The ConTechCrew

EPISODE 431: Have you ever wondered if robots are quietly replacing jobs across industries like construction, shipping, manufacturing, or even tech?

In this week’s special episode of The ConTech Crew, we team up with our friends at The Construction Dorks Podcast for a deep dive into the shrinking SaaS market and the rise of automation.

Industry experts Jonathan Marsh, Trent Leinenbach, and Travis Voss discuss why companies are reconsidering their software strategies, whether robots should be taxed for taking jobs, if automation costs more than it creates, and more.

Curious about the future of work and how companies navigate these technological advancements? Listen in to hear more!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

The decline in SaaS subscriptions (02:10)

Evolution of software deployment (04:16)

How US manufacturers could benefit from a robot tax (14:00)

Robots vs machines: what’s the difference? (18:10)

The bigger impact of losing jobs to robots (20:05)

The 3-day US dock worker’s strike (25:01)

Balancing automation and workforce upskilling (28:30)

The truth about automation (35:51)

Episode wrap-up (37:51)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe/

Follow Trent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-466018177/

Follow Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/

Check out Construction Dorks for more information: https://www.constructiondorks.com/

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 430: Are you looking to design a software solution that perfectly fits your construction business needs?

In this week’s episode, we dive into how EllisDon, a Canadian-based construction leader, has quietly developed its own digital tools to streamline operations and maximize efficiency.

To give us an in-depth look at how EllisDon does it, we’re joined today by Samantha Erlich, Director of Product, and Kersti Nurka, UX Manager, who both represent the software development arm of EllisDon Corporation.

Today, they share their journey of developing in-house technology, from the early days of accounting software to today’s sophisticated project management tool, Gate Three.

Samantha and Kersti explain how they balance design, development, and user feedback to create intuitive and effective solutions.

We also explore EllisDon’s expansion into offering digital services to other construction companies, plus their plans to revolutionize the industry.

Let’s jump right into it!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Samantha Erlich and Kersti Nurka of EllisDon (01:57)

How EllisDon started investing in tech solutions (05:51)

The crucial role of an in-house UX developer (10:37)

EllisDon’s software development process (15:26)

The Design Sprints concept explained (21:28)

Upskilling tech developers to understand construction (24:02)

Skillsets required to build a fully integrated construction tool (26:25)

How QAs are done for construction software (29:54)

Justifying EllisDon’s big investment in tech development (34:06)

The future of the power of data (39:31)

Episode wrap-up (45:18)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Samantha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-erlich-229b5954/

Follow Kersti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kersti-nurka-008021b0/

Visit EllisDon for more information: https://www.ellisdon.com/

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 429: Have you ever been knee-deep in a project, only to discover you’ve missed a crucial building code? It’s frustrating and costly, right? 

What if you could avoid those mistakes with just a few clicks?

Meet Scott Reynolds, co-founder & CEO of UpCodes, who’s leading a revolution in construction by providing open access to building codes through an online platform.

In this episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Scott to discuss the critical role building codes play in construction and how the Pro Codes Act–a bill that could privatize access to codes–threatens this.

Scott explains how limited access to these codes could impact not just the construction industry but the rest of society. He also dives into how some organizations are profiting from these codes, why the Pro Codes Act could hinder innovation, how to leverage AI technology for code compliance, and more.

Want to learn how codes affect your work and what you can do to protect it from its threat?

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

What is UpCodes and how it all started (01:37)

Challenges faced by architects in understanding building codes (03:09)

Differences in codes between the U.S. and Hong Kong (04:45)

How are GCs and trades interacting with UpCodes (06:24)

The legal battle for free and open access to building codes (08:55)

How other organizations are making money off building codes (12:22)

The Pro Codes Act and its implications for the industry (17:34)

Utilizing AI technology in code compliance (20:38)

How limited access to codes can hinder innovation (24:40)

Keep up with Scott and his work at UpCodes (40:45)

Construction technology news of the week (41:22)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-reynolds/

Check out UpCodes to learn more: https://up.codes/

Help keep the law free by opposing the Pro Codes Act: https://up.codes/pro-codes-act

— 

See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️Denver Mayor Mike Johnston claims city exceeded goal to reduce permitting time by 30%

https://denvergazette.com/news/denver-mayor-cut-permitting-time/article_2d3c8c8e-448c-11ef-a66e-1720a606608d.html

➡️GreenLite Raises $28.5 Million Series A to Streamline Construction

Permitting with Tech-Driven Solutions

https://www.siliconhillsnews.com/2024/09/22/greenlite-raises-28-5-million-series-a-to-streamline-construction-permitting-with-tech-driven-solutions/

➡️Amazon's return-to-office mandate could boost downtown Seattle's recovery

https://queenannenews.com/news/2024/sep/24/amazons-return-to-office-mandate-could-boost-downtown-seattles-recovery/

➡️Amazon’s new office-only work policy is sure to backfire

https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/4885672-amazon-return-office-controversy/

➡️PwC tells UK staff it will monitor office attendance

https://www.ft.com/content/11ccedba-f120-4dd2-a98f-19e8b59d7764

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 428: Ever dreamed of ditching the headaches of managing your construction crew to focus on what you do best–building? Today’s guest has the perfect solution to your problem.

In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Lou Perez, a former pro snowboarder turned tech entrepreneur.

Lou shares his story of transitioning from pro snowboarding to carpentry and ultimately co-founding Lumber, an AI-powered workforce management platform built specifically for the construction industry.

With features like automated time tracking, payroll,  and scheduling, Lumber removes the tedious manual processes that can slow your business down.

Find out more how you can leverage Lumber to transform your construction operations into a well-oiled machine.

Let’s jump right in!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

From pro snowboarding to carpentry (01:32)

Lou’s construction tech journey and the creation of Lumber (07:05)

How Lumber solves time tracking and payroll issues (10:02)

AI-driven scheduling and compliance management (16:19)

The power of consultative sales and customer-centric strategies (21:25)

How Lumber is helping solve labor shortages (24:43)

Connect with Lou and Lumber (31:59)

Construction technology news of the week (33:19)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Lou Perez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loujperez23/

Subscribe to the Builder Upper Show: https://www.lumberfi.com/the-builder-upper-show

Visit Lumber’s website for more information: https://www.lumberfi.com/

— 

See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️Boosting Contractor Profits Through Better Coordination on Construction Sites

https://www.constructionowners.com/news/boosting-contractor-profits-through-better-coordination-on-construction-sites

➡️Hype responsibly: Why ‘AI washing’ can get companies in trouble

https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2024/09/04/ai-washing-trouble

➡️Tony Robbins | 5 Things All Great Leaders Do

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tony-robbins-5-things-all-great-leaders-do-tony-robbins-txrsc/

➡️New Website for construction news

https://www.constructionowners.com/

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 427: Digital twin has become a buzzword–but what does it really mean?

In this episode, my co-host, Tannis Liviniuk, and I sit down with Dylan Underhill, a BIM and VDC consultant at Trillium Advisory Group, to break down the concept of digital twins. 

Today, we’ll explore how digital twins function more as a workflow and methodology, the best strategies in building a digital twin, and the challenges of bridging the generational gap in construction–especially when it comes to adopting new technology.

Plus, we cover common myths around digital twinning, the impact of AI, and more.

Ready to see how digital twins can transform your next construction project?

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

Dylan Underhill‘s journey into construction (02:31)

The link between video gaming and a career in construction (05:55)

Key people who shaped Dylan’s career (08:43)

The unconventional career opportunities in construction (11:22)

Connecting BIM and VDC to the built word (15:02)

What is a digital twin? (24:23)

How to make a digital twin process work (29:38)

Digital twin in construction and asset management (34:26)

Who benefits the most from digital twin (38:44)

Challenges of implementing digital twinning (43:41)

Impact of AI on digital twinning (46:05)

Digital twin myths debunked (49:01)

Construction technology news of the week (50:56)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Connect with Dylan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanunderhill/

Visit Trillium Advisory Group for more information: https://www.trilliumgroup.io/

— 

See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️Construction Tech Providers May Be Overlooking Their Most Important Users

https://www.geoweeknews.com/blogs/construction-technology-ai-artificial-intelligence-workers-bluebeam

➡️AI and ROI: An Either/Or Scenario?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-roi-eitheror-scenario-robert-ioanna-w7gge/

➡️2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey: Living and working with purpose in a transforming world

https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/at/Documents/presse/at-deloitte-global-gen-z-millennial-survey-gesamte-studie.pdf

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 426: Research shows that 13% of a construction professional’s workday is spent looking for information that they need to do their jobs. Let that sink in. But is technology alone the answer to this crisis?

In this week’s special episode, live from The ECC Future Leaders Conference, I’m joined by industry experts Tannis Liviniuk and Nathan Wood to discuss the ongoing challenges in construction communication and collaboration.

We’ll dive into how construction teams are often bogged down by using too many platforms, leading to inefficiencies and data loss.

We also tackle the importance of culture and process alignment, why owners need to understand their tech stack, the most impactful technologies to date, and more.

Don’t miss out–tune in now!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

Project collaboration and communication defined (02:09)

Challenges of using multiple communication systems (07:10)

Most impactful and widely-adopted tech to date (14:39)

How to fix communication and collaboration issues (17:47)

Addressing labor shortages in construction (19:43)

Why owners and leaders need to understand their tech stack (27:40)

The future of contracts (33:38) 

Importance of flexible tech ecosystems (39:55)

Standardization in construction tech (44:29)

Episode wrap-up (50:12)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Tannis Liviniuk on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannisliviniuk/

Follow Nathan Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 425: Whether it’s misplaced cards or redundant training, managing construction credentials can feel like a full-time job–but not anymore with BuilderFax.

In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Christi Pilutik, CEO of BuilderFax, to talk about her mission to change how craft workers manage their credentials and career growth.

With a solid background in HR and construction consulting, Christi shares her insights on the current state of the industry’s workforce and how BuilderFax, an all-in-one credential management platform, provides career growth solutions to the industry.

If you’re looking to learn how to improve craft workers’ experience and help them take control of their careers, this episode is a must-listen.

Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

Christi Pilutik’s construction journey (01:30)

How BuilderFax is transforming construction (05:36) 

Career development made easier (11:40)

How BuilderFax verifies user profiles and credentials (14:59)

Standardizing credentialing across the industry (22:08)

Professionalizing construction careers (25:08)

Improving construction safety using BuilderFax (33:59)

Keep up with Christi and BuilderFax (37:52)

Construction technology news of the week (39:28)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Christi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christipilutik/

Visit BuilderFax for more information: https://builderfax.com/

— 

See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️Integrated Data Ecosystems Could Transform the Construction Industry

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/08/16/integrated-data-ecosystems-could-transform-the-construction-industry/

➡️National Public Data Admits Hackers Stole Social Security Numbers in Massive Breach Reportedly Affecting Nearly All Americans

https://nypost.com/2024/08/19/business/national-public-data-admits-hackers-stole-social-security-numbers/

➡️Why the Construction Industry Must Climb Out of Its Productivity Rut—and Why it Hasn’t Yet.

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/delivering-on-construction-productivity-is-no-longer-optional

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 424: Mental health in construction isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. But how do we empower the industry, especially its leaders, to talk about it openly?

In this week’s Pause for the Cause episode with co-host Rob McKinney, we interview Paul Lawson, Risk Management Coordinator and Lead Mental Health Advocate at Mid-City Electric/Technologies, to explore his unique path from ministry to construction.

Paul shares how his background as a pastor and two-time cancer survivor motivated him to address the growing need for mental health advocacy in the industry.

Today, you’ll learn about the Blueprints for Well-Being initiative, the importance of proactive mental health programs, and how vulnerability can transform a challenging workplace culture like construction.

Ready to bring this life-saving approach to your workplace?

Tune in now to learn more!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Paul Lawson (02:42)

From pastor and cancer survivor to well-being advocate (06:29)

Building an army of well-being advocates in construction (18:23)

Launching Builders Exchange’s Blueprints for Well-Being program (25:13)

Importance of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (33:07)

Start with a why and lead with vulnerability (39:07)

Advice for companies looking to start mental health programs (44:12)

Keep up with Paul and his works (46:08)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Reach out to Paul by emailing him at: [email protected]

Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paullawsonhelps/

Visit Mid-City Electric/technologies for more information: https://www.midcityelectric.com/

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 423: How ready is your construction business for the future? If you haven’t thought about AI and automation yet, you could be missing out on something big!

In this week’s episode of The ConTech Crew, my co-host Travis Voss and I sit down with Aaron Hilger, CEO of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and Carol Duncan, President of General Sheet Metal and SMACNA, to discuss the evolving landscape of the construction industry.

This conversation dives into the importance of adopting new technologies like AI and automation in construction to stay competitive, manage labor shortages, and improve efficiency. 

We explore how industry associations like SMACNA can play a pivotal role in mentoring and collaboration, the significance of peer learning, and more.

Curious how you can future-proof your business?

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

What is SMACNA and its impact on the industry (03:17)

AI’s potential to revolutionize construction operations (10:01)

Leveraging technology to address labor shortage issue (19:30)

How SMACNA supports small to mid-sized businesses (26:21)

What it’s like planning the SMACNA convention (29:14)

Why contractors learn best from their peers (32:01)

What sets SMACNA events apart (36:30)

SMACNA’s impact on contractor members (38:15)

Succession planning and employee ownership (ESOP) (46:10)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Aaron Hilger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhilger/

Follow Carol Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-duncan-31630710/

Follow Travis Voss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/

Visit SMACNA for more information: https://www.smacna.org/

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 422: How reliant are digital technologies in improving construction safety? 

In this week’s episode of The ConTech Crew, my co-host Rob McKinney and I sit down with Gabe Guetta, CEO and co-founder of SALUS, a young SaaS company specializing in construction safety.

Gabe spent 15 years in construction, dealing with the challenges and stigmas that come with it. But when a near-miss job site incident occured, he realized there was a critical gap in how safety was managed in the industry.

Today, he’s here to share what that critical gap is, the evolution of safety practices in the industry, how to gain buy-in, especially from field workers, and why adapting technology that matches real-world construction workflows is key to success. 

Listen now to see how technology is driving a safer, smarter construction job site.

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

Gabe’s construction journey (03:44)

How a near-miss incident led to a safety solution (06:50)

The complexity of safety in construction (09:02)

Getting field-level workers to adopt safety technologies (11:16)

Adapting tech to real-world construction workflows (23:13)

Companies using SALUS safety solutions (32:34)

Breaking barriers and anchoring safety with why (37:34)

Overcoming stigma in construction safety (48:13)

Construction technology news of the week (50:15)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Gabe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabeguetta/

Check out SALUS Safety for more information: https://salussafety.io/

— 

See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️ 3D-printing firm achieves world's first with next-gen construction technology

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/3d-printing-firm-achieves-worlds-010000501.html

➡️ Inflation, rising costs, difficulties accessing finance. How construction SME’s can overcome challenges

https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/digital-construction-news/construction-technology-news/inflation-rising-costs-difficulties-accessing-finance-construction-smes-overcome-challenges/141701/

➡️ RockYou2024 leak of 10 billion passwords could present major threats

https://www.itbrew.com/stories/2024/07/12/password-leak-exposes-10-billion-passwords

➡️ New initiative seeks innovations to streamline NYC’s building process

https://www.constructiondive.com/news/new-york-city-building-construction-lab/720900/

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!