The Building BITE

Proactive

Welcome to The Building BITE – a podcast for construction Contractors, Owners and Insurance professionals, who want to learn from the industry experts about everything across Building Information Modeling, Risk Mitigation, Insurance, Technology and Leadership. Join us, as we explore the scaffolding that will continue to help our industry climb. For more information on how to hear our podcast, go to Thebuildingbite.com where you can subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for all future “The Building Bite” news and updates. You can also find us on your favorite apps including Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn and Amazon. Sit down, relax, and enjoy a quick bite with us!

  1. 05/27/2025

    The Building BITE: AI, A Valuable Tool to Combat Market Disruption

    Please tune in to this episode of The Building BITE Podcast, as we hear from industry experts about key topics to help you be successful. The Building BITE hosts Chris Epps, LEED AP, and Mike Diercksen, CRIS, welcome back Josh Levy, Co-Founder and CEO of Document Crunch. We begin the episode by revisiting our previous discussion with Josh, highlighting what has changed for Document Crunch in the two plus years since our last conversation. Josh takes us through various examples of how he and his team have sought to adapt and enhance their technology to meet the needs of the market. One such way was the creation of their Tarriff Risk Assessment Tool, a timely innovation for today’s market. Ultimately, Josh leaves our audience with three key takeaways from our conversation: 1. Wrap Your Head Around Your Tariff Risk: This is non-negotiable. Knowledge is power, and the quicker you and your firm can wrap your head around the current market factors, the better decisions you will be able to make. The firms that are quickest to adapt will be best positioned to make their way through this unique risk period. 2. AI is here to stay: AI is real and here to stay, but this is a two-way street. As a partner, make sure your vendors are not only providing AI to check a box, but real solutions for real problems. Vendors need active buy-in and field input to developing the best quality solutions. This partnership will be the bedrock of future innovation and success. 3. A Path Towards Zero Disputes: This is a recognized ,ambitious goal, but the path is clear to Josh. Technology and effective communication can transform our industry and move us towards a world with zero disputes. This is the driving force behind Document Crunch, and the impact he wishes to have on the Construction Industry at large. To learn more about how you can better prepare your firm for the opportunities ahead, listen to our full podcast episode with Josh on “AI, A Valuable Tool to Combat Market Disruption”. Please like, share, and subscribe to this podcast!

    35 min

  2. 02/24/2025

    The Building BITE: Identifying the Who, What, and Where Leading to the IFraud Foundation

    Please tune in to this episode of The Building BITE Podcast, as we hear from industry experts about key topics to help you be successful. The Building BITE hosts Chris Epps, LEED AP, and Mike Diercksen, CRIS, welcome our guests Damien Caldwell and Tom Stebbins. Damien returns to the show as Co-Founder and CEO of ASG National and Tom as Executive Director of Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York. We begin the episode by discussing the various paths of Damien and Tom through their careers which lead them to the founding of the IFraud Foundation. Tom and Damien look to shine a light on the alarming threat to the insurance market both in NYC and elsewhere, while providing solutions to this growing problem. Throughout the discussion, Damien and Tom look to share their expertise as subject matter experts ultimately leaving our audience with three key takeaways. 1. The State of The Market: It is now become overwhelmingly clear that fraud is and has been a major problem plaguing the NYC construction insurance industry. The quicker we can identify these things, the better your chances are of solving the problem. 2. Lack of Collaboration to Blame: The first step is to look internally and recognize that as an industry, our lack of collaboration is a leading factor in this issue. While no one industry partner had all the answers, we all need to be better at information sharing to prevent this type of issue in the future. 3. Be Part of The Solution: Now more than ever is the time to get involved and begin to collaborate and share information to eliminate fraud. Organizations such as IFraud are just one of many ways in which you or your firm can move to make the industry a better place, but it all starts with taking a proactive approach and making that first step. To learn more about how you can better prepare your firm for the opportunities ahead, listen to our full podcast episode with Damien and Tom on “Identifying the Who, What, and Where Leading to the IFraud Foundation.” Please like, share, and subscribe to this podcast!

    33 min

  3. 12/09/2024

    The Building BITE: The Keys to Advancing Quality

    Please tune in to this episode of The Building BITE Podcast, as we hear from industry experts about key topics to help you be successful. The Building BITE hosts Chris Epps, LEED AP, and Mike Diercksen, CRIS, welcome Peter Ukstins, Head of Construction Risk Engineering at AXA XL. We begin the episode by learning about Peter and his career path leading him from his time as a claims adjuster, to contractor, and now leading the talented team of Risk Engineers at AXA XL. With his expanded responsibilities, our topic of quality has become an even bigger focus for Peter and his team. Peter stresses that “If quality is everyone’s responsibility, then that means no one specifically is responsible” which allows for the very real bystander effect to impact projects. Before leaving, Peter gives our audience his three key takeaways on the topic of quality. 1. Practice What You Preach: Having a formal quality strategy and plan/procedure is great, and should be the starting point for all contractors, but it is not enough on its own. The plan needs to be routinely checked, verified, and potentially even adjusted for unique project requirements if necessary. This should be an ongoing process; quality is an ongoing endeavor and not a stagnant process. 2. Build A Strong Culture: While nothing will ever fully replace one’s technical knowledge, the soft skills and communication abilities of your team are of growing importance in the modern workplace. Be sure to encourage communication and respect, which will drive better results through streamlined process handoff. 3. Use Your Resources: A good resource is a terrible thing to waste. You should always look to engage early and often with your Risk Engineers from your insurance provider, as they can help assist and update your current strategy. This will not only benefit your team and processes, but also helps to inform the carrier of your existing process which can lead to your RE advocating with underwriting to get you better policy coverages, endorsements, and pricing. To learn more about how you can better prepare your firm for the opportunities ahead, listen to our full podcast episode with Pete on “The Keys to Advancing Quality.” Please like, share, and subscribe to this podcast!

    26 min

  4. 12/02/2024

    The Building BITE: A Focus On Case Law and the Evolving Landscape of Construction Insurance

    Please tune in to this episode of The Building BITE Podcast, as we hear from industry experts about key topics to help you be successful. The Building BITE hosts Chris Epps, LEED AP, and Mike Diercksen, CRIS, welcome Theresa Guertin, Partner and member of Management Committee at SDV Law. We begin the episode by learning about Theresa and how she found a home early in her career at SDV Law going from Intern to part of the Management Committee at the firm. Theresa takes the time to walk us through some notable cases that have been happening around the country, zeroing in on the impact they will have within the construction industry. Before leaving, Theresa gives our audience three key takeaways. 1. Best Defense Is a Good Offense: Regardless of where you sit at the table, it is important to understand the legal strategy and case law precedent that is currently being used in the construction industry. Having a clear understanding of what has happened will help you better prepare to advocate for yourself in future situations. 2. Contracts Must Be Clear: Take the time to review your contracts and modify them to determine which endorsements are and are not acceptable. Additionally, it is imperative that you review your endorsements and determine that they are fully capturing all of the necessary parties. 3. Clarity is Key: When reviewing your own policies, regardless of the case law in your jurisdiction, you want to make sure that faulty work can constitute as property damage as an occurrence. Taking back coverage should happen in your exclusions rather than your insuring agreements. To learn more about how you can better prepare your firm for the opportunities ahead, listen to our full podcast episode with Theresa on “A Focus on Case Law and the Evolving Landscape of Construction Insurance.” Please like, share, and subscribe to this podcast!

    26 min

  5. 11/18/2024

    The Building BITE: Pain Points and Best Practices; How to Navigate Rectification Claims

    Please tune in to this episode of The Building BITE Podcast, as we hear from industry experts about key topics to help you be successful. The Building BITE hosts Chris Epps, LEED AP, and Mike Diercksen, CRIS, welcome our guests Joey Nawa CPCU, RPLU, CRIS, and David Slaugenhoup. Joey is an Executive Vice President and David a Senior Vice President both with RT Specialty in their Environmental & Construction Professional group. We begin the episode by discussing the various paths of Joey and David within the Insurance Industry which has led them both to decade long careers at RT. David then gives our audience a quick refresher on what exactly Rectification Insurance is, and some best use cases for the coverage. Throughout the discussion Joey and David look to share their expertise as subject matter experts ultimately leaving our audience with three key takeaways. 1. Educate: This is a dynamic policy to have in your portfolio, but one that requires some additional education as the industry continues to embrace this line of coverage. This is not to say that everyone needs to be an expert on Rectification, but proper education throughout the organization from your risk management all the way to the project level will help streamline the claims process and avoid potential pitfalls. 2. Engage: You don’t know what you don’t know. Each carrier has nuances to their policy language, and reporting provisions could vary. Early engagement from the project team and surface level understanding of how your firm’s policy is written could be the difference between a successful or challenging rectification claim. 3. Embrace the Process: Rectification Claims are nuanced and often times a complex process, spanning months and potentially years. Having a collaborative team of vendors and internal support will help streamline the claims process and drive a positive claims resolution. To learn more about how you can better prepare your firm for the opportunities ahead, listen to our full podcast episode with Joey and David on “Pain Points and Best Practices; How to Navigate Rectification Claims.” Please like, share, and subscribe to this podcast!

    48 min

  6. 11/11/2024

    The Building BITE: In an Evolving Market, The Need for Industry Standards Remains

    Please tune in to this episode of The Building BITE Podcast, as we hear from industry experts about key topics to help you be successful. The Building BITE hosts Chris Epps, LEED AP, and Mike Diercksen, CRIS, welcome Brian Perlberg, Senior Counsel of Construction Law and Contracts at AGC as well as the Executive Director & Senior Counsel of ConsensusDocs. We begin the episode by learning about Brian, his longstanding tenure with AGC, and the process that lead him to build out what is now ConsensusDocs. Brian articulates the growing need for industry standards which are not perceived to be biased, and the lasting impact this can have for construction contracts. Before leaving, Brian gives our audience three key takeaways. 1. Better Contracts, Better Results: Use your contract to manifest a successful business relationship. When you view your contract as the foundation of your success, just as in construction, a proper foundation will lead to a good build. 2. Start Integrating Risk Management Company Wide: Risk management should be seen as an enterprise system rather than something done in isolation. Get your various stakeholders such as safety, risk management, bonding and insurance all talking in the same room. 3. Communication, Not Silos: Not every situation is a nail looking for a hammer. Good effective communication can help to streamline jobs and avoid escalation which ultimately leads to negative experiences and impacts business relationships. To learn more about how you can better prepare your firm for the opportunities ahead, listen to our full podcast episode with Brian on “In an Evolving Market, the Need for Industry Standards Remains.”

    40 min

  7. 10/21/2024

    The Building BITE: Rectification 101: Rectification Done Right

    Please tune in to this episode of The Building BITE Podcast, as we hear from industry experts about key topics to help you be successful. The Building BITE hosts Chris Epps, LEED AP, and Mike Diercksen, CRIS, welcome James Pappas, VP, Construction Professional Liability at Convex US. We begin the episode by learning about James and his unique career progression, as someone who chose to study risk management & insurance in college before beginning his career. James went on to become an underwriter with AXA XL where he focused on Contractors Professional Liability for several years before leaving for his current role at Convex US. Through this conversation, James helps our audience better understand what Rectification Coverage is, and how to best utilize the insurance, leaving us with three key takeaways. 1. Pick Your Partner Carefully: When it comes to selecting an insurance carrier, make sure you choose a carrier partner who is committed to creating best practices for you and your firm. Having a strong team that can help educate and guide your firm is critical when creating a plan of action both for the project and legal teams. 2. Report Report Report: One of the biggest pitfalls that plagues insureds is a lack of timely reporting. Be sure to communicate early and often with your carrier and provide notice per policy guidelines. Early notice that does not result in claims is never a bad thing and should be viewed as a positive within the carrier insured relationship. 3. Importance of Prequalification: With a growing market, it is imperative that insureds do their homework when it comes to selecting their subcontractors and design partners. While Rectification Insurance is an important tool for contractors, the first step towards risk mitigation is selecting your partners carefully to avoid untimely delays and design errors on projects. To learn more about how you can better prepare your firm for the opportunities ahead, listen to our full podcast episode with James on “Rectification 101: Rectification Done Right.” Please like, share, and subscribe to this podcast!

    30 min

  8. 10/14/2024

    The Building BITE: Cyber Insurance, a growing need for the Construction Industry

    Please tune in to this episode of The Building BITE Podcast, as we hear from industry experts about key topics to help you be successful. The Building BITE hosts Chris Epps, LEED AP, and Mike Diercksen, CRIS, welcome Chris Mortifoglio, CPA,CFE, Principal & Founder at Rockland Consulting Group. We begin the episode hearing about the various experiences that ultimately lead Chris to starting his own firm with a focus on helping insureds package insurance claims. Chris shares some growing trends he has seen in the market, with Cyber Insurance becoming a key player as it touches so many commercial verticals. Chris shares some key examples of how Cyber losses are an increased area of concern for the Construction Industry leaving our audience three key takeaways. 1. Cyber Risk is Growing: As the Construction Industry continues to grow and advance through technology, cyber risks are going to become a more significant concern. As the risks continue to evolve in the years ahead, be sure to stay vigilant and plan for the upcoming challenges. 2. Be Mindful of Your Technology Partners: It is imperative that you choose your technology partners wisely, as their IT infrastructure adds another element of risk to your business. Make sure you are proactive when addressing data integration and protecting not only your business but partnering with firms that have taken similar precautions with theirs. 3. Cyber Insurance: a Must Have: Although not always at the front of mind for many in the Construction Industry, it is important to secure and utilize Cyber Insurance. This is an important tool, like many other lines of insurance, that allows for the transfer of risk and can help mitigate and educate insureds looking to protect against cyber occurrences. To learn more about how you can better prepare your firm for the opportunities ahead, listen to our full podcast episode with Chris on “Cyber Insurance, a growing need for the Construction Industry.” Please like, share, and subscribe to this podcast!

    23 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Building BITE – a podcast for construction Contractors, Owners and Insurance professionals, who want to learn from the industry experts about everything across Building Information Modeling, Risk Mitigation, Insurance, Technology and Leadership. Join us, as we explore the scaffolding that will continue to help our industry climb. For more information on how to hear our podcast, go to Thebuildingbite.com where you can subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for all future “The Building Bite” news and updates. You can also find us on your favorite apps including Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn and Amazon. Sit down, relax, and enjoy a quick bite with us!

Information

  • Creator
    Proactive
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Building BITE Proactive
  • Show Website
    The Building BITE