From jungle drones to high-rise progress shots, Neil of Blue Water Drones shares his wild path into construction tech—and how he's redefining what it means to be a service provider in reality capture. We talk about contractors self-performing drone work, why documentation saves more than just time, and how marketing footage can also win lawsuits.
In this episode, we sit down with Josh Kanner to unpack the real evolution of construction tech – from pre-iPad field tools to AI-driven safety systems. We get into what it takes to build for an industry with slow cycle times, the shift from labeling images to prompting vision models, and why your data is only as useful as your process. If you’re serious about cutting through AI hype and deploying tech that actually works in the field, don’t miss this one.
What happens when doing it all stops working? In Episode 45, we sit down with Julia Guerra from FlyGuys to unpack the pivotal strategy shift that took her from leading solo to building scalable systems that actually work.
From hard lessons in trust and control to unlocking growth through partnerships, this episode dives into what it really takes to scale reality capture in construction—and why empathy, education, and alignment are the new tools of the trade.
How does a 76-acre offshore wind project turn daily drone capture into business-critical infrastructure?
In this episode, we sit down with Kara Fragola and Louis Saccaro from Skanska to unpack how their team scaled a 7-pilot drone program without adding chaos. Learn how civil and building teams synced ops with top-down visuals, how 60+ staff rely on daily flights, and why DroneDeploy has become a safety and planning essential.
How does a leading contractor scale a VDC team from 3 to 20 – without chasing hype?
In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Marriot and Brian Owens from Weitz to unpack how they built a high-impact, field-first VDC program. Learn how they structured for scale, hired for communication over credentials, and turned drone data and 360 video into a competitive edge. If you're leading innovation inside a GC, this is your blueprint.
In this episode, we sit down with Adam Caldwell from Maple Reinders to explore how internal storytelling and site documentation can drive real tech adoption on construction sites. From thermal drone workflows to in-house video production, learn how Adam’s team turned progress updates into a viral internal flywheel – winning buy-in from PMs, supers, and execs. If you’re trying to scale reality capture, improve adoption, or make tech stick, this one’s for you.
Live from the AGC National Convention, this episode of Build Different features Roy Malcom (DPR Construction) and Cheri Hanes (AXA XL) as we unpack why construction tech so often gets ignored – and how to change that. From aligning tools with real jobsite pain points to building buy-in across teams, this convo is packed with practical tips to make your tech actually stick.
Bombarded with demos and LinkedIn DMs? Felipe Serrano from Brasfield & Gorrie breaks down his field-tested process for evaluating construction tech without burning out. From vendor intake forms to cross-team buy-in, we unpack how to vet tools, prove ROI, and avoid tech fatigue—especially if you're flying solo without a dedicated R&D team. Real talk from the jobsite to the boardroom.
Construction tech pioneer Joe Williams joins the show to unpack why smaller, leaner teams are better positioned to reshape the industry. From launching Project Atlas to navigating a Bluebeam acquisition, Joe shares hard-earned lessons on product vision, AI, and why unified data beats a bloated tech stack every time. If you’re rethinking how to build smarter with less overhead – this one’s for you.
Contracts don’t care what you meant—they care what you documented. In this episode, construction attorney Stewart Shurtleff joins the crew to break down the legal risks hiding in your jobsite texts, emails, RFIs, and photos. We dive into where AI helps (and where it hurts), how reality capture is changing disputes, and why casual communication can cost you big.
Jan Ahner from Alvin H. Butz, Inc. isn’t your typical superintendent. In this episode, we unpack how a boots-on-the-ground builder is driving tech adoption on his own terms — from early drone deployments to site-wide digital workflows. If you think innovation only comes top-down, this conversation will change your mind.
In this episode, drone consultant Ted shares how he turned hands-on field work into viral content and real industry impact—breaking down what actually works in reality capture, both on the jobsite and online.
The crew breaks down the ultimate project bracket – pitting execution tools, data strategies and industry workflows head-to-head. From drones vs. laser scanning to the battle between Precon and Financial Control, tune in for a no-holds-barred debate on what truly moves the needle in construction.
In this episode of Built Different, co-host Adam announces his departure from Built Different to rejoin Turner Construction, marking a full-circle moment in his career. The team reflects on his impact in bridging construction and technology, from field operations to marketing and community building. The conversation shifts to the power of preconstruction, and the importance of integrating reality capture and site logistics planning early in the project lifecycle.
Big changes on Build Different! We’re switching up the lineup and bringing in a new voice. Tune in as we introduce our new host, dive into his journey through construction and tech, and talk about what’s next for the show.
In this episode of Built Different, we’re diving into three big questions shaping the industry: Are robotics the next frontier or just another overhyped tool? How do Division 1 specs impact the way projects get built? And what really defines a strong community in construction? Plus, we break down the shift from tech to doctrine – where tools are no longer just job site solutions but written into contracts. Expect real talk, sharp takes and a no-BS look at the forces changing how we build.
In this episode of Built Different, we dive into career transitions—what makes people stay in construction, what pushes them to explore new opportunities, and whether the grass is really greener on the other side. From industry challenges and job site realities to the appeal of tech and remote work, we break down the factors that drive career moves and share personal stories of navigating change. Whether you're considering a shift or just curious about what it's like on the other side, this episode delivers real talk on the opportunities and trade-offs of leaving the field.
In this episode, we dive into stadium construction trends, the rise of FPV drone footage, and must-have tech tools – Meta Smart Glasses, DJI Osmo cameras, and more. We also break down top insights from the ASC competition and reveal how industry events are shaping the next wave of construction talent and innovation.
The Built Different podcast returns with a fresh lineup of hosts—Brian Vizarreta, Grant Hagen and Adam Della Monica—bringing unfiltered conversations straight from the field. In this kickoff episode, we dive into the realities of tech adoption in construction: why CYA culture is taking over, how AI is actually being used (or ignored) on job sites, and whether robotics and automation will finally gain traction. Plus, we unpack the challenges of overloaded workloads, the disconnect between innovation and implementation and why the best tech should make work easier, not harder.
And that's a wrap on Season 4! Before we close out the season, your hosts Grant Hagen and Adam Della Monica sit down for one last conversation. Big thank you to everyone who tuned in, we'll see you again for season 5!