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Construction Conversations

Gantrics

Honest, in-the-field conversations with builders, leaders, and innovators shaping the future of construction. From foremen to founders, each episode unpacks real challenges, emerging tech, and the human side of building better.

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34 episodes
weekly
Avg 55 min
English

Episodes 34

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#69
Tuesday · 49 min
A Large Homebuilder Hedges With Robots, Micron Warps a Region, and the 11% Nobody Can Pass On - October 2026 Reviewed as Noted
Host Stephen Poppe brings together Hugh Seaton, an AI and construction technology consultant, Aaron Anderson, a construction innovation and business strategist, and Tyler Campbell for a roundtable on construction industry headlines. They examine how mega-projects distort regional growth and labor markets, what DR Horton’s factory-as-a-service robotics agreement really signals, who remains accountable when AI contributes to mistakes, and why rising input costs are squeezing contractor margins. Episode Sponsors: Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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S1 · E67
November 3 · 49 min
Ep. 67 - Why Construction Tech Fails Without People in the Room
In this episode, Carlos and Stephen discuss the realities of construction project management, the role of AI and digital tools, and how to balance technology with human expertise to improve efficiency and safety. Chapters, quotes, and more from this episode: www.constructionconversations.com Today's Guest: Carlos Carvalho: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-carvalho-aphex/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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#68
October 27 · 53 min
Ep. 66 - You Have to Earn the Right to Change How People Work
In this episode, Mitch Cornelius and Stephen Poppe explore the nuances of construction technology, AI, and innovation culture. They share insights on evaluating startups, fostering genuine innovation, and building trust in the industry. Chapters, quotes, and more from this episode: www.constructionconversations.com Today's Guest: Mitch Cornelius: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcmitchellcornelius/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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#67
October 20 · 54 min
Ep. 65 - Inside the Black Box: How Construction AI Actually Works
In this episode, Chris Boyd, Chief Product Officer at Trunk Tools, discusses how AI models are integrated into construction tech, the importance of system of action over record, and how AI is transforming field workflows and data management in construction. Chapters, quotes, and more from this episode: www.constructionconversations.com Today's Guest: Chris Boyd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgboyd/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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#66
October 13 · 49 min
Ep. 64 - Most GC Innovation Dies After One Job. This One Didn't.
In this episode, Matt Larson shares the journey of developing TimberQuest, a mass timber product within Excel Construction, highlighting the challenges, innovations, and lessons learned in transitioning from traditional construction to prefab manufacturing. Discover how strategic leadership, process understanding, and a focus on quality drive success in construction innovation. Chapters, quotes, and more from this episode: www.constructionconversations.com Today's Guest and Cohost: Matt Larson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-larson-17830538/ Kent Woodyard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kent-woodyard/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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#65
October 6 · 56 min
Buildots at a Billion, Autodesk's Fragmentation Problem, and a Fine Nobody Will Feel - September 2026 Reviewed as Noted
In this episode, industry experts discuss the latest trends in construction technology, AI integration, and the evolving landscape of data centers, highlighting challenges, opportunities, and future innovations. Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/ Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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#64
September 29 · 54 min
Ep. 63 - Your Percent Complete Is Wrong: What Prefab Did to the Trades
In this episode, Jake Olsen shares insights on the evolving complexity of construction, the role of technology like BIM and Stratus in managing projects, and the importance of adaptability and curiosity in the industry. Chapters, quotes, and more from this episode: www.constructionconversations.com Today's Guests: Jake Olsen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjakeolsen/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/ Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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#63
September 22 · 54 min
Ep. 62 - Most Construction Companies Aren't Businesses. They're Jobs.
In this episode, Nitin Khanna, Stephen, and Lars discuss the importance of intentionality in business succession, the dynamics of buying and selling construction companies, and how to build a business with value that can be sold or transitioned smoothly. They explore strategies for owners and contractors to maximize their business value and plan for the future. Chapters, quotes, and more from this episode: www.constructionconversations.com Today's Guests: Nitin Khanna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitinkh/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/ Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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S1 · E62
September 15 · 56 min
Ep. 61 - What Palantir Actually Sells, and Why It's Not Another App
In this episode, Jesse Velay-Vitow shares insights into Palantir's innovative approach to construction data, ontology, and AI integration, highlighting how these technologies can transform the construction industry by improving efficiency, safety, and decision-making. Chapters, quotes, and more from this episode: www.constructionconversations.com Today's Guests: Jesse Velay-Vitow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/velayvitow/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/ Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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#61
September 8 · 1 hr 3 min
Procore Meters AI, PE Buys the Concrete, and SoftBank Bets $200M on Robots - August 2026 Reviewed as Noted
In this episode, industry insiders Victor Muchiri, AJ Waters, Tyler Campbell, and host Stephen Poppe unpack the latest construction industry headlines like New York’s pause on mega data centers and Suffolk’s innovative embedding of AI engineers directly on project sites. Discover how these transformative strategies could unlock efficiency, security, and new business models, while also exposing the pitfalls of rushing into AI without foundational discipline. Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/ Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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#60
September 1 · 52 min
Ep. 60 - Your Drawings, Specs and RFIs Have Never Met Each Other
In this episode, Lubomir Bourdev and Kamran Azarbal discuss the transformative potential of AI and knowledge graphs in construction, emphasizing data integration, project management, and future industry trends. Chapters, quotes, and more from this episode: www.constructionconversations.com Today's Guests: Lubomir Bourdev: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubomir-bourdev-51a8652/ Kamran Azarbal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamran-azarbal/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/ Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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S1 · E59
August 25 · 1 hr
Ep. 59 - Ask What's Broken Before You Buy the AI: A PM's Way Out of Suck-Faster Software
In this episode, industry veterans Jeff Sample and Lars share insights on the evolution of construction technology, the impact of AI, and how to build simple, effective companies in a complex industry. In this episode, industry experts Jeff Sample, Stephen Poppe, and Lars explore the evolution of construction technology, the challenges of innovation, and the future of the industry. They share insights on digital transformation, leadership, and the importance of humility and curiosity in driving progress. Chapters, quotes, and more from this episode: www.constructionconversations.com Today's Guests: Jeff Sample: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/ Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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S1 · E58
August 18 · 41 min
Ep. 58 - "I'm Going In Surgical": How a Traveling Super Rescues a Job That's Behind
In this episode, Clyde King, a seasoned construction professional with over 50 years of experience, shares insights on project management, leadership, and the importance of continuous learning in the construction industry. Discover practical tips for effective site management, team communication, and career development. Today's Guests: Clyde King: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clyde-king-6a95a49b/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/ Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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S1 · E57
August 11 · 1 hr
Ep. 57 - Why Contractors Can’t Afford to Skip the Contract: Bid Reviews, Clauses, and Hidden Risk
In this episode, Justin Ullman and Andrew Rener discuss how AI and data analytics are transforming construction risk management, contract review, and project execution. They explore the future of Rhino Docs, knowledge graphs, and how technology can augment human expertise in the industry. Today's Guests: Andrew Rener: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-rener-phd-pe-dbia-f-asce-956821a/ Justin Ullman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinullman/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/
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#59
August 4 · 55 min
Procore Buys DroneDeploy, New York Freezes Data Centers, and Two Opposite Junes - July 2026 Reviewed as Noted
In this episode, industry insiders Victor Muchiri, AJ Waters, Tyler Campbell, and host Stephen Poppe unpack the latest construction industry headlines like New York’s pause on mega data centers and Suffolk’s innovative embedding of AI engineers directly on project sites. Discover how these transformative strategies could unlock efficiency, security, and new business models, while also exposing the pitfalls of rushing into AI without foundational discipline. Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/
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#58
July 28 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 56 - Your Data Doesn't Need to Be Perfect: How Contractors Should Actually Start with AI
In this episode, Hugh Seaton, a seasoned AI strategist for contractors, breaks down everything you need to know—from assessing your current data maturity to building an effective AI roadmap that aligns with your business goals. Discover how leading companies are leveraging AI not just to automate tasks but to elevate human expertise, improve decision-making, and gain a competitive edge. Today's Guest: Hugh Seaton, Managing Director, Construction | CEO Advisor on AI, Risk, and Decision Governance in the Built Environment Check Him Out on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughseaton/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/
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#57
July 21 · 43 min
Ep. 55 - Speed vs. Quality: Commissioning Data Centers Without Compromise
In this episode, Tim shares insights from his 30 years of experience in commissioning power plants and data centers, emphasizing the importance of early planning, collaboration, and data management for successful project delivery. Today's Guest: Tim Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-smith-63693a300/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/ Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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#56
July 14 · 42 min
Ep. 54 - Lead With the Answer: How Site Leaders Lose the Room in 90 Seconds
In this episode, Libby Magliolo, founder of The Slide Master, reveals how mastering the art of presentation and strategic communication can propel you from good to great, especially in industries like construction where technical expertise isn’t enough. If you've ever felt lost trying to convey a complex idea or worried your message isn’t landing, this episode is your game-changer. Today's Guest: Libby Magliolo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbymagliolo/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/ Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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#55
July 7 · 1 hr 3 min
Gen Z Hits the Trades, Palantir Lands McCarthy, and the AI Software Bubble - June 2026 Reviewed as Noted
In this episode, industry experts discuss the latest trends in construction technology, AI integration, workforce development, and the impact of regulations on the industry. They share insights on how to leverage innovation for better project outcomes and address current challenges. Today's guests: Karl Sorensen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlsorensen/ Matt Graves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-graves-pmp/ Tyler Campbell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerscottcampbell/
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#54
June 30 · 58 min
Ep. 53 - The Best Construction Tech Rarely Wins. Here's What Does.
In this episode, Elliot Christiansen shares his strategic approach to technology adoption in construction, emphasizing leadership, pilot management, and data-driven decision making. Discover how intentional pilot programs and strong leadership can transform construction workflows and improve ROI. Today's Guest: Elliot Christiansen Elliot Christiansen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-christiansen/ Episode Sponsors: Check Out Trunk Tools: https://trunktools.com/ Check Out ClearStory: https://www.clearstory.build/ Check Out Document Crunch: https://www.documentcrunch.com/
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Showing 1–20 of 34 episodes