
The Preconstruction Podcast - Commercial Construction.
The Preconstruction Podcast tells the story of Preconstruction Innovation within Commercial Construction throughout the US. We will be traveling the country speaking with Preconstruction innovators, Estimating geniuses, and national leaders within Technology, General Contractors, Architects, Owners, and Subcontractors to hear their Preconstruction success stories.
Latest episodes

Oct 21, 2024 • 44min
E116: Hamzah Shanbari, Director of Innovation at The Haskell Company
In this episode, Gareth McGlynn sits down with Hamzah Shanbari, Director of Innovation at Haskell, to explore a range of topics that are shaping the future of preconstruction and innovation in the industry.
Key Discussion Points:
Paperless Builders: Hamzah’s latest book is now available.
Construction Technology: The why, what, and how of applying tech effectively.
Education: Hamzah’s academic background, which includes an architectural engineering degree, a master’s in building construction, and a Ph.D. in design construction planning.
Teaching: Insights from his role as a professor at the University of North Florida.
Innovation at Haskell: The latest developments in the company.
Knowledge Retention: The importance of an LMS system for preserving insights.
It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of innovation and technology in construction.
You can get in touch with Hamzah via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamzah-shanbari/

Oct 14, 2024 • 41min
E115: The Biggest issue in construction is PEOPLE. Brent Darnell is an International thought leader transforming our industry.
Brent Darnell, Owner of Brent Darnell International, is a thought leader in construction, focusing on enhancing emotional intelligence and performance. He shares his journey from a construction family and the critical 'people issue' in the industry. Brent emphasizes the need for better mental, physical, and emotional well-being for leaders. He discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in fostering team dynamics, enhancing relationships, and improving overall project outcomes. His insights challenge traditional hiring practices and advocate for empathy and collaboration.

Oct 7, 2024 • 50min
E118: Jim Driscoll, Director of Preconstruction at Kadean Construction, based out of Kansas City, Missouri.
Gareth McGlynn chats with Jim Driscoll, Director of Preconstruction at Kadean Construction, to discuss all things preconstruction.
Key Points:
Jim's transition from Director of Operations to Director of Preconstruction
Delivery methods and design-build in healthcare and industrial projects
Building teams through recruitment and internships
And a lot more.
Catch this episode for more practical insights from the field.
Connect with Jim Driscoll via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-driscoll-a1911591/

Sep 30, 2024 • 29min
E:111 Kyle Bonde, Preconstruction Reimagined discusses LIVE from APC 2024 in Denver, CO
The Preconstruction Mastermind that is Kyle Bond sat down with our host Gareth McGlynn to discuss his vision of what Preconstruction should look like.
Enjoy and feel free to connect with Kyle via his LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-bonde-809b6566/

Sep 23, 2024 • 38min
E112: Rod Miller, Director of Preconstruction at Big-D Construction in Tempe, AZ
Our host Gareth McGlynn sat down with Rod Miller the Director of Preconstruction at Big D Construction to discuss:
- Arizona State University - CM with Construction Estimating
- How relationships with design partners has changed
- How to leverage Data to increase success
- FREE CON vs Preconstruction Services
- When will we see the first Chief Preconstruction Officer
- And much much more
Thanks for listening and please connect with Rod here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-miller-3b2029b/

Sep 16, 2024 • 37min
E113: Josh Mensinger, VP of Integrated Solutions at DIRTT. The Modular solution thats easily designed and gives certainty of Cost, Schedule and Outcome
Our host, Gareth McGlynn sat down with Josh Mensinger the VP of Integrated Solutions @ DIRTT discusses:
- DIRTT the physical products
- DIRTT Digital Tools
- Total Design Freedom
- Greater Certainty of Cost
- Target market for DIRTT
- The Cove Product
- Multi trade prefabricated solutions
- and much much more
Enjoy folks and connect with Josh here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-mensinger-475630102

Sep 9, 2024 • 33min
E114: Dustin DeVan, CEO of Ediphi the Cloud Based Estimating Software
Our host Gareth McGlynn, sat down with Dustin DeVan the CEO of Ediphi to discuss:
- His Building Connected journey from 2012
- Why did he want to disrupt construction?
- What is Ediphi's connection with Suffolk
- The lessons learnt from Building Connected that will help with Ediphi
- How good is Ediphi and what can Estimators expect
- The importance of a high performing team within Ediphi
- And much much more
Check out the links below and thanks for listening:
Website: https://www.ediphi.com/
Dustin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustind01/

Sep 3, 2024 • 19min
E:110 Stacie Ramos, Preconstruction & BD Manager at KCI Construction discusses LIVE from APC 2024 in Denver, CO
Enjoy this conversation at Advancing Preconstruction when our host Gareth McGlynn sat down with Stacie Ramos to discuss:
- AP 2024 and the benefits
- KCI as a Civil & Commercial Contractor
- Selecting a Technology CRM And Bid Solicitation tool
- How they bid with HCSS on the commercial side
- The importance of Business Development in Preconstruction
- Project Mark as a CRM, development and integration
- Everyone at AP has the same problems
- And much much more
Enjoy this episode and please feel free to connect with Stacie via:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacie-ramos-8475b198/
Please subscribe, like, share and comment on this episode of The Preconstruction Podcast.

Aug 26, 2024 • 32min
E117: Kiki McCartney: Preconstruction Engineer in Denver, CO discusses her early days in Construction after changing careers
Our host Gareth McGlynn sat down with Kiki McCartney to discuss:
- Changing careers and choosing construction
- Going back to get her Bachelors in Construction Management at Louisiana State University
- The front end activities she enjoys as a Precon Engineer
- Maximising her first 6 months in the job
- The Importance of Networking in Preconstruction
- Why its important to have more Woman in the construction industry
- Her journey from Germany through Austria and now the US.
Enjoy folks and please connect with Kiki on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kikimccartney

Aug 19, 2024 • 12min
E109: Manasi Pitkar, Sr Director of Preconstruction at McCarthy discusses at APC 2024 in Denver, CO.
Join Gareth McGlynn as he talks to Manasi Pitkar, Senior Director of Preconstruction at McCarthy Building Companies, during the APC 2024 event in Denver, CO. They discuss Manasi's insights on enhancing preconstruction processes through standardized operations.
Discussion Highlights:
Developing robust SOPs to ensure consistent service delivery and identifying critical workflows.
Clear operating procedures significantly reduce training time and boost team productivity.
Roadblocks in standardization, with a focus on leadership and software integration.
Connect with Manasi via her Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manasi-pitkar-dbia-leed-ap-pmp%C2%AE-35289aa/
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