PCI Gulf South and the Work for Warriors Program
Dan Eckenrode, PCI Gulf South
The Work for Warriors program and the Youth Challenge Academy College and Career Day are conducted at the Army’s Camp Shelby Facility, located just south of Hattiesburg, MS. The Academy is a program designed for high school-aged students who need an environment a little more structured than traditional schools.
Held every 6 months, the Academy provides its cadets an opportunity to interact with and discuss career choices with local organizations (think state police, National Guard, colleges, etc.) and local businesses (manufacturing, McDonald's, etc.) looking to hire. We also had the opportunity to speak with active-duty personnel (the Work for Warriors program), who are nearing the end of their service and looking for their next step.
With over 200 cadets and Army personnel filtering through the fitness center, it was an active morning. I had two of our producer members attending the table as well, Jake Weaver with Tindall Corp and Charlie Sutherland III, with FS Prestress.
G/C PCI & Florence Concrete Products Inspire Young Minds
Marti Harrell, G/C PCI
Georgia/Carolinas PCI and Florence Concrete Products recently partnered with Liberty STEAM Charter School to give 150 fourth-grade students an engaging, hands-on introduction to the world of precast concrete. As part of Liberty STEAM’s mission to guide students toward careers in the trades, manufacturing, or traditional college paths, this event offered a unique look into an essential industry.
Students met with Florence Concrete Products employees to learn about a variety of careers within the precast concrete industry—from engineering and design to production and project management. In addition to a plant tour, they also got creative, making their own precast concrete LEGO, blending fun with real-world learning. It was a memorable experience aimed at sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.
This fall, FCP is again working with Liberty STEAM’s 5th grade to have the students put their problem-solving skills to the test to help the plant be more efficient.
An Epidemic That Nobody is Talking About
Todd Adams, JVI
I’ve been speaking to the construction industry for the last few years about the urgent need to prioritize mental health. It’s something we can’t afford to ignore any longer.
Every time I walk into a plant, I’m struck by the incredible systems in place to protect our employees’ physical safety — detailed procedures, signage, gear, and accountability. Yet, there’s almost nothing equivalent for mental and emotional well-being.
Why is that? There are many reasons, but the biggest one is this: we’re a male-dominated industry. And what are men typically not great at? Feeling our feelings and asking for help.
Because of this, too many of us turn our pain inward — and tragically, our industry has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, second only to mining and oil/gas extraction.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 1 in 5 American adults experiences a mental health condition in any given year. Do the math for your family, your crew, your department, your company — this affects us.
When I speak to groups in our industry, I often reference a powerful TED Talk by Brian Murray, CEO of Ryan Companies. He reminds us that mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable — but only if we’re willing to receive support.
And the first step toward receiving support is normalizing the conversation. We must talk about it — openly, honestly, and without shame. That’s how we begin to break the outdated stigma that says asking for help is weakness. In truth, it’s one of the strongest things a person can do.
I leave you with this, visit pci.org/wellness to see how you can help your people — and yourself — get the support they need. Please reach out to me todd@jvi-inc.com if you need help getting started.