The ConTechCrew How Contractors Fix Preconstruction Chaos to Replace Excel and Boost Margins with Don Tiefenbrunn
Nov 4, 2025
Don Tiefenbrunn, a seasoned architect-turned-construction leader, and Steve Botz, a construction tech expert, dive into the often-overlooked pre-construction phase. They discuss how RMOne emerged from real frustrations with fragmented data in construction planning. The duo emphasizes the importance of integrating technology at the start of projects, the pitfalls of relying on Excel, and the practicality of their user-centric platform. They also touch on how small contractors can access affordable solutions while capturing non-job costs to safeguard profitability.
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Architect Turned Builder Built The Tool
- Don moved from architecture into GC pre-con because he wanted to know how things actually get built.
- He and his CTO iteratively built an internal pre-con system to stop re-entering data across departments.
Start With Pre-Construction
- Pre-construction is the critical, overlooked phase that sets a project's success for its entire lifecycle.
- Don built RM1 to capture and carry pre-con data from business development through closeout to eliminate duplicate entry.
Capture Participants And Data Early
- Capture all project participants and history early: architects, engineers, subs, and timelines.
- Assign job numbers and carry structured data through to finance to avoid rework and data loss.