Precon Geeks

Latest Episodes:

Expert Advice on How to Manage Your Data May 28, 2024

Show notes

John hosts Greg O’Bryan, Senior Preconstruction Analytics Manager at The Beck Group.

Greg manages all of The Beck Group’s construction historical cost and estimating data. He helps support the preconstruction team’s efforts in analyzing that data and using it to make the best project decisions.

Greg talks about the roadblocks and the lessons learned on starting a process of capturing and utilizing your data.

This is a don’t miss episode!

Interview with Matt Hammer, Chief Estimator at Haselden May 21, 2024

Show notes

“Sometimes it just takes being kind to get that relationship started.”

We love this advice from Matt Hammer, Chief Estimator at Haselden.

On this episode, John and Matt talk about how Haselden has successfully built a list of about 500 trusted specialty contractors.

As Matt says, you have to focus on relationships. Haselden hosts a meet and greet every Friday morning with their subs, they reach out to them, and keep regular communication with the field to get their feedback.

They also discuss the challenges of establishing new relationships with trade partners and how Haselden has overcome those challenges.

To watch Matt’s insightful Precon World 2023 session on change management during a software implementation, click here: Inside: Out Change | Matt Hammer and Jan Beran (youtube.com)

The Use of AI in Precon May 14, 2024

Show notes

Today we’re talking about the use of artificial intelligence in preconstruction. How are tech companies adopting AI? How can precon use AI to their advantage? What is the future of the use of AI in preconstruction?

We answer these questions, plus discuss how precon teams can overcome the challenges of adopting AI.

(Spoiler alert: You know when those secret scenes roll at the end of the credits of a movie…might want to stick around a few seconds after the end of the episode to listen to Stewart’s regret…)

Interview with Garrett Vance, Industry Specialist, Join May 07, 2024

Show notes

Garrett Join(s) John on this episode of Precon Geeks to talk about how best to tell the precon story of how a project got from point A to point B.

To learn more about DESTINI Estimator’s integration with Join, click here: DESTINI Estimator Integration with Join (beck-technology.com)

Interview with Jeff Ratcliff, Construction Manager at Edifice Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

John hosts Jeff Ratcliff, Construction Manager at Edifice. The two met working together in preconstruction at The Beck Group and now that both have new positions at new companies, the two catch up about their time working on healthcare projects, dealing with the nuances of estimating, effective ways to lead different teams, conceptual estimating, and how golf is like precon.

Coping With Losing a Bid Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

Today, John and Suzanne talk about the best thing you and your team can do when you lose a bid.

Don’t worry, no one sings “Let it go” in this episode. (But we bet you have it stuck in your head now. You're welcome.)

Managing Technology in Precon Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

Hey there, podcast pals! 🎙️ On today’s episode, our host John is joined by none other than Chris Reeder, the Preconstruction Technology Manager at Brasfield & Gorrie. 🚀

Now, let me tell you, Chris is a precon wizard—he’s got the whole tech game on lockdown! As the go-to guru for all things tech in his precon team, he’s like the Captain Marvel of construction software. 💪

What’s his secret sauce? Well, Chris not only wrangles the tech but also weaves magic into processes. He’s the guy who ensures everything runs as smoothly as a well-oiled machine. 🛠️

In this lively chat, John and Chris dive into the nitty-gritty. They’re talking about:

Data organization: Because let’s face it, a tidy database is like a closet with color-coordinated socks—life-changing! 📊
Tech juggling: Imagine Chris with a bunch of tech balls in the air, doing a flawless juggling act. 🤹‍♂️
Best practices for standardizing your database: It’s like teaching your dog to sit—consistency is key! 🐶
Why having a tech manager rocks: Chris spills the beans on how it’s like having a personal tech superhero on your precon team. 🦸‍♂️

And guess what? Chris recently dropped some knowledge bombs at Precon World 2023. 🌎🔥 His session on Production-Based Estimating Lifecycle: Strategy to Quantities to Analysis is a must-watch! Click the link below to catch it on YouTube. 🎬 Production-Based Estimating Lifecycle: Strategy to Quantities to Analysis (youtube.com)

So grab your headphones, kick back, and let’s geek out with John and Chris! 🤓🎧

The End of the World in Precon Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

This is one of our funnest episodes! Recorded on the day of the total apocalypse, whoops, we mean eclipse, John hosts Ted Solomon and the two talk about the eclipse, the New Jersey earthquake and the worst preconstruction mistakes the two experienced during their careers as estimators.

Listen in to hear some precon disasters and feel Ted and John’s pain.

What is the worst precon disaster you’ve experienced? Tell us and John will share the worst of them in a future episode. (Don’t worry, you can remain anonymous.)

Email precongeek@beck-technology.com

Interview with Ale Macias, Preconstruction Specialist at Ryan Companies Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

Even if you aren’t using the latest and greatest software or other innovative construction tech, without data and technology, you wouldn’t be able to do your job.

Okay, you might be able to technically do it, but it wouldn’t be done right at all.

On this episode of Precon Geeks, John hosts Ale Macias, a Preconstruction Specialist at Ryan Companies. Ale holds a unique position in the preconstruction team at Ryan because she and her team focus solely on precon tech.

They research and establish the best process on how to perform estimating the most efficiently and accurately and adapt that to the different regions, project types, and clients that Ryan works with.

This enlightening conversation talks about data and how Ryan Companies successfully uses this tech-focused team to support their estimators.

Controlling Risk in Construction Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

We’re in a risky business and anything that can help us mitigate that risk is worth evaluating. On this episode of Precon Geeks, John hosts ProNovos founder, CEO, and Chief Data Scientist Bruce Orr.

ProNovos, like DESTINI Estimator construction estimating software, is a data-driven construction software. ProNovos helps teams standardize their workflows and identify and stop financial risks in projects.

John and Bruce talk about how data can be best used in the construction industry and how innovative technologies are changing the way we build and improving lives.

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