Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Dan McCarthy of Dodge Data & Analytics as they discuss digital transformation's effects on construction, how the industry can make the best use of data and analytics to drive future success, the “bleed” and “lag” that has become obvious in the construction industry, the essential nature of gathering the right data, and where in the world technology adoption is taking us.  Daniel (Dan) R. McCarthy is CEO of Dodge Data & Analytics, North America’s leading provider of commercial construction project data, market forecasting, analytics services and workflow integration solutions for the construction industry. Having started his career as a business analyst covering the technology, data and business information markets for Communications Trends, Inc., he has since led major growth transformation for multiple business-to-business and business-to-consumer firms in the data, information, paid content and marketing services sectors and has completed more than 50 transactions and financings to date.

Is mental health a priority to you and your company? How can you raise awareness for those who may not get represented in the construction industry? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Darcy Gruttadaro as they discuss the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month, addressing common stigmas around mental health in construction, how “Zoom fatigue” may be affecting just about everyone these days, and how essential it is to identify and manage burnout.  Darcy Gruttadaro is the director of the Center for Workplace Mental Health. As director, she works with her team in developing high impact trainings, guides, resources, and case studies to support mentally healthy workplaces. The Center’s work includes working in consultation and collaborating with employers in raising awareness, creating mentally healthy organizational cultures, and improving access to mental health services and supports. The Center works with organizations of all sizes from Fortune 100 companies to small family-owned businesses in creating effective approaches to improving the mental health and well-being of employees and their families.

With all the data you could collect, how do you know what you should leverage?. Do you face this problem? If you do, how do you overcome it? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Lilian Magallanes as they discuss what the common data environment means, how can you make the data more flexible, what are potential pitfalls of collecting too much data and more.  Lilian Magallanes is a Project Manager for a large general contractor, where she leverages thirteen years of construction management and facilities experience to help support technology alignment. In her previous role as BIM Coordinator for the Los Angeles Community College District, her team identified technologies and applications of Building Information Modeling. In addition to her daytime role, Lilian also currently serves as the Membership Committee Chair for the Construction Progress Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to defining the future of project data governance through common data exchanges, and a Board Member for NAWIC Los Angeles, celebrating women in the AEC industry.

Are you a good example to the people that you persuade? How can you know? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Dr. Charles Redd as they discuss how to develop someone’s potential, the importance of passion in your work, taking the social stigma out of failure, and how “you either learn and you live, or you live and you learn.”  Dr. Charles Redd has over 30 years of success as a speaker, minister and leader in Fortune 500 organizations. As a leadership trainer, he brings to the table a dynamic blend of business, ministry and team development experience that gives organizations a well-rounded approach to solving complex issues.

Join hosts Todd Weyandt and Christopher Riddell and guests Marcello Sgambelluri and Anthony Zuefeldt as they discuss Marcello’s new book, “Dynamo and Grasshopper for Revit Cheat Sheet Manual,” the difficulty we have with defining computational design in the industry, how to achieve a “cultural buy-in” when you’re introducing something new, the importance of a willingness to take chances, and whether or not we’re being “too nice” when it comes to introducing change.  Marcello Sgambelluri is internationally recognized at one of the top BIM leaders and contributors to the education and implementation of BIM technology in the building industry. He provides training and consulting the AEC industry. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering, and he is also a licensed Civil and Structural Engineer.  Anthony Zuefeldt is a Senior Solutions Specialist at Applied Software. He has a deep background in A.E.C. technologies and workflows. In addition, he serves as an enterprise and solution architect for architecture firms, design build firms and fabricators, and the home building industry.

Are you overworked? Untethered? Maybe confused by new advents in construction? A lot’s happening, but there are ways to keep up. Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Dillon Mitchell as they discuss sustainability in the construction industry, Dillon’s podcast The Construction Corner, embracing new technology and growth in the industry, how to balance your work life, and maintaining an effective connection to the industry you work in. Having designed millions of square feet in Revit for everything from K-12, higher education, healthcare, industrial, and mixed use, Dillon Mitchell is well versed in the construction industry. As a professional electrical engineer in 6 states he’s seen the ups and downs of construction. In 2018 Dillon transitioned from working in A/E firms to starting his company Kowabunga Studios mission is to help engineers save time reduce their stress and live a better life, while increasing the margins and financial strength of the firm. He is also the host of the Construction Corner Podcast.

What’s the best way to coordinate between different backgrounds and experience levels in the field? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Cliff Cole as they discuss managing your time and effort as a leader, balancing your interests and priorities, staying proactive through change, how credibility and emotional intelligence fit together, and the impact that the younger generation will have on the construction industry.  As Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at The PENTA Building Group, Cliff leads all building information modeling implementation and management. Cliff has over 17 years of experience in the construction industry and is an innovative technology industry leader. Cliff is responsible for monitoring the coordination and execution of all projects that incorporate VDC processes. In addition to his role as Director of VDC, he is responsible for strategic technology initiatives for the operations and preconstruction groups. Cliff also leads PENTA's corporate lean group and is passionate about reducing and eliminate waste in our industry.

Are you setting your company up for an innovation superpower? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Tauhira Ali as they talk about how everyone’s looking for a way to get connected, the impact diversity and inclusion has on construction innovation, how to live up to our values, and how to approach perceived differences in one another with kindness.  Tauhira Ali is a highly skilled technology strategist with more than 16 years of R&D and product design experience. As NECA’s Executive Director of Industry Innovation, she gathers insights from end users, industry experts, and tech providers to deliver awareness, education, and implementation strategies to specialty contractors. These efforts serve to empower contractors to strategically leverage technical innovations and industry trends to drive process and productivity to increase market share.

What’s on your construction “bucket list”? Is there anything in the industry you’d like to see changed? Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Hugh Seaton as they discuss the ups and downs of the creative process, getting people more comfortable with technology, Hugh’s book “The Construction Technology Handbook,” the growth of artificial intelligence, and how to prepare for where we’re headed.  Hugh Seaton is the Head of Product for Crosswalk by CSI, where he leads development of an API connecting MasterFormat, Uniformat and Omniclass to the industry's premiere construction software. Prior to this, Hugh was the GM at Adept Reality, a VR/AR company. 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.

In recent times, how has preconstruction changed? Precon is being put center stage as bids are increasing and more projects are coming back online. Join host Todd Weyandt and guest Zac Hays as they discuss the exciting new Autodesk Takeoff, the undergoing journey from 2D to 3D, the biggest hurdles facing preconstruction this year, and the effects that the pandemic will have on the construction industry as a whole.  Zac Hays is the Director of Research & Development of Preconstruction Products for Autodesk Construction Solutions. Zac leads product design and development for Autodesk’s construction bidding, risk, & intelligence products. As a member of the Construction Solutions R&D Board, he also helps with the strategy and development of the entire Autodesk Construction Cloud portfolio. Zac came to Autodesk through the 2019 acquisition of BuildingConnected, where he spent four years as VP of Product. Zac has over 15 years of experience in product development at startups and large tech companies including Microsoft, Nokia, and TiVo. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UC San Diego and gets to enjoy living and working in San Francisco with his wife and two young daughters.   Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Applied Software Applied Software LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Zac Hays’ Linkedin Autodesk Website