The ConTechCrew

Don Tiefenbrunn, a seasoned architect-turned-construction leader, and Steve Botz, a construction tech expert, dive into the often-overlooked pre-construction phase. They discuss how RMOne emerged from real frustrations with fragmented data in construction planning. The duo emphasizes the importance of integrating technology at the start of projects, the pitfalls of relying on Excel, and the practicality of their user-centric platform. They also touch on how small contractors can access affordable solutions while capturing non-job costs to safeguard profitability.

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, the host Jeff Sample sits down with Thomas Santos and Shaabini Alford to explore the ongoing challenges and opportunities within construction operations, especially as they relate to process inefficiencies, technology adoption, and leadership. With decades of combined experience, the guests unpack how value stream mapping and lean practices can significantly improve how construction projects are delivered.Thomas Santos is a mechanical engineer, Six Sigma practitioner, and seasoned manufacturing and construction consultant with over 40 years of global experience. He brings a structured, lean-manufacturing mindset to the construction world. Shaabini Alford is a well-known figure in the MEP and MCAA community with over 20 years of industry experience. A former mechanical contractor turned consultant, she now leads peer groups and training initiatives at Maxim Consulting.Key TakeawaysWhy the "magic bullet" for construction inefficiencies is often hidden in plain sight.How value stream mapping (VSM) uncovers hidden waste and aligns cross-functional teams.Why writing down existing processes is the first step toward improvement.The pitfalls of over-customizing software and skipping standard operating procedures.How leadership and a mindset shift from blame to continuous improvement can transform operations.Timestamps[00:00] - Introduction and Setup[01:23] - Thomas Santos' Background[04:17] - Shaabini Alford’s Industry Journey[05:31] - What Is Maxim Consulting?[07:48] - Defining the Core Problem[10:03] - Software Misuse and Process Gaps[13:02] - The Real Power of Value Stream Mapping[16:42] - From Departments to Full Project Flow[19:53] - Measuring Efficiency Gains[23:17] - Debunking “Every Job is Unique”[26:23] - The Handoff Bottleneck[37:04] - Final TakeawaysFollow Thomas Santos:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-santos-3855824/Follow Shaabini Alford:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaabini-alford-0452346/Follow Maxim Consulting:Website: https://www.maximconsulting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maximconsultingllc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maximconsultingllc/Follow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/Follow The ConTech Crew:Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

Tooey Courtemanche, Founder and CEO of Procore Technologies, discusses groundbreaking innovations in construction management. He highlights how AI and structured data are revolutionizing project outcomes and enhancing work-life balance for field workers. Tooey explains the Agent Builder initiative, which enables teams to automate repetitive tasks and bridge the generational knowledge gap by preserving insights from retiring professionals. He also shares insights on the upcoming Groundbreak event and Procore’s mission to empower the construction industry through technology.

Jonathan Marsh, a construction technologist and founder of Steel Toe Consulting, dives into key insights from the MCAA Fab conference. He discusses the rising trend of prefabrication, emphasizing shifts toward manufacturing standards. Marsh also highlights the pressing roles of AI and robotics in transforming the industry. The conversation uncovers how contractors need to choose their focus—be it manufacturing, installation, or service—to thrive amid labor shortages and market disparities. It's an engaging look at the future of construction!

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, the hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood chat with Or Lakritz. Or shares the journey of StructShare, from its inception to its recent acquisition by Trimble. They discuss how this acquisition is reshaping procurement in the construction industry, the role of AI in construction technology, and how contractors and founders can innovate and solve real problems within the industry.Or Lakritz is the Co-founder of StructShare, a digital procurement platform built to solve procurement inefficiencies for contractors. Or has recently moved to Boulder, Colorado, after StructShare was acquired by Trimble. In this episode, he shares his entrepreneurial journey, the reasons behind the acquisition, and how Trimble’s platform is evolving to connect the digital and physical world in construction.Key TakeawaysHow StructShare streamlines procurement processes through digital solutions.Insights on why StructShare was acquired by Trimble and what it means for the company's future.How the construction tech landscape is shifting, with large players like Trimble, Procore, and Autodesk dominating.The evolution of procurement technology and how AI is enabling companies to solve complex problems.How contractors can begin to digitize simple workflows to improve efficiency.The importance of focusing on specific problems in the early stages of a startup.Timestamps[00:00] - Episode Introduction[00:38] - Guest Introduction[02:29] - Brief Background about Or’s Journey[04:15] - Structshare’s Acquisition By Trimble[05:02] - The Reasons Behind Choosing Trimble[06:05] - The Debate About Market Strategies In A Saturated Industry.[11:58] - AI And Market Shifts[16:06] - Changing The Procurement Process[19:35] - Core Transformational Steps Needed for the Future[27:50] - What’s Next at Trimble[31:52] - Advice For Contractors And Founders[40:31] - Final ThoughtsFollow the Guest & The Company:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlakritz/LinkedIn (Trimble): https://www.linkedin.com/company/trimble/LinkedIn (StructShare): https://www.linkedin.com/company/structshare/Website (Trimble): https://www.trimble.com/enFacebook (Trimble): https://www.facebook.com/TrimbleCorporate/Facebook (StructShare): https://www.facebook.com/StructShare/Twitter (Trimble): https://x.com/TrimbleCorpNewsInstagram (Trimble): https://www.instagram.com/trimble_official/#Follow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/Follow the Co-Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ Follow The ConTech Crew:Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample interviews Michael Pink, CEO of SmartPM, to discuss the importance of time management in construction projects. Michael, a seasoned professional in construction technology, shares his journey from consulting to creating SmartPM, a platform that helps businesses manage risk, stay on schedule, and make better-informed decisions. The conversation covers everything from the challenges of data integrity in construction to how predictive analytics can transform project management.Michael Pink is the CEO of SmartPM, a platform that uses predictive analytics to help construction companies optimize their project schedules and manage risk. He started his career in consulting, focusing on dispute resolution and project controls, which eventually led him to create SmartPM in 2019 to address the inefficiencies in construction scheduling.Key TakeawaysMichael’s transition from consulting to launching SmartPMThe role of time in construction and its impact on project costMoving from reactive to proactive risk management using real-time dataHow SmartPM automates schedule analysis and predictive analyticsThe importance of AI in improving construction project outcomesThe need for collaboration and feedback in construction techMichael’s upcoming session at the Unbound conferenceTimestamps[00:00] - Introduction and pre-show setup[02:52] - Michael reflects on his career and launching SmartPM[03:44] - Michael shares the problem he encountered with Consulting[05:53] - The role of time in construction and how delays impact project cost[09:20] - Shifting from reactive to proactive risk management using real-time data[14:55] - The capabilities of SmartPM in automating schedule analysis and predictive analytics[17:50] - The importance of data integrity and the challenges of overoptimism bias[25:16] - Using AI to correct historical schedule data and predict future outcomes[33:09] - Michael talks about his participation in the Unbound conference and upcoming events[39:27] - Episode conclusion and sign-offFollow the Guest & The Company:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mapink/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartpmtech/Website (Company): https://smartpm.com/Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/SmartPMTechTwitter (Company): https://x.com/SmartPMTechFollow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/Follow The ConTech Crew:Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

Britton Langdon, founder of BuildFactory and a seasoned expert in prefab construction technology, discusses how his platform addresses challenges in the industry. He explains the importance of marketplaces to connect underutilized fabrication shops with high-demand job sites. The conversation explores logistics optimization, risk mitigation strategies, and the critical role of user experience in technology adoption. Britton also highlights lessons from other industries, focusing on tailoring solutions for serial builders and ensuring trust in marketplace transactions.

This episode of The ConTech Crew is a special crossover with Morning Coffee Review (MCR), bringing together two influential voices in construction tech. Host Jeff Sample sits down with Jason Artley and Michael Echave of ATG USA to discuss the evolution of their podcast, the power of community-driven learning, and their unique approach to live software demonstrations. The conversation also shifts to the upcoming Unbound conference and the transformative impact of AI on Bluebeam, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal moment in the AEC industry.Jason Artley is Director of Civil Services at ATG, with over 30 years of experience spanning from swinging hammers to building Civil 3D templates and training systems. Michael Echave is the Structural Services Manager at ATG. Together, Jason and Michael host Morning Coffee Review, a dynamic live podcast that focuses on solving business challenges in the AEC space, particularly around Bluebeam and beyond.Key Learnings:How MCR was born from a dislike of traditional webinars and a love for real-time problem-solving.Why community input is central to evolving construction tech workflows.What makes live demos both risky and valuable—and how they help create empathy for users.How Bluebeam is evolving from a markup tool into a data-centric platform powered by AI.What to expect from the upcoming Unbound conference and how it marks a “before and after” moment for Bluebeam.Timestamps:[00:00] – Introduction and Show Start[00:33] – Meet Jason and Michael[04:19] – What is ATG USA?[06:28] – The Origin of Morning Coffee Review[10:18] – Building Community Through Live Demos[16:54] – Going Beyond Bluebeam[20:52] – Pivot to Unbound Conference[27:30] – The Future of Bluebeam[30:53] – Ending CommentsFollow Jason Artley:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmn/Follow Michael Echave:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-echave/Follow ATG and Morning Coffee Review:Website (ATG): https://atgusa.com/Website (MCR): https://atgusa.com/morning-coffee-review/LinkedIn (ATG): https://www.linkedin.com/company/atg-usa/YouTube (ATG): https://www.youtube.com/c/ATGUSAYouTube (MCR): https://youtube.com/playlist?listFollow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/Follow The ConTech Crew:Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Travis Voss and Matthew Cole from Wings Testing and Balancing Co., Inc. to discuss the world of Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) and its importance in the construction and HVAC industries. Matthew shares his journey into the industry, explains the crucial role of TAB technicians in building systems, and highlights the significance of proper indoor air quality, particularly in schools and healthcare facilities. From the technical side of balancing HVAC systems to ensuring fire life safety in buildings, Matthew sheds light on the unseen work that keeps buildings safe and operational.Matthew Cole, based in Hamden, CT, US, is currently a Field Operations Manager at Wing's Testing & Balancing Co., Inc. With a deep passion for ensuring optimal building systems, Matthew now leads a team that specializes in testing and balancing HVAC systems to ensure they meet the design specifications, improving air quality and efficiency in various environments.Key Learnings:What is Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) and how it helps the process of testing HVAC systems.The impact of indoor air quality, especially in schools and hospitals, on health outcomes and productivity.The myths and misunderstandings contractors face, and how their role is often seen as adversarial.The importance of maintaining fire safety systems, including stairwell pressurization and fire dampers.Career opportunities within the TAB field, and how the industry offers a rewarding career path without student debt.Timestamps:[00:00] – Introduction to the Episode[02:54] – Matthew Cole introduces himself and his background[04:10] – Explanation of the TAB process and how it works[05:58] – The potential adversarial relationships between installers and balancers[08:33] – What a typical day in the TAB industry looks like[13:28] – The impact of good indoor air quality in schools[17:58] – Importance of air quality in critical environments like hospitals[19:49] – Fire safety systems, including stairwell pressurization and smoke exhaust[24:51] – Importance of testing and maintaining fire safety systems regularly[30:14] – How the TAB industry offers stable, well-paying careers[31:52] – Matthew discusses his journey from apprentice to business owner[35:22] – Travis wraps up the interview, emphasizing the impact of the TAB industryFollow Matthew Cole & Company:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cole-wingstesting/Email: Mcole@wingstesting.comLinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/wing-s-testing-balancing-co-inc/Website (Company): http://www.wingstesting.com/Follow Travis Voss & Company:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.voss.336 Website: https://www.constructiondorks.com/ LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/smacna/ Website(Company): https://www.smacna.org/ Facebook(Company): https://www.facebook.com/SMACNA Twitter(Company): https://x.com/smacna Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/smacna/Follow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/Follow The ConTech Crew:Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew Podcast, part of a crossover with FreeTo CTO series, hosts Jeff Sample and Trent Leinenbach sit down with Jen Clark, Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal. They explore how non-traditional career paths and curiosity-driven problem-solving can shape a new generation of construction technology leaders. This conversation shines a light on Jen's unique route into tech leadership, her approach to low-code app development, managing shadow IT, and driving digital transformation in construction.Jen Clark is the Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal, a Portland-based mechanical contractor with nearly a century of operations. Originally trained in civil engineering, Jen's journey has taken her from software support to field engineering and eventually into a self-defined technology leadership role. Her work spans app development, ERP integration, and digital strategy which have all been aimed at bridging the gap between operations, finance, and IT in construction.Expect to LearnHow Jen transitioned from field engineering to tech leadership without a construction tech background.What it means to be a “human API” in construction: connecting IT, operations, and finance.Lessons learned from building low-code applications to manage projects and data.Strategies for driving internal tech adoption and aligning with leadership.How to navigate the balance between shadow IT and strategic innovation in small-to-midsize firms.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps[00:00] - Introduction[02:17] - FreeTO Series by Construction Dorks[05:09] - Jen’s Unconventional Career Path[07:35] - Building a Role from Curiosity: Project Integration Manager[15:54] - Lessons from Low-Code App Development[19:27] - Jen Outlines Her Decision-Making Framework[27:38] - Collaboration and Strategic Growth[32:34] - Digital Transformation in the Fabrication Shop[37:42] - Selling Vision to Leadership[41:46] - Final ThoughtsFollow the Guest & CompanyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferaclark1/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/general-sheet-metal/Website (Company): https://www.gsmw.com/Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/generalsheetmetal/Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/GeneralSheetMetal1932# Follow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/Follow the Co-Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-466018177/Company: https://www.stratus.build/Blog: https://www.constructiondorks.com/Follow The ConTech Crew:Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew