Construction Brothers

(This episode is a rebroadcast of an interview we did in February of 2022.)   Allen Angle is the VDC-FM Integration Manager at JLL. Allen is full of insights when it comes to the role of technology in construction. Most of JLL’s construction clients have some sort of system in place for operations, maintenance, and space management. Allen’s job is to help them discern the sexy from the practical. He helps them understand how to capitalize on the modeling that is available and tie together data from various places.    In an effort to ensure better communication, Allen has advocated for some vocabulary shifts. One problem he sees is people just “handing over” projects and then leaving. He discusses the benefits of maintaining communication in an “exchange” format.  Another vocabulary switch he has tried to make is related to the words specifications or guidelines.    JLL’s people encourage clients to focus on these three things: Being BIM-driven rather than BIM-dependent. They try to focus on execution/implementation plans,Speaking a common language to reduce confusion about specific assets throughout the design-construction process.Focusing on an owner-driven process that centers on the usability of the end result.   Allen explains that JLL sometimes serves as a broker. Sometimes they play primarily a technological role. Sometimes they operate in more of a consultative capacity. At still other times, they function as owner. Ultimately, everything they do is focused on helping the relevant parties leverage information to more effectively execute the various aspects of the construction process.   Allen walks us through a helpful hypothetical scenario to discuss how BIM and VDC can function together to maximize efficiency. Then we discuss all of these software packages: Revit VelaBIM 360 Field Layer Smartsheet   After talking through all of this, we come around to acknowledge that what BIM means to some construction people is different from what it means to other people. What’s important is that we seek to use these tools in productive ways.   Allen’s Megaphone Message: Don’t get completely caught up in the sexiness of BIM and 360 3D. Your core business needs are what are most important. If you get excessively caught up in buzzword bandwagons, you won’t be serving your clients as well as you should be.   Find Allen online: Allen’s LinkedIn  Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedIn If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After reviewing hundreds of Architectural sets over the years, here are the main pain points we see most often. - Stair stringers have width - Do final coordination with your engineer before issuing the documentation - Use grids (and coordinate) - Know the actual dimensions of materials like masonry - Dimension walls to face of stud - Be a builder. Not an artist. Thanks for joining us this week! Make sure you check out our sponsor Trimble ProjectSight! - https://projectsight.trimble.com/ Please consider subscribing! SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL Like us on LinkedIn! Like us on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Eddie's LinkedIn Tyler's LinkedIn (Our day job) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(This episode is a rebroadcast of an interview we did in 2020.)   Brian Ringley is the Construction Technology Manager Boston Dynamics. Much of his work centers on the Spot robot. You could call it an “agile mobile robot” or a “quadraped.” Or you could just call it a robot dog.    But it’s more than just a robot dog, and it’s more than just an agile quadraped. It’s a platform for all kinds of functions. Spot can carry various payloads that serve a range of functions: Autonomous laser scanning Continuous site monitoring with continuous 360-degree video Examination of environments that are radioactive or otherwise dangerous to humans   In short, Spot can provide the large data sets that allow project managers to employ some of the more ambitious AI solutions that are now available. Brian shares about a Boston Dynamics partnership with Drone Deploy.     We discuss some unexpected applications of Spot, including some work in the entertainment industry: Latte, the steampunk dog at Universal Studios parkA performance with Cirque du SoleilYoutube influencers making weird videos   Brian walks us through Spot’s abilities and limitations, explaining how much human guidance is needed for various functions. He’s clear about the fact that Spot won’t fix all of the challenges with BIM, but he discusses how integrations with things like Avvir show promise.  We discuss the social aspects of robots like Spot, including how people respond when they first encounter a robot like this one. Eddie shares that his initial reaction when he saw Spot was, “That’s cool, but what would I do with that?”   Brian discusses the fact that Spot can help contractors pay subs more quickly by verifying the status of their work. (Tyler makes the connection between this insight and our interview with Pete Dumont.) As you can imagine, this technology is advancing all the time. If you’re interested in seeing an update on the Spot developments (since this interview was recorded in 2020), check out this video.    Brian’s Megaphone Message: Don’t confuse technology problems with business model problems. Businesses will benefit when they intelligently take on risk where there’s a potentially substantial reward. Find Brian online:  Brian's LinkedIn - Brian's Instagram - Brian's Twitter - Boston Dynamics and Spot  Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedIn If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are going over 4 Tips For Project Managers! Here's a list of what we cover. - Don’t be a project pile-it. Don’t hit forward on the email saying “Please advise” before you understand and clarify the request. - Stay in front of the airplane. - Don’t be a box checker. - Have integrity. Never lie to get somebody to do something for you.   Thanks for joining us this week! Make sure you check out our sponsor Trimble ProjectSight! -https://projectsight.trimble.com/ Please consider subscribing! SUBSCRIBE!Like us on LinkedIn!Like us on Facebook!Follow us on Instagram!Eddie's LinkedInTyler's LinkedIn(Our day job)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take me out to the ballgame! Today we’re re-airing a really fun conversation we had last year with Angie Simon.   Angie can hit a nasty curveball, but when she’s not standing at the plate, she’s working in one of these roles: Advisor to the Board at Western Allied Mechanical. (She was CEO when we recorded this interview last year.)Immediate Past President Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)When we conducted this interview, she was WAM’s CEO. President and co-founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), a great program that introduces high school students to opportunities in trades.   Our conversation today starts out with Angie and Eddie geeking out about the similarities between baseball and construction.  A team with mediocre talent but exceptional cohesiveness can outperform a team with superstars but no trust. When you’re on the field, you should be talking–not just to communicate with your teammates, but to cement in your own mind what you need to do.Practical IQ–an understanding of how to approach a complex situation–is more important than some sort of technical giftedness or talent.Leaders who genuinely respect the workers in the field will have stronger teams.    Angie talks about the repeat business that her company gets simply because they do really, really good work. This is the case because of the culture of trust within their team. She explains the importance of getting a sense of buy-in from your team when you’re facing decisions. Communicate. Explain the whys and hows. Answer their questions.    We go on to talk about the ever-present issue of workforce development. Angie explains that 40% of the sheet metal workers in the country will be retiring in the next five years. Incoming apprentices are averaging 27 years of age. This means we need to get more focused with our recruitment. So, Angie’s doing something about it.   Angie spearheaded the Heavy Metal Summer Experience. When we recorded this episode in 2021, they were just about to run the first 12-session camp experience. If you want to see Angie share more about how this program has gone, check out this video. Angie also tells us about a number of other programs that she is working with to increase workforce diversity within the construction industry.    Angie’s Megaphone Message: The construction industry is a great industry. To participate in the process of building something is exciting, and there are so many opportunities. Construction workers make a difference in the world.    Learn more about Angie: Angie on LinkedIN - Angie’s SMACNA page - Angie talking about the HMSE program Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedIn If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you love the undo button as much as us? This week we are talking about mistakes that happen and what we can do to make the situations better.    Topics that we cover: Mistakes happen! How to compare mistakes to baseball Slow down, think- then act!   Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating or review and follow us on our social accounts! SUBSCRIBE!      Like us on LinkedIn!      Like us on Facebook!    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people call it by name, and some people refer to it less directly, but anxiety is a real thing. And it can keep you from doing your best work and living a full life.   The experiences we describe in this episode might seem totally unfamiliar to some of you. But we’d bet that some of you are going to find yourself saying, “Hmm. Yup. I’ve experienced that…”   The anxiety we’re talking about in this episode isn’t just the general, mild sense of anxiousness and unease that arises in specific, somewhat stressful situations. We’re talking about clinically diagnosable anxiety, which often involves a racing heart rate, shortness of breath, shaky hands, nervous sweats, and inability to concentrate. It’s a physical and mental state that may keep you from functioning normally on some level.    We discuss the fact that admitting to anxiety can make you feel weak, out of control, and vulnerable. You might be hesitant to acknowledge the reality of the condition because part of the solution may be a visit to the doctor or a counselor.    Both Eddie and Tyler have experienced this sort of anxiety.    Eddie shares the fact that for several years he would feel anxious any time that he was not actively working. He wasn’t able to sleep well, and he’d find himself excessively analyzing things that didn’t need to be analyzed.    Tyler’s experiences started with music performances many years ago. It reached the point where the shaky hands and racing heart led to him avoiding performance opportunities. Then he’d find himself experiencing anger with some of the daily frustrations.    Both of us eventually spoke up about our symptoms and discovered that there are medications and other measures that can dramatically reduce the symptoms and effects of anxiety. Getting help gave us a tremendous sense of freedom.     Our advice: Be willing to admit it. Don’t assume you can wish away these symptoms. Mention it to someone you trust. Then set an appointment to discuss it with your doctor. It doesn’t mean you’re “crazy.” We go to coaches, trainers, and mentors for help in sports, construction–all kinds of areas. Why would the area of mental health be any different?   Even if you haven’t experienced anxiety of the sort that we discussed today, there’s a good chance that someone on your team or in your family has. We discuss some ideas for how you can help someone you’ve seen experiencing these symptoms. Open the door for the discussion.   Megaphone moment: There are tools that can help with anxiety. Reach out and grab them.     Resources: Find a Counselor: https://www.betterhelp.com/How Do You Know If You Have Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms, And When To Get Help: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/anxiety/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-anxiety-signs-symptoms-and-when-to-get-help/What are Anxiety Disorders?: https://www.verywellmind.com/anxiety-disorder-2510539#toc-treatments   Anxiety vs. Depression Symptoms and Treatment:https://www.verywellmind.com/am-i-anxious-4045683   Is Anxiety a Mental Illness?:https://www.verywellmind.com/is-anxiety-a-mental-illness-5271630   How to Help Someone With Anxiety:https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-help-someone-with-anxiety-5089005   Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedIn If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work, family, finances–all of these things are wonderful, but they also cause stress. Sometimes, that stress can accumulate to the point where it becomes something more substantial and name-able: anxiety. It can be easy to downplay symptoms and brush aside concerns, but you’re not doing yourself any favors when you do that.    Today we discuss some signs that might indicate a level of anxiety worth discussing with a health care provider:  Nervousness and irritabilityDifficulty sleeping Avoidance of places that cause stressWorry about things that happened in the pastStress surrounding social interactions   We’ll be circling back around to this topic later, but if you’re feeling some combination of these things with some consistency, it might be wise to share that with someone who can help. Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedIn If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve talked about some complicated things over our 138 episodes. Everything from laser mapping equipment to $15 billion petroleum-processing factories. The complexity of today’s topic exceeds all of those. Today we talk about parenthood. Since we’re the Construction Brothers, our focus is primarily on fatherhood.     Between the two of us, we have eight kids. That’s a bunch of years to travel that long learning curve. We start by touching on some of our parenting highlights: A gross-out story involving massive regurgitationThe year of flu, black mold, and a pandemic A gifted Sharpie artist  A very non-Easter-y egg story (This one’s not for the squeamish.)   Then we proceed to reflect on the challenges, which are numerous. It’s normal to feel like you’re doing it wrong most of the time. Remember that every single kid is going to be unique. They’ll all present you with special challenges and special joys. Some will sleep like… well, like a baby, and some will resist sleep with all of their power.   Here are some more fatherhood nuggets we examine:  How to avoid giving your kids nothing more than your leftoversThe importance of emphasizing relationship over household tasksThe difference between 11:00 Daddy Eddie and 3:00 Daddy EddieThe importance of setting aside time for your wife or partnerThe challenge of mustering energy for late-night time with thirsty philosophers who need a hug The fact that dogs are not the same as kids   Fatherhood is intense. Give yourself some grace.    We hesitate to repeat the cliché, but… It goes so fast. Treasure this opportunity while you have it.   This week’s megaphone message: Be Dad on purpose as much as you can. Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedIn If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we build on last week’s FMF episode, when we discussed the importance of approaching your work like you’d approach a game of chess rather than Fortnite.    It’s about being deliberate–thinking several steps ahead. As a manager, it’s easy to get caught up in the expectation that all progress is visible to an outside observer. The problem is that different human workers function differently. Those who appear to be working the hardest may not be working most intelligently.    Let people take the time to come up with jigs. Provide space for them to roll ideas around in their heads in order to come up with creative approaches to problems. Celebrate the different working styles that various team members bring to the table. These differences will likely increase your company’s productivity in ways that you wouldn’t expect. Focus your managerial monitoring on output rather than what you see during work time.    Don’t kill thinking time. Find Us Online: BrosPodcast.com - LinkedIn - Youtube - Instagram - Facebook - Eddie's LinkedIn - Tyler's LinkedIn If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.