MCL Construction Pillars of Progress

About MCL Construction Pillars of Progress

Pillars of Progress is the official podcast of MCL Construction — where we spotlight the people, projects, and purpose driving positive change in our communities. Each episode features conversations with leaders, innovators, and changemakers who embody progress in construction, business, and beyond. Whether you’re in the industry or simply inspired by stories of impact, Pillars of Progress offers insight, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a better future. Powered by MCL Construction.

Publisher

mclconstruction

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Apr 2025

Latest episode

23 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Jun 2026

   Pillars of Progress: Adrian Dowell-UNO Athletic Director

   What does it take to run a successful Division I athletic program in the modern era of college sports? In this episode of the Pillars of Progress Podcast, we sit down with Adrian Dowell, the Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). Adrian pulls back the curtain on how UNO Athletics serves as a massive driver for community growth, student enrollment, and economic development in the Omaha area. Adrian breaks down the chaotic, fast-changing landscape of college sports, from navigating the House case settlement and NIL to managing the transfer portal. He also shares exclusive updates on UNO’s massive $55 million training facility and baseball and softball clubhouse at Maverick Park. Whether you are a Mavs fan, a sports business enthusiast, or curious about the future of the NCAA, this conversation is packed with masterclass insights on what it takes to thrive as a mid-major program.

2. 

   27 Apr 2026

   Pillars of Progress: Tre Brashear-Lozier Foundation

   The mission of the Lozier Foundation, as shared by Tre Brashear on this episode of the Pillars of Progress Podcast, is rooted in the philosophy of "leveling the playing field". Rather than simply meeting basic needs, the foundation seeks to provide individuals with the education, income, and tools necessary to control their own destinies and enjoy true freedom of choice. A primary example of this is the development of the North High Stadium and the Butler-Gast YMCA. For over a century, North High lacked its own field; by collaborating with the YMCA, the foundation is creating a community hub that fosters a sense of pride and equity for North Omaha students. This commitment to the next generation continues at the Nelson Mandela School, where the foundation uses innovative methods like the Spalding reading program, year-round schooling, and violin lessons to close achievement gaps for disadvantaged youth. Beyond education, the foundation addresses the economic hurdles of affordable housing by purchasing a $40 million bond to accelerate projects that would otherwise be financially unfeasible. They also support critical, often overlooked gaps in the social safety net, such as the Diaper Bank, which provides essential hygiene products not covered by public assistance. From founding the Maha Music Festival to quietly funding civic improvements, Tre describes a legacy of philanthropy that prioritizes meaningful impact over public recognition.

3. 

   18 Mar 2026

   Episode 10: Heath Mello-Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce

   Host Travis Justice interviews Heath Mello, President & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, about Omaha's strategic initiatives for future growth and economic development.

4. 

   6 Jan 2026

   Episode 9: Jaymes Sime-Child Saving Institute

   On this episode of the Pillars of Progress Podcast, host Travis Justice sits down with Jaymes Sime, President and CEO of the Child Saving Institute, for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, growth, and the evolving needs of children and families in our community. If you’ve driven along Dodge Street in Omaha, you’ve likely noticed the major expansion and renovation at Child Saving Institute. Jaymes explains why this project was about much more than updating aging facilities—it was about preparing CSI to meet today’s standards of care while expanding services in behavioral health, early childhood education, and youth shelter programs. The goal: creating spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and trauma-informed for the children, teens, and families who walk through the doors. Jaymes also breaks down a question many people still ask: What exactly does Child Saving Institute do? With more than 133 years of service, CSI has grown into a multi-service organization supporting children as young as six weeks old through young adults and families navigating complex challenges. From outpatient therapy and early childhood education to youth shelter services and support for teen and young parents, CSI’s mission remains centered on children and families—delivered in many different ways. The conversation also dives into CSI’s recent merger with Children’s Square in Council Bluffs, a move that significantly expanded the organization’s size and impact. Jaymes shares what went into the due diligence, the leadership challenges of rapid growth, and what it means to nearly double an operating budget while staying grounded in mission and culture. One of the most powerful moments comes when Jaymes shares his own story—growing up with a single mother, experiencing housing insecurity, and benefiting from nonprofit services firsthand. Those experiences shaped his passion for service, leadership, and empathy, and they continue to influence how he leads today. This episode of Pillars of Progress is a thoughtful look at nonprofit leadership, community impact, and what it truly takes to build systems that support children and families—not just for today, but for generations to come.

5. 

   10 Nov 2025

   Episode 8: Jaime Casap-A Culture Of Innovation

   Travis Justice interviews Jaime Casap, former Chief Education Evangelist at Google, about building disciplined cultures of innovation through curiosity, iteration, and leadership that embraces constant change.

6. 

   3 Nov 2025

   Episode 7: Bison Biocomposites Industrial Hemp & Carbon-Negative Construction

   Marc Maguire of Bison Biocomposites discusses transforming industrial hemp into carbon-negative insulation for construction with Travis Justice, potentially reshaping supply chains and reducing carbon footprints in this interview.

7. 

   22 Oct 2025

   Episode 6: Pillars of Progress-Dr. Andreia Nebel, President of Clarkson College

   Travis Justice interviews Dr. Andreia Nebel, President of Clarkson College, about the institution's growth, innovations, and future plans for healthcare education, including a capital campaign.

8. 

   20 Aug 2025

   Pillars Of Progress: Damany Rahn-Heart Ministry Center

   Travis Justice interviews Damany Rahn, CEO of Heart Ministry Center, about the organization's impactful community work and Rahn's personal journey.

9. 

   4 Aug 2025

   Pillars of Progress Podcast Episode 4: Building Capacity, Building Community – With Winsley Durand

   Winsley Durand discusses building capacity and empowering small businesses through mentorship, financing, and education programs at MCL Construction in an interview with Travis Justice.

10. 

    22 Jul 2025

    Pillars of Progress Episode 2: Crossroads Reimagined: A Conversation with Josh Berger of Woodbury Corporation

    Josh Berger of Woodbury Corporation discusses the transformative Crossroads Redevelopment project in Omaha, highlighting the vision, partnerships, and mixed-use elements that aim to shape the city's future in this interview.

11. 

    22 Jul 2025

    Episode 3: Built to Serve: Sheriff Miller’s Push for Progress in Buffalo County

    Buffalo County Sheriff Neil Miller discusses his 30-year career in law enforcement, highlighting his focus on innovation, collaboration, and the development of a new Law Enforcement Center in this interview.

12. 

    8 Apr 2025

    Episode 1: Building Community Through Creativity with Dana Murray

    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.

Who has been a guest on MCL Construction Pillars of Progress

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Heath Mello
• Jaime Casap
• Marc Maguire
• Dr Andreia Nebel
• Damany Rahn

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings