@brasfieldgorrie.comyes<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 7]]>First....We are not Financial Advisors, this is not financial advice. Just some observations, experiences and lessons you may learn from, hopefully earlier than we did.

Takeaways

  • Transitioning to a new job in construction often involves a significant increase in pay and working hours.
  • The first big paycheck in construction can lead to irresponsible spending and financial mismanagement. Financial advice: Budget your base income and invest/save any additional income.
  • Investing in 401k: Increase contributions with pay raises and overtime earnings.
  • Be mindful of impulse spending and consider long-term financial goals.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Launch
  • 04:54 The Impact of the First Big Paycheck
  • 13:05 Personal Responsibility and Growth
  • 19:02 Advice for Young Workers in Construction
  • 28:33 Investing and 401k
  • 35:00 Financial Mindset and Lifestyle
  • 42:20 Teaser for Next Week's Topic
]]>c2e11b21-1d67-4716-a574-63be4d141033Wed, 27 May 2026 01:35:27 GMT<p>First....We are not Financial Advisors, this is not financial advice. Just some observations, experiences and lessons you may learn from, hopefully earlier than we did. </p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Transitioning to a new job in construction often involves a significant increase in pay and working hours.</li><li>The first big paycheck in construction can lead to irresponsible spending and financial mismanagement. Financial advice: Budget your base income and invest/save any additional income.</li><li>Investing in 401k: Increase contributions with pay raises and overtime earnings.</li><li>Be mindful of impulse spending and consider long-term financial goals.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Podcast Launch</li><li>04:54 The Impact of the First Big Paycheck</li><li>13:05 Personal Responsibility and Growth</li><li>19:02 Advice for Young Workers in Construction</li><li>28:33 Investing and 401k</li><li>35:00 Financial Mindset and Lifestyle</li><li>42:20 Teaser for Next Week's Topic</li></ul>yes00:43:3917Season 1 Episode 7full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 1]]>The podcast features a candid conversation between Ryan and CJ, discussing their passion for construction, origin stories, generational differences in the industry, and the impact of technology on construction practices. The conversation delves into the challenges and benefits of technology adoption, as well as the evolving nature of construction practices in the modern era. The conversation covers the evolution of battery power tools, the shift in workforce demographics and attitudes, the role of robots in the construction industry, the future of the construction industry and workforce development, and an introduction to the Apprentice Survival Guide.

Takeaways

  • Generational differences in the construction industry
  • Impact of technology on construction practices Advancements in battery power tools have significantly changed the construction industry.
  • The construction industry is experiencing a shift in workforce demographics and attitudes.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Technology's Influence on Construction Practices
  • 22:26 Evolution of Battery Power Tools
  • 28:04 The Future of Construction Industry and Workforce Development
  • 37:22 Introduction to the Apprentice Survival Guide
]]>b4a5c593-145e-41a0-abd2-74dcb025ec65Tue, 19 May 2026 00:48:57 GMT<p>The podcast features a candid conversation between Ryan and CJ, discussing their passion for construction, origin stories, generational differences in the industry, and the impact of technology on construction practices. The conversation delves into the challenges and benefits of technology adoption, as well as the evolving nature of construction practices in the modern era. The conversation covers the evolution of battery power tools, the shift in workforce demographics and attitudes, the role of robots in the construction industry, the future of the construction industry and workforce development, and an introduction to the Apprentice Survival Guide.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Generational differences in the construction industry</li><li>Impact of technology on construction practices Advancements in battery power tools have significantly changed the construction industry.</li><li>The construction industry is experiencing a shift in workforce demographics and attitudes.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Technology's Influence on Construction Practices</li><li>22:26 Evolution of Battery Power Tools</li><li>28:04 The Future of Construction Industry and Workforce Development</li><li>37:22 Introduction to the Apprentice Survival Guide</li></ul>yes00:38:5311Season 1 Episode 1full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 6]]>The conversation covers topics such as starting over, career choices, success, and dream jobs. It delves into personal experiences, reflections on past decisions, and the evolution of success over time. The conversation covers a range of topics, including dream jobs, teaching, helicopter piloting, and AI takeover. It delves into personal aspirations, societal impact, and speculative scenarios related to technology and human behavior.

Takeaways

  • Career success evolves with age and experience.
  • Success is measured by personal fulfillment and the ability to help others.
  • Exploring different career paths and trying new things is important for personal growth. Teaching and coaching can have a significant impact on young people's development.
  • The conversation explores the potential consequences of AI advancement and human interaction with technology.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Starting Over and Career Reflections
  • 18:56 Personal Reflections and Dream Jobs
  • 30:37 Dream Jobs and Impact
  • 48:04 AI Takeover and Speculation
]]>de8455e0-13f7-4fff-824b-8c67f8fc9112Mon, 18 May 2026 23:11:47 GMT<p>The conversation covers topics such as starting over, career choices, success, and dream jobs. It delves into personal experiences, reflections on past decisions, and the evolution of success over time. The conversation covers a range of topics, including dream jobs, teaching, helicopter piloting, and AI takeover. It delves into personal aspirations, societal impact, and speculative scenarios related to technology and human behavior.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Career success evolves with age and experience.</li><li>Success is measured by personal fulfillment and the ability to help others.</li><li>Exploring different career paths and trying new things is important for personal growth. Teaching and coaching can have a significant impact on young people's development.</li><li>The conversation explores the potential consequences of AI advancement and human interaction with technology.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Starting Over and Career Reflections</li><li>18:56 Personal Reflections and Dream Jobs</li><li>30:37 Dream Jobs and Impact</li><li>48:04 AI Takeover and Speculation</li></ul>yes00:50:2616Season 1 Episode 6full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 5]]>The conversation delves into the debate of effort vs. skill training, highlighting the importance of on-the-job training and the diversity of construction work. It emphasizes the significance of small efforts and the snowball effect of effort training, encouraging adaptability and the attachment of a reason to effort training. The discussion also touches on the importance of classroom mistakes and the joy of working in the construction industry.

Takeaways

  • Effort Over Skill
  • Importance of On-the-Job Training

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Podcast Intro Struggle
  • 05:51 Learning in the Field vs. Formal Training
  • 11:22 Fundamentals vs. Practical Learning
  • 17:00 The Importance of Small Efforts
  • 22:28 The Joy of Working in the Construction Industry
  • 28:25 The Snowball Effect of Effort Training
]]>df345da0-b030-4563-abe9-b217a36c0290Mon, 18 May 2026 23:09:55 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the debate of effort vs. skill training, highlighting the importance of on-the-job training and the diversity of construction work. It emphasizes the significance of small efforts and the snowball effect of effort training, encouraging adaptability and the attachment of a reason to effort training. The discussion also touches on the importance of classroom mistakes and the joy of working in the construction industry.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Effort Over Skill</li><li>Importance of On-the-Job Training</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Podcast Intro Struggle</li><li>05:51 Learning in the Field vs. Formal Training</li><li>11:22 Fundamentals vs. Practical Learning</li><li>17:00 The Importance of Small Efforts</li><li>22:28 The Joy of Working in the Construction Industry</li><li>28:25 The Snowball Effect of Effort Training</li></ul>yes00:35:0715Season 1 Episode 5full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 4]]>The podcast episode covers a wide range of topics related to career paths in the construction industry, including the journey from laborer to superintendent, the importance of learning and growth, and the transition from a craft position to a leadership role. The conversation also delves into the challenges and responsibilities of being a boss and the significance of communication and initiative in career advancement. The conversation delves into the career progression within the construction industry, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and personal experiences of individuals as they advance in their careers. It emphasizes the importance of planning, learning from mistakes, and the impact of travel and work-life balance on career growth.

Takeaways

  • Career paths in construction offer diverse opportunities for growth and advancement.
  • Transitioning from a craft position to a leadership role requires learning how to manage people and take on more responsibility. Career progression in construction requires time, effort, and a well-defined plan.
  • Learning from mistakes and adapting to change are crucial for career advancement.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format
  • 05:49 The Importance of Communication and Initiative in Career Advancement
  • 22:18 The Path from Carpenter to Superintendent
  • 30:01 Work-Life Balance and Career Growth
  • 40:13 The Importance of Planning and Adaptation
  • 46:00 Reflections on Career Growth and Personal Experiences
]]>2591ff7e-6a05-4818-85b5-2246cd000369Mon, 18 May 2026 23:08:14 GMT<p>The podcast episode covers a wide range of topics related to career paths in the construction industry, including the journey from laborer to superintendent, the importance of learning and growth, and the transition from a craft position to a leadership role. The conversation also delves into the challenges and responsibilities of being a boss and the significance of communication and initiative in career advancement. The conversation delves into the career progression within the construction industry, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and personal experiences of individuals as they advance in their careers. It emphasizes the importance of planning, learning from mistakes, and the impact of travel and work-life balance on career growth.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Career paths in construction offer diverse opportunities for growth and advancement.</li><li>Transitioning from a craft position to a leadership role requires learning how to manage people and take on more responsibility. Career progression in construction requires time, effort, and a well-defined plan.</li><li>Learning from mistakes and adapting to change are crucial for career advancement.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format</li><li>05:49 The Importance of Communication and Initiative in Career Advancement</li><li>22:18 The Path from Carpenter to Superintendent</li><li>30:01 Work-Life Balance and Career Growth</li><li>40:13 The Importance of Planning and Adaptation</li><li>46:00 Reflections on Career Growth and Personal Experiences</li></ul>no00:50:15Season 1 Episode 4full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 3]]>The conversation covers the importance of attitude and initiative in the workplace, as well as the value of learning through mistakes. It also emphasizes the significance of showing initiative, being coachable, and maintaining a positive attitude in the construction industry. The conversation delves into the value of rework as a learning opportunity and the importance of taking advantage of training opportunities. It also emphasizes the significance of lifelong learning and personal development, as well as the essential personal attributes for career growth.

Takeaways

  • Attitude and Initiative
  • Learning through Mistakes Rework as a Learning Opportunity
  • Take Advantage of Training Opportunities

Chapters

  • 00:00 Attitude and Initiative
  • 17:09 Learning through Mistakes
  • 23:55 Taking Advantage of Training Opportunities
  • 38:07 Personal Attributes for Career Growth
]]>ea5271a9-b373-4884-830a-eceba09f6123Mon, 18 May 2026 23:05:15 GMT<p>The conversation covers the importance of attitude and initiative in the workplace, as well as the value of learning through mistakes. It also emphasizes the significance of showing initiative, being coachable, and maintaining a positive attitude in the construction industry. The conversation delves into the value of rework as a learning opportunity and the importance of taking advantage of training opportunities. It also emphasizes the significance of lifelong learning and personal development, as well as the essential personal attributes for career growth.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Attitude and Initiative</li><li>Learning through Mistakes Rework as a Learning Opportunity</li><li>Take Advantage of Training Opportunities</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Attitude and Initiative</li><li>17:09 Learning through Mistakes</li><li>23:55 Taking Advantage of Training Opportunities</li><li>38:07 Personal Attributes for Career Growth</li></ul>yes00:41:4913Season 1 Episode 3full<![CDATA[Season 1 Episode 2]]>The podcast episode features a discussion with three construction workers about their experiences and challenges on their first day on the job, hazing and initiation rituals, learning from experience, and adapting to new roles in the construction industry. The conversation covers various aspects of the construction industry, including overcoming challenges, learning from mistakes, entering the industry, work-life balance, and the importance of job site meals and camaraderie. The speakers share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the value of learning, teamwork, and work-life balance in construction.

Takeaways

  • First day experiences set the tone for an individual's journey in the construction industry.
  • Hazing and initiation rituals have evolved over time, but still play a role in the industry's culture. Learning from mistakes is a crucial part of growth in the construction industry.
  • The construction industry fosters a sense of camaraderie and family, with job site meals being a significant part of the experience.

Chapters

  • 00:00 First Day on the Job
  • 20:24 Adapting to New Roles
  • 27:57 Learning from Mistakes
  • 34:36 Entering the Construction Industry
  • 43:37 Work-Life Balance in Construction
]]>c42c0522-9a19-4f05-a25c-1d7cd214f882Mon, 18 May 2026 22:57:22 GMT<p>The podcast episode features a discussion with three construction workers about their experiences and challenges on their first day on the job, hazing and initiation rituals, learning from experience, and adapting to new roles in the construction industry. The conversation covers various aspects of the construction industry, including overcoming challenges, learning from mistakes, entering the industry, work-life balance, and the importance of job site meals and camaraderie. The speakers share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the value of learning, teamwork, and work-life balance in construction.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>First day experiences set the tone for an individual's journey in the construction industry.</li><li>Hazing and initiation rituals have evolved over time, but still play a role in the industry's culture. Learning from mistakes is a crucial part of growth in the construction industry.</li><li>The construction industry fosters a sense of camaraderie and family, with job site meals being a significant part of the experience.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 First Day on the Job</li><li>20:24 Adapting to New Roles</li><li>27:57 Learning from Mistakes</li><li>34:36 Entering the Construction Industry</li><li>43:37 Work-Life Balance in Construction</li></ul>yes00:53:1112Season 1 Episode 2full