Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

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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What does it take to bring true innovation into one of the world’s most risk-averse industries?

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd and Ryan unpack how to move from breakthrough technology to real-world adoption. The discussion explores why being honest about where you really are matters more than hype, how simplicity often beats complexity, and why economics ultimately drive scalability. If you’ve ever wondered how sustainable solutions can shift from pilot projects to global impact, this conversation delivers a grounded look at making change stick. Ryan shares insights on the significance of cement in climate change, the evolution of tech adoption in the industry, and the future of construction. He emphasizes the need for collaboration with traditional cement producers and the importance of financial mechanisms to support innovation.

Ryan Gilliam is co-founder and CEO of Fortera, a low-carbon cement manufacturer focused on paving the way to zero CO2 cement. Gilliam is a serial entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to solving climate issues. Specifically, Gilliam has focused on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like cement, energy, and petrochemicals. He has over 100 granted patents focused on electrochemical, chemical, and materials technologies for the beneficial reuse of carbon emissions, green hydrogen production, and more environmentally friendly chemical manufacturing. In addition to his role at Fortera, Gilliam also serves on the Board of Directors of Verdagy, a company he founded that is innovating advanced electrolysis technology for the large-scale production of green hydrogen.

True innovation starts with being brutally honest about your current reality. Don’t oversell the data or the promise—know exactly where you stand and what’s realistically possible.

Shiny technology isn’t enough. What actually gets adopted is what’s practical, scalable, and simple to integrate. Sometimes the smartest move is choosing simplicity over complexity.

Change doesn’t scale because it’s exciting—it scales because the economics work. For any new process or product to truly take off, it has to compete on cost as much as on performance.

00:00 Introduction to Sustainable Cement Innovation

00:54 Ryan's Journey into Climate Sustainability

02:36 Lessons Learned from Early Ventures

04:42 Navigating Risk Aversion in the Cement Industry

06:43 The Importance of Cement in Climate Change

08:50 Transforming Ideas into Reality

11:00 Collaborating with Traditional Cement Producers

12:38 Simplifying Technology for Adoption

16:05 Balancing Innovation and Practicality

17:27 Key Levers for Low Carbon Cement Adoption

19:17 Evolution of Mindset in Tech Adoption

20:49 Future of Construction and Cement

23:02 Myths Surrounding Cement Adoption

24:15 Advice for Innovators in Risk-Averse Industries

26:02 Defining Innovation and Its Impact

28:06 The Need for Financial Mechanisms in Innovation

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Can artificial intelligence really help solve one of construction’s biggest challenges—trust?

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd Weyandt speaks with Jessica Herrala, Head of Sales and Regional Director of North America at Buildots, about the evolving role of AI and real-time data in construction project management.

From her early days walking job sites with her dad to leading conversations on cutting-edge tech, Jessica shares her perspective on how AI can improve productivity, identify work-ready areas, and help project teams move from reactive problem-solving to proactive planning. They explore the balance between human intuition and data-driven decision-making, the importance of change management in adopting new tools, and why making construction “cool” again is essential for attracting the next generation of talent.

MEET OUR GUEST

Jessica Herrala is the Head of Sales and Regional Director of North America at Buildots, an AI-based construction technology that gives stakeholders the power to reduce schedule through data and insights. Jessica brings more than 25 years of experience in sales, communications, marketing, business development, strategy and operational improvement in the commercial construction and development industry. She has a deep passion for improving the efficiency of the industry through technology and enjoys working directly with leadership and project teams to solve the pain points of and time waste on projects. Previous positions include Chief of Communications & Marketing at Clayco, VP of Strategy at The Walsh Group and numerous positions in a 17-year career at Skanska. Jessica is a board member of the International Women’s Forum and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Journalism.

TODD TAKES

Pride in What We Build

I love seeing the passion in this industry. Every beam, every wall, every finished project is a testament to the skill and dedication of the people who make it happen. That pride is something worth protecting and celebrating.

Trust but Verify

Collaboration works best when we assume positive intent, but also have systems in place to verify progress and quality. It’s not about fighting each other — it’s about making sure we’re all aligned and moving forward together.

Intuition + Technology = Our Superpower

Human intuition and creativity are what make this industry great, and technology shouldn’t replace that. Instead, it can be a powerful partner to help us make smarter decisions, spot issues earlier, and ultimately do our best work.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Construction Innovation

00:54 Jessica's Journey into Construction

03:51 Challenges in Construction Project Management

06:43 The Role of Real-Time Data and AI

11:28 AI's Impact on Construction Efficiency

17:16 The Future of Construction with AI

21:56 Closing Thoughts and Innovations in Construction.

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What if the key to stronger leadership wasn’t solving every problem—but knowing which ones to let burn?

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, host Todd Weyandt explores the path from overwhelm to order with actionable leadership strategies tailored for the construction industry. Learn why joy requires intentional perspective, how to delegate effectively by “letting the fires burn,” and why clarity and structure are the ultimate antidotes to chaos. Discover the principles behind building a succession-worthy business that can grow without you, the role of scheduling in defending against disorder, and how to engage the next generation of leaders. This conversation unpacks the truth that vision without action is just hallucination—and shows how to turn that vision into reality.

Scott Beebe is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), founder of Business On Purpose, and author of Let Your Business Burn and The Chaos Free Contractor. Scott hosts the Business On Purpose podcast sharing real stories of how he and the 10-person BOP team are working with business owners and their key leaders to build people, purpose, process, and profit installing the Business On Purpose Roadmap to liberate businesses from chaos and help them get their lives back.

Joy follows perspective—and both require intentionality.

Real leadership means knowing when to let the fires burn.

Chaos thrives in the absence of clarity and structure.

00:00Introduction to Scott Beebe and His Journey

08:11Building a Succession-Worthy Business

17:59Engaging Gen Z in the Construction Industry

24:47The Importance of Action in Business

31:05The Power of Perspective and Joy

31:46Leadership and Delegation

32:10Clarity, Structure, and Implementation

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What does a real construction podcast journey look like—and how can it drive trust and innovation in a traditional industry? In this episode of Bridging the Gap, host Todd Weyandt steps into the guest seat for a special crossover conversation originally aired on the Podcast Gurus podcast.

Todd shares the full behind-the-scenes story of how Bridging the Gap evolved from a rough Facebook Live series into an award-winning podcast with a global audience. He dives into the early missteps, the value of consistency, and why podcasting is such a powerful tool for thought leadership in construction.

This conversation is packed with real talk about marketing inside a B2B space, building authentic relationships through content, and the importance of being yourself behind the mic. It’s also a reminder of why the construction industry—often overlooked and misunderstood—is one of the most innovative and exciting sectors to tell stories in.

🎯 Whether you’re a marketer, construction professional, or aspiring podcaster, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to start (or evolve) your own podcast journey.

We didn’t start Bridging the Gap with some grand master plan. It started as quick Facebook Lives and grew organically as we listened to our audience and followed where the conversations naturally led. The key is staying flexible and paying attention to what people actually care about.

Early on, I tried to be super polished and professional—but the more I relaxed and showed up as myself, the more the show resonated. Listeners don’t expect perfection; they want connection. Just be real and lean into what makes you, you.

This industry is filled with incredible innovation and even better people. There’s something really rewarding about helping shine a light on the tech-forward, problem-solving mindset that’s driving construction forward—and breaking the old stereotype that we’re stuck in the 1950s. Getting to tell those stories and help make construction “cool” again is a huge part of why I keep doing this.

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What does a modern BIM career journey really look like? In this episode of Bridging the Gap, host Todd Weyandt sits down with Max Bielohurov, CTO and co-founder of Diasphere, to explore how a childhood love of building sparked a modern BIM career journey rooted in civil engineering, leadership, and digital construction innovation. 

Max shares his unique path from Lego-obsessed kid to BIM Manager to tech leader—and the lessons he’s learned along the way about scaling a company, leading with empathy, and making tech work for real people on real jobsites.

🎯 Whether you're a young professional navigating your first VDC project, a seasoned BIM veteran, or a leader trying to connect the dots between design and construction, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and relatable stories from the field. 

Max Bielohurov is the co-founder and CTO of Diasphere, a BIM and VDC services company, helping to bridge the gap between MEP design and construction reality. As a leader in the industry, he brings over a decade of experience overseeing projects ranging from large scale commercial developments to multi-family builds. Max blends deep engineering expertise with strong managerial acumen, having led multidisciplinary teams through all phases of the BIM workflow and completed over a hundred projects across both the US and international markets.

Successful BIM execution relies on simplicity. Overly complex standards and documentation often become barriers instead of enablers. Keeping workflows and expectations clear and concise allows everyone—from design to field—to stay on the same page and focus on the outcomes that matter most.

Establishing open, frequent communication from the beginning—especially with teams that may not be familiar with BIM—is essential. Investing the time to educate and align teams early, with tools like shared checklists and frequent touchpoints, sets the foundation for accurate collaboration and long-term success.

True alignment comes from empathy and understanding. Taking time to learn each team's background and how they operate creates trust and buy-in. Most importantly, involving field teams from the start ensures the model is grounded in practical reality—not just theoretical intent—and leads to tools the field will actually use.

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What does it take to modernize a trade-heavy business in today’s digital construction landscape?

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd Weyandt sits down with Andrew Goodwin, President of Professional Piping Systems, to explore how he’s reimagining the industrial piping world through smart leadership, lean processes, and real-time problem solving.

From overcoming early challenges to creating a people-first culture, Andrew dives into the practical side of construction innovation. Whether it’s navigating the labor shortage, adapting to digital workflows, or staying ahead of safety and scheduling—this episode delivers insights you can use now.

Leading through lean and operational excellence

Culture shifts that drive trade retention

Strategic planning for long-term growth in industrial construction

🎧 Tune in to hear how one contractor is laying the pipework for the future—literally.

Andrew Goodwin is President of Professional Piping Services (PPS). He is a seasoned professional with a demonstrated history of working in the industrial and vertical building industry. With a strong foundation in management, he has excelled in various leadership roles. Andrew's journey began with the establishment of PPS Coatings, a company he founded and nurtured. Through dedication and hard work, he worked his way up to become the President of PPS.

Sustaining a strong, resilient team starts with radical transparency and deep collaboration. When leaders stay engaged on the jobsite and in the trenches—openly sharing both the wins and challenges—it fosters trust and accountability across the organization. That kind of alignment not only improves project execution, it builds a workplace where everyone feels seen and heard.

A thriving workforce isn’t built by treating employees like interchangeable parts. It’s built by supporting people holistically—recognizing their personal struggles, ambitions, and needs. From offering flexible hours to supporting mental health or family challenges, the approach was clear: when people feel genuinely cared for, they show up with purpose and loyalty.

There’s a major disconnect between the reality of today’s construction industry and how it’s perceived. While the industry is packed with innovation, robotics, and exciting career paths, too few young people are hearing that story. The solution? Bold storytelling through social media, direct outreach in schools, and creating visible, authentic ambassadors who show that construction can be a smart, lucrative, and even “sexy” career choice.

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How do you turn a quiet childhood into a powerhouse communications career in AEC? In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd sits down with Susan Young—journalist-turned-communication coach—for a deep dive on why storytelling, curiosity, and clarity are the secret weapons of modern construction pros.

Susan shares her unique journey from broadcasting to boardrooms and unpacks the common struggles she sees across the industry, especially when it comes to presenting, persuading, and connecting with people.

🎯 Whether you're pitching to clients, presenting at public hearings, or leading a team—this episode will change how you think about communication in AEC.

Susan Young is CEO of Get in Front Communications, Inc. Susan is an award-winning CEO, communicator, and keynote speaker in the AEC industry with over 40 years of experience. She works with AEC professionals who want to be clear communicators so that they have more confidence, trust, and impact. For 10 years, Susan was an on-air radio news reporter and anchor. In addition, she co-managed the office of radio and TV for New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman. She blends her unique communication background with today's mindset tools that bring new, heartfelt, and repeatable processes and perspectives that few trainers know.

Most people in the construction industry downplay their own stories, believing that everyday work isn’t worth sharing. But the truth is, if you got out of bed today, you have a story. The challenge is recognizing those small but meaningful moments—like attending a parade or building with Legos as a kid—that shape who you are and why you do what you do. Storytelling starts with acknowledging the value of your own experience.

Being a great communicator starts with having a natural curiosity—not just about others, but about yourself too. Asking the right questions (internally and externally) can uncover powerful insights and help shift internal narratives. Whether it’s connecting with clients or developing your own career path, curiosity leads to clarity, confidence, and better human-to-human connection.

Self-awareness is the starting point for growth. From leadership to frontline workers, communication struggles often stem from unexamined habits, fear, or ego. True innovation—especially in communication—requires the willingness to reflect honestly, challenge internal dialogue, and break outdated patterns. Avoiding the “dirt” only allows dysfunction to fester. Growth begins with a willingness to face it head-on.

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What happens when you blend startup energy with construction grit? In this week’s episode, Todd sits down with James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer at LiveSwitch and lifelong entrepreneur, for a conversation on how innovation, leadership, and customer “obsession” are shaping the future of the built environment.

From launching his own painting company to helping Fortune 500 teams scale, James shares a practical yet visionary approach to leading in the construction tech space. He breaks down the process of shifting team mindsets, improving buy-in across the board, and how building trust beats selling products every time.

🔑 Key Topics:

Translating startup lessons into construction leadership

Why trust and relationships still close more deals than tech

Creating a “customer-obsessed” culture across your teams

The mindset shift needed for growth in Contech

TODD TAKES

Innovation in construction must start by addressing real, boots-on-the-ground challenges—not hypothetical or abstract problems. The most effective tools are born from firsthand experience and direct input from the field. If the tech doesn’t make a worker’s life easier today, it won’t be adopted tomorrow.

Seeing through the eyes of the people who actually use the technology—whether it’s a superintendent, technician, or small business owner—ensures that tools are intuitive, fast, and don't require lengthy training. Empathy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a design strategy.

Visionaries dream of the future. Plane landers bring those dreams safely to the ground. For innovation to succeed in construction, businesses need both: those who can see around corners and those who can translate that vision into practical tools that teams can use today, without disruption fatigue.

James Hatfield is Chief Revenue Officer at LIveSwitch Inc., a global technology company that serves the trades and other businesses. As an industry thought leader and expert in sales, leadership and business innovation. James has extensive experience working with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and Fortune 500 enterprises. He is also an entrepreneur and has founded a painting and power washing company.

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What does it take to build a business that truly lasts? In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd Weyandt sits down with visionary business leader John Abrams to explore legacy in construction leadership and how employee ownership is helping reshape the future of the industry. From founding one of the nation’s earliest worker cooperatives to mentoring a new generation of leaders, John shares hard-earned wisdom on how to leave a purposeful and enduring mark in construction.

They also discuss his latest book, From Founder to Future, which offers a roadmap for building businesses centered on values, longevity, and democratic decision-making. If you’re thinking about your own leadership legacy in construction, this episode offers practical insights on culture, hiring, ownership, and succession.

John Abrams is Co-Founder of South Mountain Company and Abrams + Angell. John is a visionary business leader, author, and pioneer in employee ownership. John co-founded South Mountain Company, an architectural building and solar firm that became one of the first worker cooperatives in the U.S. setting a gold standard for purpose driven business in construction. He now mentors others on creating lasting impact through democratic ownership. His latest book, From Founder to Future, is a roadmap for building companies with an enduring integrity.

If you want a strong, healthy company culture, it takes daily, intentional effort. It means aligning your values with your decisions and walking the walk, not just talking the talk. Culture should be something you actively shape, not something you inherit or hope works itself out.

The best teams come from hiring slowly and with purpose. When you prioritize values, character, and long-term fit over speed or resume flash, you end up with people who strengthen—not strain—the culture you’re trying to build.

Some of the best solutions come from opening up tough questions to the whole team. When people are invited to help solve problems and shape decisions, trust deepens and ownership expands—because everyone feels like their voice actually matters.

🎧 Tune in to learn how you can build your own legacy in construction leadership—through purpose, people, and long-term impact.

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