How can construction companies thrive in an era where uncertainty is the new normal?

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Dustin Stephens shares his journey from the jobsite to technology leadership, offering practical insights for navigating today’s industry challenges. From labor shortages and supply chain disruptions to tariff fluctuations, Dustin explains how technology and AI can drive efficiency, reduce errors, and improve communication across teams. He explores change management, stakeholder alignment, and strategies for smart technology adoption. The conversation also highlights how leaders can evaluate investments, embrace innovation, and minimize downtime to boost profitability and stay competitive.

Dustin Stephens is Vice President of Construction and Real Estate at Sage. He is a dynamic construction software executive with more than 25 years of experience serving the industry. Dustin is responsible for go-to-market strategies and building partner and customer programs for Sage’s construction business globally. He is keen about driving healthy change in construction through technology.

Technology adoption works best when you strike a balance—focus first on your company’s top priorities and real-world issues in the field, but also keep an eye on what your peers are investing in. That outside perspective helps validate your roadmap without getting lost in “keeping up with the Joneses.”

Successful adoption isn’t about rolling out new tech—it’s about communicating why it matters to each stakeholder. What’s in it for the estimator? For the project manager? For the CFO? Tailoring the message and sharing real-world wins helps build buy-in and momentum.

Data silos are the enemy of agility. Integrating systems between the back office and the field ensures the right people get the right insights at the right time. When information flows, teams can spot issues early, collaborate better, and ultimately improve profitability.

00:00 Dustin's Journey into Construction

02:33 Navigating Uncertainty in Construction

05:34 Long-Term Planning Amidst Challenges

08:19 The Rise of AI in Construction

11:19 Technology Adoption Strategies

14:03 Change Management in Construction

16:53 Aligning Teams for Success

19:40 Decision-Making in Technology Investments

22:27 Modeling the Future of Construction

25:11Defining Innovation in Construction

27:47 Innovating for Efficiency

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