In this episode of the Pillars of Progress Podcast, Travis Justice sits down with Jaime Casap — former Chief Education Evangelist at Google and a leading global voice on innovation, culture, and the future of learning and work. Jaime spent more than 15 years at Google helping shape digital transformation in education and business. Today, he works with companies and institutions around the world to build disciplined cultures of innovation — not through buzzwords, perks, or slogans, but through curiosity, iteration, and leadership that embraces constant change.   In this conversation, Jaime and Travis dive into: • What culture really means in an organization• Why true innovation requires discipline — not chaos• How failure isn't failure… It's an iteration• The role of leadership in shaping and protecting culture• Lessons from Google's early days and the evolution of its culture• Why hiring for fit and curiosity matters more than degrees or test scores• The fast-moving impact of AI, and why staying current is a full-time job• How meditation and self-awareness shape personal and professional growth• And yes — the story behind Jaime’s famous hair, and why Travis never had a chance   Whether you're leading a company, building a team, or just thinking about how to navigate change in your own work and life, this episode delivers insight, humor, and a fresh perspective on what it really takes to innovate. Watch, learn, and subscribe for more conversations that fuel progress, leadership, and growth.

In this episode of the Pillars of Progress Podcast, Travis Justice sits down with Marc Maguire, founder of Bison Biocomposites, to explore one of the most exciting innovations in sustainable building materials happening right here in Nebraska. Marc and his team are transforming industrial hemp into carbon-negative insulation products for both residential and commercial construction — including precast concrete systems used in large-scale projects. Developed through research at the University of Nebraska, their material has the potential to reshape supply chains, reduce carbon footprints, and open new opportunities for farmers and builders alike. We discuss:• What industrial hemp is — and why it’s not what you think• How hemp-based insulation works in both homes and commercial buildings• The carbon-negative benefits and sustainability impact• Disrupting traditional precast insulation systems• Opportunities for agriculture, manufacturing, and the construction workforce• Challenges and rewards of launching a real-world, physical product startup• Why Nebraska is a strong launchpad for innovation in building materials This isn’t theory — it’s real innovation happening right now in the Midwest, bridging agriculture and construction to create a cleaner, smarter future. Learn More Bison Biocomposites: bisonbiocomposites.com #ConstructionInnovation #SustainableConstruction #Hempcrete #IndustrialHemp #Biocomposites #CarbonNegative #GreenBuilding #PrecastConcrete #NebraskaInnovation #PillarsOfProgress #MCLConstruction #FutureOfConstruction #CleanTech #AgTech #BuildingMaterials #Decarbonization

🎥 Pillars of Progress Podcast | MCL Construction x Clarkson College: Building the Future of Healthcare Education In this episode of the Pillars of Progress Podcast, Travis Justice sits down with Dr. Andrea Niebel, President of Clarkson College, to explore how this Omaha-based institution is redefining healthcare education and community impact. From launching a new Clarkson College Falcons mascot 🦅 to leading a $30 million capital campaign, Dr. Niebel shares how the college continues its 137-year legacy of training nurses, therapists, and healthcare leaders who serve Nebraska and beyond. Together, MCL Construction and Clarkson College are building spaces and systems that prepare students for the ever-changing world of healthcare — blending cutting-edge technology like 3D printing labs with human-centered care and service. 🔹 Topics Covered: Clarkson College’s deep roots in Omaha’s healthcare corridor The connection between Clarkson College, Nebraska Medicine, and MCL Construction How innovation and community partnerships are shaping the future of healthcare The college’s first-ever comprehensive campaign Why relationships are the foundation of progress 💡 About the Series:The Pillars of Progress Podcast by MCL Construction highlights the people and partnerships transforming communities and lives for the better — the true meaning behind “The People You Build With.” 👷‍♂️ Learn more:🌐 https://mclconstruction.com🏫 https://www.clarksoncollege.edu 📍 Filmed in Omaha, Nebraska🎙️ Hosted by Travis Justice | Produced by MCL Construction #MCLConstruction #ClarksonCollege #PillarsOfProgress #HealthcareEducation #OmahaNebraska #ConstructionInnovation #CommunityImpact #NebraskaMedicine #HigherEducation #Leadership #Healthcare #MCLPodcast #BuildingTheFuture #ClarksonCollegeFalcons

On this episode of the Pillars of Progress Podcast, Travis Justice sits down with Damany Rahn, CEO of Heart Ministry Center. From providing food and healthcare to creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives, Heart Ministry Center has become a cornerstone of dignity and hope in North Omaha. Damany shares his personal journey — from growing up with a strong faith foundation, to joining Heart in 2015, to stepping into the role of CEO after the sudden loss of his mentor and friend. He talks about the Center’s impact, including serving millions of pounds of food each year, offering free healthcare through the Moen Clinic, and creating pathways forward through programs like Fresh Start. We also preview the Annual Holy Smokes fundraiser, which has sold out for the second year in a row, and the exciting ways Heart continues to honor its past while building for the future. If you’ve ever wondered how real community change happens — and what it looks like when people come together with compassion and accountability — this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Learn more, donate, or get involved: www.heartministrycenter.org

In this episode of Pillars of Progress, host Travis Justice sits down with a true connector, builder, and community advocate—Winsley Durand, who serves as a driving force behind MCL Construction’s efforts to support small and emerging businesses. From his roots at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, where he helped launch the REACH program, to his work today developing contractor capacity, financing solutions, and mentorship programs at MCL, Winsley shares his passion for empowering others. We explore: What it means to build capacity for small contractors The power of trust in general contractor-subcontractor relationships New tools like invoice financing to address cash flow challenges Real-world success stories of small businesses rising to the occasion Why mentorship and education are game-changers—and how MCL is opening doors His work in classrooms, especially a new, immersive partnership at Omaha North High School that could become a national model for student engagement Winsley also reflects on the mentors who shaped his path—and why watching others succeed, sometimes across multiple generations, is what truly fills his bucket. This is more than just a story about construction. It’s about opportunity, trust, growth—and how one man is helping others build legacies that last.

In this episode of Pillars of Progress, we sit down with Josh Berger, Senior Vice President at Woodbury Corporation, to discuss one of Omaha’s most transformative developments — the Crossroads Redevelopment. Josh shares insight into the vision behind the project, the unique partnership driving it forward, and what the community can expect as this iconic location begins a bold new chapter. From retail and restaurants to residential and office space, discover how this once-familiar corner is being reimagined into a vibrant, mixed-use destination that will shape the future of Omaha. www.mclconstruction.com https://www.thecrossroadsomaha.com/ https://www.woodburycorp.com/

In this episode of the Pillars of Progress Podcast, we sit down with Buffalo County Sheriff Neil Miller—one of Nebraska’s most respected voices in law enforcement. Sheriff Miller shares how his journey began, what’s kept him driven for over 30 years, and how he’s worked to keep rural communities safe through innovation and collaboration. As he nears retirement, he’s focused on one final goal: making a new Law Enforcement Center a reality for Buffalo County and the City of Kearney. This is a conversation about leadership, legacy, and building for the future.

In the premiere episode of Pillars of Progress, we sit down with Dana Murray — acclaimed musician, producer, and the visionary Founder and Executive Director of North Omaha Music and Arts (NOMA). Dana shares his journey from professional drummer to community leader, and how NOMA is using music, art, and education to empower youth, elevate talent, and transform lives in North Omaha. This conversation dives into the power of creative expression, the importance of representation in the arts, and how investing in people can lead to meaningful progress. Dana's passion and purpose set the tone for what this podcast is all about — spotlighting those who build stronger communities from the ground up. Powered by MCL Construction.