How do you run a $2 trillion segment of the economy with just a book?
In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Dmitry Alexin from Handoff and we got to learn about how AI is transforming residential construction, why 90% of US construction firms are one-person operations struggling with back-office work, and how a former IMF economist ended up building technology that delivers cost estimates in 30 seconds... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why traditional construction cost data is stuck in the physical book era and how real-time APIs are changing the game
✅ How contractors can now delegate entire workflows to an AI agent through simple voice commands while driving between jobs
✅ Why selling to residential contractors requires throwing out the enterprise playbook and leading with instant product value
✅ The surprising shift of professionals from marketing and accounting backgrounds entering residential construction with a software-first mindset
Watch now to hear Dmitry's journey from GDP forecasting during the Ebola pandemic to revolutionizing how residential contractors run their businesses.
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.co
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:40 Introduction to Handoff and Its Purpose
06:41 Dmitry's Background and Transition to Construction
09:30 The Data Challenge in Construction
12:49 Building the First Real-Time API for Construction Prices
15:35 The Evolution of Handoff and Its Features
18:37 The Importance of Accurate Estimating
21:37 The Role of AI in Construction Estimating
24:40 Understanding Labor and Material Costs
27:32 Streamlining Procurement Processes
30:36 Product-Led Growth Strategy
33:35 Overcoming Skepticism in the Industry
37:55 Leading with Value: Product-Led Growth
38:42 Go-To-Market Strategies: Finding Your Audience
43:24 Targeting Residential Contractors: A Strategic Choice
46:54 The Role of AI Agents in Construction Tech
49:25 Learning from Failures: Experimentation in Startups
55:35 Future of Construction: Robotics and Material Science
58:60 Funding Insights: Building a Diverse Investor Base
01:05:05 Advice for Technical Founders: Embracing Humility
01:07:15 Join the Team: Opportunities at Handoff
From indie rock band to HVAC software startup—how's that for a pivot?
In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Davis Muxlow and Andrew Krippner from HVAKR and we got to learn about building construction tech from the ground up, the innovator's dilemma killing legacy software companies, and why making products faster might actually hurt your revenue... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How a church worship team "audition" turned into a college band and eventually a software company
✅ Why legacy HVAC programs are making engineers slower despite new updates
✅ The double-edged sword of efficiency: one engineer now doing the work of three
✅ How AI is forcing SaaS companies to rethink their entire pricing model
These guys went from mechanical engineering students with a Slack channel full of startup ideas to building a product that's actually making their customers more productive.
The kicker? Their product works so well that customers need fewer seats. That's the kind of problem you want to have.
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.co
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:19 The Musical Beginnings
05:20 From Bandmates to Entrepreneurs
09:13 The Path to HVACR
15:07 Building the Foundation of HVACR
19:02 The Accelerator Journey
25:10 The Product Unveiled
31:15 The Importance of Design in HVACR
35:18 Streamlining HVAC Design Processes
40:43 Design as a Differentiator
41:38 Innovative Pricing Models
44:35 Streamlining Sales Processes
48:12 Effective Trial Management
54:40 Customer-Centric Product Development
57:10 Building a Personal Brand
1:03:02 The Value of Transparency
1:04:13 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Product Design
1:09:25 Metrics of Success in Software Usage
In this special episode, we're broadcasting live from SpeckleCon 2025 in London, where the future of construction technology is being written in real-time. We sat down with some of the biggest names in AEC tech to talk about the one thing everyone's finally paying attention to: data.
We hear from Suffolk Construction and Pomerlau on turning BIM chaos into usable data, MultiConsult's Morten on giving engineers superpowers with Python, Martin Day's warning that we're all horses before the industrial revolution, Oliver Thomas on why small firms will beat the giants in the AI race, and Speckle's Dimitrie and Virginia on their push to become the data platform that finally fixes this broken industry.
Key Takeaways:
"Universities Are 15 Years Behind, We Don't Need More Degrees"
In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Gary Cowan, the head of digital construction at Kane Group and we got to learn about how MEP contractors are becoming technology companies, why the traditional education system is failing construction workers, and the real challenges behind construction automation that nobody talks about.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why breaking down buildings into modular components and prefabricating in factories is changing project delivery across the UK and Ireland
✅ The massive shift from siloed Excel files to cloud-based real-time data systems and what it takes to make that transformation work
✅ Why universities teaching 15-year-old methods are creating a skills gap and why we need more tradespeople who understand technology
✅ The hidden problems with construction robots that sound great in theory but struggle with real-world challenges like consistent finishes and quality control
Watch now to hear Gary break down how traditional contractors are evolving into digital-first service providers.
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.co
Chapters
00:00 Intro & Sponsors
04:26 Introduction to Digital Construction
07:21 Understanding the Role of Head of Digital Construction
10:12 Challenges in Existing Structures and Digital Verification
13:19 The Importance of Collaboration in Construction
16:13 The Evolution of Technology in Construction
19:25 Prefabrication and Its Integration in Design
22:20 The Digital Tool Tech Stack
25:05 Virtual Reality in Construction
28:19 Augmented Reality and Reality Capture Solutions
33:55 The Rise of XR Technology
34:11 AI: Hype vs. Reality
35:54 Navigating AI Adoption
38:15 The Challenge of Authenticity in Tech
39:44 The Importance of Expertise
43:08 Evaluating Tech Solutions
45:17 Frustrations with Vendor Solutions
47:19 Rolling Out New Technologies
50:07 Aligning Data Across the Business
52:26 Pain Points in Real-Time Data
56:12 Robotics in MEP
1:00:07 Expanding Digital Construction Services
1:02:05 The Future of Digital Construction
"Often it results in an almost Frankenstein technology stack where you may have different things for different reasons."
This is the reality of construction tech adoption today.
In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Josh Weyand from Trunk Tools and we got to learn about navigating the messy world of construction technology, why some solutions stay point solutions while others scale enterprise-wide, and the critical mistake vendors make when trying to sell to large contractors... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why building trust and credibility matters more than your product features when selling to contractors
✅ The real reasons technologies don't scale (hint: it's not always about the product)
✅ How to align your solution to business initiatives instead of hitting friction at every step
✅ What makes construction-specific tools win over generic software solutions
Watch now to hear Josh's insights from his time as Director of Emerging Technologies at Suffolk and his current role helping builders solve real problems.
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/
🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/
📲 Follow us:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:45 Navigating Construction Technology: Insights from the Field
14:36 The Challenges of Scaling Tech Solutions
25:37 Peer Groups and Shared Success in Construction Tech
30:14 Overcoming Frustrations with Tech Vendors
31:47 From Pilot to Scale: Best Practices for Adoption
36:46 The Value of Piloting Technology
40:38 Understanding Innovation Theater
44:56 Buying Technology in Construction
48:18 Core Technologies for General Contractors
51:57 Transitioning to Trunk Tools
56:16 The Role of an Enterprise Solutions Engineer
01:00:40 Winning the Market with Construction Specificity
"If I could do some things over, I would have hired marketing leadership earlier, even before sales."
That's what Document Crunch CEO Josh Levy told his VP of Marketing, Lori Peters.
In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Lori Peters from Document Crunch and we got to learn about why construction tech marketing is fundamentally different from other SaaS industries, how to scale from seed to Series B, and what's actually working in 2025.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why conferences are their biggest lead generation channel (while other SaaS companies avoid them)
✅ How they expanded nationally by going where their customers were, not just selling remotely
✅ The shift from marketing-led pipeline to fully integrated go-to-market teams
✅ Why LinkedIn still dominates and how AI is changing organic search forever
Watch now to hear how a 10-year construction tech marketing veteran built a winning strategy from the ground up.
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:26 Introduction to Document Crunch and Construction Tech
06:28 Evolution of Marketing in Construction Tech
09:23 Marketing Strategies Through Funding Stages
12:23 Challenges in Scaling Marketing Operations
15:11 Effective In-Person Marketing Channels
18:29 Community Initiatives: Built by Builders and Crunch Community
21:28 Targeting Customers and Tailoring Messages
30:03 The Costly Disruptions in Construction
30:58 Understanding Disputes and Their Impact
32:28 The Role of Customer Advisory Boards
34:43 Navigating the AI Landscape in Construction
37:39 Building Trust in AI Solutions
38:59 Leveraging Investor Relationships
40:17 Partnerships and Trust in Marketing
42:23 AI in Marketing Strategies
47:30 Marketing Nuances in the Construction Industry
49:19 The Importance of Thought Leadership
52:12 Structuring a Growing Marketing Team
53:49 Technology in the Marketing Stack
54:57 Future Predictions for Marketing in AEC
"We've nearly tripled our profits in three years - and it wasn't one big change, it was a million small ones."
In today's episode of the Bricks & Bytes, we had Marc Barone, COO of Buro Happold, and we got to learn about how they scaled from strong to exceptional, the real impact of AI on engineering productivity, and why listening matters more than action in your first 90 days as a leader... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How Buro Happold grew 75% in three years while tripling profitability
✅ Why understanding what to say no to is as important as knowing what to say yes to
✅ The truth about measuring AI productivity gains and what actually works
✅ Why your first 90 days as COO should be about listening, not changing everything
Watch now on YouTube! Link in the comments!
------------------
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
------------
Chapters
71% of construction companies are still using Excel to manage thousands of employees—and it's costing them millions in lost projects.
In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, Owen and Martin sit down with Lauren Lake, co-founder of Bridgit, and Kevin Ferguson from AECO Product Marketing to uncover how two college students disrupted the construction workforce planning industry—and built a company that now serves half of the top 20 general contractors in North America.
In this episode:
Why 42% of contractors are turning down projects despite high demand (hint: it's not what you think)
The "crane hunting" strategy that led to a Harvard Business School case study
How Bridget went from $0 to $4M ARR in just 2 years by solving one simple problem
Why construction companies are now budgeting $100K+ for workforce planning software
The shocking reason employees are leaving construction jobs (and it's not the pay)
What happens when executives ask "where are our people?" and nobody knows the answer
The hidden cost of breaking up winning project teams after every job
How AI and experience tracking are revolutionizing team composition decisions
Why there's been ZERO research data on project team success since 1999
The global expansion playbook that worked across North America, Australia, and the UK
"Our goal was simple: we just need to replace Excel. And that's actually a really challenging goal." — Lauren Lake
Whether you're a contractor struggling with resource allocation, a tech founder looking for validation strategies, or simply curious about how construction's labor shortage is reshaping the industry—this episode reveals why workforce planning has become the most critical investment in construction technology.
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xSpdQpmgf0xJvAsGAQRX5?si=QgmckXGVRnO46vOZKa0I1Q
📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/
🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/
📲 Follow us:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.
-----------------
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:40 Introduction to Bridget and Its Founders
03:38 The Secret to Success in Workforce Planning
05:17 Identifying Pain Points in Workforce Planning
08:15 The Harvard Business School Case Study
12:08 Validating the Product with Early Customers
14:16 The Evolution of the Product
16:55 Challenges of Replacing Excel
18:12 The Importance of Visibility in Workforce Management
19:27 The State of Workforce Planning Report
20:39 Granular vs. Executive Workforce Management
22:35 Transforming Workforce Planning Meetings
24:41 Creating a New Category in Workforce Planning
26:56 Rapid Growth and Market Penetration
28:15 ROI in Workforce Planning Solutions
30:46 What Makes a Good Workforce Planning Software?
32:53 The Role of AI in Workforce Planning
34:39 Educating the Market on Workforce Planning
52:57 Insights from the 2025 Workforce Planning Report
57:08 Investment Trends in Workforce Planning
58:19 The Ongoing Reliance on Excel
1:02:04 Pricing Model for Bridget
1:04:53 Building a Strong Company Culture
1:07:44 Managing Contractors and Subcontractors
1:08:52 Closing Remarks and Future Engagements
"If you can't get to $5M in recurring revenue in 18 months, you're probably not venture fundable right now."
KP Reddy just called out the entire construction tech ecosystem—and he's not holding back.
In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had KP Reddy and we got to learn about why most construction tech startups are chasing the wrong business model, how AI is fundamentally changing the value of human work, and why he's now buying contractors instead of selling them software... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why construction attracts risk-averse founders (and why that's killing innovation)
✅ The real reason CEOs want everyone back in the office (hint: it's about ego, not productivity)
✅ How token-based pricing will replace hourly billing in the next 5 years
✅ Why KP is teaching CEOs to vibe code—and firing consultants who say "it can't be done"
This conversation will change how you think about building, investing, and working in construction tech.
Watch now on YouTube. Link in the comments!
-------------
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:00 Introduction and Competitive Spirit
06:05 The Shift in Venture Capital Dynamics
08:42 Capital Light vs. Capital Heavy Startups
11:45 Vibe Coding: The New Era of Prototyping
14:45 The Role of AI in Construction and Tech
17:44 The Future of CRM and Personalization in Business
20:42 The Impact of AI on Job Identity and Purpose
23:29 Navigating the Future of Work in AEC
26:17 The Evolution of Business Models in Construction
29:06 Conclusion: Embracing Change and Purpose
35:56 Finding Fulfillment in Venture Capital
39:38 The Role of AI in Pricing Models
45:33 Ego and Status in Business Decisions
49:33 Brackish Waters: The Intersection of VC and PE
57:49 Transformative Tech and Market Dynamics
62:39 The Nonsense of Change Management
"Digital twins are still solving problems we haven't even imagined yet."
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, we had James Mize from CRB and we got to learn about why pharmaceutical and biotech construction is pushing the boundaries of what's possible with digital twins, the real reason most companies stick with their tech partners, and why information management is construction's biggest unsolved problem... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How predictive maintenance using digital twins is saving pharmaceutical companies millions in downtime costs
✅ Why design innovation is racing ahead while construction remains stubbornly manual
✅ The partnership model that actually works when choosing construction technology vendors
✅ Why document control might disappear completely as AI learns where every file should live
Listen now on Spotify and join the conversation about the future of construction technology.
----------
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
-------------------
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:05 Exploring Digital Twins in Construction
09:10 The Role of CRB in Biotech and Pharmaceutical Construction
14:54 Innovation in Design vs. Construction
20:50 Evaluating Technology Vendors and Solutions
26:43 Navigating Pricing Models for Tech Solutions
36:31 Exploring Software Innovations in Construction
38:34 Identifying Pain Points in Information Management
43:04 Researching Solutions: Inbound vs Outbound
47:18 Evaluating Information Management Tools
51:42 Lessons from Technology Failures
54:11 The Role of Venture Backing in Technology Solutions
55:09 Importance of Construction Experience in Founders
56:39 Contrarian Views on External Validation
57:41 Gathering Feedback from the Field
01:00:04 Maximizing ROI from Technology Investments
01:02:00 Current Initiatives and Hiring Opportunities
Most construction companies think they're using BIM. They're not. And it's costing them 20% on every project.
In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, Owen sits down with Dave from Procore's BIM team and Tore Hovland, founder of NovaRender (recently acquired by Procore), to unpack what's really happening in the BIM space and why two major acquisitions just changed the game.
Key topics discussed:
Why BIM adoption is actually 20-30%, not the 70% everyone claims
The hidden 2GB browser limit killing your ability to view large models
How building from 2D vs 3D vs full BIM changes cost overruns from 20% to 5%
Why Procore spent millions acquiring NovaRender and Flypaper simultaneously
The streaming technology that lets you open 50-mile infrastructure projects in seconds
What 80% of acquisitions fail and why culture matters more than tech
The future where construction happens without drawings
"Where we're going, there are no drawings. You could actually build off the model. It could actually be the permit that goes out." - Dave, Procore
If you've ever wondered why your BIM models won't load, why projects keep going over budget, or what the hell is actually happening with construction technology right now, this episode breaks it all down.
---------------
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
Chapters
Jan Hendrik Goldbeck CEO of GOLDBECK grew his family construction business from €750M to €7B by treating buildings like LEGO.
In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sit down with Hendrik Goldbeck, CEO of Goldbeck Group, who reveals how 60 years of stubborn innovation and perfect timing transformed a small German metalworking shop into Europe's construction powerhouse.
FULL DOCUMENTARY COMING FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER, SUBSCRIBE TO @BBBeyond TO STAY UPDATED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQPQc0blM3k
Key topics discussed:
- The 1969 origin story: Why his father rejected "we've always done it this way" thinking
- German reunification luck: How overnight demand boom accelerated their product approach
- The "war of all against all": Why traditional construction's sequential trade-by-trade model fails
- From steel elements to turnkey buildings: 60 years of step-by-step evolution
- Decentralization strategy: Getting close to architects and engineers in early design stages
- Why construction tech "Tesla" startups keep failing (spoiler: it's still physical construction)
- The asset-heavy advantage: Why Katerra failed and patient money wins
- Cultural integration challenges: Germans want execution, French want endless discussion
- AI's future impact: Prompt-driven design cutting pre-construction from months to weeks
- "Nature positive buildings" moonshot: Carbon neutral concrete without green premiums
- US expansion plans and the importance of local JV partnerships
- Leadership philosophy: Open hierarchies vs flat hierarchies
"You cannot come from outside and say 'I'm going to be the Tesla of construction.' It's still construction with all the physical restraints. Each project is still individual even with a product approach." - Hendrik
From surviving the 2008 financial crisis by going anti-cyclical to planning voice-activated building configurators, discover how this stubborn German family business is industrializing construction one LEGO brick at a time.
Check out our interview with Goldbeck's tech team here: https://youtu.be/vDNUsgVmZHg
Enjoy this? Want further exclusive insights in AEC tech? Sign up to our newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/
----------------
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction & Company Growth Story
1:04 - Goldbeck Origins & Industrialization Vision
6:02 - German Reunification & Market Transformation
9:20 - Strategic Growth & International Expansion
14:37 - The Goldbeck System & Product Approach
19:05 - Industry Resistance & Competitive Landscape
22:09 - Growth Philosophy & Strategic Priorities
27:35 - Future of Construction & Technology
34:06 - Sustainability & Nature Positive Buildings
38:02 - Leadership & Company Culture
42:01 - Customer Value & Business Model
44:13 - Startup Ecosystem & Innovation
45:43 - Global Expansion Strategy
This German construction giant cracked the code on building 500 projects per year with LEGO-like precision.
In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sit down with Fabian, Managing Director of Goldbeck Technologies, who reveals how this family-owned company complete rewrote the rules of construction by treating buildings like configurable products rather than one-off projects.
FULL DOCUMENTARY COMING FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER, SUBSCRIBE TO @BBBeyond TO STAY UPDATED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQPQc0blM3k
Key topics discussed:
- Why traditional construction is broken (fragmented design with no shared responsibility)
- The "LEGO approach": How standardized building systems enable mass customization
- 480-person R&D department developing everything from AI chatbots to augmented reality quality control
- Building Operating System: Creating live digital twins for operations and maintenance
- Why most construction startups fail by trying to "make horses better instead of building cars"
- From 3,700 to 14,000 employees: The 40-year journey to their "hockey stick" moment
- 570+ software solutions and the challenge of managing technological complexity
- AI as an interface layer: Using agents to orchestrate multiple tools seamlessly
- Decarbonizing concrete and steel: Already 35% below market average carbon footprint
- The configurator vs. client choice dilemma: "We give options, not open-ended questions"
"We try to sell a product rather than an individual project. It's like configuring your car - you can decide comfort steering wheel or sporty steering wheel, small engine or racing engine. We make sure everything fits together." - Fabian
From factories producing prefabricated elements to augmented reality construction management, discover how Goldbeck industrialized an industry that most consider "un-industrializable."
Check out our interview with GOLDBECK's CEO, Jan Hendrik: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-zrwzhId0c
Enjoy this? Want further exclusive insights in AEC tech? Sign up to our newsletter: https://bricksbytes.beehiiv.com/
Chapters
0:00 - Fabian's Role at Goldbeck Technologies
0:49 - Company Culture & Technology Foundation
1:12 - Building 500 Buildings Per Year with Technology
2:31 - Goldbeck Technologies: 480 People R&D Division
3:50 - Balancing Future Innovation vs Immediate Profits
5:52 - Building Operating System & Digital Twin Development
6:53 - Most Exciting Innovation Areas & Nature Positive Buildings
8:40 - Traditional Construction Problems vs Goldbeck's Solution
9:58 - Product Approach & Early Client Engagement Strategy
12:05 - Finding Clients Early: Regional Sales & AI Tools
13:43 - In-House Design Teams vs External Consultants
14:46 - Product-Specific BIM Implementation
15:31 - Client Education & Overcoming Market Resistance
18:15 - Decision-Making Process: Car Configurator Analogy
19:13 - Lean Construction vs Managing Just-in-Time Delivery
20:39 - Why Few Companies Use This Approach (40-Year Development)
22:11 - Complex Business Model Requirements
22:59 - Technology Success Stories: Building Automation
24:19 - Augmented Reality for Quality Control
25:54 - Software Development Team (120-140 People)
27:03 - ID Solution Process: Build vs Buy Decisions
28:00 - AI Department & Implementation Strategy
29:36 - Internal AI Chatbot & Knowledge Management
30:43 - AI in Design: Configurators vs AI Designers
31:46 - Managing 570+ Software Solutions
33:00 - AI as Interface for Multiple Tools
34:50 - Robots in Factories vs Construction Sites
35:44 - Innovation Scouting & Stage-Gate Process
36:52 - Venture Capital Fund Partnerships
38:56 - Direct Startup Investments & Focus Areas
40:41 - Sustainability & Carbon Neutral Goals
42:19 - Timber vs Concrete: Cost-Benefit Analysis
44:00 - 35% Carbon Reduction in Concrete Elements
45:04 - Success Metrics & Company Culture
47:10 - Goldbäcker Family Culture & Work Environment
"If you're a VP of Sales and things go wrong, you either failed or got a bad plan. But if you're a CRO and things go wrong, you probably shouldn't have taken the job."
In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Mike Pettinella and we got to learn about scaling construction tech from zero to a $275M exit, the brutal realities of international expansion, and why targeting owners instead of contractors is the harder but smarter play... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why sales is only two things: volume and efficiency (and you can't train volume)
✅ The real difference between selling to American vs British buyers
✅ How Building Connected went from zero revenue to Autodesk acquisition
✅ Why dedicated reality capture beats DIY solutions every time
Mike's journey from forensic construction consulting to leading sales at unicorn startups reveals hard-won insights about building in the most relationship-driven industry on earth.
Listen on Spotify now to hear the full conversation.
-----------
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
---------------
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:49 Understanding Roles: CRO vs. VP of Sales
03:58 Building Connected: The Journey to Acquisition
06:05 Transitioning to Monetization: Challenges and Strategies
07:55 Sales Strategies: From Inside Sales to Enterprise Deals
11:49 Geographic Sales Dynamics: Where's the Business?
14:03 Consulting to Sales: Skills and Strategies Transferred
16:22 Managing Sales Volume: Efficiency and Technology
19:14 Cultural Shift: Selling in EMEA vs. North America
24:59 Expanding Markets: Product Adaptation is Key
28:58 OnSight IQ: The Journey and Vision of a Startup
33:34 Characteristics of Great Founders: Relentlessness and Empathy
37:25 Cooking and Morning Routines
38:38 Targeting Owners in Construction
42:54 The Importance of Construction Data Ownership
46:12 Strategies for Targeting Developers
49:14 Reality Capture in Construction
53:04 Best Practices for Reality Capture
56:08 Future of Data Utilization in Construction
58:45 Speeding Up Sales Cycles
1:00:35 Managing Multiple Stakeholders
1:02:09 Closing Big Deals
1:04:04 Pricing Strategies in Construction Tech
1:05:48 Mentoring in Sales
1:09:02 The Story Behind the Art
1:11:29 Exciting Product Developments
"Don't build shitty products for problems that don't exist."
This brutal advice from Maksim hit different. After spinning off from his first AEC tech company Kreo, he's now building PVFarm - solar design software that's pulling in $40K average revenue per customer.
In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Maksim and we got to learn about why distribution beats product in AEC, how he cracked the $150M solar design market, and why most startup marketing tactics fail in construction tech... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why relationship-based sales trump amazing products in AEC
✅ The two pathways to selling enterprise software in construction
✅ Why LinkedIn outreach and email marketing don't work for AEC startups
✅ How vertical integration beats horizontal CAD tools for specific building types
Listen now on Spotify to hear how Maksim went from building multiple failed products to finding product-market fit with a 40-hour learning curve software that customers love.
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Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Maxim and His Journey in AEC Tech
03:02 Lessons Learned from Creo: Market Understanding and Sales Strategies
05:58 The Relationship Between Sunbeam and PVFarm
09:12 Understanding Sunbeam's Focus and Product Offerings
11:57 The Importance of Collaboration in Design
14:54 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Solar Design Software
17:57 Market Size and Growth Potential in Solar PV
20:56 Go-to-Market Strategies and Customer Engagement
23:58 Building Value Through Education and Relationships
26:55 Webinars as a Tool for Engagement and Education
33:28 The Value of Community Engagement
33:56 Marketing Strategies That Fail
36:00 Leveraging AI for Usability
39:26 Navigating the AI Landscape
41:14 Building Robust Tools in a Competitive Market
43:52 The Go-Kill Framework for Product Ideas
46:22 The Role of a CEO in a Tech Startup
51:53 Balancing Discipline and Flexibility in Teams
52:41 Successful Products in AEC
54:51 Building in Different Markets
57:12 The Importance of Community in Tech
59:20 Managing Remote Teams
01:01:08 The Intersection of Jiu-Jitsu and Business
"One construction project required 18 different software tools just for daily operations - and that's considered normal in our industry."
In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Michael and Danielle from Skanska and we got to learn about the brutal reality of construction tech adoption, why VCs keep backing the wrong startups, and how pricing models are completely broken for the industry... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why construction companies are drowning in software but starving for solutions
✅ The real reason progress tracking tools cost a dollar per square foot
✅ How AI hype is following the exact same pattern as the cloud revolution
✅ What startup founders get completely wrong about enterprise sales in construction
These insights from two innovation leaders at a global construction company will change how you think about construction tech.
Listen now on Spotify and discover why the industry needs fewer tools, not more.
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Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io
4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:48 Introduction to Emerging Technologies in Construction
06:27 Navigating Software Complexity in Construction
12:45 Trends and Innovations in Construction Tech
15:06 Geographical Hubs of Innovation
16:48 Partnerships with Startups and Compliance Challenges
20:36 Adapting to Rapid Technological Changes
22:49 Success Stories from Pilot Programs
27:14 Defining Emerging Technology and KPIs
31:06 Sources and Filtering for New Technologies
33:38 The Role of AI in Construction Tech
36:06 The Hype Cycle of AI and Big Data
38:04 In-House Development and Proprietary Solutions
39:07 Advancements in Safety Technology
41:10 Challenges with Autonomous Robotics
43:01 Evaluating Technology: Frustrations and Complexities
48:11 Pricing Models and Industry Friction
53:50 Building Partnerships with Startups
57:42 Future of Construction Technology
1:02:31 Emerging Technologies in Construction
"The world has an enormous shortage of qualified project managers - to the tune of tens of millions of people."
In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Greg from Nodes & Links and we got to learn about how AI is solving construction's biggest workforce crisis, why American customers bite your hand off for ROI while Europeans think about it for budget cycles, and the physics behind project acceleration... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why the construction industry needs a billion more project managers and how AI workers will fill the gap
✅ How one customer saved $63,000 per scheduler per year using automation software
✅ The brutal reality of startup hiring - 0.3% acceptance rate from 15,000 CVs reviewed
✅ Why the CEO's job is preventing failure while everyone else maximizes success
Listen now on Spotify to discover how construction scheduling is being revolutionized and what it means for the future of mega projects worldwide.
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:00 Introduction to Nodes and Links
05:43 Evolution of Project Management Software
08:54 The Role of AI in Construction
11:39 Challenges in Project Management
14:33 Customer Onboarding and Experience
17:36 Pricing and Business Model
20:35 Scaling Challenges in Tech
23:29 Identifying Customer Pain Points
34:14 Maximizing Productivity in Construction Projects
35:55 Client vs Contractor Needs in Software
37:07 Global Operations and Team Management
38:36 Building High-Performance Remote Teams
39:59 The CEO's Role in Preventing Failure
43:29 Insights from 'The Physics of Project Acceleration'
46:27 Recent Funding and Growth Strategies
49:53 Understanding Profitability in Construction Tech
52:01 Raising Capital in Construction Technology
54:56 Calculating Capital Needs for Growth
56:55 Vision for the Future of Project Management
59:02 Cultural Nuances in Global Construction Practices
99% of acquisition deals fail, but Britton Langdon beat the odds when a sneaky AI scraper accidentally announced his stealth startup to 30,000 people.
In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Britton Langdon and we got to learn about his journey from building M-Suite to launching BuildFactory, the hidden capacity problem in prefab shops, and why construction has more FOMO than any other industry... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How he achieved 140% net retention at M-Suite before selling to Stanley Black & Decker
✅ Why every prefab shop has hidden capacity but nobody talks about it
✅ The marketplace approach to solving construction's supply and demand problem
✅ Why construction companies fear missing out more than any other industry
Listen now on Spotify to hear how Britton is building the Airbnb for offsite construction and democratizing fabrication work across North America.
Our Sponsor:
Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com
Chapters
02:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings
04:59 The Launch of BuildFactory
07:55 Building in Cedar Rapids: A Unique Perspective
11:03 Understanding M Suite: The Journey
13:43 The Decision to Sell: Timing and Strategy
16:48 Customer Retention and Business Growth
19:40 Pricing Models and Value Creation
22:44 Navigating Acquisition Offers
25:46 Diligence and Compliance in Acquisitions
28:38 Lessons Learned for Future Ventures
33:52 Exploring BeamFabField and Its Limitations
36:25 Introduction to Build Factory and Its Ecosystem
40:31 Addressing Supply and Demand in Prefabrication
44:20 The Role of Prefabrication in Construction
48:28 Building a Marketplace for Prefabrication
53:10 Challenges and Strategies in Marketplace Development
59:15 The Future of Build Factory and Market Trends
"We acquired a robotics company that nobody knows about and robot costs just crashed from $100,000 to $15,000."
In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Matt Daly, CMO of DroneDeploy, and we got to learn about the hidden robotics revolution happening in construction, why most startups are choosing the wrong funding path, and how AI agents with "a million eyeballs" are about to transform job sites... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How ground robots went from $100K to $15K and why this changes everything
✅ Why 60% of DroneDeploy's new customers come from word of mouth
✅ The biggest mistake early-stage construction tech founders make with funding
✅ How multimodal AI models are replacing human-powered data analysis
Listen now on Spotify to discover why Matt believes "this is such a phenomenal time to be building products in reality capture" and what's coming this fall that will deliver answers, not just mountains of photos.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:24 Introduction and Overview of DroneDeploy
06:20 The Role of Robotics and AI in Construction
09:17 Merging for Market Consolidation
12:07 The Future of Reality Capture Solutions
15:19 Vision for Automated Data Capture
18:18 Challenges in Robotics and Automation
21:02 Cost Dynamics in Ground Robotics
24:10 The Impact of Major Tech Companies
27:02 Understanding Customer Personas
30:00 Visibility and Data Sharing Among Stakeholders
33:07 Customization of Solutions for Different Trades
35:56 Lessons Learned in Business Growth
40:01 Mastering Talent Acquisition
47:07 Navigating Capital Acquisition
53:59 Effective Resource Allocation
01:00:18 Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition
01:03:26 The Evolution of Reality Capture with AI
01:06:17 Pricing Models in Construction Software
"Hardware is hard" is the biggest lie in tech.
Yet VCs keep repeating it while holding their iPhones - literally a piece of hardware that made Apple one of the world's biggest companies.
In today's episode of Bricks & bytes, we had Nathan Kirchner and we got to learn about why the "hardware is hard" myth is killing innovation in construction, how to break through corporate inertia, and the real barriers startups face when selling to billion-dollar companies... and many more!
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why 7 out of 10 biggest companies are actually hardware-dependent
✅ How to escape "pilot purgatory" and get real corporate deals
✅ The psychology behind why big companies resist innovation
✅ Why bringing domain experts into your team beats perfect tech every time
Listen now on Spotify and discover how construction startups can actually win against corporate giants.
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:30 Introduction to Hardware Startups
05:30 Challenges in Building Hardware Startups
08:20 The Role of Hardware in Major Companies
11:19 Nathan's Journey into Hardware and Robotics
14:12 Innovations in Construction and Robotics
17:03 Engaging with Large Corporations
20:15 The Consultant vs. Innovator Mindset
23:07 Incremental Innovation vs. Grand Solutions
26:00 Cultural Differences Between Startups and Corporates
28:54 Bridging the Gap Between Startups and Corporates
36:56 Breaking Barriers in Compliance
41:40 Navigating Commercialization in Robotics
49:15 The Pilot Process: A Necessary Evil?
57:44 The Future of Robotics: Visible vs. Invisible
62:15 Insights from the Venture Capital Perspective