Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes

Bricks And Bytes, Patric Hellermann, Dustin Devan
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Industry leaders Patric Hellermann, Dustin Devan, Martin Piekarz & Owen Drury sit down each week to explore tech, news, and trends within the AEC sector. Each week we debate the macro economic issues within the industry and how they those working and building within AEC. Hot takes only.

  1. 1D AGO

    Robotics Mega Show with Dusty Robotics and ex-Waymo exec & CTO of Bedrock Robotics

    Why these ex-Waymo engineers decided to conquer construction with their new startup, Bedrock Robotics. In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen and Patrick dive deep into the robotics revolution hitting construction with two industry-changing guests.  Mo joins as co-host, bringing his Silicon Valley robotics expertise to unpack the biggest funding rounds and breakthroughs happening right now. Key topics discussed: - Why Dusty Robotics chose layout printing over flashier robot applications - How ex-Waymo engineers are retrofitting excavators with self-driving tech - The brutal truth about why most construction robotics startups failWhy accuracy is becoming the ultimate moat in construction robotics - How labor shortages are forcing the industry to embrace automation - The surprising lesson from building 60 robots in-house before outsourcing - Why Field AI's $405 million funding signals a tipping point for the industry - How construction sites are actually the perfect training ground for real-world robotics Key quote: "Obviously everything's going to be built by robots in the future." - Tessa Lau, Dusty Robotics Featuring Tessa Lau, founder of Dusty Robotics (the most respected robotics company in construction tech), and Kevin Peterson, CTO of Bedrock Robotics (fresh out of stealth with $80 million to automate heavy machinery). This episode reveals why construction might be the key to unlocking robotics everywhere else. 🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3P7JkiN9X3N4Kh6jlDsOgi?si=91JP5nxvQbKStkp8AQdAOg 📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/ 🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/ 📲 Follow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/ Sponsors: BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io 4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/ Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:06 Introduction to Robotics in Construction 03:53 Current Trends and Sentiments in Robotics 06:45 Barriers to Adoption in Robotics 09:40 Autonomy vs. Collaboration in Robotics 12:40 Field AI and Its Impact on Construction 15:29 Dusty Robotics: Revolutionizing Job Sites 18:18 The Future of Construction with Robotics 21:04 Challenges in Construction Tech 23:53 The Importance of User Experience in Robotics 26:55 Lessons Learned from Robotics Development 29:36 The Role of Accuracy in Robotics 32:50 Proprietary Hardware vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions 39:43 Prototyping and Time to Market 42:40 Manufacturing Challenges in Robotics 44:46 Adoption of Robotics in Construction 46:23 Pricing Strategies for Hardware 47:41 Building a Thriving SaaS Business 49:20 Transitioning from Self-Driving Cars to Construction 53:30 Unique Product Offerings in Construction Robotics 56:29 Collaboration Between Humans and Machines 59:24 Adapting to Change in Construction 01:11:09 The Future of Robotics in Construction

    1h 17m

  2. AUG 22

    Construction Productivity Myths, UAE Real Estate, TIMES VC Rankings, with Barton Malow

    In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patric dive deep into the biggest misconceptions shaking up construction and venture capital. Plus, we're joined by Victor Muchiri from Barton Malow (a $5 billion general contractor) who reveals what tech actually works in the field. What we cover: Why Dubai developers are bringing $19 billion worth of construction in-house (and whether this trend will hit the West) The shocking truth about that McKinsey productivity chart everyone uses in pitch decks Why 8 out of 10 construction companies can't even define what a "project" is Time Magazine's controversial VC rankings that reward management fees over actual returns Victor's insider perspective on which construction technologies actually deliver results The Pablo Escobar business model lesson that might change how you think about valuations Key quote: "Construction companies can't even define what a project is. Eight different customers cannot define internally what a project is. One customer had eight different definitions. This is your business - the project is the equivalent of the order in manufacturing." - Patric From Sequoia being mysteriously absent from "top VC" lists to why rats eating cash might be better than some investment strategies, this episode challenges everything you think you know about construction productivity, venture capital, and business models. ------------ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Awkward Beginnings 03:08 Dubai's In-House Construction Trend 11:01 The Best Owner Logic in M&A 18:40 Market Dynamics and Developer Strategies 21:19 Construction Productivity and Industry Comparisons 30:45 Luxury and Value in Construction 32:09 The Economics of Markup and Intangible Assets 34:32 Current Trends in the UK Construction Market 36:02 Introduction to Barton Mello and Its Operations 38:36 Innovations in Construction Technology 41:31 Data Strategies in Construction 45:10 Defining Projects in Construction 49:59 Standardization Challenges in Construction 53:15 Engaging with Startups in Construction Technology 54:35 Navigating AEC Tech Startups 56:01 The Importance of Industry Expertise 57:09 Defining Success in Venture Capital 58:36 Exploring America's Top Venture Capital Firms 59:53 Evaluating Venture Capital Performance 01:01:42 Critiquing the Scoring Criteria of VC Firms 01:04:49 The Role of Sequoia in Venture Capital 01:08:25 Understanding the Power Law in VC Investments 01:10:19 The Impact of Management Fees on VC Performance 01:13:13 The Purpose Behind Controversial Lists 01:15:33 Top Podcasts and Their Influence

    1h 17m

  3. AUG 15

    $1.5M AI Employee Bonuses, Procore Growth Slowdown? & LinkedIn Growth Hacks with Derek Wong

    What happens when AI hype, billion-dollar bets, and the cold reality of hardware vs. software collide — plus, how to dominate LinkedIn without sounding like everyone else? In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes Owen, Martin, Patric, and Dustin are joined by LinkedIn strategist Derek Wong to unpack: Which AI giant will actually have the best model by the end of August — and why public betting markets might be getting it wrong The surprising slowdown at Procore vs. Trimble’s surge — and what it says about the future of construction tech Why hardware “moats” can be a game-changer for tech companies The right and wrong ways to use AI in business (and why LLMs aren’t your calculator) Derek’s playbook for turning LinkedIn into the ultimate “box of donuts” for winning high-value customers "Hardware is an amazing bathtub — once you control the install base, your software gets stickier and your distribution gets easier." — Patric Hellermann ----- Sponsors: BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io 4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/ -----  Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:13 Earning Potential and Career Strategies 05:26 AI Models and Company Performance 10:07 Evaluating AI Tools and Their Limitations 14:42 Practical Applications of AI in Business 17:52 Understanding User Interaction with AI Tools 19:58 Market Dynamics in Construction Technology 22:54 Contrasting Business Models: Procore vs. Trimble 24:45 Valuation Insights and Market Perception 31:25 The Future of Procore: Leadership and Vision 39:28 Building Relationships through Content on LinkedIn 46:45 Mind Share and Brand Recognition 48:27 The Importance of Target Audience 50:26 Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Profile 52:03 The Dangers of Self-Labeling 54:26 Clarifying Your Value Proposition 55:29 Content Strategy for Engagement 57:57 The Role of Content in Building Relationships 59:43 Understanding Your Goals on LinkedIn 01:01:58 The Future of AI and Construction 01:08:00 The AI Race and Its Implications 01:09:46 Innovations in Modular Housing

    1h 17m

  4. AUG 8

    Turner's 44% Growth, Figma IPO Rogue Calculations, Meta's $150B Block & AI's 85% Fail Rate with Dex from Propel People

    Construction companies are posting "impossible" growth numbers while tech giants can't spend their billions. What's really happening? In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Patric dive deep into the shocking stories reshaping the construction industry, plus a special guest appearance from construction tech veteran Dex who just raised $3 million to solve the industry's biggest crisis. What we cover: Turner Construction's mind-blowing 44% revenue growth (and why it's "impossible") The Figma IPO scandal that cost early investors millions Why Meta can't spend $150 billion even though they want to Construction's $20 billion labor shortage crisis Why 85% of AI projects fail (and the patterns that actually work) Energy bottlenecks blocking massive infrastructure spending Dex's new startup Propel People tackling the skilled worker shortage Key Quote: "This is highway robbery for the existing investors... they just lost a ton of value." - Patric on the Figma IPO controversy From billion-dollar construction wins to IPO disasters, energy grid meltdowns to recruiting revolutions - this episode reveals the hidden forces driving massive changes across the industry. Whether you're in AEC, tech, or just curious about where the economy is heading, these insights will change how you see the business world. ------- Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:00 Origins of 'Okay' and Its Cultural Significance 03:40 Turner's Impressive Growth in Construction 06:21 Diversification and Strategic Partnerships in Construction 09:23 Turner's Expansion into European Markets 12:14 Figma's IPO and Market Dynamics 15:01 Valuation Challenges and Investor Sentiment 18:16 Banking Practices and IPO Pricing Strategies 25:21 The State of AI in Enterprises 29:16 Challenges of Pilot Programs 30:53 Historical Insights on Project Failures 35:00 Ensuring Technology Adoption 41:43 Energy Infrastructure Bottlenecks 47:36 Introduction to Propel People 52:13 Building a Recruiting Platform for Construction 56:24 Sourcing Talent in the Construction Industry 58:18 Evolution of Technology in Construction 60:11 The Role of Social Media in Recruitment 63:04 Founder-Led Sales and Market Insights 67:05 Setting Foundations for Success in Startups

    1h 23m

  5. AUG 1

    $555K Salary for Construction Engineers, Trunk Tools $40M Round, Stone Carving Robots with Monumental Labs

    OpenAI is paying construction engineers $555K – but there's a catch that nobody's talking about. In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Dustin expose the shocking reality behind AI salaries in construction, debunk viral industry charts, and reveal why your favorite building materials might be making a comeback. What we cover: Why OpenAI is paying engineers 5x more than top architecture firms The truth behind "construction AI growth" charts flooding social media How AI coding tools are changing the startup game (and why most companies are doing it wrong) Trunk Tools' massive $40M funding round – and what it means for the industry Inside Dexto's $15M bet on prefabrication technology Why stone buildings could dominate the future (thanks to robots) The real strategy behind why successful startups raise more money than they need Key quote: "I've never met a civil engineer or an architect making that much money. Ever." – Dustin DeVan on OpenAI's salary offerings From fake data manipulation to robotic stone carving, this episode pulls back the curtain on where construction tech is really headed. Whether you're an investor, founder, or just trying to understand why your industry is changing so fast – this one's a must-listen. -------- Sponsors: BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io 4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/ ------------ Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:25 Introduction and Welcome Back 02:43 Exploring AI in Engineering Jobs 04:55 Salary Insights for Engineers at OpenAI 08:60 The Future of Engineering Roles and Compensation 11:46 Equity and Compensation in Tech Companies 17:32 Navigating AI Technologies in Business 21:53 Funding and Growth in the AI Sector 22:30 The Evolution of AI in Construction Tech 25:37 The Importance of Founder Branding in Tech 31:10 Analyzing AI Adoption Across Industries 36:41 Dextal: Revolutionizing Prefabrication Technology 51:55 Introduction to Robotic Stone Carving 52:32 Innovative Building Techniques with Stone 54:04 The Role of AI in Stone Carving 55:53 Future of Stone Construction 57:22 Business Model and Customization 59:29 Reviving the Craft of Stone Carving 61:11 Challenges in Stone Architecture 64:32 Sustainability of Stone as a Building Material 65:50 Personalization in Sculpture 67:18 Market Demand for Stone Products 70:51 The Future of Robotics in Construction

    1h 14m

  6. JUL 25

    Vibe Coding Will Die, nPlan CTO Warning, Woodchuck $3.75M Raise, Parsepec $20M Series A,

    Construction companies are claiming they're "software companies" now - but this dangerous trend could destroy the industry. In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen and Patric dive deep with Alan Mosca (CTO of nPlan) about the AI revolution that's both exciting and terrifying the construction world. Plus, we hear from Todd Thomas of Woodchuck AI about turning construction waste into profit, and Forest from Parspec Inc on their 20 million Series A raise. Key topics discussed: Why contractors thinking they can "vibe code" critical software is setting them up for disaster The DocuSign problem: why you can't just prompt your way to enterprise security The AI paradox that could kill coding platforms when they get too good How Woodchuck AI is reducing waste costs by 30% while creating new revenue streams Why GCs are "pressurizing a chamber that's already at incredible high pressure" Travis Kalanick's physics breakthrough claims and what they reveal about AI hype The real applications of AI that are actually working in construction Key quote: "That is basically pressurizing a chamber that is already at incredible high pressure with very thin walls. Because GCs run on insanely thin margins with very little time to spare and everything feels like you got it done by a miracle most of the time." - Alan Mosca This episode doesn't hold back on the hard truths about AI in construction. Listen now to understand what's really happening behind the hype. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:05 Introduction to AI in Construction 03:05 Challenges with AI in Construction 09:53 The Future of Vibe Coding 16:15 The Role of AI in Business and Investment 21:16 AI Generated Content and Marketing Strategies 27:35 The Influence of Extremes on Public Opinion 28:10 Marketing Strategies in the Age of AI 29:13 The Dangers of Intellectual Laziness in Content Creation 30:03 The Rise of Vibe Coding in Construction 30:57 The Challenges of Software Solutions in Construction 34:05 Point Solution Fatigue in General Contracting 36:56 The Slippery Slope of DIY Software Solutions 40:05 Woodchuck's Innovative Approach to Waste Management 41:56 AI's Role in Sustainable Construction Practices 45:09 The Importance of Pre-Sorting in Waste Management 47:54 The Future of Waste Management and Compliance 53:07 Funding and Expansion Plans for Woodchuck 57:19 The Rise of Tesla Robot Taxis 01:02:10 AI in Construction Material Sourcing 01:09:24 Challenges in E-commerce for Construction 01:15:48 Lessons from Startup Growth

    1h 20m

  7. JUL 18

    $5B Heat Crisis, 89% Productivity Drop, Startup Reality Check, SuperSede Plastic Innovation, $10M Raise Success with Sean Petterson

    Is your construction project secretly losing $5 billion a year? This industry insider just exposed the shocking truth about why 89% of construction firms are failing. In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into the hidden forces reshaping the AEC industry, plus exclusive interviews with game-changing founders who are disrupting everything. What we cover: The $5 billion heat crisis destroying construction schedules (and why Martin thinks it's just an excuse) Why 70% of construction tech startups are failing at Series A funding rounds Sean Petterson from SuperSede reveals how recycled plastic is replacing plywood forever The brutal truth about why all construction software has terrible UX design Mo Akbari's controversial take on how AI could kill DocuSign overnight Patrick's explosive Coca-Cola business model that could transform construction Why Europe's buildings are designed to overheat (and what that means for your projects) Key Quote: "If you build shit companies and you raise your seed round on a shit promise and you can't deliver on that shit promise, well, at series A and B, it's easier to be found out." - Patric Hellermann From climate disasters to funding secrets to revolutionary materials, this episode pulls back the curtain on what's really happening in construction tech. Warning: You might never look at your projects the same way again. ---- Sponsors: BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io 4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/ ------- Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:07 Introduction and Technical Glitches 04:14 Cultural Insights from Corfu 07:07 Heat and Productivity in Construction 10:05 Debating Heat Management Solutions 13:09 Innovations in Construction for Heat Management 16:12 Building Regulations and Overheating Concerns 19:08 The Role of Insulation and Building Design 22:06 Funding Analysis and Market Trends 36:22 Funding Trends in Construction Tech 41:08 Challenges in Achieving Series A and B Funding 44:36 Introduction to Super Seed and Its Innovations 51:58 Super Seed's Unique Product Offerings 57:31 Scaling and Capacity Building in Manufacturing 01:02:34 Brand Strategy and Market Positioning 01:04:54 Navigating Industry Standards and Specifications 01:13:46 Choosing the Right Communication Tools 01:14:42 The Importance of User Experience in Construction Tech 01:16:56 Evaluating Product Design and Usability 01:19:38 Metrics for Assessing User Experience 01:25:19 The Role of AI in Product Development 01:29:24 The Future of Document Signing Solutions 01:32:55 The Impact of Pricing on Market Competition 01:35:24 Mo's Upcoming Project Reveal

    1h 38m

  8. JUL 4

    Big Tech Rethinks Construction, Palantir $100M Nuclear Deal, Data Center Capacity Crisis & Nvidia AI Profits

    Big Tech is Quietly Taking Over Construction (And Making Billions Doing It) In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into how tech giants are reshaping the construction industry - and who's really profiting from the AI boom. What we cover: How big tech companies are forcing construction firms to completely rethink project delivery Why Palantir just signed a $100 million deal with a nuclear company (and what it means for the industry) The shocking truth about where all the AI money actually goes Why 22-28% of the world's GDP comes from projects - and what that means for capacity vs. software The wild world of fundraising scams targeting desperate startups Whether usage-based pricing models are about to collapse Why most construction startups are solving the wrong problems Key quote: "Why would I invest in software rather than the factory? I would invest in the factory, right? If I want to have access to space and monopolize the access to space, dude, I'm not building software. I'm building a fucking launch ramp and a reusable rocket." - Patric Plus, the hosts try (and fail spectacularly) to guess the World Economic Forum's top 10 emerging technologies of 2025. Spoiler: nobody saw "green nitrogen fixation" coming. ------------------ Sponsors: BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io 4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/ -----------------------Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:21 Heat Waves and Air Conditioning Trends 05:23 Big Tech's Influence on Construction 11:20 Capacity Challenges in Construction 17:14 Palantir's Nuclear Operating System Partnership 30:27 Navigating the Complexities of General Contracting 33:45 The Role of Private Equity in General Contracting 37:56 Emerging Technologies and Their Impact 40:40 The Future of Fundraising and Scams in Startups 52:35 Understanding the Venture Investment Ecosystem 55:25 Navigating Fundraising Challenges 58:20 The Role of Fundraising Advisors 01:02:30 Effective Messaging in Marketing 01:07:18 Competition vs. No Competition in Market 01:11:22 Debating Usage-Based Pricing Models

    1h 24m
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About

Industry leaders Patric Hellermann, Dustin Devan, Martin Piekarz & Owen Drury sit down each week to explore tech, news, and trends within the AEC sector. Each week we debate the macro economic issues within the industry and how they those working and building within AEC. Hot takes only.

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  • Creator
    Bricks And Bytes, Patric Hellermann, Dustin Devan
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bricks And Bytes, Patric Hellermann, Dustin Devan
  • Show Website
    Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes

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