Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

The Grit Needed for MEP

The MEP industry is full of grit but can it be used as a springboard for innovation? How can grit help lead to success in the industry? What should the combination of youthful energy, technical knowledge and real-world experience look like? Join host and guest James Simpson of eVolve MEP as they unpack the grit needed for success in MEP. Listen to James’ story on how he started full time in MEP at 16 years old and the lessons learned along the way.
James Simpson is the Mechanical Product Manager at eVolve MEP. He has gained valuable experience in all sections of the industry. From within Field Installation, VDC, DFMA, and even application development, he has led teams in bettering workflows. His current passion is driving innovation utilizing ConTech applications. He also shares his expertise in his industry blog BIM² in an effort to promote growth in the field as a whole.
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EXCLUSIVE: The Comprehensive Fabrication Workflow

Join Todd for this exclusive interview episode unpacking the recently announced partnership between Autodesk, eVolve MEP and GTP Services to form a more comprehensive fabrication workflow that will enable MEP contractors to more easily adopt Building Information Modeling (BIM) Autodesk software products and workflows. Listen to Steve Butler, Sr. Industry Strategy Manager of MEP Design and Fabrication at Autodesk, Clay Smith, CEO of eVolve MEP and Amanda Comunale, COO of GTP Services, as they unpack how the partnership will help contractors create safer environments, allow more projects to be completed on time, combat the skilled labor shortage and increase overall project efficiency and profitability.  
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The Remote Workforce: Investing in Quality of Life

Let’s face it, the world has changed over the last few months between remote work, zoom meetings, safety requirements and more. How is the COVID aftermath affecting you, your company and the construction industry as a whole? Todd welcomes back Mark Oden of BIM Designsto discuss what’s changed in the past six months, the importance of self-care, encouraging communication and collaboration, and what’s going on in the world of prefabrication.
Mark Oden is the CEO of BIM Designs. He joined the BIM Designs team with over 10 years of experience working with Silicon Valley tech companies in product management, business development, mergers and acquisitions, and CxO roles. He successfully launched several startups and directly consulted several more through their early stages of development and fundraising. Mark leads the growth, strategy and execution of the company; his acute ability to develop and implement strategic processes that scale the company's capabilities drives efficient service delivery, increases client satisfaction, and builds cross-functional teams. Mark received his master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Florida.
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The Drumbeat of Construction: Intentionality and Intelligent Tools

As a construction technologist, you know that your job comes with a unique set of difficulties and benefits. Can you pinpoint what those are? Do you feel that it would benefit all construction technologists to open up a conversation about it? Join host Todd and Walker Lockard of DADO as they discuss the technological trade, the cure and curse of construction technologists, and putting intentionality into initiatives.  
Walker Lockard is the Customer Success Manager at DADO. He is a construction technologist whose heart beats fast for helping skilled trades workers, labor supervision, and project management teams save time and mitigate risk through creative problem solving with technology. His key principle is to act as a missionary - not mercenary - for innovation: earning the trust of field and executive teams alike. 
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Check out Ep23, “The Innovation Brief Bonus Episode #3: The Cure or the Curse for Construction Technologists?” 
 
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Other Relevant Links: 
Walker’s Blog “Contech Shopkeepers: When the Cure Becomes the Curse” 
Dado’s Website  
Walker Lockard’s LinkedIn 

Knowing the Person Behind the Employee

As someone in the construction industry, you’re probably aware of the constant what-ifs that accompany you as you work. How does the impact of the uncertainty on you and your coworkers? How about the project you’re working on? Join host Todd and Mike Zivanovic of United Association Technology as they break down stigmas around mental health, momentum and coordination on the job site, and the importance of mental health awareness in the construction industry. They also talk on the importance of having humility to build a relationship with those on the jobsite to know the person behind the employee.
 
Mike Zivanovic is the Technology Manager for the Chicago Pipefitters’ Local Union 597.  Working full-time at the 597 Training Center in Mokena, IL Mike is tasked with implementing technology inside of the existing curriculum utilizing iPads, Mobile Device Management strategies and Learning Management Systems.  Mike also oversees the UA 597 Technology Team, a talented group of members who teach several courses ranging from Drone Certification to multiple levels of Autodesk Revit.  Mike is a dedicated member of several other Technology groups, including the MCAA National Technology Team, the MCA of Chicago Technology Team and the United Association Technology Team.  Mike has taught many classes ranging from Leveraging Millennials in the Workplace to Implementing Mobile Devices on the Jobsite and how it can be tied to Training.  With a strong passion for Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality, Mike constantly looks for ways to innovate our industry and do our part to preserve the future.
 
 
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Digital Transformation: Soft vs. Hard Skills

As someone in the construction industry, how do you see the adoption of innovation? Are you open to doing things differently, or do you prefer the way it’s “always been done?” What has the edge in the battle of soft vs. hard skills? Join host Todd and guest Graham Thiel as they discuss different roles in the AEC industry, the surge in adoption of technology, and using remote connectivity. Learn more about the benefits of collaboration, sharing information, and mutual respect.
Graham Thiel has spent more than 15 years in the AEC Industry. Prior to his role as Construction Director for Brick Inc. he was the Director of Project Management for Starcity, a co-living owner/operator with communities in the San Francisco and Los Angeles Metro Areas. At Starcity, he was responsible for the design and construction of high-density multifamily communities, managing internal team members and external AEC service and trade partners
 
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Construction: Mixing Art and Science

As someone in ConTech, do you remember what inspired you to engage in this field? What makes you passionate about what you do, and what makes you continue in the face of adversity? We welcome Bianca Coury back as she and Todd discuss what brought Bianca to the construction industry, the challenges of being female on a job site, the work/life balance in quarantine, and the successful crossovers between art and construction.
Bianca Coury is the Construction Manager for Eagle Point Software. She is a builder, connector, change agent, and strategist responsible for facilitating process improvement and aligning technology with operational excellence across the AECO space. Bianca is a LEED Green Associate, currently serves as the Director of Partnerships for the Construction Progress Coalition and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Design and Architecture Studies from New York University.

Your Personality and The Team

How big of impact does a healthy culture have on a company? What does healthy look like and how do you build that culture? Join host Todd and guest Jake Olsen of DADO as they discuss the benefits of a healthy culture, how to adjust for remote work and how to bridge the gap between the office and field. They also unpack the importance knowing the personalities of your teammates, along with tools to help.
Jake Olsen, P.E. is currently the Co-founder and CEO of DADO, a construction software company that provides a voice-powered search for project data and documents. Jake was previously VP of Engineering at DEWALT where he built a team dedicated to developing and providing software and consulting services for architects, engineers and contractors. Jake has worked in the industry as an engineer and entrepreneur for over 20 years both in the USA and abroad developing new products, software and businesses to transform the way we build. Jake holds a master’s degree in Structural Engineering and is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer in California.
 
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Vote for Bridging the Gap as the 2020 Best Construction Podcast
 
Podcast listeners can register for MEP Force Virtual for ONLY $99 with the code BTG99. Register Today.
 
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Thank you to our sponsors!
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Other Relevant Links:
Dado Website
Dado LinkedIn
Jake Olsen’s LinkedIn
Jake’s Favorite Book on Company Culture
More Information around the Enneagram
 

Routine: The Enemy of Innovation

When you think of the word innovation, what comes to mind? Can some good come out of disruption, or have you always thought of change as a bad thing? Sit down with host Todd and Angie Simon of SMACNA (The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association) as they discuss the HVAC trade, the untapped resource of women in the trade workforce, and the resilience of the construction industry that has kept it afloat in a rapidly-changing world.
Angie has been a leader in the Bay Area construction industry for many years. She has been with Western Allied Mechanical for over 33 years, became President in 2008 and recently took the CEO position. She is a registered Professional Mechanical Engineer in the state of California with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where she also played softball on the NCAA team for 4 years. 
Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts.
 
Vote for Bridging the Gap as the 2020 Best Construction Podcast
 
Podcast listeners can register for MEP Force Virtual for ONLY $99 with the code BTG99. Register Today.
 
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Follow us on LinkedIn
Bridging the Gap Podcast Website
Todd’s LinkedIn
 
Thank you to our sponsors!
Applied Software
Applied Software LinkedIn
 
Other Relevant Links:
Western Allied Mechanical Website
Angie’s LinkedIn
SMACNA Website

How AI and Origami Meet in Construction

Have you ever thought of construction as a way of communicating? As a designer, are your beliefs reflected in what you make? Sit down with Todd and Tal Friedman as they talk about origami-inspired “3D folding,” minimalistic design, and the work involved in integrating design and construction. Learn about the necessity of taking time for details and how 3D folding can be used as an alternative form of construction.
Tal Friedman is the founder and CEO of FOLDSTRUCT. He works in the realm of computational construction and digital fabrication technologies. As an architect, construction-technology engineer, and international keynote speaker, he has a passion for bridging the gap between industrial innovation and novel design. His work has been featured in Archdaily and Design Boom, and his portfolio can be found at talfriedman.com.
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Vote for Bridging the Gap as the 2020 Best Construction Podcast
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Thank you to our sponsors!
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LiveLab Learning