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Welcome to The ConTechCrew, hosted by Jeff Sample!
Here, we discuss innovation and all things construction tech, including hardware, software, devices, apps, and the strategies for applying them to construction projects.
Tune in each week to get your latest construction tech news update.
Follow us on social media and join the conversation: @TheConTechCrew
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In this episode of The ConTech Crew, we're lifting construction to new heights literally with Artem Kuchukov, CEO and co-founder of Kewazo. With a background in civil engineering and a master’s in construction robotics, Artem brings over a decade of experience in transforming how materials move on job sites using robotics and AI. He shares the incredible journey of Kewazo, a company revolutionizing vertical material movement, starting with scaffolding in industrial construction.
Jeff and Tannis get into the inefficiencies of traditional material handling, the safety risks of scaffolding, and how Kewazo’s solutions are bridging the gap with automation and data. From humble Lego-inspired beginnings to enabling AI-driven insights in oil sands and manufacturing plants, Artem breaks down the tech, challenges, and the future vision for robotics in heavy industry.
[00:00] - Introduction
[02:26] - Artem’s background and why he entered construction robotics
[04:10] - Identifying scaffolding as a major pain point in vertical material movement
[07:00] - Inspiration from Amazon-style material flow for on-site automation
[10:30] - Pivoting from commercial to industrial construction and why it matters
[21:47] - Fast setup times and the “laptop vs desktop” analogy for on-site deployment
[26:40] - Passive data collection and the power of AI in creating transparency
[29:36] - Reliability in harsh conditions: oil sands to Mexico
[31:53] - Predictions for the next five years and how to learn more
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In this episode of The ConTech Crew, Host Jeff Sample sits down with Mike Mantooth, Director of Capital Projects at Management Controls, Inc. With decades of experience managing high-stakes construction projects, Mike offers a get into the tools, philosophies, and leadership principles that have defined his career. From his early days in the field to leading enterprise-wide initiatives, Mike brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to modern construction challenges.
We explore how Mike blends data-driven decision-making with people-first leadership, his thoughts on digital transformation in capital projects, and why trust and collaboration remain at the heart of successful execution. Whether you’re a project leader or innovator in the construction tech space, this conversation delivers valuable insights on performance, culture, and strategy.
[00:00] - Introduction
[01:55] - Mike’s career journey: from intern to leadership
[03:11] - Transitioning from the oil and gas field to project management
[06:25] - Evolution of technology in the industrial sector
[11:14] - Bridging the gap between field work and executive decisions
[16:48] - Benefits- perspective of owner and vendor.
[20:55] - Relationship building between owners and vendors
[27:11] - Transparencies and tracking work
[36:48] - Final thoughts and where to connect with Mi
In this special Construction Technology News episode of The ConTech crew Podcast, Jeff Sample is joined by Nathan Wood and Lou Perez, co-founder of Lumber, to unpack a major milestone in the company’s successful $15.5 million Series A funding round. The discussion kicks off with highlights from their celebration in New York, where NASDAQ gave them a literal spotlight in Times Square. With the acquisition of BuilderFAX, a digital credentialing wallet, the episode gets deep into the tech that’s reshaping workforce development in construction.
As the industry faces a looming skills gap, Lou shares how Lumber is building tools to bridge the divide between the field and the back office. From AI-powered innovation to digital certifications and ERP integrations, the episode delivers key insights into how modern tech can empower craftworkers, enhance job site safety, and redefine construction career paths.
[00:00] - Introduction
[02:22] - Series A funding and goals
[05:38] - ERP integrations and strategy
[08:10] - Addressing workforce shortages and the stigma of construction jobs
[12:03] - AI innovation and team growth
[14:18] - Data ownership and future vision
[19:37] - Real-world use cases and feedback from craftspeople
[23:07] - How to access free AI tech reviews
[25:42] - Closing remarks
#ConstructionTechnology #AIinConstruction #StartupFunding #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork #WorkforceDevelopment #SmartConstruction
In this episode of The ConTech Crew, Jeff Sample hosts a special live show from the AGC National Convention in Columbus, Ohio. Joined by Rob McKinney from SALUS, Alex Belkofer from McCarthy, and Benjamin Crosby from Yates Construction, the crew gets into the latest in construction tech, leadership, and digital innovation. The conversation covers everything from robotics and data utilization to mental health and operational technology.
With decades of combined experience and a passion for industry evolution, the guests reflect on key challenges, emerging tech solutions, and the urgent need for smarter data use. They also explore the changing culture of construction and how today’s tools from smart tools to AI-powered platforms are revolutionizing job sites. It's a high-energy, insightful episode about connecting the field, fostering innovation, and preparing for the next generation of digital builders.
[00:00] - Introduction
[02:52] - Discussion of AGC National and live events
[04:06] - Alex on the innovation lab and connected job sites
[05:34] - Benjamin shares real-world implementation of tech on mega projects
[10:16] - Rise of software and the digital transformation of trade shows
[14:25] - Alex previews the AEC TechCon 2025 in St. Louis
[18:31] - Importance of localizing innovation for regional impact
[20:41] - Announcement of AGC Technology Conference in Chicago (Aug 5-7)
[24:22] - Vision of future design informed by current constructability data
[30:23] - Highlight of Trimble, Procore, and data exchange examples
[32:30] - Salus, Document Crunch, Hilti, Quickbase, and fleet tech with Tena
[40:11] - Final thoughts and reflection on 10 years of industry transformation
#AGCNational2025 #ConstructionTech #ConnectedJobsite #DigitalBuilder #AECInnovation #SmartConstruction #ConTechCrew #DataDrivenBuilding #ConstructionLeadership #BIMtoField #TechInConstruction #AECCommunity #JobsiteRobotics #DigitalTransformation #AECEvents
In this episode host Jeff Sample is joined by Ronen Vengosh SVP industry practices and solutions from Egnyte, to explore how IT and construction tech leaders must align to drive meaningful innovation. They get deep into the challenges and opportunities in the adoption of technology within the construction industry. They dissect why some companies scale tech successfully while others struggle and emphasize the vital role of change management, data governance, and cross-functional collaboration in transforming the AEC sector.
[01:13] - Episode intro, background on Ronen’s career path
[04:35] - Two types of IT in AEC: infrastructure vs. innovation
[10:48] - Aligning goals and building a collaborative tech team
[16:21] - Communicating tech benefits in business terms
[21:28] - Data sharing, security layers, and the impact of AI
[25:25] - Real-world AI implementation through use cases
[32:21] - Data governance and organizational blind spots
[35:25] - Security, compliance, and risks of being unprepared
[39:13] - Final thoughts, where to connect with Ronen & Egnyte
#ConstructionTech #ConTech #AIinConstruction #DigitalConstruction #SmartConstruction #DataGovernance #ITLeadership #AECInnovation #Cybersecurity #TechAdoption #DigitalTransformation #BuiltEnvironment #ConstructionGrowth #OperationalTechnology #InfrastructureInnovation #CIOInsights #ConstructionIT
In Part 2 of this special edition, Jeff Sample continues the conversation with Travis Voss, Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication at SMACNA and Trent Leinenbach Vice President of Customer Experience at Stratus as they unpack deeper industry-wide challenges and opportunities. The focus shifts to the future of BIM, what it means today, how it's often misused, and whether VDC might be the better path forward.
They also discuss the need for better leadership structures to support women in construction, and highlight emerging safety innovations driven by AI and real-time jobsite data. If you're looking for thoughtful insights on where the industry is headed, this episode delivers.
[00:00] - Introduction
[00:50] - “BIM is Dead” – redefining BIM and its purpose
[10:42] - Misuse of BIM vs. rise of VDC and digital collaboration
[12:55] - Women in construction: leadership gaps and the need for sponsorship
[22:23] - AI for jobsite safety and real‑time hazard detection
[28:52] - The future of integrated planning and predictive safety tech
#BIMIsDead #VDC #WomenInConstruction #LeadershipInConstruction #AIForSafety #JobsiteSafety #ConstructionLeadership #AIInConstruction #TechForSafety #GenerativeAI #PredictiveSafety #ConstructionInnovation
In this episode of The ConTech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with James Hatfield, CRO at LiveSwitch, to unpack his incredible journey from painting houses to disrupting the tech space with real-time video communication tools. James shares how a financial blind spot in his early service business led him to co-found a fintech startup that soared to a billion-dollar valuation. From humble beginnings to leading-edge innovation, his story is one of hustle, grit, and bold pivots.
But the episode goes far beyond the origin story. James reveals how LiveSwitch is revolutionizing emergency response, home services, and construction tech by eliminating friction in video communication: no apps, no hardware, just a tap. With real-world use cases spanning NASA, WWE, and the Super Bowl, he explains why “seeing what I see” is becoming a game-changing layer of accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the built world. Whether you're a techie, contractor, or startup founder, this conversation is packed with takeaways.
[00:00] - Show introduction
[02:45] - James’ background in painting, home services, and his entrepreneurial roots
[08:04] - “Burn the boats” mindset and fully committing to tech
[15:20] - What is LiveSwitch? Use cases from WWE to NASA to 911
[22:20] - Pushback from the field and shifting mindsets with “instant replay”
[29:23] - Tradeoffs between apps vs. browser-based video tools
[31:45] - How small businesses can start using LiveSwitch instantly
[37:20] - Strategic value for contractors and service companies
[39:53] - Where to find James and final wrap-up
#ConTechCrew #ConstructionTech #LiveSwitch #TechInnovation #FieldTech #VideoTech #SmartConstruction #DigitalTransformation #HomeServices #EmergencyTech #EntrepreneurshipJourney #StartupLife #TradesToTech #SecondChances #RealTimeVideo #APIIntegration #ConstructionSoftware #PhilanthropyInTech #EaseOfUse #NoAppRequired
In this episode of Construction Tech News, host Jeff Sample teams up with two industry leaders to discuss how automation and artificial intelligence are influencing construction workflows.Travis Voss, Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication at SMACNA and Trent Leinenbach, Vice President of Customer Experience at Stratus joined the conversation to explore topics ranging from autonomous forklifts to AI-driven news sourcing.
The discussion also covers the introduction of CLARK, a large language model designed to assist engineers with codes and standards and analyzes the industry’s take on U.S. steel tariffs and their long-term implications for construction materials.
Key Learnings:
Timestamps:
[00:00] - Show intro and episode format
[01:41] - Autonomous forklifts and robotics in construction
[08:39] - CLARK: AI for engineering and code support
[10:53] - The role of LLMs and AI responsibility in engineering
[17:25] - U.S. steel tariffs and the global materials supply chain
NCCER: https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/
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Follow The Guest (Trent Leinenbach)
Reference Links:
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In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Anna Jochim, Director Future Workforce Development ELECTRI, and Nelson Squires, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Electrical & Electronic Solutions at Wesco, gets into one of the most pressing issues facing the electrical construction industry: workforce development. With the electrical industry rapidly evolving due to increased electrification, data center expansion, and green energy demands, the conversation zeroes in on the urgent need to cultivate skilled talent through structured, scalable programs.
Anna introduces the groundbreaking Project Management Apprenticeship Program, a first-of-its-kind office-based apprenticeship designed to provide, real-world, structured training for future project managers. Nelson shares Wesco’s commitment to supporting this initiative through scholarships and industry partnerships, emphasizing that talent development is critical to meeting future demand. Together, they paint a compelling vision for the future of electrical construction and how mentorship, innovation, and strategic investment are key to solving the labor shortage.
[00:30] - Introduction
[02:27] - Anna introduces Electri and its mission
[05:46] - Nelson’s background and Wesco’s role in electrification
[07:55] - Projects Wesco supports: data centers, battery plants, hospitals
[14:06] - Why Electri created the PM Apprenticeship Program
[17:08] - Alarming labor stats: shrinking workforce, rising demand
[25:05] - Addressing misconceptions about office apprenticeships
[32:56] - Capturing mentor wisdom through documentation and shared learning
[37:36] - Final thoughts: where the program is headed and how to get involved
[40:45] - Outro and call to action
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In this episode of The ConTech Crew, Jeff Sample and Jonathan Marsh get into the future of construction design automation with Aaron Szymanski and Francesco Iorio from Augmenta.ai. Augmenta.ai is pioneering AI-driven solutions to optimize the design and engineering of construction projects, starting with electrical Raceway systems. Their mission? To automate detailed, constructible designs and revolutionize efficiency in the industry.
The conversation covers the origins of Augmenta.ai, the challenges in digitalizing construction workflows, and the potential for AI to transform decision-making in design. The guests explain how their AI system learns from real-world contractor input, refines designs, and drastically reduces modeling time all while enhancing accuracy. If you’re interested in the intersection of construction, AI, and automation, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
Key Learnings:
Timestamps:
[00:00] - Introduction to the episode.
[01:56] - Introduction to Aaron Szymanski and Francesco Iorio.
[15:16] - The origins of Augmenta and its mission.
[19:00] - The role of AI in automating electrical Raceway design.
[22:14] - The challenge of balancing machine intelligence with human expertise.
[33:27] - The future of AI in construction and its long-term potential.
[39:43] - Where to learn more about Augmenta.ai.
#ConstructionTech #AIinConstruction #Automation #Augmenta #TheConTechCrew #ConstructionInnovation #DigitalTransformation #MachineLearning #FutureofConstruction #BuildingSmart #TechPodcast
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