The ConTechCrew

🏗️ Learn more at http://thecontechcrew.com

In today’s episode, we are very lucky to be joined by Tyler Campbell from Storybuilder Creative!

Tyler has a background in the construction industry and has been surrounded by it his whole life. His family owned a business which he went into.

Eventually, he decided that he wanted to do his own thing and so set about solving the gaps in the labor market in the construction industry.

Now, Storybuilder Creative helps contractors to attract the right people and sell more work, and are on a mission to make trade skills look as appealing as possible.

Key Takeaways:

Intro (00:00)
What makes Tyler so passionate (11:58)
On stories (15:05)
Attracting new talent (22:03)
Building a marketing team (27:15)
On the next generation (40:11)
Fixing cultural problems (52:36)

Additional Resources ⬇️


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

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

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Check out the work Story Builder Creative do: https://www.storybuildercreative.com/

Check out Tyler on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerscottcampbell/

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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!

🏗️ Learn more at http://thecontechcrew.com

In this week’s show, we are very lucky to be joined by Stephen Poppe from Hitt Contracting!

Stephen made the common career path of moving from construction to tech and back again, and today he’s here to tell us why he’s moved and what he’s learned in the process.

After coming out of college, Stephen was sure that finance was the best route for him, but after a short stint in banking, he realized it wasn’t for him.

A few years later, he got his teeth stuck into construction and fell in love with the tangibility of solving difficult problems.

But after seeing the gaps that existed in the technology used to work on these projects, Stephen’s career took another twist, where he began to look at technology from a more holistic lens.

In today’s episode, we sit down to discuss the switches he’s made in his career, what the future holds for the industry, as well as round up all the latest news of the week.
Make sure to check it out!

Key Takeaways:

Intro (00:00)
Stephen’s experience in the industry (04:52)
What is holding our industry back? (15:10)
Is M&A a sign of maturity in the industry? (20:07)
On Gen Z (31:11)
News round-up of the week (42:30)
Episode wrap-up (01:09:28)


Additional Resources ⬇️

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

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

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See more about Hitt here: https://www.hitt.com/

Check Stephen out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenpoppe/

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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️ Microsoft Bing AI Chatbot having disturbing conversations with users, explained: https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/microsoft-bing-ai-chatbot-disturbing-nyt-explained

➡️ Labor shortages, and inflation vex civil contractors, but optimism remains: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/labor-shortages-slow-infrastructure-funding-dog-civil-contractors-dodge/642744/

➡️ How a theatre background helped set the stage for a career in construction: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/how-a-theater-background-helped-set-the-stage-for-a-career-in-construction/642776/

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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!

🏗️ Learn more at http://thecontechcrew.com

In today’s episode, we are joined by Mike Marshall from Kinsol Timber to discuss how he has built his own timber business and what he hopes to achieve with it.

Mike’s CV boasts over 20 years of experience spanning all aspects of the timber industry, from manufacturing work all the way to marketing and management.

Mike has even been involved in some of the most innovative Timber structures in Canada and has led countless other innovative timber structures.

In today’s episode, we discuss how Mike got into the timber business, how we can design for constructability, the challenges of building with timber, as well as a round-up of all the latest construction news in the last week.

Make sure to check it out!

Key Takeaways:

Intro (00:00)
What is mass timber? (11:12)
Is mass timber taking its place at the table? (19:16)
Mike’s role (25:15)
Designing for constructability (31:07)
The challenges of timber (40:12)
Are robots taking our jobs? (56:59)
Weekly news round-up (1:00:50)
Episode wrap-up (1:27:35)

Additional Resources ⬇️

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

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

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See more about Kinsol Timber here: https://www.kinsoltimber.com/

Check out Mike on Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/michael-marshall-00368420

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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️ Construction labor gap tops 500k: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-worker-demand-over-half-million/642710/

➡️ How PlantD aims to carbonize new buildings: https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/16/pass-the-grass-how-plantd-aims-to-decarbonize-new-buildings/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABFuFdSS5QC_g-D9K0w71OAGeKzT35sFbdbLnZEJUqG9PdvJvInRNg7HlhwEB5mGPvwnoNgf5NGrEA4IWN0q8G-v_oXvzVEWxuP83D_kZZggp91gG4TO5djwqa0vGzfIxNMyxT1EL0ZtoXXnIJW0eyh9JzRr-KWvqx2UVdzTPA7T

➡️ Decisions, not data, should drive analytics programs: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/decisions-not-data-should-drive-analytics-programs?utm_source=mitsloanlinkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=decisiondriven

➡️ Why 3D printing is still flat in commercial construction: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/why-3d-printing-still-flat-commercial-construction/641731/

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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!

🏗️ Learn more at http://thecontechcrew.com

In today’s episode, we are going to be discussing this ultra-fascinating robotics company that has created a unique solution to environmental waste and to the power of reclaimed wood.

We’re joined by Eric Law, who is the co-founder and CEO of Urban Machine. Urban Machine is leveraging the latest AI and robotic technologies to convert 37M tons of wood waste into $18 billion worth of locally sourced lumber products each year.

Eric has more than 20 years' worth of experience in the industry, between contracting, technology, and even marrying the two together.

He’s done everything from working on large, civil contractors to having one software company which he sold in 2015.

In today’s episode, we discuss what Eric is trying to achieve with Urban Machine, his inspirations, the targets that he has set out, as well as a round-up of all the latest construction news.

We’re also going to be joined by Jorie, the marketing manager of Urban Machine, and Jonathan Marsh, the founder and CEO of Steel Toe Consulting.

Key Takeaways:

Intro (00:00)
Eric’s background (07:03)
What is Urban Machine doing? (13:04)
How the process works (21:03)
Reclaiming history (27:18)
What’s next? (35:34)
Round up of the latest news (46:50)
Episode wrap-up (1:09:31)

Additional Resources ⬇️

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

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

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Check out the work Urban Machine do: https://urbanmachine.build/

Check out Eric on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-law-innovation/

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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️ This Shape-Shifting Robot Can Liquefy Itself and Reform: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-shape-shifting-robot-can-liquefy-itself-and-reform-180981515/

➡️ Federal regulators tell Amazon that the gamification of its warehouses contributes to a high risk of serious injury: https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-cited-osha-warehouse-work-Gamification-high-risk-serious-injury-2023-2

➡️ Apple HomePod 2 speaker aims to connect to devices no matter who makes them: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/tech/2023/02/03/apple-homepod-samsung-smart-speaker-smart-home-matter/11148397002/

➡️ Decisions, not data, should drive analytics programs: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/decisions-not-data-should-drive-analytics-programs

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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!

🏗️ Learn more at http://thecontechcrew.com

In today’s episode, we are joined by Nicole Sanchez, Nicole is the Director of Project Development at CW Driver Companies, where she has directed innovative and high-profile construction projects.

Nicole has more than 20 years of cross-industry leadership experience, supporting Southern California’s most innovative projects over the last decade.

On top of that, Nicole shares her thoughts with other industry leaders through her own podcast, ‘The Construction Influencer’, and is the author of ‘17 Undeniable Traits of Leaders in Construction.'

Nicole also prioritizes giving back to the community; she is the founder of The Bella Foundation, a non-profit committed to helping victims of domestic abuse recover and make progress towards a brighter future.

In today’s episode, we discuss the importance of leadership, keeping a happy team, and how to have difficult conversations, as well as rounding up all the latest tech news of the week.

Key Takeaways:

Intro (00:00)
Being a leader at home vs. business (06:28)
Leading with compassion (11:39)
Why team morale is important (19:03)
How to have difficult conversations (28:08)
What to do when you don’t have great leaders (39:06)
The importance of humility (46:06)
News round-up of the week (59:45)

Additional Resources ⬇️


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

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

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Check out CW Driver here: https://www.cwdriver.com/

Check out Nicole’s Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerayesanchez/

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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️ Why IP is not the answer for innovation in construction: https://leanipd.com/blog/why-ip-is-not-the-answer-for-innovation-in-construction/

➡️ OpenAI, with pilots underway, tries to help organizations identify AI-generated text: https://www.ciodive.com/news/OpenAI-ChatGPT-Turnitin-AI-misuse/641795/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202023-02-02%20CIO%20Dive%20%5Bissue:47760%5D&utm_term=CIO%20Dive

➡️ Recession watch: Why the next one will be different: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/2023-outlook-economists-expect-recession-contractors-re/640564/

➡️ 2023 begins with positive momentum for construction: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/2023-begins-with-positive-momentum-for-construction/641186/

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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!

🏗️ Learn more at http://thecontechcrew.com

In today’s episode, we are very lucky to be joined by Jeff Peterson!

Jeff has over 16 years of experience in managing construction projects and now spends most of his time developing programs and technologies to drive development in our industry.

Jeff gave a fantastic presentation at MEP innovation on the true power of APIs and how we can use them. Jeff also happens to be a long-time listener of the show and has a burning passion for the tech and construction industry, even going as far as to claim that he wanted to be an engineer from the day he learned what it meant.

In today's episode, we discuss new technologies, APIs and what’s coming in the future of our industry, make sure to check it out!


Key Takeaways:

Intro (00:00)
Jeff’s backstory (05:03)
Getting started in a trade (10:47)
What is Jeff’s role? (20:44)
Taking charge of technology (24:26)
The limitations of APIs (32:44)
Having all your information in one place (38:15)
Jeff on MEP Innovations (49:07)

Additional Resources ⬇️

Check Jeff out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-peterson-474a73177/

Check Sean out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mcguire-262a7813/

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

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

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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!

🏗️ Learn more at http://thecontechcrew.com

In today’s episode, we are joined by Chris Heger and Salla Eckhardt to discuss the owner's perspective and the changing landscape that we are seeing in the market now.

Chris is a respected builder with 33 years of experience specializing in healthcare, biopharmaceutical, and large, high-tech campuses.

Salla has been at the forefront of the change in the built environment industry for the last 20 years. She has experience working for huge organizations like Microsoft and is a renowned leader in the construction industry.

In today’s episode, we discuss the changing landscape of the market, including having an owner’s perspective and the importance of a team.

Make sure to check it out!

Key Takeaways:

Intro (00:00)
Chris’ background (07:11)
What does 'selling an experience' mean? (11:13)
What’s changing from an owner’s perspective? (16:40)
Predicting the future (21:07)
How the end product has changed for all of us (33:17)
Final thoughts (48:42)

Additional Resources ⬇️

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

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

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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!

🏗️ Learn more at http://thecontechcrew.com

In today’s episode of The ConTech Crew, we’re going to be discussing the human aspect of technology with someone who knows more about it than anyone else, Adam McKertcher.

Adam did a Bachelor of Commerce degree in accounting, and as he worked in that space, he noticed that so many of the problems people faced were technical or administrative and not dealing with the human aspect of the industry.

Adam decided to pivot and did a master's degree in industrial design. He hopped into a design studio for a bit but hated the work before starting his own company doing web design.

Now, Adam works for Graham, where he leads a team of developers and analysts to build solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the industry.

In today’s episode, we discuss the intersection of people, business, and technology.
Make sure to check it out!

Key Takeaways:

Intro (00:00)
How Adam got started in construction (04:31)
Adam’s Venn Diagram (08:43)
Meeting people where they are at (12:33)
Getting feedback from your team (29:42)
Empowering people to pivot (39:52)
The challenge of meeting people where they are (55:18)
Adam’s first wish for every job site (1:02:28)
Weekly news round-up (1:07:25)

Additional Resources ⬇️

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

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

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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!

🏗️ Learn more at http://thecontechcrew.com

Want to learn how you can be your own hero and develop your career in construction while still having time with the people you love? That’s what we’re going to be discussing today with Felipe Engineer-Manriquez.

Felipe is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and host of the EBFC Show.

Not only that, but Felipe is a proven construction change-maker, working with billion-dollar projects and companies nationwide to implement Lean and Agile practices. Felipe’s practices help businesses work twice as fast with half the effort.

Felipe is also a Registered Scum Trainer™ (RST), Registered Scrum Master™ (RSM) and enables this kind of organizational change through his book, “Construction Scrum.”

In today’s episode, we sit down to discuss work/life balance in construction, developing new ideas, and the future of our industry.

Make sure to check it out!

Key Takeaways:

Intro (00:00)
Suicide prevention in the industry (01:41)
Jeff’s background in the industry (10:47)
Working in flow (17:16)
Respect for people vs. continuous improvement (26:29)
Hanging onto ideas (36:17)
Nathan’s 3-step solution to problem-solving (53:47)
This week’s news round-up (1:05:05)

Additional Resources ⬇️

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

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

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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!

🏗️ Learn more at http://thecontechcrew.com

Are you ready for a revolution in the construction industry? Tune in to this week's episode of The ConTech Crew for a unique interview with Nate Fuller, founder of Placer Solutions.

As a former construction professional turned innovator, Nate brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked on large projects across the globe and even helping to form the Office of Innovation at Bechtel.

But now, he's taking his expertise to the next level with Placer Solutions, offering a unique people mapping solution for construction companies. Nate partners with clients to improve engagement, agility, and productivity in the field, using a data-driven approach to understand their specific needs.

In this episode, Nate joins us to discuss a field-first approach to shaping the AECO future, the platform effect, thinking on our feet, industrial espionage, and more.

Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in construction innovation.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

Nathan & Nate show (intro) (00:00)
What is Open Space? (03:34)
Nate Fuller - a man who brings innovations to the construction industry (04:41)
Extremely innovative things Nate is on right now (11:20)
Example of different personas and sub-networks (16:47)
How Nate teaches and drives change in an organization (20:07)
Handling internal and external barriers (30:28)
Where the AEC industry is going (34:51)
Where you can learn more about Nate (42:56)
Why is there an overwhelming number of apps deployed at the corporate level? (45:35)
US survey foot is dead (48:48)
Industrial espionage - how China sneaks out America's technology secrets (50:21)
Apple unveils the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips (53:38)

Additional Resources ⬇️

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

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

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Connect with Nate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-fuller/

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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!