Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

Intentionally Dorking Out in Construction

Trust isn’t just important—it’s essential to getting things done efficiently, properly, and on time. So, what have we learned about trust and collaboration over the last twelve months? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Jeff Sample as they discuss how the construction industry has held up over the past year, knowledge and lessons learned to take away from the pandemic, the new potential for a better work-life balance, what really needs to be changed in the industry, and much more.
Jeff Sample is a technology evangelist, speaker, podcaster, and passionate advocate for construction. He has been working in the technology industry for the past 20+ years and is the Head of Communication at Join. He has taken specific care to work with and understand the diverse components of a successful business and how technology can enhance those workflows.

The 100th Construction Innovation Adventure

It is time to celebrate… Bridging the Gap is officially at 100 episodes and counting! Join host Todd Weyandt and editor/producer Eric Daniel as they look back to reflect on the lessons learned, moments that stand out and where the show is going for the next 100 episodes.
During our first 100 episodes, we have had the great pleasure of learning from so many brilliant guests and thought leaders throughout the industry. To you the listeners, thank you for joining us on this adventure, taking the time to listen each week and sharing with your friends.

Finding Shared Passions in Construction

Do you prioritize communication in your company? How about between different companies? That choice may be more important than you realize. Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Tim Speno as they discuss the importance of camaraderie on the field and in projects, taking time to think through plans no matter how small they might be, and how to support each other in times of drastic change.
Tim Speno is a Business Development Expert, Entrepreneur, and Strategic Planner. He is the President and CEO of E2E Summit. He has experience as an advisor, vice president of jobsite solutions and services, and a senior manager and platform manager.

The Rising Tide of Construction

In your experience, what’s the best that the construction industry has to offer? What can change? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Scott Ellison as they discuss the intricacies of construction and its projects, the ups and downs that come with disruption, how to start and grow a ConTech company, and much more.
Scott Ellison is an Advisor, Investor, and Consultant for Tech- and Data-Powered businesses. He has experience in principal, international travel, and holds a pilot’s license. He graduated AB Cum Laude from Harvard University.

EXCLUSIVE: Model Like You Build. A Look Behind eVolve MEP 5.0 Release

Join host Todd Weyandt and guests Clay Smith, James Simpson, Steve King, Adam Heon, and Michael Schinn for a first look at the release of eVolve 5.0. You’ll learn more about the “why” and “who” behind eVolve MEP, what to expect from this latest release, which features each guest is most excited about, how eVolve and AI are getting involved, the upcoming MEP Force event, and much more!
Clay Smith is the CEO of eVolve MEP. James Simpson is a Product Manager at eVolve MEP. Steve King is a Prefab Consultant at eVolve MEP. Adam Heon is an Electrical Segment Manager at eVolve MEP. Michael Schinn is a Product Manager at eVolve MEP.

Recruiting the Next Generation

How important is trades education to you? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Brandon Patterson as they discuss the importance of preparing for the future of our workforce, the “Build My Future” event, the issues with perception around the construction industry, and much more.  
Brandon Patterson was Iowa born and raised with a history in the building industry. He enjoys working with the Iowa Skilled Trades team and collaborating with the industry leaders to build the next generation of tradesmen and women.

A Journey into Industrialized Construction

How do you reconcile different opinions, economies, and levels of experience in the field? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Simon Waldren as they discuss the world of modular prefab, the challenge that comes with different perspectives about the industry, embracing the mindset that it’s okay to fail, and how to “check your ego at the door.”
Simon Waldren is an Operations Director at Apex Wiring Solutions. He has experience in modular, DfMA, and LEAN. Apex and Simon work hard to advocate for modular construction, helping to drive the industry to better identify challenges, while providing solutions to adapt to meet future market needs.
When thinking through the ROI for industrialized construction, remember this is a long-term play. It doesn’t mean that you won’t find immediate benefits, but you do need to have realistic expectations. IC is a marathon not a sprint. You are bridging the gap from what can be done to what will be done in the future.
This leads me to my second take. It is important to give yourself the freedom to fail if you are learning from those mistakes. Simon had a great line that “innovation stands on the shoulders of the people before you.” Find those 1% improvements that you can make. They add up to be a monumental change.
Finally, don’t try to hide your mistakes. People are going to know. When you do make a mistake, own it, address it and then roll up your sleeves to fix it and learn from it. You will garner so much more respect from others in the end.

Interoperability in Construction

When you look at your professional field, do you see a need for improvement? How about room to grow? We can all benefit from improvement, though we might not realize it at the time. Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Slater Latour as they discuss sharing information cross-industry, the need for data standardization and organization, and the progress we’ve made towards streamlining information.
Slater Latour is the Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Newforma. He is focused on helping Newforma continue to build a great business by delivering valuable solutions to the AEC industry. Slater has held multiple corporate strategy and cross-functional leadership roles at vertical software, financial technology, and financial services organizations ranging from early-stage start-ups to one of the ten largest diversified financial services providers in the world.

The Path to Data Security

What is your data strategy? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Kevin Soohoo as they discuss the huge overlap between manufacturing and construction, working towards a single source of data in the industry, protecting and prioritizing data against ransomware and the differing mindsets that surround data in construction. 
Kevin Soohoo is the Director of construction and engineering at Egnyte. With 15-plus years of experience, Kevin is responsible for supporting Egnyte’s newly-formed construction and engineering vertical and its growth efforts within AEC. He also has a history of leading technology and innovation at E&R Ranked, specialty trade contractors, and context startups.

An Executive’s Guide to Prefab Innovation

What role should curiosity play in the construction executive’s day-to-day? As it turns out, a lot. Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Cory Borchardt, Sr., VP of Operations at Fisk Electric, as they chat through embracing ConTech and prefabrication from an executive’s vantage point. They also discuss how to build out consistent processes, high-five worthy software providers for the field, attracting a younger generation. and more. 
Cory Borchardt joined the Fisk Electric team in 2019 as Senior Vice President of Operations with over 20 years of electrical construction experience. Cory brings an innovative approach to construction utilizing prefabrication, technology and project management skills to drive for operational excellence. Cory received a B.S. Electrical Engineering Technology from Michigan Technological University, holds a Master Electrician license in multiple states, and is a certified Project Manager Professional (PMP).