The ConTechCrew

In this episode, Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Benjamin Urban, the CEO of DIRTT, to explore how their innovative approach to off-site construction is pushing the boundaries of prefab with a focus on Design for Disassembly (DfD). Benjamin shares how DIRTT’s proprietary software and modular systems are revolutionizing how we build, adapt, and reuse spaces especially in healthcare, education, and commercial offices.DIRTT’s process enables cost certainty, labor efficiency, sustainability, and real-time reconfigurability. You’ll also hear fascinating insights into how DIRTT was quietly solving the same problems that caused others like Katerra to fail.Key TakeawaysDIRTT builds flexibility into buildings by focusing on Design for Disassembly, not just construction.Their tech stack allows real-time pricing, manufacturing instructions, and product design from a single software interface.Healthcare facilities can repurpose spaces within hours a game-changer for real-world patient care demands.Labor and cost savings are huge due to streamlined processes and reduced reliance on traditional trades.Their approach enables micro changes in buildings without shutdowns or full-scale renovations.Lead times of 10 days and plug-and-play installation make DIRTT a true industry outlier.Timestamps[00:00] - Introduction[03:26] - Benjamin’s construction & tech background[04:38] - The origin of DIRTT and Java connection[13:51] - Overcoming prefab industry skepticism[15:51] - Million-square-foot case study: reconfiguring mid-construction[24:32] - COVID’s impact on space adaptability[33:13] - Relevance over time: escaping the “sawtooth” model[39:35] - Involving the trades: GCs, framers, and drywallers[46:14] - Final thoughts + where to learn moreFollow the Guest & The Company:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-urban-9295b98bLinkedin(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/dirtt/ Website: https://www.dirtt.com/ Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/DIRTTConstructionSystems Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/dirtt/ Twitter (Company): https://x.com/DIRTT Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/c/DIRTT 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 high-energy episode of The ConTech Crew, Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood welcome Tyler Campbell, Founder of FieldProof and host of the Construction Brothers podcast. From steel detailing to shaking up construction technology, Tyler opens up about the realities of field-level frustrations and how tech solutions often miss the mark. This episode dives deep into how Field Proof connects the boots on the ground with the people building the tools, creating feedback loops that actually work.Tyler shares his evolution from a salty steel detailer to a bridge-builder between the field and the tech world. The conversation covers arrogant tech rollouts, bloated platforms, broken processes, and why empathy might be the industry's greatest innovation tool. It’s part reflection, part industry rant, and all heart.Key LearningsGreat tech can’t thrive without listening to the people in the field.Tyler’s steel detailing background fuels his passion for user-centered technology.Arrogance is common in construction and it’s killing innovation.Field Proof exists to connect field pros and tech builders for mutual gain.Paper-based legacy systems still plague even high-tech jobsites.Industry-wide change begins with feedback, empathy, and incremental progressTimestamps: [00:00] - Introduction[07:02] - Bridging the gap between tech companies and the field[10:12] - Growing up in BIM.[14:36] - Podcasting humbled Tyler’s initial arrogance[27:56] - “Nobody asks us” - field pros just want to be heard[39:38] - Challenging contracts and corporate resistance to change[43:26] - Calibration madness and the human vs. machine gap[53:40] - Rants, laughs, and closing thoughts: industry change starts nowFollow the Guest & The Company:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerscottcampbell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetylercampbell Linkedin(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/fieldproof/ Website: https://www.fieldproof.io/ 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 special episode of The ConTech Crew, Jeff Sample is joined by Scott Reynolds, CEO and Co-Founder of UpCodes, and co-host Nathan Wood to unpack the evolving debate around building code accessibility and the controversial Pro Codes Act. The episode sheds light on the decades-long legal battle between public access advocates and standards development organizations (SDOs) over who really owns the building codes once they become law. Scott gives us an insider’s perspective on UpCodes’ mission, the origins of the copyright conflict, and why transparent access to legal codes is critical for innovation, fairness, and public safety.The trio also gets into another critical disruption, what some are calling the “death of SEO” and how it’s forcing companies, especially in construction, to rethink content distribution. From HubSpot’s 80% traffic loss to the rising importance of targeted, high-value content across multiple platforms, this episode is a deep dive into how legal, marketing, and technological shifts are reshaping the built environment.Key Learnings:Building codes become public law once adopted and must be freely accessible.The Pro Codes Act attempts to reintroduce copyright control over laws sparking widespread concern.True disruption comes not from free access, but from resisting innovation in how codes are shared.SEO as we know it is changing generic content is being penalized in favor of high-relevance material.ConTech must embrace multi-channel, targeted content strategies to survive in this evolving digital landscape.Speed to decision-making, enabled by better access to information, is the most crucial KPI in construction.Timestamps:[00:00] - Introduction[03:43] - What is UpCodes? Why building code access matters.[06:03] - Volunteer-written codes, revenue from surrounding services, & the ICC’s business model.[11:39] - Public access vs. copyright: Can you own the law?[23:16] - SEO shifts: HubSpot’s 80% traffic loss and the rise of AI-powered search.[30:40] - The importance of content specificity and platform relevance.[34:55] - Building integrations that meet users in their workflow (e.g., Revit, Procore).[45:50] - Time-to-decision (TTD): The #1 KPI in construction and how tech can improve it.[45:03] - Wrap-up: where to find Scott. Follow the Guest & The Company:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-reynolds/ Linkedin(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/upcodes/ Website: https://up.codes/ Bluesky(Company): https://bsky.app/profile/upcodes.bsky.social Youtube(Company): https://www.youtube.com/@upcodes Twitter(Company): https://x.com/upcodes 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, Jeff Sample sits down with Jon Chesser, Chief Growth Officer at Cumulus, to explore how connected tools are transforming construction QA/QC particularly in the booming data center space. With nearly 20 years of experience in construction technology and a successful exit from Jovix, Jon brings a deep understanding of solving field-level problems with practical tech.As AI accelerates the demand for faster, more efficient data center builds, Jon unpacks how Cumulus is eliminating legacy paperwork for electrical and mechanical contractors through Bluetooth-enabled tools. From torque verification to real-time digital records, this conversation gets into the real-world innovations helping contractors stay in flow, reduce rework, and scale with speed.Key LearningsConstruction tech success depends on solving field-level workflow problems, not just tracking data.Jovix gained traction by fixing procurement-to-installation disconnects using RFID and schedule integration.Cumulus is eliminating paper-based QA/QC processes for critical trades in data center construction.Bluetooth-enabled tools guide fieldworkers step-by-step and auto-capture torque and meg test data.Replacing manual QA reduces rework, wait times, and need for torque witnesses.Real-time data enables both visible and non-visible progress tracking, improving forecasting.Modular construction and standardized QA across trade partners are essential for hyperscale efficiency.Timestamps[00:00] - Introduction[01:44] - Jon’s background and Jovix[05:23] - Using RFID to solve structural steel tracking in EPC projects[08:53] - The real problem: disconnected paper processes, not just lost materials[11:39] - Cumulus: digitizing QA/QC for data center electrical and mechanical work[14:25] - Empowering electricians and saving foremen from paperwork overload[22:09] - Scope and opportunity of Connected tools. [27:13] - Mechanical torque verification and modular QA in hyperscale builds[29:59] - Wrapping up: standardization, scalability, and future opportunitiesFollow the Jon Chesser & Company: Guest (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonchesser/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/cumulus-quality-systems/ Website: https://cumulusquality.com/ Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@cumulusdigitalsystems 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 

Join Dave McCool, the Director of Product at Procore Technologies, and Tore Hovland, co-founder of Novarender, as they dive into the transformative world of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Discover how Norway's BIM-first mandate is changing the industry landscape and making 3D modeling more accessible. They discuss the innovative technology behind Novarender's streaming capabilities for massive data sets and how real-time feedback is minimizing rework and enhancing safety on construction sites. This dynamic duo is reshaping the future of construction efficiency!

From X-Con to Unbound, a new era for Bluebeam is taking shape ushering in innovation, AI transformation, and a deeper connection with the AEC community. In this episode, Jeff Sample is joined by Usman Shuja, CEO of Bluebeam, to unpack the evolution of the company and its commitment to putting users at the center of everything. They explore how Unbound isn’t just a revived conference, it's a strategic milestone that reflects Bluebeam’s next chapter of growth, collaboration, and community-driven innovation.Usman discusses how Bluebeam is embracing generative AI to automate tedious workflows, empower field teams, and enhance productivity. He also offers a glimpse into Unbound’s exciting speaker lineup, including innovation leaders from Disney, CBRE, and even Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Whether you're a long-time Bluebeam user, a construction tech enthusiast, or new to the scene, this conversation sets the stage for where the industry and Bluebeam is headed.Key Learnings Unbound is the evolution of X-Con, merging tradition with future vision.Bluebeam is positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven construction solutions.Generative AI will eliminate tedious tasks like QA/QC comparisons.GoCanvas integration brings field power directly into Bluebeam workflows.Keynote speakers from Disney to CBRE will provide real-world innovation insights.Unbound is a celebration of the users and the unsung heroes in AEC.Timestamps[00:00] - Introduction- Unbound announced: Bluebeam relaunches its user conference [01:00] - Introduction of Usman Shuja[03:22] - The road from X-Con to Unbound: COVID impact and vision ahead[06:40] - Why generative AI is Bluebeam’s next wave[11:25] - Unbound speaker highlights from: Disney, CBRE, Silicon valley, Nemetschek[19:56] - Startups and future tech: what attendees will experience[22:56] - Why anyone in AEC should attend Unbound[27:49] - Usman’s personal excitement: Celebrating the users and launching Chapter 3[29:46] - Closing thoughts and where to learn moreFollow the Guest & Company:Guest (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/usmanshuja/ Website: https://www.bluebeam.com/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluebeam-software/ Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/bluebeam/ Twitter (Company): https://x.com/bluebeam Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@bluebeaminc Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/bluebeam_inc/#  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, Jeff Sample sits down with Peter Lasensky, founder of Command Post and the original creator of NoteVault, to talk about revolutionizing documentation in construction. With decades of firsthand experience as a contractor and tech innovator, Peter shares how a tough legal lesson inspired him to create a voice-to-text solution that’s changing how field teams protect their projects and their bottom line.Peter gets into the power of real-time documentation, why adjectives don’t belong in daily reports, and how AI and multilingual support are shaping the future of construction communication. From solving disputes before they start to connecting teams with smart collaboration tools, this episode is packed with insights for anyone building in today’s high-risk, high-stakes environment.Key LearningsReal-time voice documentation can help contractors avoid litigation and get paid faster.Removing opinions and adjectives from reports makes them stronger in legal disputes.Documentation tools must match the UX standards of modern apps to drive adoption.Multilingual support with automated transcription and translation builds trust and clarity.AI can now help teams spot leading risk indicators before projects go off track.Smart collaboration tools connect GCs and subs without compromising transparency.Timestamps:[00:00] - Introduction [01:12] - Official intro and guest welcome[02:36] - Peter’s background[06:58] - Turner Construction drywall dispute: documentation wins cases[11:47] - Launching Command Post: a modern take on field documentation[22:44] - Rapid voice and photo capture for busy job sites[21:10] - Best practices: remove opinions, focus on facts in report[26:34] - Training the field: why daily reports matter and how to make them easier[31:06] - Smart collaboration and subcontractor transparency[34:07] - Project newsfeeds bring field progress to the office[36:07] - Final remarksFollow the Guest & Company:Guest (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterlasensky/ Website: https://www.commandpost.aiLinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocommandpost/ Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@command-post Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/commandtechnologies/?hl=en 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, the ConTech Crew Host Jeff Sample Alongside Co-Host Rob McKinney gets into the evolving world of construction technology with returning guest Josh Kanner, Sr. Director, Product & Strategy, Construction & Engineering Intelligence at Oracle. Together with the crew, they discuss how innovation, AI, and real-time data are transforming the industry from top to bottom. The conversation explores lessons learned from years in the field, how startups scale in construction, and the tech adoption hurdles that continue to challenge the sector.From predictions on AI’s impact to the critical importance of understanding what happens on the jobsite, this episode is packed with insightful, future-facing perspectives. Whether you’re a contractor, a tech provider, or somewhere in between, the episode offers value on navigating construction’s digital transformation while staying grounded in real-world execution.Key TakeawaysAI adds value through visibility, not replacement.Jobsite photos and payroll data offer predictive safety signals.Vinny, the AI assistant, helps reduce incident rates and costs.Owners are demanding better data for long-term asset useStartups must focus on solving real problems, not chasing hype.Operationalizing data is where transformation really happens.Timestamps[00:00] - Intro and guest introductions[03:30] - Background of Josh. [08:40] - Vinny the AI and early wins in safety data[12:16] - Scaling a construction tech startup the hard way[22:06] - How AI is integrated across project scheduling and safety[23:25] - Real-world ROI: Bolt, Suffolk, and Severn Trent case studies[32:54] - Getting actionable data from photos, payroll & more[37:20] - Challenges through which contractors can learn. [44:33] - Final thoughts on collaboration and the future of construction dataFollow the Guest:Guest (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkanner/ Website: https://www.oracle.com/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/oracle/ Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/Oracle/ Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/oracle/ Twitter (Company): https://x.com/oracle Follow the Co-Host:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/conappguru/ 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, Jeff Sample and co-host Nathan Wood sit down with Tracy Young, co-founder of TigerEye and formerly co-founder and CEO of PlanGrid, to explore the journey from building groundbreaking field technology to pioneering modern business intelligence. Tracy reflects on the early struggles of carrying massive blueprint rolls through job sites and how that frustration evolved into one of the most successful ConTech startups of its time.Now with TigerEye, Tracy is tackling an entirely different challenge giving go-to-market teams access to immediate, trustworthy, and actionable data. This conversation unpacks the lessons learned at PlanGrid, the importance of knowing your customer, and the shift from tech-for-tech's-sake to solving real, felt problems. With plenty of laughs and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for founders, builders, and innovators alike.Key Learnings:Innovation starts with solving a real-world problem, not chasing tech trends.Building a product users love means obsessing over simplicity and functionality.Field-first doesn't scale if leadership doesn’t get the data it needs.You can’t make good business bets without clean, accessible data.Predictive AI is only as strong as your data hygiene and leadership.A postmortem mindset can lead to your most valuable business breakthroughs.Timestamps:[00:00] - Intro of the episode.[02:20] - Tracy's early days and Background[04:11] - The physical burden of blueprints and early tech solutions[08:10] - What venture capital taught Tracy and why she left it[10:58] - Starting TigerEye and solving for data paralysis[13:48] - Core features of TigerEye and who it's built for[19:39] - Real stories of data guiding better business decisions[27:07] - Why you can only make 1-3 big bets a year[29:48] - Making tech easy to buy and use[37:55] - The DNA of PlanGrid lives on in TigerEye[48:38] - Snapshotting behavior and building predictive models[54:16] - Closing thoughts and thank yousFollow the Guest:Guest (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-young-0a17441/ Website: https://www.tigereye.com/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/tigereye/ Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/tigereyelabs Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/tigereyelabs Twitter (Company): https://x.com/tigereyelabs Email: info@tigereye.com 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 

This episode of Construction Technology News features Artem Kuchukov CEO & Co-Founder of Kewazo joining Jeff Sample and Tannis Liviniuk to explore how emerging tech is reshaping the construction landscape. From increasing women’s participation in the industry to reducing labor strain through automation, the discussion spotlights how robotics, AI, and digital processes can enable more flexible, inclusive, and efficient work environments. Tannis shares a standout example of a Berlin-based company leveraging automation to support remote work and family-friendly scheduling, emphasizing the need for modernization to attract a new, tech-fluent workforce.The episode also gets into the resilience of contech funding, with $194M recently raised across six startups despite a tough economic climate. Jeff and Artem compare today’s tech demands to consumer expectations drawing parallels with services like DoorDash and underscore the importance of data, GIS, and predictive logistics in enabling smarter, safer, and faster job site operations. From startup strategies to on-site innovation, this discussion paints a vivid picture of a rapidly evolving construction future.Key LearningsAutomation and robotics are opening doors for women and caregivers to enter and thrive in construction.The next generation of workers expects digital tools, not paper and pens on job sites.Startup funding is still flowing, with a shift toward practical solutions like HR and payroll.Modern job sites must match consumer-level expectations for speed, flexibility, and convenience.GIS and spatial tracking are critical for optimizing safety, material movement, and logistics.Strong infrastructure for AI and robotics will power the next wave of construction innovation.Timestamps[00:44] - Tannis on women in construction and Berlin-based robotic cable-laying company[06:57] - Work smarter, not harder; tech makes the industry cooler for young professionals[08:33] - Tech expectations of the next generation entering the trades[12:02] - Individual startups (BuildOps, Stratus, Lumber, Augmenta, Kaya AI, Triad)[14:40] - Surviving vs. building real businesses in today’s funding climate[18:19] - DoorDash analogy: consumer expectations shaping construction logistics[24:05] - Material logistics: DoorDash-style expectations for tools and components[29:04] - GIS and spatial awareness needed for smarter on-site decisions[31:51] - High-angle rescue example: real use case for personnel tracking[35:06] - Closing remarksFollow the Guest:Guest (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/artem-kuchukov/?originalSubdomain=de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artem.kuchukov Website: https://www.kewazo.com/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/kewazo/ Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/kewazo/ Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/kewazorobotics/?hl=en Twitter (Company): https://x.com/KewazoRobotics Follow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannisliviniuk/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