Hard Hats & Data Chats

Steve Gross & Fraser Gallop

Hard Hats & Data Chats is where construction grit meets data smarts. This is the show for builders, analysts, tech leaders, and anyone fired up about how BI, analytics, and ERP systems are reshaping the construction industry. Each episode dives into real‑world challenges, smarter workflows, and the tech that’s transforming how projects get delivered. Hosted by Fraser Gallop, of Onware (https://onware.com), and Steve Gross of Computer Guidance Corporation (https://computerguidance.com), the podcast brings together two seasoned industry pros who’ve lived the realities of construction operations, finance, and software. Their candid conversations blend practical experience, sharp insight, and a healthy dose of curiosity.What you’ll hear on the show:• Construction + Data How contractors turn jobsite chaos into confident, data‑driven decisions• ERP Deep Dives Real talk on implementing, optimizing, and getting ROI from construction ERP platforms• Business Intelligence in Action From job cost to forecasting—how to turn numbers into smarter builds• Industry Trends Tech adoption, automation, reporting, and the evolving digital toolbox shaping the future of constructionHard Hats & Data Chats brings clarity, curiosity, and a bit of fun to the systems and strategies powering the built world.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    The Future of Construction Data — with Michael Pompey

    In our season finale, Fraser and Steve sit down in person in Scottsdale, Arizona with Michael Pompey, Chief AI Strategist at Arrow Electronics, for a candid, no‑fluff conversation about where construction data and AI are really headed. Across two decades as a CIO, Michael has led digital transformation, infrastructure modernization, and AI strategy — and he brings that experience straight into the construction job trailer. Together, we dig into the realities behind the hype: data silos, ERP limitations, semantic models, data warehouses, and why “10 inches from the keyboard” is still the biggest barrier to innovation. Michael shares stories from the public sector, insights on biometric data and digital twins, and a blunt take on how leaders will either use AI to elevate their teams… or race straight to the bottom. We explore the future of project management, the irreplaceable value of field expertise, and why construction firms must tie data initiatives directly to business value — not IT wish lists. If you care about the future of construction technology, practical AI, and how builders can finally unlock the value buried in their own systems, this episode is the perfect capstone to Season 1. Follow, subscribe, and stay tuned — Season 2 is already in the works. Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a3ocC682B04 Michael Pompey, AI Evangelist, Arrow Electronics: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpompey/ Learn more about Steve’s work with eCMS Cloud Construction ERP Software at  Computer Guidance Corporation or Fraser’s work transforming construction data into actionable insights at Onware.

  2. Jul 2

    Success Stories: What Good Looks Like

    Fraser Gallop and Steve Gross break down real‑world examples of modern data transformation in construction—moving from manual month‑end chaos to automated data warehouses, governance, semantic models, and actionable dashboards. They share stories from the field, highlight how top performers streamline WIP, forecasting, and reporting, and show how better data architecture frees high‑value teams to focus on strategy instead of spreadsheets. A practical, insight‑packed conversation on what “good” truly looks like in construction data. Learn more about Steve’s work with eCMS Cloud Construction ERP Software at  Computer Guidance Corporation or Fraser’s work transforming construction data into actionable insights at Onware.

  3. Jun 10

    The Real Challenges and How to Overcome Them

    Fraser and Steve break down the real challenges behind successful software and data deployments—why they happen, how to avoid them, and what teams can do to build a strong foundation. They cover the essentials: getting early buy‑in, cleaning and standardizing data, defining meaningful KPIs, integrating systems properly, and building trust through training and transparency. As Fraser notes, “we won’t get it right the first time,” so iteration and feedback loops are critical. The episode closes with a look ahead to Fraser’s upcoming Tableau presentation and the next topic: What Good Looks Like. Learn more about Steve’s work with eCMS Cloud Construction ERP Software at  Computer Guidance Corporation or Fraser’s work transforming construction data into actionable insights at Onware.

  4. May 13

    Where Things Go Wrong

    In Episode 4 of Hard Hats & Data Chats, Fraser Gallop and Steve Gross dive into the real reasons data initiatives fail in construction — and why it’s almost never the technology. Drawing from real project stories, they unpack issues like data silos, inconsistent definitions, user‑created workarounds that break reporting, and the cultural gaps that undermine even the best systems. This episode highlights the importance of governance, stewardship, and cross‑team communication in building a trustworthy data foundation. If you’ve ever wondered why your dashboards don’t match your spreadsheets, this one hits home. Learn more about Steve’s work with eCMS Cloud Construction ERP Software at  Computer Guidance Corporation or Fraser’s work transforming construction data into actionable insights at Onware.

  5. Apr 24

    What the Industry is Really Looking For

    Struggling with disconnected data in construction? This episode is your guide to unifying and automating data flow for smarter projects. Fraser Gallop and Steve Gross tackle data silos and manual reporting, revealing how ERP integration can transform tracking, cost control, and forecasting. Learn to build intuitive dashboards and gain real-time visibility to maintain margins and manage change orders effectively. Perfect for executives and project managers ready to harness data as a competitive edge. Listen now to streamline your systems and improve decision-making. Learn more about Steve’s work with eCMS Cloud Construction ERP Software at  Computer Guidance Corporation or Fraser’s work transforming construction data into actionable insights at Onware.

  6. Apr 7

    You Already Have the Data

    In this episode of Hard Hats and Data Chats, Fraser Gallop and Steve Gross dig into a key insight for contractors: you don’t need more data—you need to better use the data you already have. They share practical, real-world examples of how information captured in ERP systems, timesheets, and billing processes can be activated to improve productivity, simplify time-and-materials billing, and reduce manual work. From tracking quantities alongside labor hours to replacing spreadsheets with system-driven reporting, the discussion focuses on small changes that deliver meaningful impact. The episode also touches on earned value, forecasting, and why consistent data discipline creates better visibility, scalability, and profitability over time. If you’re looking for ways to unlock insights from your existing systems and work smarter—not harder—this episode is for you. Learn more about Steve’s work with eCMS Cloud Construction ERP Software at  Computer Guidance Corporation or Fraser’s work transforming construction data into actionable insights at Onware.

  7. Mar 24

    The Value of Data

    In our first episode of Hard Hats and Data Chats, Fraser Gallop and Steve Gross introduce the series and dive into one of construction’s biggest challenges: turning everyday operational data into timely, actionable insights. They discuss how ERPs capture essential information, why accessing it is often harder than collecting it, and how spreadsheet‑based workflows create delays, version issues, and reporting headaches. They also share real client stories—from month‑end WIP struggles to the impact of moving from nightly to twice‑daily data refreshes—showing how better data flow can transform project oversight and decision‑making. Join Fraser and Steve as they lay the foundation for becoming a truly data‑driven construction organization. Learn more about Steve’s work with eCMS Cloud Construction ERP Software at  Computer Guidance Corporation or Fraser’s work transforming construction data into actionable insights at Onware.

  • 7 Episodes

About

Hard Hats & Data Chats is where construction grit meets data smarts. This is the show for builders, analysts, tech leaders, and anyone fired up about how BI, analytics, and ERP systems are reshaping the construction industry. Each episode dives into real‑world challenges, smarter workflows, and the tech that’s transforming how projects get delivered. Hosted by Fraser Gallop, of Onware (https://onware.com), and Steve Gross of Computer Guidance Corporation (https://computerguidance.com), the podcast brings together two seasoned industry pros who’ve lived the realities of construction operations, finance, and software. Their candid conversations blend practical experience, sharp insight, and a healthy dose of curiosity.What you’ll hear on the show:• Construction + Data How contractors turn jobsite chaos into confident, data‑driven decisions• ERP Deep Dives Real talk on implementing, optimizing, and getting ROI from construction ERP platforms• Business Intelligence in Action From job cost to forecasting—how to turn numbers into smarter builds• Industry Trends Tech adoption, automation, reporting, and the evolving digital toolbox shaping the future of constructionHard Hats & Data Chats brings clarity, curiosity, and a bit of fun to the systems and strategies powering the built world.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Gross & Fraser Gallop
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 (C) 2026 Hard Hats & Data Chats
  • Show Website
    Hard Hats & Data Chats