Contechtrio - Talking Construction Tech

EPISODE 433: Imagine a construction site where every tech tool talks to each other seamlessly–no re-entry, no manual updates–just data flowing effortlessly. Sounds ambitious, right?In this episode of The ConTech Crew, Nathan Wood and I sit down with Nick Caravella, Director of Growth and Industry Strategy at Avicado, a company dedicated to helping construction owners and teams create a connected digital workflow.Today, Nick shares how his background in architecture shaped his understanding of tech’s impact on design, emphasizing the need to enhance the systems already in place rather than chasing the latest tech tools.Tune in now to discover insights on data management strategies that can help your construction projects run smoother.Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Nick’s Caravella’s journey to Avicado (02:36)Integrating existing tools to connect data (04:44)Building tailored technology connectors for construction owners (07:45)Avicado’s user-friendly technology integration approach (09:37)The

EPISODE 432: Is your construction process as efficient as it could be?In this week’s episode, Wyatt Jenkins, Chief Product Officer at Procore, shares insights into how Procore is revolutionizing the construction industry with its latest innovations and what to expect at Groundbreak 2024.With deep roots in construction, Wyatt brings a personal touch to the discussion, highlighting Procore’s commitment to creating safer, more productive job sites through cutting-edge technology, like AI and automation tools such as Co-Pilot.We also dive into Procore’s new labor, equipment, and materials management system, along with the company’s groundbreaking advancements in construction safety.Ready to take a peek at the future of construction technology?Tune in now–you won’t want to miss this!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Wyatt Jenkins of Procore (01:21)A look back on Procore Groundbreak 2023 and its impact (05:08)AI in construction and Procore’s Co-Pilot feature (10:33)Procore’s labor, equipment, and materials ma

EPISODE 431: Have you ever wondered if robots are quietly replacing jobs across industries like construction, shipping, manufacturing, or even tech?In this week’s special episode of The ConTech Crew, we team up with our friends at The Construction Dorks Podcast for a deep dive into the shrinking SaaS market and the rise of automation.Industry experts Jonathan Marsh, Trent Leinenbach, and Travis Voss discuss why companies are reconsidering their software strategies, whether robots should be taxed for taking jobs, if automation costs more than it creates, and more.Curious about the future of work and how companies navigate these technological advancements? Listen in to hear more!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)The decline in SaaS subscriptions (02:10)Evolution of software deployment (04:16)How US manufacturers could benefit from a robot tax (14:00)Robots vs machines: what’s the difference? (18:10)The bigger impact of losing jobs to robots (20:05)The 3-day US dock worker’s strike (25:01)Balancing automation a

EPISODE 430: Are you looking to design a software solution that perfectly fits your construction business needs?In this week’s episode, we dive into how EllisDon, a Canadian-based construction leader, has quietly developed its own digital tools to streamline operations and maximize efficiency.To give us an in-depth look at how EllisDon does it, we’re joined today by Samantha Erlich, Director of Product, and Kersti Nurka, UX Manager, who both represent the software development arm of EllisDon Corporation.Today, they share their journey of developing in-house technology, from the early days of accounting software to today’s sophisticated project management tool, Gate Three.Samantha and Kersti explain how they balance design, development, and user feedback to create intuitive and effective solutions.We also explore EllisDon’s expansion into offering digital services to other construction companies, plus their plans to revolutionize the industry.Let’s jump right into it!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Sam

EPISODE 429: Have you ever been knee-deep in a project, only to discover you’ve missed a crucial building code? It’s frustrating and costly, right? What if you could avoid those mistakes with just a few clicks?Meet Scott Reynolds, co-founder & CEO of UpCodes, who’s leading a revolution in construction by providing open access to building codes through an online platform.In this episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Scott to discuss the critical role building codes play in construction and how the Pro Codes Act–a bill that could privatize access to codes–threatens this.Scott explains how limited access to these codes could impact not just the construction industry but the rest of society. He also dives into how some organizations are profiting from these codes, why the Pro Codes Act could hinder innovation, how to leverage AI technology for code compliance, and more.Want to learn how codes affect your work and what you can do to protect it from its threat?Tune in now!Key Takeaways: Introducti

EPISODE 428: Ever dreamed of ditching the headaches of managing your construction crew to focus on what you do best–building? Today’s guest has the perfect solution to your problem.In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Lou Perez, a former pro snowboarder turned tech entrepreneur.Lou shares his story of transitioning from pro snowboarding to carpentry and ultimately co-founding Lumber, an AI-powered workforce management platform built specifically for the construction industry.With features like automated time tracking, payroll,  and scheduling, Lumber removes the tedious manual processes that can slow your business down.Find out more how you can leverage Lumber to transform your construction operations into a well-oiled machine.Let’s jump right in!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)From pro snowboarding to carpentry (01:32)Lou’s construction tech journey and the creation of Lumber (07:05)How Lumber solves time tracking and payroll issues (10:02)AI-driven scheduling and compliance

EPISODE 427: Digital twin has become a buzzword–but what does it really mean?In this episode, my co-host, Tannis Liviniuk, and I sit down with Dylan Underhill, a BIM and VDC consultant at Trillium Advisory Group, to break down the concept of digital twins. Today, we’ll explore how digital twins function more as a workflow and methodology, the best strategies in building a digital twin, and the challenges of bridging the generational gap in construction–especially when it comes to adopting new technology.Plus, we cover common myths around digital twinning, the impact of AI, and more.Ready to see how digital twins can transform your next construction project?Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Dylan Underhill‘s journey into construction (02:31)The link between video gaming and a career in construction (05:55)Key people who shaped Dylan’s career (08:43)The unconventional career opportunities in construction (11:22)Connecting BIM and VDC to the built word (15:02)What is a digital twin? (24:23)How to

EPISODE 426: Research shows that 13% of a construction professional’s workday is spent looking for information that they need to do their jobs. Let that sink in. But is technology alone the answer to this crisis?In this week’s special episode, live from The ECC Future Leaders Conference, I’m joined by industry experts Tannis Liviniuk and Nathan Wood to discuss the ongoing challenges in construction communication and collaboration.We’ll dive into how construction teams are often bogged down by using too many platforms, leading to inefficiencies and data loss.We also tackle the importance of culture and process alignment, why owners need to understand their tech stack, the most impactful technologies to date, and more.Don’t miss out–tune in now!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Project collaboration and communication defined (02:09)Challenges of using multiple communication systems (07:10)Most impactful and widely-adopted tech to date (14:39)How to fix communication and collaboration issues (17:47)Addressing l

EPISODE 425: Whether it’s misplaced cards or redundant training, managing construction credentials can feel like a full-time job–but not anymore with BuilderFax.In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Christi Pilutik, CEO of BuilderFax, to talk about her mission to change how craft workers manage their credentials and career growth.With a solid background in HR and construction consulting, Christi shares her insights on the current state of the industry’s workforce and how BuilderFax, an all-in-one credential management platform, provides career growth solutions to the industry.If you’re looking to learn how to improve craft workers’ experience and help them take control of their careers, this episode is a must-listen.Let’s get started!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Christi Pilutik’s construction journey (01:30)How BuilderFax is transforming construction (05:36) Career development made easier (11:40)How BuilderFax verifies user profiles and credentials (14:59)Standardizing crede

EPISODE 424: Mental health in construction isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. But how do we empower the industry, especially its leaders, to talk about it openly?In this week’s Pause for the Cause episode with co-host Rob McKinney, we interview Paul Lawson, Risk Management Coordinator and Lead Mental Health Advocate at Mid-City Electric/Technologies, to explore his unique path from ministry to construction.Paul shares how his background as a pastor and two-time cancer survivor motivated him to address the growing need for mental health advocacy in the industry.Today, you’ll learn about the Blueprints for Well-Being initiative, the importance of proactive mental health programs, and how vulnerability can transform a challenging workplace culture like construction.Ready to bring this life-saving approach to your workplace?Tune in now to learn more!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Paul Lawson (02:42)From pastor and cancer survivor to well-being advocate (06:29)Building an army of well-being advocate

EPISODE 423: How ready is your construction business for the future? If you haven’t thought about AI and automation yet, you could be missing out on something big!In this week’s episode of The ConTech Crew, my co-host Travis Voss and I sit down with Aaron Hilger, CEO of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and Carol Duncan, President of General Sheet Metal and SMACNA, to discuss the evolving landscape of the construction industry.This conversation dives into the importance of adopting new technologies like AI and automation in construction to stay competitive, manage labor shortages, and improve efficiency. We explore how industry associations like SMACNA can play a pivotal role in mentoring and collaboration, the significance of peer learning, and more.Curious how you can future-proof your business?Tune in now!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)What is SMACNA and its impact on the industry (03:17)AI’s potential to revolutionize construction operations (10:01)Leveraging

EPISODE 422: How reliant are digital technologies in improving construction safety? In this week’s episode of The ConTech Crew, my co-host Rob McKinney and I sit down with Gabe Guetta, CEO and co-founder of SALUS, a young SaaS company specializing in construction safety.Gabe spent 15 years in construction, dealing with the challenges and stigmas that come with it. But when a near-miss job site incident occured, he realized there was a critical gap in how safety was managed in the industry.Today, he’s here to share what that critical gap is, the evolution of safety practices in the industry, how to gain buy-in, especially from field workers, and why adapting technology that matches real-world construction workflows is key to success. Listen now to see how technology is driving a safer, smarter construction job site.Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Gabe’s construction journey (03:44)How a near-miss incident led to a safety solution (06:50)The complexity of safety in construction (09:02)Getting field-level wor

EPISODE 421: Do you ever wonder why construction accounting is so challenging?I did, too, and so did this week’s guest, who has not only lived through these challenges but also developed innovative solutions to tackle construction’s accounting and profitability issues.Meet Chris Lee. Chris is an entrepreneur who transitioned from IT to construction and then to tech innovation–solving some of the most challenging problems in this industry. He’s the mind behind Esticom, a cloud-based estimating and project management software, and now CrewCost, an easy-to-use accounting software built for construction.Today, Chris is here to share the unique challenges of construction accounting and why the industry should use specialized accounting software instead of a standard one.We also explore Chris’s unique entrepreneurial journey, the development and eventual acquisition of his software Esticom by Procore, and the role of cloud technology in transforming construction management.Tune in now and learn how specialized soft

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

EPISODE 419: Have you ever faced costly errors in your construction projects? Imagine if you could prevent them before they even happen.In this week’s episode, Nathan Wood and I sit down with Shir Abecasis, an Israeli military intelligence and cybersecurity expert turned CEO of FIRMUS.FIRMUS is an AI-driven pre-construction tool that analyzes PDF construction drawings and identifies potential design-related risks and errors at various project development stages.Today, Shir discusses how FIRMUS is transforming construction risk management with its AI technology, the challenges her team has overcome in developing an innovative AI solution, and the future of AI in construction.Curious to know more?Tune in now!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Shir’s transition from cybersecurity to construction (02:11)What is FIRMUS and how it works (06:14)Importance of pre-construction (09:00)Building trust in AI technology (13:13)The Leapfrog Effect of AI in construction (19:20)What the future looks like for FIRMUS (23:19)The

EPISODE 418: How can the construction industry become safer and more efficient?When we talk about construction safety, the strict implementation of hard hats on job sites is the first thing that comes to mind. However, what’s happening under that hard hat is equally important.In this week’s episode, my co-host Rob McKinney and I sit down with Sebastien de Ghellinck, founder and CEO of SkillSignal, to uncover the future of construction safety and well-being.Sebastien, along with his co-founder Vivian, started SkillSignal–an all-in-one safety and compliance mobile platform that digitizes all your critical daily construction processes.With a deep background in both construction and finance, Sebastien shares invaluable insights into creating safer job sites through innovative digital tools. He discusses the importance of combining physical safety measures with mental well-being strategies on job sites. We also talk about the role of AI in making these sites safer, the Personal Protective Mindset (PPM) concept and

EPISODE 417: We often view technology as a quick-fix solution, but it isn’t. Take AI, for example. Many companies rush to innovate and release AI-driven products to gain market advantage. However, this often overlooks the ethical and practical issues that should’ve been addressed first. This is exactly what our guest will unpack today.Meet Ritwik Batabyal. Ritwik is the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Mastek, a global IT company specializing in cloud and data migrations.With over 30 years of experience, Ritwik shares his insights on the evolution of AI and data modernization. He discusses the importance of addressing ethical issues such as biases in AI algorithms and data privacy.Additionally, we talk about the role of leaders in implementing AI, how to navigate job loss fears and task automation, and more.Let’s get started!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Ritwik Batabyal from Mastek (00:46)The evolution of AI and data modernization (08:21)Exposing the ethical roadblocks and biases in AI (17

EPISODE 416: The construction industry has the highest rate of overdose deaths among major sectors. Yet, there’s still a stigma in tackling this opioid crisis. Thankfully, this week’s guest and his team have done the groundwork for creating healthier and safer construction job sites.To shed light on these critical issues, join me and my co-host, Nathan Wood, as we interview Cal Beyer, Senior Director of the SAFE Project.Today, we’ll talk about the pressing issues of mental health, suicide prevention, and substance use disorders in construction.This conversation highlights the progress made in holistic health approaches that connect physical, mental, and emotional well-being to create safer and more productive workplaces.We talk about the pivotal role of Naloxone on job sites, the impact of peer-to-peer support networks in addressing substance abuse in the workplace, and more.Don’t miss this special Pause for the Cause episode.Tune in now!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Cal’s journey and impact in the const

EPISODE 415: Have you ever wondered why some construction projects take so long and cost so much?Join me as I sit down with the incredible Maria Davidson, CEO and founder of Kojo, a construction technology platform built for trade contractors to manage procurement, tools, and warehouse support.Today, Maria and I talk about the critical role of materials management in construction delays and cost overruns. She shares how her company’s platform can streamline materials management for a transparent and more efficient process. Plus, we also discuss overcoming resistance to technology in the trades and the importance of data-driven solutions.Curious to know more?Let’s jump in!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Maria Davidson’s transition to construction tech (00:39)Focusing on trades rather than general contractors (02:34)Debunking myths about trades’ resistance to technology (07:15)Impact of materials management on project timelines (12:53)The importance of integrating workflows in construction (18:20)Why having

EPISODE 414: With today’s information right at our fingertips, a huge portion of the construction industry is still heavily reliant on siloed data. Could this be the hidden productivity killer costing the industry millions of dollars?In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Bob Salaj,  Director of Customer Advisory Team at Quickbase, to explore the intersection of Lean principles and digital transformation in construction.With his extensive experience across various industries, Bob shares his journey and how he discovered the power of low-code/no-code software solutions.We talk about the importance of democratizing data and standardizing processes to reduce inefficiencies and improve decision-making in the industry.Curious to know more?Tune in now and learn how construction companies can leverage Lean techniques and digital tools to improve productivity and efficiency.Let’s jump right in!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Bob Salaj (01:59)Challenges coming to construction from m