Get the kNACk : A National Academy of Construction Podcast

Hosted by National Academy of Construction

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Episodes

109

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Having “the knack” is to be proficient in your industry’s ever-changing realities. Moderated by our hosts Jerry, Bill, Kevin, and Sue, Get the kNACk shares the knowledge, insights, and wisdom of NAC members to give you the skills and expertise to master your career. The Get the kNACk podcast is published by the National Academy of Construction. NAC honors outstanding construction industry leaders and shares their collective experiences and expertise to help the Nation by improving their industry. Visit our website at: https://www.naocon.org/get-the-knack/.

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60 recent

June 4, 2026Episode 933 min

Productivity in the Construction Industry with Dr. Bill O'Brien

In this episode of Get the kNACk, host Jerry Eyink welcomes Dr. Bill O’Brien, Associate Director for Technology at the Construction Industry Institute and Professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. Known for his research in construction productivity, advanced work packaging, and supply chain management, Dr. O’Brien discusses why productivity growth in construction has lagged behind many other industries and explores the challenges contributing to the issue. As construction serves as a critical economic enabler for countless other industries, he emphasizes the importance of addressing these productivity challenges to support broader economic growth and development. He highlights the need for stronger incentive structures and greater industry awareness, as well as strategies such as a focus on early Front-End Planning, Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) and supply chain integration that can help drive better project outcomes. Additionally, the conversation underscores that achieving lasting progress depends on strong owner leadership and industry-wide collaboration. Together, these factors can help Transform the Industry to Build a Better Nation.

June 29, 2022Episode 243 min

Owner-Contractor Safety Management

Jim Porter, Founder and President of Sustainable Operations Solutions, joins our host Jerry Eyink to discuss how collaborative efforts from the owner and contractor are key in ensuring and uplifting safety standards practiced in construction.

July 11, 2022Episode 342 min

Leadership: What if Someone Actually Follows

Maggi Walker, retired Vice President of Engineering and Technology at Dow Chemicals, joins our host Jerry Eyink for this episode. Maggi shares experiences from her distinguished career leading various groups and explains how good leadership dictates the success of a construction project.

March 13, 2024Episode 534 min

Human Thinking and Artificial Intelligence

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence requires careful attention and vigilance from its users. Ms. Jamey Barbas, project director at the New York State Thruway Authority, and Ms. Jill Tietjen, president and CEO of Technically Speaking, Inc., examine the benefits, challenges, and ethical implications of A.I. The two guests accompany our host, Dr. Anna Franz, in an enlightening review of the importance of human interaction with A.I. and themes of psychology. The episode travels to additional discussion upon developing a culture of no fear in the workplace as a bonus for listeners.

December 8, 2021Episode 139 min

Diseconomies of Scale

Robert Prieto, Chairman and CEO of Strategic Program Management LLC, joins our host Jerry Eyink to discuss his Executive Insight, “Diseconomies of Scale.” In this episode, Bob shares insights curated over 30 years in the construction industry. This episode is the first in the “Get the kNACk” podcast, and a great introduction episode to begin with.

March 2, 20221 min

Who We Are

‘Get the kNACk’ shares the knowledge, insights, and wisdom of leading members from the National Academy of Construction to give you the skills and expertise to master your career.For more information about NAC, visit our website at www.naocon.org.

April 2, 2024Episode 740 min

Workforce Development - Active Military to Construction Career

Dr. Tanya Wattenburg Komas, President/CEO and Founder of the CPI Foundation and newest NAC inductee (2023), makes her podcasting debut with "Get the kNACk". The CPI Foundation is a non-profit educational foundation partnering with the US Departments of Defense and Interior to train active-duty military service members hands-on repairing landmark structures in national parks, most notably Alcatraz Island and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and as interns with construction industry companies nationwide. Dr. Komas connects with our host, Jerry Eyink, in a discussion about her program and how CPI’s military participants are prepared for full-time employment throughout the industry upon civilian transition.

November 17, 2023Episode 2541 min

Hardhats to Helmets

Hardhats are no longer the safest option to protect construction workers from traumatic brain injuries. William (Bill) Calhoun, Jr., Vice Chairman and Executive VP of Clark Construction, and Kris Manning, Chief Operating Officer of Clark Construction's Infrastructure Group, join Sue Steele in a discussion about the construction industry's dire need to transition from hardhats to helmets on project sites. The guests examine the vulnerabilities of hardhats and explain why helmets can be safer alternatives. Calhoun and Manning provide research findings on helmet standards that can be applied to future integration within construction projects. To conclude, the guests establish their goals for a successful helmet transition and emphasize its imperativeness in order to prevent further brain injuries.

January 9, 2023Episode 141 min

Enterprise Risk Management Pt. 1

Bob Prieto, Chairman & CEO at Strategic Program Management LLC, joins our host Jerry Eyink in the first episode of a two-part series on Enterprise Risk Management. As risk management in construction is crucial to the success of any project, Bob outlines the importance of ERM and discusses the different categories of risks and how they impact the strategy & operation of an organization.

July 12, 2023Episode 1737 min

Building Innovation through Research

Innovation is how the world advances beyond obsolescence. Richard (Rik) Kunnath, president of the Charles Pankow Foundation, accompanies our host, Jerry Eyink, on a fascinating discussion about the importance of innovation within the construction realm. Rik evaluates the symbiotic relationship between innovation and research during the session. In order to remain competitive on the global stage, the United States construction industry must innovate often. Rik concludes the podcast with imperative lessons learned from his experiences with innovation.