Construction Disruption

Todd Hodrinsky, a prodigious inventor, introduces his recent creation, TiCoat. TiCoat is a titanium dioxide coating applied with a spray gun to most surfaces. It not only cleans interior and exterior surfaces but deodorizes too. TiCoat has already seen applications in restrooms, restaurants, hotels, and schools. By constantly cleaning, it streamlines routine cleaning, saving money and time.

Todd discusses the technology behind TiCoat’s remarkable performance, several stories of its transformative cleaning power, and the history behind this unique product. He also hints at the future of TiCoat, including integration with solar panels for boosted efficiency.

To learn more, visit ticoat.com or reach out on Facebook.

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Architect Emily Mottram has made it her goal to educate Maine homeowners on the potential for healthier, tighter, more efficient homes. Through her architecture practice and recently released book, Pretty Good House, Emily shares her expertise, aiming to level the playing field between homeowners and trade professionals.

Building better homes helps everyone. It improves each homeowner’s quality of life, puts less strain on the environment, and minimizes callbacks for contractors. In this interview, Emily shares spots for improvement, like affordable housing, oversized and chemically saturated lawns, and the importance of HVAC.

For more tips on building science, contact Emily through her website, mottramarch.com, find her on the E3 Podcast and B.S. and Beer Show, or message her on LinkedIn or Instagram.

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As our world grows and evolves, technology and humanity intersect in complex and often unexpected ways. Artificial intelligence is a prime example, as it improves alongside human understanding, making a powerful partner in work and play. We’ve already seen AI create art, write stories, and win at chess and Jeopardy. Who knows what the future holds?

Futurists like Greg Lindsay interpret the web of humanity and technology to predict the state of the world in the next five, fifty, and five hundred years. Greg is a journalist turned futurist, bringing a critical eye to issues like transportation, mixed reality, housing, and urban planning.

In this episode, Greg discusses solutions for affordable housing, troubling traffic statistics, worldwide responses to the pandemic, the air travel boom, and his experiences living across the globe.

For more on Greg, visit his website greglindsay.org, connect with him on LinkedIn, or Google him for more information on his work.

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Despite construction’s reputation for being stuck in its ways, innovation and technology continue to play an important role in advancing the industry.

In this episode we hear from Finland’s Aarni Heiskanen, a Construction Innovation Agent, podcaster, and blogger for AEC Business. After his start as an architect, Aarni helped bring CAD to Finland in the ‘90s. Ever since then, he’s been an advocate for technology in construction, either through consulting or his podcast.

In this interview, Aarni shares the state of the construction industry in Finland, his visions of the future, the possible applications of AI in construction, how to reach the younger generation of the workforce, and information on the upcoming World of Digital Build Environment Summit.

Reach out to Aarni on LinkedIn, listen to episodes of the AEC Business Podcast, and check out WDBE talks with Aarni.

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The world of real estate and remodeling is a complex one. As the economy fluctuates, supply chains struggle, and outcomes are uncertain, how can we understand the market? 

John Burns Real Estate Consulting and Qualified Remodeler strive to clear things up with their US Remodeler Index. Created by polling a massive group of contractors, the Index gives an unprecedented look under the hood of the industry. This quarter only, the Index is being offered for free at tinyurl.com/remodeler-survey. 

Eric Finnigan, VP of Research and Demographics for John Burns, manages several industry reports including the Index. In this interview, he sheds some light on the remodeling industry’s prospects, give advice for differentiating your contracting business, and shares his unique perspective.

Follow Eric on Twitter, @EricFinnigan, connect with him on LinkedIn, or shoot him an email at [email protected].

After starting his career in kitchen and bath design, Eric founded his own company nearly thirty years ago. Along the way, he began broadcasting for Around the House®, a radio show and podcast. Now, Eric shares his experiences running a contracting business to help homeowners and contractors with their home improvement projects.

In this episode, Eric details his thoughts on improving the customer-contractor relationship, establishing your competitive advantage, lessons he’s learned the hard way, the speed of change, and promising opportunities for the future of construction.

For more information on Eric, visit aroundthehouseonline.com, reach out through their contact page, check out Around the House on the radio, and keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming TV show Around the House.

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In this special episode, all four members of the Construction Disruption podcast assemble to reminisce, remark, and reflect on the first year of the show. After fifty-plus episodes, we take a walk back through our favorite moments, guests, and topics. We also discuss our outlook for the future of the show, and where we aim to be for the next year. Get to know us a little more and get a peek behind the scenes. 

Some of Our Favorite Episodes

Preserving Modernist Architecture with George Smart

Gamifying the Construction Process with Mary and Jason Sturgeon

Finding Hope through Adversity with Jordan and Mason Burchette

How to Increase Profits While Working Less with Benson Agbortogo

Career Centers Trump College with Tony Trapp

Changing Lives with Portable and Accessible Housing with RJ Adler

Climate Change and Construction with Crystal Egger and Kathryn Prociv

Passion and Vision: A New Mindset with Paula Parker

Lessons from a Veteran Salesperson with Frank Farmer

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Thanks for listening to us over this past year. We hope you’ve learned something, been inspired, and had your horizons widened.

Here’s to another year of excellent guests and exciting news on the future of construction. 

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Working with a bank shouldn’t be just another expense. Instead, seek a financial partner who will actively facilitate your success.

In this episode, FC Bank president Jenny Saunders shares her view of banking from thirty years of experience and breaks down the ideal banking relationship.

Jenny encourages you to pursue the right bank and to create an honest, open relationship built on trust. The best banks do more than manage your money; they help you apply for loans, lines of credit, and funding. They keep your money safe and streamline your transactions.  

If your current bank is more of a hindrance than a help, break up with them and find a financial partner who will treat you right.

Tune in for a banker’s perspective on banking relationships, advances in modern banking, advice on finding the right banker, and tips on improving your banking relationship.

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• The state of the economy
• Key financial areas to watch for construction
• What to look for in a banking partner
• Programs and services banks offer
• SBA/PPP loans and the changing landscape of retail
• How to have a productive relationship with your bank
• The importance of community involvement
• Smaller banks adapting to new technology
• Banks tailoring service to best fit customers
• Strategies to increase employee retention

Send Jenny an email or give her a call

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While the construction industry isn’t alone in the labor shortage, some specific problems it faces are unique. 

First, finding people who want to work outside with their hands is difficult. Many potential workers choose college over the skilled trades, a trend that is beginning to change. 

Second, it’s also dealing with a multi-generational workforce. There are many factors to consider when integrating younger and older employees. Relationships are complex as new employees join the fold, older ones retire, and others work from home.

According to expert Dr. Melissa Furman, understanding these differences but focusing on the similarities between each generation is key to a happy, coherent workplace.  

Melissa’s passion for guiding people inspired her to launch Career Potential, where she helps individuals achieve and organizations succeed. She’s taking the construction industry by storm with her balanced approach to training.

In this episode, Melissa shares her advice for young leaders and older professionals and addresses one of today’s hot topics: remote work. She believes in giving younger professionals a chance to be innovative and ambitious but advises them to learn from the older employees.

The future of workplace relationships is going to be a turbulent one, at least for a while. The key to harmony is being open-minded, innovative, and comfortable working with chaos. 

Tune in to learn how to beat the labor shortage with an integrated workforce and make construction sexy again. 

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How can we create appeal for hands-on jobs?
• The importance of succession planning
• The multi-generational workplace
• Finding the right fit in the workforce
• Combining ambition and innovation with experience and work ethic
• Assessment tools for self-awareness
• Peeling back the onion on working from home
• Being flexible about flexibility
• Get over yourself, or you’ll sink your own ship
• Be patient, listen, and don’t make assumptions

Head to unlockcareerpotential.com to invest in your employees with Melissa’s training and guidance!

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn.

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At Construction Disruption, we’re always searching for innovative ideas worth sharing. Whether these take the form of new technologies, ideas, or processes, the future is bright.

In today’s episode, we interview Adam Mazzella, executive vice president of Sheffield Metals International, a family-owned business on the leading edge of metal roofing. Sheffield distributes bare and coated metal products and standing seam roofing from their five domestic locations.

Adam kicks off the interview by explaining his start in the metal roofing business. Then, he shares how Sheffield is constantly creating new solutions for homeowners to provide the best material, efficient assembly, and quality products. 

Metal roofing and manufacturing are continuing to grow, so partner with a manufacturer like Sheffield and play your part.

Listen in to find out!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The background of Sheffield Metals
• How Adam and his brother chose their different positions in the family business
• What are wire rope slings?
• Trends in leadership and management to look out for
• Sheffield Metal’s relationship with its customers
• Ways Sheffield Metals is speeding up installation
• Thoughts on solar thin film
• The issues with preassembly

Connect with Adam via LinkedIn!

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