The Preconstruction Podcast - Commercial Construction.

Prama Kumar, VP of Preconstruction at Hill & Wilkinson, joins the podcast for a conversation recorded live at Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego. Co-hosted by Ciara McGlynn, this episode dives into Prama’s 20-year journey in the industry and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Discussion Highlights: Career Progression: From Estimator to VP - what Prama has learned over two decade...

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Joe Ledger, Vice President of Project Controls at Intel, as part of our Advanced Tech Series on The Preconstruction Podcast. This episode offers a look inside one of the most complex and high-stakes project controls roles in the industry. What’s covered: Joe’s early years as an electrical engineer and his transition into design work across top engineering f...

Gareth McGlynn sits down with Katie Coulson, EVP - General Manager, to discuss her journey and current role leading Skanska Advanced Technology (SAT) - a unit focused on high-tech project delivery across the U.S. Discussion Highlights: Her education at the University of Wisconsin - Madison as a Civil and Environmental Engineer. Her background delivering high-tech projects for Skanska for over 27 y...

Clay Shumake, Preconstruction Manager at Gates Construction Co., joins Gareth McGlynn on The Preconstruction Podcast to share practical insights from his experience across electrical and masonry trades. Discussion Highlights: The art of masonry construction. The importance of communication when dealing with subcontractors. All the secrets of dealing with a masonry contractor as a GC. Clay’s electr...

Gareth McGlynn sits down with Ryan Abbott, President, Southwest Region of Clayco , for a powerful discussion on leadership, innovation, and long-term thinking in the world of preconstruction and construction delivery. Discussion Highlights: Clayco's Business Units: ▪ Clayco Self-Performed Concrete ▪ Lamar Johnson Collaborative ▪ Clayco Design Engineering Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): Why...

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, catches up with Ivo Brook, Brand Director at Hanson Wade, and Randall Thompson, Preconstruction Executive at Nibbi Brothers, for a full-on Advancing Preconstruction love fest. Celebrating 75 years of excellence, Nibbi has led Bay Area construction with a focus on complex builds, innovation, and quality - Randall shares how that legacy continues to shape modern preconstruc...

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Mason Hennings , Estimator II at Traylor Bros., to discuss preconstruction data. Discussed on the podcast: How to leverage big data in preconstruction. Using a data-driven approach to enhance accuracy, reduce risk, and create a competitive advantage. Machine learning and AI capabilities in construction. The $864 million Howard Franklin Bridge project. And m...

Back for Part 2! Our host, Gareth McGlynn, continues the conversation with Andrew Pitcher, Data Analyst and Integrations Manager at Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, as they pick up where they left off—talking practical tools, systems, and strategies that are helping preconstruction teams stay ahead. Discussion Highlights: Integrating software to streamline communication and information sharing...

Gareth McGlynn sits down with Tim Griggs, Director of Estimating at OHT Partners, to discuss key factors shaping multifamily construction and the broader real estate market. Key Discussion Points: Multifamily construction – what are deals with no teeth? Multifamily optimism – why there’s confidence in a big bounce back in 2025 Winning bids – getting the numbers right, the site right, and securing...

Our host, Gareth McGlynn , welcomes back Bob Kovacs , Director of Preconstruction at Albion General Contractors , for another insightful conversation. Having previously joined us in 2022, Bob returns to discuss his career shift and key industry topics shaping preconstruction today. Discussion Highlights: 🔹 Moving from a large general contractor to a growing small to mid-sized general contractor –...

We’re back with Steve Dell’Orto, Founder & CEO of Concentric. Our host, Gareth McGlynn, caught up with Steve to discuss key developments in preconstruction. Discussion Points: • Built by Builders Network – What it is and why it matters • Concentric’s latest updates – Including the Concept Hub and AI advancements • Knowledge Transfer & Retention – Keeping industry expertise within reach 🔗...

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Andrew Pitcher, Data Analyst and Integrations Manager at Bartlett Cocke, for the first of a two-part series on the power of data in construction. Discussion Points: Andrew’s background in Construction Science from Texas A&M University His Master of Science in Data Analytics How to extract, organize, and display data effectively The key data points every...

In this episode, Gareth McGlynn talks with Sam Ellis, Preconstruction Manager at Fortune Johnson, about his unique career path and the challenges facing multifamily construction today. With a background in both estimating and fieldwork, Sam shares practical insights and strategies for navigating an evolving industry. Topics Discussed: His accounting and construction management degree from East Car...

Our host Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Aaron Shwom, Director of Preconstruction at Chapman Construction/Design, for an indepth conversation around delivery methods, his career and the complexieties of choosing a delivery method that works for the client. DiscussionHighlights: 1. Most common delivery methods right now 2. Design Build: When is it? When is the nest time to use it? 3. Preconstruction...

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Jeffrey Campbell, Director of Preconstruction at Cleveland Construction, for an engaging conversation about the evolution of his career and the complexities of adaptive reuse projects. Discussion Highlights: 1. Why Connecticut to study? 2. The journey from Mechanical Engineering to Pro Golf to construction. 3. The sales side of Preconstruction and why it&#3...

This week on The Preconstruction Podcast, Gareth McGlynn meets with Bill Mazzetti, Data Center and Renewable Energy Leader and Innovator, who is SVP at Rosendin, to discuss the extraordinary demand for Data Center and its impact on the grid, labor, and contractors. Bill has terrific knowledge of everything involved in Data center construction and discusses: - Data Center Power Demands - Discusses...

This week on The Preconstruction Podcast, Gareth McGlynn meets with Kaylee Gathard, Preconstruction & Estimating Manager at Boldt Company, to discuss the challenge of Titles in Preconstruction and its impact on recruiting, retaining and developing talent. Kaylee's journey is fascinating: From a Psychology degree at San Diego State University to running multi-million dollar construction project...

This week on The Preconstruction Podcast, Gareth McGlynn meets with Tom Carolan, Director of Scheduling at Barton Malow, to discuss the rising importance of scheduling in construction and its impact on delivering complex projects. Tom's journey into scheduling: From a CM degree at Wentworth to roles at Whiting-Turner, AECOM, and now Barton Malow . The rapid expansion of Barton Malow’s scheduling t...

Gareth McGlynn chats with KC Mares about the elephant in the room when it comes to Data Center Construction in 2024/2025 ENERGY. How do we power the Data Centers needed to accommodate AI? Key Points: Data Center: Design, Development, Energy and efficiency Why are the transmission lines decades behind what's needed? The perfect storm is Natural Gas & Solar or Wind What challenges the Department...

In this episode, Gareth McGlynn sits down with Henry Nutt III, Preconstruction Executive at Southland Industries, to discuss his inspiring journey and transformative insights. Key discussion points: Starting out from a vocational school as a sheet metal worker and journeyperson. The transition from fieldwork to preconstruction and its challenges. The transformative power of leadership that empower...

Michael Lewis, Regional Scheduling Director at AECOM Hunt, joins our host Gareth McGlynn for a focused discussion on scheduling in preconstruction and estimating. Episode Highlights: Construction Management degree from the University of Nebraska. 12 years of scheduling expertise. Importance of scheduling in pre-construction and estimating. The stigma around scheduling. Biggest challenge scheduling...

Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Paul Wilkins, Vice President - Director of Preconstruction Services at JE Dunn Construction, to discuss the unique opportunities and growth unfolding in Oklahoma’s construction sector. Key Discussion Points: From the UK to the U.S. : Paul’s transition from UK construction to J.E. Dunn in Oklahoma. Oklahoma’s Big Five Projects : The airport, Thunder basketba...

In our latest episode, Gareth McGlynn sits down with David Blanton, Senior Vice President of Preconstruction at JPI, to discuss critical issues shaping the multifamily construction space. Discussion Highlights: Career Growth : David shares key moments and decisions that defined his journey. Skills Gap : Examining the widening gap and its implications for preconstruction. Labor Shortage : An indust...

In this episode, Gareth McGlynn sits down with Mike Mallon, Director of Preconstruction at Suffolk Construction, to explore a range of topics that are shaping the future of preconstruction within Mission Critical projects: Key Discussion Points: - Graduating in 2016 from Northeastern University - Started as a Scheduler (Co-op) - Mentorship with Charles McCarthy - Why make the move from operations...

In this episode, Gareth McGlynn sits down with Hamzah Shanbari, Director of Innovation at Haskell, to explore a range of topics that are shaping the future of preconstruction and innovation in the industry. Key Discussion Points: Paperless Builders: Hamzah’s latest book is now available. Construction Technology: The why, what, and how of applying tech effectively. Education: Hamzah’s academic back...