Talk the TAUC

Ryan Posnikoff-From the Field to the Future: Bridging Labor and Tech in Megaprojects


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Why do most construction apps fail the eight-minute test for field workers?

Kirk Westwood sits down with Ryan Posnikoff, Vice President of Product Management at Contruent, who brings a unique dual perspective to construction technology. Starting as a union member with UA Local 488 in Edmonton following his father's footsteps, Ryan completed his apprenticeship in Alberta's oil and gas sector before overseeing major energy infrastructure megaprojects. Over 15 years, he evolved from boots-on-ground tradesperson to tech innovator, helping companies manage billions in capital through strategic data insights and purpose-built software. Ryan discusses bridging the gap between field workers and technology, emphasizing that "construction's biggest challenge is it's an information challenge." The conversation explores actionable data, digital trust, and what construction tech gets right and wrong.

Ryan Posnikoff brings over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career on jobsites overseeing massive oil and gas and energy infrastructure projects across Canada. His hands-on knowledge of field operations laid the foundation for his transition into construction technology, where he now works as a product leader helping organizations deliver complex megaprojects more efficiently. With deep expertise in aligning field needs with digital tools, Ryan is passionate about bridging the gap between boots-on-the-ground realities and cutting-edge innovation.

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Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects. 


Discussion points:

  • (00:00) Ryan’s path from union tradesperson to tech executive at Contruent
  • (05:04) Transitioning from field operations to technology and strategy roles
  • (12:24) What actionable data really looks like for different construction roles
  • (20:33) How successful products are built and common mistakes in construction tech
  • (28:59) Getting buy-in from skilled labor and building digital trust on job sites
  • (36:58) Ryan defines what success looks like for construction technology solutions
  • Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!
  • Resources:

    Contruent
    UA Local 488 Edmonton
    TAUC Website
    Kirk Westwood TAUC
    The Construction User Magazine back issues
    The Construction User podcast past epsidoes

    ...more
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    Talk the TAUCBy Kirk Westwood