The Preconstruction Podcast - Commercial Construction.

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, catches up with Ivo Brook, Brand Director at Hanson Wade, and Randall Thompson, Preconstruction Executive at Nibbi Brothers, for a full-on Advancing Preconstruction love fest.Celebrating 75 years of excellence, Nibbi has led Bay Area construction with a focus on complex builds, innovation, and quality - Randall shares how that legacy continues to shape modern preconstruction.Discussion highlights:What to expect at Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego.Randall Thompson’s take on rethinking pre-construction and estimating workflows for prefabrication.Why people keep coming back – the value of attendingThe real benefits: networking, golf, happy hour, tech provider demos, and more.A rallying call for precon professionals: Let’s move forward together in San Diego.You can connect with our guests on LinkedIn:Ivo Brook - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivobrook/Randall Thompson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallethompson/

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Mason Hennings , Estimator II at Traylor Bros., to discuss preconstruction data. Discussed on the podcast:How to leverage big data in preconstruction.Using a data-driven approach to enhance accuracy, reduce risk, and create a competitive advantage.Machine learning and AI capabilities in construction.The $864 million Howard Franklin Bridge project.And much, much more.For any follow-up questions, connect with Mason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mason-hennings-409a8113b/

Back for Part 2!Our host, Gareth McGlynn, continues the conversation with Andrew Pitcher, Data Analyst and Integrations Manager at Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, as they pick up where they left off—talking practical tools, systems, and strategies that are helping preconstruction teams stay ahead.Discussion Highlights:Integrating software to streamline communication and information sharing between teams.Inside Bartlett Cocke’s custom cost forecasting tool – how it connects to their data warehouse.Making data work: how estimators and preconstruction managers can use it to support better decision-making.Tackling knowledge transfer – the most common (and most frustrating) pain point across teams.And much, much more.If you missed Part 1, you can catch it here: https://www.nichessp.com/pre-construction-podcast/139-andrew-pitcherAnd you can connect with Andrew via his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-pitcher-71006b47/

Gareth McGlynn sits down with Tim Griggs, Director of Estimating at OHT Partners, to discuss key factors shaping multifamily construction and the broader real estate market.Key Discussion Points:Multifamily construction – what are deals with no teeth?Multifamily optimism – why there’s confidence in a big bounce back in 2025Winning bids – getting the numbers right, the site right, and securing multifamily projectsInflation cycle and real estate market – how current trends are shaping project costsNew administration – what potential shifts could mean for the industryPlus, a special link to Tim’s music from Austin — check it out here: https://youtu.be/JBR_7MzCNb8?si=Oo-7FrK-EbztMQsXConnect with Tim Griggs via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-griggs-90b5b520/

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, welcomes back Bob Kovacs, Director of Preconstruction at Albion General Contractors, for another insightful conversation. Having previously joined us in 2022, Bob returns to discuss his career shift and key industry topics shaping preconstruction today.Discussion Highlights:🔹 Moving from a large general contractor to a growing small to mid-sized general contractor – the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of both.🔹 GMP contracts- Bob shares his perspective on why it doesn’t work for everyone”?🔹 Is design-build GMP any better?👉 Missed Bob’s previous episode? Listen here: https://www.nichessp.com/pre-construction-podcast/43-bob-kovacs👉 Learn more about Albion General Contractors: https://albiongc.com/👉 Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-kovacs-1491744/

We’re back with Steve Dell’Orto, Founder & CEO of Concentric. Our host, Gareth McGlynn, caught up with Steve to discuss key developments in preconstruction.Discussion Points:• Built by Builders Network – What it is and why it matters• Concentric’s latest updates – Including the Concept Hub and AI advancements• Knowledge Transfer & Retention – Keeping industry expertise within reach🔗 Check out their website: Concentric 📌 Connect with Steve : LinkedIn

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Andrew Pitcher, Data Analyst and Integrations Manager at Bartlett Cocke, for the first of a two-part series on the power of data in construction.Discussion Points:Andrew’s background in Construction Science from Texas A&M UniversityHis Master of Science in Data AnalyticsHow to extract, organize, and display data effectivelyThe key data points every general contractor should be trackingExtracting data from Excel, text, images, and videosBuilding a scalable data and tech stack for long-term successPart 2 coming soon!🔗 Connect with Andrew Pitcher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-pitcher-71006b47/

In this episode, Gareth McGlynn talks with Sam Ellis, Preconstruction Manager at Fortune Johnson, about his unique career path and the challenges facing multifamily construction today. With a background in both estimating and fieldwork, Sam shares practical insights and strategies for navigating an evolving industry.Topics Discussed:His accounting and construction management degree from East Carolina University.Starting in estimating, transitioning to the field for six years, and then returning to estimating—how this experience proved invaluable.Multifamily construction: The economic uncertainty, high interest rates, and the influence of a new administration.The rising costs of multifamily construction and how developers and clients are managing the pressure.Is there an oversupply problem in certain areas of the U.S.?Modular construction and the prefabrication of materials.Addressing the demand for smart home technology and the challenges of balancing innovation with costs.Listen now and gain practical takeaways.Connect with Sam Ellis on LinkedIn to learn more about his work and expertise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-e-44b110a6/

Our host Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Aaron Shwom, Director of Preconstruction at Chapman Construction/Design, for an indepth conversation around delivery methods, his career and the complexieties of choosing a delivery method that works for the client. DiscussionHighlights: 1. Most common delivery methods right now 2. Design Build: When is it? When is the nest time to use it? 3. Preconstruction Services / FREECon 4. The impact of CM involvement 5. Design-Bid-Build - Where is it appropriate? 6. The priorities of the owner/developer, are they the driving factor behind a delivery method? 7 And much much more about Aaron's career. I hope you enjoy this and please keep sharing and subscibing to The Preconstruction Podcast. Connect with Aaron below: Aaron Shwom's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-shwom-8b423625/

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Jeffrey Campbell, Director of Preconstruction at Cleveland Construction, for an engaging conversation about the evolution of his career and the complexities of adaptive reuse projects. Discussion Highlights: 1. Why Connecticut to study? 2. The journey from Mechanical Engineering to Pro Golf to construction. 3. The sales side of Preconstruction and why it's widely over looked and underestimated. 4. The GC side when working with MEP subcontractors. 5. Project Highlight: 16 story adaptive reuse from office to 305 Luxury apartments. 6. The difference on the owners side and why it's not for everyone. 7. And much, much more. For more insights from Jeff, connect with Jeff Campbell on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-campbell-038763b/