#036 -Eric Helitzer - Simplifying Material Procurement In Construction
How do we simplify material procurement in construction?
In this episode, we talk with Eric Helitzer, CEO of Subbase.
Eric discusses his transition from traditional construction to construction technology and his approach to streamlining construction procurement.
We cover important topics such as:
The significance of understanding problems to develop effective tech solutions
Tips for validating ideas before investing time and resources
How to encourage a culture that supports innovation and technology adoption
Integrating technology into existing workflows without disrupting processes
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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Eric Helitzer | Founder & CEO of SubBase
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Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - 00:55 Pre-Intro
00:56 - 01:48 Owen's Intro
01:49 - 2:06 Sponsor
02:24 - Main podcast starts
04:09 - "You have to be on job site to understand what it physically looks like and what it physically feels like to work in construction."
04:34 - Story of Eric
06:10 - 2008 to 2014 career
06:38 - Procore Software
09:11 - "Subbase was born"
10:30 - Partnering to someone with no experience in construction
11:48 - A tool that enhance workflow
13:00 - About Subbase
14:00 - Complexities in process
15:00 - Streamlining the experience
19:06 - Raised first official round of funding
20:30 - Subbase becoming end-to-end solution
21:00 - 5 to 10 year vision
22:46 - "if you were to build a startup in construction tech, where would you start?"
24:00 - Amount of rejection you are going to receive
30:32 - You have to iterate very quickly
32:00 - No one has a clear playbook
35:20 - Other trends worth pursuing
38:00 - Strengthen relationship by providing better user experience
40:46 - "Any thoughts on how people incorporate technology into existing workflows?"
45:45 - Hobbies of Eric
47:00 - " if I wasn't working in construction"
48:05 - Where people can find out about Eric
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Bricks & Bytes
#010 - Brandon Johnson - Generating leads in construction
Next episode of Bricks&Bytes with very driven Brandon Johnson, CEO of SeracTech.
Brandon’s latest venture SeracTech helps converting planning applications into sales opportunities.
Please join us for this exciting conversation with Brandon.
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Bricks & Bytes
#051 - Ron Nussbaum - From Marines to Tech Founder: Communication, Construction Tech, and Bootstrapping a Startup
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes we got a chance to talk with Ron Nussbaum, founder of BuilderComs, to discuss the importance of communication in the construction process, social media presence, team building more:
We also touch on Ron's transition from the US Marines to Construction and his present venture - BuilderComs.
Tune in to find out about:
Importance of focussing on solving customer’s PAIN points
Importance of communication in Construction
How to build a successful team in your business
75 Hard Challenge
Importance and leveraging of social media presence
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Ron Nussbaum | Founder of BuilderComs | ConTech
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We are travelling to Chicago to Procore Groundbreak on September 19th and 20th to interview innovators in construction technology - let us know if you are coming!
If you are, use promo-code BRICKS100 for $100 off your ticket price.
Check https://www.procore.com/groundbreak
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Today’s Sponsor: beta – Construction and technology network platform
– connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Check www.the-beta.com
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Timestamps:
(0:00:00-0:07:43) - Intro
(0:07:43-0:12:22) - Introduction of BuilderComs and Ron’s experience transitioning from Marines to Construction to Tech Startup Founder
(0:12:22-0:17:28) - How to address a long-standing customer pain point in the construction industry
(0:17:28-0:23:16) - How to find ideal team members
(0:23:16-0:25:14) - Role as a CEO, founder, and hands-on contributor
(0:25:14-0:32:47) - Importance of building audience and brand recognition
(0:32:47-0:37:10) - Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Construction
(0:37:10-0:41:25) - 75 Hard Challenge: A Life-Changing Routine
(0:41:25-0:42:56) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#055 - Kingma Ma - Getting Inside a VC's Mind: Pitching, Investing, Common Mistakes, Due Diligence and Funding
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Kingma Ma, Managing Director UK at PT1 and Member Board of Directors at UK PropTech Association (UKPA).
In this episode, we discuss PT1’s investment thesis, mistakes businesses make when pitching their services to VCs, VC's approach to investing in startups, ConTech in the UK vs. Europe and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
The VC investment process
Most common framework VCs follow for investing in businesses
What makes a great founder
PT1’s due diligence process
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Kingma Ma | Managing Director UK at PT1 | ConTech
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We are travelling to Chicago to Procore Groundbreak on September 19th and 20th to interview innovators in construction technology - let us know if you are coming!
Check https://www.procore.com/groundbreak
—-----------------------------------
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:
(0:00:00-0:06:55) - Intro
(0:06:55-0:09:35) - Day in the life of an MD in the UK
(0:09:35-0:21:00) - PT1's framework for investing in businesses
(0:21:00-0:30:30) - PT1’s due diligence process
(0:30:30-0:32:50) - Comparing ConTech in the UK vs. Europe
(0:32:50-0:35:15) - Determining the potential success of a startup
(0:35:15-0:39:10) - Common mistakes businesses make when pitching their services
(0:39:10-0:41:00) - VC's approach to investing in startups
(0:41:00-0:58:20) - Best practices for VCs when communicating with investors
(0:58:20-0:59:07) - Outro
How Starpath Robotics Plans to Mine Space Water From Moon- Is It Even Possible?
Construction robots: From hot dogs to highways?
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored how robotics is changing construction.
We learned about Starpath Robotics' plan to mine water on the Moon for rocket fuel. This could change how we explore space.
We also covered how construction companies are now more open to using robots. This is due to a lack of skilled workers.
Patric and Gabriele shared insights on investing in construction tech startups.
Tune in to find out about:
✅ Why robotics companies should start with specific problems
✅ How construction robots can help with labor shortages
✅ What investors look for in robotics startups
✅ The importance of building a track record in robotics
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Billion-Dollar Blindspots: Are Construction Tech's 'Best' Lists Building on Quicksand?
Is the construction industry building its future on a foundation of hype? Think again. The latest market maps and "best-of" lists might be leading you astray.
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we explored McKinsey's updated report projecting a $22 trillion construction market by 2040, alongside the industry's looming labor crisis.
We discussed the expansion of the Bricks and Bytes podcast network, including new shows like "BitBuilders" focusing on robotics in construction.
Patric also shared his critical analysis of "best-of" lists and market maps in construction tech, revealing surprising insights about company success rates.
Tune in to find out:
✅ Why the construction industry is facing its most challenging and high-activity era ever
✅ How robotics might transform on-site construction in unexpected ways
✅ Why well-funded companies often underperform compared to their less publicized counterpart
✅ The importance of looking beyond funding and PR when evaluating construction tech startups
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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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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
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Company Mentioned:
- McKinsey
Gecko Robotics
Monumental
Mighty Buildings
Nexii
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00:01.08 - 14:00: Introduction and Bricks and Bytes podcast network updates
14:00 - 20:10: McKinsey's updated construction productivity report
20:10 - 29:00: Labor shortage in construction industry
29:00 - 38:00: Potential solutions to labor shortage
38:00 - 44:00: Attracting talent to construction industry
44:00 - 50:30: Patric Hellermann's analysis of "best-of" lists
50:30 - 54:00: Detailed breakdown of study results
54:00 - 57:30: Discussion on implications of the study
57:30: Closing remarks and end of episode
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
The Niche Domination Strategy - Why 1% of a Huge Market Could Kill Your Startup
Is your startup targeting just 1% of a massive market? Think again. This common pitch strategy might be hurting your chances with investors.
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned about Opus Flow's €1.7 million investment to boost their ERP solution for sustainable installers.
We also explored the 3D visualization market, discussing by 7.2 (formerly known as Apex Partners)'s investment in Lumion, a key player in AEC software.
Patric also shared valuable insights on building successful startups in crowded markets like construction tech.
Tune in to find out:
✅ Why focusing on a specific niche can be more powerful than chasing a small slice of a big market
✅ How Opus Flow stands out in the competitive ERP space
✅ Why adding AI isn't always enough to beat established players like Lumion
✅ The importance of profitability in your core business before expanding
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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
-----------------------------
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
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Company Mentioned:
- OpusFlow
- Lumion
- Enscape
- Twinmotion
- Inframarket
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker
06:32 Navigating the Crowded Market: Opus Flow's Differentiation
10:40 The Challenges of a Red Ocean Market and Margin Compression
13:00 The Importance of Partnerships and Distribution for Opus Flow
21:37 Becoming a Category Leader: Challenges and Opportunities for Opus Flow
24:03 Introduction to the Rendering Industry
26:28 Challenges Faced by Startups
31:20 The Importance of Differentiation and Capturing Entire Workflows
36:12 The Significance of Focusing on Specific Niches
44:46 Building a Profitable Core Business
48:30 The Misconception of Targeting a Small Percentage of a Large Market
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Why 2D Design Still Beat 3D & The Surprising Impact of AI on Architectural Firms and Pricing
Is the future of architecture in 2D, not 3D? Testfit founder's has got a surprising take…
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we learned how TestFit grew from a weekend project to raising a Series A, changing how architects do feasibility studies.
We also discovered why small firms might replace big ones like Gensler, as AI changes how architecture works.
Patric shared why "outcome as a service" companies are shaking up the construction tech world.
Tune in to find out:
✅ Why 2D design might still beat 3D and VR
✅ How AI could change the money side of architecture
✅ Why keeping customers matters more than getting new ones in construction tech
✅ The role of VC money in an industry that rarely reinvests in itself
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Company Mentioned:
TestFit
Gensler
Autodesk
Prologis
Katera
Good Eggs
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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
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricksbytespod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmNbunUTIIQDzbJgGJt9_Zg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Background
09:31 Issues with the Design Stack
18:44 The Importance of 2D Design
23:43 Automation and Problem Solving
26:01 Challenges in the Design Stack
26:53 Building Meaningful Automation in AEC
30:07 The Impact of Narratives in the Venture Industry
33:24 The Future of Architecture and Design in an AI-Driven World
34:21 The Potential Fragmentation of the AEC Industry
41:07 Picking VCs and the Importance of Customer Retention
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