[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
Rochester Area Builders, Inc.<\/a> (RAB) is an association made up of 435 businesses involved in construction and all aspects of home improvement throughout Rochester, MN, and all of Southeastern Minnesota.<\/p>\n They are committed to professionalism within the building and home improvement industries and to providing the community with the information needed to make sound decisions in home building, commercial construction, and home improvement.<\/p>\n Winona State University recently partnered with RAB to provide professional development opportunities for two RAB events.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n At RAB\u2019s annual meeting, construction expert and national speaker Tom Esch presented “Personal Accountability and Power: How to Build a Stronger Safety Culture”.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Tom shared strategies for how to achieve exceptional safety and a healthy work culture:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Tom Esch” admin_label=”Tom Esch Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false”]<\/p>\n I believe the best tool for safety is good communication.<\/p>\n This event focused on one of the most overlooked aspects of safety, which is the ability to hold others accountable without burning relational bridges.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text Cont.” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n This engaging presentation highlighted how to have uncomfortable conversations with clarity, empathy, and a solid backbone.<\/p>\n RAB Executive Director John Eischen also shared:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”John Eischen” admin_label=”John Eischen Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false”]<\/p>\n We\u2019re always looking for an engaging and relevant topic and speaker for our annual meeting.<\/p>\n Tom\u2019s presentation was the perfect fit for this year\u2019s meeting.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2021\/12\/ACE-in-the-Community2-1280.jpg” title_text=”ACE-in-the-Community-Tom-Esch-1280″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ admin_label=”Tom Esch Image”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2021\/12\/ACE-in-the-Community1-1280.jpg” title_text=”ACE-in-the-Community-Kate-Noelke-1280″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ admin_label=”Kate Noelke Image”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text Cont.” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Kate Noelke, Minnesota State Chancellors Fellow for Mental Health, met with the RAB\u2019s Young Professionals Group and presented “Workplace Mental Health & Wellness”.<\/em><\/p>\n Recognizing that challenges to mental and emotional wellbeing are increasingly common among young adults in the U.S., Kate discussed how mental health challenges impact people, families, organizations, and work culture.<\/p>\n The group became aware of how to make a difference in their organizations and gained important skills in listening without judgement.<\/p>\n RAB\u2019s Member and Community Engagement Director Rebekah Fierst said:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Rebekah Fierst” admin_label=”Rebekah Fierst Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false”]<\/p>\n I\u2019ve heard nothing but positive feedback from our young professional attendees, including \u2018That was the best professional development presentation we\u2019ve had to date!\u2019<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text Cont.” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n WSU recognizes the construction industry as a major economic driver in our region and looks forward to growing the partnership to support RAB and area construction businesses.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”About the Consultants” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”Tom Esch, President and CEO of Esch Consulting, LLC” content_max_width=”1100px” admin_label=”Tom Esch, President and CEO of Esch Consulting, LLC” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″]<\/p>\n Tom Esch<\/a> is based in St. Paul, Minnesota.<\/p>\n Tom has trained over 8,500 construction professionals in demo saw safety and in communication skills.<\/p>\n He has been the lead consultant for dozens of projects with construction companies, both public and private, interested in improving communication and culture in the interest of safety.<\/p>\n Tom has advanced training in both Conflict Resolution and Organizational Development and a master\u2019s degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame.<\/p>\n Tom\u2019s company helps contractors build their businesses while preventing serious injuries by improving the communication skills of their leaders.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”Kate Noelke, Minnesota State Chancellor’s Fellow for Mental Health” content_max_width=”1100px” admin_label=”Kate Noelke, Minnesota State Chancellor’s Fellow for Mental Health” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″]<\/p>\n Kate Noelke<\/a> recently began a position with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor’s Fellow for Mental Health.<\/p>\n She previously served as Director of Integrated Wellness at Winona State University.<\/p>\n In her day-to-day, she focused on coalition building for innovative ways to support the dynamic intersections of well-being and success, across cultures, experiences, values, and health conditions.<\/p>\n Using a public health approach rooted in population-based equity initiatives, Kate strengthens access to networks of support on campus and across Minnesota.<\/p>\n Kate is also a passionate Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid trainer, with over 1,000 successful students!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_blurb title=”About Rochester Area Builders, Inc.” content_max_width=”1100px” admin_label=”About Rochester Area Builders, Inc. Blurb” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″]<\/p>\nAbout the Consultants<\/h2>\n