https://bricks-bytes.work/podcasts/corporate-innovation/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:51:23 +0000 en-GB © 2026 Bricks and Bytes Construction Tech Media and Podcast Network Bricks and Bytes Bricks and Bytes false https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Corporate-Innovation-Cover.png https://bricks-bytes.work/podcasts/corporate-innovation/ No yes c6d5b5a6-7c23-57c3-bda4-f63717a173ae https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/the-labor-crisis-forcing-construction-to-embrace-robots-jeff-danley/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/the-labor-crisis-forcing-construction-to-embrace-robots-jeff-danley/ “We’re missing 300,000 welders in the US, and the average age is 57. There are more people retiring than entering the trade.” In today’s episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Jeff Danley from Burns & McDonnell and we got to learn about how labor shortages are driving robotics adoption, why construction hates innovation, and the surprising truth about AI adoption across different generations… and many more! Tune in to find out about: ✅ How robotic welders are 10x more efficient than humans ✅ Why construction companies are allergic to risk and how that kills innovation ✅ The three-circle framework for successful innovation programs ✅ How different generations use AI completely differently Jeff shared incredible insights from his work helping Fortune 500 companies build innovation programs and his current role transforming a 15,000-person construction company. His perspective on moving from outside the industry into construction reveals fascinating barriers and opportunities most people never see. Listen now on Spotify to discover how the construction industry is finally embracing technology and what it means for the future of building. ——————- Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:55 Introduction to Innovation in Construction 07:52 Challenges of Innovation in Construction 13:42 Assessing Robotics and ROI 20:01 Broader Perspectives on Innovation 26:00 Budgeting for Innovation 34:34 Rapid Prototyping and Innovation Teams 41:46 The Impact of New Graduates on Industry 49:40 Engaging with Startups and Innovation 57:18 Communication and Culture of Innovation 01:02:37 Opportunities for Growth in AI]]> “We’re missing 300,000 welders in the US, and the average age is 57. There are more people retiring than entering the trade.” In today’s episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Jeff Danley from Burns & McDonnell and we got to learn about how labor shortages are driving robotics adoption, why construction hates innovation, and the surprising truth about AI adoption across different generations… and many more! Tune in to find out about: ✅ How robotic welders are 10x more efficient than humans ✅ Why construction companies are allergic to risk and how that kills innovation ✅ The three-circle framework for successful innovation programs ✅ How different generations use AI completely differently Jeff shared incredible insights from his work helping Fortune 500 companies build innovation programs and his current role transforming a 15,000-person construction company. His perspective on moving from outside the industry into construction reveals fascinating barriers and opportunities most people never see. Listen now on Spotify to discover how the construction industry is finally embracing technology and what it means for the future of building. ——————- Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:55 Introduction to Innovation in Construction 07:52 Challenges of Innovation in Construction 13:42 Assessing Robotics and ROI 20:01 Broader Perspectives on Innovation 26:00 Budgeting for Innovation 34:34 Rapid Prototyping and Innovation Teams 41:46 The Impact of New Graduates on Industry 49:40 Engaging with Startups and Innovation 57:18 Communication and Culture of Innovation 01:02:37 Opportunities for Growth in AI]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 01:06:56 No no https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/ai-will-kill-all-saas-companies-new-construction-tech-reality-what-works/ Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:03:49 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/ai-will-kill-all-saas-companies-new-construction-tech-reality-what-works/ “AI will replace SaaS completely. We’re just going to have AI agents for everything.” That’s not just speculation – it’s coming from Paul Hedgepath, Director of Virtual Construction at MJ Harris, a $300M national contractor who’s been in construction tech for 20 years. In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Paul Hedgepath and we got to learn about how major contractors are actually using AI agents right now, why nobody wins jobs with construction technology anymore, and the real ROI numbers behind reality capture… and many more! Tune in to find out about: ✅ How a $50,000 “fancy tape measure” saves weeks of work ✅ Why construction tech companies need to solve the cold call problem ✅ The truth about pilot programs and innovation budgets ✅ Why customer success is make-or-break for construction software Listen now on Youtube and discover what’s really happening in construction technology today. ————— Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:42 Introduction and Context Setting 02:53 Role and Responsibilities in Construction Technology 04:38 Overview of MJ Harris Construction 05:23 Adoption of Construction Technology 08:30 Choosing DroneDeploy for Reality Capture 12:07 Utilization of Captured Data 13:43 Measuring ROI of Reality Capture 16:53 Advancements in Laser Scanning Technology 19:51 Evaluating New Technologies 23:46 Scouting for Solutions and Networking 25:41 Piloting New Technologies 27:11 Measuring ROI on AI Agents 29:34 The Evolution of AI in Construction 30:45 Security Concerns in AI Adoption 32:25 Navigating New Software Tools 33:55 Evaluating Construction Tech Startups 36:27 Building Custom AI Agents 38:24 Effective Messaging for Tech Adoption 40:47 Current Trends in Construction Technology 43:27 Point Solutions vs. Comprehensive Workflows 45:50 Adoption and Measurement of Technology 48:48 The Importance of Customer Success Management 52:27 Evolving Technology and Support Needs 54:24 Innovation in Construction Technology 58:49 Challenges in Contractor-Technology Relationships 01:02:46 The Future of Robotics in Construction 01:04:46 Advice for Construction Tech Startups]]> “AI will replace SaaS completely. We’re just going to have AI agents for everything.” That’s not just speculation – it’s coming from Paul Hedgepath, Director of Virtual Construction at MJ Harris, a $300M national contractor who’s been in construction tech for 20 years. In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Paul Hedgepath and we got to learn about how major contractors are actually using AI agents right now, why nobody wins jobs with construction technology anymore, and the real ROI numbers behind reality capture… and many more! Tune in to find out about: ✅ How a $50,000 “fancy tape measure” saves weeks of work ✅ Why construction tech companies need to solve the cold call problem ✅ The truth about pilot programs and innovation budgets ✅ Why customer success is make-or-break for construction software Listen now on Youtube and discover what’s really happening in construction technology today. ————— Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:42 Introduction and Context Setting 02:53 Role and Responsibilities in Construction Technology 04:38 Overview of MJ Harris Construction 05:23 Adoption of Construction Technology 08:30 Choosing DroneDeploy for Reality Capture 12:07 Utilization of Captured Data 13:43 Measuring ROI of Reality Capture 16:53 Advancements in Laser Scanning Technology 19:51 Evaluating New Technologies 23:46 Scouting for Solutions and Networking 25:41 Piloting New Technologies 27:11 Measuring ROI on AI Agents 29:34 The Evolution of AI in Construction 30:45 Security Concerns in AI Adoption 32:25 Navigating New Software Tools 33:55 Evaluating Construction Tech Startups 36:27 Building Custom AI Agents 38:24 Effective Messaging for Tech Adoption 40:47 Current Trends in Construction Technology 43:27 Point Solutions vs. Comprehensive Workflows 45:50 Adoption and Measurement of Technology 48:48 The Importance of Customer Success Management 52:27 Evolving Technology and Support Needs 54:24 Innovation in Construction Technology 58:49 Challenges in Contractor-Technology Relationships 01:02:46 The Future of Robotics in Construction 01:04:46 Advice for Construction Tech Startups]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 01:12:08 No no https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/from-shop-drawings-to-smart-buildings-the-radical-innovation-strategy-of-a-200m-engineering-firm/ Thu, 15 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/from-shop-drawings-to-smart-buildings-the-radical-innovation-strategy-of-a-200m-engineering-firm/ “We got in trouble with our own partners for investing in technology that disrupted OUR business. Some were actually ‘pissed’ because it threatened our design revenue.” In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Robert Ioanna, Executive Principal of Syska Hennessy Group, sharing his innovative approach to construction tech investment and internal R&D. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Their three-pronged innovation approach: external investments, internal R&D, and corporate ideation ✅ How they gamify innovation with an internal point system that engages 20% of their firm ✅ Why he believes MEP industry disruption will work backwards (from shop drawings to concept) ✅ The challenge of AI adoption in a code-driven, legally-rigid industry with PE stamp requirements Listen now on Spotify to learn how this 700-person MEP firm is disrupting itself from within rather than waiting for outsiders to do it first. ———– Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:52 Introduction to Cisco Hennessey and Roles 05:17 The Three-Pronged Approach to Innovation 09:03 Cisco Innovations: Internal Incubator or CVC? 11:41 Competitive Edge in the MEP Industry 12:05 Innovation Frameworks and Inspirations 17:06 Current Technologies in MEP Design 21:11 Measuring Innovation Success 22:15 Challenges in the MEP Space 35:10 Pain Points in MEP Design Consulting 38:57 The Future of AI in AEC 41:57 Navigating AI’s Impact on MEP Engineering 45:15 Challenges in AI Adoption for Complex Projects 47:01 Understanding Market Dynamics in Construction Tech 55:20 The Evolution of Engineering Rates and Value 58:08 Lessons Learned from Tech Investments 01:00:17 Investor Perspectives on AEC Tech 01:04:31 Fostering Creativity in Innovation 01:09:22 Introducing DigiDux: A New Tool for Engineers]]> “We got in trouble with our own partners for investing in technology that disrupted OUR business. Some were actually ‘pissed’ because it threatened our design revenue.” In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Robert Ioanna, Executive Principal of Syska Hennessy Group, sharing his innovative approach to construction tech investment and internal R&D. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Their three-pronged innovation approach: external investments, internal R&D, and corporate ideation ✅ How they gamify innovation with an internal point system that engages 20% of their firm ✅ Why he believes MEP industry disruption will work backwards (from shop drawings to concept) ✅ The challenge of AI adoption in a code-driven, legally-rigid industry with PE stamp requirements Listen now on Spotify to learn how this 700-person MEP firm is disrupting itself from within rather than waiting for outsiders to do it first. ———– Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:52 Introduction to Cisco Hennessey and Roles 05:17 The Three-Pronged Approach to Innovation 09:03 Cisco Innovations: Internal Incubator or CVC? 11:41 Competitive Edge in the MEP Industry 12:05 Innovation Frameworks and Inspirations 17:06 Current Technologies in MEP Design 21:11 Measuring Innovation Success 22:15 Challenges in the MEP Space 35:10 Pain Points in MEP Design Consulting 38:57 The Future of AI in AEC 41:57 Navigating AI’s Impact on MEP Engineering 45:15 Challenges in AI Adoption for Complex Projects 47:01 Understanding Market Dynamics in Construction Tech 55:20 The Evolution of Engineering Rates and Value 58:08 Lessons Learned from Tech Investments 01:00:17 Investor Perspectives on AEC Tech 01:04:31 Fostering Creativity in Innovation 01:09:22 Introducing DigiDux: A New Tool for Engineers]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 01:11:11 No no https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/shark-bites-kill-mosquito-bites-dont-innovation-prioritization-autodesk-cloud-ai-hype-reality-check/ Thu, 08 May 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/shark-bites-kill-mosquito-bites-dont-innovation-prioritization-autodesk-cloud-ai-hype-reality-check/ “We call them ‘shark bites’ versus ‘mosquito bites’ – that’s how we prioritize our innovation pain points.” In today’s episode of The Bricks & Bytes Podcast, we had Ariel Castillo, Director of Innovation at Miller-Davis Company, share his practical approach to digital transformation in construction. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How to identify and prioritize technology pain points using the “shark bite vs mosquito bite” framework ✅ The step-by-step process for evaluating and implementing new construction tech solutions ✅ Why having an R&D “burn money” budget is crucial for testing innovative tools ✅ The realistic challenges of connecting project management systems with ERP platforms Listen now on Youtube to hear Ariel’s insights on balancing innovation with practical implementation, and why construction companies need to become “AI ready” rather than rushing into adoption. Watch here :  Chpaters 00:00 Intro 04:30 Introduction and Weather Talk 05:31 Ariel’s Role and Company Overview 07:34 Innovation in Construction Management 10:27 Addressing Pain Points in Construction 13:29 Identifying and Prioritizing Pain Points 16:22 Balancing Shark Bites and Mosquito Bites 20:32 Current Shark Bites and Solutions 24:42 Digital Transformation Roadmap 25:24 Change Management Challenges 28:24 Project Management Tool Implementation 32:44 Streamlining Processes with Technology 34:38 Evaluating Technology Solutions 37:32 The Implementation Process 44:14 Pilot Programs and Rollout Strategies 46:58 Budgeting for Innovation 50:36 Advice for Tech Startups 55:49 The Role of AI in Construction 01:00:26 The Future of General Contracting]]> “We call them ‘shark bites’ versus ‘mosquito bites’ – that’s how we prioritize our innovation pain points.” In today’s episode of The Bricks & Bytes Podcast, we had Ariel Castillo, Director of Innovation at Miller-Davis Company, share his practical approach to digital transformation in construction. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How to identify and prioritize technology pain points using the “shark bite vs mosquito bite” framework ✅ The step-by-step process for evaluating and implementing new construction tech solutions ✅ Why having an R&D “burn money” budget is crucial for testing innovative tools ✅ The realistic challenges of connecting project management systems with ERP platforms Listen now on Youtube to hear Ariel’s insights on balancing innovation with practical implementation, and why construction companies need to become “AI ready” rather than rushing into adoption. Watch here :  Chpaters 00:00 Intro 04:30 Introduction and Weather Talk 05:31 Ariel’s Role and Company Overview 07:34 Innovation in Construction Management 10:27 Addressing Pain Points in Construction 13:29 Identifying and Prioritizing Pain Points 16:22 Balancing Shark Bites and Mosquito Bites 20:32 Current Shark Bites and Solutions 24:42 Digital Transformation Roadmap 25:24 Change Management Challenges 28:24 Project Management Tool Implementation 32:44 Streamlining Processes with Technology 34:38 Evaluating Technology Solutions 37:32 The Implementation Process 44:14 Pilot Programs and Rollout Strategies 46:58 Budgeting for Innovation 50:36 Advice for Tech Startups 55:49 The Role of AI in Construction 01:00:26 The Future of General Contracting]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 00:59:32 No no https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/innovation-is-not-about-technology-solving-resistance-implementation-from-a-tech-vp-at-bulley-andrews/ Thu, 01 May 2025 15:54:31 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/innovation-is-not-about-technology-solving-resistance-implementation-from-a-tech-vp-at-bulley-andrews/ “The trap of innovation is this idea that it’s a very broad thing, but people think about it very narrowly. They think it’s got to be technology-related and this big Shark Tank idea.” In today’s episode of Corporate Innovations from the Bricks & Bytes Podcast, we had Dana Erdman, VP of Technology and Innovation at Bulley & Andrews, and we got to learn about how a construction company approaches innovation, technology adoption challenges, and building relationships with startups! Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why the best innovations often come from people doing the day-to-day work ✅ The importance of onboarding support when implementing new technology ✅ Why per-project pricing models can be deal-breakers for construction companies ✅ How to approach AI adoption in the construction industry with caution Listen now on Spotify to hear Dana’s insights on technology in the renovation space and advice for founders looking to sell to contractors. ———— Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dana Erdman and Bully and Andrews 03:06 Understanding Innovation in Construction 06:01 Challenges in Technology Adoption 08:49 Pain Points in the Field and Office 11:57 The Labor Shortage Dilemma 15:00 Successful Technology Implementation 17:58 Evaluating New Technologies 20:56 Pilot Programs and Implementation Strategies 24:00 Defining Success in Technology Pilots 26:53 Pricing Conversations with Technology Providers 32:01 Navigating Pricing Conversations 34:55 Building Relationships Over Sales 39:03 The Role of Technology in Construction 43:01 Cautious Optimism Towards AI 48:10 Understanding Supply Chain Challenges 50:58 Collaboration vs. Silos in Construction 51:58 The Impact of Company Culture on Innovation 55:00 The Future of General Contracting]]> “The trap of innovation is this idea that it’s a very broad thing, but people think about it very narrowly. They think it’s got to be technology-related and this big Shark Tank idea.” In today’s episode of Corporate Innovations from the Bricks & Bytes Podcast, we had Dana Erdman, VP of Technology and Innovation at Bulley & Andrews, and we got to learn about how a construction company approaches innovation, technology adoption challenges, and building relationships with startups! Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why the best innovations often come from people doing the day-to-day work ✅ The importance of onboarding support when implementing new technology ✅ Why per-project pricing models can be deal-breakers for construction companies ✅ How to approach AI adoption in the construction industry with caution Listen now on Spotify to hear Dana’s insights on technology in the renovation space and advice for founders looking to sell to contractors. ———— Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dana Erdman and Bully and Andrews 03:06 Understanding Innovation in Construction 06:01 Challenges in Technology Adoption 08:49 Pain Points in the Field and Office 11:57 The Labor Shortage Dilemma 15:00 Successful Technology Implementation 17:58 Evaluating New Technologies 20:56 Pilot Programs and Implementation Strategies 24:00 Defining Success in Technology Pilots 26:53 Pricing Conversations with Technology Providers 32:01 Navigating Pricing Conversations 34:55 Building Relationships Over Sales 39:03 The Role of Technology in Construction 43:01 Cautious Optimism Towards AI 48:10 Understanding Supply Chain Challenges 50:58 Collaboration vs. Silos in Construction 51:58 The Impact of Company Culture on Innovation 55:00 The Future of General Contracting]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 01:02:58 No no https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/innovation-without-roi-practical-innovation-strategies-from-dprs-innovation-director/ Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:31:59 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/innovation-without-roi-practical-innovation-strategies-from-dprs-innovation-director/ “We like to look at it more as impact, potential impact. ROI is nice if we can get a return financially, but with innovative solutions, it usually takes quite a long time, sometimes a few years.” In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sat down with Tim Gaylord, Corporate Director of Innovation at DPR Construction, and gained fascinating insights into how one of the largest construction companies approaches innovation. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How DPR fosters a culture of innovation from the bottom up ✅ Why they’re building more solutions internally rather than solely relying on startups ✅ The unexpected collaboration trend between competing general contractors ✅ What startups get wrong when approaching large construction companies Tim shares candid advice for construction tech startups – including the pricing models that work, the importance of clearly defining problems, and why patience is crucial when working with large contractors. ——-Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:25 The Role of a Corporate Director of Innovation 07:25 Fostering a Culture of Innovation 10:31 Identifying Key Challenges for Innovation 13:23 Internal vs. External Innovation Solutions 16:36 Implementation Framework for New Technologies 19:34 Trends in AI and Robotics in Construction 22:28 Vetting New Technologies and Startups 25:24 Evaluating the Impact of New Solutions 40:46 Startup Success Factors 45:04 Pricing Models and Their Impact 49:10 Point Solutions vs. Workflow Software 51:28 Lessons from Unsuccessful Implementations 55:43 Best Practices for Startup Engagement 57:57 Preparing for a Successful Pitch 01:00:47 Current Technology Evaluations 01:05:00 Future Trends in Construction Innovation]]> “We like to look at it more as impact, potential impact. ROI is nice if we can get a return financially, but with innovative solutions, it usually takes quite a long time, sometimes a few years.” In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sat down with Tim Gaylord, Corporate Director of Innovation at DPR Construction, and gained fascinating insights into how one of the largest construction companies approaches innovation. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How DPR fosters a culture of innovation from the bottom up ✅ Why they’re building more solutions internally rather than solely relying on startups ✅ The unexpected collaboration trend between competing general contractors ✅ What startups get wrong when approaching large construction companies Tim shares candid advice for construction tech startups – including the pricing models that work, the importance of clearly defining problems, and why patience is crucial when working with large contractors. ——-Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:25 The Role of a Corporate Director of Innovation 07:25 Fostering a Culture of Innovation 10:31 Identifying Key Challenges for Innovation 13:23 Internal vs. External Innovation Solutions 16:36 Implementation Framework for New Technologies 19:34 Trends in AI and Robotics in Construction 22:28 Vetting New Technologies and Startups 25:24 Evaluating the Impact of New Solutions 40:46 Startup Success Factors 45:04 Pricing Models and Their Impact 49:10 Point Solutions vs. Workflow Software 51:28 Lessons from Unsuccessful Implementations 55:43 Best Practices for Startup Engagement 57:57 Preparing for a Successful Pitch 01:00:47 Current Technology Evaluations 01:05:00 Future Trends in Construction Innovation]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 01:09:08 No no https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/90-of-construction-waste-avoidable-material-efficiency-circular-design-from-sustainability-experts/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:50:16 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/90-of-construction-waste-avoidable-material-efficiency-circular-design-from-sustainability-experts/ “The aim by 2033 is to reduce global carbon emissions by 1% every year.” – Matt Kennedy-Good, NeoCrete In today’s episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had  – Eduardo Gomez from CRH Ventures along with founders  – Eliot Brooks and William Knapp from Cocoon,  – Shahrukh Shamim from Envicore,  – Matt Kennedy-Good from NeoCrete, and  – Ellizabeth Gilligan and David Hughes from Material Evolution  at CRH’s Sustainable Building Materials Accelerator Demo Day in London.  The passion these innovators showed for tackling cement’s massive carbon footprint was truly inspiring. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Cocoon is turning steel slag waste into sustainable cement while capturing CO2 ✅ Envicore’s SCMs reducing emission intensity by up to 26% in concrete mixes ✅ NeoCrete’s technology making volcanic ash more reactive as a cement replacement ✅ Material Evolution’s alkali fusion process creating cement with 85% reduction in carbon emissions Listen to the full episode to discover how these startups are partnering with industry giants to scale sustainable building materials globally.]]> “The aim by 2033 is to reduce global carbon emissions by 1% every year.” – Matt Kennedy-Good, NeoCrete In today’s episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had  – Eduardo Gomez from CRH Ventures along with founders  – Eliot Brooks and William Knapp from Cocoon,  – Shahrukh Shamim from Envicore,  – Matt Kennedy-Good from NeoCrete, and  – Ellizabeth Gilligan and David Hughes from Material Evolution  at CRH’s Sustainable Building Materials Accelerator Demo Day in London.  The passion these innovators showed for tackling cement’s massive carbon footprint was truly inspiring. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Cocoon is turning steel slag waste into sustainable cement while capturing CO2 ✅ Envicore’s SCMs reducing emission intensity by up to 26% in concrete mixes ✅ NeoCrete’s technology making volcanic ash more reactive as a cement replacement ✅ Material Evolution’s alkali fusion process creating cement with 85% reduction in carbon emissions Listen to the full episode to discover how these startups are partnering with industry giants to scale sustainable building materials globally.]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 00:54:30 No no https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/crhs-systematic-innovation-process-lessons-from-vp-of-industry-innovation/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:35:30 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/crhs-systematic-innovation-process-lessons-from-vp-of-industry-innovation/ In today’s episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Thomas Donoghue, VP for Industry Innovation at CRH, the world’s leading building materials provider with $36B in annual revenue across 28 countries. Thomas shared fascinating insights on how large companies can drive meaningful innovation in construction, and why so many pilots never scale. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why construction innovation often gets trapped in “pilot purgatory” ✅ CRH’s systematic innovation process – from problem identification to scale ✅ How sustainability, decarbonization and circularity are reshaping material choices ✅ Why collaborating across the entire value chain is essential for solving industry-wide problems Listen to the full episode to learn how CRH is breaking down silos and bringing customer-focused innovation to the construction industry.]]> In today’s episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Thomas Donoghue, VP for Industry Innovation at CRH, the world’s leading building materials provider with $36B in annual revenue across 28 countries. Thomas shared fascinating insights on how large companies can drive meaningful innovation in construction, and why so many pilots never scale. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why construction innovation often gets trapped in “pilot purgatory” ✅ CRH’s systematic innovation process – from problem identification to scale ✅ How sustainability, decarbonization and circularity are reshaping material choices ✅ Why collaborating across the entire value chain is essential for solving industry-wide problems Listen to the full episode to learn how CRH is breaking down silos and bringing customer-focused innovation to the construction industry.]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 00:26:55 No no https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/stop-solving-everything-innovation-overreach-focused-approaches-from-director-of-innovation-at-arco/ Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:01:50 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/stop-solving-everything-innovation-overreach-focused-approaches-from-director-of-innovation-at-arco/ “We lean younger as a construction company, and we’re constantly taking demos, attending conferences, and connecting with innovators. The juice has to be worth the squeeze for us to implement new technology.” In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Kathryn Dreitzler, Director of Innovation at ARCO, sharing insights on how a $7 billion construction company approaches innovation. We explored their process from problem identification to implementation, the balance between building in-house vs buying solutions, and the human aspects of technology adoption. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How ARCO evaluates which innovations are worth pursuing vs just hype ✅ Why customer success is critical when implementing construction tech ✅ The importance of solving specific problems rather than trying to do too much ✅ How innovation can improve job quality and staff retention Listen now on Spotify to hear the full conversation about construction innovation from one of ENR’s top 20 contractors! —————— Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ARCO’s Innovation Process 03:10 Defining Innovation at ARCO 06:01 Challenges in the Construction Industry 08:51 Evaluating Innovations and Technology Solutions 12:00 The Role of Pilots in Innovation 14:59 Collaboration with Ventures and Startups 17:49 Implementing New Technologies 21:14 Case Study: Site Security Systems 32:38 Innovative Solutions in Construction 34:02 Challenges in Implementing New Tools 36:00 The Tool Landscape in Construction 38:05 Maximizing Efficiency with Existing Tools 41:02 The Role of AI in Construction 44:58 Customer Success and Communication 50:53 Assessing ROI in Construction Tools 54:57 In-House Development vs. External Solutions 58:11 The Future of General Contracting]]> “We lean younger as a construction company, and we’re constantly taking demos, attending conferences, and connecting with innovators. The juice has to be worth the squeeze for us to implement new technology.” In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Kathryn Dreitzler, Director of Innovation at ARCO, sharing insights on how a $7 billion construction company approaches innovation. We explored their process from problem identification to implementation, the balance between building in-house vs buying solutions, and the human aspects of technology adoption. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How ARCO evaluates which innovations are worth pursuing vs just hype ✅ Why customer success is critical when implementing construction tech ✅ The importance of solving specific problems rather than trying to do too much ✅ How innovation can improve job quality and staff retention Listen now on Spotify to hear the full conversation about construction innovation from one of ENR’s top 20 contractors! —————— Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ARCO’s Innovation Process 03:10 Defining Innovation at ARCO 06:01 Challenges in the Construction Industry 08:51 Evaluating Innovations and Technology Solutions 12:00 The Role of Pilots in Innovation 14:59 Collaboration with Ventures and Startups 17:49 Implementing New Technologies 21:14 Case Study: Site Security Systems 32:38 Innovative Solutions in Construction 34:02 Challenges in Implementing New Tools 36:00 The Tool Landscape in Construction 38:05 Maximizing Efficiency with Existing Tools 41:02 The Role of AI in Construction 44:58 Customer Success and Communication 50:53 Assessing ROI in Construction Tools 54:57 In-House Development vs. External Solutions 58:11 The Future of General Contracting]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 01:09:53 No no https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/ai-is-mostly-marketing-hype-separating-real-solutions-from-tech-buzzwords-with-a-construction-cio/ Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:33:11 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/ai-is-mostly-marketing-hype-separating-real-solutions-from-tech-buzzwords-with-a-construction-cio/ “We tell stories better than we fill out forms. So let us tell stories. These guys in the field are really great at stories.” In today’s episode of Corporate Innovations from the Bricks & Bytes Podcast, we had Adam Krob from Boh Bros and we got to learn about evaluating construction tech, successful implementation strategies, and his vision for AI in the field… and many more! Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Adam calculates ROI on tech investments, including his unique “two-year adoption curve” approach ✅ Why voice interfaces and LLMs could transform field data collection, letting workers tell stories instead of filling out forms ✅ The three sources of innovation at Boh Bros: site-level requirements, strategic goals, and specialty departments like safety ✅ What makes tech vendors stand out (and what instant red flags to avoid) ————– Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:25 Introduction and Context 05:34 Understanding Adam’s Role at Bobros 06:53 Overview of BorgBros and Its Projects 07:57 Technology in Construction: Logistics and Supply Chain 10:22 Adopting New Technologies: The Voyage Control Experience 13:42 Identifying Technology Needs: Site vs. Strategic Goals 16:02 Safety and Quality as Drivers of Technology 19:09 Developing a Submittal Process with AI 21:02 Evaluating Innovations: Solutions vs. Hype 25:43 Data Quality and Measurement in Safety 29:27 Technology Evaluation Process at BorgBros 34:55 Measuring ROI and Change Management in Technology Adoption 40:27 Streamlining Processes with Technology 43:27 Evaluating Technology Solutions 46:07 The Challenge of AI Solutions 47:44 Managing Technology Solutions 49:30 Designing User-Friendly Tech 51:02 Innovating with Voice Interfaces 58:50 The Future of General Contracting 01:04:21 Charging Models in Tech Solutions]]> “We tell stories better than we fill out forms. So let us tell stories. These guys in the field are really great at stories.” In today’s episode of Corporate Innovations from the Bricks & Bytes Podcast, we had Adam Krob from Boh Bros and we got to learn about evaluating construction tech, successful implementation strategies, and his vision for AI in the field… and many more! Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Adam calculates ROI on tech investments, including his unique “two-year adoption curve” approach ✅ Why voice interfaces and LLMs could transform field data collection, letting workers tell stories instead of filling out forms ✅ The three sources of innovation at Boh Bros: site-level requirements, strategic goals, and specialty departments like safety ✅ What makes tech vendors stand out (and what instant red flags to avoid) ————– Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:25 Introduction and Context 05:34 Understanding Adam’s Role at Bobros 06:53 Overview of BorgBros and Its Projects 07:57 Technology in Construction: Logistics and Supply Chain 10:22 Adopting New Technologies: The Voyage Control Experience 13:42 Identifying Technology Needs: Site vs. Strategic Goals 16:02 Safety and Quality as Drivers of Technology 19:09 Developing a Submittal Process with AI 21:02 Evaluating Innovations: Solutions vs. Hype 25:43 Data Quality and Measurement in Safety 29:27 Technology Evaluation Process at BorgBros 34:55 Measuring ROI and Change Management in Technology Adoption 40:27 Streamlining Processes with Technology 43:27 Evaluating Technology Solutions 46:07 The Challenge of AI Solutions 47:44 Managing Technology Solutions 49:30 Designing User-Friendly Tech 51:02 Innovating with Voice Interfaces 58:50 The Future of General Contracting 01:04:21 Charging Models in Tech Solutions]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 01:07:45 No no https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/why-most-construction-tech-tool-fails-the-80-rule-innovation-culture-from-a-2-7b-contractor/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:47:54 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/why-most-construction-tech-tool-fails-the-80-rule-innovation-culture-from-a-2-7b-contractor/ “We’re not overly concerned about what our titles say externally. We’re far more interested in what they say internally.” – Mitch Cornelius, CTO at Fortis Construction In today’s episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Mitch Cornelius from Fortis Construction who shared insights on innovation in construction for a $2.7B company. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why Fortis focuses on employee experience over ROI when evaluating new tech ✅ How they reduced tech fragmentation by moving from dozens of point solutions to a platform approach ✅ Their “80% rule” for technology adoption across project teams ✅ Why they engage with early-stage startups but deliberately avoid establishing a CVC arm The construction industry is evolving rapidly with AI and other technologies. Hear how Fortis is positioning itself as a pioneer rather than a cowboy in this changing landscape. —– Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:30 Introduction to Fortis and Its Operations 06:29 The Role of the CTO in Innovation 09:40 Innovation as a Company-Wide Responsibility 12:30 The Innovation Team Structure 15:33 Sources of Innovation: Field vs Management 18:34 Pain Points in Innovation and Technology 21:22 Evaluating Technology Providers 24:33 Point Solutions vs. Platform Solutions 27:29 User Experience and Adoption of New Tools 30:31 The Future of Construction Technology 41:31 The 80% Rule and Superintendent Workloads 42:34 Pioneering vs. Cowboy Mentality in Startups 45:03 Strategic Partnerships with Early Stage Startups 46:32 Corporate Venture Capital: A Different Approach 48:46 AI in Construction: Current Trends and Future Potential 53:24 Collaboration with Big Tech Companies 56:00 Interest from Big Companies in Construction Tech 57:25 Advice for Early Stage Startups 01:00:29 Collaboration Among Contractors 01:02:35 Pricing Models for Technology in Construction 01:07:41 The Future of General Contracting]]> “We’re not overly concerned about what our titles say externally. We’re far more interested in what they say internally.” – Mitch Cornelius, CTO at Fortis Construction In today’s episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Mitch Cornelius from Fortis Construction who shared insights on innovation in construction for a $2.7B company. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why Fortis focuses on employee experience over ROI when evaluating new tech ✅ How they reduced tech fragmentation by moving from dozens of point solutions to a platform approach ✅ Their “80% rule” for technology adoption across project teams ✅ Why they engage with early-stage startups but deliberately avoid establishing a CVC arm The construction industry is evolving rapidly with AI and other technologies. Hear how Fortis is positioning itself as a pioneer rather than a cowboy in this changing landscape. —– Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:30 Introduction to Fortis and Its Operations 06:29 The Role of the CTO in Innovation 09:40 Innovation as a Company-Wide Responsibility 12:30 The Innovation Team Structure 15:33 Sources of Innovation: Field vs Management 18:34 Pain Points in Innovation and Technology 21:22 Evaluating Technology Providers 24:33 Point Solutions vs. Platform Solutions 27:29 User Experience and Adoption of New Tools 30:31 The Future of Construction Technology 41:31 The 80% Rule and Superintendent Workloads 42:34 Pioneering vs. Cowboy Mentality in Startups 45:03 Strategic Partnerships with Early Stage Startups 46:32 Corporate Venture Capital: A Different Approach 48:46 AI in Construction: Current Trends and Future Potential 53:24 Collaboration with Big Tech Companies 56:00 Interest from Big Companies in Construction Tech 57:25 Advice for Early Stage Startups 01:00:29 Collaboration Among Contractors 01:02:35 Pricing Models for Technology in Construction 01:07:41 The Future of General Contracting]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 01:11:55 No no https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/most-tech-implementations-secretly-fail-4-2bn-gc-innovation-implementation-process/ Thu, 06 Mar 2025 17:29:47 +0000 https://bricks-bytes.work/podcast/most-tech-implementations-secretly-fail-4-2bn-gc-innovation-implementation-process/ “Just because a tool is installed on your desktop doesn’t mean you’re actually using it to its full value.” – Aaron Anderson In today’s episode of Corporate Innovation from the Bricks & Bytes Podcast, we had Aaron Anderson, Director of Innovation at Swinerton, sharing incredible insights about technology adoption in the construction industry. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How they filter out “90% salespeople, 10% engineers” tech companies from their evaluation process ✅ Why contractors often “like to let other people fail first” when adopting new technologies ✅ The critical factors that make a technology implementation successful on construction sites ✅ How innovation often comes from carpenters who “get bored doing the same thing” and find better solutions Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how one of America’s oldest construction companies (135 years!) approaches innovation with a lean team of just two people. —– Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:52 Introduction to Innovation at Swinerton 07:41 The Role of Technology in Construction 10:46 Employee Ownership and Innovation 13:52 Ground-Up vs. Top-Down Innovation 16:51 Implementation of Innovation and Technology 23:01 Challenges in Contracting and Technology 26:41 Navigating Technology Adoption 31:40 Transparency and Integration in Technology 36:39 Technologies in the Toolbox 38:26 Innovations in Construction Technology 44:22 Evaluating and Implementing New Technologies 50:35 The Role of Relationships in Technology Adoption 56:38 Tools and Collaborations in Construction 01:02:42 Future Trends in Data Orchestration and AI]]> “Just because a tool is installed on your desktop doesn’t mean you’re actually using it to its full value.” – Aaron Anderson In today’s episode of Corporate Innovation from the Bricks & Bytes Podcast, we had Aaron Anderson, Director of Innovation at Swinerton, sharing incredible insights about technology adoption in the construction industry. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How they filter out “90% salespeople, 10% engineers” tech companies from their evaluation process ✅ Why contractors often “like to let other people fail first” when adopting new technologies ✅ The critical factors that make a technology implementation successful on construction sites ✅ How innovation often comes from carpenters who “get bored doing the same thing” and find better solutions Listen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how one of America’s oldest construction companies (135 years!) approaches innovation with a lean team of just two people. —– Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:52 Introduction to Innovation at Swinerton 07:41 The Role of Technology in Construction 10:46 Employee Ownership and Innovation 13:52 Ground-Up vs. Top-Down Innovation 16:51 Implementation of Innovation and Technology 23:01 Challenges in Contracting and Technology 26:41 Navigating Technology Adoption 31:40 Transparency and Integration in Technology 36:39 Technologies in the Toolbox 38:26 Innovations in Construction Technology 44:22 Evaluating and Implementing New Technologies 50:35 The Role of Relationships in Technology Adoption 56:38 Tools and Collaborations in Construction 01:02:42 Future Trends in Data Orchestration and AI]]> https://bricks-bytes.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/41964191-1726571196882-ac9eef94af72c-scaled.jpg false no 01:10:01 No no