Strong Conversations
Welcome to Strong Conversations hosted by Simpson Strong-Tie where we bring partners, colleagues, innovators and leaders together for insightful conversations. We dive into the subjects and issues that we all face — forging stronger connections and relationships along the way.

In this episode of the Strong Conversations Podcast – Building the Brand Series, host Sam Marcoux sits down with Brian Larrabure, a trailblazer in the construction industry who took an unconventional path to success. Unlike many who are born into the trade or stumble into it, Brian was drawn to construction from a young age, shaping his own path with determination and a drive to build something lasting.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
– How Brian went from critiquing curb appeal as a kid to leading a major framing and panelization company
– The unconventional career journey that led him from digging ditches to managing multi-million-dollar projects
– Why he bet on panelization before the industry was ready—and how it helped his company survive the 2008 recession
– The value of hands-on leadership and how an early mentor reshaped his approach to business
– Lessons in differentiation, customer service, and long-term thinking in a highly competitive industry
Brian’s story is about more than just construction—it’s about recognizing opportunity, betting on innovation, and leading with integrity. Whether you’re in the building industry or looking for lessons in entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who built success from the ground up.
In this episode of the Strong Conversations Podcast – Building the Brand Series, host Sam Marcoux sits down with Brian Larrabure, a trailblazer in the construction industry who took an unconventional path to success. Unlike many who are born into the trade or stumble into it, Brian was drawn to construction from a young age, shaping his own path with determination and a drive to build something lasting.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
– How Brian went from critiquing curb appeal as a kid to leading a major framing and panelization company
– The unconventional career journey that led him from digging ditches to managing multi-million-dollar projects
– Why he bet on panelization before the industry was ready—and how it helped his company survive the 2008 recession
– The value of hands-on leadership and how an early mentor reshaped his approach to business
– Lessons in differentiation, customer service, and long-term thinking in a highly competitive industry
Brian’s story is about more than just construction—it’s about recognizing opportunity, betting on innovation, and leading with integrity. Whether you’re in the building industry or looking for lessons in entrepreneurship, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who built success from the ground up.
Women in Construction
Welcome to our podcast on Women in Construction hosted by Simpson Strong-Tie, a leading manufacturer and technology services company of engineered building products in the residential and commercial space. In this podcast we take a closer look at the women who make up the residential construction industry. We are going to have an open discussion about how we got here, what challenges us, motivates us and what makes us succeed. In each episode we will be joined by three guests to get their perspective on what it’s like to be in this field. We will talk about how women can effect change and create an environment where other women want to be a part of.
How We Got Here
In our “How We Got Here” series, we talk to leaders in the building industry about how they got to where they are. Some of us are born into the building industry. Some of us fell into it. And some of us took a few detours to find our place. Our guests share stories and insights of not only how they got here but more importantly what made them stay.
Building the Brand
In our “Building the Brand” series, we talk to leaders and entrepreneurs in the building industry about what it takes to start a venture or business and build it into a brand. We talk about taking a chance on yourself and the determination and resilience that it takes to stay the course. Our guests share with us what it means to be a heart led leader and the importance of not just building the brand but building a culture that your employees can thrive in.