On this weeks episode, we sit down with John Brown, Reality Capture Supervisor at General Motors. John shares his journey from traditional land surveying to pioneering the use of laser scanning technology. They discuss the evolution of digital twins and the future of data management in large-scale industries. Tune in for insights on leadership, the importance of trust and collaboration, and the transformative impact of reality capture technology.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:57 Meet John Brown: Reality Capture Supervisor at General Motors

02:12 John Brown's Career Journey: From Surveying to Reality Capture

03:58 The Impact of Laser Scanning Technology

06:25 Early Adoption and Challenges in Laser Scanning

09:49 Expanding Applications of Laser Scanning

12:46 Integrating Laser Scanning into General Motors

22:41 Building a Business Model within GM

32:36 Making Data Accessible to All

33:09 Challenges in Data Collection

34:39 Transition to Cloud Services

35:16 Impact of COVID-19 on Operations

36:03 Current Progress and Future Growth

38:16 Transitioning to Maintenance Mode

40:08 The Future of Data Management

50:57 Leadership and Team Dynamics

57:56 Encouraging the Next Generation

Join us in this episode as Matt sits down with Alex Goldberg, a senior technical product manager for spatial computing at Blue Origin. Alex shares his intriguing journey from his early days in New Jersey, his passion for video games and technology, to his extensive career in the gaming industry with companies like Sega and Sony, and eventually his impactful work in XR and augmented reality. They dive deep into the importance of community, the current state of XR, its applications in heavy manufacturing, and the exciting potential future of these technologies. If you're passionate about the intersection of technology and creativity, this episode is a must-watch!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:40 Building Community and Relationships

01:26 Diving into Career Beginnings

02:29 Early Influences and Interests

04:38 Journey into the Gaming Industry

10:55 Transition to Mobile and Startups

17:50 Exploring Augmented Reality at REI

26:24 Joining Blue Origin and Current Role

29:55 The Future of XR and Industry Applications

39:47 The Impact of 3D Visualization in Various Industries

40:33 Challenges of Workforce Transition and Knowledge Transfer

41:05 Augmented Reality and Reality Capture Technologies

42:46 The Evolution and Adoption of AR Headsets

45:33 Future Prospects and Use Cases for AR

56:01 Balancing Technology and Personal Well-being

01:03:47 Encouraging Passion and Self-Learning in Technology

01:08:53 Dream Projects and the Future of AR

01:14:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What happens when you get some of the most experienced voices in laser scanning around one table?

You get stories you’ve never heard, lessons you won’t find in textbooks, and hard-earned wisdom that helped shape the reality capture industry!

In this first-ever group episode, we sit down with true pioneers of the laser scanning industry. Leaders who’ve been scanning since the early 2000s, helped define some of the standards we use today, and have seen it all, from the broken scanners, the bad registrations, the costly lessons, and the breakthroughs that made it all worth it.

We talk about

-The wild early days of laser scanning

-The tech that worked (and the stuff that didn’t)

-Why education, accuracy, and survey fundamentals still matter

-What the future holds with AI, automation, and digital twins

-And how we grow the next generation of industry talent

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the game for decades, this episode is packed with insight, humility, and a surprising amount of humor.

Join our conversation with Austin Lay as he shares his journey from a marketing intern to a leader in construction technology at Layton Construction. In this episode, Austin dives into how he got started in the construction industry, the evolution of drone technology, the importance of leadership buy-in for technological adoption, and the significance of fostering a culture of collaboration and learning.Austin also provides insights on the future of construction tech, emphasizing patience, constant learning, and the importance of a supportive work environment.

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:24 First Steps into Construction

02:10 Discovering Drone Technology

03:36 Technical Journey and Innovations

05:57 Community and Collaboration

12:38 Challenges and Learning Experiences

18:24 Leadership and Buy-In

32:40 Understanding Control in Construction Projects

33:02 The Importance of Industry Expertise and Guidelines

33:56 Balancing Technology and Surveying Expertise

36:12 The Role of Community and Collaboration

37:03 Leadership Principles and Team Collaboration

41:33 The Value of Being Teachable

48:41 Exciting Future of Technology in Construction

53:16 Advice for Young Professionals

57:55 The Importance of Work Culture

01:01:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

On this episode of the Matthew Byrd Podcast, host Matthew Byrd sits down with Jason Young, a seasoned business leader with a military background, to discuss the technologies and values driving their industry forward. Topics range from the importance of digital twins in modern construction to the role of integrity and teamwork in building successful enterprises. Jason shares his journey from serving in the United States Air Force to becoming a key figure in the tech and construction sectors. The conversation also delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, the significance of inspiring and educating the next generation, and the ultimate goal of fostering a collaborative industry environment. Don't miss this insightful discussion packed with valuable lessons and forward-thinking ideas.

00:00 Introduction to Digital Twins

00:13 Core Values and Business Mindset

00:36 Gold Discovery and Industry Challenges

00:58 Guest Introduction and Background

01:39 Military Service and Core Values

02:25 Transition to Business and COVID Impact

03:11 Building Relationships and Business Philosophy

05:04 Importance of BIM in Construction

08:38 Embracing Technology and AI

32:38 Inspiration, Inform, and Empower

45:18 The Future of Industry Mindsets

45:47 The Economic Impact of Major Projects

46:54 The Role of AI and Technology in Construction

48:37 Understanding Digital Twin Technology

54:17 The Importance of Collaboration and Networking

01:03:13 Personal Insights and Leadership

01:11:09 Expanding Global Reach and Personal Branding

Welcome to another episode of the Matthew Byrd Podcast! Join host Matthew Byrd as he sits down with Dominique Meyer, CEO of Looq AI, to discuss their pioneering work in 3D mapping and photogrammetry. Dominique shares insights into the origins of Looq AI, beginning with archaeological projects and evolving into cutting-edge 3D capture technology. They delve into the challenges and successes of running a startup, the applications of Looq AI's technology in surveying, construction, and utilities, and the importance of building trust in innovative solutions. Tune in to be inspired by Dominique's journey and vision for the future of the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:00 Dominique's Journey from Archaeology to Technology

03:18 Founding the Company and Early Prototypes

06:43 Challenges and Innovations in Photogrammetry

09:10 Ensuring Accuracy and Reliability

13:32 Unique Features and Industry Applications

15:42 Future Directions and Overcoming Challenges

23:06 Solving Problems and Proving Value

24:56 Understanding the Process of Saving 43%

26:39 Building Trust with Clients

27:01 Challenges in the Market

29:04 Exploring Advanced Technologies

39:57 Future of Survey and Construction Industries

45:33 Advice for Innovators and Entrepreneurs

47:41 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsStay Connected with Reality Capture Network🔗 Explore more at: https://realitycapturenetwork.com/📲 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realitycapturenetwork/?viewAsMember=true📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realitycapturenetwork/Subscribe for more insights! Stay updated on the latest in reality capture, AEC innovations, and emerging tech. Hit that like button and subscribe for future content!

Easter Island, Career Journeys, and the Future of Reality Capture Join Matthew Byrd on this week's episode as he delves into the inspiring journey of Pete Kelsey, owner of VCTO Labs, and his deep passion for reality capture technology. From the early days of struggling with a geology degree and glam metal to becoming a driving force in bringing high-end tech solutions to storytelling, Pete shares his tumultuous yet exciting career path. Discover how a trip to Easter Island became a life-changing event, see the intersection of passion and profession, and hear insights on the future of reality capture in various industries. This episode encapsulates transformation, innovation, and the powerful impact of a good story.00:00 Introduction and Career Beginnings01:49 Early Career and Transition to Technology05:15 Teaching and Consulting Journey07:03 Autodesk and the Evolution of Civil 3D10:39 Special Projects and Reality Capture18:00 Challenges and Reflections on Change36:37 Inspiration and Community Building01:01:32 Inspiring Action Through Storytelling01:04:28 The Power of Reality Capture01:07:57 Opportunities in the Industry01:15:14 The Future of Digital Twins01:23:49 Exploring New Projects and Ideas01:48:01 Lessons from Failure and Success01:53:11 Final Thoughts and AdviceStay Connected with Reality Capture Network🔗 Explore more at: https://realitycapturenetwork.com/📲 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realitycapturenetwork/?viewAsMember=true📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realitycapturenetwork/Subscribe for more insights!

What if your startup’s mission was tied to preventing World War III?In this powerful in-studio conversation, Clark Yuan, US Army Veteran and founder of Stitch 3D, joins Matthew to unpack how his experiences in military intelligence, national security, and Silicon Valley have converged into building a mission-driven tech platforms.From the pain of 7-day-old point clouds delivered on hard drives in Afghanistan, to shaping a cloud-based system that simplifies and scales access to 3D data, Clark shares his journey, mindset, and why accessibility is the greatest multiplier in modern defense and construction.00:00 Introduction and Overview01:03 Guest Introduction: Clark's Background01:57 Clark's Military Experience and Transition03:40 Entrepreneurial Journey and Stitch 3D06:17 Challenges and Solutions in Data Management14:50 Government Contracts and Opportunities26:00 Dual-Use Technology and Market Expansion29:02 Founding a Business: Risks and Motivations42:48 Building User-Friendly Software for the Air Force43:20 Adoption Challenges in Construction and Industry45:09 Growing the Market and Educating Users47:32 Horizontal vs. Vertical Platforms53:02 Leadership Principles from West Point58:19 Career Advice from Secretary Ash Carter01:07:12 The Future of Reality Capture and Digital Twins01:18:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Learn more about Stitch 3D - https://www.stitch3d.ioStay Connected with Reality Capture Network🔗 Explore more at: https://realitycapturenetwork.com/📲 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realitycapturenetwork/?viewAsMember=true📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realitycapturenetwork/Subscribe for more insights! If you enjoyed? Leave a review!

In this episode, Matthew Byrd sits down with Gary Cowan, Head of Digital Construction at Kane Group to uncover the truth about where construction tech is headed.

Gary shares how Kane Group transformed their workflows by adopting reality capture, BIM, prefab, AR/VR, and precision layout tools—treating buildings more like manufactured machines than traditional jobsites.

He outlines his “three-legged stool” methodology for successful digital construction and opens up about what it really takes to modernize an MEP business.

From setting out 1,500 points per floor with millimeter precision to training school leavers into BIM experts, Gary’s story is full of practical insight, innovation, and a passion for elevating the industry.

🔷 Prefabrication strategies that cut install time from 8 weeks to 1

🔷 Why AR, VR & AI are the next major tools in the construction workflow

🔷 How to avoid wasting money on the wrong tech

🔷 The future of training the next-gen workforce in reality capture

🔷 Real stories from global projects where scanning saved the day

🎧 Whether you’re in BIM, VDC, surveying, or just getting started in the industry—this episode is packed with insight that will help you stay ahead of the curve.00:00 Introduction to Modern Construction Challenges01:21 Meet Gary Cohen: Career Journey and Inspirations02:37 Early Career and Transition to Engineering05:35 Discovering Digital Construction and BIM08:13 Implementing Reality Capture and Prefabrication10:48 Challenges and Innovations in Digital Construction14:08 Precision Measurement and Reality Capture21:07 Adopting New Technologies and Overcoming Skepticism25:18 Collaborative Efforts and Industry Evolution36:40 Future of Construction: Integration and Collaboration39:47 Exploring New Technologies in Construction41:20 Challenges in Technology Adoption44:16 The Role of Education in Digital Construction01:03:03 AI and Automation in Construction01:11:53 Final Thoughts and AdviceSubscribe for more insights from upcoming episodes!

For Joe Wolf - it’s all a sales job.

Whether pitching the client, the company, or a partner, persuasion is foundational to not just tech adoption - but tech optimization.

And as Digital Project Manager at Allen3D (Previously a VDC Systems lead at Hansen-Rice, Inc), Joe knows every trick of the trade. He and Matt explore early jobs in CAD and the oil industry, survey backgrounds, as-built fails, demand & hiring, over asking, the evolution of laser scanning, multi-use data, industry leaders vs. industry followers, how people see sales the wrong way, and much more. 

Episode Timeline

0:58 Joe & Matt’s history, and what Joe wanted to do growing up

2:12 Early oil industry jobs, and discovering CAD in electrical school

4:51 Technology dumbing us down…or not

6:25 Learning about scanning, working with Matthew Byrd, and the overload of challenges

8:29 The benefits of starting in survey

9:42 Joe’s experience stepping into a huge role within a construction firm

13:16 Issues construction companies face by not having accurate information, with a shocking case study

15:47 Costs, and the changing criteria for when to use technology

18:13 A huge shift occurring

21:26 The effect of demand on hiring, and scaling

23:49 The value of internal expertise - even if subbing out

24:52 Verifying someone truly knows what they’re doing

27:16 A unique hope of the RCN Committees, and the dangers of not sharing

30:36 “Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly for a short time.”

31:29 How Hansen-Rice approaches project workflows and subs

33:26 Overasking

36:25 ADHD & success, technologies currently exciting Joe, and where he sees them going

39:28 Mobile scanning today vs. scanning yesterday

41:06 Mixing types of scanners, and age gaps of subs

44:35 What the future could look like

46:57 3D vs. 2D, and a Hansen-Rice strategy

48:32 As-builts’ present and future

51:00 Multi-use data

52:29 Adaptation and lessons from CAD’s release

53:57 Industry leaders vs. industry followers

57:22 Patience, and not being an island

1:00:46 How technology can touch a little bit of everything

1:03:10 Josh’s parting advice

1:05:09 Sales and honesty