Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

Estimating and Preconstruction Aren’t Synonyms

Live from Advancing Preconstruction 2024, Steve Dell’Orto of ConCntric joins thepodcast to discuss some of the most common misconceptions surrounding precon,how top-of-the-line technology truly benefits those who are the backbone of theconstruction industry, and how a resistance to change can be reframed towards adesire to be a champion of innovation.
Steve Dell’Orto is the founder and CEO of ConCntric. Since launching ConCntric in2021, Steve has built a dynamic global team and secured support from strategicand notable investors. Steve and his team are on a mission to make the built worldmore affordable, predictable and sustainable, and are uniquely positioned totransform the future for the construction and real estate industry.
TODD TAKES
Importance of Strategic Thinking: Allocating time for whitespace strategic thinking and planning is essential. This approach allows for creativity and innovation, providing the space needed to develop and refine strategies effectively.
People and Opportunities in Preconstruction: Preconstruction is filled with talented individuals and exciting opportunities. It’s a field that continually attracts skilled professionals who drive the industry forward with their expertise and vision.
Technology and Data in Preconstruction: Leveraging technology and data represents the next major challenge in preconstruction. Harnessing these tools is crucial for enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and overall project outcomes.
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Other Relevant Links:Steve’s LinkedIn
ConCntric
 
 

You Can “Trip and Fall” Your Way into the Industry

The younger generation may be full of people who would shine as construction professionals—what if they just don’t know it yet? When it comes to considering the trades as a viable profession, a huge factor tends to be whether you “see yourself” there. In this episode, Colleen Martindale of McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. shares her experience as someone who moved from the arts to the trades: which hurdles faced her early on, the advice she’d give to teams and individuals facing hurdles of their own, and her take on preventing supply chain issues.
Colleen Martindale is VP of Preconstruction at McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. She is an experienced preconstruction professional with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. She is skilled in HCSS Heavybid, Subcontracting, Value Engineering, CMAR Delivery, and Client Experience. In addition, she is a leader of a regional resource group for women, the McCarthy Partnership for Women, and is passionate about advocating for diverse talent in the construction industry.
Todd Takes
Diversity in Backgrounds: Diverse perspectives are key to success. Colleen's transition from the music industry to construction exemplifies this principle. Her unique viewpoint not only brings fresh ideas but also demonstrates how incorporating a variety of perspectives can lead to more innovative and effective solutions in construction.
Personal Connections: Recognizing that we are all human seems straightforward, yet it's fundamental. Getting to know the person behind the employee builds trust and fosters collaboration. By focusing on mutual success, we create a work environment that encourages better communication and teamwork.
Early Stakeholder Engagement: Bringing all stakeholders into the project at an early stage to define terms, workflows, and processes is vital for success. This strategy not only streamlines project management but also increases the overall chances of achieving project goals effectively.
Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts.
Bridging the Gap Website
Bridging the Gap LinkedIn
Bridging the Gap Instagram
Bridging the Gap YouTube
Todd’s LinkedIn
 
Thank you to our sponsors!
Applied Software
Applied Software LinkedIn
 
Other Relevant Links:Colleen’s LinkedIn
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
 

What is Intelligence Augmentation?

Construction: is it only slow to innovate due to tradition, or is there another conversation to be had? In this episode, Sarah Buchner joins the podcast to discuss the industry’s outlook on new technology, the difference between AI and “IA,” how to leverage artificial intelligence as a tool in your career, the worldwide issue of construction data inconsistencies, and her company, Trunk Tools, Inc.
Sarah Buchner, Ph.D. is CEO of Trunk Tools, Inc. With 20 years of experience in the construction industry, she has founded four live construction technology applications. She holds a Doctorate in Civil Systems Engineering/Data Science from Technische Universität Wien and an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. She was recently listed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30.
 
Todd's Takes
Embracing Innovation: Innovation should not be seen as a threat but rather as an opportunity for growth in construction. It paves the way for advancements that can transform traditional practices.
Technology Adoption in Construction: The construction industry is receptive to adopting technology when the immediate benefits and reasons are clear. This dispels the myth that construction is inherently resistant to innovation.
AI as a Collaborative Partner: At its best, AI serves as a powerful partner that enhances human capabilities. It allows humans to focus on critical thinking while it augments and processes data efficiently.
 
Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts.
Bridging the Gap Website
Bridging the Gap LinkedIn
Bridging the Gap Instagram
Bridging the Gap YouTube
Todd’s LinkedIn
 
Thank you to our sponsors!
Applied Software
Applied Software LinkedIn
 
Other Relevant Links:Sarah’s LinkedIn
Trunk Tools, Inc.

Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day

What’s the best process of leveraging your software to its fullest potential? How do stakeholder communication and project transformations fit in? In this episode, delve into Adrian Mangan's Advance Steel-centric YouTube channel, the impacts he's observed since its launch, and his ultimate goal in sharing knowledge about both Advance Steel and its counterpart, GRAITEC PowerPack. 
Adrian Mangan began his career in Ireland in carpentry field with experience in AutoCAD from college. He has worked as an Ironworker in New York City for the past fourteen years, ten of which he has also been a Foreman. He is now looking to learn and pursue a career in Steel Detailing, 3D Modeling, and BIM.
Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts.
Bridging the Gap Website
Bridging the Gap LinkedIn
Bridging the Gap Instagram
Bridging the Gap YouTube
Todd’s LinkedIn
 
Thank you to our sponsors!
Applied Software
Applied Software LinkedIn
 
Other Relevant Links:Adrian’s LinkedIn
Adrian Mangan on YouTube

The World is in 3D, Not 2D

If the world is in 3 dimensions, and we think in 3 dimensions, why would we work in only 2? Join Todd and guest Jonathan Jasinski as they unpack the inherent advantages of BIM, how Advance Steel and its GRAITEC PowerPack have benefited the production at Mezzanines By Design, some of the best ways to navigate the stakeholder sign-off process, and much more.
Jonathan Jasinski has worked at Mezzanines By Design for over a decade. With a passion for precision, he has dedicated thirteen years to crafting structures that are not only functional, but also innovative.
Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts.
Bridging the Gap Website
Bridging the Gap LinkedIn
Bridging the Gap Instagram
Bridging the Gap YouTube
Todd’s LinkedIn
 
Thank you to our sponsors!
Applied Software
Applied Software LinkedIn
 
Other Relevant Links:Jonathan’s LinkedIn
Mezzanines By Design

The World is in 3D, Not 2D

If the world is in 3 dimensions, and we think in 3 dimensions, why would we work in only 2? Join Todd and guest Jonathan Jasinski as they unpack the inherent advantages of BIM, how Advance Steel and its GRAITEC PowerPack  have benefited the production at Mezzanines By Design, some of the best ways to navigate the stakeholder sign-off process, and much more. Jonathan Jasinski has worked at Mezzanines By Design for over a decade. With a passion for precision, he has dedicated thirteen years to crafting structures that are not only functional, but also innovative.
Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow upour social accounts.Bridging the Gap Website
Bridging the Gap LinkedIn
Bridging the Gap Instagram
Bridging the Gap YouTube
Todd’s LinkedIn
 
Thank you to our sponsors!
Applied Software
Applied Software LinkedIn
 
Other Relevant Links:Jonathan’s LinkedIn
Mezzanines By Design
 
 

From Concrete to Code

Technology stacks are transforming the construction industry. In the years to come, what benefits in decision-making and project efficiency might we see from this transformation? Join Todd and guest Edward Garcia for an in-depth conversation on traditional vs. transformative methods, how to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, cross-collaborating with engineering and fabrication teams to ensure feasibility, and much more.
Edward Garcia is a seasoned professional in the field of building materials, currently serving as the Senior Engineering Manager for Synergi. With a rich background in project management and a keen focus on innovation and technology integration within the construction industry, Edward brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront of architectural advancements and efficient building solutions.

AI Should be Field-First

As AR and AI continue to sweep the construction industry, what are some of the best and most proven ways to leverage this enigmatic technology? Could it, in fact, help us address some of the largest and most persistent pain points of the industry at large? Join Todd and guest NK Chaitanya as they discuss the connection between data and AI, NK’s company ConstructN.ai, how AR can be leveraged to increase onsite safety, and the burgeoning benefits of artificial intelligence.
Chaitanya Naredla Kirshan, widely known as NK, stands at the forefront of the rapidly evolving technology industry. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Constructn.ai, NK is pioneering the future of construction monitoring, bringing simplicity and automation to complex processes across the build timeline. His rich experience weaves together advanced domains such as robotics, computer vision, extended reality (XR), machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI), and the Internet of Things technologies.

Salting the Horse

Where do most training programs fall short? The answer may lie in the way we’ve been approaching the subject of training at large. Straight from GRAITEC Innovate2Build with Amy Powell of Well Works, this episode takes a closer look at what it means to truly and effectively train workers, how to support the “learning transfer” in every stage of training, and how emotional intelligence comes into play.
Amy Powell is the founder of Well Works, bringing to her position nearly two decades of construction experience, primarily as a Project Manager for a Commercial GC. Recognizing the gap in training tailored to the unique challenges faced in construction, Amy decided to roll up her sleeves and do something about it by going back to school to earn her Masters in Adult Education. She has crafted a specialized leadership program for field leaders. This program equips industry professionals to excel in their roles now and in the future to lead their diverse teams effectively.

Build in Time to Learn

Now that prefabrication is taking off, we’re looking for ways to make it a seamless process. Is there yet a “perfect software” that has everything you need for a prefab project? Often, we don’t streamline our workflows until something raises the alarm bells. In this episode from Advancing Prefabrication 2024, we sit down with Chris Fischer to discuss some of the biggest hurdles facing widespread, cross-industry adoption of the prefab movement.
Chris Fischer is Prefabrication Manager at Ready Electric Company, Inc. He has been in the electrical construction field since 1997 and completed his 5-year IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship in 2003. In his current role as Prefabrication Manager, he works with the BIM department to continue to improve and grow the Ready Electric Company, Inc. prefabrication process.