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    Navigating Uncertainty, with Economist Richard Branch

    May 1, 2025
    *NEW PODCAST* As tariffs, supply chain and labor issues continue to challenge our industry, one of its most respected economists returns with some updated insights.

    At this time of extraordinary economic disruption, 'HPAC On The Air' welcomes back longtime industry analyst Richard Branch for his take on how design and construction firms can manage best in the face of a potential recession.

    Formerly the chief economist at Dodge Construction Network, Branch left that role in January. But he continues to monitor our industry's most relevant economic indicators, billing himself as the Free Agent Economist and publishing a free weekly newsletter for subscribers. Of note, he also calls himself a "storyteller" now and is dedicating time to being an "advocate for cancer survivors and their mental health." We discuss that topic, as well, in the later part of this podcast.

    Click below to listen...

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    For all of our "HPAC On The Air" episodes, please visit our archives here.

    About the Author

    Rob McManamy | Editor in Chief

    An industry reporter and editor since 1987, McManamy joined HPAC Engineering in September 2017, after three years with BuiltWorlds.com, a Chicago-based media startup focused on tech innovation in the built environment. He has been covering design and construction issues for more than 30 years, having started at Engineering News-Record (ENR) in New York, before becoming its Midwest Bureau Chief in 1990. In 1998, McManamy was named Editor-in-Chief of Design-Build magazine, where he served for four years. He subsequently worked as an editor and freelance writer for Building Design + Construction and Public Works magazines.

    A native of Bronx, NY, he is a graduate of both the University of Virginia, and The John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

    Contact him at [email protected].