Seeing Blind Spots & Avoiding Expensive Mistakes with Matt Chitwood - Pivium

Matt Chitwood shares his journey in the AEC industry and Pivium's challenges. He discusses their recent warehouse move, leadership changes, and balancing tradition with innovation. Matt shares insights on family dynamics, accountability in delegation, and hiring practices in family businesses. He explores leadership, managing personality traits, and the importance of an effective board, including lessons from tough advice. The episode also covers navigating technology challenges, risk assessments, and engaging with the local business community. Matt also underscores the value of networking.

Hijacking The Reward System to Change Your Life and Business with Michelle Rutkowski - MOR Studio

Michelle Rutkowski delves into her architectural journey and the foundation of MOR Studio, focusing on the intricate balance between business growth and personal life. She explores the role of dopamine in motivation and the reward system, detailing the four pillars of reward: connection, discovery, movement, and rest, with practical applications for AEC businesses. The discussion extends to the biological underpinnings of productivity and team dynamics, including the neuroscience of endorphins. Michelle shares personal insights on dopamine regulation, emphasizing the design of spaces that foster community engagement and minimize distractions, integrating the reward system into architectural design.

Connecting the Dots for Communication Systems in Buildings with Jon Szeliga - Engineering Wireless Services

Jon Szeliga joins to discuss his transition from technical roles to sales and his work with Neutral Host Signal Source services. He emphasizes the critical role of wireless infrastructure in modern venues and the importance of educating clients during the sales process. Jon shares strategies for hiring and training sales teams and addresses challenges in AEC industry sales. The episode covers ensuring cellular coverage for safety, radio frequency challenges in LEED-certified buildings, and budgeting for cellular systems. Jon explains compliance with Carrier and FCC standards, safety considerations, and design protocols. He explores AI's role in the AEC industry and offers reflective advice on adopting new technologies.

Big Opportunities & Common Tax Mistakes For Contractors with Cody Daniels - Builders Tax Group

Cody Daniels shares his knowledge and strategies for tax in the construction sector and reflects on his entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the benefits and challenges of running a business, the importance of community, and managing strong personalities. Topics include common tax mistakes, construction accounting strategies, and compliance issues with retirement plans. Cody highlights the significance of EOS, quarterly goals, and balancing core tasks with growth and technology. He explores AI's impact on construction and accounting, business survival rates, and misconceptions about accounting and IT services, offering advice for contractors on tax management.

Urban Development and Architectural Innovation with Brian Cassidy of CCBG Architects

Brian Cassidy shares insights into his early career and his role at CCBG Architects, delving into the company's culture and its impact on Downtown Phoenix's transformation. He discusses lean operations, management strategies, and the evolution of Roosevelt Row, alongside investment strategies for downtown revitalization. The conversation touches on marketing, hiring, and the Phoenix Community Alliance's influence. Brian addresses urban development challenges, affordable housing, and community advocacy, highlighting historical renovations and infrastructure issues. He explores remote work's effect on work-life balance, future city planning, and technology's role in architecture, including AI, automation, and the significance of CAD and 3D modeling.

Value Systems: The Secret to Building a Legacy Firm with Eddie Jones - Jones Studio

Eddie Jones shares his architectural journey, from his education to founding Jones Studio. He reflects on his early career and significant projects, including the St. Louis (now Arizona) Cardinals training facility and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art exhibit. Eddie discusses the Mariposa land port of entry project and the studio's growth. He provides insights into succession planning and transitioning roles within the studio, emphasizing his evolution from architect to business leader.

Saving Time in Construction with Technology with Lenny Joseph and Laci Jackson of Bidtracer

Lenny Joseph and Laci Jackson dive into their roles at Bidtracer, a leader in construction technology. Lenny shares his journey and the company's founding, contrasting corporate and entrepreneurial experiences. They discuss innovation challenges, skepticism towards software in construction, and balancing growth with innovation. The conversation also covers identifying valuable team members, personal connections, and Laci's career transition. Lenny addresses cybersecurity challenges and the impact of AI in construction, offering advice to his younger self.

Flexibility in Work Structures is Essential for Modern Employees with Amanda Schneider - ThinkLab

Amanda Schneider discusses her career journey and insights into the future of work. She highlights her transition to Sandow, effective hiring strategies, and insights from her TEDx talk and generational research. The episode covers the trust gap and challenges of hybrid work environments, emphasizing metrics, scorecards, and personal work preferences. Amanda also offers advice on adapting to cultural changes in workplace models, especially for extroverts and introverts in remote settings. The episode wraps up with ThinkLab insights, closing remarks, and encouragement to share the episode, touching on scaling a business and improving company technology.

AI & Automation: The Future of Engineering with Jesse Light - SML Consulting Structural & Forensic Engineers

Jesse Light shares his career journey in the AEC industry, emphasizing automation and software integration's role in enhancing efficiency and cost savings. The discussion includes AI applications developed with universities, examples of Power Automate use, and AI's return on investment. Jesse addresses recurring revenue models, file delivery optimization, and managing engineering fee structures and scope changes. The conversation explores AI's impact on employee roles, project searches, and detail management. Jesse highlights the importance of technology understanding and data centralization for business owners, addressing AI-related employee concerns and cybersecurity. Closing remarks encourage technology adoption and reflect on the podcast's mission.

The Owner’s Toolset: Cost and Process Management Systems with Ian Parr - CCS International

Ian Parr joins the conversation to share insights from his extensive background in construction and the founding of CCS International. He delves into growth strategies, emphasizing the distinction between cost management and estimating, and the integral role of the owner in successful construction projects. Ian discusses early project planning, cost savings, and risk management, illustrated through a senior facility project case study. The episode explores the development and application of Tenzing software, the evolution of construction technology, and the importance of cross-training and staffing. Ian reflects on his career, offering advice to his younger self, and shares final thoughts on business scaling.

Redefining Design-Build With An Architect-Led Mindset with James Trahan - 180 Degrees Inc.

Join James Trahan as he discusses his journey in architecture and founding 180 Degrees Inc. He shares insights on risk-taking, design-build challenges, and revenue goals. The conversation touches on community involvement, philanthropy, and lessons from recessions. James highlights managing risks in unique projects, aligning client expectations, and using innovative technologies for challenges. Dive into project selection, competitive bidding, and the demands of residential vs. commercial projects. Sustainability, material upcycling, and historical preservation are emphasized, alongside leveraging technology in construction. James offers advice for aspiring AEC professionals.

Find What You Love and You’ll Never Work a Day in Your Life with Walt Brown Jr. - Diversified Partners

Walt Brown Jr. shares insights from his career journey, beginning with the impact of his first deal and the founding of Diversified Partners. He emphasizes the role of communication in business growth and the importance of building a strong team. The episode explores leveraging technology in commercial real estate, goal setting, and managing challenges in the AEC industry. Walt discusses the effects of the pandemic, the significance of training the next generation, and strategies for nurturing young talent. He also covers compensation strategies for retaining high performers, evaluating real estate investments, and measuring success. Reflecting on his experiences, Walt offers valuable advice for future leaders.

Maintaining Company Culture During Leadership Transition with Chris Kottra & Kami Farahmandpour - BTC

In this conversation, Justin Neagle and Will Foret speak with Kami Farahmandpour and Chris Kottra from Building Technology Consultants, Inc. (BTC) about their experiences in the engineering industry, the founding of BTC, and the importance of company culture, leadership transitions, and quality in their work. They discuss the challenges of hiring in a niche market, the significance of training for autonomy, and the role of litigation in honing expertise. The conversation also touches on reflections and advice for future leaders in the industry.

Understanding BIM: A Toolbelt for Collaboration with Jacob Hansen and Colten Browning - Hansen Consulting Group

Join Jacob Hansen and Colton Browning as they delve into their backgrounds in the AEC industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships and strategies for scaling firms. They explore the evolution of services with Building Information Modeling (BIM), discussing its purpose, application, and the need for buy-in and communication. A case study on BIM at TSMC highlights its practical use. The episode addresses challenges in scheduling, cost, and collaboration, stressing early involvement and coordination between contractors. Listen in for BIM war stories and success tales, offering insights and advice for newcomers to the field.

The Importance of Understanding Team Dynamics with Mark Davenport - SPS+ Architects

Mark Davenport discusses his career journey in architecture, from intern to managing partner at SPS+ Architects. He covers the firm's leadership structure, managing transitions, and role fit challenges. The conversation delves into business operations, including EOS integration for efficiency and the firm's evolving focus and expansion. Mark outlines future growth through studio specializations and examines how contract types are impacting the industry. He highlights using culture index for team dynamics, strategic planning, and process automation. Emphasizing growth strategies and technology's role in scaling, the episode concludes with ERP implementation lessons and time management advice.

AI's Role in Modernizing the Construction Industry with Adam Krob - Boh Brothers Construction

Dr. Adam Krob explores AI's transformative potential in construction estimates. He discusses challenges and opportunities in construction technology, focusing on data governance, legacy systems, and risk management. Key topics include overcoming data storage issues, leadership buy-in for tech adoption, and AI's role in safety-sensitive industries. Dr. Krob also addresses AI's impact on labor shortages, value engineering, and lean scheduling. The episode concludes with insights on selecting AI platforms, building a tiered AI model, and understanding shadow IT.

From Dirt to Dollars: A Family Business Journey with Jenny Williams - WDS Contracting

Jenny Williams discusses her journey in the family construction business and the significance of assembling the right team. She explores the CMGC delivery method, emphasizing its benefits in balancing work-life and technology adoption in construction. Jenny shares strategies for attracting and training new employees, highlighting the role of community engagement through events like construction rodeos. The conversation shifts to the evolving mindset in construction management, moving away from low-bid work, and the importance of building partnerships. Jenny also touches on the impact of DBE recognition and new growth opportunities in the industry, wrapping up with her closing thoughts.

Unlocking Success with Lean Construction and IPD with Darlene Cadman - Weft Strategies

Darlene Cadman joins Justin Neagle to discuss Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in the AEC industry. They explore IPD contracts, focusing on collaboration, risk, and reward sharing, and emphasize target value design and team selection in lean construction. Darlene shares insights on lean practices, including respect for people and understanding flow, as well as pull planning, visual planning, and collaboration. The episode highlights the importance of leadership, accountability, and structured planning in both work and personal life. It concludes with Darlene's contact information and productivity hacks.

The Art of Talent Acquisition in Construction with JP Jaramillo - Nox Group

JP Jaramillo discusses his extensive experience in talent acquisition and recruitment, beginning with an introduction to Building Scale and his role at Nox Group. The conversation covers leadership's influence on recruitment, evolving technology, and the sales aspect of recruiting. JP delves into compensation strategies, growth opportunities, and balancing internal equity. He highlights the costs of turnover, recruitment metrics, and onboarding challenges. The episode emphasizes setting realistic expectations for long-term commitment, simplifying recruitment, and identifying and retaining top candidates. JP shares insights on leveraging technology, the importance of personality profiling, and offers reflections on his 20-year career in the industry.

Breaking Barriers: Women Thriving in Construction with Dr. Gretchen Gagel

Dr. Gretchen Gagel shares her journey in the construction industry, focusing on her role in industry committees and promoting diversity. She discusses technology's impact on scaling AEC businesses, overcoming gender biases, and the importance of diversity and organizational agility. Dr. Gagel reflects on leadership differences in various-sized companies and her chair role at Brinkman Construction. The episode explores strategies for attracting women to construction, addressing labor issues, and the role of cohorts in leadership development. It concludes with Dr. Gagel's insights on AI's impact, influential leaders, and organizational culture.