Strong Conversations

Hosted by Simpson Strong-Tie

Business EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Join Simpson Strong-Tie for Strong Conversations as we invite partners, colleagues and leaders for insightful conversations. Stretch your mind with powerful ideas that will help you evolve how you think about the industry — and your place in it. We’ll dive deep into issues we all face — forging stronger connections and professional relationships along the way. Don’t miss the opportunity to get an in-depth look inside the minds of innovators and leaders who are reshaping and advancing the world we build and live in.

Listen to episodes

52 recent

June 12, 202625 min

Big Idea to Big Builds: Dr. Felix Vasquez on Leading with Purpose

In this episode of Strong Conversations, host Sam Marcoux sits down with Dr. Felix Vasquez, CEO of Hyphen Solutions, to explore his journey from a curious gamer to a technology leader shaping the building industry. From early days coding on Atari systems to leading innovation across complex industries, Felix shares how curiosity, continuous learning, and a commitment to sharing knowledge have defined his career. The conversation dives into the evolution of technology in homebuilding, the importance of connecting fragmented supply chains, and why embracing AI and digital transformation is critical for future success. This episode is a compelling look at how mindset, innovation, and adaptability drive lasting impact. In this episode: Curiosity drives opportunity Never stop learning Share to scale impact Simplify through technology Adopt early, win big

May 26, 202631 min

I'd Rather Die Trying: The Incredible Story of Amy O'Connor

In this episode of Strong Conversations, Amy O’Connor shares a deeply personal and powerful story of resilience, identity, and perspective. A two-time cancer survivor, Amy reflects on facing uncertainty, making impossible decisions, and ultimately rediscovering what it means to simply want your life back. In this episode: Facing the unthinkable and choosing to keep fighting Why she didn’t want a new life—she wanted her life back The mindset shift that changes everything A powerful question: would you want your life back as it is today? A candid, honest conversation about resilience and perspective.

May 12, 202623 min

Pressure, Performance and Well-Being: A Mental Health Conversation

In this powerful episode of Strong Conversations, Rick Davis of Building Leaders, Inc. opens up about mental health, vulnerability, and the unseen pressures within the sales profession. Drawing from personal experience and decades of leadership, Rick shares a candid perspective on depression, stigma, and why seeking help is not a weakness—but a necessity. In this episode: Breaking the stigma around mental health in the industry The hidden pressure of sales and constant performance expectations How mindset and self-talk shape both success and stress Why seeking help early can change everything A candid, important conversation for anyone in leadership or sales.

April 28, 202620 min

The Leadership Rebellion: Overthrowing Old School Lumber Yard Thinking

In this episode of Strong Conversations series, Sunny Bowman, CEO of Dakota County Lumber, joins our host Sam Marcoux and shares what it takes to lead a family business into the future. From second-generation ownership to driving innovation in a traditionally slow-to-change industry, Sunny offers a candid look at balancing legacy, leadership, and forward-thinking strategy. Key Takeaways: The responsibility and mindset shift that comes with full ownership and leading a legacy business How to modernize a traditional industry while staying rooted in core values Creating a culture of candor, continuous improvement, and team trust Why independent lumber yards can thrive through agility, innovation, and customer focus Preparing for the future with technology, AI, and last-mile delivery advancements

April 14, 202621 min

Up, Up, Down, Down: Unlocking the Code to Leading Multi-Generational Teams

In this episode of Strong Conversations, Mike Ellerbrook, Executive Vice President of UFP Site Built, shares his 27-year journey from working in a plant at 18 to leading within a major building products company. The conversation dives into culture, multi-generational leadership, and what it really takes to stay relevant and win in a constantly evolving industry. Key Takeaways: - Why culture and having fun at work are essential to long-term success in the industry - Leading across generations: adapting your style while staying authentic and consistent - The importance of “dual learning” between experienced leaders and younger talent - Setting a clear expectation to win—and tailoring how you coach individuals to get there - Navigating post-COVID market shifts and resetting expectations for sustainable growth

March 24, 202618 min

Betting Big: The 2.25 Billion Dollar Dice Roll with Steve Swinney

In this episode of Strong Conversations: Real Stories, Sam Marcoux sits down with Steve Swinney, CEO and co-founder of Kodiak Building Partners, to unpack what it really means to bet big—and do it thoughtfully. From launching Kodiak during the Great Recession to leading a 5,500-employee organization into its next chapter with QXO, Steve shares lessons on risk, culture, scaling, and leadership. The conversation blends hard-won business insight with humor, reflection, and a few 1980s hair-metal references along the way. --- Episode Highlights · Why Kodiak’s biggest bets were bold but calculated · Lessons from starting a company during the Great Recession · How culture became the #1 diligence factor in acquisitions · What it’s like being acquired after 15 years of growth Steve is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kodiak Building Partners, a transformative force in the building materials industry that he has steered through strategic growth and 40+ acquisitions throughout the past 13 years.

October 14, 202522 min

Purchasing, Partnerships, and Perspective: 40 Years with Mitch Wagner

In the second part of the Strong Conversations Lessons Learned series with 84 Lumber, we talk to Mitch Wagner, Vice President of Purchasing, who reflects on four decades in the building industry. From starting at $4.35 an hour to leading purchasing strategy for one of the most recognized names in the business, Mitch shares lessons on relationships, resilience, and leadership that endure through industry change. Key Takeaways: • How 84 Lumber builds careers that span decades • The importance of long-term relationships with vendors and stores • Why burning bridges is never an option in a consolidating industry • Lessons for salespeople on working effectively with purchasing leaders • The value of mentorship and succession in sustaining company culture

September 23, 202522 min

Listening, Learning, Leading: The Frank Cicero Way

We continue our Strong Conversations Lessons Learned series with an episode with Frank Cicero, COO of 84 Lumber, who reflects on a 42-year career that began with handwritten tickets and grew into leading one of the largest players in the building industry. From mentors who shaped his leadership to lessons in humility, work ethic, and technology, Frank shares what it means to grow with a company while always keeping customers and associates at the center. Key Takeaways: • Why long-term success comes from listening to customers and associates • The influence of mentors and the importance of learning at every stage • How the building industry has shifted from generalists to specialists—and what’s next with technology • The leadership values that stand out: hard work, humility, and treating people with dignity

September 9, 202512 min

Overtime with Jason Blair: Beyond the Job Title

In this overtime edition of Strong Conversations, Jason Blair returns to explore life beyond the org chart. Part Three dives into passions, personal growth, and technology, revealing the thoughtful, competitive, and forward-looking mindset behind TAL’s leadership. From public speaking to golf to AI, this final chapter delivers powerful takeaways on staying sharp, staying human, and embracing what’s next. Key Takeaways: • Jason’s mindset on public speaking and how preparation beats “natural talent” • Why golf remains both a competitive outlet and a relationship-building tool • How TAL is forming an internal “Team AI” to future-proof its operations • The leadership lesson in focusing on what you can control

August 26, 202534 min

Feedback, Growth, and Grit: Jason Blair on Earning Every Step

In Part Two of this three-part series, TAL Building Centers CEO Jason Blair returns to Strong Conversations for a deeper dive into the leadership lessons that shaped his career. From managing 180 people at age 24 to guiding a 500-employee company today, Jason opens up about accountability, feedback, and learning to lead other leaders. Key Takeaways: • How to seek, receive, and respond to feedback with intention • The challenges and breakthroughs of leading leaders—not just teams • Lessons in patience, title-chasing, and staying grounded in growth • Creating space for trust, delegation, and meaningful decision-making