In this episode of the Sargent On Track Podcast, President & CEO Eric Ritchie is joined by CFO Tasha Gardner, COO–North Doug Morrison, and Northern Regional Manager Tim LePage in the Flywheel Studio to unpack Sargent’s acquisition of E.L. Vining & Son of Farmington, Maine. They break down why it’s a strong cultural fit, how it adds 40 seasoned employee-owners and significant aggregate resources, and what Day-One looks like on the ground. The team also talks succession done right, the ...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, President & CEO Eric Ritchie is joined by Tasha Gardner, CFO, in the Flywheel Studio to wrap up National Employee Ownership Month by zeroing in on the everyday ownership mindset that extends far beyond October. Eric and Tasha talk about what it really means to “own it,” showing up with accountability, looking out for your team, and making safe, deliberate choices (you never need permission to do the right thing). If you liked this week’s episode an...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, President & CEO Eric Ritchie is joined by Chris Horn, Regional Manager of Sargent’s Piedmont Triad Region, for an in-depth check-in on how the region continues to grow and establish itself. Eric and Chris discuss what it takes to build a new region from the ground up, focusing on culture, leadership, and long-term investment in people. Chris shares how the team has expanded from 13 to nearly 50 employees in just two years, the critical role of ment...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, President & CEO Eric Ritchie is joined by Safety Director Cam Haggar and Mid-Atlantic Safety Manager James Joyner in the Flywheel Studio for a discussion on the importance of slowing down and Taking 5, not just in the field, but in every part of life. Together, they explore how intentionality, communication, planning, and servant leadership form the foundation of Sargent’s safety culture and how those habits help finish the year strong. The team hi...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, President & CEO Eric Ritchie is joined by Workforce Advancement Manager Pete Parizo and Superintendent Rob Wyatt in the Flywheel Studio to talk about what it really means to make new employee-owners feel like they belong at Sargent. Together, they explore the difference between simply welcoming someone and creating a lasting sense of belonging. Rob shares how he builds belonging on his North Carolina job site through engagement, positive reinforcem...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, we kick off ESOP Month with a conversation between Sebastian and Fortunat Mueller, co-founder & CEO of ReVision Energy, about their journey to 100% employee ownership, why “act like an owner” and curiosity lifts quality and safety, and how ESOPs strengthen culture, recruitment, and resilience through ups and downs. If you liked this week’s episode and are interested in becoming an Employee-Owner at Sargent, please visit our careers page on the Sarg...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, VP of Human Resources Amanda Martin dives into the ins and outs of Sargent’s self-funded health insurance plan with expert insights from Lisa Nappi, Sargent’s Senior Account Manager from USI Insurance Services, and Benefits Manager Renee Kearns-Pal. They unpack why Community Health Options is the plan’s TPA, the importance of matching your bills to your Explanation of Benefits, and how to keep out-of-pocket costs down by using resources like virtual vi...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, the Man in the Corner, Sebastian, hits the field for National Construction Appreciation Week to talk with Sargent employee-owners about what the week means to them. From laborers and superintendents to technology managers and equipment operators, the conversations explore whether the public truly understands the skill, planning, and sacrifice that go into building and maintaining infrastructure. The crew shares candid thoughts on long hours, time away ...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, Guest host Amanda Martin, Sargent’s VP of HR, has an essential discussion in honor of Construction Suicide Prevention Week. Amanda is joined in the Flywheel Studio by Safety Director Cam Haggar and Heather Washburn, a licensed clinical social worker from Healthy Life EAP, to talk openly about the mental health challenges in the construction industry—an industry with one of the highest suicide rates. Together, they discuss the warning signs to watch for...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, we shine a spotlight on Sargent’s 2025 field interns as they wrap up their summer with presentations reflecting on their experiences. Workforce Advancement’s Pete Perazzo, along with interns Lucas Towers and Charlie Vaillancourt, visit the Flywheel Studio to discuss the value of hands-on field work, lessons learned, mentorship, and the unique challenges of construction work. The conversation covers the importance of keeping the internship program authe...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, we dive into the story of the Back Cove South CSO Storage Facility project in Portland, Maine—one of the most complex and challenging jobs in Sargent’s history. Host Eric Richie sits down with Business Development Director Glenn Adams and Superintendent Ian McCarthy to reflect on the project’s design-build process, the environmental impact of capturing millions of gallons of polluted stormwater before it reaches Casco Bay, and the technical hurdles of ...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, President & CEO Eric Ritchie is joined by a full Flywheel Studio of guests—including newly retired Herb Sargent, CFO Tasha Gardner, and external board members Thomas Baillie and Keith Bennett—for an in-depth discussion on succession planning and leadership transition at Sargent. The group reflects on Herb’s legacy, the board’s vital role in guiding long-term continuity, and the intentional, people-first approach that has helped position the company...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, Safety Director Cameron Hagar joins Sebastian to talk all things Safe + Sound Week. The two kick things off with a round of “Myth or Fact: Safety Edition” before diving into this year’s theme—Preparedness is Your Superpower—and how it ties into Sargent’s commitment to planning, communication, and Taking 5. Cam reflects on the importance of aligning safety, quality, and production through execution, and shares examples, including last year’s milestone o...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, Eric Ritchie sits down with Chief Operating Officers Doug Morrison and Justin Porter to recap how the 2025 season is shaping up in both the Northern and Southern regions. From major projects in the Mid-Atlantic to developing new leaders on utility crews in New England, the conversation highlights the growth in both workload and workforce. The COOs reflect on success stories of mentorship, the impact of a growing internship program, and the intentional ...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, Sebastian sits down with newly appointed CEO Eric Ritchie to talk about his first week in the role, his leadership journey, and what excites him about guiding Sargent into its second century. Eric shares insights into his career path, from managing Sargent Materials to stepping into executive leadership roles, and reflects on the company’s unique culture, resilience through challenges like COVID-19, and recent project successes. Tune in for an inspirin...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, guest host Business Development Director Glenn Adams sits down with Maine Turnpike Authority Executive Director Andre Briere and Lead Estimator James McCarthy at the Exit 35 & 36 project site in Saco. The group discusses Andre’s unique journey from the Air Force and cybersecurity to public transportation leadership, his vision for the MTA, and why tolling independence is key to Maine’s infrastructure success. The episode also includes a fun lightni...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, President Eric Ritchie sits down with Workforce Advancement Manager Pete Parizo and 2024 SCA graduate Cohen Noble to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Sargent Construction Academy. Eric and Pete discuss how the program has evolved from the early days—housing and busing new hires to a “training field”—to today’s company-wide initiative focused on helping individuals build meaningful careers. Pete shares insight into how meeting people where they’re ...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, President Eric Ritchie sits down with Northern Maine Regional Manager Tim LePage and Superintendent Scott Blanchard to reflect on the completion of the largest project in Sargent’s history—the I-395/Route 9 Connector. The team revisits some of the early challenges and predictions they made in 2023, including handling wick drains, ultra-lightweight fill, and complex site logistics in the Felts Brook area. If you liked this week’s episode and are interes...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, Amanda Martin, VP of Human Resources, introduces the growing HR team at Sargent—including new team members from Maine and North Carolina. Listeners get to know Claire, Renee, Harry, Alexis, and Justin as they share their backgrounds, hobbies, and how they support Sargent’s employee-owners. The team also highlights Sargent’s recent growth, military-friendly designation, and who to contact for specific HR needs. With some laughs, shout-outs, and even a f...

In this episode of the On Track Podcast, we shine a spotlight on the growing community of women field leaders at Sargent. Sebastian has a conversation with current and future leaders—including Meredith Brewer, Elizabeth Drelich, Jessie Kennedy, Charli Vaillancourt, and retired Superintendent Katrina Morgan—about their experiences in the field, the importance of support, and the launch of a new internal group dedicated to mentoring and connecting women in construction. If you liked this week’s...