Where do most training programs fall short? The answer may lie in the way we’ve been approaching the subject of training at large. Straight from GRAITEC Innovate2Build with Amy Powell of Well Works, this episode takes a closer look at what it means to truly and effectively train workers, how to support the “learning transfer” in every stage of training, and how emotional intelligence comes into play. Amy Powell is the founder of Well Works, bringing to her position nearly two decades of construc...
Apr 10, 2024•48 min•Ep. 256
Now that prefabrication is taking off, we’re looking for ways to make it a seamless process. Is there yet a “perfect software” that has everything you need for a prefab project? Often, we don’t streamline our workflows until something raises the alarm bells. In this episode from Advancing Prefabrication 2024, we sit down with Chris Fischer to discuss some of the biggest hurdles facing widespread, cross-industry adoption of the prefab movement. Chris Fischer is Prefabrication Manager at Ready Ele...
Apr 08, 2024•24 min•Ep. 255
Prefab has demonstrated itself to be a valuable addition to the construction industry, but there’s still some pushback against it. When we’re certain of the benefit of new processes, we just need to be persistent. As they say, “the proof is in the pudding.” In this episode, Mike Barrett of CRB joins us to discuss how the cumulative successes of prefab will ultimately be key to widespread adoption. Mike Barrett is Vice President of Technical Innovation and Delivery at CRB. He is passionate about ...
Apr 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 254
The productization of prefab will be a tricky and incremental process. Can we still bring our creativity to the table when there are so many unknowns? In this episode, Todd Mustard joins us at Advancing Prefabrication 2024 and sparks a discussion about repurposing supply chains, the power of BI dashboards, and growing widespread interest in IBEW Local 48. Todd Mustard is Executive Manager at Oregon Columbia Chapter NECA. He represents over 200 electrical contracting businesses that employ over 6...
Apr 01, 2024•29 min•Ep. 253
Depending on how you look at them, AI and prefabrication in construction can be time-saving game changers or tools of disruption. Paul Sweeney joined us at Advancing Prefab 2024 to discuss the substantial shifts in mindset around prefabrication as a whole, how to look at the past to prepare for the future, the positive aspects of newer technology, and new alignments between industries that were once completely disparate. Paul Sweeney is Director of Prefabrication at GE Johnson Construction Compa...
Mar 27, 2024•22 min•Ep. 252
A solid management team is foundational to the success of your company. When you come to management with a request or idea, whether they listen or not will inform how you interact with your job as a whole. In this episode from Advancing Prefab 2024, Chris Traugh joins us to discuss the importance of morale, the exciting future of productization, and how to attract and retain new hires in an industry that endures huge labor shortages. Dr. Christopher Traugh is General Manager of Manufacturing at ...
Mar 25, 2024•32 min•Ep. 251
Transparency is often key to the success of a project. When you bring in something newer, like prefabrication, harmony and communication between teams is essential. Join host Todd and guest Steve Houston as they discuss how to combat inertia, the current inefficiencies of the construction industry, and what “works” compared to what’s “always been done.” Steve Houston is Senior Director of Building Technologies and Vertical Manufacturing at LIFTbuild. Steve leads efforts for strategic transformat...
Mar 20, 2024•32 min•Ep. 250
The great Dave Cooper joined us at Advancing Prefab 2024. He brought plenty of energy and hard facts about the industry. Namely, there is a cool-factor with jobs when you're young. If you can go home and show off the unique things you're doing and building in a career, it's going to be a draw for the next generation. Once you have people on board, how do you keep them there? Culture. Culture. Culture. Tune in to see where the rest of the conversation went. Dave is a a home builder, vlogger and b...
Mar 18, 2024•26 min•Ep. 249
Each and every building is indeed one of a kind, but in truth, not everything needs to be that special. UMC's Ryan Hoggatt worked on a project one time that had two almost identical buildings but a bathroom on the bottom floor of each had a different center point. His point with the story here is that the subtle differences between buildings and projects makes it hard to replicate and fabricate. Repeatability and consistency doesn't have to be the death of ingenuity. Ryan Hoggatt is the Director...
Mar 13, 2024•36 min•Ep. 248
In this episode from Advancing Prefab 2024, we see how often buildings are simply means to an end for bog companies. A pharmaceutical company makes molecules that make people better, and they just happen to need a building to do that. Later we delve into market dynamics, focusing on the data center space, where big manufacturers and clients are pushing for value chain advancement and improved communication with supply chains. The episode also discusses learning from projects in other parts of th...
Mar 11, 2024•31 min•Ep. 247
Work shouldn't be wasteful and work shouldn't be burdensome. Robert Penney says that anyone who has stopped liking their work can find joy in it again through better communication, process improvement, and keeping a pulse on the latest industry best practices. Building skills looks different for everyone and the path towards enjoying your work again may surprise you. Robert Penney is the national director of continuous improvement for Skanska and is a featured co-author sharing his expertise in ...
Mar 06, 2024•29 min•Ep. 246
Offsite facilities are opening up everywhere. Everyone wants a shot at getting prefab 'right' and growing the industry into the massive potential that we know is there. Will the backbone of the industry still remain in hardware or are currents shifting towards software? Anthony Montesano is a solution sales manager at StrucSoft. He is a seasoned veteran of the industry - from shipping software on CDs in the early 2000s to connecting teams with the tools to build the Las Vegas sphere and beyond....
Mar 04, 2024•24 min•Ep. 245
Back again from Advancing Prefab comes Amr Raafat and Stuart Meurer. Each year, these two take a longitudinal look at how the field of prefab has changed over time. The big topic this year? AI, naturally. A unique angle came from our conversation because their company Windover Construction used AI to assist in projects and were able to verify that it was indeed accurate. Perhaps over the next year we will see other companies doing similar testing and adding their thoughts to the industry at larg...
Feb 28, 2024•30 min•Ep. 244
How do you build something that's never been tried before? How do you model something that's never been modeled before? If you're looking for the answer to those questions, Alain Michalak is your guy. He brings the "there must be a way" mindset to every project - including the Las Vegas Sphere. This episode is rich with advice for challenging the way things have always been done and paving the way for projects of the future. Alain Michalak is a BIM Senior Specialist with passion for practicing e...
Feb 21, 2024•47 min•Ep. 243
AI has already become integral in society. How is it affecting the construction industry—and what do we see as its long-term effects? Join host Todd and guest Patrick Murphy as they discuss generative AI in construction, the journey from congressman to construction startup founder, how Togal.AI addresses expectations and misconceptions about artificial intelligence, and next steps for the professionals who are just beginning their journey with AI. Patrick Murphy is a former Congressman and serve...
Feb 14, 2024•39 min•Ep. 242
Perhaps we will soon find out. Workers who use smart powered suits like those made by German Bionics often have a better quality of life. People who once came home and iced their back for hours now have time to play with the kids or pursue hobbies. People even take fewer sick days from being in pain. From the company side, there is a reduction in worker's comp, those seasoned industry experts can stick around longer and pass their knowledge on. In this episode Meghan Kennelly will take us on a d...
Feb 07, 2024•34 min•Ep. 241
What does it take to become fully carbon-neutral in this industry? What are some practical steps we can take in that direction? Join host Todd and guest Ben Meyer as they discuss the current conversation around sustainable practices, common pitfalls and misconceptions about carbon neutrality, and how essential it is to take collaboration and partnerships into account when we’re planning for the future of our business. Ben Meyer serves as the Building Enclosure Business Director for Siplast. He a...
Jan 31, 2024•36 min•Ep. 240
Is there a way to balance innovation and tradition? The answer is yes, but it takes mindfulness and strategy. Join host Todd and guest Chris Tatge as they discuss the “old guard” in the timber industry, reckoning with new tech and sustainable practices, the ever-changing field of the supply chain, and Chris’s journey in scaling a self-made business to the top of the market. Chris Tatge is a 25-year veteran framer and Founder, President of DC Materials. A Wisconsin construction company recognized...
Jan 24, 2024•36 min•Ep. 239
New cost management tech is taking the world by storm. How can you identify which software is best for you? Join host Todd and guest Brad Buckles as they discuss the most common misunderstandings in tech implementation, Autodesk Build’s popular Cost Management tool, ERP system integration challenges, and more. Brad Buckles is the VP of Technology and Innovation at Charles Perry Partners. Brad, a technologist at heart with an expedition into the construction industry, has been blending these two ...
Jan 17, 2024•37 min•Ep. 238
Is the future of construction mycelium-based? That’s what Thomas van Haren asks in sustainable building initiative. Join host Todd and guest Thomas as they discuss Thomas’ work on Project Phoenix, the essential nature of sustainable housing, cost benefits of mycelium-based building materials, and the collaborative partnerships that have helped Project Phoenix take flight. Thomas van Haren is the Chief Operating Officer of Ecovative, where he is responsible for the mycelium composites and raw mat...
Jan 10, 2024•31 min•Ep. 237
What does it mean to successfully rebrand a company? Why is it so essential to have a brand “story”? Join host Todd and guests John Lenker and Assaf Arie as they discuss best practices in attracting and retaining top talent, the role of brand perception in hiring, how behavioral science relates to marketing, and much more. John Lenker is the Founder and CVO at LENKER. He is a marketing strategist and communications artist who helps clients develop and promote products and services that attract, ...
Jan 03, 2024•40 min•Ep. 236
Designers and engineers are under a lot of pressure to design all of our future infrastructure. In fact, it may be an impossible task right now. KOPE's Head of Industry Strategy Charlotte-Frances Garrett says that the product platform approach will be the silver bullet. She said that standardizing the way we build is a must. We don't have to reinvent the wheel with every new building. Charlotte-Frances Garrett is the Head of Industry Strategy at KOPE. She is a qualified architect with extensive ...
Dec 27, 2023•32 min•Ep. 235
Why is experience and wisdom a key for organizations? The wise fuel knowledge. We have to leverage experience so we avoid repeating the past and avoid making mistakes that come with time. Many organizations are asking the same question: how do we unlock and leverage the wealth of information that lies with seasoned veterans and how do we combine this with new technology hitting the market? Technology Consultant Catherine Walmsley dove into these questions during AU 2023. Catherine Walmsley has h...
Dec 20, 2023•26 min•Ep. 234
What if saving an hour a day could revolutionize the construction industry? DPR's Kyle Knauer explores this provocative idea. Discover how simple tech solutions are more than just time-savers; they're life-changers. Knauer delves into the challenges of integrating new technologies in construction, balancing flashy features with functional simplicity. This episode offers a deep dive into understanding user needs and adapting to varying project requirements, highlighting the transformative impact ...
Dec 18, 2023•31 min•Ep. 233
Has traditional construction changed for good? Industrialized construction and productization are creeping in. We're moving away from the old ways and stepping into a new realm of streamlined, efficient, and innovative building processes. This episode takes us through the seismic shift towards a productization mindset in construction. This change isn't just a trend; it's a necessity, offering significant gains in efficiency and sustainability. Our guest Bertrand de Peufeilhoux also explores how ...
Dec 13, 2023•29 min•Ep. 232
Is the future of construction being built in the cloud? Listen in to find out. Brandon Ionata, a senior solution director at Graitec StrucSoft, discusses the evolving landscape of off-site construction and its integration with technology. He emphasizes the growing importance of cloud data connectivity, data sharing, and the convergence of construction and manufacturing. He highlights the shift towards more integrated and efficient construction processes, breaking down traditional industry silos....
Dec 11, 2023•17 min•Ep. 231
Could deeper GIS integration simplify or complicate your projects? Are you overlooking potential efficiencies by not incorporating GIS data? Mortenson VDC Director Brian Nahas addresses these key questions. Brian's conversation raises important questions about AI, deep learning, GIS, and their role in the future of construction. He suggests how evolving technologies, such as image recognition, might transform productivity tracking and project planning. Is the construction industry approaching a ...
Dec 06, 2023•22 min•Ep. 230
The phrase "walk before you run" echoes throughout the industry right now. Autodesk's Senior Director of Global Customer Success Brandon LaCourciere says that with an influx of new tools hitting the market, we must solve practical problems. Adoption won't come from solving every problem all at once. AI needs to solve practical pain points before it solves the big hairy challenges we often describe. These everyday life improvements will be the ones that convince the masses to adopt. Brandon LaCou...
Dec 04, 2023•31 min•Ep. 229
In this enlightening episode, we're joined by Hannu Lindberg from DPR Construction, a top U.S. general contractor known for its hands-on building approach and strong advocacy for technology integration in construction. Hannu brings his nearly two decades of experience to the table, discussing the challenges and strategies involved in bridging the gaps within the construction industry. He delves into the complexities of coordinating different construction disciplines, the importance of early inte...
Nov 29, 2023•29 min•Ep. 228
What is the current state of design and make? Stephanie Losee and team have the data and the answers. In this episode we discuss the novel Design and Make Report, It highlights the enhanced performance and preparedness of digitally mature companies post-COVID-19, emphasizing their plans for further digital investments. The report also underscores the rapid workforce changes in recent years, equating them to historical shifts like the internet's advent. Additionally, it discusses the increasing c...
Nov 27, 2023•25 min•Ep. 227
