Episode Description
In this debut episode of The Blueprint for Change, Taylor and Hector introduce the podcast, explore the current state of construction the good, the bad, and the ugly, and convey the importance of changing construction culture. From personal stories to hard truths about the industry, this episode lays the foundation for meaningful conversation that can spark the change our industry desperately needs.
Key Points
Meet the Hosts and the Podcast
Taylor
Hector
The Blueprint for Change
The Current State of Construction Culture
The Good - Camaraderie and Skills
The Bad - Long Hours and Burnout
The Ugly - Harassment and Hazing
The Greater Impact of Our Culture
Safety
Retention
Productivity
Financial Cost
Human Cost
How to Spark Change?
Start the Conversation
Episode Breakdown: Breaking Ground - Why Construction Culture Needs Change
The construction industry is built on a foundation of grit, hard work, and resilience. But let’s be honest—there’s another side to construction culture that too often gets overlooked. Long hours, burnout, hazing, safety issues, and a mentality that toughens people up but sometimes breaks them in the process.
That’s exactly why we launched The Blueprint for Change Podcast. This isn’t just about calling out what’s wrong—it’s about starting a movement. It’s about having the hard conversations that lead to real change, one job site at a time.
In our debut episode, Breaking Ground: Why Construction Culture Needs Change, we introduce ourselves, share our journeys in the industry, and tackle the realities—both good and bad—of construction culture. Whether you’re in the field, in the office, or leading from the top, this episode is for you.
Meet Your Hosts: Taylor & Hector
We’re Taylor Boileau and Hector Lebron, and while we come from different sides of construction—Taylor from the education side, Hector from the trades—we’ve both seen firsthand the challenges that need to be addressed.
🔹 Taylor’s Journey – From project engineer to superintendent, Taylor climbed the ranks in national general contracting firms. But after witnessing the culture firsthand—both the camaraderie and the challenges—she knew something had to change. She left her job in December 2024 to pursue The Blueprint for Change full-time.
🔹 Hector’s Path – Starting from the bottom in the trades, Hector worked as a stagehand, pipefitter, welder, ironworker, and scaffold builder before becoming an assistant superintendent. His journey wasn’t just about skill—it was about navigating the industry’s cultural challenges, from hazing to burnout.
Two different backgrounds, one shared mission: making construction culture better for the next generation.
The Good: What Keeps People in Construction
Despite its flaws, construction is an industry that builds more than just structures—it builds careers, lifelong friendships, and a sense of pride in what we create.
✅ Camaraderie & Brotherhood – You spend more time with your coworkers than your own family. These people become your support system. You go through hell together, and that creates unbreakable bonds.
✅ Pride in the Work – Few industries offer the satisfaction of seeing something tangible at the end of the day. You can point to a building and say, I built that.
✅ Opportunities for Growth – Whether you come from a family of tradespeople or find your way into construction another route, there are countless opportunities for those willing to learn. Apprenticeships, mentorships, and skill development can lead to an incredible career.
But for all the good in this industry, there’s a darker side we can’t ignore.
The Bad: Long Hours & Burnout
The long hours and high-pressure environment take their toll.
⚠️ Burnout is Real – The idea that “this is just how construction is” is killing us. 12-hour shifts, 6-7 days a week, back-to-back projects with no real breaks—this isn’t sus...