The ConTechCrew – Details, episodes & analysis

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The ConTechCrew

Jeff Sample

Technology

News

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/6d. Total Eps: 650

The Future is Built! Learn more at: https://thecontechcrew.com/

Welcome to The ConTechCrew, hosted by Jeff Sample!

Here, we discuss innovation and all things construction tech, including hardware, software, devices, apps, and the strategies for applying them to construction projects.

Tune in each week to get your latest construction tech news update.

Follow us on social media and join the conversation: @TheConTechCrew

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http://thecontechcrew.com
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http://jbknowledge.com
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http://jbknowledge.com/contechtrio
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/
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AI Failures in Construction for Business Leaders to Fix Workflow Gaps with Connor and Hugh

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 • Duration 45:28

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample looks into the real-world application of AI in construction with industry leaders from Quantum Rise. While AI is generating excitement across industries, construction companies often struggle with where to start, what to automate, and how to ensure meaningful ROI. This conversation breaks down the path from curiosity to implementation, showing how AI can shift from buzzword to business advantage, if done right.

Hugh Seaton and Connor Schmeling from Quantum Rise join the show. Hugh brings years of experience in AI and digital transformation, with a sharp focus on aligning tech with business goals. Connor leads the construction vertical at Quantum Rise, leveraging a consulting and technology background (KPMG, fintech) to help contractors and subcontractors drive value through AI. Together, they offer a complementary blend of vision and execution.

Key Takeaways

Why starting AI initiatives with business outcomes is the key to success.
Common AI implementation pitfalls in construction and how to avoid them.
The value of automating “boring” but necessary tasks to free up human expertise.
How Quantum Rise uses a “Rapid AI Breakthrough Assessment” to identify high-ROI opportunities.
Why future-proofing your AI stack matters and how modular solutions enable adaptability.

Timestamps

[00:00] - Episode Introduction

[02:34] - Hugh’s AI Journey and the Current Landscape

[04:34] - Meet Connor Schmeling and Quantum Rise’s Approach

[07:12] - Avoiding AI Failures: It’s Not Just About Tech

[11:34] - The Importance of Business Strategy Before AI Strategy

[16:31] - Automating the Right Tasks: Small Wins, Big Impact

[23:34] - Future-Proofing AI Solutions and Modular Model Design

[28:10] - Human-Centric Design: Making AI Usable and Trusted

[35:05] - The Connected Jobsite and Using Data Intelligently

[41:05] - Conclusion: AI as a Strategic Partner in Construction

Follow Connor Schmeling:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorschmeling/

Follow Hugh Seaton:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughseaton/
Website: https://hughseaton.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hughg.seaton.9
X: https://x.com/hughseaton

Follow Quantum Rise:

Website: https://www.quantumrise.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quantumrise/

Follow the Host:

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

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
X: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

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The Trade Contractors Are Leading the AI Revolution in Construction with Colin Piper

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 42:28

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample sits down with Colin Piper to discuss the rapid adoption of AI in the construction industry. They explore Build Ops’ latest report on AI in commercial contracting, highlighting key trends and challenges faced by trade contractors. The episode discusses how AI is transforming workflows, tackling burnout and labor shortages, and increasing efficiency in the industry. The duo also reflects on the importance of data, training, and the need for ongoing investment to ensure AI’s success in the trade sector.

Colin Piper is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at BuildOps, a leading company in construction technology. With over 20 years of experience in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry, Colin has worked with Autodesk, where he helped build marketing teams and led their construction tech initiatives. Now at BuildOps, he continues his mission to transform the industry through innovative technology, particularly focusing on the adoption of AI.

Key Takeaways

Why Trade contractors are already using AI, and how is it changing their workflows
How the Pivot Point report challenges the common perception about AI adoption in commercial contracting
Rising burnout and a shortage of skilled labor affecting both field workers and back-office teams
How AI helps streamline repetitive tasks on job sites, and what impact it has on tradespeople
Effective AI adoption requires a strong data infrastructure and ongoing investment in training

Timestamps

[00:00] - Episode Introduction

[01:43] - Colin Piper’s Background

[04:05] - The Pivot Point Report

[08:20] - Rising Burnout & Labor Shortages

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What 2025 Really Taught Construction About AI Prefab and Data with The Crew

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 • Duration 51:00

In this special year-end episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample gathers the crew Jonathan Marsh, Travis Voss, and Nathan Wood. Together, they reflect on the events, challenges, and advancements in the construction technology industry throughout 2025. From AI's growing dominance to the evolution of prefab construction, the team discusses key trends, frustrations, and the industry's trajectory toward 2026. They also talk about mergers and acquisitions, data-driven innovations, and shifting labor dynamics.

The crew is cautiously optimistic about 2026, with a focus on how construction technology will mature and how companies can better harness data and AI for future success. There’s a call for more collaboration and understanding between trades, along with the importance of innovation in scaling prefab construction.

Key Takeaways

The team discusses how the year felt like "a dumpster fire", but also a time for growth and transition.
They highlight the increasing role of AI and data in construction, especially for data-driven contractors.
Prefabrication and modular construction have gained momentum, especially in mechanical and electrical trades.
Major M&A activity in 2025 is seen as a response to the need for scalability, innovation, and risk management.
The crew shares their thoughts on the future, a hopeful look toward collaboration and data-driven success in 2026.

Timestamps

[00:00] - Introduction to the Year in Review

[01:12] - Reflecting on 2025: The Year of the Dumpster Fire

[02:11] - Key Themes: AI, Megaprojects, and Uncertainty

[03:54] - Inflated Expectations and the Hype Around AI

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The Ignoring Industry Experts in Construction Tech Costs Founders Adoption with Usman Shuja

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • Duration 38:32

Disclaimer: This episode is a rerun of a previously aired conversation, but the insights on AI and technology’s role in construction remain timely and incredibly relevant.

In this exciting episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Usman Shuja, CEO of Bluebeam, to explore how AI and technology are transforming the construction industry. With extensive experience in AI development across high-stakes industries, Usman shares his unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that digital transformation brings to construction.

The conversation explores the importance of respecting domain expertise, managing change effectively, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI. Usman also provides a sneak peek into Bluebeam’s 2025 strategy and discusses how AI can improve construction productivity, all while navigating the potential risks of unregulated AI in the industry.

Key Takeaways

Understanding how AI is reshaping the construction industry and the potential it holds for the future.
The need to balance technology with the deep knowledge and expertise of construction professionals.
How construction firms can successfully navigate digital transformation and implement new technologies.
A look into how Bluebeam approaches the use of AI responsibly within the industry.
What lies ahead for AI in construction, including both its benefits and potential pitfalls.

Timestamps

[00:49] – From IBM to Bluebeam

[03:52] – Lessons from AI Development

[07:39] – Unique Challenges in Construction’s Value Chain

[10:12] – Change Management Strategies

[13:16] – Bluebeam’s 2025 “Five I’s” Strategy

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AI and Leadership Are Transforming the Construction Industry with Tooey Courtemanche

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • Duration 50:02

Disclaimer: This episode is a rerun of a previously aired conversation, but the insights remain as relevant and powerful as ever. Enjoy this timeless discussion on the evolution of construction and the role of technology in shaping its future.

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample sits down with Tooey Courtemanche, CEO of Procore Technologies, for an enlightening discussion on the construction industry's transformation over the past decade. Tooey offers a unique perspective on how technology has reshaped the sector, the role of leadership in driving innovation, and the growing importance of mental health awareness within the industry.

Tooey also shares the story behind Procore's journey, reflecting on key trends that have impacted construction and giving a sneak peek into what the future holds. The episode is packed with valuable knowledge and forward-thinking ideas for seasoned construction professionals.

Key Takeaways

Celebrating ten years of innovation in construction and what's on the horizon for the industry.
Why learning to prioritize is essential for success in construction tech.
The critical need for mental health initiatives and the role companies can play in supporting well-being.
How cutting-edge technology is changing the way construction projects are planned and executed.
The impact of technology on the next generation of construction professionals.

Timestamps

[00:29] – Setting the Stage

[06:55] – Leadership Lessons from Reagan’s White House

[11:35] – Embracing Competition to Drive Innovation

[16:29] – The Evolution of Construction Technology

[27:02] – Leveraging AI for Predictive Insights

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Top Holiday Tech Gifts for Construction Pros to Stay Healthy and Energized with The Construction Dorks

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • Duration 38:13

In this holiday special of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample returns with the construction dorks for a hosts-only episode to share their favorite tech and wellness gift ideas for the construction dorks in your life. From wearables and recovery tools to retro gaming consoles and DIY robot arms, this fun-filled episode looks into a wide range of geeky, practical, and wellness-focused gifts that blend construction life with tech enthusiasm. The crew also reflects on the importance of rest, play, and giving time during the holiday season.

This episode features the full lineup: Jeff Sample, Jonathan Marsh, Travis Voss, and Nathan Wood. These construction technology veterans and self-proclaimed dorks bring their personal favorites and gadget obsessions to the table, each offering a mix of insight, humor, and holiday spirit rooted in years of experience in the construction tech industry.

Key Takeaways

The best wearables for health tracking, including Oura Ring, WHOOP, and Google Pixel Watch.
The benefits of cold plunges and recovery tools like Hyperice compression sleeves and portable saunas.
Fun and affordable tech gadgets for BIM professionals and construction nerds, from Bluetooth beanies to 3D printing pens.
Retro and DIY gift ideas like robot arms, label makers, and retro gaming systems.
Thoughtful advice on rest, play, and intentional gift-giving during the holiday season.

Timestamps

[00:32] – Host Introductions and Holiday Rants

[05:04] – Wearables for Health and Recovery

[10:43] – Cold Plunge and Sauna Gift Ideas

[15:10] – Affordable Tech Stocking Stuffers

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The Silos Breaking in Construction for Superintendents to Align Planning and VDC with Ross Helleberg

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 • Duration 45:54

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample sits down with industry experts Ross Helleberg and Alex Belkofer from McCarthy Building Company. They discuss how their teams are pushing the boundaries of scheduling, planning, and virtual design and construction (VDC). They also explore the integration of advanced scheduling methodologies like Takt and Last Planner, the value of visual planning, and how these practices contribute to smoother project delivery and stronger collaboration between the office and the field.

Ross Helleberg has been with McCarthy Building Company for 14 years, starting his career in the field and moving into a leadership role in scheduling. Alex Belkofer is McCarthy's Senior Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), where he plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the pre-construction and operations phases.

Key Takeaways

The integration of advanced scheduling methods to improve efficiency on large-scale projects.
How McCarthy uses 4D scheduling to visualize project progress and integrate planning and construction teams.
The concept of Visual Planning and how it enhances communication on projects.
The evolution of digital delivery in construction and how McCarthy is leading the charge with tools like 4D planning.
The power of building strong relationships within the team and with leadership to ensure project success.

Timestamps

[01:46] - Ross’s background and role at McCarthy

[04:36] - Alex introduces his role in VDC

[05:54] - Why schedulers need to be on-site

[10:08] - Integrating Takt and Last Planner systems

[11:58] - Visual planning and 4D scheduling

[16:04] - Success story of first visual planning project

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What Feeding 1500 Workers Taught Construction Leaders About Efficiency with Scott Kaplan

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • Duration 40:32

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, the hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood are joined by Scott Kaplan of Jerry's Kitchen, a mobile catering service that specializes in feeding large-scale construction projects, including data centers and remote job sites. Scott shares the journey of how Jerry's Kitchen evolved from a traditional food truck to a high-efficiency, mobile catering solution for industries that require food service at scale, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

With a unique focus on feeding construction crews efficiently and at scale, Jerry's Kitchen has become a game-changer for companies looking to keep their workforce nourished and productive. Scott talks about the challenges of feeding 1,500 people in 30 minutes and how they use technology to predict and plan their catering operations.

Key Takeaways

How Scott transitioned from a traditional food truck to providing large-scale, mobile catering solutions
Why predictability and efficiency are key in delivering high-quality meals for construction workers
The concept of a "micro niche" and how focusing on the construction industry led to success
How Jerry’s Kitchen helps boost productivity and morale on construction sites by providing nourishing, timely meals
The positive side effects of construction projects on local economies and communities

Timestamps

[00:43] - Introduction to Scott Kaplan and Jerry's Kitchen

[02:50] - Scott shares his background and how Jerry's Kitchen started

[04:47] - Transitioning from food truck to catering and the importance of efficiency

[08:51] - Focusing on large construction projects and the data center sector

[11:40] - Feeding 1,500 people in 30 minutes: logistics and planning

[15:52] - The importance of predictability in food service and construction

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FREETO: Building a Career Toward CTO in Construction with Jen Clark

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 • Duration 43:15

In this special re-release of The ConTech Crew Podcast, we're revisiting a powerful crossover episode from FreeTo CTO series, where hosts Jeff Sample and Trent Leinenbach are joined by Jen Clark, Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal. This conversation remains just as relevant today, diving into how unconventional career paths and curiosity-driven problem-solving can foster a new wave of construction technology leaders.

Jen Clark is the Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal, a Portland-based mechanical contractor with nearly 100 years in business. With a background in civil engineering, Jen carved her own path from software support to field engineering, eventually stepping into a self-defined tech leadership role. Whether you missed it the first time or want to revisit Jen’s inspiring journey, this episode offers timeless insights into low-code innovation, managing shadow IT, and bridging the divide between operations and IT in the construction industry.

Expect to Learn

How Jen transitioned from field engineering to a tech leadership role without formal tech training.
What it means to act as a “human API” in a construction setting.
Practical lessons from building low-code applications for project and data management.
Strategies to drive tech adoption and gain executive support.
How to handle shadow IT while fostering innovation in smaller firms.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00] - Introduction

[01:21] - FreeTO Series by Construction Dorks

[04:40] - Jen’s Unconventional Career Path

[06:49] - Building a Role from Curiosity: Project Integration Manager

[15:22] - Lessons from Low-Code App Development

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The Future of Construction Scheduling for GCs to Improve with AI using Planera - Nitin Bhandari

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 • Duration 38:43

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, the hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Nitin Bhandari, Co-founder of Planera, to discuss the transformative impact of technology on construction scheduling. Nitin shares how his journey from hardware engineering to software entrepreneurship led him to tackle one of the industry's biggest pain points: scheduling inefficiencies. The discussion covers the vision behind Planera, how they are revolutionizing scheduling, and the future of construction planning with AI and data-driven insights.

Nitin Bhandari is the Co-founder and CEO of Planera, a platform designed to transform how construction projects are scheduled. Nitin started his career as an electrical engineer and later moved into software entrepreneurship, co-founding two successful software companies before diving into the construction tech world. Partnering with a general contractor, Nitin identified a massive scheduling gap in construction and built Planera to solve this issue.

Key Takeaways

The challenges in construction scheduling and how Planera bridges the gap
How AI and natural language processing will soon allow users to interact with schedules
The approach of moving scheduling from a “compliance tool” to a “business decision tool”
How Planera integrates high-level schedules with day-to-day field activities to create a seamless flow of data
How Planera is using AI to automate scheduling tasks and provide actionable insights

Timestamps

[00:00] - Episode Introduction

[02:04] - Nitin’s background and journey into construction tech

[04:33] - The challenge of scheduling in construction and how Planera is solving it

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