Construction Conversations Podcast

🚀 What’s the Real Impact of Venture Capital on Construction Tech? 🚀 In our latest episode of Construction Conversations, we sat down with Aaron Toppston, Managing Partner at GS Futures, to discuss the evolving role of venture capital in construction tech, the impact of AI on workflows, their investment strategy, and what makes a great founder in this space. 🔑 Key Takeaways: ✅ VC's as Enablers, Not Just Investors – VC's can function as a distributed R&D department that our margin-constrained industry needs, connecting innovation with job site realities while absorbing the risks project margins don't typically allow. ✅ AI is Reshaping Investment & Development – The cost of building software is dropping, but the bar for real-world impact is higher than ever. ✅ Go-to-Market Matters as Much as Product – The best startups innovate not just in tech, but in how they win over contractors and field teams. ✅ Could a Startup GC Beat Legacy Players? – Fewer silos, more data-driven decision-making, and a completely reimagined approach to project execution. 💡 Plus, we tackled the future of automation, how founders should approach funding, and why some of the best entrepreneurs seem to ride motorcycles 🏍️. 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/eczJXwmc What do you think—has venture capital been a net positive for construction tech? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️ #ConstructionTech #VentureCapital #AI #Innovation #ConstructionIndustry

In our latest episode, we sat down with Chris Masse, Senior Superintendent at EllisDon, we discuss technology in the field and the ingredients and leadership culture that supports successful adoption. In this conversation, we break down: 👉 Why most construction tech fails to gain traction with field teams. 👉 The real reason adoption is so slow. 👉 How the right tools can give superintendents back their most valuable resource—time. 👉 What it takes to create a culture where technology actually improves jobsite efficiency. 👉 Young professionals should focus on learning from field experiences. 👉The role an accurate model plays in driving the planning motion 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/e3BKc-my Chris shares his firsthand experience with integrating new solutions into field operations, how he overcame resistance to change, and why the best tech isn’t the flashiest—it’s the one that makes life easier on-site. #ConstructionTechnology #FieldFirst #InnovationInConstruction #BIM #SuperintendentLife

🚀 New Podcast Episode – Rethinking the GC Model with Hammad Chaudhry🚀 In our latest episode, we sat down with Hammad Chaudhry (VP of Market Development & Partnerships at Timescapes, and former VP of Innovation at EllisDon) to tackle a big question: Why hasn’t all the tech, venture capital, and innovation over the past decade meaningfully improved margins, schedules, and workforce challenges in construction? In the conversation we break down the fundamental problems with the current GC model—from outdated leadership structures to the misalignment of incentives—and share their vision for a new era of construction that prioritizes efficiency, collaboration, and real innovation. Listen in to discover: 👉 Why traditional GCs struggle to integrate technology into their operations 👉 How leadership gaps and organizational silos are holding back progress 👉 The reality of AI in construction—what’s hype and what’s real? 👉 Why empowering the field through decentralized decision-making is key to the future 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/e292VFzw What do you think—does the GC model need a complete reset? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇

BIM has the power to transform the AEC industry—but why isn’t it fully adopted yet? Despite clear benefits in productivity, sustainability, and efficiency, many firms still struggle with fragmentation, unclear ownership, and outdated procurement models. #BIM #ConstructionTech #DigitalTransformation #AEC

In our latest episode with Ralph Montague, Director at ARCDOX and co-founder of the BIM Coordinators Summit. We had a fantastic conversation about the global state of BIM, the role of BIM in helping us overcome labor challenges, and the exciting innovations that are shaping the future of building. From the challenges of fragmentation to the potential of AI and blockchain, Ralph shares his expertise and insights on how to improve productivity, collaboration, and sustainability in construction. Listen in to discover: 👉 How fragmentation in the construction industry distorts incentives 👉 How BIM as a process is laying the foundation for a new way to build 👉 The power of simulating construction projects in a digital environment and how that leads to productivity gains and cost savings 👉 The potential of AI and blockchain to improve data management, collaboration, and trust in the construction industry 👉 The potential of distributed ledger technology and smart contracts to improve the administration of contracts and enhance trust in the construction industry 👉 The importance of changing the industry's mindset and culture to adopt new technologies and processes Listen now: https://lnkd.in/e-P37TpW

SmartPM CEO, Michael Pink, was recently featured on the Construction Conversations podcast, sharing his journey to leading innovation in construction tech. In this episode, Michael Pink dives into the evolution of SmartPM, the power of data-driven scheduling, and how real-time analytics are transforming project management. He also shares insights on AI's role in construction and strategies for overcoming industry challenges. A big thank you to Stephen Poppe for hosting this engaging discussion and having us on the podcast! Listen today on: Apple: https://hubs.li/Q02_LxK_0 Spotify: https://hubs.li/Q02_LHlV0 #ConstructionTech #SmartPM #Podcast

In our latest episode, we sit down with Michael Pink, CEO of SmartPM Technologies, Inc., for a deep dive into the world of scheduling. Michael shares his personal journey as a schedule consultant and how it led him to develop a tool that empowers the industry to proactively manage risks, rather than reacting to them after the fact. We also explore the crucial connection between schedule alignment and data management strategy, and discuss the misalignments that Michael has observed in the industry. He also sheds light on the evolution of his company, SmartPM, and its mission to automate and enhance scheduling processes Listen in to discover: 👉 How consulting triggered the creation of a product 👉 The role proactive analysis of schedule health can prevent costly overruns and claims 👉 How SmartPM is avoiding the pilot trap and employing a unique go to market approach to quickly deliver value 👉 The role education is playing in helping SmartPM earn the right to support project teams Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eUnDFGN5

In our latest episode with Andrew Rener, PhD, PE, DBIA, F. ASCE, Executive at Architectural Metals we dive into the world of prefab. "I think there's a point where we as an industry, which we're very close to, if not already there. That, if we don't change the methodology, we're not going to be able to achieve the expectations for schedule. It just isn't going to work." Listen in to discover: - Andrew's Journey in the Construction Industry - The Importance of Mentorship - The State of Prefab in 2024 - The Role of Different Stakeholders - The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Project Procurement - The Challenges and Opportunities in Prefab - The Potential of Prefab Construction and its Role in Onshore Manufacturing - Addressing the Logistical Challenges of Shipping Larger Prefab Components - The Need for Standardization and Automation in the Prefab Industry - The Impact of AI and Emerging Technologies on Prefab Construction - Considering the Human Perspective in Implementing New Technologies - The Future of the Construction Industry: Optimism and Expectations Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/e6ZZpVMJ

In our latest episode with Christopher Wilocki - CM-Lean, Director of Electrical VDC at VIATechnik we talk about some of the unspoken angles in our industry. Listen in to discover: 🔨 How field knowledge can become an input into several different careers in construction 🔨 How BIM has matured 🔨 How to think about the the value and ROI of BIM 🔨 Mental health challenges in the construction industry 🔨 Redefining the view of masculinity in construction 🔨 How we make the industry more attractive to the next generation Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ewPF7gqp "A whole generation of men were taught that emotions and where you're at and what's going on in your life, you just didn't talk about it. You never came to work and were just like, I'm struggling. It just wasn't what you did. You bottled it up, you went home, you drank, you kicked your dog, whatever. And I think that's different now. And it is great that it's different, but Men in general, that's hard for us. It's hard for us to listen to someone struggling. It's hard for us to know that somebody's having a hard time and like connect with that person. It's very easy to be like, we're at work, shut up, let's go. And so that's what's changing."

"So what I tell them is here's another path. You graduate from high school, you start an apprenticeship with the carpenters union and we pay you and teach you at the same time. And when you're done in five years and your journeyman(ed) out, you will be making more money than engineers or architects or the vast majority of the trades. And you'll be 23 years old." In our latest episode with Mitch McDonald, General Superintendent at XL Construction we talk about some subjects that need more attention in our industry: Listen in to discover: 🏗 Looking at your early years as a season of investment 🏗 How to look at your career more holistically 🏗 The transition from doer to manager 🏗 The role of mentors in career progression 🏗 Work life rhythm over work life balance 🏗 How to be a good candidate for mentoring 🏗 How construction overcomes its labor shortage ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Listen now on Apple Podcasts (or Spotify): https://lnkd.in/eWAPnsce #construction #engineering #constructiontech #career #trades #laborshortage