Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

Construction in the Age of AI

Delve into the game-changing potential of AI in construction. In this episode we uncover how AI serves as a research assistant, accelerating problem-solving; Hugh's insights encourage us to fearlessly harness its power. Part of this power is using AI systems as dynamic partners - elevating interactions and refining outcomes. One thing is for certain: this technology will change how we interface with documents. Full stop.
Hugh Seaton is CEO of The Link, a platform that is changing how specifications are consumed, managed, and ultimately created by construction field teams and design-build contractors. Hugh has been involved in construction technology for over a decade, including the AEC hackathon, and he is currently publishing the Construction Technology Quarterly, hosting bi-weekly Clubhouse rooms, and recording his own podcast, Constructed Futures.

FinTech in Construction

How has financial reporting in construction changed over time? Does new tech allow us to increase accuracy and transparency—and what are some pitfalls we might find on our tech adoption journey? Join host Todd and guest Matthew Smith as they discuss the biggest challenges that come with adopting digital workflows, the key benefits to implementing digital finance solutions, some common security concerns with the advent of new finance technologies, and more.
Matthew Smith is an expert in Construction Technology, with a focus on construction finance. As the CEO and Chief Compliance Officer at Truss, a leading Banking Platform for Construction Businesses, he drives industry innovation. Leveraging his extensive expertise in technology and finance, Matthew has successfully assisted numerous construction businesses in transitioning from traditional payment methods to streamlined digital systems. His deep knowledge of Construction FinTech positions him as a valuable resource for construction professionals seeking to optimize their financial operations.

Grit Leads to Greatness

How can we successfully contextualize the construction industry for the new generation? What role does technology play—and what about creative concepts like children’s books? Join host Todd and guests Chris Eccleston and Jenny Schroen as they discuss the children’s construction book series Grit Leads to Greatness, the initiatives we can all take to change perceptions of construction, the huge variety of job and growth opportunities in the industry, and much more.
Jenny is the Creative Developer for DVB. In 2020, she won a MarCom Award, an international creative competition for developing DVB’s ad campaign “Grit Leads to Greatness”. In-depth research regarding the power of GRIT and her first-hand view of the workforce shortage inspired Jenny to team up with Chris to co-write a children’s book titled “Grit to Greatness”, a nod to her own children for preserving through tough times while demonstrating to all people the vital impact construction trades have on the world.
Chris is the CEO and founder of Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB) located in his hometown of Salisbury, Maryland. He proudly served in the Navy for 6 years as a nuclear machinist mate, completing 3 tours of duty. After the military, Chris received a construction management degree and has become a passionate warrior defending the image of tradespeople. As DVB grew, the company gained recognition for its strong company culture and fresh approach.

Construction Will Become Manufacturing

As technology advances in construction, what impacts have we seen overall on sustainability, safety, and equipment quality? Join host Todd and guest John Somers as they discuss the latest and greatest in construction industry advancements, what incentives exist to drive tech adoption, how to find the tech that best suits you and your company’s needs, how to interpret brand-new data, and much more.
John Somers is the Vice President, Construction & Utility Sector of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. John is responsible for the strategic direction of construction and utility programs and services for AEM membership. He strives to help equipment manufacturers improve their businesses.

Sustainability is a Business Strategy

What does it really mean to “go green?” It’s more complex than you might think. Join host Todd and guest Tommy Linstroth as they discuss the ups and downs of creating a successful startup, the greatest issues we face in construction when it comes to adopting sustainability, how the widespread reaction to sustainable practices has changed over time, the concept of “automating” green processes, and more.
Tommy Linstroth is the CEO of Green Badger, LLC. He has a 20-year career in managing sustainable construction and launched his company, Green Badger, to help professionals (from owners to sub-contractors) to lighten the load while pursuing LEED certification. Today, Green Badger’s mission is to make sustainability accessible, attainable, and effortless for the entire construction industry. Tommy regularly speaks at industry and sustainability trade events, contributes content for Forbes, Environmental Leader, and Construction Executive, among many others.

Value is in the Flow of Information

What are some ways for BIM to positively affect the electrical engineering industry? How do we get more people on board with BIM adoption across the trades? Join host Todd and guest David Robison as they discuss the long-term benefits of BIM workflows, the electrical engineering issues that BIM and 3D workflows may not yet address, and more.
David Robison is a co-founder and President of Design Master Software, a company that helps electrical engineers design buildings in Revit. He has over 25 years of experience developing electrical BIM software, first in AutoCAD and now in Revit.

Construction’s Golden Thread of Information

What is “connected construction,” and how does it change the layout of our industry? Join host Todd and guest Rob Norton as they discuss the potential of digitization, how to improve communication between stakeholders, the biggest and most common inefficiencies in construction firms, and more.
Rob Norton is Rob is responsible for new business and existing client relationships at PlanRadar, leading the UK’s focus into compliance and fire safety. Rob advises clients on the use of a digital platform to construct and operate buildings and assets, to meet new building safety requirements, and implement the ‘Golden Thread.’ He has 12 years of experience in the construction industry, having worked as an engineer before joining PlanRadar 4 years ago.

Invest, Invent and Innovate

When change can sometimes lead to failure, how do we embrace those lessons to champion the value of innovation? Join host Todd and guest Hamzah Shanbari as they discuss what it truly means to learn from failure, how to create a culture of innovation in the construction industry, the Haskell approach of “Invest, Invent, and Innovate,” and much more.
Hamzah Shanbari is the Director of Innovation at Haskell. He is always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in the construction industry, and he is excited to continue making a positive impact in his field

Construction’s Alter Ego Effect

What are some surprising similarities between the sports and business worlds? What is the “Alter Ego Effect”? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Todd Herman as they discuss applying sports metaphors to a career in AEC, the impact that your imagination can have on your personal success, and the biggest obstacles we all face when we “level up.”
Todd Herman has been working with the highest achievers in sports and business for over two decades. He’s helped clients reach the Olympic podium, build multimillion-dollar companies, and more importantly master their inner game so they enjoy the process on the way to victory. He is the creator of the multi-award-winning Leadership & Skills Development Program, 90 Day Year, and author of the WSJ bestselling book, ‘The Alter Ego Effect: The Power of Secret Identities to Transform Your Life’ and ‘My Super Me’, a children’s book to help young kids navigate tough stuff.

Branding Your Company for Greatness

We’re happy to welcome back Tyler Campbell, host of Construction Brothers Podcast, for today’s episode! Join Todd and Tyler as they discuss the challenge of marketing in construction, how to approach the skilled labor shortage effectively, the connection between brand and career, and the near future of industrialization.
Tyler Campbell is the founder of Storybuilder Creative, where he aims to solve the problem between the realities of the field and marketing materials. You may also recognize his voice from the Construction Brothers Podcast, which he hosts.