#029 - Josh Graham - Weather risk management in construction
Our today's guest is Josh Graham - CEO of tech company EHAB, which uses advanced weather modelling and impact analysis to help construction companies de-risk critical infrastructure projects.
In this episode we talk about:
- Josh's journey of setting up EHAB
- key lessons learnt when creating his startup
- real use cases of blockchain and smart contracts in construction industry.
If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review! This helps us get more amazing guests to give you guys the best and most informative content on technology in the built world.
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Josh Graham | CEO of EHAB and CVC (Climate Venture Collective)
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Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform
- connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Chek: https://www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 --> 00:01:13 - Intro
00:01:13 --> 00:01:57 - Sponsor
00:01:57 --> 00:03:29 - Josh’s history of creating EHAB
00:03:29 --> 00:05:08 - Problems in creating sustainable property development company
00:05:08 --> 00:07:13 - Opportunities in sustainable property development
00:07:13 --> 00:07:38 - Does EHAB stand for something?
00:07:38 --> 00:10:10 - Process of identifying weather as a problem to tackle
00:10:10 --> 00:16:00 - Changes that EHAB makes in weather forecasting
00:16:00 --> 00:17:01 - Accuracy of forecast data
00:17:01 --> 00:20:05 - Key lessons learned in Josh’s journey
00:20:05 --> 00:22:06 - Future plans for EHAB
00:22:06 --> 00:23:02 - Project types that can benefit from EHAB
00:23:02 --> 00:24:44 - More about Climate Venture Collective
00:24:44 --> 00:30:01- Blockchain technology and its impact on construction industry
00:30:01 --> 00:33:54 - Smart contracts agreements
00:33:54 --> 00:35:04 - Josh’s regular day
00:35:04 --> 00:35:35 - What would you do with unlimited budget?
00:35:35 --> 00:36:18 - Book recommendation
00:36:18 --> 00:36:58 - More about Josh
00:36:58 --> 00:37:20 - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#019 - Paul Heming - Non Technical Founder CEO Insights In Construction Tech
From QS to the co-founder of a tech platform C-Link and host of the Own The Build podcast....
Today we welcome the legend, Paul Heming.
In this episode we deep dive into:
Paul's story and his early days of the journey
To-do's and not to-do's in the construction as a non-technical founder
About C-Link
The threats AND opportunities of technology on roles like QS', Architects/Engineers
If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review! This helps us get more amazing guests to give you guys the best and most informative content on technology in the built world.
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Paul Heming
Co-Founder at C-Link (Procurement Software for Construction SMEs) and Host of the Own the Build Podcast.
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Today's Sponsor:
@Beta Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Chek www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
00:00:00 --> 00:01:32 - Intro
00:01:32 --> 00:02:32 - Sponsor
00:02:32 --> 00:03:33 - History of Paul Heming
00:03:33 --> 00:04:28 - Early days of the journey
00:04:28 --> 00:05:02 - Working a job during the beginning of the startup
00:05:02 --> 00:07:34 - The future of the QS role
00:07:34 --> 00:09:25 - Did Paul always wanted to be a QS?
00:09:25 --> 00:12:55 - What is C-Link?
00:12:55 --> 00:13:58 - Is C-link going to branch to SME's ?
00:13:58 --> 00:15:30 - What's the implementation srategy of C-Link?
00:15:30 --> 00:16:20 - At the beginning did C-Link bootstrap?
00:16:20 --> 00:17:42 - Should you bootstrap a business?
00:17:42 --> 00:19:51 - Marketing
00:19:51 --> 00:22:24 - Do and don't as non-technical founder of a construction company
00:22:24 --> 00:24:30 - Mistakes during hiring the technical team
00:24:30 --> 00:25:02 - When do you need a full-time CTO?
00:25:02 --> 00:26:33 - Future of C-Link
00:25:02 --> 00:29:05 - The purpose of the podcast (Own The Build Podcast)
00:29:05 --> 00:30:11 - Best episodes podcast (Own The Build Podcast)
00:30:11 --> 00:34:54 - The extinction of roles in construction
00:34:54 --> 00:36:13 - Team building
00:34:54 --> 00:37:25 - What is Paul's productivity hack?
00:37:25 --> 00:38:47 - What are you currently reading?
00:38:47 --> 00:39:24 - More about Paul
00:39:24 --> 00:39:42 - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#074 - Chris Barber - How Chris Turned an Idea from the Pub into a Startup
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Chris Barber, Co-Founder of C-Link and Prosper
In this episode, we dive into the realities of starting a business, lessons learned by Chris along the way, the Project Bank Account campaign, the early days of C-Link, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
The importance of having a technical co-founder when building a software company
Why communicating your vision clearly is key to scaling your team
How bootstrapping for years forces smarter marketing with limited resources
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Chris Barber | Co-Founder of C-Link and Prosper
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Today’s Sponsor: beta – Construction and technology network platform
– connecting the tech industry with traditional construction partners.
Check www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00 - 00:02:34 ) - Intro
(00:02:34 - 00:08:27 ) - Introduction to C-Link and Prosper,
(00:08:27 - 00:15:18) - Project Bank Account Campaign
(00:15:18 - 00:21:12) - What would Chris do differently when starting out C-Link in 2024
(00:21:12 - 00:32:24) - Vision of C-Link
(00:32:24 - 00:35:09) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#075 - How the Next Wave of AI will Reshape Construction with Hugh Seaton
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Hugh Seaton, CEO at The Link.
In this episode, we learn about large language models, how AI like ChatGPT can transform construction, the risks involved in the usage of AI, the importance of hiring people for attitude over ability, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
How ChatGPT can automate up to 15-20% of field paperwork in construction
AI risks like generating false information require humans to keep in the loop for now to check outputs.
Hiring for attitude over ability results in engaged employees who grow into roles as companies and tech evolve.
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Hugh Seaton | CEO at The Link
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Today’s Sponsor: beta – Construction and technology network platform
– connecting the tech industry with traditional construction partners.
Check www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
(00:00:00 - 00:04:40) - Outro
(00:04:40 - 00:12:15) - Rise of the AI Wave
(00:12:15 - 00:23:50) - Deep Dive into 'The Link'
(00:23:50 - 00:29:22) - Effective Techniques for Hiring Competent Team Members
(00:29:22 - 00:32:20) - Analysis of the Construction Industry in China
(00:32:20 - 00:34:29) - Outro
First Principles & Founder Success: Lessons from Scott Wolf's Levelset Journey
"20 years of experience or 1 year repeated 20 times?" - This profound question from Scott Wolfe (Levelset) captures why some founders achieve extraordinary success while others stay stagnant.
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored how compound experience and non-linear career paths shape successful founders in construction tech.
Tune in to learn about:
✅ How Scott Wolfe's diverse background (software, retail, law) led to Levelset's success
✅ Why non-linear experiences often lead to breakthrough innovations
✅ The truth about choosing the right capital structure for your business
✅ Why your customer should be your best source of capital
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context Setting
01:08 Scott Wolf's Impactful Insights
02:15 The Concept of Compound Experience
04:17 Nonlinear vs. Linear Experiences
10:38 The Importance of Curiosity
12:20 Applying Compounded Knowledge
16:33 The Role of Blogging in Business Growth
25:50 Choosing the Right Capitalization Method
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
$32M Series B: How Stratus is Revolutionizing MEP Workflows
"300 billion dollars for AI infrastructure in the next few years - but who will design and build it all?" - A thought-provoking insight from our latest conversation about the massive construction needs for AI's future.
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about Stratus raising $32M Series B to revolutionize MEP contractors' digital workflows.
We explored how tech giants Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are planning to spend $300B on AI infrastructure construction, creating massive opportunities in the data center space.
Through Patric Hellermann's investor lens, we discovered why focusing on core infrastructure and authoring tools might be smarter than chasing AI-first solutions.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ How Stratus is transforming MEP contractor workflows from design to fabrication
✅ The emerging opportunities in data center construction and infrastructure
✅ Why owning authoring tools beats single-point AI features
✅ The strategic advantage of avoiding overcrowded AI-first solutions
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Stratus and AI in Construction
05:44 Understanding Stratus: MEP Workflows and Digital Solutions
11:21 The Role of AI in Design and Construction
17:00 The Future of Engineering: Human Touch vs. AI
24:01 Emerging Companies and Innovations in Construction Tech
24:35 Automation in Engineering Workflows
25:50 Massive Investments in AI Infrastructure
27:52 Emerging Startups in AI Data Centers
31:40 The Role of AI in Construction
35:00 Navigating the AI Gold Rush
37:33 The Inefficiency of Venture Capital Allocation
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
The Truth About 3D Printed Homes: A Deep Dive Into ICON's $450M Technology
Is 3D printing concrete homes worth the $450M investment?
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn that despite being a $2B company, ICON's 3D printed homes only show a tiny 0.5% carbon advantage over regular timber construction.
We also explored why Q4 2024 was special for construction tech - it grabbed nearly 1% of all VC funding, the second-highest share ever. Even more impressive given that 2024 saw the lowest overall VC funding since 2014.
The most striking insight came from questioning the basics - why use concrete, a material best for large-scale projects, to print single-family homes?
Tune in to find out about:
✅ What's driving Asia-Pacific's growing lead in construction tech funding
✅ Why 3D printed concrete homes struggle in wet climates
✅ Which parts of construction tech are actually getting funded
✅ How early-stage funding stayed strong while growth rounds dropped
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Technical Glitches
01:03 Recent News: ICON's Layoffs and Valuation
02:49 Exploring 3D Concrete Printing Technology
05:49 Sustainability Concerns in Concrete Printing
08:59 Comparative Analysis: Concrete vs. Timber Homes
12:04 Challenges in 3D Concrete Printing
14:56 Automation and Efficiency in Home Construction
18:09 Future of 3D Concrete Printing Technology
21:54 Challenges in 3D Concrete Printing
22:56 Market Fit for 3D Concrete Homes
24:04 Impact of Staff Reductions on Valuation
25:47 Understanding Company Valuations and Experiments
27:07 Applications of 3D Printing in Housing
29:02 First Principles of Cost in Construction
30:58 Trends in AEC Tech Funding
39:10 Market Dynamics and Future Predictions
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Building a €450M Construction Tech Giant: How Philip Schröder's Marketing Built Germany's Latest Energy Tech Giant
"Your margin is my opportunity... unless you're selling outcomes in construction tech!"
In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored 1KOMMA5°'s impressive €150M pre-IPO round and their unique approach of acquiring 30+ companies since 2021 to scale their energy tech business.
We also learned about an intriguing debate around whether companies can call themselves "market leaders" in Germany, sparked by a court case between 1KOMMA5° and their competitor.
The most fascinating insight came from Patric's take on fixed vs. variable costs in construction tech: Companies that produce with fixed costs but sell outcomes (variable costs) have a unique opportunity to build generational businesses in construction - but this window might only last 10 years.
Tune in to learn about:
✅ Why 1KOMMA5°'s founder Philip Schröder's marketing genius is their secret sauce
✅ How selling outcomes beats traditional SaaS pricing in construction
✅ Why converting variable costs to fixed costs through automation is game-changing
✅ An innovative structural engineering firm reducing design time by 90%
Sign up to the #1 Newsletter In Construction Tech. Join over 1,000 like-minded Founders, Investors and Techies disrupting the way we build. Forever : https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/subscribe
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:56 Diving into One Comma Five
06:01 Understanding the Solar PV Market
11:59 Investment Insights and Market Valuation
18:03 The Role of Technology in Energy Solutions
24:02 Marketing Strategies and Competitive Landscape
30:12 Future Challenges and Business Models
31:07 The Evolution of Energy Training
32:29 Understanding Fixed vs. Variable Costs
37:38 The Impact of SaaS on Construction
43:34 Exploring IPOs and Market Trends
49:45 Emerging Trends in Construction Technology Sales