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Thriving in Construction with Patricia Bonilla

Thriving in Construction with Patricia Bonilla

By Patricia Bonilla

The construction industry is tough to navigate, and having the appropriate information is essential in this industry. Join us as we talk with industry experts who have enthusiastic viewpoints on innovation and guidance for encompassing a growth mindset.

I am your host, Patricia Bonilla, President of Lunacon Construction Group, a woman-owned general contractor that only began in the garage in 2007. Our mission is to provide you the best resources that would result in turning your construction business into a money-making profitable machine that perfectly works for you!
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Building Resilience and Sustainability: Understanding the Concepts with Alexa Stone

Thriving in Construction with Patricia BonillaJan 26, 2023

00:00
41:09
Building Resilience and Sustainability: Understanding the Concepts with Alexa Stone

Building Resilience and Sustainability: Understanding the Concepts with Alexa Stone

Our guest in this episode, Ms. Alexa Stone, President, and CEO of ecoPreserve, emphasizes the importance of long-term relationships in achieving success. Her company, ecoPreserve, focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable building practices.

Alexa explains that sustainability and resiliency are closely related, focusing on using resources in a way that can be sustained over time, and resiliency refers to the ability to respond to climate events. Though it's complicated, she says that Individuals can contribute to sustainability by using LED lights, recycling waste, walking or using hybrid/electric vehicles, limiting the number of pets and children, and being mindful of the products they purchase and use.

She also calls for manufacturers to take responsibility for reducing packaging waste and using more sustainable materials.

"We need to work on it a lot more. Yes, I agree with you it is getting a little bit better. People are at least aware that they need to have the facade of equity, but it's still not equal. Women still don't make the same as men, and blacks and Hispanics also don't make the same it is not fair yet, but it's getting better." – Alexa Stone – President and CEO, ecoPreserve LLC.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

· The difference between resiliency and sustainability and how they work together to create a more sustainable future.

· The LEED certification process and what it means for a building to be LEED certified.

· The necessary components for a community to be considered resilient and how to implement them.

· Quick and effective ways to mitigate the damage caused by climate change in a building.

· The comparison between retirees and baby boomers in terms of needs and priorities.

Connect with Alexa Stone on LinkedIn

Learn more about ecoPreserve LLC

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn

Jan 26, 202341:09
Empowering Students and Diversifying the Construction Industry with Francisco Vargas

Empowering Students and Diversifying the Construction Industry with Francisco Vargas

Francisco Vargas is a professional accountant and educator with 28 years of experience. He believes that teachers have the potential to empower or disempower a student and that the role of the school is to teach students skills and values. However, he also notes that primary education should come from the home. Vargas discussed the limitations on teachers from the government, which hinders the ability of teachers to handle some student behavior in class. He also addresses the lack of drive in some parents and how some students develop mental health issues and drop out of school.

Vargas suggests that more could be done to provide opportunities for students to learn trades and create more diversity in the construction field, particularly in terms of empowering minority communities. He emphasized the importance of creating channels for students to learn about and access these opportunities and fostering a sense of unity and inclusion. Francisco Vargas has touched nearly 3300 students through his 28 years of service as an educator. He also mentions that only some students are college bound, and it should be considered to provide alternative pathways like technical schools for those students.

Patricia Bonilla, the Host of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, also agrees with Francisco Vargas on the importance of providing opportunities for students to learn something they love and are passionate about.

Lastly, Francisco Vargas shared his experience of transitioning from being a farmer to an educator, which was not without regret, and he emphasized the importance of diverse backgrounds and a sense of unity amongst everyone.

What You’ll Learn From this Episode:

  • The importance of construction in empowering minority communities
  • The reasons why there’s a lack of diversity in the construction industry
  • How to enhance the political power of minority communities in construction
  • The importance of education in the community

Learn more about Francisco Vargas on LinkedIn

Learn more about Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn

Learn more about the Lunacon Construction Group

Visit Lunacon Construction Group’s website

Jan 13, 202341:43
Bringing More Value and Diversity to the Construction Industry with Ms. Gloria Samuel

Bringing More Value and Diversity to the Construction Industry with Ms. Gloria Samuel

What if you ended up working for a career you dreaded before because you were unsure if you could handle challenges? Would you walk away, or would you embrace your fear?

In this episode, our special guest, Ms. Gloria Samuel, Senior Vice President and Director of Construction Programs and Project Management for Fifth Third Bank, has felt intimidated by the idea of a career in engineering. She decided to go to college and ended up choosing a program in architecture at the University of Cincinnati.

As a single parent of 1 kid, Gloria worked in architecture for a few years before eventually transitioning into the construction industry. She is motivated by the desire to learn and add value to her field, and she has been inspired by people in her life who have encouraged her to pursue her goals.

“It is important that nobody else can speak for you but you. And if you don’t speak up, you can’t expect that they’re going to give you something different. It doesn’t just fall in your lap.” Gloria Samuel, Fifth Third Bank, Senior Vice President and Director of Construction Programs and Project Management

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

  1. The importance of considering the long-term impact of career choice rather than simply focusing on short-term financial considerations.
  2. The significance of being resilient and adaptable in any career, especially in the construction industry.
  3. How crucial it is to have strong communication and collaboration skills to be successful in construction.
  4. Why you should embrace new ideas and approaches in the construction industry.

Connect with Gloria Samuel on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on Linkedin

Learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Dec 21, 202201:05:54
Creating Opportunities Through Diversity and Inclusion by Dr. Barbara Sharief

Creating Opportunities Through Diversity and Inclusion by Dr. Barbara Sharief

We're all about creating opportunities for everyone.

Sure, you probably think we mean the people are already doing it. You know, the folks already getting the jobs and opportunities that lead to success and community involvement. And you're right: those people deserve their fair chance!

But we also think that everybody benefits when more people get opportunities in a diverse community. That's because when all voices are heard and all ideas considered, it creates more opportunities for everyone. Diversity is not just about leveling the playing field; it's about making your community more robust as a whole!

And our guest in our 4th Episode of Season 04 of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, is someone who fights for the rights of Hispanics and black minority communities. She’s no other than Dr. Barbara Sharief, with 13 years of experience in office as City Commissioner, Mayor, and President of counties.

I can't help but quote Dr. Barbara's words, "So for me, in my mind, I'm always saying I can't fail, I can't fail. Failure is not an option. Because I'm representing women and minorities, I'm representing on a level where people expect failure and can't fail." Dr. Barbara Sharief

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

  • The possible solutions for minorities and small business opportunities to thrive.
  • How inclusivity brings success.
  • The importance of intuition in the decision-making process.
  • The advantage of construction skills over traditional careers.

Connect with Dr. Barbara Sharief on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Nov 30, 202257:08
The Significance of Surety Bonds in the World of Construction by Charles Nielson, President of Nielson, Hoover & Company

The Significance of Surety Bonds in the World of Construction by Charles Nielson, President of Nielson, Hoover & Company

The first thing, and perhaps the most important one, a construction company must do to survive is to understand the people they are working for. According to Charles Nielson, President of Nielson, Hoover & Company, the same principle applies to private and public roles.

Although surety bonds seem to be an overwhelming topic for most businesses—especially for the new ones in the process—it is a must for every construction business owner to understand this type of agreement between three different parties involved: an obligee, a principal, and a surety. The key roles each party plays are explained in detail in the podcast.

Charles said that if you sign a contract to build a building in today's market, you have to think about the issue of rising costs in some way. However, one should note that surety bonds are not insurance. Instead, they are assurance.

"As a contractor in this marketplace, you must be able to facilitate the challenges that will come to you when you look at challenging problems that are in place now and that are just over the horizon." - Charles Nielson

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

· The importance of surety bonds in the construction business

· Key roles by distinct parties: an oblige, a principal, and a surety

· How to avoid financial walls and potential bankruptcies in the construction industry

· How to assess and figure out the risks of the potential loss

Connect with Charles Nielson on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Nov 09, 202252:13
Who You Are is What Your Company Is by Ursula Iafrate, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of FAE Consulting

Who You Are is What Your Company Is by Ursula Iafrate, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of FAE Consulting

As a leader, you should live and breathe the core values of who you are. Remember, who you are is what your company is. And would you believe if I said that what shows up in your personal life as a hobby also shows up in your business?

Just like Ms. Ursula Iafrate, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Freaking Awesome Engineers Consulting, a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing service company with extensive experience in planning and designing building systems. She's passionate about the horses she's volunteering for, about helping and giving back. As a result, her passion manifests in the way she handles her team and her firm.

I can't help but admire her positive approach to life and the workplace. Ursula said, "I'm not afraid to say that I've been in therapy multiple times. It's all about connecting with yourself and realizing that you don't need anybody's validation. It just comes from within, like your happiness and joy and who you are." - Ursula Iafrate.

What You'll Learn About this Episode

  • The three pillars that are crucial for an MEP project to be successful
  • Ms. Iafrate's advice for those who want to change the world
  • Reasons why you should hire people smarter than you
  • The importance of trust in building teams

Connect with Ursula Iafrate on LinkedIn

Learn more about Freaking Awesome Engineers Consulting

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn

Learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

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Nov 02, 202240:07
Educating Individuals for a Better Future by Dr. Jose Faria

Educating Individuals for a Better Future by Dr. Jose Faria

We all know the importance of education; aside from supporting the growth of civil society, political stability, and democracy, it significantly contributes to reducing poverty. Education indeed increases the rate of return on the economy.

Like our guest, Dr. Jose Faria, in Episode 02 of Season 04 of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast. As the Moss Endowed Chair of the Department of Construction Management at Florida International University, he finds academia very fulfilling. His impact on his students in the Construction Management Department is immeasurable. Seeing their interests, passions, and persistence in moving forward is absolutely satisfying and wonderful.

Contrary to some belief, Dr. Faria explains that the construction industry has so much work and not enough people to do them. There is so much money out there, and the industry is a thriving sector. He's on a mission to bring students to their dream jobs more quickly while also assisting residents of our South Florida community in making a living, particularly those who are homeless or formerly incarcerated.

"I always tell them that construction is a great career to follow." – Dr. Jose Faria

What You'll Learn from this Episode:

  • The biggest challenge the construction industry faces right now and moving into the future.
  • What has been the most significant shift within a generation from 16 years ago?
  • The biggest obstacles today that need to be solved.
  • Diversity in the school nowadays.

Connect with Dr. Jose Faria on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Oct 26, 202235:04
Season 4 - Introduction, Thriving in Construction, The Podcast

Season 4 - Introduction, Thriving in Construction, The Podcast

Season 04 is coming! And for the past seasons here in Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, we’ve seen and heard many guests sharing their journey toward the construction industry.

If you have noticed, they came from different fields of construction. Some were business owners, and others were accountants, superintendents, managers, co-founders, and even ordinary employees. But the bottom line is this; construction is a diversified industry nowadays, and the belief that it is a dead-end job has no place in the industry at the very moment. Many individuals have already shifted their focus to the industry, realizing how promising and lucrative it is.

This coming Season 04, allow me to share with you again the precious moments spent with our beloved guests, moments that are full of life’s lessons worthy of pondering. I invite everyone to listen to Season 04 of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, as I interview our valuable guests on a personal level. This podcast intends not only to reveal their weaknesses and strengths, failures and successes but also to dig deeper into how they achieve work-life balance as humans.

Once again, this is Patricia Bonilla, encouraging you to join me in our upcoming episodes of Season 04 of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast!

Oct 21, 202201:23
The Importance of Sizing up an Opportunity: The Business and Marketing Planning with Graciela Beltran-Uddin & Naeem Uddin PART 02

The Importance of Sizing up an Opportunity: The Business and Marketing Planning with Graciela Beltran-Uddin & Naeem Uddin PART 02

In the first part of our Episode 10 of Season 03 here in Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, we talked about the struggles, fears, failures, and successes of our guest couple, Grace and Naeem Uddin.

Despite their seemingly odd relationship – Grace is a Columbian while Naeem is a Pakistani – and countless physical, mental, and emotional challenges, the couple successfully achieved their goals.

In Part 02, Grace and Naeem share their thoughts about the environmental health of the construction industry. They point out the stress being created around that makes everyone suffers and how to make the industry better.

“And actively, I would encourage women to participate in this industry. It is not just about going out there and painting a wall or anything like that. If they want to do that, that is fine. That could be done, too. But this industry offers great potential. People can make a very good living. They could have a fantastic family life. They could have fantastic career and success is boundless.” – Naeem Uddin

What You’ll Learn From this Episode:

  • How we can make a better change in the construction system that would address issues that have adverse effects on everybody.
  • What are the conflicts in the construction industry that need to be fixed.
  • The benefits women can potentially get when they join the construction industry.
  • The importance of insurance for every employee in a company.

Connect with Grace and Naeem Uddin on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Aug 31, 202221:47
The Importance of Sizing up an Opportunity: The Business and Marketing Planning with Graciela Beltran-Uddin & Naeem Uddin

The Importance of Sizing up an Opportunity: The Business and Marketing Planning with Graciela Beltran-Uddin & Naeem Uddin

We’ve already heard many stories of a woman or a man who succeeds in doing construction industry business. But what about a couple? A husband-and-wife tandem? We rarely hear stories of their struggles, fears, failures, and successes.

In our 9th episode of Season 03 in Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, we are privileged enough to interview a couple who is not only successful in their endeavor but have overcome countless physical, mental, and emotional challenges aside from the fact they came from the opposite worlds.

Graciela Beltran-Uddin and Naeem Uddin, President & Vice President of Grace & Naeem Uddin, Inc., have been through a lot before achieving their ultimate goal. What is interesting was the fact that Graciela, or Grace, is a Columbian and Naeem is a Pakistani. Their odd relationship only proved that there are no challenges in life that we can’t overcome if we will only give our 100% focus.

Although both of them are civil engineers, the couple experienced difficulties, rejections, and disappointments along the way as they started building their construction business. But they started slowly by going out and doing the fieldwork by themselves, getting together and typing up reports to hand over to the homeowners and the homeowners taking them to the insurance company. There are indeed a lot of learnings and insights we can adopt from this couple.

And to quote Grace, “…So I looked into construction. And I thought being a woman at that time was a big benefit and opportunity because working in the county I had learned about women-owned businesses and how there was more opportunity or there were opportunities that were recognized for women on minorities.”

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

  • How to determine your penetration rate in the construction industry
  • Why computers and automation are of utmost significance
  • The importance of having a mentor. Trust me; it is of significant value
  • Incorporating a work-life balance is an essential factor if you want to succeed.

Connect with Grace and Naeem Uddin on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Aug 24, 202248:13
The Importance of Planning Before Execution with Julie Laughton
Aug 17, 202235:10
Building Your Brand Through Building Your Relationship with Charesse Chester

Building Your Brand Through Building Your Relationship with Charesse Chester

Branding is crucial because it impacts consumers that they will remember and enables your customers and clients to know what to anticipate from your business. It is a way of setting yourself out from the other companies in your industry and elaborating on the aspects of what you provide that set you apart as the superior option.

But how should you do it? By sustaining your relationships with people.

Ms. Charesse Chester, our guest in our Season 03, Episode 08 of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, perfectly explains the importance of building your brand to build your business. For her, everyone should be involved in some way in terms of building the brand.

However, it's not as easy as most people think. Many activities are involved in building relationships, which in turn will build the business. Just like marketing - whether in physical meetings or social platforms- you must consistently reach maximum potential. This episode will undoubtedly help you recognize the importance of online presence.

"So the first step to do if you're a small business, I would say, is get online, find out your industry, find out your region and just sign up for the newsletter. Let them send you the information, and you go through it." Charesse Chester

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

  • The importance of social media marketing to enhance your brand awareness
  • The significance of having a mentor in your business
  • How to get around through diversity and inclusion
  • How to sustain business relationships over time

Connect with Charesse Chester on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Aug 03, 202231:51
The Mark of Latinas in Construction by Edith Yanez

The Mark of Latinas in Construction by Edith Yanez

In this very inspiring Episode 07 of Season 03 here in Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, Business Consultant at InTown Connection and Founder of Latinas in Construction and Hispanics in Construction, Ms. Edith Yanez, proved to us that if you want to succeed in life, you should be ready to break the myth.

Just like the common belief in the Hispanic culture that women are destined to work at home and take care of the family, Edith invaded the construction industry, which was thought of as a “men-only territory.”

Empowering women with what she saw as an opportunity in construction, Edith and her team are now teaching women to learn not only blueprint reading but also interior decoration, 3D design, and 3D for landscape.

“But for my Latinas in Construction, I wish the construction industry opens more doors for them, so they can work in trades and manage offices. I hope there is more the percentage of Latinas working in construction growth in the next five years. We are so few now that we are not in any statistics. The number of Latinas working in construction is really small.” – Edith Yanez

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

  • How to effectively eliminate barriers and beliefs for what is achievable.
  • The different opportunities that lie ahead for women who want to join construction.
  • How life would be if women were given equal opportunities.
  • How women can make an impact on the construction world.

Connect with Edith Yanez on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Jul 27, 202230:48
The Importance of Teamwork in Construction with David Bertot
Jul 20, 202240:57
What School Doesn't Teach You with Christopher Corona

What School Doesn't Teach You with Christopher Corona

Do you believe there are things in life that school missed to teach us? Actually, there are plenty of them, and they are not just random things but essential life skills.

To give you an example, time management. Did your school teach you how to organize your life better that would result in a tremendous saving of hours of extra work, procrastination, and overall stress for your whole life?

Another thing is finance. Okay, we have accounting courses, but there is no specific specialty regarding budgeting, saving, credit, banking, investing, and frugality. The list would go on and on and on.

Our guest in Season 03, Episode 04 of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, is Christopher Corona, Lunacon's Assistant Project Manager. He had a plan for going undergrad in Mechanical Engineering, and if the plan went well, he'd continue his study. He thought of maybe getting into a contract or something like that for construction.

But everything changed when he started to do an internship for her mother's company, where he worked as a plumbing contractor throughout South Florida. He realized that one of the biggest lessons he learned is that almost all of his skills and background came from that internship, from what his team did, and all the mistakes that taught them. And the rest is history.

What You'll Learn from this Episode:

  • How to better understand what will happen in the field than merely seeing a piece of paper in academics.
  • Why communication is vital in the construction industry.
  • How to resolve conflicts in the construction space relating to documentation.
  • The significance of being proactive
  • What you’ll learn from life itself that is not taught in school.
  • You’ll also learn that school imparts us with thoughts, honor, and fame, but experience will impart us with lessons we need in order to succeed in this journey of life.

Connect with Christopher Corona on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Jul 13, 202239:36
Controlling Risk and Managing Cash Flow: The Ultimate Things You Do for a Living by Emilio Alvarez

Controlling Risk and Managing Cash Flow: The Ultimate Things You Do for a Living by Emilio Alvarez

What do you do for a living? If you’re in the construction industry, you might say that you build houses and buildings. If you’re in the information industry, you might conclude that you provide information services. And the list goes on.

But according to our guest in the 3rd Episode of Season 03 in Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, what you do for a living could be summed up to two things; controlling risk and managing cash flow. And for you to do it with conviction, you must have passion in the pursuit of excellence.

There is much to say in this sentence. And there is no better way to explain it than listening to the person who utters those same words.

“I have to tell you that what is required is passion in the pursuit of excellence and that statement contains three words, passion, pursuit, and excellence. In life every successful person that you know, if you analyze it, is passionate about what they do. Why do I use the word pursuit? Because you don't make it, you never make it to excellence, you become excellent in the pursuit of excellence. But you must never believe that you have reached excellence. Because if you do, you lower your guard, and you mark the beginning of the end.” – Emilio Alvarez

What You'll Learn from this Episode:

  • What it takes to be excellent
  • Why finding good people to work for you is imperative
  • Corporate culture: an utmost importance
  • The various risks that you have to control

Connect with Emilio Alvarez on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Jul 06, 202242:46
The Significance of Knowing Your People with Christine Yerkes
Jun 29, 202235:20
The Importance of Partnering with People with the Right Mindset with Antwinette Lashone Goodman-Cooper

The Importance of Partnering with People with the Right Mindset with Antwinette Lashone Goodman-Cooper

When they hear the phrase "US Army Corps of Engineers," many people might think about military personnel trained for war or peacekeeping services, although they are capable of doing so. Little did they know that the US Army Corps of Engineers serves as the backbone in the construction sector of the army or Air Force. They are the ones engaged in construction and other environmental remediation. US Army Corps of Engineers is also an environmental agency.

In our first episode of Season 03 in Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, our guest is Antwinette LaShone Goodman-Cooper, US Army Corps of Engineers-South Atlantic Division, Regional Director for small business. She clearly explains the duties and responsibilities of the US Army Corps of Engineers and how they accomplished missions on time or before time, within budget or under budget. She explains the requirements for those who want to partner or handle their priorities' needs.

LaShone, as she used to be called by her family and friends, believes that women should consider joining the construction industry for various reasons. And to quote her, "I've seen tremendous growth with women in construction…" You don't have to look like a man to be in the industry."

What You'll Learn from this Episode:

  • The role of a contracting officer
  • Why it's essential to choose value over price
  • The significance of partnering with people with the right mindset
  • Why women should join the construction industry

Connect with Antwinette LaShone Goodman-Cooper on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Jun 22, 202250:33
Season 3 - Introduction - Thriving in Construction

Season 3 - Introduction - Thriving in Construction

As we see, the construction industry has a vast offering of informative podcasts. And here in Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, we aim to inspire and educate individuals from all walks of life through “the people behind the buildings.”

These are thought leaders, experts, and thriving employees – men and women – who decided to share their knowledge and ideas for the benefit of our listeners. Whether you are new or seasoned professionals who desire to better understand how to further your career in the industry, Thriving in Construction, The Podcast is for you!

Jun 21, 202201:43
How to Win ‘Friends’ in Construction: From a Superintendent Perspective with Cary Shawn Ritch

How to Win ‘Friends’ in Construction: From a Superintendent Perspective with Cary Shawn Ritch

Just like Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends & Influence People,” the construction industry has no difference. Perhaps the most important guideline applicable in the field of construction is to be a good listener and encourage others to talk about themselves.

And this is what makes Cary Shawn Ritch, Lunacon Construction Group’s Project Superintendent intermingle successfully with different people from different cultures. His approach to asking questions to his subordinates arouses a feeling of connection between him and his conversation partner.

Started his construction business almost immediately after getting out of high school, Shawn shares his tough experience, particularly in the first three years of his business. He knows the challenges of getting contractors who will depend on you and trust you, particularly at the young age of 23.

And to quote Shawn’s exact words when asked about how to be an outstanding superintendent, “It takes a lot. It takes dedication, patience, and understanding. You have to be able to problem-solve, you have to be able to deal with people, not only the owners but as well all the way down to the lowest labor on the protocol personalities. You have to deal with the individual as they need to be dealt with. And that's not always easy. There's a lot of people that are very difficult to deal with.”

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

·The importance of being a good listener

· How to give honest and sincere appreciation to other people

· Why you should avoid criticizing, condemning, or complaining.

· Why sequencing and scheduling are effective methods to get people to maneuver and do the job.

May 06, 202250:42
Mediation and Arbitration: An Expert Litigator's Perspective with Attorney Lisa Colon

Mediation and Arbitration: An Expert Litigator's Perspective with Attorney Lisa Colon

Counselling and guiding business owners not to have legal disputes on the front end is in fact the work of a mediator. The goal here is to open your eyes as to what is possible that you might not be thinking of. On the other hand, it is the arbitrator who makes the final decision by choosing the right or wrong, the winner or loser.

And that is how Attorney Lisa Colon, a certified litigator, arbitrator, and construction attorney and partner of Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP, explains each role. Certified as a Mediator by the Florida Supreme Court and as an Arbitrator by the American Arbitration Association, Attorney Lisa doesn’t always end up inside the courtroom. For her, resolution is a far better option than any battle inside the court. Though she fights courtroom battles every now and then, she holds to her principle of being part of her clients’ problem-solving method.

"Resolution is a better way. I always say to my clients, I want to help you solve your problem. I want to be a part of your business and help you solve your problems. If you want just a person to go into court and fight your battle, I'm probably not the lawyer for you, I can do that. And I will certainly do it if we need to. But I see my role as being a part of your problem solving. Because what we need to do is just keep the project going, keep it moving, and get it built." Lisa Colon, lawyer

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

  • The difference of arbitration, mediation, and litigation
  • Why resolution is of utmost importance in any conflict
  • Other factors to consider when we talk about diversity and inclusion
  • The significance of having a mediator and arbitrator

Connect with Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP on LinkedIn

Learn more about Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Apr 08, 202201:04:40
An In-Depth Analysis About the Importance of Communication with Attorney Edgar Belaval

An In-Depth Analysis About the Importance of Communication with Attorney Edgar Belaval

Effective communication skills are critical for ensuring that you understand information accurately and quickly. In contrast, inadequate communication skills frequently result in misunderstandings and frustration.

It may take a lifetime to master communication skills—if anyone can ever claim to have mastered them. There are, however, several relatively simple things you can do to enhance your communication skills and ensure that you can effectively transmit and receive information.

And that’s what our guest expert here in Season 02, Episode 12 of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, tackles about. Attorney Edgar Belaval of Belaval Law here in Miami, Florida, has extensive trial experience in construction, real estate, contract, commercial and liability cases, starting from inception to trial.

“So, I think the most important message that anyone should take from this podcast is the importance of communication, and documentation in every aspect of construction, whether it's a change, whether it's a schedule, whether it's who's going to be where, whether it's when do we start, or any issues that have come up, communication is the most important thing.” -Attorney Edgar Belaval

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

·  The three vital components of an entire construction process.

·  The most important thing about communication

·  How women affect the world of construction

·  The advantages of joining the construction industry over other sectors

Connect with Attorney Edgar Belaval on LinkedIn

Learn more about Belaval Law, PLLC

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn

Learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Mar 25, 202201:05:59
Choosing Construction Over the Highest Air Force Enlisted Rank with Cindy Martin

Choosing Construction Over the Highest Air Force Enlisted Rank with Cindy Martin

It is not uncommon to learn that many of our younger generations have exceptional potential. Unfortunately, they can't pursue their passions to college because of the main challenge - money.

There is an old adage that "being rich means never having to think about money." Although the source of that quotation has been lost, it remains as accurate as ever—and for far too many students and families, the opposite is also true. If you're having financial difficulties, money is constantly on your mind.

And our guest in our 11th Episode here in Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, Ms. Cindy Martin, CEO and Managing Member of CINKA Construction and Consulting Services LLC, had also experienced the same struggle. But what makes her exceptional was when she took the problem as a challenge and overcame it by joining the Air Force military - all for the sake of a college education. Then the rest is history.

"And now, there's a number of firms that I know, including Lunacon, that are women-owned and very successful. It has a large degree of professional women working with them both from an engineering estimating standpoint. So, I think it's grown. But I think there's a lot more work that can be done. I think in regards to I always say that not everybody is set up to get a four-year college degree, but there's a lot of trades out there where women would be good at." - Cindy Martin

What You'll Learn from this Episode:

  • How challenges and opportunities make you who you are
  • The importance of sacrifice to attain a better work-life balance in the future
  • The role of women in the construction industry; now and then
  • The different trades where women would be good at

Follow Cindy (@smscmartin) on Instagram

Learn more about CINKA Construction and Consulting Services, LLC

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Get in touch with Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Mar 11, 202236:14
Common Challenges in the Construction Industry and How to Effectively Deal with Them with Dr. Annie Mecias- Murphy

Common Challenges in the Construction Industry and How to Effectively Deal with Them with Dr. Annie Mecias- Murphy

Mar 04, 202250:06
 Women in the Construction Industry: Then and Now with Emilio Criado

Women in the Construction Industry: Then and Now with Emilio Criado

He started working as a laborer in the construction industry at the early age of 13. Though he wanted to be a marine biologist, fate and necessity pushed him to work in construction.

And that is Emilio Criado, Lunacon Construction Group’s Vice President. From being a laborer, he became a carpenter and eventually climbed up the ladder to become a foreman, assistant superintendent, and finally, superintendent.

However, things were not smooth along his journey. But with the twist of fate, a woman helped him change his role from laborer to a carpenter. And the rest is history.

Our next episode here in Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, is full of perspectives about the importance of women in the construction space. Emilio emphasized their significance and how men’s perceptions changed over the years. He also pointed out the very reason why there is such a high risk of danger working before in the construction.

“I saw that more and more women were getting into the business. And more and more women were qualified and had leadership roles, not only in business in construction but also in other businesses. I had noticed that more CEOs were women. More women were in leadership positions that were running companies. Call it an awakening, whatever you may want to, but I believe that for me, I saw the value specifically when I started meeting more project manager women in this business, and I noticed that they cared more about their projects in some cases than the men.” - Emilio Criado

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

  • The reasons preventing men in the construction field from voicing when they need something.
  • Why are there many women in the leadership role in the construction space?
  • The secret for success in the construction industry.
  • Why do so many companies fail within their first five years?

Connect with Emilio Criado on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Get in touch with Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Feb 25, 202253:28
Setting the Ground for Yourself with Vanessa Bermudez

Setting the Ground for Yourself with Vanessa Bermudez

"Setting the ground for yourself" means preparing the ground for a future course of action or development, making it easier for it to happen. But how do you set the ground?

Our guest for Episode 08 here in Season 02 of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, is a very successful professional who started her career in the construction industry as an office secretary.

Ms. Vanessa Bermudez, Principal of Business Development at TLC Engineering Solutions, shares her day-to-day responsibilities when she started her passion for marketing and business development that eventually led her to become the Business Development representative and principal of TLC.

However, the road to her success is not as easy as you might think. For her, the biggest challenge is to be resilient. She's fully aware that most women find it challenging to balance a personal and professional life, not to mention that some people think women cannot do both.

"On whatever you decide, I think you have to set those grounds for yourself to see where you want to be in five years, and maybe you won't do it in five years. But maybe you are going to be a project manager in 10 years. How do you want to balance your life? For me, the most important thing is that you set those guidelines, not somebody else has it for you." – Vanessa Bermudez

What You'll Learn from this Episode:

  • The importance of setting the ground for yourself and how to achieve it
  • The significance of showing your value to people
  • Why the company culture is more important than moving around to earn more money?
  • How building relationships becomes vital in bringing opportunities for you and your company?

Connect with Vanessa Bermudez on LinkedIn

Learn more about TLC Engineering Solutions

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn

Learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Feb 18, 202255:06
How to Rebuild Yourself Amid Financial Difficulties with Ed Campany

How to Rebuild Yourself Amid Financial Difficulties with Ed Campany

Feb 12, 202257:42
To Embrace the Change is to Move Forward with Daphne Gurri

To Embrace the Change is to Move Forward with Daphne Gurri

To build something, you have to make some decisions and prioritize. Even if you don’t choose, you have to do it. And this is what Daphne Gurri, Founding Partner and President of Gurri Matute PA, did during her challenging years.

Before starting her business from scratch, with no money in hand, Daphnee had already gone through two or three layoffs in the 1990s. Becoming tired, she told her husband Jose that after the fourth attempt, she was done. She’s going to start her own business and see how it goes. Then the sacrifices have just gone ultimate.

The pain of not being able to be there with her children at all times is one of the challenging things. Beating a physically impossible timeline is just another thing. But the worst part was leaving their children, who at that time aged three and one only, by the window.

Daphnee believes that one should be able to make a tremendous amount of personal sacrifice and eventually embrace the changes taking place, which is one of the reasons why a lot of businesses don’t succeed. Finally, you’ll learn to trust in other people to build a team so you can allow yourself the ability to take the needed time off.

“The first thing is that you should not carry the idea of being the victim in your head. If you have that in your head, you’ll never be going to move forward. You cannot have that negative feeling. Throughout the process, I did struggle. I did have issues where men in the industry did not respect me. But you have to be strong and brush those things off. Then ultimately, prove your intelligence, experience, and passion to people. Through all those things together will make you successful.” – Daphne Gurri

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

  • How to diminish all the negativity that surrounds you?
  • The importance of building a network of people when you embark on any business.
  • Why energy and sustainability should go together?
  • Why is it important to embrace changes to move forward?

Connect with Daphne Gurri on LinkedIn

Connect with Gurri Matute PA on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Get in touch with Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Feb 04, 202246:49
Transforming Challenges Into Success With Layli Pietri

Transforming Challenges Into Success With Layli Pietri

From being a single mother of two kids and struggling to find employment to becoming a successful Business Liaison Officer for the Federal Small Business Program, that is Layli Pietri, Diversity Director of Balfour Beatty Construction.

It’s hard to imagine working away from your kids without someone attending to them. So Layli would eventually take them to work, and at other times, she would ask her supervisor to allow her to bring her work home.

It’s challenging. Maybe many listeners will blame the situation on someone or something, especially that Layli’s working in a male-dominated industry. But not for Layli, she managed to overcome the obstacles – personally and professionally – by applying strategies, time management, and other effective methods to become what she is now; Balfour Beatty Construction’s Diversity Director.

“I think most women don’t realize there’s a lot of great women out there like you, Patricia, who is really paving the way for a lot of other women, and we just don’t see them highlighted as much. Also understanding there’s a lot of different roles within the industry.” – Layli Pietri

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

  • The importance of being a great listener in order to gain trust and knowledge.
  • How diversity and inclusion can significantly help you achieve the most in your career and personal life?
  • The three things that anyone should keep in mind to be successful in business development.
  • Why is relationship significant to success, and how does it work?

Connect with Layli Pietri on LinkedIn

Connect with Balfour Beatty US on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Get in touch with Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Jan 29, 202234:39
Discussing the Vast Opportunities in the Construction Industry with Colonel Elizabeth Evans
Jan 21, 202243:35
The Importance of Accounting in the Construction Industry With Leslie Callender

The Importance of Accounting in the Construction Industry With Leslie Callender

It is not a secret that financing costs and capital requirements are high in the construction industry. Regardless of the size of the project, construction business owners must obtain the capital resources to finance the costs of construction.

However, backing up with finances is not enough. One should have cost accounting to track the cost of each project separately properly. Unfortunately, there are construction businesses out there who overlooked the importance of having accounting, which led to running out of cash to support their projects.

Our guest for today’s Episode here in Thriving in Construction, The Podcast, has three decades of accounting experience. And it is definitely a privilege to have her explain the importance of accounting.

“Just start with the minimal staff that you need. Stay in an arena that you’re familiar with. Although it may be tempting to do things that are outside of your area of expertise to go out… you can get into trouble when you don’t know what you don’t know.” – Leslie Callender

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

  • The importance of knowing overbilling and underbilling
  • How can cost accounting helps improve the way you manage your cash flow
  • The best way to find out what’s your interests in life
  • Viewpoint versus QuickBooks: Which is better? From an expert’s perspective

Connect with Leslie Callender on LinkedIn

Learn more about On Call Accounting

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn

Learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Jan 14, 202241:10
To Live Life In Gratitude With Joanne Brooks

To Live Life In Gratitude With Joanne Brooks

When you think about diversity and inclusion, what comes first to your mind? Is it the color of skin? Or men should be priority over women?

For Joanne Brooks, she sees it almost entirely in reverse. Joanne believes that the construction industry focuses first on women, and then next to racial equity, which eventually makes the color issue a lot lesser.

Seeing diversity as an asset instead of being a disadvantage is living a life in gratitude. And with leaders who accept the responsibilities and take the accountability, they are the ones who manage their businesses in a way that’s going to lead to success.

Bad things happened and they are inevitable. But operating from a place of integrity and fairness (caring about employees, about other people, and trying to do the right thing) always leads to positive results.

“So, I think in the long run, it's really about your character and your ethics, and doing those things that are right. I do believe that if you're trying to run a business, and all you do is you’re front for somebody else, you're really not running a business.” – Joanne Brooks

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

  • Understanding the importance of safety and security in the construction industry
  • What is surety and the importance of it to your business
  • The 3 most important C’s that sureties look at, and how it can help in building a legacy business
  • Why contractors are the most optimistic people in the world

Connect with Joanne Brooks on LinkedIn

Learn more about JSSB Consulting LLC

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Dec 18, 202150:18
Where Viewing Obstacles Is A Chance For Growth With Vanessa Mata

Where Viewing Obstacles Is A Chance For Growth With Vanessa Mata

Dec 11, 202129:52
Season 2 - Introduction

Season 2 - Introduction

Due to the overwhelming success of season 1, Thriving in Construction, The Podcast returns with even more close and personal encounters with my guest experts in this second season.

Each episode includes interviews with well-known industry experts and entrepreneurs. They work together and discuss their successes, disappointments, and lessons learnt from their experiences in the construction sector. I'll also share with my audience my experiences as the President and CEO of Lunacon Construction Group, including my accomplishments and disappointments as well as the lessons and inspirations I've received over the course of more than three decades in the construction industry.


My name is Patricia Bonilla, and I'd like to extend a warm welcome to you as we begin Season 2 of Thriving in Construction, The Podcast.

Dec 09, 202101:03
The Power of Learning for Self-Development in the Construction Industry with Ivette Vazquez

The Power of Learning for Self-Development in the Construction Industry with Ivette Vazquez

Changing careers can seem daunting when you're contemplating it. Nevertheless, if you've already worked, you probably have many transferable skills, things that you learned or have been trained in that will facilitate your ability to move into a new position with ease.

But what if your work background came from a retail industry – from cashier to being an administrative manager – without a full related job description with the construction?

How would you manage the transition?

In this Episode in Thriving in Construction, the Podcast, Ivette explains how she successfully managed the transition and became Lunacon's Administrative and Talent Manager. A powerful yet full of conviction real story from a woman who has a passion for working in the construction space, but life's challenges prevent her from doing that.

"Construction is very real, very true. It's definitely been very rewarding with all the challenges and all the growth. It's an ever, ever learning career." – Yvette Vasquez

What You'll Learn from this Episode:

  • Why construction is considered a teachable industry.
  • How to adapt to changes in order to thrive in the construction space.
  • How you can manage to transfer your learned technology skills from different industries to the construction space.
  • The advantages of joining the construction.

Connect with Ivette Vazquez on LinkedIn 

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Connect with Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Nov 19, 202130:52
 Change is Inevitable and So Are Women with Gladys Artunedo
Nov 12, 202131:24
Making a Career Leap into the Construction Space with Purisima Gonzalez
Nov 05, 202122:22
Thriving in Construction | Creating a Culture of Improvement in the Construction Industry with Regla Jimenez

Thriving in Construction | Creating a Culture of Improvement in the Construction Industry with Regla Jimenez

Oct 29, 202149:50
Thriving in Construction | The Power of Self-Confidence in Women of Construction with Lourdes Martin Rosa

Thriving in Construction | The Power of Self-Confidence in Women of Construction with Lourdes Martin Rosa

Why is self-confidence important in the workplace?

Being confident in the workplace allows you to express yourself clearly and concisely. The confidence of professionals allows them to communicate with both their clients and co-workers in a way that is easy to understand.

In order to be successful, respected, and trusted in the construction industry, it is imperative that you demonstrate self-confidence, competitiveness, and ambition. Nevertheless, many women find it difficult to fit into this industry's work settings. Instead of promoting themselves, they choose to downplay their skills.

And Lourdes Martin Rosa displays the perfect opposite of that point of view. Equipped with the right confidence, she successfully acquires various contracts from different government agencies.

Her expertise is so awesome that huge companies like the American Express offered her to speak on their behalf.

“Everyone sells… even if all you have is a hammer and a drill, and you have the mentality that you’re going to install that window the way no one else will.” – Lourdes Martin Rosa

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

  • The importance of adapting to change, especially for the business owners to succeed
  • The 3 things people need to consider to grow in government contracting
  • what is this one thing that caused failure to many firms and construction
  • Government contracting: Is it for everyone

Connect with Lourdes Martin Rosa on LinkedIn

Learn more about Government Business Solutions on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Oct 22, 202101:10:05
Thriving in Construction | Moving Beyond Differences in the Construction Industry with Aishwarya Pathak

Thriving in Construction | Moving Beyond Differences in the Construction Industry with Aishwarya Pathak

Aishwarya Pathak is a Project Engineer at Lunacon Construction Group. Having a solid seven years of experience at Design-Build firms, Aishwarya had a background in architecture for six years in India before coming to the United States. Becoming a Project Engineer in Lunacon is her first job in the U.S., where she works in the design aspect of construction.

Guest Aishwarya ‘Ash’ Pathak and I share our journey to the construction industry. Ash, an architect by nature, reveals how she managed to work in construction management despite the differences between being an architect and managing construction projects for somebody else’s designs.

On the other hand, I share my inspiring story on how I stubbornly followed my dream of becoming an engineer, despite my father’s disapproval. Though I have other options; to be a doctor, lawyer, or an architect, I stuck to my passion. “No, that’s not for women,” I can still recall those words my father uttered to me when I told him that I wanted to be an engineer someday.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

  • Diversity and inclusion in the construction industry
  • The differences of perceiving construction while in the school or university and the real world.
  • What are the traditional perceptions about women working in a construction
  • How Ash works her way to working in the U.S. despite different challenges
  • What are the things about construction management that are not being taught on the school

Connect with Aishwarya Pathak on LinkedIn

Connect with Patricia Bonilla on LinkedIn and learn more about Lunacon Construction Group

Contact Lunacon Construction Group on LinkedIn

Oct 15, 202154:57
Thriving in Construction with Patricia Bonilla | Trailer

Thriving in Construction with Patricia Bonilla | Trailer

Did you know that the construction industry is one of the industries that play a significant role in developing and improving our economic sector and the development of a country? Construction is a very diverse industry that ranges from quarrying, mining, and forestry to buildings and infrastructures.

The construction industry is tough to navigate, and having the appropriate information is essential in this industry. Join us as we talk with industry experts who have enthusiastic viewpoints on innovation and guidance for encompassing a growth mindset.

I am your host, Patricia Bonilla, President of Lunacon Construction Group, a woman-owned general contractor that only began in the garage in 2007. Our mission is to provide you the best resources that would result in turning your construction business into a money-making profitable machine that perfectly works for you!

Jul 12, 202101:22