The ConTechCrew Jeff Sample

EPISODE 405: As fewer students opt for trade schools, addressing today’s skills gap in construction seems far-fetched. But this episode might inspire others to step up and educate the trades of the future.
In this week’s episode, I’m joined by an old friend of mine, Jim Jones. Jim is the program director of skilled crafts and trades at Colorado Mountain College (CMC). With a wealth of experience from his years in the construction industry, he built an automotive program for a local high school in partnership with CMC and eventually took on the directorship role.
Today, Jim and I talk about his journey from his humble beginning as a lift mechanic to his current role as an educational innovator and how his unwavering passion for mechanics has crafted educational pathways for tradespeople.
Discover how CMC is revolutionizing trade education to meet the evolving demands of the construction industry. We also discuss the significant role of partnerships in trade programs and CMC’s future projects aimed at integrating sustainability and modern technologies into trade education.
Ready to explore how you can turn your trade skills into a thriving career and help shape the future of construction?
Tune in now to learn more!

Key Takeaways: 
Introduction (00:00)
From on-site construction to classroom lessons (06:31)
The importance of practical application in trade programs (13:22)
Expansion of trade programs at CMC (18:45)
Integrating sustainability and innovation in trade education (26:37)
Opportunities for technology providers (33:42)
Keep up with Jim (36:17)
Construction technology news of the week (37:55)

Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 
— 
Follow Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-jones-031b7067/
Visit Colorado Mountain College for more information: https://coloradomtn.edu/
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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️ How the AI that Drives ChatGPT Will Move Into the Physical World
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/ai-robots-technology.html
➡️ Yann Lecun: Meta AI, Open Source, Limits of LLMs, AGI & the Future of AI
https://lexfridman.com/yann-lecun-3
➡️ VenHub: The Future of Retail
https://www.venhub.com/
➡️ Artificial Intelligence Powers A New Era In Construction
https://www.forbes.com/sites/louismosca/2023/07/12/artificial-intelligence-powers-a-new-era-in-construction/
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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!

EPISODE 404: Construction is always ahead of what is going to happen. You can’t have a data boom until you have the data center–and somebody has to build it. 
Yet, most companies don’t put that much weight on extensive training to upskill their people.
In this week’s episode, my co-host Jacob D’Albora and I sit down with Ian Theodore, the training director at Austin Commercial, to talk about the critical role of training and technology integration in the construction industry.
With a career spanning various aspects of construction–from on-site experiences to leading technology integration projects–Ian offers deep insights into the importance of comprehensive training programs for employees across the board.
We also explore the impact of technological advancements on construction projects, the potential of concepts like IoT and digital twinning to building management and operations, and much more.
Are you curious how technology and training are shaping the future of construction?
Tune in now to learn more!

Key Takeaways: 
Introduction (00:00)
From construction to training (01:40)
How technology has changed construction over time (11:02)
The rise of PoE lighting and its implications (16:17)
Integrating IT into building operations (20:35)
The power of cross-training (25:36)
Implementing comprehensive training for all employees (31:31)
Keep up with Ian (39:55)
Construction technology news of the week (41:33)

Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at https://thecontechcrew.com 
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 
— 
Follow Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-theodore-b3ab0688/
Check out Austin Industries for more information: https://www.austin-ind.com/
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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️ Industrial Real Estate to Heat Up in 2024
https://www.facilitiesdive.com/news/industrial-real-estate-buildings-tenants-leasing-jll-outlook/709436/
➡️ Bechtel Pledges $7M to Combat Suicide
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/bechtel-suicide-construction-pledge/709385/
➡️ AI in Construction—What Does It Mean for Our Contractors?
https://www.abc.org/Technology/AI-Resource-Guide
➡️ A New Report Identifies ‘Significant’ Skills Gaps in the US Battery Industry
https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2024/03/01/US-battery-industry-workforce-center-for-automotive-research-UAW
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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!
 

EPISODE 403: Imagine a world where roads and bridges are designed and constructed with unmatched accuracy and efficiency. That future is NOW!
In this week’s episode, my co-host Jacob D’Albora and I sit down with Connor Christian, the BIM (Building Information Modeling) operations manager at Kiewit, as we explore how BIM and generative design technology are transforming transportation infrastructure.
Drawing on over two decades of experience in the construction and technology industry, Connor shares his insights on the reality of the software world, the potential of data-driven transportation infrastructure, future trends in transportation technology, and more.
Are you ready to unlock the future of efficient and innovative infrastructure development?
Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways: 
Introduction (00:00)
Connor Christian’s journey through the construction industry (01:03)
The truth about the software world (05:46)
How to use technology more effectively in construction (10:00)
The transition to infrastructure and technology (12:29)
Opportunities in the horizontal construction (20:10)
The importance of data and pay items in transportation projects (24:51)
Future trends in transportation technology (31:06)
The potential of generative design in infrastructure (34:44)
Construction technology news of the week (43:46)

Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at https://thecontechcrew.com 
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 
— 
Follow Connor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-christian-pe-2697154/
Check out Kiewit for more information: https://www.kiewit.com/
— 
See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️ The crucial role of smart IT in the construction industry’s ESG journey
https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/digital-construction-news/smart-it-construction-industrys-esg-journey/137778/
➡️ Purdue University to launch Trimble Technology Lab with focus on construction management technology
https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2023/Q3/purdue-university-to-launch-trimble-technology-lab-with-focus-on-construction-management-technology.html
➡️ Should You Tell Your Employees Not to Work on Weekends?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/should-you-tell-your-employees-work-weekends-simon-sinek-yulwf/
➡️ The Hilti EXO-T-22 Tool Balancer
https://www.hilti.com/c/CLS_EXOSKELETON_HUMAN_AUGMENTATION/CLS_UPPERBODY_EXOSKELETON/CLS_SUB_TOOL_BALANCER/r18562918
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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!

EPISODE 402: The biggest challenge in construction isn’t technology; it’s changing perceptions. When did you last hear field workers compliment a tech specialist on his latest software? It seldom happens, and it’s hurting the industry one way or another.
In this week’s episode, my co-host Jonathan Marsh and I have the pleasure of interviewing James Faulkner, the CEO and founder of SiteMax.
Started as a special project in 2014, SiteMax is a robust jobsite management software built for construction. From daily reports to safety, timecards, photos, drawings, and more, you can access all these essential tools in one place.
Today, James shares his journey from making vinyl deck holes in his parents’ basement to getting into construction technology.
Learn how SiteMax is bridging the gap between field and office, what tribalism is in construction, its potential impacts on construction innovation, and so much more.
Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways: 
Introduction (00:00)
From vinyl decals to construction tech (02:35)
How James started SiteMax (08:01)
Challenges of bridging the office-field gap (11:49)
What is tribalism in the construction industry? (16:27)
Game-changing features from SiteMax that bridge the tribalism gap (20:25)
How to deal with pushbacks from the field guys (30:47)
What led James to podcasting? (35:22)
Discussing the future of construction technology (40:00)
Advice to the younger generations (50:59)
Construction technology news of the week (56:06)

Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at https://thecontechcrew.com 
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 
— 
Follow James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-faulkner-9a53085/
Listen to The Site Visit Podcast: https://www.thesitevisit.com
Check out SiteMax software for more information: https://sitemaxsystems.com
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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️ The Hottest Year on Record Spurs Innovation in Climate-Adaptive Building Materials
https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/the-hottest-year-on-record-spurs-innovation-in-climate-adaptive-building-materials_o
➡️ Building Materials And The Climate: Constructing A New Future
https://www.unep.org/resources/report/building-materials-and-climate-constructing-new-future
➡️ McCarthy/Vaughn JV tapped for $5B Dallas hospital build
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/childrens-health-mccarthy-vaughn-hospital-dallas/708416/
➡️ How Suffolk Construction identifies ConTech and PropTech startups for investment, adoption
https://www.bdcnetwork.com/how-suffolk-construction-identifies-contech-and-proptech-startups-investment-adoption
➡️ 2024 Contech Investment Climate Survey
https://zacuaventures.com/2024-contech-investment-climate-survey/
— 
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 
Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 401: The construction industry consumes a staggering 40% of the world’s resources while simultaneously dumping 40% of waste into landfills. Building a more sustainable future may seem like a far-fetched dream, but this week’s podcast guest thinks otherwise.
In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Brittany Harris, the amazing founder and CEO of Qflow, to explore groundbreaking projects aimed at decarbonizing the construction industry.
Qflow serves as a digital hub that empowers construction teams to collect real-time data on materials and waste, helping them make informed decisions on cost, carbon footprint, and quality.
Brittany takes us on her journey from working on innovative construction projects to establishing Qflow, as well as the challenges and opportunities of integrating sustainability and technology in construction.
We also dive into the role of AI and data in improving operational workflows and how this contributes to the decarbonization of the industry while enhancing cost efficiency.
Ready to play your part in building a greener tomorrow?
Tune in now to learn more.

Key Takeaways: 
Introduction (00:00)
Meet Brittany Harris and her mind-blowing stint in Hong Kong (02:23)
Brittany’s transition from civil engineering to founding Qflow (07:29)
Utilizing data for sustainability in construction while being cost-effective (10:29)
How Qflow’s workflow integration is impacting construction sites (14:48)
Understanding decarbonization as a whole (20:18)
Importance of data for supply chain visibility (25:00)
Paper-based workflows and the transition to digital (32:31)
How the circular economy is reducing our carbon footprint (37:58)
Keep up with Brittany and Qflow (41:54)
Construction technology news of the week (43:42)

Additional Resources:
Listen to the show at https://thecontechcrew.com 
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 
—
Follow Brittany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanydharris/
Follow Qflow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qualis-flow
Check Qflow’s website for more information: https://www.qualisflow.com/
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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️
➡️ Virginia pioneers adoption of offsite construction code
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/virginia-modular-offsite-code-standard-adopt/708283/

➡️ Bill to effectively ban DJI drones from US skies clears Congress committee hearing
https://dronedj.com/2024/02/16/bill-to-effectively-ban-dji-drones-from-us-skies-clears-congress-committee-hearing/

➡️ Invest in who you got!
https://www.depthbuilder.com/blog/its-not-just-about-production

➡️ Denise Devine and Josh Bone
https://www.tedmagazine-digital.com/tedmagazine/february_2024-b-investing_in_tech/
— 
The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 400: Imagine managing your project with construction technology solutions that complement your business needs–it’s like efficiency and collaboration on the next level. But how do we inspire people to become paperless builders?

In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Hamzah Shanbari, an avid listener of our show and now the Director of Innovation at Haskell. He’s here to talk about Dysruptek’s approach to technology evaluation and implementation in the industry and how it drives innovation.

Dysruptek is Haskell’s venture arm, dedicated to scouting, piloting, and investing in emerging construction technologies and capitalizing on Haskell’s diverse employee base.

Hamzah shares his journey to becoming Haskell’s Director of Innovation, highlighting the importance of culture in his transformation. He also breaks down Dysruptek’s innovative and strategic process, the pros and cons of building or buying technology, and more. 

Let’s dive in!


Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)
Meet Hamzah Shanbari and his construction journey (05:48)
How culture played a role in Hamzah’s transformation (10:11)
Positioning the three different pillars: invest, invent, and innovate (13:24)
On dealing with the depth and objectivity of technology evaluation reports (18:00)
Dysruptek’s unique way of measuring rollout success (24:55)
Building vs. buying technology (27:41)
Finding the right people to build Dysruptek’s dedicated innovation team (31:53)
What’s next for Hamzah and his team? (37:49)
Construction technology news of the week (41:52)


Additional Resources:

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

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

— 

Follow Hamzah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamzah-shanbari/

Visit Haskell’s official website for more information: https://www.haskell.com/

Preorder your copy of Hamzah’s upcoming book, Paperless Builders: https://hamzah-shanbari.presale.manuscripts.com/register/registration/select

Check out Paperless Builders for more information: https://paperless.builders/

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See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️ Hamzah Shanbari’s book “Paperless Builders”
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/saldambrosia_constructiontechnology-innovation-paperless-activity-7163178100590104577-U7DU/

➡️  How 95% of Data Generated During Construction Goes Unused
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brianskripac_bim-digitaltwin-activity-7161792509713612801-CQ3E/

➡️ Google Prepares for a Future Where Search Isn’t King
https://www.wired.com/story/google-prepares-for-a-future-where-search-isnt-king/

➡️ Intel’s $20B Ohio plant delayed
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