Mic Drop Moments from “Winning More Business” with Ann Carden!

We were thrilled to host Ann Carden for our recent program, Winning More Business: Innovative Marketing & Sales Strategies. With more than 40 years of experience in marketing, sales, and entrepreneurship, Ann brought next-level expertise, energy, and actionable insights to the room.

Her session focused on how to rise above the noise and be seen as the go-to expert in your industry. Whether you're in the C-suite, leading a team, or driving sales and marketing efforts, Ann’s strategies gave attendees a clear path to stand out and scale with confidence.

Here are a few standout takeaways from her talk:

💡 "Influence is currency."

💡 "Positioning is perception, and perception drives decisions."

💡 "It’s not about describing what you do—it’s about declaring why you’re the one."

Ann emphasized the importance of strategic positioning and shared her strategic power plays—proven tactics that, when used intentionally, help attract ideal clients and turn visibility into trust and influence. Her core message? High-impact marketing without a strategic plan is just noise. But when used together, it becomes a magnet for the right clients.

We also want to extend a big thank you to Vince Nutt, BJC HealthCare, for emceeing the program. His engaging presence helped set the tone—and if you didn’t know about our mobile app before, you certainly do now!



To everyone who joined us: thank you for showing up ready to learn, grow, and elevate your approach. Events like this remind us that when we bring the right people and ideas together, great things happen.

Want more from Ann? Connect with her and pre-order her newest book at annlcarden.com to continue learning how to grow your influence—and your business.

His final public appearance was during the Easter Sunday Mass, where he delivered his Urbi et Orbi blessing to thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square. He passed away peacefully the following morning at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

Pope Francis's legacy will endure as a testament to his unwavering dedication to faith, humility, and the betterment of humanity.

National Work Zone Awareness Week: Pay Attention. Slow Down. Lives Depend on It.
April 21–25, 2025

Work zones aren’t just an inconvenience on your commute — they’re someone’s workplace. And sadly, in 2024, they were also the site of 954 fatalities nationwide. Nearly 90% of those who died weren’t workers, but drivers and passengers.

Let that sink in.

National Work Zone Awareness Week is a call for everyone — not just those in hard hats — to take responsibility for safety. It’s about changing behaviors: slowing down, staying alert, and respecting the barrels, cones, and barriers that are there to protect both you and the people behind the reflective vests.

In 2024, 94 highway workers died doing their jobs on or near the road. These aren’t just statistics — they’re parents, friends, neighbors. Whether it’s construction crews, first responders, or utility workers, anyone on the roadside is at risk of being struck by a moving vehicle.

The leading cause of work-related deaths? Transportation incidents. And the number one way to prevent them? Paying attention behind the wheel.

This week — and every week — remember: when you enter a work zone, lives are on the line. Yours. Theirs. Everyone’s.

So slow down. Put the phone away. And give work zones the respect they deserve.

The Greens Are Rolling! Golf Committee & Board of Directors Get in the Swing of Things

Last week, our Golf Committee gathered at the beautiful Whitmoor Country Club for a meeting that was equal parts productive and inspiring—with a bonus 9-hole round to top it off!

We dove into thoughtful conversations about the committee’s role, brainstormed big-picture ideas for SLC3, and left feeling energized about what’s ahead. Of course, there was plenty of laughter, a healthy dose of friendly competition, and yes—even a few birdies on the course.

And speaking of perks… can we talk about the new carts at Whitmoor? These high-tech beauties are fully loaded with interactive digital screens for scoring, yardage, course maps, and more. You can even stream music as you cruise from hole to hole—turning your round into a full-on experience. Safe to say, no one was in a hurry to head back to the clubhouse.

Huge thanks to our dedicated committee members for showing up, sharing their insights, and putting in the behind-the-scenes work that makes our annual Golf Tournament such a success. May 5th is shaping up to be an incredible day—and if last week was any indication, we’re in for something special!

Trades Programs Gain Momentum as Students Seek Alternatives to College

With the rising cost of college and a growing demand for skilled labor, more high school students are exploring careers in the trades. Two standout programs—Local 714 in Minot, ND, and St. Louis’ Local 1—are helping meet the moment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 80,000+ new electrician jobs each year for the next eight years—double the average for other trades. In response, schools like Minot High have launched hands-on electrical courses aligned with the Electrical Training Alliance. These programs introduce students to wiring, electrical theory, and codes while offering a head start toward apprenticeships with Local 714.

Meanwhile, St. Louis' Local 1 is partnering with the Ritenour School District, Missouri Works Initiative, and others to bring trades education to local youth. Programs include work-based learning, pre-apprenticeships, and direct union pathways—often with provided workwear, training materials, and financial support.

These initiatives give students real-world skills and a debt-free path to a high-paying career while building a stronger, more prepared workforce. As Local 714’s Bob Wolf put it: “The kids, the IBEW, and the community all benefit.”

S. M. Wilson & Co.’s SKILLED® Construction Career Program Honors the SKILLED Award Winners

S. M. Wilson & Co.’s SKILLED® construction career program awarded $1,000 prizes to high schoolers on Monday, April 7th at the 4th annual SKILLED Awards ceremony held at S. M. Wilson’s Hampton Ave. headquarters in St. Louis.

S. M. Wilson’s Construction Career Education program SKILLED provides hands-on opportunities to integrate academic learning and focus on future employment in the A/E/C industry. SKILLED’s mission is to “Inspire the future of construction.” The company established the initiative in 2019 to inspire the future of construction, a field struggling to employ enough workers. More than 17,000 students have been impacted since 2019.

The SKILLED Awards were launched in 2021 to honor the firm’s 100th anniversary. The SKILLED Awards challenge high school students to create a process, lesson, activity or product that engages students with science, technology, engineering, art and/or math (STEAM) to engage younger students in an inspiring way. Sponsored in partnership with the Missouri School Board Association (MSBA), the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) and the STL Works, this year’s SKILLED Awards awarded three $1,000 prizes.

“The SKILLED awards program was designed to encourage the next generation to participate in STEAM education that directly benefits their communities,” said Mike

Yazbec, President. “Early exposure to STEAM skills creates opportunities for children to develop interest and pursue careers in construction and related industries.”

This year’s SKILLED Awards Program winners are:

●        Science Night, created by Amaya Burchett, a high school student from Fayette High School, to organize a science night for Fayette Elementary School and allow the students to conduct actual science experiments. Amaya’s vision will come to light later this spring as she will host the first-ever Science Night.

●        Take Flight, created by a team of St. Louis CAPS (STL CAPS) students Eldin Skampo (Affton High School), Logan Knecht (Oakville Sr. High School), and Pierce Green (Kirkwood High School), engages elementary students in creating and modifying paper airplanes while also understanding the importance of developing skills to approach any project in the future. STL CAPS provides profession-based learning opportunities for high school juniors and seniors. STL CAPS has students from the following districts enrolled in our courses: Affton, Bayless, Fox, Kirkwood, Lindbergh, and Mehlville...

Four Generations, One Jobsite:

Why We’re Talking Past Each Other

By: SLC3

Different Decades, Same Jobsite

Walk onto any construction site or into any project meeting today, and you’ll likely see a blend of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and even Gen Z professionals all working side by side. While this diversity of experience brings huge value, it also comes with its fair share of challenges—think clashing communication styles, different attitudes about technology, and varying definitions of “hard work.” In fact, according to a Deloitte study, generational differences are one of the top challenges leaders face in managing teams today.

It’s Not Just About Age—It’s About Expectations

Each generation enters the workforce with its own cultural backdrop. Baby Boomers tend to value loyalty and face-to-face communication. Gen X is known for independence and efficiency. Millennials prioritize collaboration and flexibility, while Gen Z brings tech fluency and a desire for purpose-driven work. These differences can create friction, especially in an industry that values tradition but must evolve to stay competitive.

So how do you build mutual respect between someone who's been in the field for 30 years and someone who's only been on the job for three months? It starts with empathy—and a willingness to understand where the other person is coming from.

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

The construction industry is in a transition period. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 1 in 4 construction workers is over the age of 55. As experienced professionals retire, a wave of younger talent is stepping in to fill those roles. If we want a strong, sustainable future workforce, we need to bridge the communication gap—not just tolerate it.

Here’s what that could look like in practice:

• Create opportunities for reverse mentoring—younger employees help with tech tools while older workers share hands-on expertise
• Standardize communication expectations—some prefer text or apps, others still like a phone call. Set norms to keep everyone in sync
• Offer cross-generational training—lead sessions that help team members learn about each other’s work styles and strengths
• Acknowledge the value of each generation—instead of eye-rolling at “kids these days” or “old school thinking,” focus on complementary skills...

Everyday Excellence, One Habit at a Time with Jeff Koziatek

Habit #17: Posture

Our posture impacts our emotions.

Slouching and avoiding eye contact can produce feelings of:

• inadequacy
• depression
• fatigue

We can make a mental adjustment when we put our shoulders back, sit up, stand tall, and hold our head high. Test it for a week and see what happens.

Remember:

Change emotions by changing posture.

Performance Tips:

• Need a quick boost - stand in a super hero pose.
• Need more enthusiasm - sit up straight.
• Move with confidence to gain confidence.
• Adopt the posture of the feeling you want, not the feeling you have.

5. Risk Management Isn’t Optional

Have a running list of risks—weather delays, labor shortages, supply chain messes—and contingency plans for each. Hope is not a strategy. But, it is a way to get blacklisted for the next project!

6. Document Everything

If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen. Change orders, inspections, delays—track them all. Protect yourself. Paper trails are your best friend in disputes...

Tech Tools That Are Changing the Game

Here’s the good news: there’s some legit tech out there that’s saving time, money, and migraines.

1. Procore

It's the Beyoncé of construction PM tools. It handles RFIs, submittals, drawings, schedules, and financials all in one place. It's pricey, but for large-scale commercial projects, it's worth it.

2. Autodesk Construction Cloud (formerly BIM 360)

Ideal for projects where design coordination is everything. Think clash detection, 3D models, and document versioning. If your architect still emails PDFs, it’s time for an intervention.

3. PlanGrid / Fieldwire

Great for field management—daily reports, punch lists, and progress photos. Easy to use on tablets and phones, even for the “I don’t do tech” types.

4. ALICE Technologies

This one’s bleeding—edge: It uses AI to optimize construction schedules. It creates thousands of potential construction sequences and picks the best one. Think of it as a robot scheduler on caffeine...