#016 - Elie AlChaer - How to transition into construction tech & AI driven bot assistant
Do you have a full time job in traditional construction industry and thinking about moving into construction tech? Join us as we speak with Elie AlChaer.
Elie is also a product manager in Slate Technologies and is focused on bot assistants driven by machine learning.
Please see the link to the research article "Engineering Productivity Measurement: A Novel Approach" mentioned by Elie in the episode: https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/%28ASCE%29CO.1943-7862.0001875
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Bricks & Bytes
Skanska Reveals - Why Construction Companies Have 300+ Software Tools But Still Can't Get Work Done
"One construction project required 18 different software tools just for daily operations - and that's considered normal in our industry."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Michael and Danielle from Skanska and we got to learn about the brutal reality of construction tech adoption, why VCs keep backing the wrong startups, and how pricing models are completely broken for the industry... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why construction companies are drowning in software but starving for solutions✅ The real reason progress tracking tools cost a dollar per square foot✅ How AI hype is following the exact same pattern as the cloud revolution✅ What startup founders get completely wrong about enterprise sales in constructionThese insights from two innovation leaders at a global construction company will change how you think about construction tech.Listen now on Spotify and discover why the industry needs fewer tools, not more.------------------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.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/--------------Chapters00:00 Intro02:48 Introduction to Emerging Technologies in Construction06:27 Navigating Software Complexity in Construction12:45 Trends and Innovations in Construction Tech15:06 Geographical Hubs of Innovation16:48 Partnerships with Startups and Compliance Challenges20:36 Adapting to Rapid Technological Changes22:49 Success Stories from Pilot Programs27:14 Defining Emerging Technology and KPIs31:06 Sources and Filtering for New Technologies33:38 The Role of AI in Construction Tech36:06 The Hype Cycle of AI and Big Data38:04 In-House Development and Proprietary Solutions39:07 Advancements in Safety Technology41:10 Challenges with Autonomous Robotics43:01 Evaluating Technology: Frustrations and Complexities48:11 Pricing Models and Industry Friction53:50 Building Partnerships with Startups57:42 Future of Construction Technology1:02:31 Emerging Technologies in Construction
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Bricks & Bytes
Second-Time Founders Still Fail - Solar Market Lessons from Kreo Spinoff
"Don't build shitty products for problems that don't exist."This brutal advice from Maksim hit different. After spinning off from his first AEC tech company Kreo, he's now building PVFarm - solar design software that's pulling in $40K average revenue per customer.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Maksim and we got to learn about why distribution beats product in AEC, how he cracked the $150M solar design market, and why most startup marketing tactics fail in construction tech... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why relationship-based sales trump amazing products in AEC ✅ The two pathways to selling enterprise software in construction✅ Why LinkedIn outreach and email marketing don't work for AEC startups ✅ How vertical integration beats horizontal CAD tools for specific building typesListen now on Spotify to hear how Maksim went from building multiple failed products to finding product-market fit with a 40-hour learning curve software that customers love.-----------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.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/-----------------Chapters00:00 Introduction to Maxim and His Journey in AEC Tech03:02 Lessons Learned from Creo: Market Understanding and Sales Strategies05:58 The Relationship Between Sunbeam and PVFarm09:12 Understanding Sunbeam's Focus and Product Offerings11:57 The Importance of Collaboration in Design14:54 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Solar Design Software17:57 Market Size and Growth Potential in Solar PV20:56 Go-to-Market Strategies and Customer Engagement23:58 Building Value Through Education and Relationships26:55 Webinars as a Tool for Engagement and Education33:28 The Value of Community Engagement33:56 Marketing Strategies That Fail36:00 Leveraging AI for Usability39:26 Navigating the AI Landscape41:14 Building Robust Tools in a Competitive Market43:52 The Go-Kill Framework for Product Ideas46:22 The Role of a CEO in a Tech Startup51:53 Balancing Discipline and Flexibility in Teams52:41 Successful Products in AEC54:51 Building in Different Markets57:12 The Importance of Community in Tech59:20 Managing Remote Teams01:01:08 The Intersection of Jiu-Jitsu and Business
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Bricks & Bytes
Why Construction Lacks Qualified Project Managers - Project Manager Shortage & AI Automation Solutions From Tech Leaders In Construction
"The world has an enormous shortage of qualified project managers - to the tune of tens of millions of people."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Greg from Nodes & Links and we got to learn about how AI is solving construction's biggest workforce crisis, why American customers bite your hand off for ROI while Europeans think about it for budget cycles, and the physics behind project acceleration... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why the construction industry needs a billion more project managers and how AI workers will fill the gap ✅ How one customer saved $63,000 per scheduler per year using automation software✅ The brutal reality of startup hiring - 0.3% acceptance rate from 15,000 CVs reviewed ✅ Why the CEO's job is preventing failure while everyone else maximizes successListen now on Spotify to discover how construction scheduling is being revolutionized and what it means for the future of mega projects worldwide.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com---------Chapters00:00 Intro03:00 Introduction to Nodes and Links05:43 Evolution of Project Management Software08:54 The Role of AI in Construction11:39 Challenges in Project Management14:33 Customer Onboarding and Experience17:36 Pricing and Business Model20:35 Scaling Challenges in Tech23:29 Identifying Customer Pain Points34:14 Maximizing Productivity in Construction Projects35:55 Client vs Contractor Needs in Software37:07 Global Operations and Team Management38:36 Building High-Performance Remote Teams39:59 The CEO's Role in Preventing Failure43:29 Insights from 'The Physics of Project Acceleration'46:27 Recent Funding and Growth Strategies49:53 Understanding Profitability in Construction Tech52:01 Raising Capital in Construction Technology54:56 Calculating Capital Needs for Growth56:55 Vision for the Future of Project Management59:02 Cultural Nuances in Global Construction Practices
2026 Construction Industry, $3 Billion Construction Tech Exits, Canvas Robotics Acquired, Pre-Con Debates & LinkedIn Content Crisis
Is $3 Billion the New Normal for Construction Tech Exits?In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Patric, Martin, and Dustin kick off 2026 with hot takes, bold predictions, and a no-holds-barred discussion on what's really happening in construction tech.What we cover:The 2026 construction industry trends everyone's talking about (data centers, manufacturing plateaus, and the office market reality)Why LinkedIn has become a wasteland of AI-generated garbage and what actually works nowPatric's spicy prediction: "$3 billion exits in construction tech in 2026"The great pre-construction debate: Can you really reduce years of work to minutes?Why most tech companies are marketing to VCs instead of actual customers (and how to spot the BS)Canvas Robotics gets acquired by JLG - what this means for the robotics waveSteve Dellorto from ConCntric joins to talk about his 26 years at Clark Construction and why pre-con is brokenThe most ridiculous products from CES 2026 (AI-powered hair clippers, anyone?)A heated debate on socialism, taxes, and why New York's mayor might be the worst businessman in AmericaKey quote: "It was never easier to start a business, but it was also never more difficult to build a great business." - PatricOur Sponsor: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.ioChapters00:00:00 Intro00:01:09 Introduction to 2026 Construction Trends 00:04:09 CES Conference Highlights and Innovations 00:07:08 Shifts in Construction Project Types 00:10:21 The Impact of Social Media on Industry Trends 00:13:13 The Evolution of Content Creation and Marketing 00:16:09 The Future of Business Models in Tech 00:19:21 The Role of People in Business Success 00:22:09 Reflections on Quality in Content and Business 00:25:15 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions 00:28:26 Trends in Construction Mergers and Acquisitions 00:31:49 The Impact of Tariffs and Supply Chain Localization 00:35:34 Global Economic Shifts and Their Effects on Construction 00:40:02 The Rise of Offsite Manufacturing in Construction 00:43:03 Advancements in Robotics and AI in Construction 00:48:03 Green Building Mandates and Energy Challenges 00:53:38 Innovations in Pre-Construction Technology 00:59:47 Transitioning from Construction to Tech 01:01:14 Building Effective Teams in Tech 01:02:49 Customer Engagement in Tech 01:04:24 Project-First Focus in Construction Tech 01:06:16 The Reality of Pre-Construction 01:07:36 Building for Builders 01:09:01 Ridiculous Innovations from CES 01:16:07 Best Recent Purchases
A $100,000+ Christmas party, strip clubs as corporate bonding, and a secret betting ring—this is how construction tech really celebrates.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, hosts Owen, Martin, and Dustin close out 2024 with Santa hats, sick days, and the unfiltered truth about the AEC industry's wildest traditions.In this festive year-end special, you'll hear about:The two-week closed beta of their AEC prediction market experiment and why it's harder to execute than anyone expectedDustin's legendary Building Connected Christmas party where they blew over $100K knowing they were about to get acquired (casino night, no budget limits, zero regrets)Why construction industry Christmas parties always end with at least one fight and HR scrambling the next dayEquipment Share's IPO filing and why 2026 could see three major AEC tech companies go publicThe leaderboard drama where Dustin bet big on himself for "best looking host" and actually won"I don't know if that time will ever come again because money was treated very differently." – Dustin DeVan on Silicon Valley's glory daysThe crew signs off until January 8th with holiday cheer, confession-booth honesty, and predictions for an even wilder 2026.Our Sponsor:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters01:06 Holiday Cheer and Predictions 03:52 Exploring Prediction Markets06:50 Reflections on Christmas Parties 09:45 Media Influence and Public Sentiment 12:37 Personal and Company Growth in 2025 18:01 Looking Ahead to 2026 in Construction Tech 25:16 The Software Selection Dilemma 27:07 The AI Landscape in Construction 28:34 Anticipating Acquisitions in 2026 31:20 The Great Debate: Cloud vs. Desktop Solutions 38:58 Innovative Marketing in Construction Tech 50:36 The Risk of Bold Marketing in AEC 52:50 Building Effective Marketing Teams for Startups 55:05 Navigating Marketing Strategies for Startups 56:34 Insights on Rebranding Strategies 57:52 The Future of Marketing in AEC 01:00:23 Debate Recap: AI in Construction Estimating 01:07:12 Christmas Traditions and Predictions for 2026
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
OpenAI Turner Mega Deal, OpenSpace Buys Disperse, Government Shutdown Impact on Construction & Startup Valuation Truth Bombs
In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Martin, Patrick, and Dustin break down what happens when a fully remote startup brings everyone together IRL—plus two major construction tech deals that have everyone talking.Dustin opens up about Ediphi's first all-hands offsite (spoiler: his team didn't win the escape room), before the crew dives into the chaos of government shutdowns and what they actually mean for construction.Then things get spicy with the OpenAI x Turner deal that's got LinkedIn in a frenzy, and Jeevan from OpenSpace and Oli from Disperse join to talk about their recently announced acquisition.Topics covered:Why company offsites are worth every penny for remote teamsThe real cost of government shutdowns on construction projectsTurner's $30M OpenAI deal and what it means for GCsInside the OpenSpace + Disperse acquisitionThe uncomfortable truth about startup valuations and M&A"You're not worth that much money when you raise at 30 million or 50 million. You're not truly worth that. It's buying a future." - Dustin DeVanPlus: Owen debuts the new Bricks & Bytes merch, Dustin reveals his founder health transformation (no Ozempic involved), and the team debates whether construction tech is ripe for consolidation.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro01:43 Introduction to Company Offsites 07:46 The Importance of Company Offsites 11:42 Government Shutdown in the U.S. 21:00 Turner Construction's Deal with OpenAI 24:20 Exploring OpenAI's Impact on Construction 27:18 The Challenges of Implementing AI in Estimation 29:53 Creative Commercial Deals and Revenue Sharing 31:19 The Role of AI in Streamlining Workflows 34:38 Standardizing Processes for Effective AI Integration 38:58 The Future of Legal Services in the Age of AI 42:21 The Human Element in Legal and Engineering Services 49:34 The Acquisition Journey: From Partnership to Integration 53:03 Leadership Changes and Strategic Growth 57:09 Product Roadmap and Customer Experience 1:00:05 Navigating Competition in Construction Tech 1:01:55 Future of Acquisitions in Construction Tech
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Bricks, Buck$ And Bytes
PlanGrid Founders Return to Construction, 27% of GCs Using Personal Funds, $9.2M Nextlight Raise, AI Go-To-Market Race, with Will Mitchell from Rabbit
27% of contractors are using PERSONAL MONEY to keep their businesses alive—and it's worse than you think.In this episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, Owen, Dustin, and Martin break down the biggest shakeups in construction tech, from the PlanGrid founders' surprise return to AI, to the shocking payment crisis threatening to sink contractors across the industry.We’re joined by Will Mitchell from Rabbit, David from Nextlight, and Vardhan Mehta from Aislab to unpack what's really happening in construction payments, energy efficiency, and materials management.Key Topics:Tiger Eye's big pivot: Why Tracy Young and Ralph Gootee are bringing AI back to construction after PlanGridThe AI arms race: Will there be one winner or will construction tech fragment like consumer markets?Rabbit's 2025 Construction Payments Report: 44% of firms are getting paid late and 20% hit negative cash flowThe personal finance nightmare: Why nearly 1 in 3 GCs are dipping into their own pockets to cover payrollNextlight's $9.2M Series A: How smart window coatings can slash building energy costs by 25%Aislab's $13.5M raise: The two-sided marketplace that's won over half the top 100 AEC firms"None of these companies are building their own foundational models. They're using other people's models. So I think it's going to be a go-to-market race." — Dustin DeVanSponsors:BuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioArchdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters 00:00 Intro01:30 Introduction to New AI Player in Construction 04:16 Trimble Dimensions: Key Takeaways 07:10 The Future of AI in Construction 10:11 Trimble's Innovations and Market Position 12:56 Challenges in Construction Payments 15:50 Insights from the 2025 Construction Payments Report 38:35 The Challenges of Payment Processes in Construction 41:46 Incentives for Faster Payments42:44 The Impact of Payment Delays on Project Costs 45:26 Innovations in Payment Solutions 48:26 Advancements in Energy Control Coatings 51:22 The Future of Coating Technologies 57:17 The Role of Patents in Tangible vs. Software Businesses 59:10 Building a Robust Materials Management System 01:09:06 Funding and Growth Strategies for Startups
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