Southland Speaks Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:36:22 -0400 http://southlandind.com en-us © 2026 Southland Industries yes 8c5fdc29-a578-5320-8566-451ded067531 Southland Industries serial false Southland Speaks is a Southland Industries podcast series that offers a deeper look into our team's experiences, expertise, and insights. Listen as employees share how they overcome challenges, achieve remarkable results, and foster a culture of collaboration to drive collective success. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Southland Industries https://storage.buzzsprout.com/7qzc94onsdqvu1q7pvf0t3613o3e?.jpg Southland Speaks http://southlandind.com Southland Speaks | Leveraging Lean Thinking, Valuing Our People Southland Speaks | Leveraging Lean Thinking, Valuing Our People Greg Hamm, Project Executive, provides insight into Lean Thinking and practical ways to incorporate Lean principles into our day-to-day work, and the unintentional ways we may be already doing it. 

]]> Greg Hamm, Project Executive, provides insight into Lean Thinking and practical ways to incorporate Lean principles into our day-to-day work, and the unintentional ways we may be already doing it. 

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-13194537 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0400 2624 2 13 full false Southland Speaks | How Effective Project Managers Drive Project Success Southland Speaks | How Effective Project Managers Drive Project Success  Bryce Barler, Project Executive, provides his perspective on the traits that make a Project Manager effective in their role and the criteria he uses to define a successful project.  

]]>  Bryce Barler, Project Executive, provides his perspective on the traits that make a Project Manager effective in their role and the criteria he uses to define a successful project.  

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-13194535 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0400 1831 2 12 full false Southland Speaks | The Empathetic Field Leader Southland Speaks | The Empathetic Field Leader Arick Washington, Construction Manager, shares his perspective on the traits that make a Field Leader effective in their role and the importance of building relationships quickly.  

]]> Arick Washington, Construction Manager, shares his perspective on the traits that make a Field Leader effective in their role and the importance of building relationships quickly.  

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-13194527 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0400 1903 2 10 full false Southland Speaks | Characteristics of Effective Engineers Southland Speaks | Characteristics of Effective Engineers Tony Shakouri, Principal Engineer, shares his thoughts on the role of an engineer at Southland and the different traits that make an engineer effective in their role.  

]]> Tony Shakouri, Principal Engineer, shares his thoughts on the role of an engineer at Southland and the different traits that make an engineer effective in their role.  

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-13194521 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0400 2288 full false Southland Speaks | The Power of Relationships and Strengths in Business Development Southland Speaks | The Power of Relationships and Strengths in Business Development Natasha Schnaitmann, Business Development Manager, helps us learn more about Business Development and the importance of building relationships and working to your strengths.  

]]> Natasha Schnaitmann, Business Development Manager, helps us learn more about Business Development and the importance of building relationships and working to your strengths.  

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-13194513 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0400 2329 2 8 full false Southland Speaks | Traits that Define an Effective Project Manager Southland Speaks | Traits that Define an Effective Project Manager Carl Winter, Project Executive, provides his perspective on the traits that make a project manager effective and how Southland's core values show up in his daily work. From his experiences, Carl shares the valuable lessons he learned throughout his career managing projects and teams. 

While technical expertise is crucial, Carl emphasizes the significance of intentional behavior in driving project success. From maintaining regular check-ins with team members to ensuring thorough preparedness for meetings, he highlights the importance of being proactive and transparent in order to achieve desired outcomes.

As a respected team leader, Carl also discusses the power of cultivating trust within a project team. Listen to learn how he leverages the unique strengths of each team member and fosters an environment for success.

]]> Carl Winter, Project Executive, provides his perspective on the traits that make a project manager effective and how Southland's core values show up in his daily work. From his experiences, Carl shares the valuable lessons he learned throughout his career managing projects and teams. 

While technical expertise is crucial, Carl emphasizes the significance of intentional behavior in driving project success. From maintaining regular check-ins with team members to ensuring thorough preparedness for meetings, he highlights the importance of being proactive and transparent in order to achieve desired outcomes.

As a respected team leader, Carl also discusses the power of cultivating trust within a project team. Listen to learn how he leverages the unique strengths of each team member and fosters an environment for success.

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-13194426 Mon, 10 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0400 1958 2 7 full false Southland Speaks | Building a Strong Safety Culture Southland Speaks | Building a Strong Safety Culture With over 25 years of expertise, Sid Ruiz, Senior Safety Manager, shares how construction safety has evolved throughout his career and highlights the significance of building relationships to foster a strong safety culture within an organization.

Sid provides examples that demonstrate the pivotal role played by every team member in ensuring the utmost safety and well-being of Southland's job sites and personnel. Supported by top leadership, he emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to voice concerns and actively contribute to creating a safe work environment.

From implementing a programmatic safety plan to conducting job hazard analyses and instilling an "if you see something, say something" mindset, Sid shares the intentional actions that effectively contribute to driving a strong safety culture.



]]> With over 25 years of expertise, Sid Ruiz, Senior Safety Manager, shares how construction safety has evolved throughout his career and highlights the significance of building relationships to foster a strong safety culture within an organization.

Sid provides examples that demonstrate the pivotal role played by every team member in ensuring the utmost safety and well-being of Southland's job sites and personnel. Supported by top leadership, he emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to voice concerns and actively contribute to creating a safe work environment.

From implementing a programmatic safety plan to conducting job hazard analyses and instilling an "if you see something, say something" mindset, Sid shares the intentional actions that effectively contribute to driving a strong safety culture.



]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-13123393 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 08:00:00 -0400 1891 2 6 full false Southland Speaks | The Scalable Role of Energy Expertise Throughout the Building Lifecycle Southland Speaks | The Scalable Role of Energy Expertise Throughout the Building Lifecycle Craig Ahrens, Solutions Development Manager, shares insights and lessons learned throughout his career within the energy business. Drawing from his extensive experience, Craig offers his perspective on how energy expertise can play leading or supporting roles in any project.

Through Craig's insights, we gain an understanding of how Southland's expertise across the entire building lifecycle translates into tangible benefits for clients. Craig reveals how collaboration between the energy and other cross-functional teams can yield tremendous benefits for projects, fostering innovation and creating sustainable solutions that go beyond traditional approaches.




]]> Craig Ahrens, Solutions Development Manager, shares insights and lessons learned throughout his career within the energy business. Drawing from his extensive experience, Craig offers his perspective on how energy expertise can play leading or supporting roles in any project.

Through Craig's insights, we gain an understanding of how Southland's expertise across the entire building lifecycle translates into tangible benefits for clients. Craig reveals how collaboration between the energy and other cross-functional teams can yield tremendous benefits for projects, fostering innovation and creating sustainable solutions that go beyond traditional approaches.




]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-13109296 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400 2490 2 5 full false Southland Speaks | Traits of an Effective Field Leader Southland Speaks | Traits of an Effective Field Leader In this episode, we sit down with David Dade, Construction Manager, as he shares his valuable insights on what it takes to be an effective field leader and how our core values manifest in our daily work.

Throughout the conversation, he uncovers the essential traits that define a successful field leader in the demanding construction industry. From accountability to integrity to innovation, David explains how embodying these core values sets up the ideal model for team success. 

]]> In this episode, we sit down with David Dade, Construction Manager, as he shares his valuable insights on what it takes to be an effective field leader and how our core values manifest in our daily work.

Throughout the conversation, he uncovers the essential traits that define a successful field leader in the demanding construction industry. From accountability to integrity to innovation, David explains how embodying these core values sets up the ideal model for team success. 

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-13108890 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400 1845 2 4 full false Southland Industries | Defining Traits of Inclusive Leadership Southland Industries | Defining Traits of Inclusive Leadership Join Ashley Hayes, Project Executive, as she dives into the essence of inclusive leadership. In this episode, Ashley shares what it truly means to be an inclusive leader and explores actionable steps that can be taken by everyone to foster an inclusive environment within their teams and projects.

Ashley talks about the essential qualities and behaviors that define inclusive leadership. From embracing diversity to nurturing psychological safety, she provides valuable guidance on creating a harmonious and empowering work environment where every team member feels valued and heard.

]]> Join Ashley Hayes, Project Executive, as she dives into the essence of inclusive leadership. In this episode, Ashley shares what it truly means to be an inclusive leader and explores actionable steps that can be taken by everyone to foster an inclusive environment within their teams and projects.

Ashley talks about the essential qualities and behaviors that define inclusive leadership. From embracing diversity to nurturing psychological safety, she provides valuable guidance on creating a harmonious and empowering work environment where every team member feels valued and heard.

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-13073712 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400 2146 full false Southland Speaks | How Project Managers Influence Project Outcomes and Achieve Results Southland Speaks | How Project Managers Influence Project Outcomes and Achieve Results  Zeke Emmons, Project Executive, dives into the crucial role of project managers and their impact on project success. Zeke shares his insights on the essential traits and skills that enable project managers to excel in their roles and drive positive outcomes.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Zeke shares key learning moments from his career in leading projects to success. From strong communication and stakeholder management to strategic thinking and adaptability, he explores the critical attributes that empower project managers to navigate complexities and deliver outstanding results.

]]>  Zeke Emmons, Project Executive, dives into the crucial role of project managers and their impact on project success. Zeke shares his insights on the essential traits and skills that enable project managers to excel in their roles and drive positive outcomes.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Zeke shares key learning moments from his career in leading projects to success. From strong communication and stakeholder management to strategic thinking and adaptability, he explores the critical attributes that empower project managers to navigate complexities and deliver outstanding results.

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-13073700 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400 2072 2 1 full false Southland Speaks | The Larger Impact of Business Development Southland Speaks | The Larger Impact of Business Development In this episode, Michael Kimmell, the North Texas Sales Leader for Brandt, shares his thoughts on company culture, the role of business development, and how someone in business development can impact the success of a project. 

He attributes his personal success to the combination of his estimating background,  operational experience, and his certification as a professional engineer, which allow him to best align Brandt's expertise with his clients' needs. 

Through practical insights, Michael offers guidance on how business development professionals can maximize their impact and propel projects toward success. He explores the importance of effective communication, strong relationship-building skills, and a deep understanding of client needs in achieving project objectives.

]]> In this episode, Michael Kimmell, the North Texas Sales Leader for Brandt, shares his thoughts on company culture, the role of business development, and how someone in business development can impact the success of a project. 

He attributes his personal success to the combination of his estimating background,  operational experience, and his certification as a professional engineer, which allow him to best align Brandt's expertise with his clients' needs. 

Through practical insights, Michael offers guidance on how business development professionals can maximize their impact and propel projects toward success. He explores the importance of effective communication, strong relationship-building skills, and a deep understanding of client needs in achieving project objectives.

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-12881628 Fri, 19 May 2023 12:00:00 -0400 2090 2 2 full false Southland Speaks | The Role of Engineering Throughout a Project Southland Speaks | The Role of Engineering Throughout a Project In this episode, Nelson Beaver, Director of Engineering Operations for Brandt, helps us learn a little more about Brandt’s culture and shares his perspective on the roles and responsibilities of engineering throughout a project and how they can be effective in their role. 

]]> In this episode, Nelson Beaver, Director of Engineering Operations for Brandt, helps us learn a little more about Brandt’s culture and shares his perspective on the roles and responsibilities of engineering throughout a project and how they can be effective in their role. 

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-12881613 Fri, 19 May 2023 12:00:00 -0400 2546 2 2 full false Southland Speaks | Season 1 Highlights Southland Speaks | Season 1 Highlights For this final episode of the year, we’re highlighting the insights we heard and lessons we learned from each of our guests over the last year. We’ve included some of our favorite clips of each episode to give any new listeners a taste of what they missed and to serve as a refresher for others.

We’ve added the timestamps below to help you identify which speaker and episode are being highlighted. Then, if you want to hear more from that episode you can find that episode within Stream to listen to the entire episode.

Mindset
Julianna Falzon - Episode 1 - 2:27-3:15
Ryan McShannon - Episode 2 - 3:15-4:16
Ryan Nagle - Episode 6 - 4:16-5:28
Keith Thomas - Episode 8 - 5:28-6:32
Elizabeth Arredondo - Episode 9 - 6:32-7:16

Inclusive Mindset
Jose Felsmann - Episode 3 - 7:56-8:35
Henry Nutt - Episode 5 - 8:35-10:24
Keith Thomas - Episode 8 - 10:24-11:09
Jose Felsmann - Episode 3 - 11:09-11:50
Nikki-Ann Bosque - Episode 11 - 11:50- 12:46
Ryan Nagle - Episode 6 - 12:46-13:51
Henry Nutt - Episode 5 - 13:51-14:50

Core Values
People
Tony Lowe - Episode 7 - 15:35-16:47
Nikki-Ann Bosque - Episode 11 - 16:47-17:25

Innovation
Ryan McShannon - Episode 2 - 17:25-18:07
Jackie Bates - Episode 4 - 18:07-19:52
Tony Lowe - Episode 7 - 19:52-20:55
Larissa Wehling - Episode 10 - 20:55-21:33

Collaboration
Jackie Bates - Episode 4 - 21:33-22:34
Larissa Wehling - Episode 10 - 22:34-22:54

Sustainability
Julianna Falzon - Episode 1 - 22:54-23:52

Accountability
Elizabeth Arredondo - Episode 9 - 23:52-24:38

]]> For this final episode of the year, we’re highlighting the insights we heard and lessons we learned from each of our guests over the last year. We’ve included some of our favorite clips of each episode to give any new listeners a taste of what they missed and to serve as a refresher for others.

We’ve added the timestamps below to help you identify which speaker and episode are being highlighted. Then, if you want to hear more from that episode you can find that episode within Stream to listen to the entire episode.

Mindset
Julianna Falzon - Episode 1 - 2:27-3:15
Ryan McShannon - Episode 2 - 3:15-4:16
Ryan Nagle - Episode 6 - 4:16-5:28
Keith Thomas - Episode 8 - 5:28-6:32
Elizabeth Arredondo - Episode 9 - 6:32-7:16

Inclusive Mindset
Jose Felsmann - Episode 3 - 7:56-8:35
Henry Nutt - Episode 5 - 8:35-10:24
Keith Thomas - Episode 8 - 10:24-11:09
Jose Felsmann - Episode 3 - 11:09-11:50
Nikki-Ann Bosque - Episode 11 - 11:50- 12:46
Ryan Nagle - Episode 6 - 12:46-13:51
Henry Nutt - Episode 5 - 13:51-14:50

Core Values
People
Tony Lowe - Episode 7 - 15:35-16:47
Nikki-Ann Bosque - Episode 11 - 16:47-17:25

Innovation
Ryan McShannon - Episode 2 - 17:25-18:07
Jackie Bates - Episode 4 - 18:07-19:52
Tony Lowe - Episode 7 - 19:52-20:55
Larissa Wehling - Episode 10 - 20:55-21:33

Collaboration
Jackie Bates - Episode 4 - 21:33-22:34
Larissa Wehling - Episode 10 - 22:34-22:54

Sustainability
Julianna Falzon - Episode 1 - 22:54-23:52

Accountability
Elizabeth Arredondo - Episode 9 - 23:52-24:38

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-12880388 Fri, 19 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400 1612 1 12 full false Southland Speaks | Recruited as a Recent Grad Southland Speaks | Recruited as a Recent Grad  Nikki-Ann Bosque, Project Engineer II in the Mountain West Division, shares how she landed a rewarding career as a recent graduate out of college.

]]>  Nikki-Ann Bosque, Project Engineer II in the Mountain West Division, shares how she landed a rewarding career as a recent graduate out of college.

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-12880370 Fri, 19 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400 2214 1 11 full false Southland Speaks | From Intern to Full-Time Southland Speaks | From Intern to Full-Time In this episode, we sit down with Larissa Wehling, Project Engineer in the Mid-Atlantic Division, to learn about her experience being recruited as an intern and eventually agreeing to join Southland full-time.

]]> In this episode, we sit down with Larissa Wehling, Project Engineer in the Mid-Atlantic Division, to learn about her experience being recruited as an intern and eventually agreeing to join Southland full-time.

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-12880332 Fri, 19 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400 1949 1 10 full false Southland Speaks | Driving Success with Impactful Teams Southland Speaks | Driving Success with Impactful Teams In this new episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Arredondo, Design Engineer II, to learn more about getting the most out of working with groups.

]]> In this new episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Arredondo, Design Engineer II, to learn more about getting the most out of working with groups.

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-12880217 Fri, 19 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400 1994 1 9 full false Southland Speaks | The Art of Relationship Building Southland Speaks | The Art of Relationship Building In this new episode, we chat with Keith Thomas, Executive Vice President of the Philadephia Division, to learn more about the art of relationship building and why you should never burn any bridges.

]]> In this new episode, we chat with Keith Thomas, Executive Vice President of the Philadephia Division, to learn more about the art of relationship building and why you should never burn any bridges.

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-11231685 Tue, 30 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0400 2037 1 8 full false Southland Speaks | Lean Thinking & Principles That Drive a Lean Culture Southland Speaks | Lean Thinking & Principles That Drive a Lean Culture Tony Lowe, Project Superintendent, Northern California Division, shares his expertise about Lean thinking and the tools and underlying principles that help make Lean an integral part of the Southland culture. In most construction organizations, Lean thinking is often top of mind, but a focus on continuous improvement doesn't create a Lean culture — a Lean culture is created when teams actively pursue Lean strategies to work more efficiently and effectively. 

]]> Tony Lowe, Project Superintendent, Northern California Division, shares his expertise about Lean thinking and the tools and underlying principles that help make Lean an integral part of the Southland culture. In most construction organizations, Lean thinking is often top of mind, but a focus on continuous improvement doesn't create a Lean culture — a Lean culture is created when teams actively pursue Lean strategies to work more efficiently and effectively. 

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-10885782 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:00:00 -0400 2056 1 7 full false Southland Speaks | Learning & Growing from Every Experience Southland Speaks | Learning & Growing from Every Experience Ryan Nagle, VP of Service and Special Projects, shares insights from his career journey and the lessons he's learned along the way while highlighting the importance of focusing on learning and growing from each of your experiences. From adapting to learning, our unique experiences can help us excel in many different ways. 

]]> Ryan Nagle, VP of Service and Special Projects, shares insights from his career journey and the lessons he's learned along the way while highlighting the importance of focusing on learning and growing from each of your experiences. From adapting to learning, our unique experiences can help us excel in many different ways. 

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-10885776 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:00:00 -0400 1936 1 6 full false Southland Speaks | Forging Your Path Southland Speaks | Forging Your Path Jackie Bates, Business Analyst, offers her unique perspective about how to cultivate your passion, create a meaningful path, and be a true team player at Southland. Having held multiple roles throughout her tenure, Jackie highlights the importance of focusing your expertise to bring value to your team, staying humble and remembering to continue to learn and grow, and creating environments where people can share their thoughts — ultimately driving innovation. 

]]> Jackie Bates, Business Analyst, offers her unique perspective about how to cultivate your passion, create a meaningful path, and be a true team player at Southland. Having held multiple roles throughout her tenure, Jackie highlights the importance of focusing your expertise to bring value to your team, staying humble and remembering to continue to learn and grow, and creating environments where people can share their thoughts — ultimately driving innovation. 

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-10466408 Tue, 19 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0400 1951 1 4 full false Southland Speaks | The Power of a Team Southland Speaks | The Power of a Team Jose Felsmann, Preconstruction Executive, shares how his experience playing collegiate and international water polo taught him the importance and power of a team. Jose explains how strong teams have members that take care of themselves and others, leverage strengths and weaknesses, and utilize distributed leadership. Through communication, collaboration, and creativity, strong teams can be built to reach common goals on and off the jobsite.  

]]> Jose Felsmann, Preconstruction Executive, shares how his experience playing collegiate and international water polo taught him the importance and power of a team. Jose explains how strong teams have members that take care of themselves and others, leverage strengths and weaknesses, and utilize distributed leadership. Through communication, collaboration, and creativity, strong teams can be built to reach common goals on and off the jobsite.  

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-10466401 Tue, 19 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0400 1966 1 3 full false Southland Speaks | Rightsizing Your Goals with Habits, Rituals & Reflection Southland Speaks | Rightsizing Your Goals with Habits, Rituals & Reflection Ryan McShannon, Construction Manager, shares how rightsizing your goals is the key to actually achieving them. By defining your expectations with clear steps, creating sustainable habits and rituals, assessing yourself throughout the process, and ultimately getting out of your comfort zone, you can reach goals in all areas of your life. 

]]> Ryan McShannon, Construction Manager, shares how rightsizing your goals is the key to actually achieving them. By defining your expectations with clear steps, creating sustainable habits and rituals, assessing yourself throughout the process, and ultimately getting out of your comfort zone, you can reach goals in all areas of your life. 

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-10466384 Tue, 19 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0400 2028 1 2 full false Southland Speaks | Training for Success — Inside & Outside the Workplace Southland Speaks | Training for Success — Inside & Outside the Workplace Julianna Falzon, Project Manager, shares insight about training for an Ironman Triathlon and how she applies the lessons learned from her experience to set herself up for success at Southland. From the importance of pacing to tracking against goals, setting routines, and getting in the right mindset, the goals we set and achieve outside of work can make the biggest impact while on the job.  


]]> Julianna Falzon, Project Manager, shares insight about training for an Ironman Triathlon and how she applies the lessons learned from her experience to set herself up for success at Southland. From the importance of pacing to tracking against goals, setting routines, and getting in the right mindset, the goals we set and achieve outside of work can make the biggest impact while on the job.  


]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-10465662 Tue, 19 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0400 1617 1 1 full false Southland Speaks | Fostering Diversity of Thought Southland Speaks | Fostering Diversity of Thought Henry Nutt III, Preconstruction Executive, shares his experience as a leader and the importance of amplifying voices to create an environment that supports diversity of thought. By recognizing that all voices need to be heard and understood and that everyone deserves a seat at the table, Henry explores how we have been shaped from our life experiences and how we can shape the experiences of others to achieve success — without quitting even when it gets hard, staying true to our values at work and in life, and being an example for others. 

]]> Henry Nutt III, Preconstruction Executive, shares his experience as a leader and the importance of amplifying voices to create an environment that supports diversity of thought. By recognizing that all voices need to be heard and understood and that everyone deserves a seat at the table, Henry explores how we have been shaped from our life experiences and how we can shape the experiences of others to achieve success — without quitting even when it gets hard, staying true to our values at work and in life, and being an example for others. 

]]> Southland Industries Buzzsprout-10465607 Tue, 19 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0400 2171 1 5 full false