#033 - Scott Ellison - 'Go to market' in the construction tech
Excited to share this brilliant and latest episode of the Bricks and Bytes Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the world of construction, technology, and business.
In this episode, Scott Ellison, a strategy consultant, talks about his personal connection to the construction industry and his journey to becoming an advisor and investor in tech companies. Here are some of the highlights:
⁃ How Scott's personal connection to the construction industry started with his uncles, who were general contractors, and his job working in a hardware store.
⁃ The impact of the ubiquity of smartphones, cloud, and SaaS on the construction industry and how it has led to a slower but steady shift towards digitisation.
⁃ The importance of software infrastructure in construction tech and how it needs to be laid down first before we can fully appreciate the benefits of new ways of capturing information.
⁃ Go-to-market strategies, such as product-led growth that have created value in certain sector.
Tune in to the episode to learn more about Scott's insights and his thoughts on the future of the 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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Scott Ellison - Investor | Advisor | Judge | Mentor
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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 --> 00:01:05 - Intro
00:01:05 --> 00:01:45 - Sponsor
00:01:45 --> 00:03:33 - Scott's background and personal connection to the construction industry
00:03:33 --> 00:04:26 - The impact of technology on the construction industry
00:04:26 --> 0006:38 - The importance of software infrastructure in construction tech
00:06:38 --> 00:08:12 - The challenge of data islands and pockets in the construction industry
00:08:12 --> 00:10:40 - Go-to-market strategies in built tech, and how it can make or break a startup
00:10:40 --> 00:13:06 - Table stakes in the game of building a successful startup
00:13:06 --> 00:14:35 - Playbook in construction tech
00:14:35 --> 00:20:30 - Introduction to the concept of Product-Led Growth (PLG)
00:20:30 --> 00:24:25 - The unique dynamics of construction industry
00:24:25 --> 00:26:04 - The concept of respect to disrupt ratio
00:26:04 --> 00:27:17 - Setting up a strategy for a startup
00:27:17 --> 00:32:35 - The challenges faced by people from outside and inside the industry when introducing change
00:32:35 --> 00:34:52 - Key metrics in early-stage investing
00:34:52 --> 00:37:41 - Individual (jockey) over the idea (horse) in early-stage investing
00:37:41 --> 00:39:15 - Exciting ideas and technologies in construction tech
00:39:15 --> 00:41:02 - Scott's advice to companies in the construction tech on hiring, firing, marketing and finance
00:41:02 --> 00:42:25 - The student debt crisis in the US and how it impacts the construction industry's ability to attract top talent
00:42:25 --> 00:44:43 - Robotics and technology changing the construction industry workforce
00:44:52 --> 00:46:36 - Thoughts on hot trends in construction industry
00:46:36 --> 00:48:55 - Scott's passions
00:48:55 --> 00:49:37 - Top skill for entrepreneurs
00:49:37 --> 00:50:10 - More information about Scott
00:50:10 --> 00:50:28 - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#015 - George Dobbins - Building the Best Leadership Teams & BETA
How do you build the most effective c-suite and executive leadership team?
Today, we speak with @George Dobbins, Co-Founder of @Beaumont Bailey and Mentor at @Pi Labs.
Listen in to hear George's advice on:
Building effective leadership teams
Key mistakes when starting up and building your c-suite
George's relationship with an ex Dragon (from Dragon's Den)
Recommendations on the best restaurants in the UK
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In releasing this podcast, we are also delighted to announce our partnership with @beta.
BETA is the UK’s leading build environment & technology networking platform. Their main aim is to connect traditional industry with technology partners as well as connecting construction & proptech companies with advisors, VC’s, angel investors, technology partners AND contacts at some of the top corporations in the UK, Europe and globally.
More info in the comments.
Thanks for all your support on the podcast so far. We have more exciting guests lined up in the coming months.
Please also help us out by reviewing our podcast on whichever platform you get your podcast from.
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Bricks & Bytes
#050 - Hattie Walker- Arnott - Founder of AI-RE - Real Estate In 2023
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes we got a chance to talk with Hattie Walker- Arnott, founder of AI-RE, to discuss innovation and disruption in real estate 2023.
Tune in to find out about:
The impact of large language models and AI
Areas of disruption in Real Estate
Blockchain hype In 2023
What it takes to become a tech advisor
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Hattie Walker-Arnott | Senior Regeneration Advisor at Perspicio | Founder of AI-RE | ConTech
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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:
(0:00:00-0:09:08) - Intro
(0:09:08-0:10:24) - How to manage between ideas effectively
(0:10:24-0:12:27) - Definition of Real Estate 2023
(0:12:27-0:16:12) - Innovation taking place in Real Estate
(0:16:12-0:36:57) - Areas of Real Estate that needs to be disrupted
(0:36:57-0:40:30) - Blockchain Hype
(0:40:30-0:47:20) - What it needs to become a Tech Advisor
(0:47:20-0:52:33) - Outro
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Bricks & Bytes
#064 - Anande Bergman - Step-By-Step: How Automation Is Changing Everything In Construction
In today’s episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Anande Bergman, Developer Relations At VIKTOR and expert in AEC business process automation.
Learn about the step-by-step processes of automation, parametric design, breathtaking automation in construction, the future of automation, and much more!
Tune in to find out about:
Differences and similarities between an Engineer and a Developer
Fundamentals and the steps of automating processes
The basics of parametric design
The future and current state of automation in construction
If you enjoy today’s episode, leave us a comment. And don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
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Anande Bergman | Developer Relations at VIKTOR | ConTech
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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:
(0:00 - 3:00) - Intro
(3:00 - 4:15) - Differences in Engineer and Developer
(4:15 - 6:22) - Differences and Similarity between Aerospace Engineering and Structural Engineering
(6:22 - 14:30) - Fundamentals and Steps of Automating Processes
(14:30 - 21:25) - Cool Automations in Construction
(21:25 - 25:20) - How to Identify Areas that Could be Automated
(25:20 - 31:07) - What is Parametric Design?
(31:07 - 34:40) - Are People Resilient for Automations or Not?
(34:40 - 40:30) - Future of Automations
(40:30 - 44:12) - Outro
$1.5M AI Employee Bonuses, Procore Growth Slowdown? & LinkedIn Growth Hacks with Derek Wong
What happens when AI hype, billion-dollar bets, and the cold reality of hardware vs. software collide — plus, how to dominate LinkedIn without sounding like everyone else?In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes Owen, Martin, Patric, and Dustin are joined by LinkedIn strategist Derek Wong to unpack:Which AI giant will actually have the best model by the end of August — and why public betting markets might be getting it wrongThe surprising slowdown at Procore vs. Trimble’s surge — and what it says about the future of construction techWhy hardware “moats” can be a game-changer for tech companiesThe right and wrong ways to use AI in business (and why LLMs aren’t your calculator)Derek’s playbook for turning LinkedIn into the ultimate “box of donuts” for winning high-value customers"Hardware is an amazing bathtub — once you control the install base, your software gets stickier and your distribution gets easier." — Patric Hellermann-----Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/----- Chapters00:00 Intro01:13 Earning Potential and Career Strategies05:26 AI Models and Company Performance10:07 Evaluating AI Tools and Their Limitations14:42 Practical Applications of AI in Business17:52 Understanding User Interaction with AI Tools19:58 Market Dynamics in Construction Technology22:54 Contrasting Business Models: Procore vs. Trimble24:45 Valuation Insights and Market Perception31:25 The Future of Procore: Leadership and Vision39:28 Building Relationships through Content on LinkedIn46:45 Mind Share and Brand Recognition48:27 The Importance of Target Audience50:26 Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Profile52:03 The Dangers of Self-Labeling54:26 Clarifying Your Value Proposition55:29 Content Strategy for Engagement57:57 The Role of Content in Building Relationships59:43 Understanding Your Goals on LinkedIn01:01:58 The Future of AI and Construction01:08:00 The AI Race and Its Implications01:09:46 Innovations in Modular Housing
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Turner's 44% Growth, Figma IPO Rogue Calculations, Meta's $150B Block & AI's 85% Fail Rate with Dex from Propel People
Construction companies are posting "impossible" growth numbers while tech giants can't spend their billions. What's really happening?In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Patric dive deep into the shocking stories reshaping the construction industry, plus a special guest appearance from construction tech veteran Dex who just raised $3 million to solve the industry's biggest crisis.What we cover:Turner Construction's mind-blowing 44% revenue growth (and why it's "impossible")The Figma IPO scandal that cost early investors millionsWhy Meta can't spend $150 billion even though they want toConstruction's $20 billion labor shortage crisisWhy 85% of AI projects fail (and the patterns that actually work)Energy bottlenecks blocking massive infrastructure spendingDex's new startup Propel People tackling the skilled worker shortageKey Quote: "This is highway robbery for the existing investors... they just lost a ton of value." - Patric on the Figma IPO controversyFrom billion-dollar construction wins to IPO disasters, energy grid meltdowns to recruiting revolutions - this episode reveals the hidden forces driving massive changes across the industry. Whether you're in AEC, tech, or just curious about where the economy is heading, these insights will change how you see the business world.-------Chapters00:00 Intro01:00 Origins of 'Okay' and Its Cultural Significance03:40 Turner's Impressive Growth in Construction06:21 Diversification and Strategic Partnerships in Construction09:23 Turner's Expansion into European Markets12:14 Figma's IPO and Market Dynamics15:01 Valuation Challenges and Investor Sentiment18:16 Banking Practices and IPO Pricing Strategies25:21 The State of AI in Enterprises29:16 Challenges of Pilot Programs30:53 Historical Insights on Project Failures35:00 Ensuring Technology Adoption41:43 Energy Infrastructure Bottlenecks47:36 Introduction to Propel People52:13 Building a Recruiting Platform for Construction56:24 Sourcing Talent in the Construction Industry58:18 Evolution of Technology in Construction60:11 The Role of Social Media in Recruitment63:04 Founder-Led Sales and Market Insights67:05 Setting Foundations for Success in Startups
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
$555K Salary for Construction Engineers, Trunk Tools $40M Round, Stone Carving Robots with Monumental Labs
OpenAI is paying construction engineers $555K – but there's a catch that nobody's talking about.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Dustin expose the shocking reality behind AI salaries in construction, debunk viral industry charts, and reveal why your favorite building materials might be making a comeback.What we cover:Why OpenAI is paying engineers 5x more than top architecture firmsThe truth behind "construction AI growth" charts flooding social mediaHow AI coding tools are changing the startup game (and why most companies are doing it wrong)Trunk Tools' massive $40M funding round – and what it means for the industryInside Dexto's $15M bet on prefabrication technologyWhy stone buildings could dominate the future (thanks to robots)The real strategy behind why successful startups raise more money than they needKey quote: "I've never met a civil engineer or an architect making that much money. Ever." – Dustin DeVan on OpenAI's salary offeringsFrom fake data manipulation to robotic stone carving, this episode pulls back the curtain on where construction tech is really headed. Whether you're an investor, founder, or just trying to understand why your industry is changing so fast – this one's a must-listen.--------Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:25 Introduction and Welcome Back02:43 Exploring AI in Engineering Jobs04:55 Salary Insights for Engineers at OpenAI08:60 The Future of Engineering Roles and Compensation11:46 Equity and Compensation in Tech Companies17:32 Navigating AI Technologies in Business21:53 Funding and Growth in the AI Sector22:30 The Evolution of AI in Construction Tech25:37 The Importance of Founder Branding in Tech31:10 Analyzing AI Adoption Across Industries36:41 Dextal: Revolutionizing Prefabrication Technology51:55 Introduction to Robotic Stone Carving52:32 Innovative Building Techniques with Stone54:04 The Role of AI in Stone Carving55:53 Future of Stone Construction57:22 Business Model and Customization59:29 Reviving the Craft of Stone Carving61:11 Challenges in Stone Architecture64:32 Sustainability of Stone as a Building Material65:50 Personalization in Sculpture67:18 Market Demand for Stone Products70:51 The Future of Robotics in Construction
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
$5B Heat Crisis, 89% Productivity Drop, Startup Reality Check, SuperSede Plastic Innovation, $10M Raise Success with Sean Petterson
Is your construction project secretly losing $5 billion a year? This industry insider just exposed the shocking truth about why 89% of construction firms are failing.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, and Patric dive deep into the hidden forces reshaping the AEC industry, plus exclusive interviews with game-changing founders who are disrupting everything.What we cover:The $5 billion heat crisis destroying construction schedules (and why Martin thinks it's just an excuse)Why 70% of construction tech startups are failing at Series A funding roundsSean Petterson from SuperSede reveals how recycled plastic is replacing plywood foreverThe brutal truth about why all construction software has terrible UX designMo Akbari's controversial take on how AI could kill DocuSign overnightPatrick's explosive Coca-Cola business model that could transform constructionWhy Europe's buildings are designed to overheat (and what that means for your projects)Key Quote: "If you build shit companies and you raise your seed round on a shit promise and you can't deliver on that shit promise, well, at series A and B, it's easier to be found out." - Patric HellermannFrom climate disasters to funding secrets to revolutionary materials, this episode pulls back the curtain on what's really happening in construction tech. Warning: You might never look at your projects the same way again.----Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/-------Chapters00:00 Intro01:07 Introduction and Technical Glitches04:14 Cultural Insights from Corfu07:07 Heat and Productivity in Construction10:05 Debating Heat Management Solutions13:09 Innovations in Construction for Heat Management16:12 Building Regulations and Overheating Concerns19:08 The Role of Insulation and Building Design22:06 Funding Analysis and Market Trends36:22 Funding Trends in Construction Tech41:08 Challenges in Achieving Series A and B Funding44:36 Introduction to Super Seed and Its Innovations51:58 Super Seed's Unique Product Offerings57:31 Scaling and Capacity Building in Manufacturing01:02:34 Brand Strategy and Market Positioning01:04:54 Navigating Industry Standards and Specifications01:13:46 Choosing the Right Communication Tools01:14:42 The Importance of User Experience in Construction Tech01:16:56 Evaluating Product Design and Usability01:19:38 Metrics for Assessing User Experience01:25:19 The Role of AI in Product Development01:29:24 The Future of Document Signing Solutions01:32:55 The Impact of Pricing on Market Competition01:35:24 Mo's Upcoming Project Reveal