In the very first episode of Hard Hat Chat, Justin Smith (CEO at Contractor Plus) and Gerritt Bake (CEO at American Contractor Network) tackle the massive worker shortage looming over the construction industry. They break down the latest numbers from ABC’s forecast (think 439,000 new workers needed by 2025!), dig into why the median age of construction workers is dropping, and explore how immigration policies could make—or break—the labor pool. If you’ve ever worried about where you’ll find your next skilled hire, you’ll want to tune in. Justin and Gerritt also chat about the rise of apprenticeship programs, the push for better benefits, and what it’s going to take to keep construction thriving in a tight labor market. Strap on your hard hat, grab a coffee, and join them for an honest, no-BS conversation on the future of construction—and why there’s never been a better time to jump into the industry.