In this episode of The ConTech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood are joined by Alex Sidorov, the COO and CFO of Gamma AR, a leading company in augmented reality for construction. Together, they explore the evolving role of AR, the challenges in adopting new technologies, and the importance of integrating innovation into the construction workflow.

Alex shares his fascinating transition from a corporate finance background to the construction technology sector. He discusses the myths, realities, and breakthroughs in AR adoption, addressing the gaps in the industry's productivity and profitability while highlighting how data visualization can streamline workflows and decision-making.

If you’re curious about how technology like AR can improve collaboration, reduce rework, and optimize construction processes, this episode is packed with insights into where the industry is headed and what tools are shaping the future.

Expect to Learn:

• How augmented reality (AR) bridges the gap between design intent and construction execution.
• The biggest challenges in construction profitability and why margins remain so slim.
• Why AR is no longer a "tech toy" and how it’s being integrated into workflows.
• The importance of data-driven decision-making for asset owners and project teams.
• Future trends in construction technology and where AR is poised to make a significant impact.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

• [02:07] Meet Alex Sidorov and His Journey: Alex shares his background in corporate finance, his move into the construction tech world, and his role at Gamma AR.
• [06:50] Technology Adoption in Construction: Alex explains the cultural and technological hurdles that have slowed AR adoption and how the new generation is embracing innovation.
• [13:35] Overcoming Mistakes with Technology: Nathan and Alex dive into how technology can mitigate common mistakes and empower teams to learn from failures.
• [25:18] Real-World Use Cases for AR: Key applications of AR, including progress tracking, QA/QC, and visualization for decision-making in the field.
• [29:09] Future Trends in Construction Technology: Alex shares his predictions for integrating AR, VR, and other technologies, emphasizing collaboration and data-driven processes.
• [37:00] Closing Thoughts and Where to Connect: Jeff and Nathan wrap up the episode, highlighting key takeaways and sharing how listeners can learn more about Gamma AR and connect with Alex.

Follow The Guest:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexander-sidorov-60a0a961 
• LinkedIn(Business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/gamma-technologies-ar-bim/
• Website: https://gamma-ar.com/

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, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Charlie Dunn, a construction industry expert passionate about integrating technology and leadership to shape the future of construction. Charlie shares his journey, the challenges faced in modern construction projects, and how embracing innovation can lead to transformative growth in the industry.

Discover how Charlie's leadership strategies, combined with cutting-edge tools, can inspire teams and drive projects to success while addressing the pressing concerns of sustainability, efficiency, and collaboration in construction.

Expect to Learn:

• The critical role of leadership in construction projects
• How technology is reshaping the construction landscape
• Strategies for managing large teams and complex projects effectively
• Insights into sustainability practices in the construction industry
• Future trends and how to stay ahead in a competitive field

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[00:00:35] – Introduction: Meet Charlie Dunn and explore his background in construction.

[00:04:45] – Experience in Construction and Nuclear Industry: Charlie discusses their experience in construction, starting with learning Primavera in Vegas during a construction boom. They transitioned to the nuclear industry, where they unexpectedly found successful lean applications.

[00:09:54] – Optimizing Work Steps for Efficiency: Charlie discussed the importance of viewing construction tasks not as prototypes but as repeatable work steps.

[00:20:19] – Construction and Forming Design: Charlie discusses the importance of construction and forming design, a research focus emphasizing the integration of construction knowledge into the iterative design process. 

[00:34:06] – The Future of Lego and the Importance of Play: Charlie emphasizes that the value of the Lego approach isn't easily explained; it needs to be experienced.

[00:38:24] – Closing Thoughts: Where can people find Charlie?

Check Out the Guest:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/projectstory/ 

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 engaging episode of The ConTech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Charlie Dunn, a thought leader in the construction industry and a self-described "project storyteller." Charlie shares his journey from nuclear projects to construction, focusing on how visual planning and collaborative approaches can transform projects and drive efficiency.

From lessons learned in manufacturing and nuclear sectors to pioneering collaborative techniques in construction, Charlie reveals how a mindset shift can tackle material and human waste while improving project outcomes. Dive into this episode to discover innovative strategies and stories that emphasize the importance of planning, trust, and the power of play in professional settings.

Expect to Learn:

-- Why planning is the key to eliminating rework and improving efficiency.

-- The importance of design for production in construction.

-- How collaborative tools and visual methods create trust and alignment.

-- Lessons from manufacturing and nuclear industries applied to construction.

-- The significance of play and creativity in fostering innovation and teamwork.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[00:00:30] – Introduction: Jeff and Nathan welcome Charlie Dunn and reflect on their recent experiences.

[00:02:47] – Charlie’s Background: Charlie shares his journey and focuses on eliminating production waste in construction.

[00:04:14] – Lessons from Nuclear and Manufacturing: Trust, psychological safety, and planning fundamentals.

[00:07:23] – “Go Slow to Go Fast”: The importance of planning for long-term gains in projects.

[00:09:55] – Insights on Repeatable Processes: Applying lean principles to construction and maximizing efficiency.

[00:20:19] – Design Management: Construction informing design and its benefits for early collaboration.

[00:32:29] – Experiential Learning: The role of experiences in fostering change and unlocking creativity.

[00:39:19] – Closing Remarks: Where can People find Charlie?

Check Out the Guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/projectstory/

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/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew

Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this engaging episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Bob Salaj, Director of Customer Advisory for Construction at QuickBase, for a comprehensive recap of Procore Groundbreak. The conversation explores industry trends, innovative technologies, and the practical application of cutting-edge tools in construction. With a focus on bridging the gap between field operations and technology, Bob and Jeff discuss how solutions like QuickBase and Procore are transforming workflows and enhancing efficiency.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into leveraging AI, refining scheduling processes, and addressing the persistent challenge of manual data entry in construction. They also highlight the importance of embracing change, tackling safety challenges, and understanding the role of mental health awareness in the construction industry. This episode is a must-listen for professionals seeking to optimize construction workflows and foster innovation in their organizations.

Expect to Learn:

-- The role of AI in modernizing construction workflows and creating actionable insights.

-- How to address "gray work" and integrate disparate data for better decision-making.

-- The importance of real-time scheduling and persona-based user experiences in field operations.

-- Procore’s latest advancements in safety, including wearable technology and predictive analytics.

-- The impact of culture and mental health initiatives on the construction workforce.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[00:00:16] – Introduction: Jeff Greets Bob in the Show

[00:03:15] – IRL in Construction: Bob discusses the importance of bridging field and office workflows and reducing manual processes.

[00:04:57] – QuickBase's Role in Prefab and Safety: Insights into addressing manual data challenges and optimizing safety workflows.

[00:08:50] – BIM in Real Life: The evolution of BIM from the back office to practical field applications.

[00:14:14] – Persona-Based Hubs: Enhancing user experience through role-specific software configurations.

[00:30:55] – AI’s Potential in Construction: Exploring AI’s transformative role in construction, from gray work elimination to workflow predictions

[00:39:40] – Mental Health Awareness: Procore and B1M’s efforts in addressing mental health issues in the construction industry.

Check Out the Guest:

Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/quickbase

Website (Business): https://www.quickbase.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-salaj-4585a79b/

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

EPISODE 437: How did 2024 shape the construction tech world? Did it live up to its promise?

Join us in this special episode with co-hosts Ariel Castillo and Nathan Wood as we revisit our predictions for the “Year of Information” and spotlight the groundbreaking innovations transforming construction.

From AI-driven compliance tools to autonomous robotics like TyBOT, this conversation explores how technology is reshaping one of the world’s oldest industries. We also discuss some major breakthroughs this year and offer predictions for 2025.

Whether you’re curious about the latest construction tech or how AI will redefine the industry, this episode is for you.

Let’s dive in and geek out!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

Revisiting 2024 predictions–successes and surprises (01:37)

TyBOT: rebar tying robot finally hits the market (05:34)

Cemex Ventures Construction Startup Competition 2024 (11:11) 

Emerging trends in global startup competitions (12:52)

Oracle vs. Procore’s lawsuit explained (17:46) 

Document Crunch secures $21.5M in funding (25:14)

Understanding innovation triggers (30:59)

Generative AI: the hype and trough of disillusionment (33:17) 

Balancing innovation with responsibility (36:36)

The ConTech Crew’s bold predictions for 2025 (46:04)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Jeff Sample on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit

Follow Ariel Castillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bimnomad/

Follow Nathan Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 436: Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the rapid pace of automation? You’re not alone!

Many worry about the impact of technology on their jobs. But what if you could turn that fear into opportunity?

In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Meaghan Ziemba, founder and host of the Mavens of Manufacturing Podcast. Meaghan shares how storytelling is reshaping industries, empowering women in STEM, and engaging the next generation through creativity and play.

From connecting manufacturing and construction to the inspiring tales of children’s STEM books, this episode will make you rethink the role of technology.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

Meaghan Ziemba’s journey into tech writing (01:19)

The power of storytelling in humanizing technology (07:52)

Engaging children in STEM through creative initiatives (11:53) 

Bridging the manufacturing and construction industries (15:52)

What makes a good story? (24:57)

Leadership’s role in shaping narratives (29:20)

The value of being authentic and transparent (37:28)

Episode wrap-up (39:27)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Meaghan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meaghan-ziemba/

Watch or listen to Mavens of Manufacturing: https://www.mavensofmanufacturing.com/episodes

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 435: Are you still using outdated tools like Excel for estimating? Time to switch to the cloud!

In this week’s episode of The ConTech Crew, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with Dustin DeVan, CEO of Ediphi, a cloud-based estimating tool. Dustin, who also founded BuildingConnected (later acquired by Autodesk), shares his journey from general contracting to pioneering cloud-based tools for cost estimation.

Ediphi’s cloud-based platform offers a collaborative, adaptable approach to managing cost data, minimizing rework, and enhancing project accuracy.

Tune in now to learn how this latest construction technology advancement could reshape the future of pre-construction.

Don’t miss it!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

From general contractor to construction tech (02:12) 

Success story of BuildingConnected’s acquisition by Autodesk (04:05) 

How significant is pre-construction in project execution (08:18)

Data accuracy and categorization challenges in cost estimation (12:57)

How cloud-based tools can guide design decisions in real-time (18:45)

Connecting constructability to design for better project outcomes (23:15)

The importance of moving from Excel to cloud-based estimating (27:27)

Addressing labor shortages and the need for a skilled workforce (31:13)

Benefits of cloud collaboration for estimator training and onboarding (34:10)

The cultural shift needed to elevate construction careers (40:24)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Dustin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustind01/

Visit Ediphi for more information: https://www.ediphi.com/

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 434: We are in an exciting, transformative era where new technologies, like AI, are reshaping industries at every level. But is the construction industry truly prepared to embrace these advances without fear?

In this week’s episode, Jeff Sample chats with Usman Shuja, the CEO of Bluebeam, about how AI and technology impact the construction industry.

With a background in AI development across high-stakes industries, Usman provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities for digital transformation in construction.

Today, we dive into the need to respect domain expertise and economic motivations across the construction value chain, the critical role of change management, Bluebeam’s ethical AI practices, and more.

Tune in to learn where the industry is headed and what construction professionals can do to stay ahead.

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

From IBM to Bluebeam (01:10)

Lessons that got Usman into construction tech (03:59)

Unique challenges in construction’s value chain (07:58)

Key strategies for effective change management in construction (10:56)

Preview of Bluebeam’s 2025 “Five I’s” strategy (13:27) 

Shuja’s background in ethical AI development (20:36) 

Potential pitfalls of unregulated AI in construction (25:23)

Ethical dilemmas surrounding AI in autonomous decision-making (29:24)

Practical AI benefits for construction productivity (31:00)

Final thoughts (36:57) 

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Usman Shuja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/usmanshuja/

Check out Bluebeam for more information: https://www.bluebeam.com/

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 433: Imagine a construction site where every tech tool talks to each other seamlessly–no re-entry, no manual updates–just data flowing effortlessly. Sounds ambitious, right?

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, Nathan Wood and I sit down with Nick Caravella, Director of Growth and Industry Strategy at Avicado, a company dedicated to helping construction owners and teams create a connected digital workflow.

Today, Nick shares how his background in architecture shaped his understanding of tech’s impact on design, emphasizing the need to enhance the systems already in place rather than chasing the latest tech tools.

Tune in now to discover insights on data management strategies that can help your construction projects run smoother.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

Nick’s Caravella’s journey to Avicado (02:36)

Integrating existing tools to connect data (04:44)

Building tailored technology connectors for construction owners (07:45)

Avicado’s user-friendly technology integration approach (09:37)

The evolving role of owners in managing construction data (16:26)

Strategic data for long-term building value (19:05)

The complexities in building modern data centers (22:57)

Nick’s motivation for starting the Wired to Build podcast (26:58)

Construction technology news of the week (36:10)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcaravella/

Visit Avicado for more information: https://www.avicado.com/

— 

See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️New Book 'Paperless Builders' Reveals How to Transform the Construction Industry with Digital Technology

https://www.einpresswire.com/article/744238088/new-book-paperless-builders-reveals-how-to-transform-the-construction-industry-with-digital-technology

➡️The 16th Annual Global AWP Conference 

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/o3solutions_the-16th-annual-global-awp-conference-in-activity-7250590226148900864-sHp8/

➡️AI girlfriend site breached, user fantasies stolen [updated]

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/10/ai-girlfriend-site-breached-user-fantasies-stolen

➡️AI job openings continued to climb this year

https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2024/10/18/ai-job-openings-indeed-report

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 432: Is your construction process as efficient as it could be?

In this week’s episode, Wyatt Jenkins, Chief Product Officer at Procore, shares insights into how Procore is revolutionizing the construction industry with its latest innovations and what to expect at Groundbreak 2024.

With deep roots in construction, Wyatt brings a personal touch to the discussion, highlighting Procore’s commitment to creating safer, more productive job sites through cutting-edge technology, like AI and automation tools such as Co-Pilot.

We also dive into Procore’s new labor, equipment, and materials management system, along with the company’s groundbreaking advancements in construction safety.

Ready to take a peek at the future of construction technology?

Tune in now–you won’t want to miss this!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Wyatt Jenkins of Procore (01:21)

A look back on Procore Groundbreak 2023 and its impact (05:08)

AI in construction and Procore’s Co-Pilot feature (10:33)

Procore’s labor, equipment, and materials management solution (19:00)

The next-generation user experience (23:21)

Long-term vision for AI and its impact on the industry (27:08)

Addressing safety in construction using IoT and computer vision (29:13)

How AI and automation will change construction software interaction (33:27)

Groundbreak 2024 highlights and expectations(49:32)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Wyatt Jenkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wyattjenkins/

Secure your spot for Groundbreak 2024 here: https://www.procore.com/groundbreak

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

EPISODE 431: Have you ever wondered if robots are quietly replacing jobs across industries like construction, shipping, manufacturing, or even tech?

In this week’s special episode of The ConTech Crew, we team up with our friends at The Construction Dorks Podcast for a deep dive into the shrinking SaaS market and the rise of automation.

Industry experts Jonathan Marsh, Trent Leinenbach, and Travis Voss discuss why companies are reconsidering their software strategies, whether robots should be taxed for taking jobs, if automation costs more than it creates, and more.

Curious about the future of work and how companies navigate these technological advancements? Listen in to hear more!

Key Takeaways: 

Introduction (00:00)

The decline in SaaS subscriptions (02:10)

Evolution of software deployment (04:16)

How US manufacturers could benefit from a robot tax (14:00)

Robots vs machines: what’s the difference? (18:10)

The bigger impact of losing jobs to robots (20:05)

The 3-day US dock worker’s strike (25:01)

Balancing automation and workforce upskilling (28:30)

The truth about automation (35:51)

Episode wrap-up (37:51)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew 

— 

Follow Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe/

Follow Trent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-466018177/

Follow Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/

Check out Construction Dorks for more information: https://www.constructiondorks.com/

— 

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology. 

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!