The ConTechCrew

In this special news edition of The ConTech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Jacob D’Albora are joined by Katelyn Sanchez to discuss the latest advancements in construction technology, workforce development, and AI-driven facility management. They discuss SkillsUSA's expanding role in preparing the next generation of tradespeople, the growing demand for facility management professionals, and how adaptability is key in an evolving industry. Plus, they highlight Veridi’s efforts in training disadvantaged communities for careers in renewable energy.

Key Takeaways:

• The expansion of Facilithon through SkillsUSA and its impact on facility management careers.
• The role of digital tools and AI in optimizing facility operations.
• How adaptability is driving change in facility management and construction.
• The importance of clear communication in leadership and technology adoption.
• How Veridi is transforming workforce development in underserved communities.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[01:04] – Facilithon expands to 20 states, introducing high schoolers to facility management.

[03:24] – Katelyn’s take on SkillsUSA and its role in bridging trade gaps.

[05:35] – Emerging facility management technology trends in 2025.

[07:44] – The importance of data and AI in facility optimization.

[14:45] – Why CTOs need to communicate technology strategies in business terms.

[18:43] – Leadership lessons in simplifying complex technology concepts.

[24:08] – How Veridi is creating green job opportunities in disadvantaged communities.

[28:33] – Final thoughts on workforce training and industry growth.

Follow the Guest & Topics Discussed:

• VIATechnik (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/viatechnik/
• VIATechnik (Website): https://www.viatechnik.com/
• VIATechnik (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/VIATechnik
• SkillsUSA: https://www.skillsusa.org/
• Facilithon: https://www.fmpipeline.org/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-sanchez-srvdcmanager/

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Hashtags:

#ConTechCrew #ConstructionNews #SkillsUSA #FacilityManagement #AI #DigitalTwins #TechLeadership #GreenJobs #WorkforceDevelopment

In this episode of The Contech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Charlie Dunn, a construction industry expert passionate about integrating technology and leadership to shape the future of construction. Charlie shares his journey, the challenges faced in modern construction projects, and how embracing innovation can lead to transformative growth in the industry.

Discover how Charlie's leadership strategies, combined with cutting-edge tools, can inspire teams and drive projects to success while addressing the pressing concerns of sustainability, efficiency, and collaboration in construction.

Expect to Learn:

• The critical role of leadership in construction projects
• How technology is reshaping the construction landscape
• Strategies for managing large teams and complex projects effectively
• Insights into sustainability practices in the construction industry
• Future trends and how to stay ahead in a competitive field

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[00:00:35] – Introduction: Meet Charlie Dunn and explore his background in construction.

[00:04:45] – Experience in Construction and Nuclear Industry: Charlie discusses their experience in construction, starting with learning Primavera in Vegas during a construction boom. They transitioned to the nuclear industry, where they unexpectedly found successful lean applications.

[00:09:54] – Optimizing Work Steps for Efficiency: Charlie discussed the importance of viewing construction tasks not as prototypes but as repeatable work steps.

[00:20:19] – Construction and Forming Design: Charlie discusses the importance of construction and forming design, a research focus emphasizing the integration of construction knowledge into the iterative design process.

[00:34:06] – The Future of Lego and the Importance of Play: Charlie emphasizes that the value of the Lego approach isn't easily explained; it needs to be experienced.

[00:38:24] – Closing Thoughts: Where can people find Charlie?

Check Out the Guest:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/projectstory/

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In this engaging episode of The ConTech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Charlie Dunn, a thought leader in the construction industry and a self-described "project storyteller." Charlie shares his journey from nuclear projects to construction, focusing on how visual planning and collaborative approaches can transform projects and drive efficiency.

From lessons learned in manufacturing and nuclear sectors to pioneering collaborative techniques in construction, Charlie reveals how a mindset shift can tackle material and human waste while improving project outcomes. Dive into this episode to discover innovative strategies and stories that emphasize the importance of planning, trust, and the power of play in professional settings.

Expect to Learn:

-- Why planning is the key to eliminating rework and improving efficiency.

-- The importance of design for production in construction.

-- How collaborative tools and visual methods create trust and alignment.

-- Lessons from manufacturing and nuclear industries applied to construction.

-- The significance of play and creativity in fostering innovation and teamwork.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

[00:00:30] – Introduction: Jeff and Nathan welcome Charlie Dunn and reflect on their recent experiences.

[00:02:47] – Charlie’s Background: Charlie shares his journey and focuses on eliminating production waste in construction.

[00:04:14] – Lessons from Nuclear and Manufacturing: Trust, psychological safety, and planning fundamentals.

[00:07:23] – “Go Slow to Go Fast”: The importance of planning for long-term gains in projects.

[00:09:55] – Insights on Repeatable Processes: Applying lean principles to construction and maximizing efficiency.

[00:20:19] – Design Management: Construction informing design and its benefits for early collaboration.

[00:32:29] – Experiential Learning: The role of experiences in fostering change and unlocking creativity.

[00:39:19] – Closing Remarks: Where can People find Charlie?

Check Out the Guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/projectstory/

Follow The ConTech Crew:

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EPISODE 434: We are in an exciting, transformative era where new technologies, like AI, are reshaping industries at every level. But is the construction industry truly prepared to embrace these advances without fear?

In this week’s episode, Jeff Sample chats with Usman Shuja, the CEO of Bluebeam, about how AI and technology impact the construction industry.

With a background in AI development across high-stakes industries, Usman provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities for digital transformation in construction.

Today, we dive into the need to respect domain expertise and economic motivations across the construction value chain, the critical role of change management, Bluebeam’s ethical AI practices, and more.

Tune in to learn where the industry is headed and what construction professionals can do to stay ahead.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

From IBM to Bluebeam (01:10)

Lessons that got Usman into construction tech (03:59)

Unique challenges in construction’s value chain (07:58)

Key strategies for effective change management in construction (10:56)

Preview of Bluebeam’s 2025 “Five I’s” strategy (13:27)

Shuja’s background in ethical AI development (20:36)

Potential pitfalls of unregulated AI in construction (25:23)

Ethical dilemmas surrounding AI in autonomous decision-making (29:24)

Practical AI benefits for construction productivity (31:00)

Final thoughts (36:57)

Additional Resources:

Listen to the show at: https://thecontechcrew.com

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecontechcrew

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Follow Usman Shuja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/usmanshuja/

Check out Bluebeam for more information: https://www.bluebeam.com/

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The ConTech Crew is a construction news podcast dedicated to keeping you up to date with all the latest in construction technology.

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