In this episode of The ConTech Crew, the host Jeff Sample talks with Jonathan Marsh to reflect on their recent experiences at the 2025 MCAA Fabrication Conference. They discuss key takeaways from the event, including industry shifts in prefabrication, innovation in service and maintenance strategies, and the accelerating influence of AI and robotics on construction. With their trademark insight and candor, Jeff and Jonathan paint a dynamic picture of a rapidly evolving construction landscape.

Jonathan Marsh is a respected construction technologist and thought leader known for driving digital transformation in the MEP space. He brings practical experience and sharp industry analysis, making him a regular voice on The ConTech Crew.

Key Takeaways

• Why more contractors are sending new people to MCAA Fab and what that means for industry engagement.
• How Binsky and other innovators are pushing prefab practices closer to manufacturing standards.
• The role of innovation hubs like Conovate and Duggan Innovative Solutions in enabling transformation.
• The impact of AI and robotics in fabrication and how digital dexterity is progressing.
• Why the future of construction lies in choosing your lane, whether it's manufacturing, installation, or service, and owning it.

Timestamps

[00:00] - Episode Introduction

[02:08] - Polling the Room: Data from the Fab Floor

[03:52] - Innovation in Action: Binsky's Prefab Strategy

[05:55] - Key Takeaways From The Event

[07:57] - Disparities in Market Demand & the Labor Crisis

[13:06] - Remote Work, AI, and Post-COVID Collaboration Shifts

[17:12] - Adapting to Market Changes: Maintenance as a Growth Area

[22:59] - Technology Consulting & Monetizing Innovation

[28:33] - News Segment: Modular LNG Refineries & Robotics

[37:29] - Leadership Shift: Procore Names New CEO

Follow Jonathan Marsh & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe 
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-toe-consulting-llc/ 
• Website: https://www.steeltoeconsulting.com/ 

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, the hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood chat with Or Lakritz. Or shares the journey of StructShare, from its inception to its recent acquisition by Trimble. They discuss how this acquisition is reshaping procurement in the construction industry, the role of AI in construction technology, and how contractors and founders can innovate and solve real problems within the industry.

Or Lakritz is the Co-founder of StructShare, a digital procurement platform built to solve procurement inefficiencies for contractors. Or has recently moved to Boulder, Colorado, after StructShare was acquired by Trimble. In this episode, he shares his entrepreneurial journey, the reasons behind the acquisition, and how Trimble’s platform is evolving to connect the digital and physical world in construction.

Key Takeaways

• How StructShare streamlines procurement processes through digital solutions.
• Insights on why StructShare was acquired by Trimble and what it means for the company's future.
• How the construction tech landscape is shifting, with large players like Trimble, Procore, and Autodesk dominating.
• The evolution of procurement technology and how AI is enabling companies to solve complex problems.
• How contractors can begin to digitize simple workflows to improve efficiency.
• The importance of focusing on specific problems in the early stages of a startup.

Timestamps

[00:00] - Episode Introduction

[00:38] - Guest Introduction

[02:29] - Brief Background about Or’s Journey

[04:15] - Structshare’s Acquisition By Trimble

[05:02] - The Reasons Behind Choosing Trimble

[06:05] - The Debate About Market Strategies In A Saturated Industry.

[11:58] - AI And Market Shifts

[16:06] - Changing The Procurement Process

[19:35] - Core Transformational Steps Needed for the Future

[27:50] - What’s Next at Trimble

[31:52] - Advice For Contractors And Founders

[40:31] - Final Thoughts

Follow the Guest & The Company:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlakritz/
• LinkedIn (Trimble): https://www.linkedin.com/company/trimble/
• LinkedIn (StructShare): https://www.linkedin.com/company/structshare/
• Website (Trimble): https://www.trimble.com/en
• Facebook (Trimble): https://www.facebook.com/TrimbleCorporate/
• Facebook (StructShare): https://www.facebook.com/StructShare/
• Twitter (Trimble): https://x.com/TrimbleCorpNews
• Instagram (Trimble): https://www.instagram.com/trimble_official/#

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow the Co-Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ 

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample interviews Michael Pink, CEO of SmartPM, to discuss the importance of time management in construction projects. Michael, a seasoned professional in construction technology, shares his journey from consulting to creating SmartPM, a platform that helps businesses manage risk, stay on schedule, and make better-informed decisions. The conversation covers everything from the challenges of data integrity in construction to how predictive analytics can transform project management.

Michael Pink is the CEO of SmartPM, a platform that uses predictive analytics to help construction companies optimize their project schedules and manage risk. He started his career in consulting, focusing on dispute resolution and project controls, which eventually led him to create SmartPM in 2019 to address the inefficiencies in construction scheduling.

Key Takeaways

• Michael’s transition from consulting to launching SmartPM
• The role of time in construction and its impact on project cost
• Moving from reactive to proactive risk management using real-time data
• How SmartPM automates schedule analysis and predictive analytics
• The importance of AI in improving construction project outcomes
• The need for collaboration and feedback in construction tech
• Michael’s upcoming session at the Unbound conference

Timestamps

[00:00] - Introduction and pre-show setup

[02:52] - Michael reflects on his career and launching SmartPM

[03:44] - Michael shares the problem he encountered with Consulting

[05:53] - The role of time in construction and how delays impact project cost

[09:20] - Shifting from reactive to proactive risk management using real-time data

[14:55] - The capabilities of SmartPM in automating schedule analysis and predictive analytics

[17:50] - The importance of data integrity and the challenges of overoptimism bias

[25:16] - Using AI to correct historical schedule data and predict future outcomes

[33:09] - Michael talks about his participation in the Unbound conference and upcoming events

[39:27] - Episode conclusion and sign-off

Follow the Guest & The Company:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mapink/
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartpmtech/
• Website (Company): https://smartpm.com/
• Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/SmartPMTech
• Twitter (Company): https://x.com/SmartPMTech

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, the hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood discuss the challenges and opportunities in prefabrication (prefab) in the construction industry. They explore how constraints in labor, logistics, and scalability can be overcome through a smarter, more distributed approach. The focus is on leveraging marketplaces and data to unlock unused capacity in fabrication shops and redefine collaboration in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) trades.

Britton Langdon, founder of BuildFactory and a veteran in the construction technology space, returns to the podcast to discuss his latest venture. With prior roles at Snaptrude and M-Suite and roots at Modern Piping and Victaulic, Britton brings a seasoned perspective to the evolving world of construction automation and offsite fabrication. BuildFactory is his response to the demand for a scalable, user-friendly platform that optimizes prefab capacity and marketplace coordination.

Key Takeaways

• Why traditional prefab workflows are facing scalability challenges and how marketplaces can solve them.
• How BuildFactory connects underutilized fab shops with high-demand job sites in real-time.
• The logistics, risk mitigation, and trust-building mechanisms needed to make marketplace-driven prefab viable.
• The importance of UX in construction technology and how it impacts adoption and productivity.
• Lessons from other industries (like Amazon and Airbnb) applied to construction logistics and prefabrication.

Timestamps

[00:00] – Show Start

[01:13] – Introducing Britton Langdon

[03:14] – The Journey from Snaptrude to BuildFactory

[07:49] – What is BuildFactory? A Marketplace for Prefab

[12:23] – The Algorithm and Complexity of Matching Projects to Fab Shops

[18:56] – Risk, Contracts, and Accountability in the Marketplace Model

[22:55] – Installers vs Fabricators: Embracing Specialization

[26:20] – Selling the Vision: Getting to “Top of Mind” Behavior

[28:45] – Common Resistance and Concerns

[36:51] – Wrap-Up and Where to Learn More

Follow the Guest & The Company:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britton-langdon/
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildfactorymarketplace/
• Website (Company): https://buildfactory.io/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/britton.langdon
• Twitter: https://x.com/brittonlangdon

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow the Co-Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ 

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

This episode of The ConTech Crew is a special crossover with Morning Coffee Review (MCR), bringing together two influential voices in construction tech. Host Jeff Sample sits down with Jason Artley and Michael Echave of ATG USA to discuss the evolution of their podcast, the power of community-driven learning, and their unique approach to live software demonstrations. The conversation also shifts to the upcoming Unbound conference and the transformative impact of AI on Bluebeam, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal moment in the AEC industry.

Jason Artley is Director of Civil Services at ATG, with over 30 years of experience spanning from swinging hammers to building Civil 3D templates and training systems. Michael Echave is the Structural Services Manager at ATG. Together, Jason and Michael host Morning Coffee Review, a dynamic live podcast that focuses on solving business challenges in the AEC space, particularly around Bluebeam and beyond.

Key Learnings:

• How MCR was born from a dislike of traditional webinars and a love for real-time problem-solving.
• Why community input is central to evolving construction tech workflows.
• What makes live demos both risky and valuable—and how they help create empathy for users.
• How Bluebeam is evolving from a markup tool into a data-centric platform powered by AI.
• What to expect from the upcoming Unbound conference and how it marks a “before and after” moment for Bluebeam.

Timestamps:

[00:00] – Introduction and Show Start

[00:33] – Meet Jason and Michael

[04:19] – What is ATG USA?

[06:28] – The Origin of Morning Coffee Review

[10:18] – Building Community Through Live Demos

[16:54] – Going Beyond Bluebeam

[20:52] – Pivot to Unbound Conference

[27:30] – The Future of Bluebeam

[30:53] – Ending Comments

Follow Jason Artley:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmn/

Follow Michael Echave:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-echave/

Follow ATG and Morning Coffee Review:

• Website (ATG): https://atgusa.com/
• Website (MCR): https://atgusa.com/morning-coffee-review/
• LinkedIn (ATG): https://www.linkedin.com/company/atg-usa/
• YouTube (ATG): https://www.youtube.com/c/ATGUSA
• YouTube (MCR): https://youtube.com/playlist?list

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Travis Voss and Matthew Cole from Wings Testing and Balancing Co., Inc. to discuss the world of Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) and its importance in the construction and HVAC industries. Matthew shares his journey into the industry, explains the crucial role of TAB technicians in building systems, and highlights the significance of proper indoor air quality, particularly in schools and healthcare facilities. From the technical side of balancing HVAC systems to ensuring fire life safety in buildings, Matthew sheds light on the unseen work that keeps buildings safe and operational.

Matthew Cole, based in Hamden, CT, US, is currently a Field Operations Manager at Wing's Testing & Balancing Co., Inc. With a deep passion for ensuring optimal building systems, Matthew now leads a team that specializes in testing and balancing HVAC systems to ensure they meet the design specifications, improving air quality and efficiency in various environments.

Key Learnings:

• What is Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) and how it helps the process of testing HVAC systems.
• The impact of indoor air quality, especially in schools and hospitals, on health outcomes and productivity.
• The myths and misunderstandings contractors face, and how their role is often seen as adversarial.
• The importance of maintaining fire safety systems, including stairwell pressurization and fire dampers.
• Career opportunities within the TAB field, and how the industry offers a rewarding career path without student debt.

Timestamps:

[00:00] – Introduction to the Episode

[02:54] – Matthew Cole introduces himself and his background

[04:10] – Explanation of the TAB process and how it works

[05:58] – The potential adversarial relationships between installers and balancers

[08:33] – What a typical day in the TAB industry looks like

[13:28] – The impact of good indoor air quality in schools

[17:58] – Importance of air quality in critical environments like hospitals

[19:49] – Fire safety systems, including stairwell pressurization and smoke exhaust

[24:51] – Importance of testing and maintaining fire safety systems regularly

[30:14] – How the TAB industry offers stable, well-paying careers

[31:52] – Matthew discusses his journey from apprentice to business owner

[35:22] – Travis wraps up the interview, emphasizing the impact of the TAB industry

Follow Matthew Cole & Company:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cole-wingstesting/
• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/wing-s-testing-balancing-co-inc/
• Website (Company): http://www.wingstesting.com/

Follow Travis Voss & Company:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.voss.336 
• Website: https://www.constructiondorks.com/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/smacna/ 
• Website(Company): https://www.smacna.org/ 
• Facebook(Company): https://www.facebook.com/SMACNA 
• Twitter(Company): https://x.com/smacna 
• Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/smacna/

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew Podcast, part of a crossover with FreeTo CTO series, hosts Jeff Sample and Trent Leinenbach sit down with Jen Clark, Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal. They explore how non-traditional career paths and curiosity-driven problem-solving can shape a new generation of construction technology leaders. This conversation shines a light on Jen's unique route into tech leadership, her approach to low-code app development, managing shadow IT, and driving digital transformation in construction.

Jen Clark is the Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal, a Portland-based mechanical contractor with nearly a century of operations. Originally trained in civil engineering, Jen's journey has taken her from software support to field engineering and eventually into a self-defined technology leadership role. Her work spans app development, ERP integration, and digital strategy which have all been aimed at bridging the gap between operations, finance, and IT in construction.

Expect to Learn

• How Jen transitioned from field engineering to tech leadership without a construction tech background.
• What it means to be a “human API” in construction: connecting IT, operations, and finance.
• Lessons learned from building low-code applications to manage projects and data.
• Strategies for driving internal tech adoption and aligning with leadership.
• How to navigate the balance between shadow IT and strategic innovation in small-to-midsize firms.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00] - Introduction

[02:17] - FreeTO Series by Construction Dorks

[05:09] - Jen’s Unconventional Career Path

[07:35] - Building a Role from Curiosity: Project Integration Manager

[15:54] - Lessons from Low-Code App Development

[19:27] - Jen Outlines Her Decision-Making Framework

[27:38] - Collaboration and Strategic Growth

[32:34] - Digital Transformation in the Fabrication Shop

[37:42] - Selling Vision to Leadership

[41:46] - Final Thoughts

Follow the Guest & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferaclark1/
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/general-sheet-metal/
• Website (Company): https://www.gsmw.com/
• Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/generalsheetmetal/
• Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/GeneralSheetMetal1932# 

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow the Co-Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-466018177/
• Company: https://www.stratus.build/
• Blog: https://www.constructiondorks.com/

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

The second half of this episode continues the crew Jonathan Marsh, CEO of Steel Toe Consulting and a technology strategist, Nathan Wood, Founder & Chief Enabling Officer At SpectrumAEC, Travis Voss, Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication at SMACNA and Jacob D’Albora, Director of Digital Building Operations at VIATechnik gets into how policy, planning, and finance are reshaping construction’s landscape. They unpack the risks of short-term thinking in materials sourcing, renewable energy setbacks, and how permitting reform could change how we build.

Things also get financial as the group discusses M&A trends, private equity’s growing interest in construction, and the precarious position of mid-sized contractors. Is the middle tier hollowing out? And how might public policy like environmental mandates and tax incentives speed up or stall that process?

Key Learnings:

• Permitting reform could speed up projects but raises accountability questions.
• Federal moves may unintentionally weaken environmental review processes.
• Renewable energy projects are being scrapped midstream at a cost.
• AI alone can't fix bad processes or poor planning.
• Private equity is reshaping construction's mid-market tier.
• M&A activity signals both opportunity and risk for innovation.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction

[03:29] - Can tech improve environmental review?

[05:40] - Risk of cutting corners under time-based KPIs

[08:58] - Unintended consequences of blanket policies

[23:18] - What PE Means for Innovation and Culture

[27:16] - Financial signals: M&A and funding rounds

[29:01] - SMACNA Trade Stacking Survey

[32:12] - How to Get the Most from Conferences

[37:45] - Wrap-up: What’s next for AI, policy & construction

Survey Form: https://survey.typeform.com/to/BuQAIB0y 

Follow the Jacob D’Albora & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdalbora/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/viatechnik/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpdalbora/?hl=en 
• Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/via.technik/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpdalbora/ 

Follow Travis Voss & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.voss.336 
• Website: https://www.constructiondorks.com/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/smacna/ 
• Website(Company): https://www.smacna.org/ 
• Facebook(Company): https://www.facebook.com/SMACNA 
• Twitter(Company): https://x.com/smacna 
• Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/smacna/ 

Follow Jonathan Marsh & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-toe-consulting-llc/ 
• Website: https://www.steeltoeconsulting.com/ 

Follow Nathan Wood & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectrumaec/ 
• Twitter(company): https://x.com/spectrumaec?

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this special roundtable episode of The ConTech Crew, Jeff Sample is joined by Jonathan Marsh, CEO of SteelToe Consulting and a technology strategist, Nathan Wood, Founder & Chief Enabling Officer At SpectrumAEC, Travis Voss, Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication at SMACNA and Jacob D’Albora, Director of Digital Building Operations at VIATechnik for a spirited conversation on the convergence of AI and construction. With insights rooted in practical experience, the group digs into what’s hype, what’s real, and what’s starting to deliver value on jobsites and across the back office.

The first half of the episode tackles the evolving conversation around AI - from technical distinctions between LLMs and traditional models, to the construction implications of large data center builds, labor disruption, and the accelerating demand for faster delivery. This isn't just a news recap - it's a temperature check on where the industry actually is with AI.

Key Learnings:

• AI success depends on clearly understanding indeterminate vs determinate systems.
• General-purpose AI tools are giving way to custom-trained, domain-specific models.
• Speed-to-market is now a bigger priority than cost in many projects.
• Data center buildouts are driving unprecedented infrastructure urgency.
• AI may help streamline construction processes but only with quality inputs.
• The labor shortage is shifting from field crews to project managers and assistants.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction

[04:38] - Jonathan breaks down AI model trends

[06:41] - Determinate vs indeterminate systems

[13:51] - AI’s role in workforce augmentation

[19:02] - Consensus, standardization & AI process help

[23:58] - The problem with over-promising AI

[30:01] - Permitting, tariffs & volatility

[35:11] - Why contractors hesitate to say no

Follow the Jacob D’Albora & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdalbora/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/viatechnik/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpdalbora/?hl=en 
• Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/via.technik/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpdalbora/ 

Follow Travis Voss & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.voss.336 
• Website: https://www.constructiondorks.com/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/smacna/ 
• Website(Company): https://www.smacna.org/ 
• Facebook(Company): https://www.facebook.com/SMACNA 
• Twitter(Company): https://x.com/smacna 
• Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/smacna/ 

Follow Jonathan Marsh & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-toe-consulting-llc/ 
• Website: https://www.steeltoeconsulting.com/ 

Follow Nathan Wood & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectrumaec/ 
• Twitter(company): https://x.com/spectrumaec?

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Jacob D’Albora, Director of Digital Building Operations at VIATechnik, to talk about their newest innovation: Voyager, a digital twin solution built with owners in mind. Jacob shares insights into bridging the construction-operations gap, the shift from BIM as a 3D model to BIM as a data source, and why the facilities side of the AEC industry needs tools designed specifically for their workflow. The conversation also covers cultural change, standards, AI integration, and Jacob's recent appointment to the National Institute of Building Sciences’ Digital Twin Integration Committee.

Key Learnings:

• Digital twins should empower not overwhelm facility teams.
• Interoperability is more realistic and effective than forcing a single source of truth.
• The design and construction phases must hand off clean, validated data to ops.
• Data consumers (like Voyager) increase the value of data creators.
• Change management is just as vital as the technology itself.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction

[01:05] - Introduction to Jacob D’Albora & the “Voyage to Value”

[03:30] - The origin of VIATechnik and their journey into owner services

[10:43] - VIATechnik’s product evolution: from services to Voyager

[25:09] - Value prompt of BIM

[29:45] - How this helps upstream teams like trades and designers

[33:36] - The need for transparency and culture change

[38:47] - Jacob’s appointment as Chair of the NIBS Digital Twin Committee

Follow the Guest & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdalbora/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/viatechnik/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpdalbora/?hl=en 
• Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/via.technik/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpdalbora/ 

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow the Co-Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ 

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew