Join us as we dive into the real challenges shaping our operations! From on site trade-offs and emerging trends, to hard-won leadership lessons that actually move us forward - delivered through straightforward conversations grounded in decades of hands- on work. Whether you're in the field, leading teams, or navigating the industry, join us for insights that inform, challenge, and get things done.
In this episode of Laying the Groundwork, Francis Brazeau is joined by Ron Tomlinson, Michael Clement, and Rob Pierce for a candid discussion about growth, acquisitions, and the relationships that help drive Tomlinson forward. The conversation explores how strategic acquisitions, long-standing partnerships, and a commitment to employees, customers, and communities have shaped Tomlinson's evolution over the years. From Environmental Services expansion and Great Lakes opportunities to the importance of cultural fit and vertical integration, the group shares insights into how Tomlinson continues to grow while staying true to its values. Episode Highlights: Ron reflects on some of the defining moments in Tomlinson's history, from early equipment investments to major acquisitions and industry-changing projects. The group discusses how strong relationships often serve as the foundation for successful acquisitions and long-term growth. Michael shares insights into Environmental Services' expansion across the Ottawa Valley, including the acquisitions of Franklin Disposal and Barron Disposal Systems Inc. A look at Harbour's soil treatment and processing capabilities and how innovation is creating more environmentally responsible solutions. Rob discusses Marquette Minerals and the strategic importance of expanding Tomlinson's presence throughout the Great Lakes region. The team explores how marine transportation, terminals, aggregates, and environmental services work together through vertical integration. A discussion on maintaining culture during growth and why employee engagement is critical during acquisitions. The importance of customer relationships, community connections, and building businesses for the long term. Real-world examples of how cross-divisional collaboration helps Tomlinson solve complex challenges and deliver better outcomes. Key Takeaways: "The majority of the acquisitions we did were looking for the best private operator in an area or discipline that could help vertically integrate our operations." "Growth is really about finding the people and helping them grow within the organization." "Even slight differences in culture can cause challenges. A strong cultural fit is critical." "It's not just about acquiring businesses. It's about building relationships over years and years." "The whole can be stronger than the individual pieces." "When people aren't getting answers, they create their own realities. Communication has to happen quickly and honestly." "We're hard to compete with when we come in as one team." "Growth, integration, and collaboration continue to create new opportunities across the business."
Welcome to Laying the Groundwork! In this episode, host Francis Brazeau sits down with Lee Timmins, our Manager of Technology, Landfills and Regulatory Affairs, and internal compressed natural gas expert, along with veteran CNG driver Danny Gagne to discuss a major environmental milestone: putting Canada’s first CNG Ready Mix trucks on the road. From breaking down what compressed natural gas is to overcoming driver skepticism about power and reliability, Lee and Danny pull back the curtain on Tomlinson’s 50-truck alternative-fuel fleet. The conversation is filled with practical operational insights, a closer look at the infrastructure required, and a few highly entertaining stories from the road. Episode Highlights Twenty Years to an Overnight Success: Lee explains the evolution of CNG technology and why it is a cleaner, stably priced Canadian fuel source. Inside the Fleet: Danny breaks down the different trucks running on CNG at Tomlinson, from where it started to the new, historic ready-mix trucks. The Ultimate Driver Perk: Why skipping the freezing-cold, smelly diesel fill-up at the end of a long shift is a massive win for driver retention. Debunking the Power Myth: Danny tackles the ultimate trucker question "What's the power like?" The Magic of Zero Regens: How switching to a cleaner system completely removes the headache of regens. Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) & The Circular Economy: A look into the future of converting landfill waste and organics into carbon-negative fuel. Opened to the Public: How Tomlinson’s Moodie Drive facility is helping smaller local fleets make the green transition with a public fast fuel station. Key Takeaways & Quotes On Driver Perks: “When I come back to the yard and we still have diesel trucks running, and I see the guy standing there and it's raining or minus thirty, I just drive by... grab the nozzle, plug it in... Done.” On the Power Myth: “You can have the fastest car in Ottawa, but there's still a speed limit. There's still potholes.” On Environmental Impact: “You're seeing a twenty to thirty percent reduction in emissions once you move to CNG.” On Fleet Maintenance: “My truck has been down just as much as a diesel truck would have been” On Infrastructure: “That infrastructure can't be understated... we can leverage that existing infrastructure to power our future.” On Future Energy: “Maybe our landfill should be looked at as giant batteries of the future because all the materials in there that we could chemically convert back into an energy source.” Whether you are navigating alternative fuel infrastructure, looking for ways to make your supply chain more sustainable, or just love heavy equipment innovation, this episode delivers a transparent, boots-on-the-ground look at the future of Canadian transit and construction.
Welcome to Laying the Groundwork - the newly rebranded Tomlinson podcast. In this inaugural episode, host Francis Brazeau sits down with two of Tomlinson’s longest-serving team members: Dennis Colautti and Andre (Andy) Michaud. With nearly 100years of combined experience, they share candid stories and hard-earned wisdom on mentoring the next generation in construction. From family legacies and old-school foremen to modern challenges like training younger team members who may lack field experience, Dennis and Andy pull back the curtain on what it really takes to develop strong, capable leaders at Tomlinson. The conversation is filled with practical advice, funny stories, and valuable lessons on patience, integrity, planning, and building relationships that last. Episode Highlights Dennis’s remarkable family story - from his grandfather’s immigration to restarting the family construction business Andy’s journey starting at 18 on an iron crew under the “meanest foreman” in the business The famous “Padding” story - how a $30k–$40k mistake became one of Dennis’s most important teaching tools The 24-Hour Rule: Why patience and calculated responses matter in high-pressure situations Old-school wisdom vs. new realities - the importance of field experience, picking up the phone, and building real relationships Letting young team members “fail safely” and challenging them to think critically Tomlinson’s culture of integrity, customer service, and pride in the work Key Takeaways & Quotes On Patience: “I have a twenty-four hour rule… don’t give the answer right away. Sleep on it overnight. Think about it.” On Learning from Mistakes: “It was a real big learning curve… I learned my lesson and developed so we weren’t going to have it again.” On Mentoring: “Sometimes I’ll let them win one… and let them fail - as long as it doesn’t cost very much money. That way they learn.” On Communication: “You don’t just send an email and wait two weeks. Get on the phone. It takes five minutes.” On Leadership: “Do the hardest thing first in the morning… Don’t run away from anything.” On Tomlinson Culture: “They were never shy about doing the right thing and always supplying the right equipment and the right people.” Whether you’re a seasoned leader, a new team member, or someone considering a career in construction, this episode delivers timeless, practical wisdom rooted in decades of real execution.
Red Army Radio has been the place where Tomlinson stories found their voice – a space built on pride, people, and the projects shaping our communities. Now, that legacy is evolving. Red Army Radio is getting a full rebrand. We’re taking everything you already love about the show and moving it into a bigger, bolder direction -one designed to take listeners deeper into the real-world processes that define the construction and environmental services industries. Whether you’re navigating industry trends, tackling operational challenges, or looking to stay sharp in a rapidly evolving field, this new chapter offers informed, authentic dialogue that resonates with professionals like you. We can’t wait to share the new name and the very first episode with you this May! Until then… stay tuned.
Welcome to Red Army Radio — the official Tomlinson Group podcast celebrating the people, projects, and progress driving our business forward. In this year-in-review episode , host Francis Brazeau is joined by Adam Hendriks, Ryan Downing, and Ron Tomlinson to break down the biggest wins, toughest challenges, and most surprising moments in the past year. Together, they reflect on how Tomlinson teams responded to major external pressures — including the February tariff shock and unexpected technology setbacks — while still delivering standout results in construction, materials supply, environmental services, and logistics . The conversation highlights cross-divisional collaboration, frontline resilience, and innovations that are shaping the future of our operations. Ron shares a breakthrough sustainability milestone: producing green asphalt without natural gas or conventional fuels , a major step forward for low-carbon road building. Adam spotlights the Thunder Road project , a standout example of circular construction that used 100% recycled materials while maintaining performance standards. The group also dives into a fun and revealing “Myth vs. Reality” segment, clearing up common misconceptions in the industry — like the idea that Head Office only focuses on strategy , that winter is downtime , or that quality slows production . They also unpack the real story on AI in construction , emphasizing that artificial intelligence is being adopted as a productivity and decision-support tool , not a replacement for skilled people. To close, the team looks ahead to what’s next: expanding the salt business , launching a new conveyor system at Ontario Trap Rock , and exploring opportunities to offer Material Supply and Logistics (MSL) services to external customers. Episode Highlights Tariff Surprise & Industry Impact How February tariffs sent shockwaves through operations — and how Tomlinson teams rapidly adjusted forecasting and planning. Green Asphalt Innovation A sustainability win: creating asphalt without natural gas or conventional fuels, reducing emissions while maintaining quality. Thunder Road Recycled Materials A landmark construction project proving recycled materials can deliver top-tier results at full scale. Myth vs. Reality: Construction & Head Office Debunking myths about field vs. office roles, winter operations, and the connection between quality and productivity. AI in the Industry (Productivity, Not Replacement) Real examples of how AI supports contract evaluation, tendering, and data analysis to help teams work smarter. The Challenge Coin Story The origin of the core values challenge coin and how it reinforces recognition and appreciation across Tomlinson. Key Takeaways & Quotes Resilience in Action “The thing I take away is that the Red Army just jumps right in and gets things done… it doesn't affect our business.” Innovation That Works “We were hoping it was going to work. We were happy when it did work.” Customer Strength Comes from the Field “The field is probably the greatest source of positive interactions with the customer side.” Quality Drives Speed — Not the Other Way Around “Quality does not slow us down. And we've learned that lesson firsthand a few times.” AI as a Competitive Advantage “AI is code for trying to use technology to get better at what we do and make decisions faster.” Always Evolving “We need to constantly change and evolve… and we will just continue to do that.”
Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Rob Pierce and Rory Hughes from Tomlinson’s Marine Shipping and Logistics team. In this episode, we explore the massive world of shipping, dock development, and marine logistics from Ontario Trap Rock’s quarry operations in Bruce Mines to the evolving Universal Terminals site in Morrisburg. Rory shares how the team is transforming the Morrisburg dock property, remediating soils and preparing the six-acre dock and fifty acres of industrial land for full-scale development. Rob breaks down the complexities of moving thousands of tons of stone across the Great Lakes and the partnerships that make it possible, including Tomlinson’s joint vessel ownership with McKeil Marine. Together, they reveal what it takes to move millions of tons of material across North America’s waterways, the ingenuity behind new conveyor systems and dock expansions, and how teamwork and readiness turn unexpected opportunities into success stories. Episode Highlights Revitalizing the Site: How the team turned a fuel terminal into a modern marine logistics hub ready for large-scale development. The Power of Traprock: Why this dense, durable aggregate is in high demand for highways and rail lines across North America. Owning the Supply Chain: The strategic partnership with McKeil Marine that gives Tomlinson control from quarry to customer. Engineering Ingenuity: Installing a multi-kilometre conveyor under a highway to move material directly from the quarry to ships. Unexpected Opportunities: How the team helped deliver a massive grain dryer too large for road transport - proving readiness pays off. Smart Logistics: Using AI modeling to optimize shipping schedules, dock layouts, and product handling efficiency. Team Dedication: 24/7 coordination between quarry, docks, and marine carriers to keep shipments on schedule. Key Takeaways “Sometimes it’s about touching the material less to ensure better quality.” “There’s not a whole bunch of stuff we can’t handle.” “Every time you talk to a grain farmer in eastern Ontario, they’re looking for more outlets for their product—and we want to be part of that solution.” “Never a dull day. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, there’s another curveball that gets thrown your way.”
Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Project Manager Chadwick Haines and Superintendent Robin Malyon to talk about life on one of their larger projects — the reconstruction of Bank Street from Riverside to Heron. In this episode, we get into what it’s really like managing an integrated road, sewer, and utility project in the heart of the city — where every day brings a new surprise underground. Chadwick and Robin share how their team has kept things running smoothly through unexpected conflicts, deep excavations, and constant pedestrian traffic, all while keeping morale high and the work moving forward. They also open up about teamwork, learning lessons, and what it means to lead a crew that truly cares. From hidden “duck banks” to late-night concrete pours, this one’s packed with humour, honesty, and heart from two of Tomlinsons team members. Episode Highlights How Chadwick and Robin got into the construction industry. A behind-the-scenes look at the Bank Street project When unexpected duck banks forced the team to dig twelve feet deeper than planned. How keeping the same crews on site built communication and trust. Navigating pedestrians, traffic pinball, and unexpected changes. Shoutitng out all the team members that make this project run so smoothly. The stress of the first change order — and learning to stay calm through daily surprises. Robin’s lessons in patience and mentorship with new team members. The power of collaboration with Robinson Consultants and the City of Ottawa. The Chipotle wrap . Key Takeaways “Stuff comes up, we find a solution, we move on.” “On this job we have over one hundred and ten CRs so far… over one hundred and sixty changes.” “You can’t ask for more in a superintendent.” “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had before on a job… I’m gonna be sad when this job ends.” “I think patience — we deal with a lot of younger people these days and just taking time to sit down with them and explain stuff.” “We had maybe thirty meters of pipe in… and then there was another duck bank” “Any problem you need a solution to, we can find it.”
Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Andrew Karam, Kaylish Henry, and Matthew Young-Davies from Tomlinson’s engineering team. In this episode, we dive into the world of temporary and permanent structures, the challenges of shoring and piling, and what it’s really like to be the in-house engineers behind some of Tomlinson’s most complex projects. Andrew shares how the team has grown from a one-person operation into an internal consulting group serving bridge, shoring, and infrastructure projects across the company. Kaylish and Matt talk about their paths from summer students to engineers-in-training, and how they’re applying classroom knowledge in the real world. Together, they reveal why having an in-house engineering makes us more productive, while also driving innovation on site. From terrifying excavation rescues to creative re-use of bridge girders, this episode showcases the ingenuity, judgment, and teamwork that power Tomlinson’s engineering solutions. Episode Highlights: Andrew’s nine-year journey from sole engineer to team lead. Kaylish’s start as a summer student and her path toward her P.Eng. Matt’s move from survey to engineering and his first major design projects. The difference between formwork and falsework—explained simply. Why internal engineering saves time, money, and avoids costly revisions. A near-disaster excavation project and how underpinning saved the day. Designing a massive heated enclosure for winter canal rehabilitation in Kingston. Team insights on choosing steel vs. concrete The most satisfying part of being an engineering Key Takeaways: “Eight hundred thousand to a million pounds of force down - which is terrifying because it’s supposed to be on rock, and it’s not.” “It was a really cool slash terrifying project… but we got it done.” “I just really love understanding how things work on a fundamental level.” “Just going to site and seeing everything that you’ve built… that’s what makes me tick.” “We do structural engineering for everyone… come to us with all your needs and we’ll get it done.”
Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Derek Thomas our Aggregates Sales Manager and Kevin Bowes, Scale Operator, who’s been part of the Tomlinson team for nearly three decades. In this episode, we explore how automation is transforming customer service, the logistics of getting products from quarry to job site, and the teamwork that keeps our projects running smoothly. Derek explains how the sales team works with everyone from homeowners to major contractors to match each job with the right products. Kevin walks us through life at the scale house, from streamlining truck turn-around times to some of the wildest things he’s seen in 18 years at the scales. Together, they highlight how Tomlinson is embracing technology, expanding product offerings, and keeping customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. From large-scale automation to interesting homeowner requests, this episode offers a behind the scenes look at how one of the region’s busiest aggregate operations delivers both speed and service. Tune in for real world stories, operational insights, and a few laughs. Episode Highlights: Kevin’s 28-year career path from loader operator to scale lead. Derek’s decade in aggregate sales and approach to building long-term client relationships. How scale automation has cut truck processing from minutes to seconds. New product offerings, from salt to specialty products and why they matter to customers. Real success stories – such as 873 trucks going through the scales in one day The role of Tomlinson’s quality control lab in keeping products up to spec. Creative problem-solving, from rush racetrack builds to multi-home stone deliveries. The future of scale tech: kiosks, cloud access, and improved customer data tools. Key Takeaways “How can we get our customers to their job quicker, efficiently, and safely? That’s the goal.” “Once the customer is set up, they just run all day, they don’t have to talk to anybody, they just go.” “Our lab… I’d eat my lunch in there.” “Same day deliveries - we’re trying to make sure we’re available and have the trucking to do that.” “Eight hundred seventy-three tickets in one day - and no lineup.” “It’s too easy, just make the call, and we can make it happen.”
Welcome to Red Army Radio! In this episode, Rob Pierce hosts a special roundtable conversation with senior leaders across the Tomlinson Group to reflect on the first half of 2025. Joined by Adam Hendriks, Graziela Girardi, Francis Brazeau, and Ron Tomlinson, the group covers strategy, technology, market conditions, and what’s ahead for the Red Army. From AI and automation to project wins and cross-team collaboration, this town hall offers a clear snapshot of the pulse of the business and where we’re heading together as One Team. Episode Highlights: Rob and Ron reflect on how internal alignment and better communication are driving performance. Graciela shares construction wins, including the Ottawa Hospital project and a record-setting winter for equipment utilization. The group talks AI, automation, and how new tools are saving time, boosting safety, and enhancing customer value. Francis spotlights innovations in concrete mix optimization A look at market conditions: interest rates, housing starts, and regional slowdowns. The importance of internal customer service and why breaking down silos is key to success. The group highlights the exceptional work of field teams, the energy of summer students, and the strong collaboration happening across divisions. Key Takeaways: “We have lots of great teams. When they connect and collaborate, it multiplies the business. “If you touch a smartphone, tablet, or computer—AI will change how you work.” "The Aggregates team took a real leap forward in putting it [automation] on the most complicated plant first." “Utilization this winter was the highest we’ve seen in 10 years.” "You have to keep evolving and changing. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out—the game changes." “We're a longstanding business—but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to challenge our processes.” “Strategy isn’t separate from the business—what you’re doing is the strategy."
Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with our AI Program Manager at Tomlinson. In this episode, the conversation takes a deep dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in construction and how Tomlinson is leading the charge. He shares his unconventional journey into tech, the company’s early adoption of AI, and how it's transforming workflows across the business. From the risks of lagging behind to the practical applications of AI—from site safety to contract analysis—this episode offers a comprehensive look at how AI is reshaping one of the most traditional industries. Tune in to hear about what's possible now, what’s on the horizon, and how employees can be part of this exciting shift. Episode Highlights: He shares his unconventional career path and how he ended up at Tomlinson. How Tomlinson supported his formal training in computer science while working full time. The company’s early and strategic implementation of ChatGPT and other AI tools. Five key AI focus areas in construction: computer vision, NLP, robotics, generative AI, and machine learning. Real use cases including jobsite safety monitoring, automated tender analysis, and digital twins. The growing importance of data maturity and governance. The balance between innovation and risk in an industry slow to adopt tech. The ethical and creative implications of AI in arts, media, and the workplace. Why employee ideas and engagement are vital to building effective AI solutions. Key Takeaways: "This company will help grow people that recognize they want to grow and prove it." "We immediately created an app in Teams so everyone could get on ChatGPT—seven months before copilot existed." "If we push an AI tool out into the field and it's adding steps to their day, then we failed." "We're now dealing with large amounts of data leaving the source system... and every large language model to date has been jailbroken." "We don't want to just push stuff out. We want to hear from people and co-create use cases." "I don’t want to get to a place where we’re hanging an AI-generated Mona Lisa in our house and pretending it’s the same." "Try it at home. Ask what you can cook with what's in your fridge. You’ll learn how these systems work."
Welcome to Red Army Radio! Today, Francis sits down with Joe Skrepnek and Stephane Dallaire, construction managers at Tomlinson. In this episode, the group dives into what it means to be a construction manager, exploring daily responsibilities, key aspects of the role, memorable moments, and much more. Joe and Stephane discuss essential skills for their role, their journey to becoming construction managers, the importance of teamwork, prioritizing tasks, and recognizing their team. They also highlight the significance of safety on job sites and how AI is being integrated into their field. Tune in to gain valuable insights and hear firsthand experiences from our experts. Episode Highlights: Joe Spreknek and Stephane Dallaire share their backgrounds and their roles as construction managers. The importance of problem-solving and quick thinking in their day-to-day work. Fun and memorable moments from their careers. The value of teamwork in construction management. The largest projects they’ve ever worked on. Utilizing the collective knowledge within the Tomlinson team. Promoting health and safety by being on-site with their teams. The role of AI in modern construction management. Key Takeaways: "Somebody jumped our fence, climbed into an 80-ton crawler crane." "It's difficult, but there are great rewards and lots of interesting stories." "You have to really build that team mentality." "We backed concrete right up through the entire sanitary line." "Usually I'd be looking after about 20 to 30 projects a year." "I was blown away at how committed the field staff is to getting the job done."
This week on Red Army Radio, Francis sits down with Brock Tipping and Jad Ziadat, summer students from Carleton University working in construction coordination at Tomlinson. They discuss their backgrounds, including Brock’s transition from landscaping and Jad’s initial experience with shoring and piling. Brock and Jad share insights on the importance of on-site experience and the problem-solving skills gained from their engineering degrees. Brock talks about estimation and what that role was like for him. They highlight the supportive onboarding experience at Tomlinson and the guidance from experienced colleagues. They also talk about managing priorities, exciting summer projects, and offer advice for future summer students. Finally, they discuss their future plans and the best lessons learned during their internships. Don't miss this episode packed with insights and experiences from our summer students. Tune in to Red Army Radio to get the inside scoop on what it's like to work at Tomlinson. Episode Highlights: Brock Tipping and Jad Ziadat, summer students from Carleton University, discuss their roles as construction coordination students at Tomlinson. Brock talks about his transition to construction coordination and the valuable lessons he has learned about production and job bidding. Jad emphasizes the importance of on-site experience to fully understand the scope of the work. The importance of problem-solving skills gained from their engineering degrees. Their onboarding experience at Tomlinson, where foremen and managers are always happy to answer questions and provide guidance. The wealth of experienced colleagues they can turn to for advice. Exciting projects they are currently working on this summer. Advice for other summer students coming to Tomlinson and the significance of teamwork in the company culture. Their plans after school and what they hope to achieve before finishing their internships. Key Takeaways “You're not treated as a student; people actually take the time out of their day to explain things to you.” “Once I saw that you can be on site, manage, and have input on a project – this is definitely what I want to do.” “You can go on a sewer and water job, a paving job, shoring and piling, and it’s all different.” “Every day is different for a construction coordinator, with lots of tracking and keeping the job flowing.” “When I started university, I had no idea what I wanted to do or where I saw myself going.” “I went into engineering because I really enjoyed making things at home, seeing how things are made, and actually doing things yourself.” “You come here and see Tomlinson dumpsters, Tomlinson bins, trucks – that’s something that really jumped out at me. I want to be a part of the big show.”
This week on Red Army Radio, Francis sits down with Scott Allen and Cody Stephens from our network and security team to dive deep into the world of cyber security. Our guests share their backgrounds and what inspired them to pursue careers in this critical field. Leveraging their extensive experience, Scott and Cody provide valuable insights into ransomware, the myriad ways hackers can infiltrate your systems and even get into government-funded hacking. They describe how security is like an onion, with multiple layers working together to keep us safe. They recount stories about the testing methods they employ, such as phishing tests, and discuss the consequences when these tests are failed. Throughout the conversation, Scott and Cody outline the various precautions that can be taken to protect data, offer practical tips, give shout-outs to team members who excel in cyber security and even share some of the crazy ways they’ve seen hackers try to get data. Don't miss this episode packed with "byte"-sized wisdom. Tune in to Red Army Radio to get the inside scoop on staying a step ahead of cyber threats! Episode Highlights: Scott and Cody share their backgrounds and why they decided to get into IT They touch on the different types of security tests conducted and precautions taken to protect teams. Insights into the consequences of ransomware attacks and what to do if you fall victim. The pair discuss the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks and the need for robust defenses. They share safe practices for online activities such as “Don't access your banking apps at a Starbucks or a random motel" Layers of security and the importance of not blindly trusting vendor-provided solutions. Key Takeaways "Our firewall sees over 1 million events a day" "I could spend $20 and get 1,000 compromised computers" "That vape had a USB drive, giving an attacker remote access to their computer" “Even if you pay the ransom, it doesn't mean they're out of your network" "One of the big misconceptions of security is that we're here to hinder any production" "If you get a phone call and it's just dead air - hang up" "Gotta fight fire with fire, these attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated" "Users are really the front line"
Welcome to a special edition of Red Army Radio! Usually, we bring you educational content and spotlight our amazing team members, but today we've got some exciting news that you won't want to miss! Stick around until the end for some awesome giveaway info!
This week on Red Army Radio, Francis sits down with Becky Gilmer and John Dwyer from our Industrial Waste team for an in-depth look at the essential work they do. Becky and John share their experiences and shed light on the operations of an industrial waste facility. They explain the types of materials they handle, how they treat hazardous waste, and the importance of proper disposal. You'll hear fascinating stories about some of the unique items they receive, including intriguing WWI relics, and learn about the types of waste they cannot accept. The conversation also covers the stringent regulations they follow and the critical role of compliance in their operations. Becky and John highlight the dedicated efforts of their 24/7 team and their collaboration with the Kingston division to serve the eastern portion of Ontario. They discuss innovative projects and the reasons behind their passion for this challenging yet rewarding field. Expect to be entertained by tales of unexpected encounters, including John’s memorable raccoon adventure. Episode highlights: Introduction to Becky and John and their roles within the Industrial Waste team Overview of the materials accepted and the treatment of hazardous waste Stories about unique and historical items that come through the facility Encounters with wildlife and other unexpected elements in their daily work (with video to prove it) The unpredictable and varied nature of their job Innovative projects and the dedication of their round-the-clock team Key takeaways: “Every time there's a new waste that comes in, we’re out taking a sample of it – we need to know what we’re dealing with.” “It’s a busy facility.” “Our team operates 24/7.” “With us and the Kingston division, we cover the entire eastern portion of Ontario.” “Every day is different – John has an amazing raccoon story he can share with us.” "It’s a dirty job, it’s a hard job, the guys have a lot of fun." “I turned around and started chasing it, because that's what you do.”
This week on Red Army Radio, Francis sits down with Ryan Andre, Quality Control Manager at Tomlinson Ready Mix, to explore the world of concrete. Drawing from his 18 years of experience with the Tomlinson team, Ryan shares his journey in the industry, from his beginnings as a Quality Control Manager to the influence of his family on his passion for concrete. Throughout their conversation, Francis and Ryan discuss the past, present, and future of concrete, highlighting its ubiquitous presence and daily usage around the world. They delve into the durability and sustainability of concrete, examining its lifecycle and sustainable production with local materials. The discussion also covers the focus on low carbon-intensive mixes, exploring how they are created and how Tomlinson Ready Mix collaborates with customers to design mixes that meet specific project goals. Episode Highlights: · Ryan’s introduction and extensive background in the concrete industry · The reasons why concrete is the preferred building material · The locally sourced materials used in our mixes; all sourced within 400 km or less · Sustainability in the concrete industry and Tomlinson Ready Mix's ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability · The evolution of concrete mix designs from past to present · An exploration of supplementary cementing materials Key Takeaways: “My families in it, my father was in concrete, my brothers in it, my wife's in construction” “It's a byproduct of the steal – it becomes a bonus product for our concrete industry” “Slag cement is the number one supplementary cementing material in Ontario” “What we’re trying to do is lower that Global Warming Potential per cubic meter” “There are certain elements you're pouring in a project that we can make quite a bit greener” “You make an overall carbon budget to hit those targets, it’s the ideal way to do it” “Upfront if you were to just visually look at the mix, you’re not going to see any difference”
This week on Red Army Radio, Francis sits down with Superintendent Nicolas Simoneau and Operations Manager Kent MacCaskill to explore the journey of building a successful career within the construction field at Tomlinson. Drawing from their combined decades of experience, Nicolas and Kent share their personal stories, from their first roles as operator and laborer to their current leadership positions. They offer valuable insights into the mindset, mentorship, and opportunities that fuel professional growth in this demanding industry. Throughout their conversation, Nicolas and Kent discuss the characteristics of individuals who thrive and advance, emphasizing the significance of taking initiative, embracing challenges, and maintaining a positive attitude. They reflect on the pivotal moments and influential figures in their careers, the evolution of the industry, and the importance of continuous learning. Listeners will gain practical advice on navigating the path from entry-level positions to management, highlighting the balance between individual drive and company support in achieving long-term success. Episode Highlights: Nicolas Simoneau and Kent MacCaskill’s journeys within Tomlinson and the industry. Identifying key traits for success and advancement in the field. The impact of mentorship and strong leadership on career development. Overcoming challenges on complex projects (Ottawa Hospital Parking Garage, Domtar Cornwall). The shift in workplace dynamics and expectations post-COVID. Balancing company support with personal responsibility for growth. Advice for aspiring laborers and foremen seeking advancement. The role of positivity and a learning mindset in career progression. Bridging the gap between experienced workers and new technology. Adapting leadership styles through personal and professional experience. Key Takeaways: "When I watch workers, you can see the ones proud of their work. You can also see the ones just putting in time." - Kent MacCaskill "That's key to having people grow is ask them questions and let them solve their own problems." - Kent MacCaskill "Never say no to the customer. Always be positive, even when it's tough." - Kent MacCaskill "Turn everything into a learning possibility... There's always a better way to be faster, more efficient." - Nicolas Simoneau "We need employees to tell us where they want to be... the company's role is to help them get there." - Kent MacCaskill "Show what you can do and that you want to grow. Don't just tell people where you want to be." - Nicolas Simoneau "The age difference in our industry is nice. People can help each other bridge the gap with technology." - Nicolas Simoneau "Keep doing what you're doing... Don't be shy to put yourself out there and show people... what you can do." - Nicolas Simoneau
Welcome to the third episode of 'In the Hot Seat'! Join us as we introduce two members from our Kingston shop: apprentice mechanic Mara Heitman and lead hand mechanic Carl Bowes. Discover how Mara ended up joining our team as she shares candid insights from her time with Tomlinson and learn about Carl’s role as a lead hand mechanic. In this exciting episode, Mara and Carl discuss the challenges they face, share advice for newcomers, reveal unusual skills they've acquired on the job, and much more! Get ready for laughs, spice, and valuable career insights that will leave you inspired and entertained! Episode Highlights: Meeting Mara & Carl: Hear about how Carl recruited Mara from a shop across the road and why he decided to pursue this career. The Garlic Fresno Glares: Starting with a mild and chunky sauce, Mara and Carl talk about the challenges they’ve faced, giving us a unique look into the differences between a new and a seasoned employee. Wisdom & Buffalo Sauce: Mara and Carl discuss advice they would give to someone pursuing a career in their field. Despite their different levels of experience, advice on tools was a common theme for both! Smokey, Sweet & a Little Bit Unusual: Learn about some of the unusual skills our mechanics have acquired in their roles – both mentally and physically. The Apollo Look Ahead: Turning up the heat and overcoming fears to finish our spicy challenge; discover where Mara and Carl see themselves in 50 years. Tomlinson Group Website: https://tomlinsongroup.com/
Join us for a special episode of Red Army Radio in celebration of Women in Construction Week! Our special host, Megan Tomlinson, welcomes Graziela Girardi, Vice President of Tomlinson Infrastructure. Starting her journey in Brazil, Graziela shares insights into the differences in building practices, unique experiences on job sites, and her remarkable rise through various roles. Tune in to hear about the skills and determination that have driven her success. Episode Highlights: Graziela’s introduction and background in the industry. Stories for the early days of her career in Brazil. Highlights from her second week as a Project Manager on highway 34. Stories from Power Road, the dispatch guys and looking for a challenge. Exploring some of the challenges and biases women in this industry face and her tips for overcoming them. Graziela shares her approach to being a mentor before flipping the question to our host. Key Takeaways: " I don’t know how to bake a cake, but I was very good in building mixed design on a job site. " " I want to apply for this job. He said, why? I said, because I can do it." " I had to drive, to do 200 kilometers takes like six hours, because there's no asphalt " " you’re always being challenged” “You give them a challenge, we gotta get it done. If you say it's impossible, we'll say no, it's not impossible. We'll get it done.” Links: Tomlinson Group: https://tomlinsongroup.com/
