April 07, 2025

Breaking Down Barriers in Prefab

23 minutes

Is prefabrication all about efficiency, or is it also revolutionizing the way we build? In this episode, Todd Weyandt sits down with Michael Quillen, a seasoned expert in electrical prefab to explore the changing landscape of workforce development, automation, and the future of modular construction. Michael shares his journey from being a 17-year-old apprentice to becoming a leader in prefab design, emphasizing the importance of engaging young talent and breaking industry stigmas. He reveals how his team’s innovative approach—focusing on field collaboration, hiring forward-thinking professionals, and embracing automation—has revolutionized efficiency in construction.

Key takeaways include:

🔹 How early engagement with schools fosters a stronger, skilled workforce.

🔹 The mindset shift needed to scale prefab from job sites to full-scale factories.

🔹 The role of AI and automation in shaping the future of construction.

🔹 Strategies for gaining buy-in from the field and leadership to push prefab forward.

🔹 Highlights from Advancing Prefab 2025, including the growing involvement of architects and owners in prefab planning.

🎧 Tune in to gain fresh insights into the prefab revolution and what it takes to stay ahead in this rapidly advancing industry!

Michael Quillian is a leader in electrical prefabrication and modular construction at Inglett & Stubbs Modular. With over 20 years of field experience, he specializes in designing and fabricating electrical and multi-trade modular skids and assemblies that drive efficiency and innovation. Michael is passionate about leveraging technology and advanced workflows to push the boundaries of cost-effective, high-quality, and sustainable prefab solutions.

TODD TAKES

Prefab Success Starts with Thinking Differently: If you want prefab to thrive, you can’t just copy-paste traditional construction methods into a controlled environment. Michael made it clear that success comes from rethinking processes, questioning why things are done a certain way, and constantly searching for better solutions. The best prefab teams aren’t just following a playbook—they’re rewriting it in real time to drive efficiency and innovation.

Collaboration with the Field is the Game-Changer: Prefab isn’t about forcing the field to use a product—it’s about partnering with them to solve real problems. Michael emphasized that his team actively listens to what field crews need, which builds trust and ensures that prefab solutions actually make their lives easier. When prefab is seen as a service to the field rather than just another deliverable, that’s when real buy-in happens.

The Future of Prefab is Automation—But Not Just the Kind You Think: Everyone loves to talk about robotic automation, but Michael pointed out that digital automation is just as critical. Whether it’s dashboarding, AI-driven data analysis, or streamlining workflows, the ability to process information faster is what will take prefab to the next level. The companies that win in the future won’t just automate bending conduit—they’ll automate decision-making and process optimization across the board.

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