The Construction Cafe

Think of construction like LEGO—but for real-world housing solutions. In this episode with Candice Delamarre of Kit Switch we explore how prefabricated, modular interiors are shaking up the industry, making renovation and new builds faster, more efficient, and more sustainable. From a startup born at Stanford to tackling the housing crisis with a kit-of-parts approach, we dive into the journey of innovating in a traditional field. Plus, we talk about breaking into construction as a woman, finding mentors in unexpected places, and why trade workers might just be your best startup advisors. #WICWEEK2025

Bridging the gap between design and construction takes creativity, communication, and a whole lot of problem-solving—just ask Eva Talbot. With a career that’s taken her from architecture to modular construction to tackling inefficiencies in building, Eva brings a unique perspective on how the industry can evolve. She shares hard-earned lessons from the startup world, why thinking differently is key to progress, and how collaboration can drive real change. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and explore the future of construction, this episode is for you! #WICWEEK2025

Startups, risk, and shaking up the status quo—Rose Hall knows how to make things happen. From navigating the worlds of construction and insurance to helping startups refine their ideas, she’s all about turning uncertainty into opportunity. In this episode, she shares how bridging the gap between contractors, insurers, and innovators leads to real industry change. Plus, we dive into the power of mentorship, why embracing risk is key to growth, and how to make an impact in construction without playing it safe. #WICWEEK2025

Renée Powers has done it all—from concrete construction to shaping minds as a global facilitator at DPR Construction. She joins Tristen Magallanes to share her journey, the game-changing power of mentorship, and how small acts of advocacy make a big impact. From navigating a male-dominated industry to building a more inclusive future, Renée dives into allyship, leadership, and why lifting others up is the real foundation of success. Tune in for an inspiring, no-nonsense conversation on breaking barriers and making construction better for everyone! #WICWEEK2025

In this episode of The Construction Café, we’re rolling into the world of heavy equipment with operator and industry advocate Brenna Moore. From commanding dozers to competing in the National Equipment League, Brenna shares her journey of breaking stereotypes, balancing motherhood, and proving that precision and power go hand in hand. She also dives into the importance of mentorship, pay equity in the trades, and encouraging the next generation to build their future—one bucket at a time. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about grit, growth, and moving more than just dirt! #WICWEEK2025

In this episode of The Construction Cafe, we sit down with Dafna Kaplan, founder of Cassette, to talk about her unconventional journey from social work and global branding to the world of modular construction. From working with architects to betting on herself as a startup founder, Dafna shares how prefabrication is reshaping the industry and why women are leading the charge in this new era of building. We discuss leadership lessons from the legendary Paul Matt, the power of failure, and why construction’s future isn’t just about what we build—it’s about who we build it for. #WICWEEK2025

Harriet Ingham of Holmes Solutions, a recovering structural engineer, shares her journey from New Zealand to the U.S., blending engineering, R&D, and big ideas. From testing seismic anchors to revolutionizing mass timber connections, she proves that breaking the mold leads to real innovation. We dive into problem-solving in construction, why bad ideas spark genius, and how embracing your strengths can shape your career. Plus, the power of mentorship, and why crying out of frustration might just be a leadership superpower. #WICWEEK205

In this episode of The Construction Café, Tristen Magallanes is joined by Chloe Smith, founder of Mercator.ai, to explore how AI and data are transforming business development in construction. Chloe shares her unconventional path into the industry, the challenges of being an outsider, and how fresh ideas can drive innovation. They also discuss shifting industry mindsets, the role of technology in opening new opportunities, and what the future holds for construction. #WICWEEK2025

In this episode of The Construction Café, Tristen Magallanes sits down with Margie O’Driscoll to explore her dynamic career at the intersection of construction, design, and policy. From pulling wire on job sites as a young girl to shaping building codes and influencing global reconstruction efforts, Margie shares how her experiences have fueled her passion for creating equitable opportunities in construction. They discuss the urgent need for workforce expansion, the importance of visibility in attracting women to the field, and how small shifts—like inclusive marketing—can create lasting industry change. #WICWEEK2025

Just when you thought The Leadership Blend series was over, we’re back with a bonus episode! Tristen Magallanes and Scott Brown welcome construction safety leader and Navy veteran Shawn Love for a conversation on leadership, accountability, and culture in construction. Shawn shares his journey from the military to the jobsite, the challenges of leading safety in an industry resistant to change, and how building trust transforms teams. From emotional intelligence to calling out bad practices (with humor and respect), this episode is packed with real talk, leadership lessons, and a few laughs.