Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

How can the construction industry strike the perfect balance between tradition and innovation—especially with AI in the mix? Join Todd and this week’s guest, Eric Helitzer of SubBase, for a great discussion on the evolution of technology. This episode delves into cost management, how experimentation and innovation go hand-in-hand, and the challenges inherent in adopting new technology. Eric Helitzer is Founder & CEO of SubBase. He is passionate about transforming the construction material management process with innovative, efficient, and user-friendly technology. He has over 12 years of experience in the construction and development industry, where he has honed his skills in value engineering, budgeting, operations, and CPM scheduling.   TODD TAKES Leadership Buy-In is Essential: Getting top-tier leadership to champion technology adoption is crucial for success. Their support enables alignment with business goals and ensures smoother downstream implementation. Start with Gentle Disruption: Begin technology adoption incrementally to avoid overwhelming the team. Focus on integrating basics first, then layer on advanced features step-by-step as familiarity grows. Proactive Data Management for Budget Control: Utilizing data proactively provides real-time insights into budgets, preventing overruns and improving cost management. Centralized systems streamline workflows and enhance decision-making efficiency. Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Eric’s LinkedIn SubBase  

What if you could switch from a 43% success rate to 98.9%? And what if that switch was as simple as adopting BIM? Join Todd and guest Brian Chapman as they discuss the evolution of construction innovation, particularly when it comes to Building Information Modeling (BIM). Brian has extensive experience in the construction industry, and he emphasizes that BIM is not just for large projects but can be beneficial for all sizes. Brian Chapman is Founder of Lunix3D, a consulting firm specializing in ArchViz, BIM, and 3D Modeling. With over 25 years of experience, Brian’s journey into the construction industry began as a CAD specialist for AFS Fire, ensuring clash-free projects in a pre-BIM era. He then progressed to programming CAD applications and, later, creating 3D models for prominent multi-family developers and engineering firms. Brian expanded his expertise by serving as an on-site project engineer, and then as a project manager, on various multi-family projects. Recognizing the demand for BIM and 3D visualization services that truly address the challenges and requirements of the field, Brian founded Lunix3D to bridge the gap between cutting-edge tools and practical solutions. With a diverse background blending hands-on experience and technical expertise, Brian brings a unique perspective and unmatched insight to 3D technology application and coordination. TODD TAKES Communication and Willingness to Learn: Good communication and a mindset open to learning are the cornerstones of embracing a BIM workflow. Success often comes from teams willing to adapt and collaborate as they navigate new processes together. Building Buy-In with Leadership and Teams: When gaining buy-in for BIM, it’s all about speaking the language of your audience. Tailor the conversation to showcase the ROI in ways that resonate with decision-makers, whether that’s time savings, cost reductions, or increased efficiency. The Speed of Trust: I love the phrase “the speed of trust.” When you complete a project successfully while fostering strong relationships, it builds credibility. That trust creates momentum, acting as a snowball for future growth and collaboration.   Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Brian’s LinkedIn Lunix3D  

What is the most valuable resource in any organization, including construction? Human beings remain, and have always been, our best investment. Join Todd and guest Ed DeAngelis as they discuss several insights on creating a supportive environment, the need for continuous innovation in the industry, and the positive legacy of those who care for employees while achieving success in their business. Ed DeAngelis is CEO and Founder of EDA Contractors, Inc. Ed’s innovative personality has allowed EDA Contractors, Inc. to become a leader in its industry. Always looking for another challenge, Ed has continually provided his customers with knowledgeable and qualified employees that share his unique vision. EDA Contractors, Inc. has been recognized for the past three straight years in the top five as a Top Workplace in Philadelphia by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Ed holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Saint Joseph's University.   TODD TAKES Humanity is a Strategy: To bring your best self to work, you need to bring your whole self—emotions, life experiences, and work experiences. Ed’s powerful phrase, “Humanity is a strategy,” emphasizes the importance of embracing authenticity and emotional intelligence as a cornerstone of leadership and workplace culture. Embracing the Messiness of Emotions: Handling emotions well requires mindfulness and intentionality, especially in a high-pressure industry like construction. While emotions can be messy, construction professionals are some of the most creative problem solvers, uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of human interaction. The Power of Being Exceptionally Average: Ed’s idea of being “exceptionally average” highlights the value of consistent, intentional effort over perfectionism. It’s about excelling in the fundamentals, which takes discipline and focus, ultimately leading to sustainable success.   Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Ed’s LinkedIn EDA Contractors, Inc.  

How do aging infrastructure and access to clean water relate? The two are more intertwined than you might think. Join Todd and guest Kenneth Driscol as they discuss the need for investment in public infrastructure, how access to water may look by the year 2050, and how sustainable AI solutions may come into play. Kenneth L. Driscol is a Sr. Civil Application Engineer at Applied Software, GRAITEC Group. He has a demonstrated history of working in the computer software industry. He is skilled in AutoCAD, Revit, Autodesk Software, Drainage, and Modeling. He is a strong engineering professional with a Civil Engineering/ Construction Technology focused in Transportation and Highway Engineering from The University of Akron. TODD TAKES Addressing Aging Infrastructure Proactively: Aging infrastructure isn’t something we can afford to ignore or push aside. It’s not an "out of sight, out of mind" problem—it’s a challenge we need to face head-on. By taking a proactive approach, we can ensure our systems stay safe, efficient, and built to last. Getting the Most Out of Your Data: When it comes to data, start by asking yourself: what do I want to learn? Once you’re clear on your goals, you can map out the right questions and create a framework for managing your data. With good governance and a little help from AI, those insights become game-changers. Feelings Aren’t Facts: “Feelings aren’t facts.” That one really hits home, doesn’t it? It’s so human to believe our emotions are the ultimate truth, but staying grounded in reality is what leads to smart decisions and better outcomes.   Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Kenneth’s LinkedIn Applied Software, GRAITEC Group

What are the most essential ingredients in successful tech implementation? It’s tough to strike the balance between hard numbers and fostering company culture. Join Todd and guest Emily Edelstone as they discuss the importance of strategy, change management, and mentorship in construction. Emily Edelstone is a Technical Solutions Executive at Autodesk. In her role, she helps architecture, engineering, construction firms and owners leverage the power of Autodesk's software to improve their project outcomes, efficiency, and sustainability. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, she has a strong background in estimating, planning, and managing complex and large-scale projects. TODD TAKES Crawl, Walk, Run Approach to Technology Adoption: When implementing new technologies, start small with a "Crawl, Walk, Run" strategy. This phased approach allows for greater agility, the ability to learn from early steps, and the momentum to scale effectively. Ensure you have a strategic vision, clearly identifying who should be involved and the specific goals the new technology will help achieve. The Power of Consistency in Technology Workflows: Consistency is key to repeatability and success in technology implementation. Establish standard operating procedures for your technology workflows to maintain quality control and reliability. These standards ensure your team can execute with confidence and deliver predictable results every time. Embracing Diverse Perspectives through Reverse Mentorship: Building a culture of innovation requires openness to different perspectives and fresh ideas. Reverse mentorship, where younger employees mentor senior team members on emerging trends and technology, is a powerful way to foster collaboration and a forward-thinking mindset. Companies that embrace diverse ideas and adapt quickly are the ones leading in the technology race.   Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Emily’s LinkedIn DesignBuildLadies Autodesk  

Is it time to start taking ego out of the innovation equation? Join Todd and guest Jessica Vance as they discuss the role of continuous improvement in construction, the need for industrywide communication and mentorship, and the importance of leadership in driving positive change for future generations. Jessica Vance is the Business Improvement Solutions Director at Cummings Electrical. With nearly two decades of experience in Electrical Engineering within the Construction industry, she has developed expertise across a range of roles, from hands-on engineering and project management to advanced virtual design and construction (VDC). Her career journey reflects a commitment to continuous improvement, leveraging technical insights, and strategic leadership to deliver impactful results. TODD TAKES The Power of "Slow Down to Speed Up" in Construction: In an industry with tight margins and countless moving parts, adopting the principle of “slow down to speed up” is essential. Taking time to strategically plan and think through the most efficient processes allows teams to work smarter and avoid costly errors down the line. Empowering Frontline Workers for Meaningful Change: Incorporating ideas from frontline workers into the continuous improvement process is a game-changer. Not only does this foster their buy-in for changes, but it also ensures the solutions directly address day-to-day challenges, leading to more impactful and practical improvements. Checking Egos for Genuine Innovation: Innovation and process improvement require a team-wide effort to leave egos at the door. Success comes from consciously pursuing better methods and being open to adopting the ideas and strategies that drive true progress, even if they challenge the status quo.   Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Jessica’s LinkedIn Cummings Electrical  

If sustainability and the human experience were at the forefront of architectural design, what changes would we see? Live from Autodesk University 2024, Nehama Schechter-Baraban joined the podcast for an important conversation on the intersection of technology and nature, how Revit plays into effective landscape architecture modeling, the potential for healthier and greener urban spaces, and how sometimes, all that’s needed to innovate an industry is a new point of view. Nehama Schechter-Baraban is Chief Operations Officer of Arch-Intelligence. She is a landscape architect graduate of Technion - Israel Institute of Technology and a Revit expert. TODD TAKES Context Matters in Design:It's crucial for architects to consider how their buildings interact with the surrounding environment. Whether it's grading the landscape or understanding the site’s topography, integrating context ensures the structure fits naturally into its setting, enhancing both the human experience and the project’s efficiency. Sustainability as a Mindset:Sustainable design goes beyond specific tools; it’s about designers having a mindset focused on environmental impact. From choosing native plants to minimizing land disturbance, sustainability is achieved by making conscious design choices that benefit the ecosystem and reduce costs. Simplifying Technology for Designers:The goal of innovation in design technology is to remove barriers, making tools more intuitive and accessible. This way, designers can focus on creativity, sustainability, and human-centric design rather than struggling with complex software. Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Nehama’s LinkedIn Arch-Intelligence  

What do you get when you combine marketing expertise with construction industry experience? You get the opportunity to bridge an enormous gap. In another live episode from Autodesk University 2024, join Todd and guest Kyle Seyler as they unpack how Autodesk Construction Cloud is transforming the industry, how AI is changing the game with upgrades to onsite safety, how the gap between the office and the field is steadily closing, and the art of using standardization and collaboration to innovate. Kyle Seyler is a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Autodesk. With over 10 years of experience in growth, product, and lifecycle marketing, he is passionate about creating value propositions, go-to-market strategies, and customer journeys for innovative software solutions. In his current role, he is responsible for the go-to-market of Autodesk Construction's Building Information Modeling (BIM) offerings, which help architects, engineers, contractors, and owners collaborate and deliver better outcomes for their projects. TODD TAKES Streamlining Data for Better Decision-Making:In today’s construction industry, there’s more data available than ever before, but not all of it is useful at every level. The trend now is toward tools and systems that help professionals quickly access the specific information they need, allowing them to cut through the noise and make informed, impactful decisions without getting bogged down by irrelevant data. AI as a Workflow Accelerator:Artificial intelligence is becoming a valuable tool in construction, particularly when it comes to organizing and retrieving complex project data. By using AI to interpret data in everyday language, construction professionals save time on mundane tasks, reducing the need to sift through lengthy documents. This makes the decision-making process faster, more accurate, and easier to manage. Enhancing Collaboration Among Project Stakeholders:Effective collaboration remains a top priority, and the industry is moving toward more integrated systems and shared workspaces. New technologies are making it easier for contractors, subcontractors, and project owners to work together seamlessly, whether within a single platform or through interoperable solutions. This focus on connected workflows fosters trust, aligns goals, and ultimately improves project outcomes. Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Kyle’s LinkedIn Autodesk  

As the industry forges toward more and more tech adoption, how do we keep track of these new goalposts, tools, and processes? In another live episode from Autodesk University 2024, Benny Baltrosky joins the podcast (in his second appearance) to discuss the oncoming adoption of prefab and offsite construction, the very recent transformation of DeWalt into a technology company, and how MSUITE plays into improving productivity for MEP contractors—even when brand-new tech is on the scene. Benny Baltrosky is COO of MSUITE. He is a B2B Sales as a Service (SaaS) leader driving sales and growth. He is also VP of Partnerships and Go To Market at Stanley Black & Decker, Board Member & Cofounder of Construction Progress Coalition. TODD TAKES Offsite Construction and Prefabrication are on the Rise: A major trend in construction is the growing move toward offsite construction and prefabrication, which brings greater speed, safety, and efficiency to projects. By preparing components in controlled environments, teams can avoid on-site delays and reduce overall project risks. With labor shortages affecting both field and design teams, this shift to offsite work is becoming essential for meeting tight schedules and maintaining quality standards. The Trades Are Leading the Way in Tech Adoption: MEP contractors and tradespeople are embracing technology faster than ever, transforming how they work on complex projects. They're integrating digital models, automated processes, and data-driven tools to streamline workflows, improve safety, and boost productivity. This proactive adoption is positioning the trades as leaders in the construction industry’s tech evolution, quietly driving innovation from the ground up. Collaboration Across Tools and Technology is Essential for Success: Bringing together different tools and technology into a single, unified workflow is making a big impact on construction projects. By integrating processes, teams can reduce inefficiencies, improve communication, and ensure every phase—from design to field work—runs smoothly. This approach of centralizing technology and collaboration helps construction teams manage their projects more strategically, making it easier to achieve goals on time and within budget. Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Benny’s LinkedIn MSUITE  

How can one of the busiest airports in the world lead the charge toward sustainability? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2024, Kendra Brown and Robert Brown join the podcast to discuss how Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is breaking ground on visionary sustainability initiatives. From the construction of the new Electric Central Utility Plant (E-CUP) to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2030—20 years ahead of global targets—DFW is setting the bar for sustainable airport infrastructure. Kendra Brown is a BIM Coordinator at Keville Enterprises, Inc. and the ACC System Administrator for DFW International Airport. She coordinates civil projects such as the 17R Runway rehabilitation, International Parkway Right Exits, and Southwest End-Around Taxiway. Robert Brown is Sr. Project Controls System Manager at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). He is a certified Remote Pilot and Weightlifting Performance Coach, and he has additional experience as Survey Party Chief, Engineering Tech III, and Construction Education Adjunct Professor. TODD TAKES Real World Demands and Ambitious Goals: The team at DFW Airport knows the stakes are high—balancing real-world demands with ambitious targets, like reaching net-zero emissions by 2030 instead of 2050. Big goals create urgency, keeping everyone motivated to push harder and innovate. Failing Forward and Building Buy-In: Getting leadership support for bold initiatives is crucial, but so is creating a culture where it’s okay to fail. At DFW, they embrace the idea that failure is part of progress, which allows their team to take calculated risks and explore new tech solutions without fear. Leveraging Technology to Connect and Adapt: DFW uses tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud and digital twins to keep everyone—from field crews to executives—connected and aligned on projects. The focus is on creating seamless communication and adaptability, ensuring all parts of the team work as one well-oiled machine. Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Robert’s LinkedIn Kendra’s LinkedIn DFW International Airport Keville Enterprises