Precon Geeks

Latest Episodes:

Career Paths to Preconstruction Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

Preconstruction and estimating is such a challenging and rewarding career but what’s the best path to get there and how do you transition out?

Every estimator’s story is different depending on how they got into precon. For some, construction is in their blood, others just fell into precon.

John hosts our own Andrew Holt to talk about what’s the best way to move into estimating, what skill sets do you need, and where is a good start in the construction industry to get those skills.

VR Technology in Construction Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

John hosts Ted Solomon, Beck Technology Implementation Specialist on this mind-blowing episode of Precon Geeks.

Ted is very passionate about innovative technology, specifically virtual reality and augmented reality. He recently demo’ed the Apple Vision Pro. With his previous experience with other VR devices, he sees how VR technology can revolutionize the construction industry.

Listen in to learn how these VR and AR devices are becoming so sophisticated that they could completely change the way we build buildings.

Precon Now vs. Then Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

John hosts Robbie Gronbach, Vice President of Preconstruction at Willis Smith based in Sarasota, Florida.

John asks Robbie about what he’s seeing in the industry today in Florida, what he predicts for 2024, and the two reminisce about how precon used to be versus what it’s like now.

Listen in and see if you can relate.

Building and Maintaining Sub Relationships Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

On this special episode of Precon Geeks, John hosts Brett Backus, COO and Cam Delahoussaye, Chief Estimator at Eleven Western Builders, Inc. The three trade stories about how to be successful at building and maintaining relationships with subs.

Hiring, Growing, and Keeping Younger Estimators Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

John hosts Taimoor Khan, Vice President of Preconstruction at Satterfield & Pontikes and adjunct professor at the University of Houston.

Taimoor has a passion for innovation and is an advocate of exploring construction technologies and growing the next generation of preconstruction professionals. He is an experience leader and has developed successful tactics on how to grow and retain younger generations getting into precon.

On this special episode of Precon Geeks, John and Taimoor discuss the challenges precon teams face finding new talent and how leadership is vital in creating an environment where younger estimators thrive and want to stay at your company.

For more on this subject, watch Taimoor’s workshop session at Precon World 2023 here: How to Develop the Next Generation of Preconstruction Professionals (beck-technology.com)

Answers to 4 Burning Questions Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

On today's episode of Precon Geeks, John answers questions that we often get.

1. How do I break into precon and become an estimator?

2. How often should I be asked to "excatimate?"

3. What is a cost database and what is the value in them?

4. Is there a future in estimating?

John uses his many years of working as in estimator to answer these frequently asked questions.

Shake up the Status Quo! Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

John co-hosts with Frank, one of the members on John's team at Beck Tech and they discuss why it is important to stop embracing the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset.

Many industries are reluctant to change with construction being notorious for being REALLY reluctant to change; however, to keep up with your competition you need to be innovative.

In this episode, you’ll hear the benefits of upsetting the status quo and the good things that can happen when you shake things up.

Difficult Conversations Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

What happens when you give four ex estimators a microphone and rapid-fire questions?

They get real.

John hosts Beck Tech employees who in their past lives were in precon and then asks them the tough questions.

They give the answers you wish you could say out loud.

John asks:

What do you do to scare someone up when you get a bid that comes in screamingly low?
What is one task you hate that you'd never tell your boss?
What's the best way to find new work?
What do you do if you aren't getting clear communication from your owner?
What was one of the craziest things you ever saw?
What's one thing you'd change about preconstruction?

You don't want to miss this panel discussion!

How Precon Can Help Design Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

John hosts our own Yoda, aka Doug Maiden, who, if you didn't know, in his previous life was an architect.

The two discuss how precon can help design through the early stages of a project.

Cultivating a Culture of Innovation Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

Innovation is our mandate. It is one of our core values. It is way we are here. Our founder, Peter Beck, formed Beck Technology because he knew innovative technology could fix the many problems we face in construction.

We are passionately working on solving preconstruction problems through innovative technology every day. But those solutions don’t just come out of thin air. It takes a lot of work. Beck Technology's Innovations Lab is what drives these innovative ideas. Through the lab, we test ideas. Some of them make it. Some of them fail.

Today, John hosts Eric Fritsche, Head of Innovations Lab and the two talk about Beck Technology’s Innovation Week, the importance of Innovation, and how you can start an innovation initiative at your company in this week’s episode.

For more on our Innovations Lab, read the following resources:

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected