Construction Conversations

Build Better Media
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Honest, in-the-field conversations with builders, leaders, and innovators shaping the future of construction. From foremen to founders, each episode unpacks real challenges, emerging tech, and the human side of building better.

  1. 6D AGO

    Ep. 29 - Precon in the Age of AI: What Actually Matters Now with Patrick Murphy and Jeremy Crumley

    In this conversation, Stephen Poppe hosts Patrick Murphy and Jeremy Crumley to discuss the evolving landscape of pre-construction in the construction industry, particularly focusing on the integration of technology and AI. They explore the increasing value of pre-construction services, the impact of technology on efficiency and productivity, and the importance of data strategy. The discussion also touches on the future role of general contractors and offers advice for the next generation entering the construction field.

    50 min

  2. DEC 9

    Ep. 28 – Surviving the Next 5 Years: What Young PMs Must Know About AI with Dr. Sarah Buchner

    In this engaging conversation, Sarah Buchner, CEO of Trunk Tools, shares her journey from a blue-collar worker on a farm to leading a tech startup in the construction industry. The discussion covers the cultural differences in construction practices between Europe and the US, the importance of feedback from field workers, and the role of AI in transforming workflows. Sarah emphasizes the need for collaboration over competition in the construction tech space and highlights the significance of data ownership and intellectual property. She offers valuable advice for young professionals to leverage AI for career growth and reflects on the future of construction, advocating for a balance between technology and human skills.

    49 min

  3. NOV 18

    Ep. 27 – Leadership at Hyperscale: Why Culture Beats Process in Today's Data Centers with Tim Straub

    In this episode, Tim Straub, Senior Technical Program Manager at Google, discusses his transition from general contractor to owner-side leadership, how that shift changed his approach to quality and commissioning, and the challenges of delivering data centers in the fast-paced AI/ML era. Tim covers leadership through influence, the evolving priorities of testing and lifecycle risk, labor and equipment constraints, and practical advice for young engineers: seek to understand, adopt a growth mindset, and be patient.

    49 min

  4. OCT 21

    Ep. 26 – Construction Tech Masterclass: What Three Decades Teaches About Sales and Service with Al Ricci

    In this episode, Stephen sits down with Al Ricci, Global Director of Customer Success at Oracle, for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with Canadian Thanksgiving and porchetta — and ends with three decades of hard-earned lessons from the frontlines of construction tech. Al shares how empathy became his most powerful leadership strategy, why sales and customer success must work hand in hand, and what founders often miss when building customer-centric teams. Together, they trace the industry’s evolution from point solutions to SaaS, explore how AI is reshaping entry-level roles, and unpack what it really means to build long-term trust between vendors and contractors. Whether you’re leading a startup, managing a team, or rethinking your approach to growth, this episode offers timeless insights on people, process, and progress in construction tech.

    53 min

  5. SEP 23

    Ep. 25 - Field First, Tech Second: How BIM Became McCarthy’s Digital Backbone with Alex Belkofer

    Alex Belkafor shares his journey from project engineer to leading digital strategy at McCarthy, explaining how a field-first approach to BIM and VDC drives better project planning, integration with owners, and streamlined construction delivery. He discusses measuring value through reduced downstream risk (the "cost of goals not scored"), the rise of connected jobsite technologies, the promise and caution of AI and data, and practical advice for the next generation entering construction technology.

    46 min

  6. SEP 16

    Ep. 24 – Beyond Recordables: Highwire’s David Tibbetts on SIFs, Culture & Collaboration

    In this conversation, David Tibbetts, Chief Safety Officer at Highwire, shares insights on the evolving landscape of safety in the construction industry. He discusses his career journey, the importance of collaboration between owners and contractors, and the role of technology in enhancing safety practices. The conversation delves into the significance of prequalification processes, understanding serious injury potential, and the impact of AI on safety management. David emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards proactive safety measures and the importance of education in driving change within the industry.   National Safety Council SIF Prevention Model   Construction Safety Research Alliance   Edison Electric Institute   Board of Certified Safety Professionals SIF Prevention Webinar Series (3-parts)   Highwire Shift to SIFs Blog Post   Highwire SIF Webinar

    57 min

  7. SEP 2

    Ep. 23 - The $405M Bet: Field AI’s Plan to Robotize Construction with Stuart Maggs

    Stuart Maggs, Director of Commercial Product of Field AI and former architect discusses their $405 million raise, his path from architecture to robotics, and early hands‑on experiments that sparked a career redefining how buildings get made. The episode explains Field AI’s software “brain” for robots, how navigation and perception unlock real jobsite use cases, the API/SDK future for specialized apps, and what needs to change in construction for wider robot adoption.   Subscribe to our newsletter: https://constructionbriefs.substack.com/

    56 min

  8. AUG 19

    Ep. 22 – Senior PM – Tech Saturation, Jobsite Culture & Hard-Won Advice with John Riggs

    Senior Project Manager John Riggs (Suffolk) shares his journey from plant genetics and political science to leading complex construction projects. He unpacks what’s really happening on today’s jobsites, from subs to GCs, and how curiosity and hands-on learning shaped his career. John breaks down where tech helps—and where it adds friction—covering BIM and digital delivery, reality capture and drones, punch lists, scheduling, and the promise and limits of AI. He explains how owners, designers, and builders can align early to get real value. We close with practical advice on time management, delegation, and leadership, plus a candid look at life as a new dad. If you build, buy, or design, this episode shows how to cut through the hype and focus on what works.

    53 min
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Honest, in-the-field conversations with builders, leaders, and innovators shaping the future of construction. From foremen to founders, each episode unpacks real challenges, emerging tech, and the human side of building better.

Information

  • Creator
    Build Better Media
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Construction Conversations