Contechtrio - Talking Construction Tech

In this special crossover episode of The ConTech Crew and Construction Dorks, Jeff Sample teams up with Travis Voss and Trent Leinenbach to recap their time at MEP Innovation in Los Angeles. They discuss the biggest takeaways from the event, including the evolution of leadership in the MEP industry, the growing importance of data, and how AI is reshaping the construction landscape. With stories from the conference floor, reflections on the best sessions, and even a little swag critique, this episode is packed for anyone in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing space.Key Takeaways:Despite challenges, the decision to keep the conference in LA.The industry is seeing more executives, VPs, and C-suite leaders attend MEP Innovation.Stephanie McShane’s session from Maxim Consulting focused on building clear career pathways for young professionals in the industry.The conference emphasized the power of data in optimizing workflows and boosting profits.With sessions on everything from AI strategies to VDC standards,

In this episode of The ConTech Crew News, hosts Jeff Sample, Jacob D’Albora, and guest Robert Brown get into the most pressing trends shaping the construction technology landscape. They discuss how advancements in technology are driving diversity and inclusion, creating new opportunities for underrepresented groups, and addressing labor shortages. They also tackle the industry’s readiness to handle massive investments in data infrastructure.Key Takeaways:How technology and flexible policies are creating opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in construction. Tech giants like OpenAI and Oracle are driving a $500 billion investment in U.S. data centers, pushing the industry to innovate and solve workforce challenges.Stratus’ $32 million Series B funding highlights the growing importance of prefabrication and streamlined workflows for smaller contractors.The implications of software bans, like TikTok’s shutdown, on technology and data policies in construction.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample, alongside Jacob D’Albora, welcomes Robert Brown, Senior Tech Lead at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Robert shares his journey from land surveying to leading the BIM and digital transformation efforts at one of the busiest airports in the world. Packed with humor, insights, and lessons learned, this conversation gets into the challenges and triumphs of implementing innovative technology in construction and operations.Key Takeaways:A Humble Beginning: Robert transitioned from football dreams to a career in surveying, eventually finding his place at DFW Airport, where he began his digital transformation journey.BIM Beginnings: Starting in 2017, Robert spearheaded DFW’s BIM program and initiated the airport’s first standards manual and digital twin project.Overcoming Challenges: From navigating leadership changes to tackling skepticism, Robert emphasizes the importance of persistence and aligning technology with operational efficiency.The Role

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Ariel Castillo and guest CEO at Resolve Angel Say to deliver this week’s top construction technology news. The discussion covers groundbreaking AI developments from EarthCam, a new platform connecting academia with industry, reflections on net neutrality, and insights on achieving productivity through better planning and flow state.Key Takeaways:Blending Safety and Technology: Learn how EarthCam’s visual AI is revolutionizing job site monitoring by ensuring safety compliance and optimizing material tracking.Connecting Academia and Industry: Discover Humphex, the platform bridging the gap between researchers and construction professionals to foster innovation.Universal Internet Access: Understand the implications of net neutrality and why high-speed internet is vital for equitable opportunities.Enhancing Productivity: Explore the power of flow state and planning to improve efficiency and reduce friction in construction processes.Episode Breakdo

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample, joined by Ariel Castillo, sits down with Angel Say, CEO and Co-Founder of Resolve. Together, they get into the transformative role of Virtual Reality (VR) in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and how Resolve is bridging the gap between design and operability in construction. Angel shares his views on creating issue-free models, improving user experience, and advancing coordination processes.Key Takeaways:Angel’s Journey: From FIRST Robotics to co-founding Resolve, Angel’s path was shaped by a passion for technology and solving real-world inefficiencies.Clash-Free vs. Issue-Free: Angel highlights the importance of going beyond clash-free models to address operability, safety, and maintenance issues.Resolve’s Mission: Leveraging VR for intuitive, real-time walkthroughs that allow stakeholders to address potential issues early in the design phase.Improving Coordination Processes: How Resolve enables field teams and facility managers to actively contribute

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood and guest Peyton Kringlie Vice President of Corporate Strategy at LS Black, discuss the latest trends, predictions, and challenges the construction technology is facing as we step into 2025. The conversation covers the rise of interoperability, advancements in precise positioning, and the growing importance of worksite safety technology.Listeners will get information about the shifting dynamics of labor shortages, the evolution of subscription models, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies like AI. The trio discusses the need for cultural adaptation alongside technological integration to truly revolutionize the construction industry.Expect to Learn:The distinction between technology integration and interoperability and why it matters.How precise positioning and GPS tools are transforming field operations.The role of wearable technology in enhancing worksite safety.Ethical concerns surrounding AI and its potential impact on t

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Peyton Kringlie, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at LS Black, to discuss the evolving role of technology in construction. Peyton shares his journey from a family-owned materials supply background to becoming a tech-enabled leader shaping the strategic direction of a $150 million general contractor.This episode gets deep into Peyton's unique approach to leadership, problem-solving, and fostering a culture of innovation. Key topics include the importance of integrating technology into operational workflows, addressing technical debt, and empowering teams to adapt to and embrace change. Peyton's insights offer invaluable lessons for construction professionals striving to bridge the gap between technology and business strategy.Expect to Learn:The significance of aligning technology with business strategy and operational needs.How to prioritize and address technical debt to create sustainable solutions.Strategies for empowe

In this episode of The ConTech Crew Podcast, host Jeff Sample, joined by Nathan Wood and special guest Susan Brattberg, gets into the latest trends and breakthroughs in construction technology. Susan, the founder of Global eTraining, brings her expertise to discuss how cross-pollination, collaboration, and innovative tools are reshaping the AEC industry. The conversation also highlights the importance of using data effectively, leveraging AI and robotics, and the growing role of sustainability and culture in construction.Listeners will gain an in-depth knowledge of critical infrastructure investments, the rise of digital tools, and how businesses are innovating to meet the demands of an ever-evolving industry.Expect to Learn:The role of digital tools in transforming municipal water systems and utilities.Why AI and robotics are the future of safer and more efficient construction.How decentralization and public policy influence innovation in the AEC sector.Lessons on cross-pollination and collaboration in the c

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample, joined by Nathan Wood sits down with Susan Brattberg, founder and Chief Customer Officer of Global eTraining. Together, they discussed the transformative role of digital learning in the construction industry, emphasizing the power of blended learning approaches, AI-powered custom training, and project-specific solutions to enhance technology adoption.Susan discusses her journey in founding Global e-Training, the challenges of moving from instructor-led to online training, and how her platform provides innovative, accessible learning tailored to the construction industry. This episode is packed with actionable insights for leveraging education to drive innovation and efficiency in the AEC sector.Key Takeaways:Blended Learning in Construction: Learn how the combination of asynchronous and synchronous learning is reshaping corporate training.AI-Powered Customization: Discover how AI is helping organizations create tailored training programs for specific proj

In this insightful episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tooey Courtemanche, CEO of Procore Technologies. Together, they explore the evolution of the construction industry over the last decade, the transformative power of technology, and the role of leadership in fostering innovation. Tooey reflects on Procore's journey, industry trends, and the importance of mental health awareness in construction.Whether you're a construction professional, a tech enthusiast, or someone passionate about creating positive change in the industry, this episode is packed with lessons, anecdotes, and a glimpse into the future of construction.Expect to Learn:10 Years of Groundbreak: Celebrating a decade of innovation in the construction industry and what’s next.The Importance of Saying No: Why focus and prioritization are critical for success in construction technology.Mental Health in Construction: The role of companies in fostering mental wellness in an industry kn

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Nathan Wood and special guest Alex Sidorov the COO and CFO of Gamma AR, a leading company in augmented reality for construction. They explore critical topics such as the challenges of BIM integration, the future role of AI in construction, and how human collaboration can reshape the industry.The conversation highlights key challenges within construction projects, including fragmented workflows, the need for open data integrations, and the untapped potential of emerging technologies like AI and augmented reality. Alex also discusses the importance of decision-making in a human-driven industry and the role of asset managers in leveraging data more effectively.Whether you're a builder, designer, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the future of construction innovation and collaboration.Expect to Learn:Why BIM models remain disconnected and how integration could solve industry challenges.The role of open data and

In today’s episode, we are delighted to be joined by a huge figure in the construction industry: Fred Mills from B1M! B1M has over 2 million subscribers and is one of the largest channels in the construction industry. Fred is an entrepreneur and founder of B1M and TomorrowsBuild. He has become a global figure in construction video and a role model to millions of people interested in or already working in construction. His mission is to fundamentally alter the perception of construction on planet Earth.B1M has over 2 million subscribers and is one of the largest channels in the construction industry. Today, Fred and I talk about his unique background in construction, how we can deal with our industry’s image, the latest innovations he’s excited about, and his strange obsession with Mcdonald's Filet-O-Fish.Make sure to check it out!Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)How Fred got into construction (03:53)Why passion is so important (07:30)Changing our industry image (14:53)The biggest innovations Fred has seen (30:2

EPISODE 420: How do general contractors (GCs) spend most of their time?A recent study conducted on job sites reveals that GCs spend only 8% of their time in the field. The rest is consumed by tasks such as documenting discrepancies (16%), searching for the right information (15%), and meeting preparation (13%).Why are we wasting so much of these skilled professional’s time doing paperwork?Enter Trunk Tools–a platform designed to optimize workflows, enhance collaboration, and achieve a high level of efficiency.In this week’s episode of The ConTech Crew, my co-host, Rob McKinney, and I are thrilled to speak with the incredible Dr. Sarah Buchner, CEO and founder of Trunk Tools.Sarah’s journey is truly inspiring, from her beginnings as a young carpenter in Austria to becoming a leading figure in construction technology.With a PhD in AI from Stanford and over a decade of experience in AI, she brings deep expertise in AI and data management, demonstrating how AI (or, as she calls it, IA–Intelligence Augmentation) c

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood are joined by Alex Sidorov, the COO and CFO of Gamma AR, a leading company in augmented reality for construction. Together, they explore the evolving role of AR, the challenges in adopting new technologies, and the importance of integrating innovation into the construction workflow.Alex shares his fascinating transition from a corporate finance background to the construction technology sector. He discusses the myths, realities, and breakthroughs in AR adoption, addressing the gaps in the industry's productivity and profitability while highlighting how data visualization can streamline workflows and decision-making.If you’re curious about how technology like AR can improve collaboration, reduce rework, and optimize construction processes, this episode is packed with insights into where the industry is headed and what tools are shaping the future.Expect to Learn:How augmented reality (AR) bridges the gap between design intent and constr

In this episode of The Contech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Charlie Dunn, a construction industry expert passionate about integrating technology and leadership to shape the future of construction. Charlie shares his journey, the challenges faced in modern construction projects, and how embracing innovation can lead to transformative growth in the industry.Discover how Charlie's leadership strategies, combined with cutting-edge tools, can inspire teams and drive projects to success while addressing the pressing concerns of sustainability, efficiency, and collaboration in construction.Expect to Learn:The critical role of leadership in construction projectsHow technology is reshaping the construction landscapeStrategies for managing large teams and complex projects effectivelyInsights into sustainability practices in the construction industryFuture trends and how to stay ahead in a competitive fieldEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00:35] – Introduction: Meet Charlie Dunn and exp

In this engaging episode of The ConTech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Charlie Dunn, a thought leader in the construction industry and a self-described "project storyteller." Charlie shares his journey from nuclear projects to construction, focusing on how visual planning and collaborative approaches can transform projects and drive efficiency.From lessons learned in manufacturing and nuclear sectors to pioneering collaborative techniques in construction, Charlie reveals how a mindset shift can tackle material and human waste while improving project outcomes. Dive into this episode to discover innovative strategies and stories that emphasize the importance of planning, trust, and the power of play in professional settings.Expect to Learn:-- Why planning is the key to eliminating rework and improving efficiency.-- The importance of design for production in construction.-- How collaborative tools and visual methods create trust and alignment.-- Lessons from manufacturing and nucle

In this engaging episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Bob Salaj, Director of Customer Advisory for Construction at QuickBase, for a comprehensive recap of Procore Groundbreak. The conversation explores industry trends, innovative technologies, and the practical application of cutting-edge tools in construction. With a focus on bridging the gap between field operations and technology, Bob and Jeff discuss how solutions like QuickBase and Procore are transforming workflows and enhancing efficiency.Listeners will gain valuable insights into leveraging AI, refining scheduling processes, and addressing the persistent challenge of manual data entry in construction. They also highlight the importance of embracing change, tackling safety challenges, and understanding the role of mental health awareness in the construction industry. This episode is a must-listen for professionals seeking to optimize construction workflows and foster innovation in their organizations.Expect to Learn:The role of AI

EPISODE 437: How did 2024 shape the construction tech world? Did it live up to its promise?Join us in this special episode with co-hosts Ariel Castillo and Nathan Wood as we revisit our predictions for the “Year of Information” and spotlight the groundbreaking innovations transforming construction.From AI-driven compliance tools to autonomous robotics like TyBOT, this conversation explores how technology is reshaping one of the world’s oldest industries. We also discuss some major breakthroughs this year and offer predictions for 2025.Whether you’re curious about the latest construction tech or how AI will redefine the industry, this episode is for you.Let’s dive in and geek out!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Revisiting 2024 predictions–successes and surprises (01:37)TyBOT: rebar tying robot finally hits the market (05:34)Cemex Ventures Construction Startup Competition 2024 (11:11) Emerging trends in global startup competitions (12:52)Oracle vs. Procore’s lawsuit explained (17:46) Document Crunch secures

EPISODE 436: Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the rapid pace of automation? You’re not alone!Many worry about the impact of technology on their jobs. But what if you could turn that fear into opportunity? In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Meaghan Ziemba, founder and host of the Mavens of Manufacturing Podcast. Meaghan shares how storytelling is reshaping industries, empowering women in STEM, and engaging the next generation through creativity and play.From connecting manufacturing and construction to the inspiring tales of children’s STEM books, this episode will make you rethink the role of technology.Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meaghan Ziemba’s journey into tech writing (01:19)The power of storytelling in humanizing technology (07:52)Engaging children in STEM through creative initiatives (11:53) Bridging the manufacturing and construction industries (15:52)What makes a good story? (24:57)Leadership’s role in shaping narratives (29:20)The value of being

EPISODE 435: Are you still using outdated tools like Excel for estimating? Time to switch to the cloud!In this week’s episode of The ConTech Crew, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Dustin DeVan, CEO of Ediphi, a cloud-based estimating tool. Dustin, who also founded BuildingConnected (later acquired by Autodesk), shares his journey from general contracting to pioneering cloud-based tools for cost estimation.Ediphi’s cloud-based platform offers a collaborative, adaptable approach to managing cost data, minimizing rework, and enhancing project accuracy.Tune in now to learn how this latest construction technology advancement could reshape the future of pre-construction.Don’t miss it!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)From general contractor to construction tech (02:12) Success story of BuildingConnected’s acquisition by Autodesk (04:05) How significant is pre-construction in project execution (08:18)Data accuracy and categorization challenges in cost estimation (12:57)How cloud-based tools can guide desi