Contechtrio - Talking Construction Tech

EPISODE 413: The construction industry has been using prefabrication for years, but there’s always been a bit of a disconnect.Typically, prefabrication doesn’t start until the bid is awarded to the fabricators. But what if there’s a way to speed up the process while building a sustainable future? In this week’s episode, Nathan Wood and I speak with Michael Gustafson, vice president of strategy and business development at Qnect.As a structural engineer with extensive experience working with big names in the construction tech world like Trimble and Autodesk, Michael saw an opportunity to improve the steel design workflow with Qnect.Qnect offers both software and services for optimizing steel designs, aiming to remove inefficiencies and reduce material and process waste.Today, Michael talks about how integrating AI in construction can automate repetitive tasks and boost productivity. He also shares insights into the global engineering practices and the growing trend of prefabrication, particularly in structural

EPISODE 412: Burnout has long been a cause of higher suicidal rates in the construction industry. But what if there’s a way to detect burnout before anything worse happens?Join me in this week’s episode as my co-host, Nathan Wood, and I speak with Eitan Vesely, a former engineer turned successful founder.Today, we’ll talk about the world of employee well-being and how Eitan’s Watercooler, an AI-powered tool, helps companies detect and combat burnout in their employees. We’ll explore the balance needed in managerial interactions, the effectiveness of well-being programs, and their relevance to the high-demanding construction industry.Tune in now and learn how you can proactively address burnout and foster healthier construction job sites.Let’s jump in!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Eitan Vesely and how he started Watercooler (02:43)How Watercooler gathers and uses data (07:26)Addressing privacy and ethical concerns during data-gathering (15:29)Leveraging AI to stop employee burnout (21:14)Watercooler

EPISODE 411: Imagine having a tool that makes it easier for construction workers at all levels to find the information they need. Builder Answers is designed to do just that!Join me in this week’s episode as my co-host, Nathan Wood, and I speak with Marcus Kirkwood, founder of Builder Answers.Builder Answers is an online tool that provides immediate, accessible answers to workers on-site. It aims to bridge the knowledge gap and modernize the construction industry using AI.Today, Marcus discusses the significant stigma in the industry and the importance of integrating modern technology into daily workflows. We talk about the future of construction tools, highlighting the need for both software and hardware developments to meet the industry’s needs, how Builder Answers is different from other AI tools and much more.Ready to revolutionize your construction site?Tune in now to learn how innovative tools like Builder Answers can transform the industry and help overcome its current challenges!Let’s jump right in!Ke

EPISODE 410: Is digital twinning completely achievable in construction?In this week’s episode, my co-host Jacob D’Albora and I have the pleasure of speaking with Alexis McGuffin, National Director of Digital Delivery at Suffolk Construction.With a solid background in software engineering and nearly two decades of experience in the construction industry, Alexis shares how digital twin is reshaping the industry.She discusses the critical role of trust and collaboration in achieving successful construction projects, how Suffolk Construction leverages predictive analytics and reality captures, and more.Curious to know how a data-driven builder platform can improve construction outcomes?Tune in now!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Alexis McGuffin (01:18)Importance of technology in advancing construction operations (02:01)Challenges in collaboration and trust in the industry (04:22)Suffolk Construction’s approach to overcoming industry challenges (09:22)Digital twins and their role in construction (14:26)A c

EPISODE 409: Imagine a construction job site where every worker feels heard, and seen, where leadership is not about barking orders but about understanding and empathy. That’s what our guest came in for.In this week’s special Pause for the Cause episode, I sit down with Matt Ohley, a seasoned general superintendent from Ajax Paving Industries of Florida.With a solid 27 years of experience in the industry, Matt shares the dramatic changes he has seen in the construction industry over the years. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of mental health, empathy, and leading with vulnerability and how these three key factors can lead to higher productivity and a happier construction workplace.Curious to know more?Tune in now!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Matt Ohley (00:47)How has the construction industry changed over the years (01:56)The real value of construction workers (06:08)Leadership and empathy in construction (11:27)The importance of mental health and servant leadership (16:52)Work-life bala

EPISODE 408: Have you ever struggled to find good housing while on work travel?We all did at some point.With all these mega projects going on around the country, workforce housing is a very serious challenge. But most people don’t realize that bad housing conditions significantly impact traveling workers’ morale, especially those in construction. So, how are we supposed to address this silent crisis?In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I have the pleasure of interviewing Yeves Perez, a branding expert turned innovative and visionary CEO.Yeves is the CEO of WorkBnB, a B2B SaaS platform providing workforce rental homes for millions of traveling workers in the U.S.Today, Yeves shares his journey and how a call from his mother led him to revolutionize short-term vacation rentals to workforce rentals, highlighting the importance of proper branding.We also talk about the broader impacts of such housing solutions on employee morale and talent recruitment and retention in construction, what makes WorkBn

EPISODE 407: Are you struggling with inaccurate construction layouts? Well, say hello to precise projections!In this week’s episode, my co-host Jonathan Marsh and I sit down with William St-Pierre, co-founder and CEO at Mechasys, to discuss his journey from 3D printing to laser projection technology for construction layouts.Discover how this laser technology from Mechasys facilitates precise, efficient, and collaborative construction processes across multiple surfaces.Together, we dive into how laser projection works, its manufacturing and assembly processes, why it works better (even for non-BIM users), and much more.Whether you’re an expert in the field or just starting to explore new technologies, this episode is jam-packed with insights on why laser technology is crucial in construction layouts!Let’s get started!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet William St-Pierre (01:19)The process of pivoting business direction (03:23)Importance of collaboration in product development (07:19)Laser projection techno

EPISODE 406: How can a finance expert reshape the construction world and demonstrate its urgent need for cutting-edge technology?In this week’s episode, join my co-host Tannis Liviniuk and me as we dive into the extraordinary journey of Lisa Giuffra Diaz–a former managing director at Goldman Sachs turned construction technology trailblazer and mentor.With over two decades of financial expertise, Lisa shares her unique transition from Wall Street to spearheading innovation in construction.Today, we explore the role of technology in addressing industry challenges and the need for diverse perspectives and ethical leadership in driving construction innovation.Moreover, we talk about Lisa’s passion for mentoring and preparing the younger generation for diverse career paths in construction and how this can impact the industry as a whole.Join us in this riveting discussion now.Let’s get started!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)From Wall Street to construction (01:47)How Turf connects with construction tech compani

EPISODE 405: As fewer students opt for trade schools, addressing today’s skills gap in construction seems far-fetched. But this episode might inspire others to step up and educate the trades of the future.In this week’s episode, I’m joined by an old friend of mine, Jim Jones. Jim is the program director of skilled crafts and trades at Colorado Mountain College (CMC). With a wealth of experience from his years in the construction industry, he built an automotive program for a local high school in partnership with CMC and eventually took on the directorship role.Today, Jim and I talk about his journey from his humble beginning as a lift mechanic to his current role as an educational innovator and how his unwavering passion for mechanics has crafted educational pathways for tradespeople.Discover how CMC is revolutionizing trade education to meet the evolving demands of the construction industry. We also discuss the significant role of partnerships in trade programs and CMC’s future projects aimed at integrating

EPISODE 404: Construction is always ahead of what is going to happen. You can’t have a data boom until you have the data center–and somebody has to build it. Yet, most companies don’t put that much weight on extensive training to upskill their people.In this week’s episode, my co-host Jacob D’Albora and I sit down with Ian Theodore, the training director at Austin Commercial, to talk about the critical role of training and technology integration in the construction industry.With a career spanning various aspects of construction–from on-site experiences to leading technology integration projects–Ian offers deep insights into the importance of comprehensive training programs for employees across the board.We also explore the impact of technological advancements on construction projects, the potential of concepts like IoT and digital twinning to building management and operations, and much more.Are you curious how technology and training are shaping the future of construction?Tune in now to learn more!Key Takeaw

EPISODE 403: Imagine a world where roads and bridges are designed and constructed with unmatched accuracy and efficiency. That future is NOW!In this week’s episode, my co-host Jacob D’Albora and I sit down with Connor Christian, the BIM (Building Information Modeling) operations manager at Kiewit, as we explore how BIM and generative design technology are transforming transportation infrastructure.Drawing on over two decades of experience in the construction and technology industry, Connor shares his insights on the reality of the software world, the potential of data-driven transportation infrastructure, future trends in transportation technology, and more.Are you ready to unlock the future of efficient and innovative infrastructure development?Let’s get started!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Connor Christian’s journey through the construction industry (01:03)The truth about the software world (05:46)How to use technology more effectively in construction (10:00)The transition to infrastructure and techno

EPISODE 402: The biggest challenge in construction isn’t technology; it’s changing perceptions. When did you last hear field workers compliment a tech specialist on his latest software? It seldom happens, and it’s hurting the industry one way or another.In this week’s episode, my co-host Jonathan Marsh and I have the pleasure of interviewing James Faulkner, the CEO and founder of SiteMax.Started as a special project in 2014, SiteMax is a robust jobsite management software built for construction. From daily reports to safety, timecards, photos, drawings, and more, you can access all these essential tools in one place.Today, James shares his journey from making vinyl deck holes in his parents’ basement to getting into construction technology.Learn how SiteMax is bridging the gap between field and office, what tribalism is in construction, its potential impacts on construction innovation, and so much more.Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)From vinyl decals to construction tech (02:35)How James sta

EPISODE 401: The construction industry consumes a staggering 40% of the world’s resources while simultaneously dumping 40% of waste into landfills. Building a more sustainable future may seem like a far-fetched dream, but this week’s podcast guest thinks otherwise.In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Brittany Harris, the amazing founder and CEO of Qflow, to explore groundbreaking projects aimed at decarbonizing the construction industry.Qflow serves as a digital hub that empowers construction teams to collect real-time data on materials and waste, helping them make informed decisions on cost, carbon footprint, and quality.Brittany takes us on her journey from working on innovative construction projects to establishing Qflow, as well as the challenges and opportunities of integrating sustainability and technology in construction.We also dive into the role of AI and data in improving operational workflows and how this contributes to the decarbonization of the industry while enhanci

EPISODE 400: Imagine managing your project with construction technology solutions that complement your business needs–it’s like efficiency and collaboration on the next level. But how do we inspire people to become paperless builders?In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Hamzah Shanbari, an avid listener of our show and now the Director of Innovation at Haskell. He’s here to talk about Dysruptek’s approach to technology evaluation and implementation in the industry and how it drives innovation.Dysruptek is Haskell’s venture arm, dedicated to scouting, piloting, and investing in emerging construction technologies and capitalizing on Haskell’s diverse employee base.Hamzah shares his journey to becoming Haskell’s Director of Innovation, highlighting the importance of culture in his transformation. He also breaks down Dysruptek’s innovative and strategic process, the pros and cons of building or buying technology, and more. Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Hamzah

EPISODE 399: Are you tired of dealing with project delays and inaccuracies in construction?In this week’s episode, my co-host Charlie Dunn and I sit down with Dave Mitchell, the founder and CEO of XYZ Reality.XYZ Reality specializes in augmented reality solutions for construction and real-time project controls.After spending numerous years in the field, Dave grew increasingly frustrated with the limitations of constructing from 2D drawings. His frustration sparked the vision of holographic representations in construction.In collaboration with a tech specialist in 2015, Dave and his team successfully developed Construction AR (augmented reality) technology, which is now used worldwide.Today, Dave shares his journey in revolutionizing construction through his AR technology. Discover how XYZ Reality’s technology fosters collaboration, enhances on-site productivity, eliminates inaccuracies, and streamlines project costs.Don’t miss out on this one!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Dave Mitchell (03:37)The ma

EPISODE 398: Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the construction industry? In this week’s eye-opening Pause for the Cause episode, I sit down with construction tech influencers and hosts of the “No BS with Jen and Jess” show, Jennifer Lacy and Jesus (Jesse) Hernandez.No BS with Jen and Jess is a platform that serves as a community for individuals to connect, elevate each other, and build meaningful relationships within the construction industry, all while applying the principles of Lean methodology.Join us as we tackle the industry’s pressing issues, such as mental health, substance abuse, and the power of vulnerability and human connection. Discover how their innovative approaches, from applying Lean methodology to personal relationships, drive positive changes in businesses and workspaces.Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation. Tune in now!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Jennifer Lacy and Jesus (Jesse) Hernandez (04:03)How “No BS with Jen and Jess” started and its community impact

EPISODE 397: Is AI the future of the AEC industry?Join me and my co-host Ariel Castillo as we discover how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the architecture, engineering, and construction industries with this week’s guest, Mehdi Nourbakhsh, a former structural engineer turned AI expert and CEO of YegaTech.With decades of experience, Mehdi dives deep into the transformative potential of AI–from automating mundane tasks to crafting sustainable futures.He shares his transition from structural engineering to the forefront of AI development, highlighting how AI is not just a tool but a game-changer in design, construction, and operational efficiency.We also explore the evolution of AI technologies, their current applications in the industry, the future of the AEC industry, and how people can overcome resistance and fear to leverage AI effectively.Let’s get started!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)From structural engineering to AI in the AEC industry (05:05)Evolution of AI technologies over the last two

EPISODE 396: Could there be a solution to one of construction’s biggest challenges–cash flow issues?Join us in this week's episode as my co-host, Jacob D’Albora, and I sit down with Anwar Ghauche, the founder of Constrafor.Constrafor, an innovative construction procurement company, is elevating construction productivity to new heights.Today, Anwar discusses Contrafor’s groundbreaking early pay program and software solutions designed to boost productivity and profitability for contractors and subcontractors.We also talk about the power of AI technology in automating compliance documentation, a new approach to enhancing risk management, and so much more.Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00)Meet Anwar Ghauche and his journey to founding Constrafor (06:00)Identifying subcontractors financing projects as a major issue (08:05)Overview of Constrafor’s early pay program (14:08)How Constrafor has helped GCs in terms of job performance (19:20)Other ways to leverage Constrafor’s platform (21:29)Introduct