Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

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.

Reaching Construction’s Next Generation

What does the concept of “mentorship” mean to the future of construction? How do we ensure that the younger generation is provided with the tools and skills they need to succeed? Join host Todd and guest Ryce Elliott as they discuss the journey from construction field work to construction company president, what young people should consider when looking into a construction career, and the vision of Bennet Construction Company to push for remodeling vs. building new and environmental consciousness.
Ryce Elliott is the President of Benning Construction Company. He is responsible for corporate planning, risk analysis, contract review, and pre-construction management. Throughout his 29 years with the company, Ryce has served in almost every position from the ground up, making his experience and expertise a valuable asset to clients, trade partners, and Benning Construction as a whole.

Structural Engineers Need a Seat at the Table

How do construction and structural engineering work together? What are some ways that we can encourage this meeting of the minds? Join host Todd and guest Juraj Sabatka as they discuss the contributions of structural engineering to the construction industry, common misconceptions about both industries, the challenges that come with embracing the change inherent in sustainability, and more.
Juraj Sabatka is the CEO of IDEA StatiCa. His background is in finance, business and management. He is enthusiastic about new technologies and entrepreneurship.

Augmented Realities are Shaping Skylines

Of all the most recent advents in construction technology, what are the most useful? What’s the biggest hurdle in adoption when it comes to AR and VR? Join host Todd and guest Garrett Isham as they discuss the pros and cons of artificial intelligence, what construction and manufacturing can learn from each other, and the modern technologies that will shape the near future of the industry.
Garrett Isham is the CEO and Founder of PlatformXR. Over the last 7 years, he has led PlatformXR – a software application development company with a focus on Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and mobile tools and application

The Profitable Path to Sustainability

What are the smartest ways to prioritize sustainable efforts and profits—especially if your company is less established? Join host Todd and guest Aad Storm as they discuss what it means to prioritize sustainability, the “human element” we shouldn’t forget in the whirlwind of new tech adoption, how we can reassure teammates and employees of their irreplaceable value in the face of AI, and much more.
Aad Storm is the CEO and founder of Eveon Containers. He has a strong background in developing strategic vision and inspiring people with that vision. Eveon Containers is the leading global supplier of used shipping containers, pioneering sustainable and responsible solutions with digital innovation.

Autonomy is Your New Secret Weapon

What does a successful technological transformation look like in our industry? What are the biggest challenges facing that successful transformation? Join host Todd and guest KP Reddy as they discuss the importance of staying consistent, the reliable predictors of success or failure in tech implementation, making space for creativity and innovation in construction, and more.
KP Reddy is the founder and managing partner of Shadow Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in seed-stage companies that are transforming tech-nascent industries with disruptive technologies. With over 25 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur and investor, he has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in industries such as construction, real estate, manufacturing, and design. He also wrote the book "BIM for Building Owners and Developers," published by Wiley and Sons in 2012,and has contributed to several publications and media outlets on the topic. His mission is to help owners and clients use BIM to increase transparency, quality, efficiency, and profitability in their projects.

Accidental Collaboration

What are the best ways to create a culture of innovation in construction? Join host Todd and guest Todd Grossweiler as they discuss adopting an entrepreneurial mindset for success, how one customer’s story can change your processes for the better, the pros and cons of modular construction techniques, and more.
Todd Grossweiler is the Executive Vice President at Allison-Smith Company LLC. In his role, he applies his creative techniques to technical project management while staying acutely aware of the “people” side ofthe business. His mission is to help Allison-Smith’s team succeed through continuously improving processes, technology, and relationships.

The Labor Shortage is Driving Innovation

How will AI and data analytics shape the future of construction? What are some ways we’re already seeing shifts in our workforce? Join host Todd and guest Izhak Paz as they discuss the benefits of AI-powered tools, how to harness and use the right data, the potential risks of new tech, and more.
Izhak Paz is the CEO and founder of SafeGuard AI Group. With a deep passion for improving people’s wellbeing and a drive to create a meaningful impact through innovative technical solutions, Izhak is an experienced entrepreneur and trusted strategic advisor with a solid foundation in economics and public health.