Rancho Mesa’s Brenda Colby sits down with Client Technology Coordinator, Chad Winder to discuss how construction, landscape, and tree care companies can turn weather-related downtime into valuable training opportunities.
Show Notes: Subscribe to Rancho Mesa's Newsletter
Host: Brenda Colby
Guest: Chad Winder
Editor: Vanessa Hanna
Music: "Home" by JHS Pedals, “Breaking News Intro” by nem0production
© Copyright 2026. Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
Transcript
Brenda Colby: You’re listening to Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ podcast, where each week we break down complex insurance and safety topics to help your business thrive. I’m your host, Brenda Colby, and I’m joined by Chad Winder, Client Technology Coordinator with Rancho Mesa.
And today, we're going to discuss how construction, landscape, and tree care companies can turn weather-related downtime into valuable training opportunities.
Chad, welcome to the show.
Chad Winder: Happy to be here Brenda.
BC: We’re happy you’re here.
So, as winter approaches, many construction companies are preparing for rain, snow, and other weather conditions that can impact project schedules. We know those conditions can lead to delays or even temporary jobsite closures. Will you explain some of the challenges employers and employees face when those weather disruptions occur?
CW: Yes. Inclement weather can have a significant impact on company operations. When jobsites are forced to close due to rain, snow, or unsafe conditions, projects can fall behind schedule and productivity can suffer.
At the same time, employees may lose out on hours they were expecting to work, which can impact their income. While safety must always come first, weather-related shutdowns create challenges for everyone involved. That's why it's important for companies to think ahead and have a plan in place for how they'll use that downtime productively.
BC: Yeah, that's a great point. Rather than viewing a rain day or weather closure as lost time, there may be opportunities to invest in employee development. So what are some ways employers can make the most of those unexpected downtime periods?
CW: One of the most effective strategies is having a training plan established before disruptions occur. Instead of sending employees home and losing an entire day of productivity, companies can use that time to complete training courses.
This allows employees to stay engaged while strengthening skills and reinforce important workplace knowledge. Having training readily available also helps organizations maintain momentum, even when field operations are temporarily paused.
BC: Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. What types of training should construction, landscape and tree care companies consider offering during these periods?
CW: The training opportunities can vary depending on an employee's role and the organization's needs. But, they can include topics like safety, leadership development, and other workplace best practices.
These training opportunities can help employees grow professionally and prepare for future opportunities within the organization.
BC: Yeah, I like that approach because it benefits both the employee and the company. Are there resources available that can help employers access this type of training without having to build everything from scratch?
Guest: Absolutely. Rancho Mesa offers a variety of online training resources through both the SafetyOne™ Platform and the RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal.
SafetyOne provides access to a large library of safety training that helps employers reinforce safe work practices and maintain a strong safety culture. The RM365 HRAdvantage Portal offers professional development and compliance-related training designed to help employees expand their skill sets while supporting the goals of the company.
Having access to these resources makes it much easier for employers to implement a training program and keep employees learning throughout the year, especially during periods of temporary job site closures.
BC: Yeah, that's a great resource for employers. So before we wrap up, what would you say is the biggest benefit of turning weather-related downtime into a training opportunity?
CW: The biggest benefit is that organizations continue moving forward even when projects are on hold. Instead of losing a day entirely, employers can use that time to strengthen safety awareness, improve compliance knowledge, and invest in employee development.
Employees remain engaged, the workforce becomes more knowledgeable, and companies are better positioned for long-term success. When work resumes, employees return to the jobsite with additional skills and training that can help improve both safety and performance.
BC: Yeah I agree so using downtime to develop your workforce is a great way to create value during situations that are often outside of an employer's control.
Well Chad, if listeners have questions about Rancho Mesa’s SafetyOne Platform or the RM365 HRAdvantage Portal, how can they get in contact with you?
CW: Clients can contact me at cwinder@ranchomesa.com or call me directly at (619) 499-7389.
BC: Great, and if clients would like to connect with me as well, they can reach me at bcolby@ranchomesa.com or call me directly at (619) 486-6562.
Alright, Chad, thanks for joining me in StudioOne.
CW: Thanks for having me.
BC: Thank you for tuning in to our latest episode produced by StudioOne. If you enjoyed what you heard, please share this episode and subscribe. For more insights like this, visit us at ranchomesa.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.