Steel & Whiskey

In this episode of Steel & Whiskey, we discuss the essential strategies for finding and retaining top talent in the steel industry. We are joined by Natalie Campbell from Bauer Underground, who shares personal experiences, innovative approaches, and practical advice on attracting skilled professionals and keeping them engaged. Whether you're a detailer, fabricator, or industry manager, th...

Join us on this episode of Steel & Whiskey as we welcome Ricky Horton, an industry expert with extensive experience in SDS2 and its integration with Tekla PowerFab . Ricky shares his insights and valuable knowledge gained from years of hands-on work and collaboration with professionals like SDS2’s James Schwartz. Tune in for an engaging discussion about the latest advancements in steel detaili...

In this enlightening episode of "Steel and Whiskey," host David sits down with Nick Coffee, a seasoned detailer with over 23 years of experience and co-founder of United Structural LLC. Nick shares his journey from enduring a toxic work environment to establishing his own thriving business. Discover how United Structural Design LLC's revolutionary 32-hour workweek has transformed pr...

In this episode of Steel & Whiskey, we blend the worlds of steel detailing and whiskey crafting with the team behind Grain and Barrel Spirits' Chicken Cock Whiskey. Discover how the precision and craftsmanship in steel detailing with SDS2 parallels the meticulous process of creating exceptional whiskey. We'll dive into the inspiration behind their unique spirits, the detailed product...

Join us as we unveil SDS2 Tech Treks! Dive into our latest episode where David talks with SDS2 Technical Consultants Jordan and Mark about our latest customer success initiative, coming to a city near you! This series of day-long seminars is designed to elevate your steel detailing expertise.  From mastering the latest SDS2 release to enhancing productivity with cutting-edge tools, learn why this...

In this episode of Steel & Whiskey, David Zabka sits down with Josh Hawley, a senior technical consultant at SDS2. They dive into his background in steel detailing – from taking an internship with a joist manufacturer in high school to joining SDS2 a little over a year ago - and everything in between, including Josh’s teaching stint at a local community college and time spent on his local scho...

Join us on another episode of "Steel and Whiskey" as we chat with Dave Eckrote from IDEA StatiCa. Discover the innovative world of IDEA StatiCa and their recent release, which includes a new integration with SDS2. Learn how this collaboration is enhancing the experience for both SDS2 and IDEA StatiCa users and improving the connection design process across the steel construction industry...

Join us for a special episode of Steel & Whiskey, recorded on-site at SDS2 Summit 2023 in Omaha, Nebraska. Hosts David Zabka and Michelle McCarthy catch up with customers, speakers, and sponsors halfway through the event to hear what SDS2 Summit means to the steel community and what they’ve loved most about the event so far. Tune in and learn why SDS2 is the premiere learning and networking of...

In this episode of "Steel and Whiskey," host David Zabka welcomes Randy Warnaar, co-founder of FabStation, for an insightful conversation about the innovative use of augmented reality in the steel fabrication industry. They discuss how FabStation's technology is transforming the way steel structures are inspected and assembled, increasing accuracy and efficiency. Randy shares his ba...

Meet Chris Riley, a steel detailing veteran whose journey began under his father's, equipping him with skills that span generations. With roots dating back to the 1950s, Chris's evolution from traditional drafting to cutting-edge software like SDS2 and paperless workflows using Bluebeam showcases his innovative spirit. An early adopter and close industry insider, Chris shares stories of...

This week we’re sharing a glimpse behind the curtain with Chris Rodgers, certified “Scrum” master who keeps our development teams running smoothly by coordinating projects, challenging processes, and keeping the paths of progress clear of external obstacles. He discusses the unique challenges posed by the many customized workflows in our customers’ steel shops and explains the Scrum methodology dr...

Paul Hemenway’s dynamic journey at Delta Structural Steel Services is a close mirror of the company’s technological evolution. Starting out as a detailer, he now spearheads client relations and manages estimating while championing innovative solutions. Listen in as he shares his journey—with a few humorous detours—and explains Delta’s commitment to innovation, which began with their early adoption...

In this podcast episode, Marv Moreno and Mike Olson from Bluebeam discuss various topics, including introductions, Bluebeam's place in the Nemetschek portfolio, the relationship between Bluebeam and SDS2, and the efficiency of project communication using Bluebeam's features. They delve into how Bluebeam aids in drawing and document management, design review, QA/QC processes, and how SDS2...

Today's episode features two guests as SDS2’s Nate Bloch sits down with Chris Legnon, a fellow member of the Steel Erectors Association of America. Learn how Chris got started in the field as an early intern at Cooper Steel and has climbed the ladder to serve as their VP of technology 20 years later. Shoutout to local fabricator Midwest Steel Works for Nate's start, too! Chris discusses...

Join Geoffrey Blumber, the Technical Sales Manager for Hexagon's 2D/3D Design and Analysis Solutions, as he discusses how technology, like SDS2, is revolutionizing construction. Discover how data interoperability is streamlining piping and industrial design, leading to better business outcomes and superior structures. Explore the challenges faced in P&ID, such as design sequencing and inf...

Join us in our most recent podcast episode as we highlight our newly appointed Head of Support and her relentless commitment to enhancing response times for customer tickets. With an unwavering focus on ensuring customer satisfaction, she unveils her strategies for optimizing processes, harnessing technology, and empowering our support team to deliver swift and impactful resolutions. Don't mi...

From planning to execution, the Nemetschek Group has what you need to be successful in the AEC industry. Take it from Matt Wheelis, Senior Vice President of Strategy for the build and construct division. Today Matt talks about driving business growth through organic and inorganic synergies and what's in store for the future—think 5G, AI, Chat GPT, and Dall-e technologies as well as generation...

David Zabka and Doug Evans discuss the history of steel detailing, taking us back in time to the very beginning of CAD and BIM and its delivery. Learn the who/what/why of a steel detailer, what we really sell, and how the value of SDS2 has changed as the function of a steel detailer has evolved.

Hear what went down in Charlotte, North Carolina at the outstanding NASCC Steel Conference April 12- 14. As the lanyard sponsors, SDS2 had a significant presence and enjoyed the opportunity to mingle with our partners and hear about new efficiencies with everything from load planning and site planning tools to robotics. Don't forget to mark your calendar for next year's Steel Conference...

As Director of Technology Integrations for AISC, Luke Faulkner has been at the forefront of steel technology for over 18 years. Today, with the advent of technology like Chat GPT and other AI solutions, the technology landscape is advancing faster than ever. Sit down with David and Luke as they open some special occasion whiskey and take a deep dive into the steel tech of today and tomorrow. Join...

Welcome to the next step of the SDS2 and ALLPLAN merger: customer success. Sit down with Dan Istvan, VP Americas, and Michelle McCarthy, Regional Manager Americas, as they discuss their plans to improve customer success and share simple tips and tricks in SDS2 to streamline your workflows and make your life easier every day. Learn the ways SDS2 is putting customers first to create power users!

On this episode, we’re celebrating Women in Construction Week by talking to Baily Frick, steel detailer/modeler for KMA Steel. Nobody puts Baily Frick in a corner. She knows her stuff and isn’t afraid to speak up, as she did on stage at SDS2 Summit in San Antonio last fall. Hear how she got started in steel detailing, how SDS2 has influenced her journey, and why she believes expertise is much more...

Step into a day in the life of a civil engineer, Chloe Osorio. Chloe works in the power industry, with a current focus on renewable energy projects. She is passionate about the value of social media and uses it as a tool to work to break stereotypes of women in STEM. She is a girlie girl who steps from heels to steel toed boots into construction mode real quick. Her best advice: be authentically y...

Get to know Eduardo Lazzarotto, Senior Vice President of Product & Strategy, (a shining star with impressive experience from the recent Allplan and SDS2 merger) and how he plans to continue to grow Allplan's diverse portfolio in the USA and around the world. David and Eduardo talk building better with future software trends, innovation in the AEC industry, the digital revolution, and auto...

On Episode 5 of Steel & Whiskey, the guys highlight their favorite features of the latest SDS2 release--from the handrail enhancements to login-based licensing--and share the latest buzz from their travels. From San Francisco to Denver, they share what they've been hearing from our integration partners, a new US joist supplier, and recent tradeshows.