Precon Geeks

Latest Episodes:

Are You Up to the Challenge? Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

Do you have an estimating cost history database? Or any type of estimating database?

In this week’s episode of Precon Geeks, the preconstruction podcast for all things precon, John has a challenge for you…

What is that challenge? Well, you’re just going to have to listen to find out.

And you’ll want to listen until the very end because Jared has HUGE news he has to share.

Cleaning Up Your Estimating Data Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

Bad data costs businesses $12.9 trillion every year.

As an estimator, getting accurate data and mitigating risk is the majority of what you do. Using accurate data to make the best project decisions is key to winning jobs.

There are two types of data—historical and cost data. John and Jared talk about the importance of keeping you estimating data clean and offer advice on how and when to clean your data.

For a detailed plan on how to organize your data cleanup, read this blog post: 4 Tips to Clean Up Your Estimating Data

Estimating off the Model Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

BIM.

Who is using it? How are they using? What are the roadblocks to using it? What does the future of BIM look like?

At last year's Precon World, Brent Pilgrim, National Director of Preconstruction at the Beck Group, asked who was using model-based estimating regularly—83% replied, ‘no.'

In this episode, John and Jared talk about how preconstruction departments have become experts as using BIM as a selling tool; however, there is so much more to 3D modeling.

Listen in and get John's opinion on where BIM is headed, and you will also get tips on where to find how to use BIM.

For more resources on BIM and model-based estimating, read the following blog posts:

How the Heck Do I Learn Estimating? Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

Piggybacking on the episode You're Good Enough, You're Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like You when John and Jared talk about imposter syndrome, today the Precon Geeks talk about how you can learn how to estimate and how to learn to estimate better.

In our country, there aren’t many official avenues to learn how to create construction estimates, so how can you get into preconstruction with the confidence that you can do the job? How do you learn how to do it? How do you learn how to do more?

Our industry is so hands-on experienced based rather than getting schooling on how to do it that recent college grads and junior estimators tend to steer away from getting into precon. However, it is a highly rewarding career.

John uses his experience as a preconstruction manager to encourage listeners who are either new to estimating or considering getting into precon on how you can learn how to estimate construction projects.

How did you get into precon? Let us know by sending us an email at precongeek@beck-technology.com.

For more resources on how to become a cost estimator or be better at your job, read the following blogs:

The Evolution of Preconstruction Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

We’ve come a long way, baby.

On this week’s episode of Precon Geeks, the preconstruction podcast made for estimators so we can geek out on all things precon, John and Jared discuss the evolution of how we’ve done preconstruction and how technology has impacted construction and particularly preconstruction.

John talks about his experience with the digital revolution and the evolution of takeoff and where construction technology is headed.

From looking back to how far we’ve come and where we’re headed, technology is making the industry and the world a better place.

If you are interested in learning more about how our construction estimating and bid leveling software is revolutionizing the industry, contact us to schedule a demo: Request a demo of DESTINI Estimator and DESTINI Bid Day (beck-technology.com) To learn more about what John and Jared are talking about when they mention Blockbuster and Kodak, read our blog post, “What Happens When You Fail to Innovate” here: What Happens When You Fail to Innovate? (beck-technology.com)

You're Good Enough, You're Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like You Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

Is your daily mantra “You're Good Enough, You're Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like You?” Even though Stuart Smalley was a comedic sketch, he was actually on to something. The feeling like you don’t know enough to do your job well is a common feeling among estimators.

Drawing from a popular Redditt post about imposter syndrome at work, John and Jared talk about how to handle feelings of inadequacies in preconstruction and how leadership can combat these feelings and help their precon teams learn and grow in this week’s episode.

Interview with Togal.AI CEO and founder, and Executive Vice President of Coastal Construction, Patrick E. Murphy Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

You don’t want to miss this exciting episode!

Togal.AI CEO and founder, and Executive Vice President of Coastal Construction, Patrick E. Murphy, is John and Jared’s special guest this week.

With 80% faster takeoffs, Togal.AI is takeoff software and integrates with DESTINI Estimator.

In this week’s electrifying episode, Patrick and the Geeks discuss the latest in A.I. and how’s it is being used in the construction industry, especially in precon.

You will also hear the benefits of AI, the revolutionary way Togal.AI is utilizing ChatGPT in its software and how the latest and innovative technology is advancing preconstruction.

Click here to learn more about Togal.AI DESTINI Estimator Integration with Togal | Beck Technology (beck-technology.com)

Do You Bleed Blue? Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

How heated is it going to get?

It's a show down between U of L and U of K.

JUST KIDDING.

John and Jared host our own Allison Lewis, Beck Technology Learning and Development lead. Allison heads up all our training efforts for end users of the DESTINI suite of preconstruction software.

With a construction background, Allison is an expert in data management, process improvement, and standardizing operating procedures. In this episode, the Geeks talk about the importance of utilizing the resources your software vendor provides you to learn your new tools.

Allison talks about the typical gaps in implementing software and how to handle them, and the steps you can take to complete a successful software implementation.

Besides articles and how-to videos, we have an entire Community for estimators and precon professionals to discuss DESTINI Estimator, DESTINI Bid Day, and preconstruction. Access the Community here: Help Center (beck-technology.com)

Live from New York…. It’s Ted! Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

While Jared is still riding solo for one more week, he hosts Beck Technology Implementation Specialist, Ted Solomon. Ted is our resident born and raised New Yorker. He came to Beck Tech with a civil engineering degree and a background in preconstruction, estimating, and field work. He’s deeply passionate about construction technology and sees how embracing emerging tech will help make the built environment better. In this episode, Ted talks about how to gather the best data from the field, how to use that data, and the coolest AR and VR that is being used in the construction industry.

Though Jared did not get a “strongly worded email” he DID get his Precon World 2023 dates wrong. On October 13th, join us at the badass House of Blues Dallas for an entire day of precon! There is a limited-seating special DESTINI Estimator hands-on training session the day before on October 12.

Precon World event is the setting for DESTINI suite users, industry experts, and those interested in the future of preconstruction. To see the sessions and workshops being held this year and to register for Precon World, go here: Precon World | Beck Technology's Annual Conference for Preconstruction (beck-technology.com)

Get your Boat in the Water Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

While John is out being lazy…J/K! He’s out doing cool stuff with his kid’s Boy Scout troop…Jared hosts our own Jan Baren, precon and precon tech expert extraordinaire. On this episode, Jan gives excellent insight into how to evaluate your preconstruction efforts now and provides advice on how to prep your team for the future.

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