AEC GrowthCast

PSMJ Resources

The AEC GrowthCast from PSMJ Resources, Inc., is the fast-paced, action-oriented podcast built for architecture, engineering, and construction firm leaders who want results. Each episode cuts through the noise with practical strategies, insider insights, and proven tools you can put to work right away to drive growth, boost profitability, and strengthen leadership. No theory, no fluff—just high-impact conversations and takeaways from the experts who know what works in today’s competitive AEC market.

Episodes

  1. May 21

    When Three Becomes One: The Lynk Engineers Success Story (Ep. 5)

    Spectrum Engineers, Colvin Engineering, and Envision Engineering have merged to form Lynk Engineers. The merger combines the expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering developed by the Salt Lake City-based firms, each with well over 30 years in business. PSMJ Resources represented all three firms in the merger. President Gregory Hart speaks with Lynk Engineers Senior Principal/Executive Advisor Dave Wesemann and PSMJ Resources Senior M&A Consultant Karl Wohler about the transaction and how they collaborated together. 2026 AE Compensation Benchmark Results availble now: https://go.psmj.com/2026-ae-mgmt-staff-comp-benchmark-model?UTM=youtube Not a PSMJ PRO member? Get access to the latest quarterly market forecast here: Networking & Collaboration Platform for AEC Professionals Book of the Month: Build Your AEC Dream Team https://store.psmj.com/product/psmj-publications/books/build-your-aec-dream-team/ Takeaways Compensation alone does not attract or retain top talent; career development and achievement opportunities matter moreRecruiting must be treated as a firm-wide priority, not just an HR function; senior leadership involvement signals commitmentBuild robust internship and junior talent development programs now to ensure mid-level and senior talent pipelines in 5–10 yearsFocus on "boomerang" candidates—mid-career professionals who left but may return; some firms see 6-month follow-up surveys with high re-engagement ratesCandidate experience must be treated with the same professionalism and responsiveness as client experienceIn challenging labor markets (rural or expensive urban), get creative with non-salary benefits (housing assistance, ski passes, community engagement, college partnerships)Continuous recruiting—maintain active job postings and resume reviews even when not actively hiring Chapters 1:34 Metric of the Month 4:58 Intro to Dave Wesemann and Karl Wohler 6:26 The Story of Three Firms 8:49 Bring the Deal Killers to the 1st Conversation 12:56 Navigating Org Charts & Compensation 16:06 Lynk Branding 17:19 How to Get Employees & Shareholders to Buy In 18:41 Would Wesemann Merge Again? 20:25 Rallying the Depatments for a New Firm 21:57 Navigating Disagreements with PSMJ's Assistance 23:58 Clients' Response & How to Reassure Them 26:04 The Value of In-Person Collaboration (at the Red Sox) 27:38 The PSMJ Way 30:19 Five Minute Fix 35:55 Book of the Month Host: Gregory Hart Producers: Gregory Hart, Pete McPherson, JB Keefe, Molly McElaney Editor: Molly McElaney Special thanks to Dave Wesemann, Karl Wohler, and Riverside FM!

    41 min

  2. Apr 9

    Designing Modern Learning Organizations: Rethinking AEC Learning & Development in Age of AI (Ep. 4)

    In this episode, Christopher Parsons, Founder and CEO of Knowledge Architecture, offers a vision for transforming your AEC firm into a Modern Learning Organization—one that continuously captures, shares, and scales expertise even as projects grow more complex, experienced professionals retire, and AI reshapes the field. Christopher joins host and PSMJ President Gregory Hart with real-world examples of how leading AEC firms are accelerating knowledge transfer through curated learning paths, expert-led video, modular content, hybrid instructional models, and AI-powered search. You'll discover practical patterns for blending on-demand education, social learning, and emerging AI agents into a system that makes your entire organization smarter and more adaptive. Whether you're facing a wave of retirements, siloed expertise, generational shifts, or wondering how AI will change your firm, this session delivers concrete next steps—and helps leaders walk away with clarity on where to start and how to design an organization that keeps learning no matter what the future brings. Learn more about Christopher Parsons and Knowledge Architecture: https://www.knowledge-architecture.com Learn more about PSMJ's AEC TalentMAX Conference: https://www.psmj.com/talentmax Book of the Month: https://go.psmj.com/the-value-pricing-imperative-for-design-firms Not a PSMJ PRO member? Learn more: http://www.psmj.com/psmjpromembership Chapters 1:11 Metric of the Month 5:27 Who is Christopher Parsons? 6:57 The History of Knowledge Management 9:41 The Hourglass Org Chart 11:47 The Evolution of Knowledge Management 15:00 AI's Role in Knowledge Management 16:47 Learning and Development in AEC Firms 20:05 Project Management and Knowledge Transfer 22:29 Generational Shifts and Business Design 24:11 Strategies for Effective Knowledge Transfer 29:05 The Role of Operations in Knowledge Management 31:15 AEC TalentMAX 2026 32:42 The Future of Knowledge Management and AI Integration 35:52 Anthropic Spider Plot 36:46 Five Minute Fix 43:38 Book of the Month Takeaways AI is the primary catalyst driving the renaissance in AEC knowledge management.The "missing middle" generation lost during the dot-com crash and 2008 crisis is creating a critical knowledge transfer gap.The traditional AEC apprenticeship model is broken; firms must get intentional about accelerating skill development.KM has evolved through three eras: digitization (KM 1.0), social sharing (KM 2.0), and AI-powered retrieval (KM 3.0).Onboarding, design technology fluency, and project management are the top LMS use cases.KM is increasingly reporting through operations, signaling its strategic importance.KM strategy should start with core business challenges—scaling expertise, M&A integration, quality, retention—and work backward.AI agents will soon be central to AEC operations, with employees managing agents before they manage people. Host: Gregory Hart Producers: Gregory Hart, Pete McPherson, Molly McElaney Editor: Molly McElaney Special thanks to Riverside FM!

    48 min

  3. Mar 12

    Building the AEC Firm of the Future: Leadership, Innovation, and What Comes Next (Ep. 3)

    What will tomorrow’s most successful architecture and engineering firms look like - and what steps must leaders do differently starting now? In this episode, Heather Polinsky, CEO nominee of global multidisciplinary firm Arcadis, joins the conversation to explore how AEC firms can build future-ready organizations through being bold in areas such as stronger leadership development, smarter innovation, and evolving business models. From preparing next-generation leaders to rethinking how work gets delivered, this discussion offers practical insight for CEOs focused on long-term competitiveness.   Learn more about Heather Polinsky and Arcadis here: https://www.arcadis.com/en/news/global/2025/12/arcadis-announces-heather-polinsky-as-new-ceo   Not a PSMJ PRO member? Learn more here: http://www.psmj.com/psmjpromembership   Check out Greg’s Book of the Month here: amazon.com/gp/product/B0GPSRHDPH   Chapters 1:38 Metric of the Month 5:49 Who is Heather Polinsky? 6:33 Polinsky’s Career Journey 12:06 Navigating Ownership Transition and Leadership Gaps 14:34 Emerging Traits for Future Leaders 18:15 Embracing Change in the AEC Industry 20:38 The Impact of Technology on AEC 24:25 Fostering a Culture of Innovation 31:44 Future Trends in the AEC Industry 34:56 Five Minute Fix 40:01 Book of the Month   Takeaways Heather Polinsky's career path emphasizes the importance of curiosity and taking risks.Leadership requires a different skill set than technical expertise.Assessing leadership potential involves understanding both interpersonal and intellectual capacities.Emerging leaders need commercial fluency and digital judgment.Technology, especially AI, is transforming the AEC industry.Creating a culture of innovation requires clarity and guardrails for experimentation.The industry must move from transactional to relational models with clients.Future leaders must understand the interconnectedness of various sectors.The gig economy is reshaping workforce expectations in the AEC industry.Structural changes in the industry will require agility and systems thinking.  Host: Gregory Hart Producers: Gregory Hart, Pete McPherson, Molly McElaney, Nadia Drozario, Daniel Cochlin Editor: Molly McElaney Special thanks to Arcadis CEO Nominee Heather Polinsky and Riverside FM!

    43 min

  4. Feb 12

    AI Proof in the Pudding: Pennoni's Joe Viscuso on Strategic Growth (Ep. 2)

    In this conversation, Joe Viscuso, the Director of Strategic Growth at Pennoni, discusses his career journey, the role of technology in the AEC industry, and the challenges firms face in adopting new technologies. He highlights the importance of innovative solutions, particularly in road analytics, and emphasizes the need for the industry to adapt to a data-driven future. The discussion also touches on the competitive landscape of mergers and acquisitions and the evolving value proposition in the AEC sector. Not a PSMJ PRO member? Learn more here: www.psmj.com/psmjpromembership   Order the Quarterly Market Forecast here: https://www.psmj.com/surveys/quarterly-market-forecast-2/   Check out Greg’s Book of the Month here: https://www.amazon.com/Company-We-Keep-Reinventing-Community/dp/1931498733   Chapters 1:12 Metric of the Month 5:58 Who is Joe Viscuso? 9:01 Joe’s Career Journey & M&A Experience 10:44 The Role of Technology and Innovation in AEC 12:32 Challenges in Technology Adoption 13:53 Is Every AI Tool a Fit for Your Firm? 15:21 Case Study: AI for Road Analytics 18:39 The Future of Data and Predictive Analytics 22:01 Using AI for Data and How AEC Can Evolve 25:12 2026 Projections (Just for Fun) 26:06 M&A Activity & PSMJ’s M&A Summit 28:46 Five Minute Fix 34:45 Book of the Month Takeaways   Joe Viscuso's role focuses on growing the top line of Pennoni.Pennoni is 100% employee-owned and has grown significantly.Technology plays a crucial role in client offerings and project delivery.Adoption of technology is influenced by generational changes in the workforce.Public sector clients are often more resistant to adopting new technologies than private clients.Innovative road analytics technology improves objectivity in road condition assessments.Data is a valuable asset that the AEC industry has yet to fully monetize.Predictive analytics will play a significant role in the future of the industry.M&A activity remains competitive, with firms needing to be forward-looking.The industry must shift from selling hours to providing value-based solutions. Host: Gregory Hart Producers: Gregory Hart, Pete McPherson, Molly McElaney Editor: Molly McElaney Special thanks to Riverside FM!

    40 min

  5. Jan 8

    Growth Without Compromise: The Pape-Dawson Success Story (Ep. 1)

    In 2025, the fastest-growing civil engineering firm Pape-Dawson acquired 6 firms and promoted 19 employees. President Trey Dawson joins PSMJ Resources President Gregory Hart to explore how his Pape-Dawson has achieved growth and success.   Pape-Dawson has been listed on PSMJ’s coveted Circle of Excellence for 13 of the past 14 years. This award recognizes superior financial and operating performance across 8 key performance metrics. Additionally, Pape-Dawson earned the No. 69 slot on Engineering-News Record’s ENR 500 list of the largest engineering firms, up from No. 93 on the list in 2024.   So, how do they do it? How does Pape-Dawson achieve industry-leading results year after year? They’ve navigated generational change, private equity investment, geographic expansion, and more…yet they still continue to deliver consistent results and stand out on so many dimensions. In this wide-ranging discussion, Greg and Trey touch on everything from strategic planning to project management to growth through acquisition to give you new ideas to start 2026 strong.  Complete the AE Financial Performance Survey for a chance to join the AEC Circle of Excellence 2026 here: www.psmj.com/SurveyParticipate   Register for the AEC M&A Summit 2026 here: www.psmj.com/aecmasummit   Not a PSMJ PRO member? Learn more here: www.psmj.com/psmjpromembership   00:00 Introduction to Pape Dawson Engineers 03:01 Growth Trajectory and Achievements 06:10 Family Legacy and Leadership Transition 09:06 Company History and Expansion Strategy 12:01 Diversification and Market Strategy 15:11 Future Growth and Acquisition Plans 18:03 Company Culture and Talent Management 20:10 Talent Acquisition and Retention Strategies 22:06 The Value of Mergers and Acquisitions 23:58 Client Relationships and Responsiveness 27:36 Operational Discipline in Growth 37:34 Preserving Company Culture During Expansion   Takeaways Pape Dawson has experienced significant growth, moving from a regional firm to a national player.The firm has been recognized in PSMJ's Circle of Excellence for 13 out of the last 14 years.Family legacy plays a crucial role in the leadership and culture of Pape Dawson.Expansion strategies include both organic growth and mergers and acquisitions.Talent acquisition and retention are critical for sustaining growth and stability.Responsiveness to clients is a core value that sets Pape Dawson apart.Operational focus and execution are key to managing growth effectively.Maintaining a strong company culture is essential during periods of rapid expansion.Assessing cultural fit is vital when considering acquisitions.Communication and engagement with employees help preserve the company's culture. Host: Gregory Hart Producers: Gregory Hart, Pete McPherson, Molly McElaney Editor: Molly McElaney Special thanks to Riverside FM!

    39 min
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The AEC GrowthCast from PSMJ Resources, Inc., is the fast-paced, action-oriented podcast built for architecture, engineering, and construction firm leaders who want results. Each episode cuts through the noise with practical strategies, insider insights, and proven tools you can put to work right away to drive growth, boost profitability, and strengthen leadership. No theory, no fluff—just high-impact conversations and takeaways from the experts who know what works in today’s competitive AEC market.

Information

  • Creator
    PSMJ Resources
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 PSMJ Resources
  • Show Website
    AEC GrowthCast

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