Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

Join the innovation adventure that spotlights MEP and the construction industry – advancements in technology, distinctive perspectives, the soft skills required for successful digital transformation, and stories about the problem-solving mindset that continues to shape this great industry and propel it forward. The Bridging the Gap Podcast gives voice to the incredible things happening in and around construction while championing the fact that this is a great industry to be in. The host, Todd Weyandt, seeks out enlightening conversations with industry experts who are changing the technological landscape. Engaging a full spectrum of voices, he champions an industry dialogue that supports companies as they try new things, advance and thrive. He is on a mission to embrace and share the innovations transforming the AEC, MEP and manufacturing industries. The Bridging the Gap Podcast is brought to you by Applied Software. With solutions for the modern project, Applied is on a mission to transform industries by empowering clients and championing innovation with real-world expert consultants. Bringing you a comprehensive array of solutions for AEC, MEP and manufacturing, the experts of Applied have a singular focus – helping you achieve higher performance. Visit asti.com today.
Episodes
Episodes



Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
Interoperability Isn’t a Threat
Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
Wednesday Feb 08, 2023
How do we accomplish interoperability in our industry, and what does that look like on a practical level? Join host Todd and guest Tom Reno as they discuss the biggest trends and opportunities coming up this year, the impact of shifting bottom lines, the future of industrialization, and more.
Tom Reno is the co-founder of Agave. Prior to Agave, Tom worked at Amazon Alexa as a Technical Product Manager, leading 3 engineering teams building tools for data integration and knowledge management. Tom co-developed Alexa’s Knowledge Skills product from pitch to public launch.



Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Sharing Trade Secrets
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
Wednesday Feb 01, 2023
The need for more skilled tradesmen is one of the biggest issues facing construction. How do we attract—and retain—new talent? Join host Todd and guest Rob Bonifacio as they discuss the significance of social media in the industry’s future, connecting with likeminded people in the trades, what it truly means to “be an influencer,” and what the younger generation should know about construction before pursuing a career in the industry. Rob Bonifacio is the owner and operator of Bonifabcustom. For the last 8 years, he has been teaching college level trades (machining and welding) as well as sharing trades content to over 250k followers on social media under the handle @bonifabcustom.



Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
It’s a Data Problem, Not a Technology Problem
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
Where is the construction industry right now on the road to tech adoption? What steps do we need to take to guarantee successful technology implementation? Join host Todd and guest Russell Haworth as they discuss the mindset that’s needed to move forward with technology, the arc of the industry’s digital transformation journey, how tech can assist us in tackling bigger issues like sustainability and carbon emissions, and more.
Russell Haworth is a technology-focused CEO with a proven track record of growing businesses with new products in new markets. He specializes in optimizing the intersection of data, cloud, and machine learning for SaaS products.



Wednesday Jan 18, 2023
Sustainability is Now in the Spotlight
Wednesday Jan 18, 2023
Wednesday Jan 18, 2023
Join host Todd and guest Britta Teller as they discuss the intersection of ecology, statistics, and construction, how we can contextualize sustainability on an individual level, some “green” products that we should start integrating into our workflows, and some hurdles that we’ll face moving into 2023.
Britta Teller is Chief Sustainability Officer and a Co-Founder at Steller Floors. Five years ago, she pivoted away from her PhD-academic career in ecology and statistics to co-found Steller Floors in Tyrone, PA. Today, her team uses their exciting and innovative hardwood floors to make a positive difference in both global climate change and in their rural Pennsylvania area.



Wednesday Jan 11, 2023
Collaboration Requires Cooperation
Wednesday Jan 11, 2023
Wednesday Jan 11, 2023
When it comes to the many different facets of our industry, what are some ways we could collaborate more effectively? What are some misconceptions that people have about the industry as a whole? Join host Todd and guest Marc Goldman as they take a deep dive into GIS, the biggest hurdles facing data interoperability, how geographical knowledge benefits the construction worker, and more.
Marc Goldman is the Director of AEC Industry Solutions at ESRI. He is recognized as a global industry expert with international experience pushing through digital transformation. He has a unique breadth and depth of technology and product leadership skills throughout AEC, CAD, BIM, and building product manufacturing.



Wednesday Jan 04, 2023
How to Supercharge Construction Productivity
Wednesday Jan 04, 2023
Wednesday Jan 04, 2023
Join host Todd and guest Aviv Leibovici as they discuss an outside perspective on the issues faced by the industry, how technology can fundamentally change construction, an expert’s opinion on AI involvement on projects, and the next steps we should take to make our workflows more modern.
Aviv Leibovici is a co-founders and Chief of Product of Buildots, a company that solves one of the biggest challenges in construction management using an AI-based approach. He comes from a background of data-heavy cyber security systems and leads the company’s product development and relationship with the British construction industry.



Wednesday Dec 28, 2022
How to Market Your Construction Company
Wednesday Dec 28, 2022
Wednesday Dec 28, 2022
Top-level marketers specializing in construction weigh in on the best way to market your construction business. This special episode is in an audiobook format that is a companion to an eBook by the same name.
Experts in this episode cover: branding, website, blogs, social media, videos, emails, digital advertising, press releases, brochures, creative bids and more.



Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
A Guide to Construction Innovation
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
Every week on Bridging the Gap, I end the show by asking my guest “what does innovation mean to you?”. I have been fascinated with the wide-ranging and thought-provoking responses. This eBook contains an ode to some of those themes. So, what does innovation mean to you? --Todd



Wednesday Dec 14, 2022
How to Use Technology for Business Outcomes
Wednesday Dec 14, 2022
Wednesday Dec 14, 2022
What’s the biggest hurdle stopping the industry from adopting tech as a whole? How do we address that hurdle and jump over it? Join host Todd and guest Matt Kleiman as they discuss the similarities between construction and aerospace, what we stand to learn from different industries, how to know you can rely on your systems under pressure, and more.
Matt Kleiman is the cofounder and CEO of Cumulus Digital Systems, an IoT platform originating from Shell’s TechWorks division that was named on CNBC’s Upstart 100 list of the brightest, most intriguing startups. With previous experience at Shell and Draper, Matt has an extensive background in technology and energy.



Wednesday Dec 07, 2022
How to Combat Quiet Quitting
Wednesday Dec 07, 2022
Wednesday Dec 07, 2022
How can you know that you’re growing in the right direction? What’s your company’s next big step? Join host Todd and guest Matt DiBara as they discuss the state of industrialization, the hurdles facing the industry in 2023, the best ways for us to approach the current labor shortage, and more.
Matt DiBara is the Co-Founder of The Contractor Consultants, Owner of DiBara Masonry, and Founder of The Undercover Contractor. Matt is dedicated to help contractors make better decisions.