Building Scale

In this conversation, Justin Neagle and Will Foret speak with Kami Farahmandpour and Chris Kottra from Building Technology Consultants, Inc. (BTC) about their experiences in the engineering industry, the founding of BTC, and the importance of company culture, leadership transitions, and quality in their work.

They discuss the challenges of hiring in a niche market, the significance of training for autonomy, and the role of litigation in honing expertise. The conversation also touches on reflections and advice for future leaders in the industry.

Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-kottra-pe-rewc-ccca-61099b43/

Kami's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kami-farahmandpour-a9823115/

Website: https://www.btc.expert/  

 

Connect with Justin & Will -

Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

 

Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - 

Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration

 

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

(0:00) Introduction and early transition plans

(1:17) Mission of the podcast and sponsor mention

(3:08) Founding BTC and team member introductions

(6:43) Career progression and planning for business transition

(11:18) Transitioning ownership and cultivating firm culture

(16:18) Evaluating ESOP and alternative business structures

(20:14) Emphasizing merit-based promotion at BTC

(22:02) Financing the business transition

(29:37) Strategies for talent acquisition and retention

(32:42) Managing growth while maintaining quality

(37:01) Importance of training and mentorship programs

(43:14) Measuring leadership performance and dynamics

(47:06) Navigating litigation and providing expert testimony

(50:53) Reflective advice to younger selves

(54:59) Closing contact information and outro

Join Jacob Hansen and Colton Browning as they delve into their backgrounds in the AEC industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships and strategies for scaling firms. They explore the evolution of services with Building Information Modeling (BIM), discussing its purpose, application, and the need for buy-in and communication. A case study on BIM at TSMC highlights its practical use. The episode addresses challenges in scheduling, cost, and collaboration, stressing early involvement and coordination between contractors. Listen in for BIM war stories and success tales, offering insights and advice for newcomers to the field.

Connect with Jacob and Colten - 

Jacob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobhansen-hcg/  

Colten LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coltenbrowning/

Website: https://hansenconsultinggroup.org/

 

Connect with Justin & Will -

Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

 

Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - 

Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration

 

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

 

(0:00) Introduction to BIM and Podcast

(1:29) Introducing guests Jacob Hansen and Colton Browning

(2:42) Guests' background in AEC

(4:08) Building relationships in the AEC industry

(7:10) Scaling an AEC firm

(9:23) Evolving services in BIM

(11:22) Deep dive into BIM and its purpose

(13:20) BIM for various project scales

(21:38) Achieving buy-in and communication for BIM

(23:49) Establishing sources of truth in BIM

(25:15) Case study: BIM at TSMC

(28:17) Understanding LOD in BIM

(32:33) BIM challenges with scheduling and cost

(34:15) Collaboration and early involvement in BIM

(36:57) BIM coordination between GCs and subcontractors

(41:35) Integrating subcontractors into BIM processes

(43:06) BIM war stories and benefits

(46:00) BIM horror and success stories

(52:12) Advice to younger self and closing thoughts

(56:21) Sponsor: [Sponsor Name]

Mark Davenport discusses his career journey in architecture, from intern to managing partner at SPS+ Architects. He covers the firm's leadership structure, managing transitions, and role fit challenges. The conversation delves into business operations, including EOS integration for efficiency and the firm's evolving focus and expansion. Mark outlines future growth through studio specializations and examines how contract types are impacting the industry. He highlights using culture index for team dynamics, strategic planning, and process automation. Emphasizing growth strategies and technology's role in scaling, the episode concludes with ERP implementation lessons and time management advice.

Connect with Mark - 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-davenport-21343011/ 

Website: https://www.spsplusarchitects.com/
Phone: 602-524-2190  

 

Connect with Justin & Will -

Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

 

Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - 

Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration

 

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

(0:00) Introduction and Mark Davenport's architecture career journey

(5:13) Mark's transition from intern to managing partner

(7:28) Leadership structure at SPS Plus Architects

(11:35) Managing leadership transitions and role fit

(17:14) Business operations challenges and insights

(24:07) Implementing ChatGPT and EOS for efficiency

(29:44) Evolution of firm's focus and geographical reach

(33:27) Future vision and studio specializations

(37:24) Contract types and their impact on the industry

(41:33) Utilizing culture index for team dynamics

(44:17) Strategic planning and process automation

(48:44) Growth strategies and embracing risk

(49:25) Technology's role in scaling the business

(50:22) Journey and lessons from ERP implementation

(55:25) Mark Davenport's advice on time management

(57:25) Conclusion and contact information

(58:36) Sponsor: ${name}

Dr. Adam Krob explores AI's transformative potential in construction estimates. He discusses challenges and opportunities in construction technology, focusing on data governance, legacy systems, and risk management. Key topics include overcoming data storage issues, leadership buy-in for tech adoption, and AI's role in safety-sensitive industries. Dr. Krob also addresses AI's impact on labor shortages, value engineering, and lean scheduling. The episode concludes with insights on selecting AI platforms, building a tiered AI model, and understanding shadow IT.

Connect with Adam Krob - 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akrob/  

Website: https://bohbros.com/

AI Washing Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-right-reasons-adam-krob-1ngpe/  

 

Connect with Justin & Will -

Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

 

Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - 

Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration

 

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

(0:00) Introduction and AI's potential in construction estimates

(1:52) Introduction of guest Dr. Adam Krob and his journey

(4:26) Challenges and opportunities in construction technology

(7:48) Data governance, legacy systems, and risk management

(14:28) Overcoming data storage challenges and leadership buy-in

(17:35) Driving technology adoption through safety

(20:34) The role of data in AI and starting the AI journey

(24:33) Trustworthiness of AI in safety-sensitive construction industries

(26:00) AI's impact on single founder companies and estimation processes

(31:17) Utilizing AI to address labor shortages and improve value engineering

(34:01) Integrating lean scheduling with AI

(41:47) Selecting and governing AI platforms in construction

(55:09) Building a tiered model for AI utilization and understanding shadow IT

(59:49) Reflecting on past decisions and the pace of change in the industry

(1:02:03) Connecting with the hosts and final thoughts on AI

(1:02:57) Closing remarks and sponsor message

Jenny Williams discusses her journey in the family construction business and the significance of assembling the right team. She explores the CMGC delivery method, emphasizing its benefits in balancing work-life and technology adoption in construction. Jenny shares strategies for attracting and training new employees, highlighting the role of community engagement through events like construction rodeos. The conversation shifts to the evolving mindset in construction management, moving away from low-bid work, and the importance of building partnerships. Jenny also touches on the impact of DBE recognition and new growth opportunities in the industry, wrapping up with her closing thoughts.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-williams-6518311a6/ 

Website: https://wdscontracting.com/

 

Connect with Justin -

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

 

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

(0:00) Introduction and importance of the right team

(2:06) Jenny Williams' journey in the family business

(3:27) CMGC delivery method and work-life balance

(10:13) CMGC benefits and technology adoption in construction

(20:33) Strategies for attracting and training new employees

(24:13) Construction rodeo and community engagement

(28:32) Mindset shift in construction management and low-bid work

(31:55) Building partnerships and impact of DBE recognition

(34:56) New growth opportunities and closing thoughts

Darlene Cadman joins Justin Neagle to discuss Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in the AEC industry. They explore IPD contracts, focusing on collaboration, risk, and reward sharing, and emphasize target value design and team selection in lean construction. Darlene shares insights on lean practices, including respect for people and understanding flow, as well as pull planning, visual planning, and collaboration. The episode highlights the importance of leadership, accountability, and structured planning in both work and personal life. It concludes with Darlene's contact information and productivity hacks.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-cadman-a2145232/ 

Website: https://weftstrategies.com/

Email: [email protected]  

 

Connect with Justin -

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

 

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

 

(0:00) Episode introduction by Justin Neagle and guest introduction: Darlene Cadman

(3:03) Introduction to Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and its benefits

(7:58) Collaboration, risk, and reward in IPD contracts

(12:16) Target value design and team selection for lean construction

(18:37) The importance of practical interviews and adoption of lean practices in AEC

(22:27) Lean principles, respect for people, and understanding flow in construction

(25:18) Pull planning and the five levels of collaboration

(32:50) Visual planning, leadership, and accountability in construction

(38:03) Applying lean principles across various contract types

(40:11) The importance of structured planning in work and personal life

(46:29) Three S's of success and benefits of lean methodology

(48:17) Contact information for Darlene Cadman and productivity hacks

(50:23) Episode closing and call to action

(50:50) Sponsor message: BuildingScale.net/help

JP Jaramillo discusses his extensive experience in talent acquisition and recruitment, beginning with an introduction to Building Scale and his role at Nox Group. The conversation covers leadership's influence on recruitment, evolving technology, and the sales aspect of recruiting. JP delves into compensation strategies, growth opportunities, and balancing internal equity. He highlights the costs of turnover, recruitment metrics, and onboarding challenges. The episode emphasizes setting realistic expectations for long-term commitment, simplifying recruitment, and identifying and retaining top candidates. JP shares insights on leveraging technology, the importance of personality profiling, and offers reflections on his 20-year career in the industry.

Connect with JP - 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonpaulejaramillo/ 

Website: https://noxgroup.us/

 

Connect with Justin & Will -

Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

 

Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - 

Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration

 

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

(0:00) Introduction to Building Scale and guest JP Jaramillo

(5:23) The role of leadership in talent acquisition and redundancy

(6:07) Recruitment challenges and strategies at Nox Group

(11:30) Evolution of recruitment technology and processes

(19:17) In-depth look at the recruiting process and sales aspect

(24:28) Compensation, growth opportunities, and competitive differentiation

(27:31) Balancing compensation strategies with internal equity

(30:10) The costs and strategies of turnover and recruitment

(32:31) Recruitment metrics and the math behind the process

(38:28) Onboarding challenges and candidate empowerment

(41:24) Setting realistic expectations for long-term commitment

(46:30) Simplifying recruitment and the impact of leadership

(50:06) Identifying and retaining great candidates

(53:27) Leveraging technology in recruitment efforts

(57:42) The role of personality profiling and culture fit

(1:03:23) JP Jaramillo's reflections on 20 years in the industry

(1:05:43) How to connect with JP Jaramillo and final advice

(1:06:50) Episode conclusion and sponsor mention

Dr. Gretchen Gagel shares her journey in the construction industry, focusing on her role in industry committees and promoting diversity. She discusses technology's impact on scaling AEC businesses, overcoming gender biases, and the importance of diversity and organizational agility. Dr. Gagel reflects on leadership differences in various-sized companies and her chair role at Brinkman Construction. The episode explores strategies for attracting women to construction, addressing labor issues, and the role of cohorts in leadership development. It concludes with Dr. Gagel's insights on AI's impact, influential leaders, and organizational culture.

Connect with Gretchen - 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-gagel/ 

Website: https://womenthrivinginconstruction.org/  

 

Connect with Justin & Will -

Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

 

Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - 

Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration

 

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

 

(0:00) Introduction to Dr. Gretchen Gagel and her work in construction industry committees

(1:21) The role of technology in scaling AEC businesses

(2:30) Dr. Gagel's journey into the construction industry

(5:00) Overcoming challenges and biases as a woman in construction

(7:07) The importance of diversity and Dr. Gagel's research on organizational agility

(11:11) Leadership differences in large vs. small construction companies

(13:02) Dr. Gagel's chair role at Brinkman Construction and founding Women Thriving in Construction

(19:13) Men's involvement in promoting gender diversity in construction

(22:39) Strategies to attract and retain women in the construction industry

(27:52) Addressing labor and retention issues in construction

(31:33) Cohorts and their role in leadership development

(37:16) Enhancing self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leadership

(40:02) The significance of investing in leadership skills and continuous learning

(41:18) Core values and the 'right person, right seat' concept

(42:57) Influential leaders in organizational culture and making people feel valued

(50:15) The impact and applications of AI in the construction industry

(57:49) Dr. Gagel's advice to her younger self and information on her book

(1:00:18) Final thoughts, appreciation, and episode wrap-up

(1:00:42) Recap of the three pillars of scaling a business and cybersecurity strategy call-to-action

(1:01:13) Sign-off and farewell

Jennifer Bookspan joins the discussion to explore the candidate experience in corporate America, emphasizing hiring the right person and role alignment. The conversation delves into the book "Who Not How" and the challenges of rapid company growth, identifying candidate stages, and being honest about growth trajectories. Jennifer highlights the importance of core values and true company culture representation, along with recruiting improvements and the impact of effective onboarding. The episode also covers signs for employment change, succession planning, and transitioning identity for business owners. Addressing labor shortages and AI's impact in the AEC industry, the discussion concludes with talent development and employee assessment methods.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbookspan/  

Website: https://bookspansearchpartners.com/

Email: [email protected]

 

Connect with Justin -

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

 

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

 

(0:00) Introduction and the candidate experience in corporate America

(1:25) Will Foret and Justin Neagle introduce guest Jennifer Bookspan

(3:28) Hiring for the right person and role alignment

(5:05) Discussing "Who Not How" and challenges of rapid company growth

(9:32) Identifying candidate stages and honesty about company growth

(11:03) Core values and true company culture representation

(14:35) Recruiting improvements and the impact of onboarding

(18:23) Signs for employment change and succession planning

(24:16) Transitioning identity and life phases for business owners

(28:15) Addressing labor shortages and the impact of AI in AEC industry

(38:21) Talent development and methods for employee assessment

(43:05) Final thoughts and closing remarks

(45:05) Sharing the episode, mission statement, and call to action

Nicole Rodriguez shares her marketing journey, emphasizing understanding client needs and the evolution of content creation. She discusses advanced analytics, strategic thinking, and the importance of aligning sales with marketing. The episode covers building client relationships, identifying target markets, and crafting effective marketing plans. Nicole also explores SEO, PPC strategies, and the influence of company culture on marketing. She touches on applying B2C strategies in B2B contexts, promotes the AEC Growth Summit, and offers advice to her younger self.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reachnicolenow/ 

Website: https://john-delano.com/
 

Connect with Justin -

Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

Website: https://www.spotmigration.com

 

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

(0:00) Introduction and the importance of understanding client needs

(1:50) Introduction of guest Nicole Rodriguez and her marketing journey

(5:06) The evolution and comparison of content creation in marketing

(8:39) Advanced analytics and strategic thinking in marketing

(14:09) Building client relationships and aligning sales with marketing

(19:06) The significance of distinct roles in sales and marketing

(23:08) Identifying target markets and crafting effective marketing plans

(28:07) SEO and PPC strategies for lead generation and operational preparation

(31:21) The influence of company culture on marketing and B2C strategies in B2B

(39:34) Promoting the AEC Growth Summit event and Nicole's speaking engagement

(42:52) Contact information for Nicole Rodriguez

(43:41) Nicole's advice to her younger self and interview wrap-up

(44:22) Outro, call to action, and final sign-off