Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

What are the smartest ways to prioritize sustainable efforts and profits—especially if your company is less established? Join host Todd and guest Aad Storm as they discuss what it means to prioritize sustainability, the “human element” we shouldn’t forget in the whirlwind of new tech adoption, how we can reassure teammates and employees of their irreplaceable value in the face of AI, and much more. Aad Storm is the CEO and founder of Eveon Containers. He has a strong background in developing strategic vision and inspiring people with that vision. Eveon Containers is the leading global supplier of used shipping containers, pioneering sustainable and responsible solutions with digital innovation.

What does a successful technological transformation look like in our industry? What are the biggest challenges facing that successful transformation? Join host Todd and guest KP Reddy as they discuss the importance of staying consistent, the reliable predictors of success or failure in tech implementation, making space for creativity and innovation in construction, and more. KP Reddy is the founder and managing partner of Shadow Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in seed-stage companies that are transforming tech-nascent industries with disruptive technologies. With over 25 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur and investor, he has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in industries such as construction, real estate, manufacturing, and design. He also wrote the book "BIM for Building Owners and Developers," published by Wiley and Sons in 2012,and has contributed to several publications and media outlets on the topic. His mission is to help owners and clients use BIM to increase transparency, quality, efficiency, and profitability in their projects.

What are the best ways to create a culture of innovation in construction? Join host Todd and guest Todd Grossweiler as they discuss adopting an entrepreneurial mindset for success, how one customer’s story can change your processes for the better, the pros and cons of modular construction techniques, and more. Todd Grossweiler is the Executive Vice President at Allison-Smith Company LLC. In his role, he applies his creative techniques to technical project management while staying acutely aware of the “people” side ofthe business. His mission is to help Allison-Smith’s team succeed through continuously improving processes, technology, and relationships.

How will AI and data analytics shape the future of construction? What are some ways we’re already seeing shifts in our workforce? Join host Todd and guest Izhak Paz as they discuss the benefits of AI-powered tools, how to harness and use the right data, the potential risks of new tech, and more. Izhak Paz is the CEO and founder of SafeGuard AI Group. With a deep passion for improving people’s wellbeing and a drive to create a meaningful impact through innovative technical solutions, Izhak is an experienced entrepreneur and trusted strategic advisor with a solid foundation in economics and public health.

What does the path from journeyman to executive look like? What should young workers expect to find in the industry today? Join host Todd and guest James Chesnut as they discuss the generational rise and fall of vocational work, changing the narrative around skilled labor, Day & Zimmermann’s new app DZ JobLinX, and the interesting relationship between government and the trades. James Chesnut is the Senior Vice President of Nuclear Operations for Day & Zimmermann’s open shop business unit. In this role, he is responsible for fossil and nuclear maintenance, Value, and QA/QC services. James is a second-generation nuclear worker with 40 years of experience in construction, design modifications, outage management, and maintenance in the power industry.

Delve into the game-changing potential of AI in construction. In this episode we uncover how AI serves as a research assistant, accelerating problem-solving; Hugh's insights encourage us to fearlessly harness its power. Part of this power is using AI systems as dynamic partners - elevating interactions and refining outcomes. One thing is for certain: this technology will change how we interface with documents. Full stop. Hugh Seaton is CEO of The Link, a platform that is changing how specifications are consumed, managed, and ultimately created by construction field teams and design-build contractors. Hugh has been involved in construction technology for over a decade, including the AEC hackathon, and he is currently publishing the Construction Technology Quarterly, hosting bi-weekly Clubhouse rooms, and recording his own podcast, Constructed Futures.

How has financial reporting in construction changed over time? Does new tech allow us to increase accuracy and transparency—and what are some pitfalls we might find on our tech adoption journey? Join host Todd and guest Matthew Smith as they discuss the biggest challenges that come with adopting digital workflows, the key benefits to implementing digital finance solutions, some common security concerns with the advent of new finance technologies, and more. Matthew Smith is an expert in Construction Technology, with a focus on construction finance. As the CEO and Chief Compliance Officer at Truss, a leading Banking Platform for Construction Businesses, he drives industry innovation. Leveraging his extensive expertise in technology and finance, Matthew has successfully assisted numerous construction businesses in transitioning from traditional payment methods to streamlined digital systems. His deep knowledge of Construction FinTech positions him as a valuable resource for construction professionals seeking to optimize their financial operations.

How can we successfully contextualize the construction industry for the new generation? What role does technology play—and what about creative concepts like children’s books? Join host Todd and guests Chris Eccleston and Jenny Schroen as they discuss the children’s construction book series Grit Leads to Greatness, the initiatives we can all take to change perceptions of construction, the huge variety of job and growth opportunities in the industry, and much more. Jenny is the Creative Developer for DVB. In 2020, she won a MarCom Award, an international creative competition for developing DVB’s ad campaign “Grit Leads to Greatness”. In-depth research regarding the power of GRIT and her first-hand view of the workforce shortage inspired Jenny to team up with Chris to co-write a children’s book titled “Grit to Greatness”, a nod to her own children for preserving through tough times while demonstrating to all people the vital impact construction trades have on the world. Chris is the CEO and founder of Delmarva Veteran Builders (DVB) located in his hometown of Salisbury, Maryland. He proudly served in the Navy for 6 years as a nuclear machinist mate, completing 3 tours of duty. After the military, Chris received a construction management degree and has become a passionate warrior defending the image of tradespeople. As DVB grew, the company gained recognition for its strong company culture and fresh approach.

As technology advances in construction, what impacts have we seen overall on sustainability, safety, and equipment quality? Join host Todd and guest John Somers as they discuss the latest and greatest in construction industry advancements, what incentives exist to drive tech adoption, how to find the tech that best suits you and your company’s needs, how to interpret brand-new data, and much more. John Somers is the Vice President, Construction & Utility Sector of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. John is responsible for the strategic direction of construction and utility programs and services for AEM membership. He strives to help equipment manufacturers improve their businesses.

What does it really mean to “go green?” It’s more complex than you might think. Join host Todd and guest Tommy Linstroth as they discuss the ups and downs of creating a successful startup, the greatest issues we face in construction when it comes to adopting sustainability, how the widespread reaction to sustainable practices has changed over time, the concept of “automating” green processes, and more. Tommy Linstroth is the CEO of Green Badger, LLC. He has a 20-year career in managing sustainable construction and launched his company, Green Badger, to help professionals (from owners to sub-contractors) to lighten the load while pursuing LEED certification. Today, Green Badger’s mission is to make sustainability accessible, attainable, and effortless for the entire construction industry. Tommy regularly speaks at industry and sustainability trade events, contributes content for Forbes, Environmental Leader, and Construction Executive, among many others.