The CADDle Call

The CADDle Call

By ZenTek ConsultantsTechnology
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The CADDle Call episodes

  • Geotechnical Workflows in Civil 3D & ArcGIS

    Geotechnical and subsurface work has long been one of the most challenging areas for civil engineers working in tools like Civil 3D, but that's changing fast.

    In this episode of the CADDle Call podcast, we talk with Michael Davidson from Esri and Devrez Karabacak, head of the GeoDin product team, to explore how these platforms are making underground data management and subsurface analysis more accessible for design professionals.

    Together, they cover how ArcGIS and GeoDin connect with Civil 3D to help engineers tackle the underground challenges that so often blow up budgets when reality hits in the field - including the core features of both platforms, real-world workflow integration, and where civil-GIS collaboration is headed next.

    Whether you're a site designer, survey professional, or civil engineer curious about geotechnical workflows, this episode gives you a practical look at the tools reshaping how the industry handles what's beneath the surface.


    47 min
  • AUGI in 2026: Growth, Community & Innovation in AEC

    In this episode of the CADDle Call Podcast, Eric DeLeon, President of AUGI, shares what’s new for 2026 - including updates to the AUGI community, AUGIWORLD magazine, the podcast, and AUGI CON.

    If you’re in the AEC industry this is your inside look at where the industry’s leading user community is headed next.


    34 min
  • AEC Tech Resources That Actually Help

    In this episode of The CADDle Call Podcast, Jim and Rocco break down the free construction and AEC technology resources ZenTek Consultants has built to help firms work smarter, not harder.

    They explore ZenTek’s Resource Center, industry blog, software tips & tricks, training events, and extensive YouTube library, all designed to help construction, engineering, and design-build teams improve workflows without adding more software or cost.

    If you’re looking to strengthen CAD management, estimating, project management, or overall construction technology adoption, this episode highlights where to find practical, real-world guidance that supports better decision-making and long-term growth.

    Perfect for owners, executives, and operations leaders in construction and AEC firms who want clarity, efficiency, and better use of the tools they already have.

    Check out all the Resources at https://zentekconsultants.net/ and click on "Resource Center".


    23 min
  • AI Can’t Be Trusted - Risks of AI in Construction & AEC

    We're kicking off Season 7 with a hot topic! In this episode of The CADDle Call Podcast, Jim and Rocco discuss why blindly trusting AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and Copilot is creating real risks in the construction and AEC industries. From biased data and paid results to the lack of accountability and human oversight, they explain why AI should be treated as a tool, and not a decision-maker, when project cost, safety, and schedules are on the line.

    24 min
  • Autodesk Assistant and AI

    As we wrap up Season 6 of The CADDle Call Podcast, we are joined by Tim Yarris, Senior Product Manager for Civil 3D at Autodesk, to discuss how Autodesk Assistant and AI are shaping real-world CAD and BIM workflows. We break down what Autodesk Assistant can do today, how AI fits directly inside tools like Civil 3D, and why these features are designed to support engineers, not replace them. A practical, no-hype conversation on AI’s role in modern design.

    33 min
  • Controlling Health Safety and Compliance in Construction

    In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Harvey from SiteDocs to reveal how construction teams are ditching paper, reducing risk, and staying audit-ready with smarter Health, Safety & Compliance (HSC) workflows.

    From custom digital forms to real-time dashboards and field-to-office connectivity, learn how SiteDocs helps contractors stay on top of safety documentation, before it becomes a liability.

    If your jobsite struggles with overdue forms, outdated processes, or inconsistent reporting, this episode shows how to fix it fast.

    Tune in to learn:

    • How SiteDocs streamlines safety paperwork

    • Why real-time reporting transforms decision-making

    • Scalable tools for contractors of any size

    57 min
  • Aging Out the Construction Workforce

    Discover why the construction industry is facing one of the most significant workforce challenges in decades. In this episode of The CADDle Call podcast, we sit down with Steve Hathaway, founder of Construction Software Solutions, to discuss why skilled workers are retiring faster than companies can replace them, how technology and AI can help fill the gap, and what construction firms can do right now to build resilience for the next decade.

    Packed with practical insights on workforce planning, digital tools, and industry-wide trends, this episode is a must-listen for contractors, project managers, and construction leaders looking to navigate the future of labor in the built environment.

    33 min
  • Real Contractor Results Using Bid Tracking Software

    In this episode of The CADDle Call Podcast, we’re talking with Corey Watson, Head Estimator at A.S. Jones & Co., about his real-world experience using ZenTek’s ZenBidTracker — the simple, powerful tool designed to help contractors and estimators manage bids, track wins and losses, and improve profitability.

    We sit down with Corey to uncover how ZenBidTracker has changed his estimating process, reduced time spent managing bid data, and even boosted win rates. You’ll hear:

    • The biggest challenges contractors face when tracking bids manually
    • How ZenBidTracker simplifies estimating and bid management
    • The key features that deliver the most day-to-day value
    • Honest feedback from a real user — the good and the bad
    • Advice for contractors still relying on spreadsheets or manual tracking


    If you’re a small to mid-size contractor, estimator, or project manager looking to streamline pre-construction workflows, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

    Learn more about ZenBidTracker at https://zentekconsultants.net/zenbidtracker/.


    30 min
  • Making Effective Use of Bluebeam

    We sit down with returning guest Todd Rogers, Senior Associate with Walter P. Moore, to discuss how engineering teams are using Bluebeam Revu for more than just markups. Learn how Bluebeam streamlines collaboration, integrates with Autodesk tools, and even replaces costly CAD seats. Discover real-world tips for improving design reviews, workflows, and communication across construction and engineering projects.

    34 min
  • Behind the Build: What it Takes to Develop a Construction App

    Ever wonder what it takes to build a construction-focused app from the ground up? In this episode, we sit down with ZenTek’s Senior Technical Specialist, Dan Coppinger, the mastermind behind ZenBidTracker, to talk about the magic behind software development in the construction world. From idea to interface, Dan shares how AI tools, workflow design, and real-world testing shaped this powerful new pre-construction tracking tool.

    32 min

About The CADDle Call

From the publisher's feed

Computer-Aided Design & Drafting meets humor and practicality, with a touch of business acumen thrown in for fun. Jim and Rocco, owners of ZenTek Consultants, the premiere U.S. technology consulting firm for the architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing industries discuss the fascinating world of CADD with some humor and honesty. Join them, and their industry-expert guests for CADD- focused tech and biz discussions. Learn more at https://zentekconsultants.net/.