Construction Technology Podcasts

"Insulation has a 3-4x better ROI than heat pumps and 10x better than solar systems. Most people get this wrong when retrofitting their homes."In today's episode of the podcast, we had Chris from VARM, who shared his journey of building a VC-backed installation business aimed at becoming the European champion in the space.Tune in to find out about:✅ How VARM is building a "cloud installer network" - a franchise model on steroids✅ Why Chris pivoted from longevity e-commerce to climate tech after successfully exiting his first business✅ The surprising fundraising reality: "VCs and markets and investments are very often done based on FOMO"✅ Their ambitious mission to insulate 1 million houses over 10 yearsListen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how VARM is revolutionizing the insulation industry with their innovative business model and scaling strategy.-----Chapters00:00 Intro06:20 The Journey to Vaughan: Chris's Background09:19 From Management Consulting to Entrepreneurship12:17 Building a Sustainable Business: The Vision for Varm15:19 Why Insulation? The Case for Energy Efficiency18:24 Blown-In Insulation: A Smart Choice21:20 The Business Model: Cloud Installer Network24:08 Empowering Installers: The Business in a Box27:25 Growth Strategy and Customer Acquisition36:04 Community Engagement and Education39:26 Content Marketing Strategies40:59 Learning Through Experience43:12 The Cloud Installer Model45:52 Investor Relations and Fundraising47:38 Resource Allocation and Growth48:45 Understanding Competition51:09 Creating Win-Win Situations52:24 Market Expansion Plans55:55 Defining Success Metrics57:40 Cultural Fit in Hiring1:04:25 Advice for Founders in Physical Industries

"Construction scheduling is completely broken. We're still using PDF files and sticky notes to manage million-dollar projects."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Patrick Hennessy from Harkins Builders and we got to learn about why traditional project management tools are failing the construction industry, how AI could revolutionize daily site operations, and the brutal truth about construction tech pricing... and many more!Patrick runs planning and analytics for a $600M general contractor and shares unfiltered insights from the trenches of construction technology adoption.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Primavera P6 and traditional scheduling software creates more problems than it solves✅ How AI daily briefs could replace morning huddles and transform job site management✅ The real reason construction software pricing is getting out of control and what contractors should demand✅ Why construction tech websites are completely useless and how startups are losing millions in delayed sales cyclesListen now on Spotify and get the inside perspective on where construction technology is actually heading from someone who evaluates and implements it every day.----------Chapters 00:00 March Madness and Personal Reflections01:15 Understanding Project Controls at Harkins Builders04:06 The Role of Technology in Project Management09:17 Harkins Builders: Company Size and Structure11:36 Innovation in Construction: VDC vs. Project Controls13:01 Evaluating Scheduling Software: The Future of Collaboration16:06 Traditional vs. Modern Scheduling Practices20:14 Data Collection and Its Impact on Scheduling25:28 Accelerating Tech Adoption in Construction29:32 The Quest for Comprehensive Software Solutions33:29 The Importance of Clear Messaging in Construction Tech37:16 Navigating Cold Outreach and Sales Tactics41:15 The Challenge of Point Solutions vs. Comprehensive Platforms44:46 Understanding Pricing Models in Construction Software55:32 The Impact of AI on Construction Processes

"The future of building design is on the cloud. File-based design systems are becoming obsolete."In today's episode of the Future of Design Series from the Bricks and Bytes podcast, we had Altaf from Snaptrude who shared fascinating insights about the evolution of design software in architecture and construction.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why cloud-based design tools are 10x faster than traditional file-based systems✅ How data connectivity is transforming early-stage design workflows✅ Why architects are wasting billable hours on rework and value engineering✅ The coming inflection point for cloud-based design tools (predicted mid-to-late next year)Altaf also revealed they're working on AI copilots that will revolutionize how architects make design decisions based on sustainability data. Don't miss this conversation about the tools that will shape our built environment.----Download the Future of Design report here : https://bricks-bytes.com/downloads/-----Chapters00:00 Intro05:38 Introduction and Personal Updates08:42 The Future of Design and Construction11:45 SnapTrude: A Modern Approach to Design14:35 Collaboration and Interoperability in AEC17:32 Transitioning from Concept to Detailed Design20:38 Data Management and User Experience23:35 The Role of AI in Design Software26:46 Building Foundations for Future Growth29:47 Iterative Development and Customer Feedback32:44 Emerging Design Tools Landscape35:19 SnapTrude's Growth Strategy36:56 Focus on the US Market38:31 Investor Insights and Funding Journey40:41 Advice for Innovators in Design Tech42:37 Future of Design: Cloud and AI Integration45:23 Architects and New Tools Adoption48:36 Inflection Point for Cloud Adoption49:28 ROI and Productivity in Architecture51:18 Sustainability in Design54:06 Communication and Efficiency in Design

"WhatsApp processes billion-dollar construction orders while ERPs sit unused as glorified data entry systems in Africa.."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Kagure Wamunyu from Jumba and we got to learn about how African tech companies must build entire ecosystems from scratch, why 60% of Kenya's GDP runs on mobile money, and how construction distribution works in emerging markets... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Uber Kenya became the first 100% cash market using manual Excel reconciliation ✅ Why Kenyans build homes instead of buying them due to 15% mortgage rates✅ The reality of building construction tech in Africa where you become multiple businesses ✅ How WhatsApp has become the primary business operating system across African companiesFrom civil engineering to dropping out of Oxford PhD to revolutionize construction supply chains across Africa, Kagure shares the untold story of adapting global tech solutions to local market realities.Her journey from handling driver strikes as Uber's face in Kenya to building Jumba shows how founders in emerging markets navigate challenges that don't exist elsewhere.Watch now on Youtube to hear the full conversation about building in markets where traditional assumptions don't apply. 00:00 Intro01:55 Kagure's Journey: From Nairobi to Tech Innovator04:52 The Uber Experience: Adapting Technology to Local Markets07:53 Understanding Mobile Money: The Backbone of Kenyan Transactions10:53 Navigating Challenges: From Uber to EdTech13:59 The Birth of Jumba: Merging Construction and Technology16:48 Jumba's Business Model: Connecting Hardware Stores and Manufacturers20:09 Strategic Product Focus: Cement, Steel, and Beyond22:56 Scaling Operations: The Role of Hardware Stores in Construction25:45 SaaS Development: Building Technology for the Construction Industry28:30 Streamlining Financial Processes with SaaS29:35 Building Tech Products in Africa34:35 Navigating Talent and Fundraising in Kenya39:35 Understanding African Market Dynamics43:54 Sales Strategies in Construction Tech48:30 Challenges and Advantages of Being a Female Founder49:57 Lessons Learned and Future Ambitions