In this episode, Tim Straub, Senior Technical Program Manager at Google, discusses his transition from general contractor to owner-side leadership, how that shift changed his approach to quality and commissioning, and the challenges of delivering data centers in the fast-paced AI/ML era.

Tim covers leadership through influence, the evolving priorities of testing and lifecycle risk, labor and equipment constraints, and practical advice for young engineers: seek to understand, adopt a growth mindset, and be patient.

In this episode, Stephen sits down with Al Ricci, Global Director of Customer Success at Oracle, for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with Canadian Thanksgiving and porchetta — and ends with three decades of hard-earned lessons from the frontlines of construction tech.

Al shares how empathy became his most powerful leadership strategy, why sales and customer success must work hand in hand, and what founders often miss when building customer-centric teams. Together, they trace the industry’s evolution from point solutions to SaaS, explore how AI is reshaping entry-level roles, and unpack what it really means to build long-term trust between vendors and contractors.

Whether you’re leading a startup, managing a team, or rethinking your approach to growth, this episode offers timeless insights on people, process, and progress in construction tech.

Alex Belkafor shares his journey from project engineer to leading digital strategy at McCarthy, explaining how a field-first approach to BIM and VDC drives better project planning, integration with owners, and streamlined construction delivery.

He discusses measuring value through reduced downstream risk (the "cost of goals not scored"), the rise of connected jobsite technologies, the promise and caution of AI and data, and practical advice for the next generation entering construction technology.

In this conversation, David Tibbetts, Chief Safety Officer at Highwire, shares insights on the evolving landscape of safety in the construction industry. He discusses his career journey, the importance of collaboration between owners and contractors, and the role of technology in enhancing safety practices. The conversation delves into the significance of prequalification processes, understanding serious injury potential, and the impact of AI on safety management. David emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards proactive safety measures and the importance of education in driving change within the industry.

Highwire Shift to SIFs Blog Post

Stuart Maggs, Director of Commercial Product of Field AI and former architect discusses their $405 million raise, his path from architecture to robotics, and early hands‑on experiments that sparked a career redefining how buildings get made.

The episode explains Field AI’s software “brain” for robots, how navigation and perception unlock real jobsite use cases, the API/SDK future for specialized apps, and what needs to change in construction for wider robot adoption.

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Senior Project Manager John Riggs (Suffolk) shares his journey from plant genetics and political science to leading complex construction projects. He unpacks what’s really happening on today’s jobsites, from subs to GCs, and how curiosity and hands-on learning shaped his career.

John breaks down where tech helps—and where it adds friction—covering BIM and digital delivery, reality capture and drones, punch lists, scheduling, and the promise and limits of AI. He explains how owners, designers, and builders can align early to get real value.

We close with practical advice on time management, delegation, and leadership, plus a candid look at life as a new dad. If you build, buy, or design, this episode shows how to cut through the hype and focus on what works.

Welcome back to Construction Conversations. In this episode, we discuss the crucial role of mentorship and coaching in the construction industry with Chris and Tim Smith, two experienced leaders from Ellis Don. Tim, with 30 years of experience and previously an executive vice president, now dedicates his time to coaching and leadership development. Chris, a general superintendent, shares his journey of working with Tim and the impact it has had on his leadership style.

The conversation delves into the differences between mentorship and coaching, emphasizing the importance of having safe spaces for open, honest discussions in leadership development. Chris and Tim reflect on the value of experienced-based coaching and how it accelerates potential, helping leaders navigate technical and personality-based challenges more effectively. They also discuss how companies can cultivate such environments to foster development and teamwork.

Tune in to explore how coaching and mentorship can transform project culture and leadership, fostering a more connected and successful team environment in construction.

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Welcome to this episode of Construction Conversations, where we dive into the story of Raise Robotics, a trailblazer in the field of construction automation. Join hosts Lars and Stephen as they chat with Conley and Gary from Raise Robotics about their journey from a chance LinkedIn connection to redefining construction workflows with cutting-edge robotics technology.

Discover how Conley and Gary's backgrounds in autonomous vehicles and construction led them to create a unique solution that addresses common challenges on job sites. Learn about the evolution of their mobile manipulator robots, designed to perform tasks in difficult-to-reach areas, and how they iteratively developed their product using real-world insights from their early projects.

Hear firsthand about the ups and downs of starting a hardware company, the importance of patient iteration, and how Raise Robotics is delivering immediate value to their customers by focusing on solving genuine job site problems, informed by Conley's time in the field. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and construction innovation.

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In this episode of Construction Conversations, we chat with Joe Wilson of Projexion, diving into the data challenges within the construction industry. We explore Joe's origin story, from managing projects on the field to developing a product that enhances project outcomes through data clarity and efficiency. Discover how aligning technology with construction processes can dramatically reduce risks and improve project success rates. Join us to understand the pivotal role data plays in shaping the future of construction.

Newsletter: Construction Briefs on Substack

Join us in an insightful episode of "Construction Conversations" as we sit down with Matt Graves, popularly known as the Construction Yeti, to explore his unique journey from a civil engineer to a creative force in the construction industry. In this episode, we delve into Matt's experiences at Texas A&M, his early days navigating the construction world without formal guidance, and how he built Construction Yeti into a platform for innovative industry insights and humor. Through engaging discussions, we uncover the essence of construction innovation at the trade level and the power of humor and creativity in transforming dry topics into engaging knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, Matt's journey and the Construction Yeti's content provide valuable perspectives on the industry's evolution and the role of technology and humor in driving engagement and education.

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