In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jon Young, newly appointed Political Director of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. With nearly 30 years of experience in the labor movement and public service, Jon shares his powerful journey from working construction in Camden to leading policy for one of the most influential unions on the East Coast.

Jon also reflects on his time as a Camden County Commissioner and how partnerships with local schools are shaping future trade workers. If you’ve ever wondered how unions truly transform lives or what it takes to create lasting change in underserved communities, this conversation is a must-listen.

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

00:00 – Intro
01:03 – Meet Jon Young: Political Director, Commissioner, Advocate
02:24 – If you only knew one thing about the trades… it’s integrity
03:16 – The two biggest misconceptions about union construction
04:38 – Programs that promote diversity and access in the trades
06:56 – Las Vegas training stories and union leadership impact
09:11 – Jon’s journey: from non-union laborer to union leader
15:50 – The link between policy and good jobs
16:18 – How Project Labor Agreements benefit communities
18:36 – Defining success through “the dash” and impact
21:25 – The fight against wage theft and modern-day slavery
24:29 – Educating policymakers and students about labor history
26:25 – External vs internal challenges: wage theft vs aging out
28:44 – How unions support families, not just workers
30:18 – Reclaiming the labor movement’s story and relevance
31:12 – Partnering with vocational schools to build the pipeline
35:19 – Mentorship, expectations, and equity in recruiting
37:19 – Support systems, career pathways, and higher ed access
38:33 – Final thoughts and why representation matters

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Todd Vachon, a union carpenter, faculty member in the Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations at Rutgers University, and Director of the Labor Education Action Research Network (LEARN). As the Director of LEARN, Todd oversees the University’s labor education programs, including classes, research, and workshops for workers, unions, and other justice-focused organizations. His research focuses on inequality, labor, and justice. He has written several books and is currently president of the New Brunswick chapter of the Rutgers University faculty union, AAUP-AFT. He is also President of the Middlesex-Somerset Central Labor Council and Vice President for Higher Education of AFTNJ.

https://smlr.rutgers.edu/academic-programs/areas-study/labor-studies-and-employment-relations-lser

https://smlr.rutgers.edu/LEARN

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Edward DeAngelis, founder of EDA Contractors, which he established in 1999. Under Ed's leadership, EDA has become a top provider in the exterior envelope sector, specializing in roofing, masonry, and architectural wall panels while earning recognition as a top workplace in Philadelphia for six consecutive years. Ed is committed to high-quality work, exemplified by the EDA Envelope Warranty - a 10-year watertight guarantee. He fosters a positive workplace culture, prioritizing personal and professional development, mental health, and emotional intelligence. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Saint Joseph's University, he has received numerous accolades, including 2024's Philadelphia Business Journal's "Most Admired CEO" and multiple Top Leadership Awards from the Philadelphia Inquirer.

https://edacontractors.com/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

In a special "bonus" episode of Labor Lounge Podcast, Q104.3’s Ken Dashow sits down with Co-Hosts Anthony and Cyndie to discuss the inspiration behind the podcast, its mission, and what listeners can expect. They explore how Labor Lounge shines a spotlight on the skilled trades industry, offering real conversations, expert insights, and stories from those shaping the field. You can listen to Ken Dashow on Q104.3 in NYC or tune in to iHeartRadio's Custom stations nationwide. He is a Brooklyn-born rock music enthusiast who enjoys golfing and home remodeling, including basic plumbing and spackling. Ken is also a connoisseur of wine, spirits, and ale, and he started a pandemic video series on mixing drinks. He is a tech expert and hosts "Breakfast With The Beatles" on Q104.3 and "Ken Dashow's Beatles Revolution" podcast on iHeartRadio.

https://q1043.iheart.com/

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/139-ken-dashows-beatles-revolu-28153532/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Reverend Dr. Willie Dwayne Francois III who serves as Senior Pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey and President of the Black Church Center for Justice and Equality—a national think tank and policy advocacy organization. He also serves as Associate Dean of NYTS and Associate Professor of Theology at Union Theological Seminary, where he directs the Master of Professional Studies Program at Sing Sing and Bedford Hills Correctional Facilities and co-directs the Doctor of Ministry program. His second book, titled Silencing White Noise: Six Practices to Overcome our Inaction on Race, was released in 2022. And his upcoming book is tentatively titled Outing Blue Privilege: A Call for Public Love when Public Safety is Not Enough. His pastoral activism takes shape around racial equity, economic justice, and criminal justice reform. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Religion, holds a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, and earned a Doctor of Ministry from Emory University. He serves as a commissioner of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of the New Jersey State Department and national co-chair of the Social Justice Commission of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. Francois co-authored the book Christian Minister’s Manual: For the Pulpit and the Public Square for All Denominations - the most progressive and comprehensive clergy resource and the first interdenominational manual written for Black clergy in 56 years. He also has bylines in HuffPost, The Hill, Religion Dispatches, Sojourners and The Christian Century concerning a range of matters pivoting around race, class and religion in America.

https://fountainbaptistsummit.org/

https://buildingoneamerica.org/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Joseph Jingoli, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of JINGOLI, Chairman of DCO Energy, and an owner and investor in a family of companies covering all facets of the construction and energy-related industry. Joe is also a partner in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. With more than four decades of expertise in construction, project and energy management, he has a reputation throughout the industry for his unique ability to use innovative strategies to bring projects to fruition. He is a friend of labor and all his jobs utilize union members. Joe is also focused on education, service, job training and mentorship, which has resulted in the development and implementation of the highly sought-after JINGOLI Competitive Edge programs. The programs have touched and improved the lives of thousands of young people and adults, leading them into successful careers in the construction trades. Joe is an advocate for addiction-related causes, serving as Chairman of The F.A.R.M. Team and he is a member of the board of the Livengrin Foundation, an addiction treatment center.

https://jingoli.com/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

Meet William Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS). Bill oversees the development of policies, day-to-day operations, and expansion of work opportunities for union membership for more than 43,000 members across six states and several trade groups. Starting as an apprentice carpenter in 1989, he worked his way up through the ranks to hold various leadership roles within the organization, including Organizing Director, New Jersey Regional Manager, and President and Regional Manager of the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters. Bill serves as a Board Member of the NJ Building Authority, the New Jersey Energy Coalition, is Vice President of the NJ State Building & Construction Trades Council and a member of Mayor-Elect Cherelle Parker’s Steering Committee. He is involved in many charitable projects, but the one closest to him personally is the one-third-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall constructed in Wildwood, New Jersey, by union carpenters.

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

Meet Labor Lounge Podcast Hosts Anthony Abrantes, Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer of Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS), and Cyndie Williams, Executive Director of Carpenter Contractor Trust (CCT). Tune in to hear them discuss their professional history and vision for Labor Lounge Podcast.

Anthony Abrantes is an accomplished professional who provides invaluable leadership and oversight for EAS, which proudly represents approximately 43,000 Union Carpenters across New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, he plays a pivotal role in managing the day-to-day operations of the regional council. He effectively oversees numerous critical components, including the council’s departments, 18 training centers, 200 staff members, 25 local unions, and 15 regional offices. His political prowess, comprehensive policy experience, and exceptional business development acumen has fostered the unique ability to navigate complex political landscapes, craft effective policies, and foster strong coalitions. His strategic vision and leadership have been pivotal in driving growth and fostering collaborative efforts across the construction industry. Anthony's commitment to excellence and his ability to bring together various stakeholders make him a distinguished figure in his field.

Cyndie Williams actively oversees CCT's partnerships with EAS and signatory contractor organizations to promote and support their shared values, competencies, and ambitions. She extends this vision across the EAS domain, encompassing New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. She is committed to overseeing all of CCT’s initiatives, ranging from collaborating with industry partners to developing a diverse workforce. She believes that expanding market share and work hours are vital indicators for the union's sustained growth and well-being. Under Cyndie's guidance, CCT aims to broaden its reach and impact within the construction industry. She considers diversity and equity as essential components of her mission. This emphasis is vital in attracting new talent to foster a robust and prosperous environment for union carpenters and signatory contractors. Cyndie also views clean energy initiatives as vital to maintaining the union's robust presence in the construction industry. The CCT's involvement with several clean energy coalitions throughout the council reflects its commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/