The Preconstruction Podcast - Commercial Construction.

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/

This week on The Preconstruction Podcast, Gareth McGlynn meets with Bill Mazzetti, Data Center and Renewable Energy Leader and Innovator, who is SVP at Rosendin, to discuss the extraordinary demand for Data Center and its impact on the grid, labor, and contractors. Bill has terrific knowledge of everything involved in Data center construction and discusses: - Data Center Power Demands - Discusses Meta, Vantage, Amazon, Compass, Rosendin challenges right now - Site location when it comes to building MegaWatt Data Centers - The chronic lack of skilled labor and how they are overcoming it. - MEP makes up 75% of the overall cost of a data center - The key questions Contractors must ask when dealing with an electrical sub - Much Much more . Email Bill at bmazzetti@rosendin.com. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn for more insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-mazzetti-8b66311/

This week on The Preconstruction Podcast, Gareth McGlynn meets with Kaylee Gathard, Preconstruction & Estimating Manager at Boldt Company, to discuss the challenge of Titles in Preconstruction and its impact on recruiting, retaining and developing talent. Kaylee's journey is fascinating: From a Psychology degree at San Diego State University to running multi-million dollar construction projects. What it means to be an Estimator? The primary tasks of an Estimator? How Boldt got everyone in the room and decided who did what tasks - outcomes The Self Performing element of Boldt Why Titles are important? Why processes and documentation is vital for onboarding Estimators Connect with Kaylee Gathard on LinkedIn for more insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylee-lankford/

This week on The Preconstruction Podcast, Gareth McGlynn meets with Tom Carolan, Director of Scheduling at Barton Malow, to discuss the rising importance of scheduling in construction and its impact on delivering complex projects. Tom's journey into scheduling: From a CM degree at Wentworth to roles at Whiting-Turner, AECOM, and now Barton Malow . The rapid expansion of Barton Malow’s scheduling team and its significance in the industry. Planning and scheduling: Its simplest form and importance. Chairing the Advancing Scheduling and Planning Conference. Challenges in planning and scheduling: Addressing the role of technology. Planning & Scheduling methodologies: Last Planner, LCI, and CPM. This episode provides practical insights and industry expertise for schedulers and preconstruction professionals alike. Connect with Tom Carolan on LinkedIn for more insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasquinncarolan/details/experience/