 |
Disaster Discussions PodcastAuthor: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
Disasters like hurricanes, hailstorms, tornadoes, and wildfires can be devastating and frightening. They displace families, drive financial loss, and destroy communities. Join us as we sit down with science, insurance, and building industry professionals who will help us explore the intersection of these hazards with the built environment and steps being taken to prevent future devastation. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
S5E6: The Workforce Behind the Recovery: America’s post-disaster skilled labor crisis (Part 2)
Episode 6
Wednesday, 15 April, 2026
In Part 2 of The Workforce Behind the Recovery, we continue our conversation on the growing skilled labor shortage impacting the construction industry- in both everyday projects and after major disasters. Host Rachael Gauthier sits down with IBHS Director of Construction Shawn Macomber to explore his journey from rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina to becoming a leader in resilient construction. Shawn shares firsthand insights into the challenges of post-disaster rebuilding- from sourcing skilled labor and materials to addressing complex issues like moisture and mold that require specialized skills- and how those experiences reshaped his approach to building stronger, smarter homes.The conversation also dives into the unique role of construction at IBHS, where full-scale structures are built and tested under extreme conditions to advance resilience science. Shawn offers a behind-the-scenes look at managing a team that balances craftsmanship with experimentation, and the intricacies of building specimens used in controlled, repeatable projects.Shawn also shares his thoughts on why investing in the construction workforce- and building the right way- can leave a lasting legacy for homeowners across the country.
