Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

The Rapid Adoption of Industrialized Construction

Is the future of construction being built in the cloud? Listen in to find out. Brandon Ionata, a senior solution director at Graitec StrucSoft, discusses the evolving landscape of off-site construction and its integration with technology. He emphasizes the growing importance of cloud data connectivity, data sharing, and the convergence of construction and manufacturing. He highlights the shift towards more integrated and efficient construction processes, breaking down traditional industry silos. Ionata also touches on the role of software in enhancing coordination and collaboration, and the potential impact of AI and machine learning in optimizing manufacturing efficiency. 
Brandon Ionata is the Solution Line Senior Director for StrucSoft, a market leading wood and light gauge steel framing software. He has over two decades of industry experience and takes a solutions-based approach to customer challenges.

The Critical Role of GIS in Construction

Could deeper GIS integration simplify or complicate your projects? Are you overlooking potential efficiencies by not incorporating GIS data? Mortenson VDC Director Brian Nahas addresses these key questions.
Brian's conversation raises important questions about AI, deep learning, GIS, and their role in the future of construction. He suggests how evolving technologies, such as image recognition, might transform productivity tracking and project planning. Is the construction industry approaching a new era of data-driven, interconnected workflows? This episode goes beyond current technology, offering a glimpse into a future where construction could see significant advances in efficiency and project management.
Brian Nahas is an experienced Virtual Design & Construction leader with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry across the U.S. on high-profile, complex sports venues, and an internal DfMA incubator, focused on rewriting the approach and enabling vertical integration.

AI Needs to Solve Practical Pain Points

The phrase "walk before you run" echoes throughout the industry right now. Autodesk's Senior Director of Global Customer Success Brandon LaCourciere says that with an influx of new tools hitting the market, we must solve practical problems. Adoption won't come from solving every problem all at once.
AI needs to solve practical pain points before it solves the big hairy challenges we often describe. These everyday life improvements will be the ones that convince the masses to adopt.
Brandon LaCourciere is Autodesk's Senior Director of Global Customer Success. He is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of ACS global customer success strategy to drive long-term customer retention and subscriber growth in a scalable manner. 

Align Your Strategies Early On

In this enlightening episode, we're joined by Hannu Lindberg from DPR Construction, a top U.S. general contractor known for its hands-on building approach and strong advocacy for technology integration in construction. Hannu brings his nearly two decades of experience to the table, discussing the challenges and strategies involved in bridging the gaps within the construction industry. He delves into the complexities of coordinating different construction disciplines, the importance of early integration in design processes, and the role of technology in enhancing efficiency and collaboration. Hannu's insights offer a deep dive into the evolving landscape of construction technology and the industry's journey towards more integrated and efficient practices.
Hannu Lindberg, a seasoned professional in the construction industry, serves in a pivotal construction technology role at DPR Construction. With a career spanning almost twenty years, Hannu's journey began with hands-on experience as an Assistant Superintendent, leading him to explore the intersection of construction and technology. His expertise lies in supporting preconstruction planning, scheduling, and advocating for the integration of technology in construction practices. Hannu's approach emphasizes the need for early involvement in the design process, advocating for a collaborative construction environment. His efforts are geared towards improving the predictability, consistency, and efficiency of construction projects, making him a valuable voice in the industry's technological evolution.

The State of Design and Make

What is the current state of design and make? Stephanie Losee and team have the data and the answers. In this episode we discuss the novel Design and Make Report, It highlights the enhanced performance and preparedness of digitally mature companies post-COVID-19, emphasizing their plans for further digital investments. The report also underscores the rapid workforce changes in recent years, equating them to historical shifts like the internet's advent. Additionally, it discusses the increasing corporate emphasis on sustainability and carbon neutrality, crucial for attracting environmentally conscious younger talent.
Stephanie Losee is the Director of Executive & ABM Content at Autodesk, helping people imagine, design and make a better world. Formerly the Senior Director of Content at Visa Communications, governing editorial content marketing/brand journalism, Executive Director of brand content at POLITICO and Managing Editor of Dell, directing editorial content strategy. She was also named a Holmes Report Top 25 Innovator., Marketing Insider Group Top Marketing Speaker and more.

Give Thanks and Keep Innovating

As families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, we invite you to reflect on your blessings. While we're taking a brief hiatus this week, we wanted you to know that a big new series is just around the corner. If you need some inspiration in the meantime, check out our catalog of 225 episodes of innovation. Next time you listen, invite a friend along to share the journey of this great industry together.

You Won’t Get Anywhere Without Proactivity

Brad Smith, founder of Sonar, highlights the criticality of operations teams being proactive, advocating for creativity and critical thinking in problem-solving, and shares his unique perspective on innovation, defining it as the antithesis of insanity by advocating for doing something different every day, taking risks, and innovating.
Brad is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sonar. He has over a decade of experience in turning ops teams from reactive roles to proactive business drivers. His efforts have catapulted the company to become the top-rated change intelligence platform and Top 50 Software by G2.

Soft Skills Take on New Importance

When you think of “soft skills,” what do you imagine? Do you think of them as having a tangible effect on the construction industry? Join host Todd and guest Amy Powell as they discuss the essential nature of emotional intelligence (EQ), having an effective “leadership mindset” in a cross-generational workforce, the concepts of “microtraining” and “reactive training,” and much more.
Amy Powell is the founder of Well Works, bringing 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 going back to school to earn her Masters in Adult Education and 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.

Should Automation Solve the Skills Gap?

What key lessons can construction take from manufacturing? What do advents like machine learning, AI, IoT, and industrialization mean for manufacturing at large? Join host Todd and guest Jeff Reinke as they discuss the biggest factors leading to the growing labor gap, how we can better align manufacturing with the needs of the younger generation, and the principles of “Industry 4.0.”
Jeff Reinke is the Director of Content and Audience Engagement at Industrial Media and the co-host of Today in Manufacturing and Security Breach podcasts. With over 20 years of experience in creating and managing strategic content in the B2B marketplace, he has served audiences in the automotive, manufacturing, medical and product development industries.

A Model for Giving Back in Construction

What are your key values? What makes you hold true to them in the long run? Join host Todd and guest Cole Porter as they discuss the essential nature of a company’s ethos, what “people over profits” really means in practice, how to balance community involvement and company growth, reconciling innovation and tradition, and much more.
As president of Porter Steel, Cole Porter has played a pivotal role in upholding the company’s legacy while ushering in innovative approaches to meet the ever-evolving demands of the industry. With a keen emphasis on core values, a dedication to putting people first and a spirit of community involvement. His efforts to navigate generational shifts within the company, while also focusing on bringing fresh talent into the fold, offer invaluable insights for the industry.