With your host Megan Switzer, our guest this week is an environmental driller from Canada. Rachel has been running and working a driller for 5 years and finds it to be a very fulfilling career!
Geotechnical drilling is an important part to the construction process. This is generally one of the first steps in the design and building phase. Rachel talks about how she's either the clients best friend or worst enemy with news about the soil.
Rachel discusses the difficulty of getting into the trade and what she'd suggest for other women who are trying to decide if this is for them.
I highly suggest following @bournetodrill on IG for more drilling content and another amazing role model for women in construction.
Links
Rachel's Instagram
Social Media Doin'GirlyThings
Podcast Host's Drone Business

In this electrifying episode of The Sparky Life, host Lia Lamela dives deep into the dynamic world of the construction industry with an absolute powerhouse: Barb Allen, a trailblazer with over three decades of experience in leadership, from a licensed carpenter to superintendent and business owner. Join us in todays amazing conversation.
0:00 Introduction: Women Reshaping Construction and Persistent Challenges
1:00 Introducing Barb Allen: Extensive Experience and Perspective
2:30 Being Labelled "Difficult" as a Female Leader
4:30 Leadership Techniques: Letting People Come to Their Own Conclusions
7:30 The Initial Shock of Women in the Trades
8:30 Shift to Microaggressions and Unconscious Biases
11:30 Differences in Male and Female Conversational Styles
12:30 Dealing with "Yesing to Death" and Lack of Follow-Through
14:30 Leadership Title Without Actual Authority
17:30 Bosses Undermining Authority and the Importance of Reinforcement 19:30 The Constant Need to Reprove and Reasons for Women Leaving 21:30 Having Conversations with Leaders About Lack of Authority
25:00 Using the Socratic Method for Leadership Discussions
27:30 Approaching Leaders with the Assumption of Good Intentions
28:30 Sponsor Message: Supply House
29:30 Lack of Understanding from Clients and Design Teams
31:30 Assumptions About Women's Lack of Field Experience
34:30 Leadership Skills Versus Trade Skills and the Peter Principle
37:30 The Necessity of Leadership Training and its Impact on the Bottom Line
40:30 Reasons for Leaving Jobs: Bad Bosses Versus Pay
41:30 The Cost of Employee Turnover and the Practice of Pigeonholing 43:00 Differences in Male and Female Leaders Letting People Go
46:00 Being the One to Speak Up in Meetings and Male Colleagues' Reactions
48:00 Advice on Speaking Up and Potential Career Repercussions
52:30 Example of Inappropriate Industry Event and Varying Reactions
57:30 The Importance of Building a Strong Support Network
58:30 Where to Find Barb Allen and Her Podcast
Follow Barb here - www.constructionbarb.com or @constructionbarb
Thanks to our sponsor SupplyHouse! - Visit www.supplyhouse.com/t-m
🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, COMMENT 💬, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more motivation & success tips!
📲 Follow me on social media for more adventures:
Instagram: @yourconstructionnetwork
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
#construction #womeninconstruction #leadership #mentorship #career #trades #superintendent #genderequality #podcast #lialamela #barballen #thesparkylife #constructionbarb #constructivebehaviors #empowerment #building #industry #2025

Ever wondered why you should NEVER take the elevator during a fire in a high-rise? This video dives deep into the life-saving technology of elevator recall and the critical role it plays in fire safety.
Learn why elevator recall is one of the most important fire safety systems in a building and how it's designed to prevent you from unknowingly entering a dangerous situation.
💡 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:
SupplyHouse – Get the best tools & supplies!: https://www.supplyhouse.com
Don't forget to subscribe for more insights into the builders of our civilization and the technologies that keep us safe! Drop a comment below with "fire alarm" if you found this episode fiery!

Join Lia Lamela on The Sparky Life as she interviews Jack Teetor, the creator of the documentary, Blind Logic: The Ralph Teetor Story. This captivating film tells the inspiring story of Ralph Teetor, a man whose life intertwined with the birth of the American automobile age and the industrial revolution.
Discover the extraordinary journey of Ralph Teetor, who despite losing his sight at the age of five, became a leader in the automotive industry. His parents raised him to believe he was not handicapped, which allowed him to develop his other senses and pursue his passions for mechanics and engineering.
00:00:00 - Introduction to Ralph Teetor and Blind Logic
00:02:58 - Ralph Teetor: An American Icon
00:04:15 - The Impact of Blindness on Ralph's Life
00:06:10 - Early Engineering Feats
00:08:01 - The Making of the Documentary
00:10:08 - Historical Accuracy and the Growth of the Automobile Industry
00:12:12 - Ralph Teetor's Impact on his Community
00:13:52 - The Rise of Unions and Labor Relations
00:15:56 - Union Strikes and the Mafia's Influence
00:17:40 - Martial Law and Employee Loyalty
00:19:02 - The Value of Good Leadership
00:20:32 - Ralph Teetor's Visionary Thinking
00:21:06 - The Meaning of "Blind Logic"
00:22:01 - Distribution of the Documentary
00:23:59 - Ralph's Legacy and Parallels to the Modern Automobile Industry
This episode offers a sneak peek into an inspiring documentary about an extraordinary man. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the automobile, leadership, and the power of vision and determination.
For more information visit - www.blindlogicproductions.com
Thanks to our sponsor! - www.supplyhouse.com/t-m
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The Sparky Life for more stories about the builders of our civilization!

Support the show

Join the Trademaster program: www.supplyhouse.com/T-M
In this episode of The Sparky Life, we dive deep into the current state of higher education and its impact on young adults in America. With student loan debt soaring to $1.6 trillion and the average salary stagnating around $60,000, we question whether traditional college education is truly beneficial for students.
Join us as we explore the financial burdens placed on graduates, the advantages enjoyed by universities, and the often misleading marketing tactics that lure students into taking on massive debt. We also discuss the growing opportunities in skilled trades and how they can provide a more stable and lucrative career path without the burden of student loans.
Whether you're a high school student contemplating your future, a parent, or someone interested in the skilled trades, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives.
Topics Covered:
The reality of student loan debt and its long-term effects
The financial advantages of skilled trades
The importance of making informed career choices
Personal anecdotes and discussions on the value of college education
Quotes:
1 - "When universities are marketing to students, there's a lot of false promises that are made."
2 - "In 2024, the student loan debt is up to $1.6 trillion."
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction to SupplyHouse Ads
00:02:00 - Second SupplyHouse Ad
00:03:30 - Thank You to SupplyHouse
00:04:15 - Reliable Inventory and Customer Service
00:05:30 - The Importance of Skilled Trades
00:06:10 - The Debate on Higher Education
00:07:00 - Student Loan Debt Crisis
00:08:00 - Colleges and Universities: Who Benefits?
00:09:30 - The Reality of Student Debt
00:10:30 - Endowment Funds Explained
00:11:30 - The Marketing of Universities
00:12:30 - Opportunities in Skilled Trades
00:13:30 - Finding the Right Career Path
00:14:30 - Shadowing Careers for Better Insight
00:15:30 - The Value of Skilled Trades
00:16:30 - Financial Security vs. Passion
00:17:30 - The Role of Money in Career Choices
00:18:30 - Critique of Universities
00:19:30 - Empowering Informed Decisions
00:20:30 - Call to Action for Discussion
00:21:30 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Links:
Join the Trademaster program: www.supplyhouse.com/T-M
Follow us on social media for updates and more content!
✅ Follow Lia Lamela:
💥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155
💥 Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
💥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
💥 YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia
Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through the trades. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. 😊😇

Support the show

In this episode of the Sparky Life Podcast, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of the skilled trades industry. With a significant labor deficit and a shift in how we identify and nurture talent, it's crucial to rethink our approach to recruitment and leadership development.

Join us as we discuss:

• The changing perceptions of skilled trades and the impact of societal pressures on career choices.
• The importance of attracting and retaining the right talent in a competitive market.
• Strategies for employers to create a positive company culture that appeals to younger generations.

Whether you're an employer looking to build the right crew or a skilled tradesperson seeking to advance your career, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.

Don't forget to check out our free ebook on building the right crew at Sparky Life Solutions LLC and learn more about our sponsor, SupplyHouse.com, for all your electrical needs!

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe for more content that sparks inspiration in your life!
Timestamps:
00:01:38 - The Right Crew for You
00:02:54 - Labor Deficit in Skilled Trades
00:04:54 - Thank You to Our Sponsor
00:05:05 - Job Openings vs. Skilled Workers
00:06:36 - Perceptions of Skilled Trades
00:08:12 - The Power Shift to Workers
00:09:38 - High Turnover Rates in Construction
00:11:04 - The Cost of Turnover
00:12:18 - Demanding Fair Compensation
00:13:40 - Recruitment Challenges
00:14:18 - Attracting and Retaining Talent
00:15:22 - Changing Perspectives on Skilled Trades
00:16:51 - The Value of Skilled Trades
00:18:40 - Advantages of Hard Skills
00:20:22 - Entry-Level Wages and Rapid Advancement
00:22:30 - The Importance of Investing in Employees
00:24:50 - Misconceptions About Pay in Skilled Trades
00:26:05 - Recruitment Strategies for Employers
00:27:30 - Training Green Employees
00:29:00 - Creating a Skilled Workforce
00:30:57 - Competing for Talent
00:32:14 - The Right People vs. The Best People
00:33:28 - Staying Competitive with Wages
00:34:49 - Feedback from Current and Former Employees
00:36:20 - Job Fairs and Recruitment Events
00:37:03 - Using Podcasts for Recruitment
00:38:20 - Quality of Practice Over Time
00:39:32 - Attracting Passionate Workers
00:41:06 - Building a Supportive Company Culture
00:43:16 - Understanding Workforce Values
00:44:53 - Flexibility in the Workplace
00:47:09 - Conclusion and Call to Action
Quotes:
1 - "The tables have turned. Now is the time. You want to demand salary raises? Do it."
2 - "You can offer them both immediate wage without debt, hard skills training and advancement within a reasonable timeframe."
✅ Follow Lia Lamela:
💥 Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
💥 YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia
Create the sparks in your life!

Welcome to this electrifying episode of our podcast! Did you know that we are all electricians in our own right? Our bodies generate electricity, and our brains are bustling with activity powered by billions of neurons. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of how our thoughts and movements are driven by electrical signals and chemical interactions.
In this episode, we dive deep into:
1 - The role of neurons and how they communicate through electricity.
2 - The concept of action potential and how our bodies function like batteries.
3 - The balance of chemicals in our bodies and their impact on our electrical systems.
4 - Fun facts about the human body and its electrical capabilities.
Plus, we give a shoutout to our sponsor, SupplyHouse, and their amazing Trademaster program for electricians!
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about the science behind our bodies, this episode is packed with insights that will spark your interest. Don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you want a deeper dive into the world of electricity!
Tune in now and discover how you can create sparks in your life!
Quotes:
1 - "Did you know that secretly, we are all electricians?"
2 - "We function like batteries."
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction: We Are All Electricians
00:01:00 - The Brain's Electrical Activity
00:02:00 - Understanding Neurons and Communication
00:03:00 - The Source of Electricity in Our Bodies
00:04:00 - Neurons: The Hardware of Our Electrical System
00:05:00 - Action Potential: How Neurons Generate Electricity
00:06:00 - Chemical Potential and Balance in Neurons
00:07:00 - How Action Potential Works
00:08:00 - Types of Electricity and Further Exploration
00:09:00 - Harnessing Your Inner Electrical Power
✅ Follow Lia Lamela:
💥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-lamela-820a33155
💥 Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com
💥 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia/
💥 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
💥 YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia
Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through the trades. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. 😊😇
Create the sparks in your life!

Support the show

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Sparky Life Podcast with your host, Lia Lamela!
The Sparky Life Podcast reveals remarkable stories and shares unique points of view from journeymen and women who build the things that make our lives work. The lessons shared on The Sparky Life episodes are valuable not only for those engaged in the skilled trades but also for all of us, whether we use tools literally or figuratively in our daily lives.

This episode has been inspired by Paul Harvey, where we delve into an inspiring solo trade tale that highlights the power of resilience and the unexpected paths that lead to success in the skilled trades. Lia shares a captivating story about two high school dropouts who overcame significant challenges to build a successful landscaping empire. If you enjoy today's trade tale and want to hear more unique stories from the skilled trades world, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment below!

This episode is brought to you by SupplyHouse.com, your trusted source for reliable inventory, friendly customer service, and fast shipping from coast to coast. Check out SupplyHouse.com today and explore their Trade Masters program, offering free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/tm to join the Trade Masters program today.
Quotes:

• "His promising future blew away like dandelion fluff." - Lia Lamela
• "They truly created the sparks in their lives, and they continue to build the life they wish to live." - Lia Lamela
• "What life will you build for yourself?" – Lia Lamela
  

Follow Lia Lamela:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkylifeoflia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqPJrIaE7fL1uXgfdIcBYlw
• Website: https://sparkylifesolutionsllc.com

Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through the trades. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and valuable insights!

Support the show