Construction Conversations

In this episode, Wes dives into the real struggles of leaving behind the field's chaos to manage multiple projects effectively. You'll discover why micromanaging is the first habit to break and how trusting your team—not doing everything yourself—can exponentially boost project outcomes. We unpack Wes's framework for building project culture that promotes accountability, safety, and quality withou...

In this episode, Stephen Poppe, Charles Ma, and Lars discuss the challenges and strategies of building a SaaS company in the construction industry. Charles shares his journey of bootstrapping "Scoreboard," emphasizing the importance of maintaining control and flexibility without heavy reliance on external funding. The conversation delves into the complexities of the construction field, the need fo...

In this insightful conversation, KP Reddy shares his perspectives on construction industry challenges, the role of technology and AI, and the future of digital transformation in construction. Discover how incentive alignment, AI, and innovative tools are shaping the future of building and project management. Our Website: https://constructionconversations.com/ Today's Guest: KP Reddy Check Him Out...

In this episode, Aaron shares how Granite is redefining industry standards by embracing citizen development, AI-driven safety initiatives, and seamless communication via platforms like Yammer and SharePoint. We break down how agile teams can quickly experiment with vibe coding and low-code solutions, then scale success company-wide—without risking security or losing control. You'll learn how const...

In this conversation, the hosts and guests explore the evolution of construction technology, focusing on the role of Evercam and reality-driven intelligence in enhancing project management. They discuss the importance of collaboration, data capture, and the future of construction tech, emphasizing the need for safety and compliance. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in the indu...

In this engaging interview, Steve Little shares his journey from retail to leading facilities at a major grocery chain, emphasizing the importance of culture, relationships, and continuous learning in construction and industry success. Discover insights on project management, supply chain challenges, and building strong industry partnerships. Our Website: https://constructionconversations.com/ Tod...

In this engaging conversation, Mark Fly shares his diverse career journey in the construction industry, highlighting the importance of embracing opportunities, mentorship, and technology. He discusses his role as a product evangelist and the significance of building trust and real conversations in the industry. The discussion also touches on the future of job walks and the need to capture knowledg...

This episode explores the impact of AI on the economy, labor, and construction industry, featuring insights from industry experts. We discuss the potential for AI to replace human labor, the importance of human leadership, and strategies for adapting to rapid technological change. Our Website: https://constructionconversations.com/ Today's Guest: Aaron Toppston, Managing Partner, GS Futures - Earl...

This episode features Hugh Seaton discussing the broad impact of AI on construction and other industries, focusing on adoption challenges, strategic integration, and future opportunities. We explore how AI can augment human capabilities, streamline processes, and reshape industry dynamics. Our Website: https://constructionconversations.com/ Today's Guest: Hugh Seaton, Managing Director, Constructi...

In this conversation, Angelo Suntres and Stephen Poppe explore the human side of construction, discussing the importance of mentorship, the challenges of workforce evolution, and the impact of technology on the industry. They delve into the pressing issues of labor shortages, mental health, and the need for knowledge transfer in a rapidly changing environment. The discussion emphasizes the signifi...

In this engaging conversation, Stephen and Lars discuss various topics with guest Victor Muchiri, exploring his unique journey through the construction industry, the importance of innovation, and the role of technology in shaping the future of construction. They delve into the challenges of career paths, the significance of self-reflection, and the necessity of a curious mindset in today's rapidly...

In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss the current state of industrialized construction, exploring the challenges and opportunities within the industry. They emphasize the importance of curiosity and education in driving innovation, while also addressing the labor shortages that are pushing for more efficient construction methods. The discussion touches on the balance between standardiza...

In this engaging conversation, Cameron Page shares his journey from a construction background to founding ClearStory, a construction tech company. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from the field to tech, the importance of empathy in understanding industry needs, and the evolution of his startup. The discussion also touches on the integration of AI in construction, the cultural clash be...

In this conversation, Lars, Stephen, and Michael discuss various themes surrounding technology, construction, and personal experiences. They explore the importance of relationships in construction, and the role of technology and AI in the industry. Michael shares insights on the disconnect between C-suite executives and field workers, emphasizing the need for a human touch in technology and the va...

In this conversation, Stephen Poppe hosts Patrick Murphy and Jeremy Crumley to discuss the evolving landscape of pre-construction in the construction industry, particularly focusing on the integration of technology and AI. They explore the increasing value of pre-construction services, the impact of technology on efficiency and productivity, and the importance of data strategy. The discussion also...

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Buchner, CEO of Trunk Tools, shares her journey from a blue-collar worker on a farm to leading a tech startup in the construction industry. The discussion covers the cultural differences in construction practices between Europe and the US, the importance of feedback from field workers, and the role of AI in transforming workflows. Sarah emphasizes the need for...

In this episode, Tim Straub, Senior Technical Program Manager at Google, discusses his transition from general contractor to owner-side leadership, how that shift changed his approach to quality and commissioning, and the challenges of delivering data centers in the fast-paced AI/ML era. Tim covers leadership through influence, the evolving priorities of testing and lifecycle risk, labor and equip...

In this episode, Stephen sits down with Al Ricci, Global Director of Customer Success at Oracle, for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with Canadian Thanksgiving and porchetta — and ends with three decades of hard-earned lessons from the frontlines of construction tech. Al shares how empathy became his most powerful leadership strategy, why sales and customer success must work hand in hand,...

Alex Belkafor shares his journey from project engineer to leading digital strategy at McCarthy, explaining how a field-first approach to BIM and VDC drives better project planning, integration with owners, and streamlined construction delivery. He discusses measuring value through reduced downstream risk (the "cost of goals not scored"), the rise of connected jobsite technologies, the promise and...

In this conversation, David Tibbetts, Chief Safety Officer at Highwire, shares insights on the evolving landscape of safety in the construction industry. He discusses his career journey, the importance of collaboration between owners and contractors, and the role of technology in enhancing safety practices. The conversation delves into the significance of prequalification processes, understanding...

Stuart Maggs, Director of Commercial Product of Field AI and former architect discusses their $405 million raise, his path from architecture to robotics, and early hands‑on experiments that sparked a career redefining how buildings get made. The episode explains Field AI’s software “brain” for robots, how navigation and perception unlock real jobsite use cases, the API/SDK future for specialized a...

Senior Project Manager John Riggs (Suffolk) shares his journey from plant genetics and political science to leading complex construction projects. He unpacks what’s really happening on today’s jobsites, from subs to GCs, and how curiosity and hands-on learning shaped his career. John breaks down where tech helps—and where it adds friction—covering BIM and digital delivery, reality capture and dron...

Welcome back to Construction Conversations. In this episode, we discuss the crucial role of mentorship and coaching in the construction industry with Chris and Tim Smith, two experienced leaders from Ellis Don. Tim, with 30 years of experience and previously an executive vice president, now dedicates his time to coaching and leadership development. Chris, a general superintendent, shares his journ...

Welcome to this episode of Construction Conversations, where we dive into the story of Raise Robotics, a trailblazer in the field of construction automation. Join hosts Lars and Stephen as they chat with Conley and Gary from Raise Robotics about their journey from a chance LinkedIn connection to redefining construction workflows with cutting-edge robotics technology. Discover how Conley and Gary's...

In this episode of Construction Conversations, we chat with Joe Wilson of Projexion, diving into the data challenges within the construction industry. We explore Joe's origin story, from managing projects on the field to developing a product that enhances project outcomes through data clarity and efficiency. Discover how aligning technology with construction processes can dramatically reduce risks...