Practical Advice for 2026: Focus on Problems, Not AI

In this special year-end episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample gathers the crew Jonathan Marsh, Travis Voss, and Nathan Wood. Together, they reflect on the events, challenges, and advancements in the construction technology industry throughout 2025. From AI's growing dominance to the evolution of prefab construction, the team discusses key trends, frustrations, and the industry's trajectory toward 2026. They also talk about mergers and acquisitions, data-driven innovations, and shifting labor dynamics.

The crew is cautiously optimistic about 2026, with a focus on how construction technology will mature and how companies can better harness data and AI for future success. There’s a call for more collaboration and understanding between trades, along with the importance of innovation in scaling prefab construction.

Key Takeaways

• The team discusses how the year felt like "a dumpster fire", but also a time for growth and transition.
• They highlight the increasing role of AI and data in construction, especially for data-driven contractors.
• Prefabrication and modular construction have gained momentum, especially in mechanical and electrical trades. 
• Major M&A activity in 2025 is seen as a response to the need for scalability, innovation, and risk management.
• The crew shares their thoughts on the future, a hopeful look toward collaboration and data-driven success in 2026.

Timestamps

[00:00] - Introduction to the Year in Review

[01:12] - Reflecting on 2025: The Year of the Dumpster Fire

[02:11] - Key Themes: AI, Megaprojects, and Uncertainty

[03:54] - Inflated Expectations and the Hype Around AI

[06:35] - The Rise of Data-Empowered Contractors

[09:03] - From Data Collection to Data Utilization

[11:23] - Importance of Normalizing Digital Literacy

[16:56] - The Surge of Prefabrication and Modular Construction

[20:01] - Labor Shortages and the Role of Prefabrication

[23:45] - Cross-Trade Collaboration for Innovation

[32:56] - Mergers and Acquisitions in the Construction Industry

[39:21] - The Impact of Mergers: Long-Term and Short-Term Effects

[45:12] - Final Thoughts and Outlook for 2026

Follow Travis Voss & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.voss.336 
• Website: https://www.constructiondorks.com/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/smacna/ 
• Website(Company): https://www.smacna.org/ 
• Facebook(Company): https://www.facebook.com/SMACNA 
• Twitter(Company): https://x.com/smacna 
• Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/smacna/ 

Follow Jonathan Marsh & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-toe-consulting-llc/ 
• Website: https://www.steeltoeconsulting.com/ 

Follow Nathan Wood & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectrumaec/
• Twitter(company): https://x.com/spectrumaec? 

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
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