The ConTechCrew – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of The ConTech Crew Podcast, part of a crossover with FreeTo CTO series, hosts Jeff Sample and Trent Leinenbach sit down with Jen Clark, Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal. They explore how non-traditional career paths and curiosity-driven problem-solving can shape a new generation of construction technology leaders. This conversation shines a light on Jen's unique route into tech leadership, her approach to low-code app development, managing shadow IT, and driving digital transformation in construction.

Jen Clark is the Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal, a Portland-based mechanical contractor with nearly a century of operations. Originally trained in civil engineering, Jen's journey has taken her from software support to field engineering and eventually into a self-defined technology leadership role. Her work spans app development, ERP integration, and digital strategy which have all been aimed at bridging the gap between operations, finance, and IT in construction.

Expect to Learn

• How Jen transitioned from field engineering to tech leadership without a construction tech background.
• What it means to be a “human API” in construction: connecting IT, operations, and finance.
• Lessons learned from building low-code applications to manage projects and data.
• Strategies for driving internal tech adoption and aligning with leadership.
• How to navigate the balance between shadow IT and strategic innovation in small-to-midsize firms.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00] - Introduction

[02:17] - FreeTO Series by Construction Dorks

[05:09] - Jen’s Unconventional Career Path

[07:35] - Building a Role from Curiosity: Project Integration Manager

[15:54] - Lessons from Low-Code App Development

[19:27] - Jen Outlines Her Decision-Making Framework

[27:38] - Collaboration and Strategic Growth

[32:34] - Digital Transformation in the Fabrication Shop

[37:42] - Selling Vision to Leadership

[41:46] - Final Thoughts

Follow the Guest & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferaclark1/
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/general-sheet-metal/
• Website (Company): https://www.gsmw.com/
• Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/generalsheetmetal/
• Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/GeneralSheetMetal1932# 

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow the Co-Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-466018177/
• Company: https://www.stratus.build/
• Blog: https://www.constructiondorks.com/

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

The second half of this episode continues the crew Jonathan Marsh, CEO of Steel Toe Consulting and a technology strategist, Nathan Wood, Founder & Chief Enabling Officer At SpectrumAEC, Travis Voss, Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication at SMACNA and Jacob D’Albora, Director of Digital Building Operations at VIATechnik gets into how policy, planning, and finance are reshaping construction’s landscape. They unpack the risks of short-term thinking in materials sourcing, renewable energy setbacks, and how permitting reform could change how we build.

Things also get financial as the group discusses M&A trends, private equity’s growing interest in construction, and the precarious position of mid-sized contractors. Is the middle tier hollowing out? And how might public policy like environmental mandates and tax incentives speed up or stall that process?

Key Learnings:

• Permitting reform could speed up projects but raises accountability questions.
• Federal moves may unintentionally weaken environmental review processes.
• Renewable energy projects are being scrapped midstream at a cost.
• AI alone can't fix bad processes or poor planning.
• Private equity is reshaping construction's mid-market tier.
• M&A activity signals both opportunity and risk for innovation.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction

[03:29] - Can tech improve environmental review?

[05:40] - Risk of cutting corners under time-based KPIs

[08:58] - Unintended consequences of blanket policies

[23:18] - What PE Means for Innovation and Culture

[27:16] - Financial signals: M&A and funding rounds

[29:01] - SMACNA Trade Stacking Survey

[32:12] - How to Get the Most from Conferences

[37:45] - Wrap-up: What’s next for AI, policy & construction

Survey Form: https://survey.typeform.com/to/BuQAIB0y 

Follow the Jacob D’Albora & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdalbora/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/viatechnik/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpdalbora/?hl=en 
• Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/via.technik/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpdalbora/ 

Follow Travis Voss & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.voss.336 
• Website: https://www.constructiondorks.com/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/smacna/ 
• Website(Company): https://www.smacna.org/ 
• Facebook(Company): https://www.facebook.com/SMACNA 
• Twitter(Company): https://x.com/smacna 
• Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/smacna/ 

Follow Jonathan Marsh & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-toe-consulting-llc/ 
• Website: https://www.steeltoeconsulting.com/ 

Follow Nathan Wood & Company

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ 
• LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectrumaec/ 
• Twitter(company): https://x.com/spectrumaec?

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, Jeff Sample sits down with Peter Lasensky, founder of Command Post and the original creator of NoteVault, to talk about revolutionizing documentation in construction. With decades of firsthand experience as a contractor and tech innovator, Peter shares how a tough legal lesson inspired him to create a voice-to-text solution that’s changing how field teams protect their projects and their bottom line.

Peter gets into the power of real-time documentation, why adjectives don’t belong in daily reports, and how AI and multilingual support are shaping the future of construction communication. From solving disputes before they start to connecting teams with smart collaboration tools, this episode is packed with insights for anyone building in today’s high-risk, high-stakes environment.

Key Learnings

• Real-time voice documentation can help contractors avoid litigation and get paid faster.
• Removing opinions and adjectives from reports makes them stronger in legal disputes.
• Documentation tools must match the UX standards of modern apps to drive adoption.
• Multilingual support with automated transcription and translation builds trust and clarity.
• AI can now help teams spot leading risk indicators before projects go off track.
• Smart collaboration tools connect GCs and subs without compromising transparency.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Introduction 

[01:12] - Official intro and guest welcome

[02:36] - Peter’s background

[06:58] - Turner Construction drywall dispute: documentation wins cases

[11:47] - Launching Command Post: a modern take on field documentation

[22:44] - Rapid voice and photo capture for busy job sites

[21:10] - Best practices: remove opinions, focus on facts in report

[26:34] - Training the field: why daily reports matter and how to make them easier

[31:06] - Smart collaboration and subcontractor transparency

[34:07] - Project newsfeeds bring field progress to the office

[36:07] - Final remarks

Follow the Guest & Company:

• Guest (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterlasensky/ 
• Website: https://www.commandpost.ai
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/gocommandpost/ 
• Youtube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@command-post 
• Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/commandtechnologies/?hl=en 

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
• Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew 

🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com

How should the construction industry address talent shortage and accelerate innovation?

Join me and my co-host, Nathan Wood, as we dive into one of the most talked about topics in the industry with Rick Khan, an industry thought leader and founder of Innov8AEC.

Innov8AEC is a leading innovation and tech consulting firm, empowering AEC professionals and organizations to elevate their business value through cutting-edge solutions and strategic guidance.

Today, Rick discusses what Innov8AEC is all about and the importance of community and collaboration in fostering innovation in the construction industry. He also emphasizes the need to educate the next generation and how this approach addresses the talent shortage that has been slowing down the industry’s growth.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion with Rick. Tune in now to learn more!


Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)
From the gaming industry to construction (05:20)
Rick’s purpose with Innov8AEC (10:34)
Addressing the talent shortage in construction (15:04)
Difference of Innov8AEC from platforms like LinkedIn (19:41)
The importance of unbiased, industry-wide collaboration (26:16)
Community-led problem-solving in technology implementation (29:29)
Education and mentorship for the next generation in construction (33:19)
Democratizing knowledge in the construction industry (37:51)
Construction technology news of the week (38:56)


Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at https://thecontechcrew.com

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew

—

Follow Rick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanricardo/

Visit Innov8AEC for more information: https://www.innov8aec.com/

—

See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️ Apple Vision Pro Is Currently Sold Out but Demand for Pricey Headset Could Go Down
https://gizmodo.com/apple-vision-pro-sold-demand-down-ar-vr-headset-1851184622

➡️ Construction’s manufacturing boom: Mapping the biggest facilities underway in the US
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/manufacturing-construction-boom-tracker-map/688140/

➡️ Looking to 2024: Four predictions for construction technology
https://www.constructionbriefing.com/news/looking-to-2024-four-predictions-for-the-heavy-construction-industry/8033888.article

➡️ Document Crunch Adds Conversational AI to Its Contract Risk Review Solution for Accelerated Contract Insights
https://www.documentcrunch.com/news-archive/chat

–

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com

Imagine a construction project where manual takeoffs, a tedious and time-consuming process, are a thing of the past.

In this week’s episode, my co-host Jonathan Marsh and I interview Patrick E. Murphy, former congressman and now CEO of Togal.AI, a company that uses AI to automate the estimating process in construction while incorporating ChatGPT to manage construction plans.

Throughout our discussion, we delve into the transformative role of AI in the construction industry, specifically Togal.AI, while highlighting its impact on current construction issues and how we can strategically leverage AI to enhance the overall efficiency of construction projects.

Let’s get started!


Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)
Meet Patrick E. Murphy and his construction journey (07:34)
How Togal.AI started and its impact on construction (10:04)
Challenges of technology adoption in construction (13:28)
How to use Togal.AI efficiently (20:40)
On leveraging generative AI to improve the industry (25:50)
How to help people understand Togal’s limitation (29:33)
Building with RENCO that lasts for hundreds of years (32:19)
How to automate estimates in bulk with Togal.AI (41:10)
Patrick’s perspective on change and AI in construction (48:07)
Construction technology news of the week (51:29)


Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at https://thecontechcrew.com

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew

—

Follow Togal.AI on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/togal-ai-llc/

Subscribe to Togal.AI on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@togal_ai

Visit its website for more information: https://www.togal.ai/

—

See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️ Qmerit AI automates home electrification - re-thinking a major infrastructure challenge
https://diginomica.com/qmerit-ai-automates-home-electrification-re-thinking-major-infrastructure-challenge

➡️ ISO and ASTM define standard for additive manufacturing in construction
https://www.therobotreport.com/iso-astm-define-additive-manufacturing-construction-standard/

➡️ Why the DOE brought its energy ‘moonshot factory’ to CES for the first time
https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2024/01/16/doe-arpa-e-ces

➡️ Backlog increases amid easing credit conditions
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-backlog-up-credit-eases/704671/

–

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com

What were the significant tech strides in 2023, and what’s in store for 2024?

In this special episode of The ConTech Crew, I sit down with co-hosts Nathan Wood and Ariel Castillo for a 2023 year-in-review and what's coming in 2024.

From the rise of digital applications on job sites to the integration of AI and machine learning, we’ll dive deeper into the challenges and breakthroughs that are reshaping the construction industry.

Today, the crew will provide insightful perspectives on tech adoption and interoperability, the tech burnout issue, the future of BIM, and what the construction industry should look forward to in 2024.

Stay ahead of the curve by tuning in to this week’s episode. Let’s dive in!


Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)
The importance of interoperability (05:20)
On AI, app fatigue, and tech burnout issues (05:59)
Basics of technology adoption (12:43)
How public funding impacts technology adoption (15:17)
Finding the balance in innovation (22:08)
Bringing the trades to the education table (25:10)
The future of BIM and digital transformation (29:05)
What’s in store for 2024? (36:29)
Episode wrap-up (55:06)


Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at https://thecontechcrew.com

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew

—

Follow Nathan Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/

Follow Ariel Castillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bimnomad/

—

See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️ First Round of $85 Million Competitive Grant Program to Fund DigitalConstruction Technologies That Save Time and Money
https://highways.dot.gov/newsroom/biden-harris-administration-opens-first-round-85-million-competitive-grant-program-fund

➡️ Construction outlook is a mixed bag in AGC survey
https://finance-commerce.com/2024/01/construction-outlook-is-a-mixed-bag-in-agc-survey/

➡️ Mercedes-Benz to enter luxury real estate scene
https://www.luxuryportfolio.com/blog/mercedes-benz-to-enter-luxury-real-estate-scene/

➡️ Top 2024 AI Construction Trends: According to the Experts
https://constructionblog.autodesk.com/top-2024-ai-construction-trends-according-to-the-experts/

➡️ BIM in Construction Market: The global market is growing at a CAGR of 14.5% during the forecasted period.
https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/bim-in-construction-market-the-global-market-is-growing-at-a-cagr-of-14-5-during-the-forecasted-period-#ixzz8P25fmsNb

➡️ GPT-4 release date – When was GPT-4 released?
https://www.pcguide.com/apps/chat-gpt-4-release-date/

➡️ The Year of Information
https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2023/12/14/ai-hype-2024

–

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com


Panelized construction is on the rise, and it has become very popular for numerous reasons.

In this week’s episode, my co-host Nathan Wood and I sit down with David Victor, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, and Chris Boal, Integrated Construction Director at BLUvera, to discuss the technology and process behind BLUvera’s panelized wall system.

BLUvera, a manufacturer and designer of cold-formed steel products, takes pride in its innovative manufacturing and off-site fabrication systems, aiming to enhance construction safety, speed, and predictability.

Today, we’ll dive deep into off-site fabrication and panelized construction, examining its profound impact on the industry. We’ll also geek out on the technology behind BLUvera’s innovative manufacturing and fabrication systems, along with its associated challenges and opportunities, and more.

Let’s jump right in!


Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)
Meet David Victor and Chris Boal of BLUvera (05:23)
An overview of BLUvera and what it does (09:20)
Advantages of using cold-formed steel (13:52)
Impact of panelized wall system on the construction process (15:34)
Engineering and BIM coordination then vs. now (26:52)
On democratizing data and processes (30:37)
What is manufacturing in a factory like? (34:40)
Challenges of manufacturing panelized wall (41:10)
Construction technology news of the week (48:42)


Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at https://thecontechcrew.com

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew

—

Check out BLUvera for more information: https://www.bluvera.com/

—

See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️ The Case for Less Communication in Building Design
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/case-less-communication-building-design-kevin-lawson-pe-hkt4/

➡️ Why 2023 was a big year for ConTech Interoperability at Trimble
https://www.forconstructionpros.com/construction-technology/article/22881256/trimble-why-2023-was-a-big-year-for-contech-interoperability-at-trimble

➡️ Top Construction Events for 2024
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/conferences-2024-construction-building/696094/

➡️ Artificial Intelligence Act: Council and Parliament strike a deal on the first rules for AI in the world
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/12/09/artificial-intelligence-act-council-and-parliament-strike-a-deal-on-the-first-worldwide-rules-for-ai/

—

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com

If you missed Autodesk's AU 2023 conference in Vegas, an industry-leading event, fret not because I'm bringing in a dear colleague and one of the people behind the event's success to talk more about it.

In this week's episode, my co-host Ariel Castillo and I sit down with Allison Scott to give us a rundown of the Autodesk University conference 2023 in Las Vegas last November.

Allison is a "technology translator" and the Director of Customer Experience & Industry Advocacy at Autodesk. She has been a key contributor to Autodesk's leading-edge approach to customer engagement, including a highly-rated global executive council program, a growing online community, and industry impact programs that help bring awareness to industry issues. ​

Today, Allison and the crew dive deep into what transpired during the AU 2023 event, highlighting Autodesk's most significant latest tech releases, the Dublin Airport Authority case study, the future of construction with AI, and what to look forward to for next year.

Let's dive in!


Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)
Get to know Allison Scott and her advocacy (06:56)
What did the Autodesk University 2023 experience feel like? (14:01)
The making of Autodesk AI (24:20)
Ariel’s biggest takeaway from the AU 2023 event (28:15)
Exploring Autodesk’s new releases (30:08)
How does the Autodesk Work Plan tool work (37:06)
The Dublin Airport Authority or DAA case study (43:27)
What to look forward to in AU 2024 (49:43)
Construction technology news of the week (54:23)


Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at https://thecontechcrew.com

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew

—

Follow Allison Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisongscott/

Visit Autodesk for more information: https://www.autodesk.com/

—

See this week’s news articles! 🗞️⬇️

➡️ Gen Z set to outnumber baby boomers in the workforce in 2024, Glassdoor says
https://www.hrdive.com/news/gen-z-overtake-baby-boomers-workforce-glassdoor/699828/

➡️ ENR Global Best Projects Awards
https://www.enr.com/bestprojects/global

➡️ US DOT Announces $817M in Road Safety Grants
https://www.enr.com/articles/57883-us-dot-announces-817m-in-road-safety-grants

➡️ The American Dream, bank failures, and artificial intelligence were on readers' minds
https://www.investopedia.com/2023-investopedia-terms-of-the-year-8409161

➡️ NFL’s Ravens award Gilbane $430M stadium upgrade project
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/ravens-stadium-construction-gilbane-nfl/702644/

—

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com

In this week's episode, I sit down with Andy Verone, chief strategy officer at Contruent, a premier capital project management software solution.

With over 35 years of industry experience, Andy has solid experience in the construction technology field. Before joining Contruent, Andy was a global vice president at Oracle and co-founded Oracle's Vertical Industry Labs.

Today, he shares his journey from construction and engineering to the technology side and the why behind this big move.

We also delve into the role of data in the industry, defining cost controls and data standardizations, capital management, and more.

Let's jump in!


Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)
How Andy got into construction technology (03:08)
The role of data in driving profitability (05:49)
On mapping out the process and understanding the key points (08:25)
Creating a better experience with data (12:33)
How Andy got into where he’s at today (16:39)
Oracle’s guiding strategy on acquisitions and creation (19:19)
The driving force in building an innovation lab (22:44)
Why Andy moved to Contruent (26:39)
Defining cost controls and data standardizations (28:30)
What people can gain from these project controls software (36:32)
Episode wrap-up (43:47)


Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at https://thecontechcrew.com

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew

—

Follow Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-verone-4995109/

Visit Contruent for more information: https://www.contruent.com/

—

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!

🏗️ Learn more at https://thecontechcrew.com

We all know what data can do to the construction industry–but building permit data? That's another story.

In this week's special episode, I am excited to speak with Doug Heady of BuilderBinder, Ryan Buckley of Shovels, and Kat Gordiienko of Builty.Today, we discuss how Doug, Ryan, Kat, and their teams are reinventing how we see building permit data and how these new software technologies can massively impact construction manufacturers, companies, contractors, and consumers.

We delve into the value of scraping and cleaning data and the process of turning a massive raw building permit data set into a one-stop shop directory on anything contractors and projects, and a whole lot more, in just a few clicks of a button.

Are you ready to dive into the world of data?

Let's jump in!


Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)
Get to know this week’s guests (02:35)
A great solution born out of a personal problem (06:58)
The challenges in solving the dirty data problem (16:03)
The process of making a massive building and permit data portal (21:38)
How data can empower contractors (27:23)
What the future looks like for contractors (30:52)
How data accessibility impacts both contractors and consumers (38:24)
Episode wrap-up (44:14)


Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at https://thecontechcrew.com

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew

—

Follow Doug Heady on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougheady/

Visit BuilderBinder for more information: https://builderbinder.com/

Follow Ryan Buckley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbuckley/

Visit Shovels for more information: https://www.shovels.ai/

Follow Kat Gordiienki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katgord/

Visit Builty for more information: https://www.builtydata.com/

—

The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.

Give us a follow so you never miss an episode!