Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

In academic settings, why are the trades considered “less than?” What can we do to change that social stamp of disapproval? Join host Todd and guest Clay Abernathy as they discuss how to make the trades a viable option for the younger generation, when to start talking about trades education, and tackling the subject of traditional college versus trade school educations.   Clay Abernathy is a veter...

Do you feel “heard” on the jobsite? In your experience, have efforts at collaboration been effective? Join host Todd and guest Ron Nussbaum as they discuss what communication in the construction industry should look like, the value that clarity brings to an overall ROI, best practices for stakeholders and contractors, and more. Ron Nussbaum is the Founder and CEO of Nuttnest. After serving in the...

Is it possible to guarantee success? If so, what building blocks do you need to implement? Join host Todd and guest Bryson Reaume as they discuss building the best team for your project, how to stay connected when you might be working remote, what the world should know about the contractor’s point of view, and the shifting goals and mindsets of project teams. Bryson Reaume is the Founder and CEO o...

As someone in the construction industry, how do you begin to tell your story? Join host Todd and guest Katlyn Slocum as they discuss best strategies for getting “the word” out about your company, the difference between “old school” and “new school” marketing tactics, and how to know you’re being effective at communicating with your target audience. Katlyn Slocum is the owner of Katlyn Slocum Desig...

We all have a story to tell—what’s yours? Join host Todd and guest Jessica Bannister as they discuss the growing audience that comes with globalization, the difficulties we face in reaching and maintaining the attention of the younger generation, the essential nature of collaboration in modern times, and much more. Jessica Bannister is a Level 3 HVAC Apprentice in BC. She is a brand ambassador for...

When you think of modular and preconstruction, what comes to mind? Are there some misconceptions around the implications of these building styles, and how do we challenge those misconceptions? Join host Todd and guest Audree Grubesic as they discuss the parts of modular construction that go unseen, how the “seismic shift” in the industry will impact this form of construction, and how innovation pl...

Join host Todd and guest Tammy McConaughy as they discuss lean manufacturing vs. lean construction, some of the best and easiest ways to reduce waste on the construction field, how to move away from being “risk averse” in the industry, and the end goals that we can look forward to when it comes to lean construction. Tammy McConaughy is a Six Sigma black belt and certified national trainer with the...

Is sustainability leaving the boardroom? Are you effectively communicating throughout your organization the implications of sustainability or are you keeping those conversations in a small group? We as a construction industry need to work together more to reimagine how we do things that reduce waste, make construction more efficient and make it better for the environment. Advance Workshop director...

How do you lead successfully? And more importantly, how do you lead in a way that benefits yourself and everyone around you? Join host Todd and guest Jason Feifer as they discuss how change can spur growth, the rewards that come with pushing away your comfort zone, the concept of “comfortability,” and more. Jason Feifer is the editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine, author of the book Build For...

Are we in a recession? Would that even matter for construction? How can we avoid getting boxed in by our next contract? What is the biggest impact to our bottom line? Join host Todd and guest Josh Bone as they discuss recent economic impacts on the electrical and construction industries, how to stay informed while moving into a modular framework, and what to expect from the next five years. Josh B...

Are you familiar with modular construction? Do you think you’d give it a try, and why or why not? Join host Todd and guest Nick Coubray as they discuss the real-world applications of BIM, how to realistically reduce waste in the field, the pros and cons of modular construction, some common misconceptions about the industry, and more. Nick Coubray is the CEO of Howick Ltd. Having grown up in the in...

Bridging the Gap is officially at 150 episodes and counting! Over the past 50 episodes, three major themes have emerged: hearing more voices from the field, the blurring of the lines between blue and white collar work, and taking innovation and making it practical. Join host Todd Weyandt and editor/producer Eric Daniel as they look back to reflect on the lessons learned, moments that stand out and...

What are some of the key similarities between the trades? What does that mean for the potential of your company? Join host Todd and guest Josh Levy as they discuss risk management and mitigation in construction, what we can do to encourage and bolster collaboration in the industry, the importance of democratizing knowledge, and the history behind Document Crunch. Josh Levy founded Document Crunch...

Can you name a few things within the construction industry that have the potential to be better? If so, give yourself permission to jump in and make a change. Join host Todd and guest Angie Simon as they discuss what changes can and should be made within the industry, the success of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, how to intuit when you might need to “take a break,” and more. Angie Simon, PE is...

What kinds of opportunities do you associate with blue-collar jobs? Do they differ from white-collar opportunities? It seems that the lines are beginning to blur. Join host Todd and guest Josh Zolin as they discuss “abundance” within the trades, managing a good work-life balance, challenging the stigma around manual labor, and more. Josh Zolin is the CEO of Windy City Equipment Service. SchaiHi Pa...

As prefabrication becomes more and more popular, what opportunities have risen to meet it? How do we keep up? Join host Todd and guest Neil Wypior as they discuss lessons learned about the manufacturing process, how to move past and leverage supply chain disruption, and the importance of data in DfMA. Neil Wypior is the Managing Director of EVO-MEP. He is an educator and enabler of prefabrication...

There’s an invisible revolution happening right now, and it’s probably affecting you. How? Join host Todd and guest Oliver Lepinoy as they discuss the potential benefits of disruption, the importance of perceptions and belief systems, the best ways to measure success, and how to address the biggest changes facing the industry today. Olivier Lepinoy belongs to the Autodesk Business Development team...

How do you bring new voices to the table? Better yet, how do you make sure that those new voices are heard? Join host Todd and guest Rick Kremer as they discuss crossing the divide between GCs and architects, the differences in how people have worked over the past two years, and how to encourage and embrace better collaboration in the industry. Rick Kremer is a Senior Technical Consultant and Blue...

What are the biggest trends emerging in construction? Do you see any pushback towards them? Join host Todd and guest Kelli Lubeley as they discuss achieving buy-in from the industry when it comes to changing workflows, the importance of “the right timing,” and when innovation might become a normal expectation within the industry. Kelli Lubeley is a BIM Program Manager at Cupertino Electric, Inc. K...

It’s true: audio and video are the “in” thing, especially when it comes to spreading the word about your company. Do you feel hesitant about adopting videography, or are you completely on board? Join host Todd and guest Dan Maitland as they discuss how to “own your story,” the importance of storytelling through the “hero’s journey,” the ROI on videography in construction companies, and how to embr...

Join host Todd and guest Shannon Tymosko as they discuss commutable skills between Child and Youth Work and the trades, the current divide between “white-collar” and “blue-collar” work, how social media can elevate your and your company’s journey, and how construction is commonly misinterpreted or misunderstood by society at large. Shannon Tymosko is a third-year electrical apprentice and Skilled...

After over 125 episodes of the award-winning Bridging the Gap podcast, we have seen a pattern in the messages and insights brought by our guests. As we welcome new members of the workforce into construction, witness the dawn of another great industrial revolution, incorporate new tools and new processes, promote a growth mindset, and embrace more collaboration, there are many questions to ask and...

How do you feel about change in construction? Do you prefer doing things “the way we’ve always done it”? Join host Todd and guest Maret Thatcher as they discuss Maret’s connections with both construction and law, how difficult it is to cause genuine change in the industry, the fun and challenges involved in augmented reality, and how to frame innovation in a way that people may already be used to....

How vital do you consider training to be? How about relationship-building on the job? Join host Todd and guest Rebecca Lewis as they discuss misconceptions around “blue collar” and “white collar” jobs, the strange competition between trade schools and colleges, the best way to defend tech adoption to naysayers, and the biggest hurdles that currently face the industry. Rebecca Lewis is an Electrica...

Join host Todd and guest Sameer Merchant as they discuss the recent developments and “skyrocketing” tech adoption within Autodesk, how the industry has been reinventing itself over the years, the advent of Autodesk Bridge and how it relates to current workflows and software, and what sustainability will look like in the future of construction. Sameer Merchant is the Head of Product Development for...