Whether you’re a construction professional, tech enthusiast, or just curious about the future of work, this episode is packed with insights, philosophy, and practical advice. This show was filmed live from LCI Congress 2025. Tom Feliz, DataGrid’s Head of Growth, breaks down how construction professionals can practically apply AI to eliminate waste, improve productivity, and get home by 5 PM. Discover why AI won't take your job—but someone using AI might—and learn actionable first steps to leverage AI agents, visual language models, and automation in your daily construction workflows.

🎯 Key Topics & Timestamps:

🔑 Topics Covered:

Construction technology, lean construction, Last Planner System, AI agents, retrieval augmented generation (RAG), scheduling automation, target value design, construction productivity, field operations, construction innovation, digital transformation, construction AI tools, project management automation

📚 Resources Mentioned:

💡 Key Takeaways:

✅ AI eliminates menial tasks so you can focus on creative problem-solving

✅ Start with simple automation for high-frequency, high-impact problems

✅ Visual Language Models handle construction documents better than standard LLMs

✅ You don't need coding skills—if you can manage people, you can build AI agents

✅ Lessons learned agents prevent repeating mistakes across projects

👉 Take Action:

ConstructionAI #LeanConstruction #ConstructionTechnology #AIinConstruction #DataGrid

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Connect with Tom via

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tpfeliz/

Datagrid at https://www.datagrid.com/

Connect with Felipe via

Social media and Free Lean and Scrum Training Resources at https://thefelipe.bio.link 

RSM Podia Course Link: https://store.theebfcshow.com/rsm

Subscribe to never miss new videos here: https://click.theebfcshow.com/youtube   

Watch The EBFC Show Podcast https://click.theebfcshow.com/YouTube-Podcast

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Today's episode is sponsored by Field Verified. Elevate your construction career and enhance your company's performance by mastering the crucial aspect of building enclosure management with Field Verified's specialized training. Address the major challenge of managing building enclosures, a common source of construction failures. Get hands-on learning experience with real-world construction scenarios and mock-up installations for skill-building with leadership and team-focused strategies. By joining our course, you gain access to a proven program that not only covers technical aspects but also better practices for effective construction management. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach. Visit https://fieldverified.com for more insights, or contact us at 480-719-5090. 

In the FINAL EBFC Show episode of 2025, host Felipe Engineer-Manriquez sits down with Adalia Zhao, founder and CEO of BuildTrace, to talk about how AI is reshaping the future of construction—starting with change management. Adalia’s journey from counting 4,823 windows on a set of plans to becoming a Microsoft engineer and now AI startup founder is nothing short of inspiring.

Together, they dive deep into:

* Why “this doesn’t make sense” is the best way to spot innovation opportunities 🚨

* How BuildTrace automates drawing comparisons, estimates, and change tracking in minutes, not months ⏱️

* The power of learning on the job and betting on yourself 💪

* Overcoming barriers as a woman and immigrant in construction tech 🌍

* What GitHub for blueprints really looks like (hint: it’s amazing)

💡 Plus, Felipe reveals why he became an advisor to BuildTrace and why Adalia’s solution is exactly what construction needs right now.

🔥 If you’ve ever been buried in RFIs, confused by change orders, or frustrated by endless PDFs, this episode will hit home.

👉 Ready to build smarter in 2026 and beyond? Listen now, then connect with Adalia to explore if your team qualifies as an early design partner!

---

Connect with Adalia via

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/adalia-zhao/ 

Website at https://build-trace.com/ 

Connect with Felipe via Social media and Free Lean and Scrum Training Resources at https://thefelipe.bio.link 

RSM Podia Course Link: https://store.theebfcshow.com/rsm

Subscribe to never miss new videos here: https://click.theebfcshow.com/youtube 

Watch The EBFC Show Podcast https://click.theebfcshow.com/YouTube-Podcast

---

Elevate your construction career and enhance your company's performance by mastering the crucial aspect of building enclosure management with Field Verified's specialized training. Address the major challenge of managing building enclosures, a common source of construction failures. Get hands-on learning experience with real-world construction scenarios and mock-up installations for skill-building with leadership and team-focused strategies. By joining our course, you gain access to a proven program that not only covers technical aspects but also better practices for effective construction management. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach. Visit https://fieldverified.com for more insights, or contact us at 480-719-5090.   

What does real Lean leadership look like—and how do you avoid just looking Lean without being Lean? 🤔

Join host Felipe Engineer-Manriquez on The EBFC Show as he talks with Patrick Adams—Lean expert, international consultant, author of The Appearance Trap, and host of the Lean Solutions Podcast.

This episode dives deep into leadership, coaching, and continuous improvement that actually sticks in the real world—not just on paper. Patrick shares powerful stories from consulting around the globe, including a hospital transformation in Kazakhstan, Lean in education, and how organizations can evolve beyond cost-cutting into cultures of safety, quality, and delivery.

💡 In this episode:

* How Lean leadership has evolved post-2020

* What true continuous improvement looks like in construction and beyond

* Lessons from international consulting (including Kazakhstan 🇰🇿)

* Why daily management systems & leader standard work matter

* The danger of “fake Lean” and how to escape the appearance trap

* Building psychological safety and coaching for change

* The role of AI and modern tools in Lean transformation

Patrick also shares insights from his award-winning book The Appearance Trap, packed with practical guidance for anyone working to improve teams, processes, or culture.

📘 Grab Patrick’s book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4ozVLdw

👍 If you’re passionate about Lean, leadership, and building better systems, hit that Like, Comment, and Subscribe—and let us know your favorite takeaway from the episode!

---

Connect with Patrick via

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickadamsii/

Website https://www.findleansolutions.com/

Connect with Felipe via Social media and Free Lean and Scrum Training Resources at https://thefelipe.bio.link

RSM Podia Course Link: https://store.theebfcshow.com/rsm

Subscribe to never miss new videos here: https://click.theebfcshow.com/youtube

Watch The EBFC Show Podcast https://click.theebfcshow.com/YouTube-Podcast

---

Elevate your construction career and enhance your company's performance by mastering the crucial aspect of building enclosure management with Field Verified's specialized training. Address the major challenge of managing building enclosures, a common source of construction failures. Get hands-on learning experience with real-world construction scenarios and mock-up installations for skill-building with leadership and team-focused strategies. By joining our course, you gain access to a proven program that not only covers technical aspects but also better practices for effective construction management. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach. Visit https://fieldverified.com for more insights, or contact us at 480-719-5090.    

Welcome to a special edition of The Easier, Better, for Construction Show (EBFC Show)! 🎙️ Host Felipe Engineer-Manriquez goes full Hot Ones mode in this spicy Season 6 episode, taking on 🔟 blazing sauces while answering 🔟 burning questions.

This time, Felipe is in the hot seat—literally—interviewed by his son, Noah, in a fiery twist of father-son bonding, lean thinking, and laugh-out-loud moments. 🌶👨‍👦

🎧 What’s inside:

🔥 It’s heat, humor, and hard truths—Scrum-style.

👉 Join us, share a laugh, and maybe a tear (from the spice 🌶).

🔥 Ready to build easier, better, faster, and cheaper?

Join the EBFC Scrum Community — your space to learn Scrum & Lean with real builders and designers.

✅ Free access through Jan 2026 with code STARTNOW

👉 Tap here: https://store.theebfcshow.com/the-ebfc-show-community

Connect with Felipe via

💼 Social media and Free Lean and Scrum Training Resources at https://thefelipe.bio.link 

📲 Subscribe to never miss new videos here: https://click.theebfcshow.com/youtube   

🎥 Watch The EBFC Show Podcast https://click.theebfcshow.com/YouTube-Podcast

🔗 LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/scrum-for-teens/

Book Website at https://scrumforteens.com/

Photo Credits:

Conan O'Brien Needs a Doctor While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones

https://youtu.be/FALlhXl6CmA?si=hKElx1IeDwe376YI

What if the biggest barrier to Lean success isn’t the trades or the tools — but the way we think about planning itself? 🤔

In this episode of The EBFC Show, Victor Ortiz and host Felipe Engineer-Manriquez continue their deep dive into the Last Planner System®, uncovering the principles and practices that separate sticky notes on a wall from a true production control system. From flawed procurement processes to the hidden impact of variation and buffers, they reveal why most teams miss the point — and how to get it right.

📌 Key Takeaways You’ll Gain:

If you’ve ever wondered why Last Planner works brilliantly in some teams but fizzles in others, this episode offers the clarity you’ve been waiting for.

🎧 Listen now, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights that make construction easier and better! 🚀

Part 3: Turning Resistance into Results: Mastering the Last Planner System with Victor Ortiz Part 3 https://www.theebfcshow.com/Victor-Ortiz-LPS-Part3/

Part 2: Fake Last Planner System with Victor Ortiz https://www.theebfcshow.com/Victor-Ortiz-LPS-Part2/ 

Part 1: Transforming Construction: Last Planner System Deep Dive with Victor Ortiz https://www.theebfcshow.com/LPS-with-Victor-part1/

---

Connect with Victor via

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-ortiz-671301/

Connect with Felipe via

Social media and Free Lean and Scrum Training Resources at https://thefelipe.bio.link 

RSM Podia Course Link: https://store.theebfcshow.com/rsm

Subscribe to never miss new videos here: https://click.theebfcshow.com/youtube   

Watch The EBFC Show Podcast https://click.theebfcshow.com/YouTube-Podcast

---

Today's episode is sponsored by the Lean Construction Institute (LCI). This non-profit organization operates as a catalyst to transform the industry through Lean project delivery using an operating system centered on a common language, fundamental principles, and basic practices. Learn more at https://www.leanconstruction.org 

Elevate your construction career and enhance your company's performance by mastering the crucial aspect of building enclosure management with Field Verified's specialized training. Address the major challenge of managing building enclosures, a common source of construction failures. Get hands-on learning experience with real-world construction scenarios and mock-up installations for skill-building with leadership and team-focused strategies. By joining our course, you gain access to a proven program that not only covers technical aspects but also better practices for effective construction management. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach. Visit https://fieldverified.com for more insights, or contact us at 480-719-5090. 

What if the real problem on your project isn’t budget, scope, or schedule — but how decisions are actually made? 🤯

In this episode of The EBFC Show, Felipe Engineer-Manriquez is joined by Dr. Paz Arroyo — author of Building Decisions, CBA evangelist, and DPR's culture of quality champion — to unravel the mess behind most construction decisions and reveal a better path forward.

Together, they dive into the science and soul of sound decision-making with Choosing by Advantages (CBA) — a powerful, underused method that helps teams cut through bias, confusion, and decision fatigue with clarity and respect.

🎯 What you’ll learn in this episode:

💡 Whether you’re building skyscrapers, choosing a structural system, or just arguing over iPhone vs. Android — this episode will change how you think about thinking.

📘 Grab the book “Building Decisions” and dig deeper into practical, field-tested ways to apply CBA on your project.

🧠 Want to make better decisions that stick? This episode is for builders, leaders, owners, and anyone tired of flip-flopping, second-guessing, or defaulting to “we’ve always done it this way.”

Books

“Building Decisions” by Paz Arroyo, Annett Schöttle, and Randi Christensen

Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4mJMjDC

---

Connect with Paz via

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paz-arroyo-phd-27b282b/ 

Connect with Felipe via

Social media and Free Lean and Scrum Training Resources at https://thefelipe.bio.link 

RSM Podia Course Link: https://store.theebfcshow.com/rsm

Subscribe to never miss new videos here: https://click.theebfcshow.com/youtube   

Watch The EBFC Show Podcast https://click.theebfcshow.com/YouTube-Podcast

---

Today's episode is sponsored by the Lean Construction Institute (LCI). This non-profit organization operates as a catalyst to transform the industry through Lean project delivery using an operating system centered on a common language, fundamental principles, and basic practices. Learn more at https://www.leanconstruction.org 

Elevate your construction career and enhance your company's performance by mastering the crucial aspect of building enclosure management with Field Verified's specialized training. Address the major challenge of managing building enclosures, a common source of construction failures. Get hands-on learning experience with real-world construction scenarios and mock-up installations for skill-building with leadership and team-focused strategies. By joining our course, you gain access to a proven program that not only covers technical aspects but also better practices for effective construction management. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach. Visit https://fieldverified.com for more insights, or contact us at 480-719-5090. 

Most construction pros have heard of Lean — but far fewer truly understand it, and even fewer are putting it into practice. In this episode of The EBFC Show, we shine a light on why Lean is often misunderstood, overlooked, or completely invisible on job sites today. Join host Felipe Engineer-Manriquez and special guest Alan Boykiw as they unpack the roots of Lean, its relevance to construction, and what it really takes to make continuous improvement more than just a buzzword.

Why is Lean often misunderstood — or completely unseen — in today’s construction industry?

In this eye-opening episode of The EBFC Show, host Felipe Engineer-Manriquez sits down with Alan Boykiw, Senior Experience Architect at Nialli, to explore why Lean Construction isn’t as visible or widespread as it should be. Together, they unpack the history of Lean, bust some common myths, and share hard truths about where the industry stands on Lean adoption.

From the origins of the term “Lean” to the pressing need for change in how we plan, schedule, and collaborate — this episode gets real about what’s holding teams back, and more importantly, how to move forward.

🎯 What you’ll learn in this episode:

💡 Whether you’re just hearing about Lean for the first time or you’ve been practicing for years, this conversation offers powerful insights and practical steps for anyone ready to build smarter.

🔗 Tune in now and ask yourself: Is your team Lean… or just unseen?

💬 Want to deliver more value in your next project? This episode is a must-listen for builders, designers, owners, and anyone committed to improving construction culture.

Show Links:

Methods include the Last Planner System®, Takt Planning, and Scrum.

Leverage more free resources from the Lean Construction Blog, the EBFC Show, or the Lean Builder blog for help with foundations. Consider joining a local LCI Community of Practice to learn from peers.

---

Connect with Alan Boykiw, Senior Experience Architect

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanboykiw/

Website: https://www.nialli.com/

Connect with Felipe via

Social media and Free Lean and Scrum Training Resources at https://thefelipe.bio.link 

RSM Podia Course Link: https://store.theebfcshow.com/rsm

Subscribe to never miss new videos here: https://click.theebfcshow.com/youtube   

Watch The EBFC Show Podcast https://click.theebfcshow.com/YouTube-Podcast

---

Today's episode is sponsored by the Lean Construction Institute (LCI). This non-profit organization operates as a catalyst to transform the industry through Lean project delivery using an operating system centered on a common language, fundamental principles, and basic practices. Learn more at https://www.leanconstruction.org 

Elevate your construction career and enhance your company's performance by mastering the crucial aspect of building enclosure management with Field Verified's specialized training. Address the major challenge of managing building enclosures, a common source of construction failures. Get hands-on learning experience with real-world construction scenarios and mock-up installations for skill-building with leadership and team-focused strategies. By joining our course, you gain access to a proven program that not only covers technical aspects but also better practices for effective construction management. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach. Visit https://fieldverified.com for more insights, or contact us at 480-719-5090. 

How Small Projects Can Win Big with Target Value Delivery (TVD). In this episode of The EBFC Show, host Felipe Engineer-Manriquez chats with Jason Brenner from Join about the game-changing power of Target Value Delivery (TVD) — not just for billion-dollar mega-projects, but even for more modest efforts like a $6 million infrastructure upgrade.

Together, they break down how TVD helps teams build trust, embrace collaboration, and deliver more value — regardless of project size. Jason shares real-world insights and practical strategies for navigating common challenges like audits, cost control, and stakeholder engagement. Whether you're new to TVD or looking to deepen your application of it, this conversation is packed with wisdom you can take straight to the jobsite.

🎯 What you’ll learn in this episode:

💬 Want to deliver more value in your next project? This episode is a must-listen for builders, designers, owners, and anyone committed to improving construction culture.

🔗 Listen now and let us know: What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode?

---

Connect with Jason via

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-brenner-3b29524/

Website at https://join.build/

Connect with Felipe via

Social media and Free Lean and Scrum Training Resources at https://thefelipe.bio.link 

RSM Podia Course Link: https://store.theebfcshow.com/rsm

Subscribe to never miss new videos here: https://click.theebfcshow.com/youtube   

Watch The EBFC Show Podcast https://click.theebfcshow.com/YouTube-Podcast

---

Today's episode is sponsored by the Lean Construction Institute (LCI). This non-profit organization operates as a catalyst to transform the industry through Lean project delivery using an operating system centered on a common language, fundamental principles, and basic practices. Learn more at https://www.leanconstruction.org 

Elevate your construction career and enhance your company's performance by mastering the crucial aspect of building enclosure management with Field Verified's specialized training. Address the major challenge of managing building enclosures, a common source of construction failures. Get hands-on learning experience with real-world construction scenarios and mock-up installations for skill-building with leadership and team-focused strategies. By joining our course, you gain access to a proven program that not only covers technical aspects but also better practices for effective construction management. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach. Visit https://fieldverified.com for more insights, or contact us at 480-719-5090. 

“Collaboration isn't just for mega-projects.” 💬 In this powerful episode of The EBFC Show, Jason Brenner (@ Join) joins Felipe to break down how high-performing teams can achieve target value delivery (TVD) on projects of all sizes — not just the billion-dollar ones. 🏗️

With nearly 30 years of construction leadership experience (Genentech, DPR, Excel), Jason shares how he scaled from chemist to strategy exec — and what makes truly collaborative delivery not only possible, but sustainable.

💥 Topics include:

Plus, Jason and Felipe get real about:

👀 Whether you're an owner, contractor, or design pro — this convo will challenge how you think about teamwork, culture, and delivering real value in construction. 👉 Don’t miss this one. Like Jason says, “You can’t shortcut your way to collaboration.” Ready to scale smarter?

🕒 Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Why scaling TVD is essential

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights on transforming construction practices! 🚀

---

Connect with Jason via

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-brenner-3b29524/

Website at https://join.build/

Connect with Felipe via

Social media and Free Lean and Scrum Training Resources at https://thefelipe.bio.link 

RSM Podia Course Link: https://store.theebfcshow.com/rsm

Subscribe to never miss new videos here: https://click.theebfcshow.com/youtube   

Watch The EBFC Show Podcast https://click.theebfcshow.com/YouTube-Podcast

---

Today's episode is sponsored by the Lean Construction Institute (LCI). This non-profit organization operates as a catalyst to transform the industry through Lean project delivery using an operating system centered on a common language, fundamental principles, and basic practices. Learn more at https://www.leanconstruction.org 

Elevate your construction career and enhance your company's performance by mastering the crucial aspect of building enclosure management with Field Verified's specialized training. Address the major challenge of managing building enclosures, a common source of construction failures. Get hands-on learning experience with real-world construction scenarios and mock-up installations for skill-building with leadership and team-focused strategies. By joining our course, you gain access to a proven program that not only covers technical aspects but also better practices for effective construction management. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach. Visit https://fieldverified.com for more insights, or contact us at 480-719-5090. 

What if resistance to change wasn’t a problem, but an opportunity? In this episode of The EBFC Show, Victor Ortiz and host Felipe Engineer-Manriquez explore how embracing resistance to the Last Planner System can actually drive clarity, foster trust, and create better outcomes in construction projects. 🚧

As we continue our series on mastering the Last Planner System, Victor dives deep into the practical strategies that transform this Lean Construction framework into a tool for optimizing collaboration and efficiency.

📌 Key Takeaways You’ll Gain:

If you’ve faced pushback when adopting new methods or struggled to align teams with Lean principles, this episode is for you. Learn how to turn resistance into a stepping stone for innovation and success.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights on transforming construction practices! 🚀

Episode References:

Interrupt Buffers Blog Post link: https://www.theebfcshow.com/blog/the-interrupt-pattern-for-design-and-construction-teams/

Part 2: Fake Last Planner System with Victor Ortiz https://www.theebfcshow.com/Victor-Ortiz-LPS-Part2/ 

Part 1: Transforming Construction: Last Planner System Deep Dive with Victor Ortiz https://www.theebfcshow.com/LPS-with-Victor-part1/

Books

“Built to Fail” by Todd R. Zabelle

Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3B78bWX

“How to Make Meetings Work!” by Michael Doyle and David Straus

Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3RxVv0U

---

Connect with Victor via

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-ortiz-671301/

Connect with Felipe via

Social media and Free Lean and Scrum Training Resources at https://thefelipe.bio.link 

RSM Podia Course Link: https://store.theebfcshow.com/rsm

Subscribe to never miss new videos here: https://click.theebfcshow.com/youtube   

Watch The EBFC Show Podcast https://click.theebfcshow.com/YouTube-Podcast

---

Today's episode is sponsored by the Lean Construction Institute (LCI). This non-profit organization operates as a catalyst to transform the industry through Lean project delivery using an operating system centered on a common language, fundamental principles, and basic practices. Learn more at https://www.leanconstruction.org 

Elevate your construction career and enhance your company's performance by mastering the crucial aspect of building enclosure management with Field Verified's specialized training. Address the major challenge of managing building enclosures, a common source of construction failures. Get hands-on learning experience with real-world construction scenarios and mock-up installations for skill-building with leadership and team-focused strategies. By joining our course, you gain access to a proven program that not only covers technical aspects but also better practices for effective construction management. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach. Visit https://fieldverified.com for more insights, or contact us at 480-719-5090.