19 MAR 2024 · EPISODE 400: Imagine managing your project with construction technology solutions that complement your business needs–it’s like efficiency and collaboration on the next level. But how do we inspire people to become paperless builders? In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Hamzah Shanbari, an avid listener of our show and now the Director of Innovation at Haskell. He’s here to talk about Dysruptek’s approach to technology evaluation and implementation in the industry and how it drives innovation. Dysruptek is Haskell’s venture arm, dedicated to scouting, piloting, and investing in emerging construction technologies and capitalizing on Haskell’s diverse employee base. Hamzah shares his journey to becoming Haskell’s Director of Innovation, highlighting the importance of culture in his transformation. He also breaks down Dysruptek’s innovative and strategic process, the pros and cons of building or buying technology, and more.  Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways:  Introduction (00:00) Meet Hamzah Shanbari and his construction journey (05:48) How culture played a role in Hamzah’s transformation (10:11) Positioning the three different pillars: invest, invent, and innovate (13:24) On dealing with the depth and objectivity of technology evaluation reports (18:00) Dysruptek’s unique way of measuring rollout success (24:55) Building vs. buying technology (27:41) Finding the right people to build Dysruptek’s dedicated innovation team (31:53) What’s next for Hamzah and his team? (37:49) Construction technology news of the week (41:52) Additional Resources: Listen to the show athttps://thecontechcrew.com  Follow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew  —  Follow Hamzah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamzah-shanbari/ Visit Haskell’s official website for more information: https://www.haskell.com/ Preorder your copy of Hamzah’s upcoming book, Paperless Builders: https://hamzah-shanbari.presale.manuscripts.com/register/registration/select Check out Paperless Builders for more information: https://paperless.builders/ —  See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️ ➡️ Hamzah Shanbari’s book “Paperless Builders” https://www.linkedin.com/posts/saldambrosia_constructiontechnology-innovation-paperless-activity-7163178100590104577-U7DU/ ➡️  How 95% of Data Generated During Construction Goes Unused https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brianskripac_bim-digitaltwin-activity-7161792509713612801-CQ3E/ ➡️ Google Prepares for a Future Where Search Isn’t King https://www.wired.com/story/google-prepares-for-a-future-where-search-isnt-king/ ➡️ Intel’s $20B Ohio plant delayed https://www.constructiondive.com/news/intel-plant-ohio-delay-licking-county/706488/ — The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

12 MAR 2024 · EPISODE 399: Are you tired of dealing with project delays and inaccuracies in construction? In this week’s episode, my co-host Charlie Dunn and I sit down with Dave Mitchell, the founder and CEO of XYZ Reality. XYZ Reality specializes in augmented reality solutions for construction and real-time project controls. After spending numerous years in the field, Dave grew increasingly frustrated with the limitations of constructing from 2D drawings. His frustration sparked the vision of holographic representations in construction. In collaboration with a tech specialist in 2015, Dave and his team successfully developed Construction AR (augmented reality) technology, which is now used worldwide. Today, Dave shares his journey in revolutionizing construction through his AR technology. Discover how XYZ Reality’s technology fosters collaboration, enhances on-site productivity, eliminates inaccuracies, and streamlines project costs. Don’t miss out on this one! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Dave Mitchell (03:37) The making of XYZ Reality (08:35) Concept of paperless construction and its challenges (12:13) Overcoming hardware calibration challenges for augmented reality (21:32) Integrating hardware, platform, and field expertise (26:44) On measuring waste reduction rework and its impact on project costs (35:42) Future developments and enhancements for XYZ Reality’s platform (46:01) How XYZ Reality’s technology is improving project schedule accuracy (48:48) The strategic focus on data centers and critical infrastructure projects (53:51) Episode wrap-up (1:02:13) Additional Resources: Listen to the show athttps://thecontechcrew.com Follow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew — Follow Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mitchell-xyz/ Visit XYZ Reality for more information: https://www.xyzreality.com/ — The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

5 MAR 2024 · EPISODE 398: Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the construction industry? In this week’s eye-opening Pause for the Cause episode, I sit down with construction tech influencers and hosts of the “No BS with Jen and Jess” show, Jennifer Lacy and Jesus (Jesse) Hernandez. No BS with Jen and Jess is a platform that serves as a community for individuals to connect, elevate each other, and build meaningful relationships within the construction industry, all while applying the principles of Lean methodology. Join us as we tackle the industry’s pressing issues, such as mental health, substance abuse, and the power of vulnerability and human connection. Discover how their innovative approaches, from applying Lean methodology to personal relationships, drive positive changes in businesses and workspaces. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation. Tune in now! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Jennifer Lacy and Jesus (Jesse) Hernandez (04:03) How “No BS with Jen and Jess” started and its community impact (11:02) The 5S Lean methodology and its application beyond work (14:14) What is emotional bungee jumping? (19:57) Challenges of non-solution-based listening and staying connected (24:46) The significance of how being human is good for business (35:47) What is vulnerability all about? (38:08) The observer role’s impact in professional settings (43:05) Keep up with Jen and Jesse (52:08) Episode wrap-up (53:59) Additional Resources: Listen to the show athttps://thecontechcrew.com Follow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew — Follow Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessedepthbuilder/ Follow Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlacy/ Grab a copy of Lean & Love: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Love-Letters-Relationships-RipplesOfImpact/dp/B0B2TYD58G — The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

27 FEB 2024 · EPISODE 397: Is AI the future of the AEC industry? Join me and my co-host Ariel Castillo as we discover how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the architecture, engineering, and construction industries with this week’s guest, Mehdi Nourbakhsh, a former structural engineer turned AI expert and CEO of YegaTech. With decades of experience, Mehdi dives deep into the transformative potential of AI–from automating mundane tasks to crafting sustainable futures. He shares his transition from structural engineering to the forefront of AI development, highlighting how AI is not just a tool but a game-changer in design, construction, and operational efficiency. We also explore the evolution of AI technologies, their current applications in the industry, the future of the AEC industry, and how people can overcome resistance and fear to leverage AI effectively. Let’s get started! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) From structural engineering to AI in the AEC industry (05:05) Evolution of AI technologies over the last two decades (10:48) Defining AI in the context of the AEC industry (13:55) Opportunities for leveraging AI in AEC companies (16:24) Examples of AI applications on the corporate side of AEC (20:35) Steps for organizations to start leveraging AI (24:47) How to address employee fears about AI (28:47) Real-world consequences of resistance to AI adoption (34:09) Importance of data governance and strategy in AI implementation (39:19) Resources for companies interested in AI (42:19) Construction technology news of the week (44:17) Additional Resources: Listen to the show athttps://thecontechcrew.com Follow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew — Follow Mehdi Nourbakhsh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdinour/ Check out YegaTech for more information: https://yegatech.com/ — See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️ ➡️ Apple Vision Pro Launch https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/01/apple-vision-pro-available-in-the-us-on-february-2/ ➡️ Meta to add ‘AI-generated’ label to images created with OpenAI, Midjourney and other tools https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/06/tech/meta-ai-generated-images-label-third-party-tools/ ➡️ Finance worker pays out $25 million after video call with deepfake ‘chief financial officer https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/02/04/asia/deepfake-cfo-scam-hong-kong-intl-hnk/index.html ➡️ Aurora exec Nat Beuse explains why 2024 stands to be a ‘big year’ in AVs https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2024/02/06/nat-beuse-aurora-avs-2024-driverless – The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

20 FEB 2024 · EPISODE 396: Could there be a solution to one of construction’s biggest challenges–cash flow issues? Join us in this week's episode as my co-host, Jacob D’Albora, and I sit down with Anwar Ghauche, the founder of Constrafor. Constrafor, an innovative construction procurement company, is elevating construction productivity to new heights. Today, Anwar discusses Contrafor’s groundbreaking early pay program and software solutions designed to boost productivity and profitability for contractors and subcontractors. We also talk about the power of AI technology in automating compliance documentation, a new approach to enhancing risk management, and so much more. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Anwar Ghauche and his journey to founding Constrafor (06:00) Identifying subcontractors financing projects as a major issue (08:05) Overview of Constrafor’s early pay program (14:08) How Constrafor has helped GCs in terms of job performance (19:20) Other ways to leverage Constrafor’s platform (21:29) Introduction of AI to automate compliance documentation (24:55) Exploring the impact of timely payments on project costs (30:39) What’s next for Constrafor? (32:48) Keep up with Anwar and Constrafor (34:39) Construction technology news of the week (35:47) Additional Resources: Listen to the show athttps://thecontechcrew.com Follow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew — Follow Anwar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anwar-ghauche/ Visit Constrafor for more information: https://www.constrafor.com/ — See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️ ➡️ Bringing the full power of Copilot to more people and businesses https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/01/15/bringing-the-full-power-of-copilot-to-more-people-and-businesses/ ➡️ Decarbonization will require urgency, technology, and investments in 2024 https://www.facilitiesdive.com/news/2024-buildings-decarbonization-sustainability-outlook/706063/ ➡️ 5 Types of Waste Management https://www.cemexventures.com/5-types-of-waste-management/ ➡️ Amazon and iRobot nix deal, Roomba maker lays off a third of its staff https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/29/tech/amazon-roomba-irobot-layoffs/index.html – The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

13 FEB 2024 · 🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com How is the construction industry keeping pace with the rapidly evolving digital transformation? In this week's episode of The ConTech Crew, my co-host Nathan Wood and I have the pleasure of interviewing Devon Tilly in person. Devon is the founder and host of The Art of Construction podcast and a pioneer in the construction podcasting world. He has been running this podcast for ten years while operating multiple companies, including Window & Door Installer. Today, Devon shares his journey from starting a podcast to becoming a pivotal figure in the construction community, highlighting the role of digital platforms in bridging the gap between global innovations and local practices. We also talk about the challenges of technology integration, the role of technology and community in the industry's growth, and much more. Let's get started! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet the OG of construction podcasting (04:57) The concept of master facilitators in construction (07:06) Integrating technology in the construction business (11:31) Lean and Agile methodologies in construction (20:59) Blending on-site and off-site construction (27:01) The value of innovation and risk-taking in business (33:38) Construction industry challenges and solutions (36:58) Role of technology and collaboration in the industry’s growth (40:26) The AEC iSummit (44:41) Construction technology news of the week (48:27) Additional Resources: Listen to the show athttps://thecontechcrew.com Follow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew Sign up for the upcoming AEC iSummit: https://www.constructionprogress.org/ — Follow Devon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-tilly-5a407a20/ Subscribe to The Art of Construction podcast: https://www.theartofconstruction.net/ — See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️ ➡️ Elevate your Electrical Conduit Prefabrication Game with Allied BIM https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7158619897629995008/ ➡️ 50 Pre-orders of Paperless Builder: The Why, What and How of Construction Technology https://hamzah-shanbari.presale.manuscripts.com/register/registration/select ➡️ AI Use Builds in the Construction Industry https://commercialobserver.com/2024/01/ai-in-construction-industry/ ➡️ Shifting the Construction Paradigm: The Rise of Technology in Building the Future https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/shifting-construction-paradigm-rise-technology-future-hammad-chaudhry-qiovc/ – The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

6 FEB 2024 · 🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com How should the construction industry address talent shortage and accelerate innovation? Join me and my co-host, Nathan Wood, as we dive into one of the most talked about topics in the industry with Rick Khan, an industry thought leader and founder of Innov8AEC. Innov8AEC is a leading innovation and tech consulting firm, empowering AEC professionals and organizations to elevate their business value through cutting-edge solutions and strategic guidance. Today, Rick discusses what Innov8AEC is all about and the importance of community and collaboration in fostering innovation in the construction industry. He also emphasizes the need to educate the next generation and how this approach addresses the talent shortage that has been slowing down the industry’s growth. Don’t miss this insightful discussion with Rick. Tune in now to learn more! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) From the gaming industry to construction (05:20) Rick’s purpose with Innov8AEC (10:34) Addressing the talent shortage in construction (15:04) Difference of Innov8AEC from platforms like LinkedIn (19:41) The importance of unbiased, industry-wide collaboration (26:16) Community-led problem-solving in technology implementation (29:29) Education and mentorship for the next generation in construction (33:19) Democratizing knowledge in the construction industry (37:51) Construction technology news of the week (38:56) Additional Resources: Listen to the show athttps://thecontechcrew.com Follow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew — Follow Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanricardo/ Visit Innov8AEC for more information: https://www.innov8aec.com/ — See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️ ➡️ Apple Vision Pro Is Currently Sold Out but Demand for Pricey Headset Could Go Down https://gizmodo.com/apple-vision-pro-sold-demand-down-ar-vr-headset-1851184622 ➡️ Construction’s manufacturing boom: Mapping the biggest facilities underway in the US https://www.constructiondive.com/news/manufacturing-construction-boom-tracker-map/688140/ ➡️ Looking to 2024: Four predictions for construction technology https://www.constructionbriefing.com/news/looking-to-2024-four-predictions-for-the-heavy-construction-industry/8033888.article ➡️ Document Crunch Adds Conversational AI to Its Contract Risk Review Solution for Accelerated Contract Insights https://www.documentcrunch.com/news-archive/chat – The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

30 JAN 2024 · 🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com Imagine a construction project where manual takeoffs, a tedious and time-consuming process, are a thing of the past. In this week’s episode, my co-host Jonathan Marsh and I interview Patrick E. Murphy, former congressman and now CEO of Togal.AI, a company that uses AI to automate the estimating process in construction while incorporating ChatGPT to manage construction plans. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the transformative role of AI in the construction industry, specifically Togal.AI, while highlighting its impact on current construction issues and how we can strategically leverage AI to enhance the overall efficiency of construction projects. Let’s get started! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet Patrick E. Murphy and his construction journey (07:34) How Togal.AI started and its impact on construction (10:04) Challenges of technology adoption in construction (13:28) How to use Togal.AI efficiently (20:40) On leveraging generative AI to improve the industry (25:50) How to help people understand Togal’s limitation (29:33) Building with RENCO that lasts for hundreds of years (32:19) How to automate estimates in bulk with Togal.AI (41:10) Patrick’s perspective on change and AI in construction (48:07) Construction technology news of the week (51:29) Additional Resources: Listen to the show athttps://thecontechcrew.com Follow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew — Follow Togal.AI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/togal-ai-llc/ Subscribe to Togal.AI on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@togal_ai Visit its website for more information: https://www.togal.ai/ — See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️ ➡️ Qmerit AI automates home electrification - re-thinking a major infrastructure challenge https://diginomica.com/qmerit-ai-automates-home-electrification-re-thinking-major-infrastructure-challenge ➡️ ISO and ASTM define standard for additive manufacturing in construction https://www.therobotreport.com/iso-astm-define-additive-manufacturing-construction-standard/ ➡️ Why the DOE brought its energy ‘moonshot factory’ to CES for the first time https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2024/01/16/doe-arpa-e-ces ➡️ Backlog increases amid easing credit conditions https://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-backlog-up-credit-eases/704671/ – The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

23 JAN 2024 · 🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com What were the significant tech strides in 2023, and what’s in store for 2024? In this special episode of The ConTech Crew, I sit down with co-hosts Nathan Wood and Ariel Castillo for a 2023 year-in-review and what's coming in 2024. From the rise of digital applications on job sites to the integration of AI and machine learning, we’ll dive deeper into the challenges and breakthroughs that are reshaping the construction industry. Today, the crew will provide insightful perspectives on tech adoption and interoperability, the tech burnout issue, the future of BIM, and what the construction industry should look forward to in 2024. Stay ahead of the curve by tuning in to this week’s episode. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) The importance of interoperability (05:20) On AI, app fatigue, and tech burnout issues (05:59) Basics of technology adoption (12:43) How public funding impacts technology adoption (15:17) Finding the balance in innovation (22:08) Bringing the trades to the education table (25:10) The future of BIM and digital transformation (29:05) What’s in store for 2024? (36:29) Episode wrap-up (55:06) Additional Resources: Listen to the show athttps://thecontechcrew.com Follow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew — Follow Nathan Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ Follow Ariel Castillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bimnomad/ — See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️ ➡️ First Round of $85 Million Competitive Grant Program to Fund DigitalConstruction Technologies That Save Time and Money https://highways.dot.gov/newsroom/biden-harris-administration-opens-first-round-85-million-competitive-grant-program-fund ➡️ Construction outlook is a mixed bag in AGC survey https://finance-commerce.com/2024/01/construction-outlook-is-a-mixed-bag-in-agc-survey/ ➡️ Mercedes-Benz to enter luxury real estate scene https://www.luxuryportfolio.com/blog/mercedes-benz-to-enter-luxury-real-estate-scene/ ➡️ Top 2024 AI Construction Trends: According to the Experts https://constructionblog.autodesk.com/top-2024-ai-construction-trends-according-to-the-experts/ ➡️ BIM in Construction Market: The global market is growing at a CAGR of 14.5% during the forecasted period. https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/bim-in-construction-market-the-global-market-is-growing-at-a-cagr-of-14-5-during-the-forecasted-period-#ixzz8P25fmsNb ➡️ GPT-4 release date – When was GPT-4 released? https://www.pcguide.com/apps/chat-gpt-4-release-date/ ➡️ The Year of Information https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2023/12/14/ai-hype-2024 – The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

16 JAN 2024 · 🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com Panelized construction is on the rise, and it has become very popular for numerous reasons. In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with David Victor, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, and Chris Boal, Integrated Construction Director at BLUvera, to discuss the technology and process behind BLUvera’s panelized wall system. BLUvera, a manufacturer and designer of cold-formed steel products, takes pride in its innovative manufacturing and off-site fabrication systems, aiming to enhance construction safety, speed, and predictability. Today, we’ll dive deep into off-site fabrication and panelized construction, examining its profound impact on the industry. We’ll also geek out on the technology behind BLUvera’s innovative manufacturing and fabrication systems, along with its associated challenges and opportunities, and more. Let’s jump right in! Key Takeaways: Introduction (00:00) Meet David Victor and Chris Boal of BLUvera (05:23) An overview of BLUvera and what it does (09:20) Advantages of using cold-formed steel (13:52) Impact of panelized wall system on the construction process (15:34) Engineering and BIM coordination then vs. now (26:52) On democratizing data and processes (30:37) What is manufacturing in a factory like? (34:40) Challenges of manufacturing panelized wall (41:10) Construction technology news of the week (48:42) Additional Resources: Listen to the show athttps://thecontechcrew.com Follow us on Twitter:https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew — Check out BLUvera for more information: https://www.bluvera.com/ — See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️ ➡️ The Case for Less Communication in Building Design https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/case-less-communication-building-design-kevin-lawson-pe-hkt4/ ➡️ Why 2023 was a big year for ConTech Interoperability at Trimble https://www.forconstructionpros.com/construction-technology/article/22881256/trimble-why-2023-was-a-big-year-for-contech-interoperability-at-trimble ➡️ Top Construction Events for 2024 https://www.constructiondive.com/news/conferences-2024-construction-building/696094/ ➡️ Artificial Intelligence Act: Council and Parliament strike a deal on the first rules for AI in the world https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/12/09/artificial-intelligence-act-council-and-parliament-strike-a-deal-on-the-first-worldwide-rules-for-ai/ — The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!