Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction – Détails, épisodes et analyse

What does it take to bring true innovation into one of the world’s most risk-averse industries?

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd and Ryan unpack how to move from breakthrough technology to real-world adoption. The discussion explores why being honest about where you really are matters more than hype, how simplicity often beats complexity, and why economics ultimately drive scalability. If you’ve ever wondered how sustainable solutions can shift from pilot projects to global impact, this conversation delivers a grounded look at making change stick. Ryan shares insights on the significance of cement in climate change, the evolution of tech adoption in the industry, and the future of construction. He emphasizes the need for collaboration with traditional cement producers and the importance of financial mechanisms to support innovation.

Ryan Gilliam is co-founder and CEO of Fortera, a low-carbon cement manufacturer focused on paving the way to zero CO2 cement. Gilliam is a serial entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to solving climate issues. Specifically, Gilliam has focused on decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like cement, energy, and petrochemicals. He has over 100 granted patents focused on electrochemical, chemical, and materials technologies for the beneficial reuse of carbon emissions, green hydrogen production, and more environmentally friendly chemical manufacturing. In addition to his role at Fortera, Gilliam also serves on the Board of Directors of Verdagy, a company he founded that is innovating advanced electrolysis technology for the large-scale production of green hydrogen.

True innovation starts with being brutally honest about your current reality. Don’t oversell the data or the promise—know exactly where you stand and what’s realistically possible.

Shiny technology isn’t enough. What actually gets adopted is what’s practical, scalable, and simple to integrate. Sometimes the smartest move is choosing simplicity over complexity.

Change doesn’t scale because it’s exciting—it scales because the economics work. For any new process or product to truly take off, it has to compete on cost as much as on performance.

00:00 Introduction to Sustainable Cement Innovation

00:54 Ryan's Journey into Climate Sustainability

02:36 Lessons Learned from Early Ventures

04:42 Navigating Risk Aversion in the Cement Industry

06:43 The Importance of Cement in Climate Change

08:50 Transforming Ideas into Reality

11:00 Collaborating with Traditional Cement Producers

12:38 Simplifying Technology for Adoption

16:05 Balancing Innovation and Practicality

17:27 Key Levers for Low Carbon Cement Adoption

19:17 Evolution of Mindset in Tech Adoption

20:49 Future of Construction and Cement

23:02 Myths Surrounding Cement Adoption

24:15 Advice for Innovators in Risk-Averse Industries

26:02 Defining Innovation and Its Impact

28:06 The Need for Financial Mechanisms in Innovation

Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts.

Bridging the Gap Website

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Todd’s LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors!

Graitec North America

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Other Relevant Links:

Ryan's LinkedIn

Fortera Corporation

Can artificial intelligence really help solve one of construction’s biggest challenges—trust?

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd Weyandt speaks with Jessica Herrala, Head of Sales and Regional Director of North America at Buildots, about the evolving role of AI and real-time data in construction project management.

From her early days walking job sites with her dad to leading conversations on cutting-edge tech, Jessica shares her perspective on how AI can improve productivity, identify work-ready areas, and help project teams move from reactive problem-solving to proactive planning. They explore the balance between human intuition and data-driven decision-making, the importance of change management in adopting new tools, and why making construction “cool” again is essential for attracting the next generation of talent.

MEET OUR GUEST

Jessica Herrala is the Head of Sales and Regional Director of North America at Buildots, an AI-based construction technology that gives stakeholders the power to reduce schedule through data and insights. Jessica brings more than 25 years of experience in sales, communications, marketing, business development, strategy and operational improvement in the commercial construction and development industry. She has a deep passion for improving the efficiency of the industry through technology and enjoys working directly with leadership and project teams to solve the pain points of and time waste on projects. Previous positions include Chief of Communications & Marketing at Clayco, VP of Strategy at The Walsh Group and numerous positions in a 17-year career at Skanska. Jessica is a board member of the International Women’s Forum and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Journalism.

TODD TAKES

Pride in What We Build

I love seeing the passion in this industry. Every beam, every wall, every finished project is a testament to the skill and dedication of the people who make it happen. That pride is something worth protecting and celebrating.

Trust but Verify

Collaboration works best when we assume positive intent, but also have systems in place to verify progress and quality. It’s not about fighting each other — it’s about making sure we’re all aligned and moving forward together.

Intuition + Technology = Our Superpower

Human intuition and creativity are what make this industry great, and technology shouldn’t replace that. Instead, it can be a powerful partner to help us make smarter decisions, spot issues earlier, and ultimately do our best work.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Construction Innovation

00:54 Jessica's Journey into Construction

03:51 Challenges in Construction Project Management

06:43 The Role of Real-Time Data and AI

11:28 AI's Impact on Construction Efficiency

17:16 The Future of Construction with AI

21:56 Closing Thoughts and Innovations in Construction.

Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts.

Bridging the Gap Website

Bridging the Gap LinkedIn

Bridging the Gap Instagram

Bridging the Gap YouTube

Todd’s LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors!

Graitec North America

Graitec North America LinkedIn

Other Relevant Links: Jessica Herrala’s LinkedIn Buildots Website

It’s a fact: a picture is worth a thousand words. In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd Weyandt sit down with Roger Yarrow of TrueLook Construction Cameras to explore the evolving world of construction cameras. Roger shares his vision for the future of precon, the growing importance of data-driven decisions, and how visibility tech is transforming project teams. Tune in and dive into the rising demand for preconstruction software, how to avoid costly job site mistakes, and why flexibility and transparency are must-haves in today's construction landscape.

🔎 Topics Covered:

• Why preconstruction is more important than ever
• The role of data and software in modern construction
• Building trust through client transparency
• Preparing your team for future innovation
• The biggest challenges facing preconstruction teams today

Roger Yarrow is CEO of TrueLook Construction Cameras. In his role, Roger spearheads the company's commitment to being the market leader in total jobsite visibility. By harnessing advanced camera technology, data-driven insights, and AI, TrueLook offers construction professionals a seamless and comprehensive solution for viewing, securing, and documenting their jobsites.

TODD TAKES

1. Total Jobsite Visibility Isn’t Just a Catchphrase—It’s a Decision-Making Superpower When you’ve got real-time visuals, time-lapse documentation, and security footage all in one place, you’re not just watching a jobsite—you’re managing it smarter. Visibility gives you the power to make decisions proactively instead of reactively. That’s a game-changer.
2. Cameras Build Accountability and Transparency Without the Big Brother Vibe It’s not about catching people doing something wrong—it’s about creating a shared reality everyone can operate from. When project stakeholders can see progress, align on facts, and track what really happened on site, you’re building trust from the field all the way to the C-suite.
3. A Connected Jobsite Is a Safer Jobsite This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety. Cameras and other connected tools create an ecosystem where machines, people, and data talk to each other. And when tech can warn you about danger before it strikes, that’s innovation doing what it’s supposed to—keeping people safe.

Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts.

Bridging the Gap Website

Bridging the Gap LinkedIn

Bridging the Gap Instagram

Bridging the Gap YouTube

Todd’s LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsors!

Applied Software

Applied Software LinkedIn

Other Relevant Links: Roger’s LinkedIn TrueLook Construction Cameras

How do construction and structural engineering work together? What are some ways that we can encourage this meeting of the minds? Join host Todd and guest Juraj Sabatka as they discuss the contributions of structural engineering to the construction industry, common misconceptions about both industries, the challenges that come with embracing the change inherent in sustainability, and more.

Juraj Sabatka is the CEO of IDEA StatiCa. His background is in finance, business and management. He is enthusiastic about new technologies and entrepreneurship.

Of all the most recent advents in construction technology, what are the most useful? What’s the biggest hurdle in adoption when it comes to AR and VR? Join host Todd and guest Garrett Isham as they discuss the pros and cons of artificial intelligence, what construction and manufacturing can learn from each other, and the modern technologies that will shape the near future of the industry.

Garrett Isham is the CEO and Founder of PlatformXR. Over the last 7 years, he has led PlatformXR – a software application development company with a focus on Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and mobile tools and application

What are the smartest ways to prioritize sustainable efforts and profits—especially if your company is less established? Join host Todd and guest Aad Storm as they discuss what it means to prioritize sustainability, the “human element” we shouldn’t forget in the whirlwind of new tech adoption, how we can reassure teammates and employees of their irreplaceable value in the face of AI, and much more.

Aad Storm is the CEO and founder of Eveon Containers. He has a strong background in developing strategic vision and inspiring people with that vision. Eveon Containers is the leading global supplier of used shipping containers, pioneering sustainable and responsible solutions with digital innovation.

What does a successful technological transformation look like in our industry? What are the biggest challenges facing that successful transformation? Join host Todd and guest KP Reddy as they discuss the importance of staying consistent, the reliable predictors of success or failure in tech implementation, making space for creativity and innovation in construction, and more.

KP Reddy is the founder and managing partner of Shadow Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in seed-stage companies that are transforming tech-nascent industries with disruptive technologies. With over 25 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur and investor, he has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in industries such as construction, real estate, manufacturing, and design. He also wrote the book "BIM for Building Owners and Developers," published by Wiley and Sons in 2012,and has contributed to several publications and media outlets on the topic. His mission is to help owners and clients use BIM to increase transparency, quality, efficiency, and profitability in their projects.

What are the best ways to create a culture of innovation in construction? Join host Todd and guest Todd Grossweiler as they discuss adopting an entrepreneurial mindset for success, how one customer’s story can change your processes for the better, the pros and cons of modular construction techniques, and more.

Todd Grossweiler is the Executive Vice President at Allison-Smith Company LLC. In his role, he applies his creative techniques to technical project management while staying acutely aware of the “people” side ofthe business. His mission is to help Allison-Smith’s team succeed through continuously improving processes, technology, and relationships.

How will AI and data analytics shape the future of construction? What are some ways we’re already seeing shifts in our workforce? Join host Todd and guest Izhak Paz as they discuss the benefits of AI-powered tools, how to harness and use the right data, the potential risks of new tech, and more.

Izhak Paz is the CEO and founder of SafeGuard AI Group. With a deep passion for improving people’s wellbeing and a drive to create a meaningful impact through innovative technical solutions, Izhak is an experienced entrepreneur and trusted strategic advisor with a solid foundation in economics and public health.

What does the path from journeyman to executive look like? What should young workers expect to find in the industry today? Join host Todd and guest James Chesnut as they discuss the generational rise and fall of vocational work, changing the narrative around skilled labor, Day & Zimmermann’s new app DZ JobLinX, and the interesting relationship between government and the trades.

James Chesnut is the Senior Vice President of Nuclear Operations for Day & Zimmermann’s open shop business unit. In this role, he is responsible for fossil and nuclear maintenance, Value, and QA/QC services. James is a second-generation nuclear worker with 40 years of experience in construction, design modifications, outage management, and maintenance in the power industry.