This Fortune 500 Company Had Never Used Excel Until 2016 - The $300B Tech Gap in Store Development
"I got employee of the year in 2016 for introducing Excel to my company."That's the state of technology in the $300 billion store development industry.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sat down with Genevieve Davis and Alim Uderbekov from Surfaice. These two met on a beach in California (yes, really) and decided to tackle one of the most analog industries out there with AI agents.Here's what we covered:✅ Why companies building hundreds of stores aren't using Procore (hint: it's expensive and they're retailers, not developers)✅ The "McDonald's is a race car" analogy - why 40,000 cookie-cutter restaurants are actually the perfect use case for AI in construction✅ How code is becoming a commodity and why that changes everything about vertical software✅ Why AI won't take your job, but people who know how to use it willLink in comments - give it a listen if you're in retail, store development, or just want to hear how two people turned a beach conversation into a company.Our Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:46 Introduction to Surface and Founders' Backgrounds 06:48 The Vision Behind Surface and AI in Construction 09:41 The Meeting of Minds: Genevieve and Alim's Collaboration 12:45 Current Challenges in Store Development 15:30 AI's Role in Automating Construction Processes 18:32 Efficiency Gains and Time Savings with AI 21:44 The Future of Store Development and Human Touchpoints 24:30 Defensibility and Business Model of Surface 27:25 Funding and Future Plans for Surface 39:13 Investment Insights and Strategic Partnerships 41:31 Customer Engagement and Feedback 44:33 AI in Construction: Transforming Workflows 47:14 Navigating the Go-To-Market Strategy 54:20 Understanding Competition in the AI Space 59:25 Customization and Onboarding Process 01:03:07 Future of AI in Construction
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LIVE at SpeckleCon 2025 - Bricks & Bytes - Full Stream
In this special episode, we're broadcasting live from SpeckleCon 2025 in London, where the future of construction technology is being written in real-time. We sat down with some of the biggest names in AEC tech to talk about the one thing everyone's finally paying attention to: data.
We hear from Suffolk Construction and Pomerlau on turning BIM chaos into usable data, MultiConsult's Morten on giving engineers superpowers with Python, Martin Day's warning that we're all horses before the industrial revolution, Oliver Thomas on why small firms will beat the giants in the AI race, and Speckle's Dimitrie and Virginia on their push to become the data platform that finally fixes this broken industry.
Key Takeaways:• Data accessibility is the new battleground - visibility matters more than authoring tools• General contractors are leading the charge on data infrastructure• Off-the-shelf LLMs don't work well for AEC without fine-tuning• The visualization industry is getting disrupted by AI right now• Open source doesn't mean free, but it does mean you own your exit strategy• Outcome-based pricing is coming for construction software• The market for design seats might be 50% smaller than we think once AI hits
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How Our High School Band Led To HVAC Software - Building HVAKR
From indie rock band to HVAC software startup—how's that for a pivot?In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Davis Muxlow and Andrew Krippner from HVAKR and we got to learn about building construction tech from the ground up, the innovator's dilemma killing legacy software companies, and why making products faster might actually hurt your revenue... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How a church worship team "audition" turned into a college band and eventually a software company✅ Why legacy HVAC programs are making engineers slower despite new updates✅ The double-edged sword of efficiency: one engineer now doing the work of three✅ How AI is forcing SaaS companies to rethink their entire pricing modelThese guys went from mechanical engineering students with a Slack channel full of startup ideas to building a product that's actually making their customers more productive.The kicker? Their product works so well that customers need fewer seats. That's the kind of problem you want to have.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:19 The Musical Beginnings 05:20 From Bandmates to Entrepreneurs 09:13 The Path to HVACR 15:07 Building the Foundation of HVACR 19:02 The Accelerator Journey 25:10 The Product Unveiled 31:15 The Importance of Design in HVACR 35:18 Streamlining HVAC Design Processes 40:43 Design as a Differentiator 41:38 Innovative Pricing Models 44:35 Streamlining Sales Processes 48:12 Effective Trial Management 54:40 Customer-Centric Product Development 57:10 Building a Personal Brand 1:03:02 The Value of Transparency 1:04:13 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Product Design 1:09:25 Metrics of Success in Software Usage
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90% of Construction Firms Have ZERO Employees - The Reality of Residential Construction in America
How do you run a $2 trillion segment of the economy with just a book?In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Dmitry Alexin from Handoff and we got to learn about how AI is transforming residential construction, why 90% of US construction firms are one-person operations struggling with back-office work, and how a former IMF economist ended up building technology that delivers cost estimates in 30 seconds... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why traditional construction cost data is stuck in the physical book era and how real-time APIs are changing the game✅ How contractors can now delegate entire workflows to an AI agent through simple voice commands while driving between jobs✅ Why selling to residential contractors requires throwing out the enterprise playbook and leading with instant product value✅ The surprising shift of professionals from marketing and accounting backgrounds entering residential construction with a software-first mindsetWatch now to hear Dmitry's journey from GDP forecasting during the Ebola pandemic to revolutionizing how residential contractors run their businesses.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:40 Introduction to Handoff and Its Purpose06:41 Dmitry's Background and Transition to Construction09:30 The Data Challenge in Construction12:49 Building the First Real-Time API for Construction Prices15:35 The Evolution of Handoff and Its Features18:37 The Importance of Accurate Estimating21:37 The Role of AI in Construction Estimating24:40 Understanding Labor and Material Costs27:32 Streamlining Procurement Processes30:36 Product-Led Growth Strategy33:35 Overcoming Skepticism in the Industry37:55 Leading with Value: Product-Led Growth38:42 Go-To-Market Strategies: Finding Your Audience43:24 Targeting Residential Contractors: A Strategic Choice46:54 The Role of AI Agents in Construction Tech49:25 Learning from Failures: Experimentation in Startups55:35 Future of Construction: Robotics and Material Science58:60 Funding Insights: Building a Diverse Investor Base01:05:05 Advice for Technical Founders: Embracing Humility01:07:15 Join the Team: Opportunities at Handoff
Apple Kills Cold Calling, In Office Scares CEO’s, Insurance Proves Climate Change Fears
20 cold calls a day, $150 million in legal fees, and why the smartest CEOs are terrified of in-person competitors.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, hosts Owen, Martin, Dustin, and Patric are joined by Justin Levine, CEO of Shepherd, for a no-holds-barred discussion about the future of business, technology, and construction.What we dive into:Apple's new AI call screening feature and why it spells doom for sales teamsThe shocking reality of 20 cold calls per day (and why most are terrible)Remote vs. office work: which startup would you fear more as a competitor?Why VCs are hilariously bad at cold outreach emailsConstruction insurance secrets that could save companies millionsThe $270 million Millennium Tower disaster (where legal fees cost more than the actual fix)Why hiring remotely means you need more experienced peopleThe race to build the first $100 billion construction tech companyKey Quote: "If there's a competitor that's going to do exactly what we do - one fully remote, one five days in office - I am 100% more scared of the five day in office per week." - Justin LevineFrom San Francisco's absurd delivery fees to the future of AI gatekeepers, this episode reveals uncomfortable truths about modern business that every entrepreneur needs to hear.--------------------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:20 Introduction and Coffee Talk04:20 Construction Assurance and Safety07:31 iOS Updates and Cold Outreach Challenges10:20 Innovations in Construction Insurance13:23 Wrap-Up Policies and Cost Efficiency16:22 Cold Outreach Strategies in 202519:11 The Future of AI in Sales and Marketing28:01 The Importance of Mindset in Growth28:39 Transparency in VC Interactions29:27 Challenges of Cold Outreach in VC30:24 The Role of Experience in Fundraising33:54 Finding the Right Investor Fit40:41 Understanding Investor Strike Zones43:41 Defining Alpha in Venture Capital44:59 The Long-Term Journey of Startups47:42 The Bathtub Analogy in AI and Data Ownership49:58 The Debate on Hustle Culture in Startups50:22 The Value of In-Person Work Culture58:59 The Challenges of Remote Work01:08:15 Remote Work Considerations in Different Industries01:09:11 Remote Work vs. Co-location in Tech and Hardware01:11:42 The Impact of Time on Productivity01:12:28 Rising Costs in Construction Insurance01:16:32 The Challenges of Construction Defects01:21:16 Reducing Insurance Premiums through Technology01:26:59 Business Models in Construction Insurance01:32:01 Future Trends in Construction Technology
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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 $250M worth of AI startupsWhy construction tech companies are becoming consultancies (and if that's good or bad)The real reason behind tariffs that nobody talks aboutForward deployed engineers - the new trend taking over AEC techWhy some founders are burning out while others thrive"VCs pushing 9 to 6 are idiots. Most founders have no liquid capital and are actually struggling to make ends meet. You need to do whatever makes you most effective because it's not about hours you work, it's about output." - DustinFrom supply chain disasters to startup strategies, this episode unpacks the macro forces reshaping how we build - and who survives the chaos.------------------Sponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/----------------------Chpaters00:00 Introduction and Current Events04:45 Impact of New Tariffs on Construction07:48 Economic Implications of Tariffs10:55 Labor Market Dynamics in Construction13:52 Challenges in Project Management16:57 Future of Construction Projects19:52 Immigration and Labor Supply22:51 Market Reactions and Predictions25:47 Conclusion and Future Outlook31:58 Infrastructure Investment and Economic Resilience33:43 Restoration Business Dynamics34:53 Market Optimism and Economic Trends39:48 Technology in AEC: Forward Deployed Engineering52:11 Software Stack Consolidation and Customization58:09 Partnerships in Technology Solutions01:05:24 The 996 Work Culture Debate01:08:10 Personal Work Routines and Mental Health01:11:01 Decision-Making in Business01:16:24 The Role of Bias in Decision-Making01:21:02 Expertise and Learning in Business01:26:01 Hiring and Team Dynamics01:31:27 The Future of AI Note-Taking
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Bricks, Buck$ 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/
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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
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