AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files

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Building the Future of Construction, One Story at a Time. Join us on AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, where we delve into the minds of the brightest stars in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) startup world. Through intimate interviews, we go beyond the elevator pitch to uncover the raw, personal stories behind these innovative disruptors. Forget dry industry jargon. This is where passion meets innovation. Hear directly from the founders who are shattering traditional mindsets and reimagining the built environment. Join our community of passionate builders. Find more content on e-verse.com, aecworks.e-verse.com everse.substack.com

  1. 7월 28일

    From Dynamo Scripts to Scalable Platforms: Luke Johnson’s Vision for Connected Construction

    The AEC industry is rapidly transforming—and Luke Johnson is one of the minds pushing it forward. In this episode of AEC Trailblazers, we talk with Luke Johnson, Founder and Head of Growth at Deep Space, a construction management platform powered by AI and built by construction professionals for construction professionals. With over 20 years of experience across architecture, BIM, and VDC, Luke shares his unique journey from Dynamo scripting to building a full-fledged SaaS platform that’s helping teams—from hospitals to airports—improve collaboration, scale workflows, and make smarter decisions. Luke explains how Deep Space was born out of necessity: first as a set of custom workflows built with Dynamo, Excel, and Power BI—and then as a response to the growing complexity of modern construction. What started as a hybrid product-consulting business quickly matured into a scalable tool, designed to empower teams to build faster and better without relying on external consultants. We explore how Deep Space connects every stakeholder—from contractors to financiers—into a single, intelligent ecosystem, and why true impact in AEC comes from solving real problems, not just building cool tech. Highlights from this episode: * “The construction industry is full of variables you can’t control—that’s what makes it such a unique challenge.” * “Don’t fall in love with your own creation. If you want to build a business, it has to serve the customer.” * “We realized we needed a better way to handle 3D file data—something scalable, structured, and smart.” Whether you’re scaling a tech solution or exploring new ways to connect your teams, Luke’s insights will resonate with anyone seeking to bring clarity to complexity in AEC. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit everse.substack.com

    48분
  2. Driving Technology Adoption in AEC Through Training: Susan Brattberg on Workforce Empowerment

    7월 14일

    Driving Technology Adoption in AEC Through Training: Susan Brattberg on Workforce Empowerment

    In this insightful episode of AEC Trailblazers, host Valentin Noves talks with Susan Brattberg, Founder and Chief Customer Officer of Global eTraining, a visionary leader in the transformation of education and training for the AEC and manufacturing industries. Susan brings over 16 years of experience developing innovative learning solutions designed to accelerate technology adoption, streamline workflows, and boost workforce efficiency. Her unique background in sociology, organizational dynamics, and an Executive MBA informs a strategic approach that combines deep industry knowledge with scalable education methods. The conversation delves into the critical role of training in successfully implementing new technologies in construction and manufacturing environments. Susan emphasizes a common misconception: that simply purchasing technology will guarantee adoption. "Training is the best way to drive any technology adoption but it’s not just buying the technology and then thinking you can wave a magic wand and it’s just going to roll itself out. It’s not that easy," she explains. She also shares how Global eTraining supports the full technology adoption lifecycle, from helping companies transition from CAD to BIM, to continuously updating content in response to evolving software and industry standards. Their self-paced Revit course alone offers over 40 hours of comprehensive content, complemented by events and workflows to prepare professionals for industry certification. Listeners will also gain insight into how the pace of change in the AEC sector is accelerating and why ongoing education is essential to keep teams current. Susan’s leadership philosophy focuses on empowering teams through accessible, AI-driven training solutions that align with real-world workflows, making skill-building an integral part of business growth. As a seasoned board member, mentor, and industry advocate, Susan highlights the importance of collaboration and relationship-building in education. She also reflects on the cultural and organizational factors that can either facilitate or hinder successful training programs. Whether you are a BIM manager, HR leader, or C-level executive seeking to maximize ROI on technology investments, this episode offers practical guidance on how strategic training transforms adoption into measurable business value. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit everse.substack.com

    43분
  3. Turning Chemistry into Infrastructure: Leah Ellis and the Future of Clean Cement

    6월 30일

    Turning Chemistry into Infrastructure: Leah Ellis and the Future of Clean Cement

    What if we could rebuild the world—without rebuilding the carbon crisis? In this episode of AEC Trailblazers, host Valentin Noves sits down with Dr. Leah Ellis, co-founder and CEO of Sublime Systems, to explore how her company is revolutionizing one of the most carbon-intensive materials on the planet: cement. Sublime Systems is leading a high-stakes mission: to eliminate the carbon footprint of cement at scale. Their patented electrochemical process extracts reactive calcium and silicates from abundant feedstocks, skipping the fossil-fueled kilns altogether. The result? An ASTM C1157-compliant, drop-in replacement for Portland cement—but made at ambient temperature, without the need for carbon capture. Leah and Valentin go deep into: * The chemistry behind cement and why it matters for the climate * Why electrification—not just decarbonization—is the path forward for heavy industry * How Sublime’s process flips 200 years of industrial chemistry on its head * Why real innovation in climate tech often comes from non-traditional thinkers * The measurable goal that guides Sublime: not just CO2 reduction, but tons of cement produced and sold This episode blends deep technical insight with visionary clarity. Leah breaks down the science behind Sublime’s platform while candidly sharing what it’s like to lead a startup working at the intersection of infrastructure, climate, and industrial transformation. Her perspective is refreshingly grounded: she compares innovation in cement to the early days of aluminum or electricity—where breakthroughs came not from institutions, but from “people who didn’t know they weren’t supposed to succeed.” That mindset permeates Sublime's team and mission: to transform the materials we rely on, before the planet pays the price. Whether you’re a structural engineer, sustainability lead, VC in climate tech, or architect designing for resilience—this episode will challenge the way you think about the materials beneath our feet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit everse.substack.com

    47분

  4. 6월 16일

    From Silicon Valley to the Jobsite: Why Shreesha Ramdas Chose to Reinvent Construction

    What happens when a Silicon Valley serial entrepreneur dives headfirst into one of the most analog industries of all—construction? In this episode of AEC Trailblazers, Valentin Noves (CEO), sits down with Shreesha Ramdas, the multifaceted CEO & Co-Founder of Lumber, to discuss the big why behind his move from the world of SaaS and AI into the trenches of workforce management for contractors. Shreesha shares the story of his journey from tech startup veteran—having scaled and exited over 40 companies, with buyers like Google and Symantec—to his current mission: transforming construction’s outdated systems through AI-powered solutions. He opens up about what drew him to the construction space, a sector he describes as a “pillar of the economy” that's long overdue for innovation. With the energy of a race car driver, Shreesha talks about how he felt compelled to take on an industry lagging in automation and efficiency. After countless conversations with contractors—over 200 firms, from small teams to major players—he noticed the same friction points: payroll headaches, compliance chaos, and financial blind spots. That insight led to the birth of Lumber, a fully integrated platform built to empower SMB contractors with tools that simplify payroll, time tracking, onboarding, and decision-making. But this conversation doesn’t stop at product innovation. Valentin and Shreesha go deeper, exploring: * What SaaS lessons translate (and don’t) to the construction industry * Why startups fail when they underestimate the complexity of field operations * The power of listening before building—and how customer insight trumps assumptions * How AI can empower, not replace, the human side of construction * What it means to balance investor expectations with long-term industry change You’ll also hear a refreshingly honest take on the pace of innovation in construction versus tech, and why Shreesha believes the best founders are those willing to learn a new industry from the inside out. If you’re an AEC professional curious about the impact of tech, or a tech leader considering where real disruption is still needed—this episode is your blueprint. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit everse.substack.com

    45분
  5. Building Climate-Positive Construction: Tim Sperry on Carbon Capture Concrete

    6월 2일

    Building Climate-Positive Construction: Tim Sperry on Carbon Capture Concrete

    In this compelling episode of AEC Trailblazers, host Valentin Noves sits down with Tim Sperry, a true pioneer in climate tech innovation and founder of Carbon Limit. Tim is redefining what sustainability means for the built environment, transforming one of the most carbon-intensive industries—construction—into a powerful force against climate change. Tim shares his unique journey from developing a direct air capture machine in retrofitted shipping containers to creating CaptureCrete, the world’s first patented CO₂-absorbing concrete. This breakthrough technology not only reduces emissions but actively removes carbon from the atmosphere and stores it permanently in concrete infrastructure. Alongside CoolCrete, an advanced cooling additive designed to mitigate urban heat islands, Tim and his team are shaping the future of climate-positive construction materials. The conversation explores the technical and commercial challenges of scaling such groundbreaking solutions. Tim provides a candid look at his evolution from startup founder to scaling Carbon Limit globally, reflecting on the organizational turbulence and tough leadership decisions that come with growth. His insights underscore the emotional resilience required to lead innovation in an industry steeped in tradition. A key highlight is Tim’s perspective on the new generation of homebuyers and developers who increasingly demand sustainability alongside affordability. He discusses the shift in market dynamics driven by Gen Y and Gen Z, who seek products that balance environmental responsibility with economic feasibility. Listeners will gain a deep understanding of how carbon capture technologies can be integrated directly into construction materials, turning infrastructure projects into part of the solution rather than the problem. Tim’s vision for a future where buildings and roads help reverse climate change offers inspiration and practical insight for architects, engineers, developers, and innovators across the AEC industry. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, curious about emerging climate tech, or looking to innovate within construction, this episode provides a rich, technical, and human perspective on the challenges and triumphs of pioneering carbon-negative concrete solutions. Tune in to learn from Tim Sperry’s expertise and discover how Carbon Limit is enabling the industry to build not just smarter, but cleaner—and making a measurable impact on the planet’s future. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit everse.substack.com

    49분

  6. 5월 19일

    Impairment vs. Presence: Ken Fichtler on Rethinking Drug Testing in Construction

    What if your company’s drug test is measuring the wrong thing? In this episode of AEC Trailblazers, Valentin Noves talks with Ken Fichtler, CEO of Gaize, about a critical blind spot in workplace safety—especially in high-risk industries like construction. While traditional drug tests detect chemical presence, they don’t measure impairment—and in a post-legalization world, that distinction matters more than ever. Ken explains how Gaize’s AI-powered platform shifts the paradigm by analyzing eye movements and neurocognitive response to detect real-time impairment from cannabinoids, opiates, stimulants, and more. This allows construction firms and safety managers to move beyond legacy tests that can be unreliable, exclusionary, or even dangerously outdated. “Chemical drug tests were built to detect what they were told to detect,” Ken notes. “If your test looks for heroin, it won’t find fentanyl. That’s a big problem when fentanyl is killing over 100,000 Americans a year.” He also explains why THC detection is particularly flawed: “You can test positive for THC three weeks after using cannabis. But that doesn’t tell you if someone’s impaired right now. That’s why we focus on the body’s response, not residual presence.” In this episode, Ken and Valentin dig into: * Why impairment—not chemical presence—is the future of safety * How Gaize detects synthetic cannabinoids and other hard-to-spot substances * Why OSHA’s data fails to reveal the root cause of incidents * How eye-tracking analysis creates a universal baseline across drug categories * The unique challenges of cannabis and drug use in blue-collar and trades workforces Ken also shares startling stats: nearly 20% of Americans used cannabis last year, with much higher percentages in the trades and construction sectors. In a workforce where relationships and muscle memory are king, impairment testing has often been overlooked—but it’s now a critical piece of safety, compliance, and legal protection. If you’re in AEC, construction safety, HR, or operations, this episode offers a new lens on an old problem—and a real solution for how to move forward. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit everse.substack.com

    42분

  7. 5월 5일

    Building Strength: Pat Miller’s Journey from Carpentry to Leadership

    Success in construction isn’t just about building structures—it’s about resilience, strategy, and knowing how to navigate challenges. Few embody this better than Pat Miller, founder and president of Blue Diamond Construction. With over 30 years in the industry, Pat has led commercial carpentry and metal framing projects across medical offices, retail spaces, apartments, and more. But her journey wasn’t just about business—it was about survival. In this episode, Pat shares how she turned personal hardship into professional triumph, rebuilding her life and career after devastating losses. She dives into breaking barriers as a woman in construction, the lessons from building a business in a volatile industry and how her book, Kicking Karma’s Ass, inspires resilience with humor. Pat’s story is about perseverance, reinvention, and leading with strength. If you’re facing obstacles in your career or business, this episode is proof that you can build something incredible—even from the ground up. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit everse.substack.com

    57분
  8. Material Procurement in Construction: Smart Tech for Specialty Contractors

    4월 22일

    Material Procurement in Construction: Smart Tech for Specialty Contractors

    In the fast-paced world of construction, efficiency isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Yet, material procurement remains a bottleneck for many specialty contractors and distributors. That’s where Eric Helitzer, CEO and co-founder of SubBase, is making an impact. A third-generation builder with a Master’s in Building Construction Management from the University of Florida, Eric has spent his career optimizing project workflows. After managing over $250M in construction operations, he identified a critical gap: outdated procurement methods that slow down projects and squeeze margins. Enter SubBase—a procurement platform that streamlines the entire process without disrupting how vendors and contractors already work. In this episode, Eric shares why Florida is a prime hub for construction innovation, how technology is improving vendor relationships and sales and the role of automation in procurement—beyond emails and spreadsheets. With real-time quoting, seamless vendor communication, and accounting integration, SubBase is helping teams move toward a smarter, more efficient future. If you're in the AEC industry and looking to reduce friction, boost profitability, and improve procurement workflows, this episode is a must-listen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit everse.substack.com

    37분
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Building the Future of Construction, One Story at a Time. Join us on AEC Trailblazers: The Founders Files, where we delve into the minds of the brightest stars in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) startup world. Through intimate interviews, we go beyond the elevator pitch to uncover the raw, personal stories behind these innovative disruptors. Forget dry industry jargon. This is where passion meets innovation. Hear directly from the founders who are shattering traditional mindsets and reimagining the built environment. Join our community of passionate builders. Find more content on e-verse.com, aecworks.e-verse.com everse.substack.com

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