podcast
the Storytelling side
of mentorDINO
The podcast side of mentorDINO is a way to have conversations with professionals in and around the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Their own perspective on the AEC industry to share the multiple side and boost empathy. And finally sharing advice for others!
- Career Experiences
- Career Transitions
- Pivots
- Specializations
- Advice for Others
- and more!
Life as a Construction Estimator – Jesse Robinson Evans Jesse Robinson-Evans, a construction estimator at Rycon Construction, shares his journey from playing with LEGOs as a kid to becoming an estimator. He talks about his experience in construction trades in high school and his decision…
Ricky McLain, a structural engineer and principal at Mass Timber Advisors, discusses his journey in the AEC profession and the use of mass timber in construction. He shares his experience working for a small engineering firm in Vermont, his time at Woodworks providing design support…
Stefanie Reichman, a civil engineer and customer success manager at Bluebeam, shares her journey from civil engineering to construction management to her current role in tech. She discusses the importance of being open to career pivots and not being afraid to fail exams. Stefanie emphasizes…
Bryce Betts, AEC Chief Matchmaker, Career Coach, and Recruiter at Career Collective, discusses her journey in the recruiting and coaching industry, specializing in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. She shares insights on career coaching, the challenges faced by small firms in hiring and…
Mechanical Engineering – Career, Pathways, & Leadership Nancy Kohout, Principal Mechanical Engineer at Smith Group, shares her journey from studying mechanical engineering to becoming a leader in the industry. She discusses the different paths within mechanical engineering and the importance of gaining practical experience. Nancy…
How to be a Mutlidisciplinary Designer Liz Sydnor, architect and principal of Sydnor Design LLC, shares her career journey and the decision to start her own business. She discusses the challenges of working remotely and the importance of finding what works best for you. Liz…
Never Let One Role Define You with Evelyn Lee Evelyn Lee, founder of Practice of Architecture and Co-host of the podcast Practice Disrupted. She shares her journey from traditional architecture practice to strategy consulting and tech. She discusses the importance of learning from outside the…
What if you could be BEHIND THE WHEEL of this!?! Brenna Moore, a heavy equipment operator, shares her journey in the construction industry and the benefits of pursuing a career in the trades. She discusses her apprenticeship program, the different types of equipment she operates,…
COMMUNICATION is the HEART of Business with John Aiello Jr. John Aiello Jr., President of Cascade Construction Products, shares his journey from joining his father’s business to becoming the president. He discusses the transition from manufacturing to being a product rep and the benefits of…
What is a Technology Consultant with David Vargo David Vargo, Principal at BrightTree Studios, discusses his role as a low voltage technology consultant and the services his company provides. He explains the various pathways into the industry and the importance of hands-on experience. David also…
We need MENTORSHIP to support the profession with Sean Sheffler Sean Scheffler, a senior associate architect at LGA Partners and the 2024 AIA Pittsburgh President. Sean shares his background and experience in the architecture industry, including his work on various project types. He discusses the…
From on Site to Construction Director with Matt Morris. Matt Morris, Director of Construction at the Efficiency Network, shares his career path and experiences in the construction industry. He discusses his education in civil engineering and construction management, as well as his early work as…
You could have a career in BUILDING & ROOFING SCIENCE with Jennifer Keegan Jennifer Keegan, Director of Building and Roofing Science at GAF, shares her career journey and insights into the building science industry. She discusses her education background and how she transitioned from architecture…
Resilience Design is People, Adaptable, and Sustainable with Illya Azaroff. Illya Azaroff, architect and founding principal at +Lab Architects PLLC, shares his career journey and experiences in the architecture industry. He discusses his background growing up in Nebraska and his decision to move overseas to…
MENTAL HEALTH for ALL design professionals with Mike LaValley Mike LaValley, an architect and associate at Trautman Associates, shares his journey from education to his current career. He discusses his passion for architecture and design, his experiences working at different firms, and the importance of…
Tara Pakler, a Specification Sales at LaFace McGovern Associates, shares her journey in the lighting industry. She started in commercial design but fell in love with lighting while working in a lighting showroom. Tara discusses the process of lighting restoration and the importance of understanding…
In this episode, Bob Bailey, an architect and specifications writer, shares his career journey and advice for young professionals. He discusses his transition to becoming a full-time specifier and the enjoyment he finds in writing specifications. Bob emphasizes the importance of specifications in projects and…
Paul Steidl, architect and co-founder of Build Casa, shares his journey from working in architecture firms to starting his own company. He discusses the importance of internships, pursuing a dual degree, and the value of working before completing a master’s degree. Paul emphasizes the significance…