Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction Applied Software

The younger generation may be full of people who would shine as construction professionals—what if they just don’t know it yet? When it comes to considering the trades as a viable profession, a huge factor tends to be whether you “see yourself” there. In this episode, Colleen Martindale of McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. shares her experience as someone who moved from the arts to the trades: which hurdles faced her early on, the advice she’d give to teams and individuals facing hurdles of their own, and her take on preventing supply chain issues.
Colleen Martindale is VP of Preconstruction at McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. She is an experienced preconstruction professional with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. She is skilled in HCSS Heavybid, Subcontracting, Value Engineering, CMAR Delivery, and Client Experience. In addition, she is a leader of a regional resource group for women, the McCarthy Partnership for Women, and is passionate about advocating for diverse talent in the construction industry.
Todd Takes
Diversity in Backgrounds: Diverse perspectives are key to success. Colleen's transition from the music industry to construction exemplifies this principle. Her unique viewpoint not only brings fresh ideas but also demonstrates how incorporating a variety of perspectives can lead to more innovative and effective solutions in construction.
Personal Connections: Recognizing that we are all human seems straightforward, yet it's fundamental. Getting to know the person behind the employee builds trust and fosters collaboration. By focusing on mutual success, we create a work environment that encourages better communication and teamwork.
Early Stakeholder Engagement: Bringing all stakeholders into the project at an early stage to define terms, workflows, and processes is vital for success. This strategy not only streamlines project management but also increases the overall chances of achieving project goals effectively.
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Bridging the Gap Website
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Todd’s LinkedIn
 
Thank you to our sponsors!
Applied Software
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Other Relevant Links:Colleen’s LinkedIn
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
 

Construction: is it only slow to innovate due to tradition, or is there another conversation to be had? In this episode, Sarah Buchner joins the podcast to discuss the industry’s outlook on new technology, the difference between AI and “IA,” how to leverage artificial intelligence as a tool in your career, the worldwide issue of construction data inconsistencies, and her company, Trunk Tools, Inc.
Sarah Buchner, Ph.D. is CEO of Trunk Tools, Inc. With 20 years of experience in the construction industry, she has founded four live construction technology applications. She holds a Doctorate in Civil Systems Engineering/Data Science from Technische Universität Wien and an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. She was recently listed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30.
 
Todd's Takes
Embracing Innovation: Innovation should not be seen as a threat but rather as an opportunity for growth in construction. It paves the way for advancements that can transform traditional practices.
Technology Adoption in Construction: The construction industry is receptive to adopting technology when the immediate benefits and reasons are clear. This dispels the myth that construction is inherently resistant to innovation.
AI as a Collaborative Partner: At its best, AI serves as a powerful partner that enhances human capabilities. It allows humans to focus on critical thinking while it augments and processes data efficiently.
 
Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts.
Bridging the Gap Website
Bridging the Gap LinkedIn
Bridging the Gap Instagram
Bridging the Gap YouTube
Todd’s LinkedIn
 
Thank you to our sponsors!
Applied Software
Applied Software LinkedIn
 
Other Relevant Links:Sarah’s LinkedIn
Trunk Tools, Inc.

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If the world is in 3 dimensions, and we think in 3 dimensions, why would we work in only 2?

Technology stacks are transforming the construction industry. In the years to come, what benefits in decision-making and project efficiency might we see from this transformation? Join Todd and guest Edward Garcia for an in-depth conversation on traditional vs. transformative methods, how to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, cross-collaborating with engineering and fabrication teams to ensure feasibility, and much more.

As AR and AI continue to sweep the construction industry, what are some of the best and most proven ways to leverage this enigmatic technology? Could it, in fact, help us address some of the largest and most persistent pain points of the industry at large? Join Todd and guest NK Chaitanya as they discuss the connection between data and AI, NK’s company ConstructN.ai, how AR can be leveraged to increase onsite safety, and the burgeoning benefits of artificial intelligence.