Summary In this episode, Anthony sits down with Gia Benline, HR Director at CDO Group, to challenge the traditional narrative around college and career paths in today’s rapidly evolving world. As AI continues to disrupt entry-level white-collar jobs, they explore why the skilled trades are emerging as a powerful and often overlooked alternative. Gia shares her personal connection to the trades and highlights the financial freedom, career growth, and sense of pride that come from building something real. Together, they dive into the advantages of a performance-driven industry where grit outweighs politics, the growing opportunities for women in construction, and how companies like CDO Group are fostering a culture centered around training, safety, and developing strong, healthy individuals. This conversation offers a compelling look at why the trades may be one of the smartest career moves of the future.

Special Guest Gia Benline is the HR Director at CDO Group and a passionate advocate for the skilled trades. Coming from a multi-generational background in blue-collar work, Gia brings a deeply personal perspective to the industry and champions the value, stability, and pride that come with careers in construction. At CDO Group, she plays a key role in developing talent, fostering a strong company culture, and supporting the next generation of professionals entering the trades.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction, AI fears, and why construction is a powerful alternative 00:43 - Gia’s blue‑collar roots and lifelong pride in the trades 02:19 - AI replacing entry‑level jobs vs 350K+ open roles in construction 04:00 - Debt-free career path, pay growth, and benefits in the trades 05:27 - Work ethic, climbing the ladder, and what construction companies value 07:56 - Anthony’s start in construction and rapid on-the-job training story 10:11 - Brotherhood, sisterhood, and camaraderie in the field 11:45 - Women in construction and growing opportunities on jobsites and in the office 13:50 - Company culture at CDO: leadership, community, and keeping the “human” alive 16:25 - Health, longevity, and building a lifestyle that supports long careers 18:16 - Safety, training, and a call for young people to choose the trades

GIA'S INFO: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gia-marie-benline-382208117/ Website: https://cdogroup.com/

PODCAST INFO: Website: https://FutureFactory.live Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0SsZRdrvWTUs1QY6Zu1sU6 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-factory/id1659895549 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/207e04aa-11a1-4b28-964a-148608422a49/future-factory FUTURE FACTORY SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurefactorypodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FutureFactoryFF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurefactorypodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/futurefactorypodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futurefactorypodcast?_t=8ZIxAf4Orra&_r=1

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Why The Trades Are Beating College And AI | Gia Benline

Future Factory

Why The Trades Are Beating College And AI | Gia Benline