The ConTechCrew

In this festive discussion, the crew dives into the coolest tech gifts for construction enthusiasts. They highlight innovative wearables like Oura Ring and WHOOP for health tracking. The benefits of cold plunges and portable saunas take center stage alongside practical gadgets like Bluetooth beanies. Retro gaming consoles make an appearance as fun breaks on job sites. The hosts also stress the importance of rest, play, and giving thoughtful gifts during the holidays, blending tech enthusiasm with wellness.

Join Ross Helleberg and Alex Belkofer from McCarthy Building Company as they delve into innovative scheduling and visual planning in construction. Ross, with over 14 years in scheduling, emphasizes the importance of on-site schedulers for better forecasting and collaboration. Alex discusses bridging pre-construction with operations using VDC and 4D scheduling to visualize project timelines. They also share success stories in adopting these methods, highlighting how strong team relationships and structured processes drive efficiency in project delivery.

Scott Kaplan, Founder of Jerry's Kitchen, shares insights from his journey of providing large-scale catering for construction sites. He discusses the challenge of feeding 1,500 workers in just 30 minutes and how technology enhances efficiency. Kaplan explains the importance of predictability in catering operations and how this focus has boosted productivity and morale on job sites. He also highlights the positive impact on local economies and the value of human-centric service in the age of app-driven food delivery.

Jen Clark, Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal, shares her unconventional journey from civil engineer to tech leader. She discusses the power of low-code applications in modernizing construction workflows and how curiosity has been her guiding force. Jen also dives into the balance between operations and IT, tackling shadow IT and driving tech adoption in a traditional industry. With insights on building effective tech roadmaps and acting as a 'human API,' her experience inspires new ways to innovate in construction.

Nitin Bhandari, Co-founder and CEO of Planera, revolutionizes construction scheduling through innovative technology. He discusses the challenges faced in traditional scheduling and how Planera utilizes AI to create seamless connections between field and office operations. Nitin emphasizes shifting scheduling from a compliance tool to a business decision tool, empowering teams with data-driven insights. He also touches on the importance of role-based access for owners and the potential of natural language processing to enhance user interaction with scheduling.

Tyler Williams, a member of DPR Construction's Corporate Innovation team, has a rich background as a union carpenter and superintendent. He dives into the transformative role of robotics on construction sites, highlighting ergonomic benefits and improved safety. Tyler explains how teleoperated robots handle high-risk tasks and discusses innovative technologies like co-botic scaffolding and material movers that enhance efficiency. He also addresses the importance of education-led tech adoption and preserving craft knowledge in the age of AI.

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!