#040 - Ken Semler - Building Better, Faster, and Smarter: The Power of Modular Construction
Discover the exciting world of modular construction with Ken Semler, CEO of Impresa Modular. Ken highlights the benefits of factory finishing, time savings, cost advantages, and the versatility of modular construction. This Episode sheds light on the potential for modular construction to revolutionize the industry and provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs and construction professionals alike.
In this episode, we delve into:
Ken Semler's journey from finance to modular construction expert
The current & future state of modular
Training labour to execute modular construction processes
Benefits of franchising
Adoption of innovation in construction
The importance of persistence
If you're finding value in our podcast, we kindly request you to share your feedback by leaving a review. Your support enables us to attract incredible guests and deliver the finest and most enlightening content on technology in the built world.
-------------------------------------------
Ken Semler President & CEO Impresa Modular
-------------------------------------------
Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform
- connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Check www.the-beta.com
------------------------------------------
Timestamps:
read more
Bricks & Bytes
#021 - April Moss & Lynne Cooper - Blockchain, Leadership and Female Success In Construction Tech
How do you enjoy a fulfilling career in construction and the tech world?
Join us today in our discussion with Apil and Lynne of Digibuild.
In this episode we deep dive into:
Blockchain uses in Construction and Digibuild's software
Attracting gen z talent to blue collar jobs
Diversity and female success in construction
Maintaining balance in life
Lynne's top 3 pieces of advice for young people
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.
---------------------------------------
April Moss - COO | Chief Customer Officer at DigiBuild: Y Combinator Backed (YC S21) l Blockchain Technology l Construction Management l Crypto & Bitcoin Investor l Business Development
Lynne Cooper - Management & Construction | cGMP * R&D * CGT | Founder | Strategy | Innovator | Woman Welder👩🏭 | Power in the trades! | Technology for Efficiency | Collaboration is 🔑 | Blue Collar Revolution! | Improve Quality
---------------------------------------
Today's Sponsor: Beta Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Chek www.the-beta.com
---------------------------------------
Timestamps:
(00:00:00-00:01:27) - Intro and Sponsor
(00:01:27-00:01:58) - Introduction of guest
(00:01:58-00:03:20) - April's background
(00:03:20-00:04:16) - Lynne's background
(00:04:16-00:04:58) - Digibuild history
(00:04:58-00:07:07) - What does digibuild do?
(00:07:07-00:08:27) - Meet the Drapers
(00:08:27-00:09:23) - Digibuild and Blockchain
(00:09:23-00:09:53) - Digibuild expanding globally?
(00:09:53-00:11:04) - Are US-based companies expanding to UK?
(00:11:04-00:13:29) - Do we have cutting-edge construction technology?
(00:13:29-00:14:36) - Procore
(00:14:36-00:16:48) - Lynne's relationship with Digibuild, April, and EL sea
(00:16:48-00:19:25) - Worldchain
(00:19:25-00:24:45) - Tips for attracting gen z to construction
(00:24:45-00:27:16) - Is the general trend of construction interesting for young people?
(00:27:16-00:30:31) - Diversity in Construction
(00:30:31-00:32:24) - Experience from other industries that can be applied in construction
(00:32:24-00:33:06) - Advice about switching industry to construction
(00:33:06-00:36:09) - Charity (construction rocks dmv)
(00:36:09-00:37:19) - Mental health in construction
(00:37:19-00:42:54) - ESG sustainability
(00:42:54-00:45:34) - Advice for someone who is about to launch a construction tech startup
(00:45:34-00:47:34) - Cancel Culture
(00:47:34-00:51:14) - Books
(00:51:14-00:54:00) - How to maintain balance in life?
(00:54:00-00:57:28) - What do you want to do in construction or technology if you want unlimited resources
(00:57:28-00:58:16) - 3 pieces of advice for young people
(00:58:16-00:58:34) Outro
---------------------------------------
read more
Bricks & Bytes
#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.
---------------------------------------
Josh Graham | CEO of EHAB and CVC (Climate Venture Collective)
---------------------------------------
Today's Sponsor: beta - Construction and technology network platform
- connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Chek: https://www.the-beta.com
---------------------------------------
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
read more
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.
---------------------------------------
Paul Heming
Co-Founder at C-Link (Procurement Software for Construction SMEs) and Host of the Own the Build Podcast.
---------------------------------------
Today's Sponsor:
@Beta Construction and technology network platform - connecting the tech industry with traditional partners.
Chek www.the-beta.com
---------------------------------------
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
---------------------------------------
New Steel Tariffs Hit, Is A 12hr Work-day Unreasonable, Decision Making Frameworks, ChaGPT NoteTaker Kills Startups
50% Tarrifs are about to break construction - And That's Only The BeginningIn this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, our hosts dive deep into the chaos reshaping the construction industry and startup world. What we cover:The shocking 50% steel and aluminum tariffs that just doubled construction costs overnightWhy rebar prices have exploded 26% and added $14,000 to every homeHow 68% of builders are now facing project delays due to supplier chaosThe brutal truth about why VCs pushing "996" work culture are dead wrongChatGPT's bombshell announcement that just killed $250M worth of AI startupsWhy construction tech companies are becoming consultancies (and if that's good or bad)The real reason behind tariffs that nobody talks aboutForward deployed engineers - the new trend taking over AEC techWhy some founders are burning out while others thrive"VCs pushing 9 to 6 are idiots. Most founders have no liquid capital and are actually struggling to make ends meet. You need to do whatever makes you most effective because it's not about hours you work, it's about output." - DustinFrom supply chain disasters to startup strategies, this episode unpacks the macro forces reshaping how we build - and who survives the chaos.------------------Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/----------------------Chpaters00:00 Introduction and Current Events04:45 Impact of New Tariffs on Construction07:48 Economic Implications of Tariffs10:55 Labor Market Dynamics in Construction13:52 Challenges in Project Management16:57 Future of Construction Projects19:52 Immigration and Labor Supply22:51 Market Reactions and Predictions25:47 Conclusion and Future Outlook31:58 Infrastructure Investment and Economic Resilience33:43 Restoration Business Dynamics34:53 Market Optimism and Economic Trends39:48 Technology in AEC: Forward Deployed Engineering52:11 Software Stack Consolidation and Customization58:09 Partnerships in Technology Solutions01:05:24 The 996 Work Culture Debate01:08:10 Personal Work Routines and Mental Health01:11:01 Decision-Making in Business01:16:24 The Role of Bias in Decision-Making01:21:02 Expertise and Learning in Business01:26:01 Hiring and Team Dynamics01:31:27 The Future of AI Note-Taking
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Builder AI $450M Bankruptcy - The Beginning Of The End for AI Startups? Johnny Ive's $6.5B Hire by OpenAI, Hiring Missionaries vs Mercenaries, TAM Reality Check
A $450 million AI startup just went bankrupt after lying about their revenue - and this might be just the beginning of the AI apocalypse.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patrick dive deep into the shocking collapse of Builder AI and what it reveals about the entire AI industry. From fraudulent revenue claims to human workers disguised as AI, this cautionary tale exposes the dark side of Silicon Valley's latest obsession.Key topics discussed:Builder AI's spectacular $450M bankruptcy and 25% revenue overstatementWhy 90-95% of AI companies are headed for failure according to VCsOpenAI's questionable $6.5 billion acquisition of Johnny Ive's design firmHow construction companies are getting fed up with AI promisesThe deadly mistakes founders make with venture debtWhy hiring "missionaries" beats "mercenaries" every timeThe real cost of delayed hiring decisions on cash burnWhy Ivy League credentials might actually hurt you in construction techThe truth about TAM calculations and industry sizing myths"I talked to a VC yesterday, and we were guesstimating... 90% to 95% of AI companies are just going to go to zero." - Dustin DeVanTune in for unfiltered insights on AI hype, hiring secrets, and what really matters in construction tech.----------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:13 Welcome Back and Conference Insights04:12 AI in the AEC Industry: Challenges and Opportunities07:11 Builder AI: A Case Study in Failure10:15 The Impact of AI on Communication and Critical Thinking13:21 Navigating Debt and Financial Stability in Startups16:21 The Future of Software in Construction19:08 The Role of Communication in a Tech-Driven World33:39 Navigating Venture Debt and Equity Financing39:18 Understanding Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and Its Implications47:16 The AI Hype: Reality vs. Expectations53:18 Evaluating the Impact of Emerging Technologies01:05:30 The Role of Data in AI Development01:12:23 The Future of AI and Its Limitations01:18:19 Hiring Strategies in the AEC Tech World01:21:59 Understanding Talent Acquisition and Onboarding01:31:33 The Impact of Backgrounds on Hiring Success01:38:54 Assessing the True TAM of the Construction Industry----------------------------Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
Why Data Centers Might Crash, Autodesk Alienates Christians, Y Combinator Predatory Practices, Paper Beats Digital, with Softbank's $100B Pledge
"Data centers might be overbuilding. When industries overshoot, they always crash back to reality." - Dustin DeVan on our latest episodeIn today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we got to learn about the $500B "Stargate" project between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle that's having trouble finding backers as data center costs rise.We got to hear why Autodesk's God-themed ad campaign shows they don't understand their construction customers, despite having amazing 91% profit margins. Also, we heard TestFit CEO Clifton Harness explain how their tools cut dirt costs from 30% to 20% on industrial projects through better site grading.Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why smart capital is hesitant to invest in data center construction right now ✅ How Y Combinator takes 7% equity while giving little value to founders ✅ Why Safe Notes are becoming unpopular with serious investors ✅ The real reason construction permits are harder to get in the US vs Europe------------Timestamps00:00:00 Intro00:01:07 Introduction and Event Season Insights00:04:09 Data Center Construction: Boom or Bust?00:07:11 Stargate Project and AI Infrastructure Challenges00:10:03 Market Dynamics and Overcapacity Concerns00:12:59 Energy Consumption and Utility Challenges00:16:07 Investment Hesitations in Data Center Technologies00:19:04 Marketing Strategies and Autodesk's Controversial Campaign00:40:42 Distraction Tactics in Business00:42:05 Stock Valuations and Market Strategies00:43:06 Analyzing Autodesk's Financial Performance00:50:10 The Role of Boards in Corporate Governance00:52:07 Civil Engineering Innovations and Controversies00:59:11 Sales Strategies and Company Growth01:08:47 Introduction to Bricks and Bytes01:09:07 Understanding Market Segmentation01:10:01 Debating Y Combinator's Impact01:11:05 The Value of Mentorship in Startups01:13:16 Critique of SAFE Notes01:14:57 The Complexity of Infrastructure Costs01:22:08 Comparing Planning Systems: Anglosphere vs Europe
read more
Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
How China Builds Nuclear Plants Cheaper, Construction's $860bn Problem, Robotics in Solar & Trump 2.0 Germany Effects
EXPOSED: How China is Building Nuclear Power for 90% Less While the West Falls Behind"Every level that you move up the construction chain, you're saving 50 bips of interest. From capital provider to owner to GC to sub to supplier to manufacturer rep - seven, eight steps, 4%. That's why a million-dollar generator costs owners $1.7 million." - Mike Powers, BuildVisionIn this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, our hosts dive into why China can build nuclear reactors at a fraction of Western costs while the US and Europe struggle with massive delays and budget overruns.Key topics include:Why China can build nuclear reactors for $2.7B while Western projects balloon to $40B+The efficiency secrets behind China's massive infrastructure projectsSmall Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a potential solution to nuclear's problemsGermany's trillion-dollar infrastructure investment planHow robotics is revolutionizing solar panel installationWhy industry events might be useful for startups but painful for everyone else"Nuclear is a cash machine when you operate it, but it ruins you when you build it, when you have to maintain it, when you have to repair it, and it completely ruins you once you have to decommission it." - Patric------------Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Nuclear Energy and Global Context06:06 Cost Disparities in Nuclear Energy Projects12:02 China's Nuclear Ambitions and Infrastructure Efficiency19:54 Understanding the Economics of Nuclear Energy31:46 The Future of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)36:31 Energy Independence and Nuclear Power39:44 Germany's Political Landscape and Infrastructure Spending48:55 AI in Construction: Ownership of Workflows54:23 Streamlining Construction Financing and Working Capital01:08:52 Market Dynamics and Demand Aggregation01:10:46 Introduction of James Emerick and Cosmic Robotics01:11:52 Innovations in Construction Robotics01:14:42 Expanding Robotics Applications Beyond Solar01:18:05 Global Competition in Robotics and Solar Installation01:19:50 Future Projections for Solar Demand01:21:24 Business Models in Robotics01:23:10 Path to Becoming a Robotics Engineer01:24:20 The Role of Events in Networking and Business01:31:52 Event Experiences and Startup Strategies
.avif)
