Our host Gareth McGlynn sits down with Samuel Liesmer, Hyperscale Estimator at National Technologies (a Connex Company), to discuss the growing demand for low voltage expertise in hyperscale data center construction.
Discussion Highlights:
Connect with Sam Liesmer:
🔗Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-l-424b8a146/
🌐National Technologies: https://www.ntitech.com/
Recorded live at Precon World 2025 in Irvine, Texas, this episode features Nick Papadopoulos, Founder and CEO of Eos Group, as he shares practical takeaways from his session “Demystifying AI: Practical Predictive Analytics for Better Estimates.” Nick unpacks how preconstruction teams can apply AI with structure, governance, and purpose.
Discussion Highlights:
You can also revisit Nick’s first appearance on The Preconstruction Podcast from a few years ago to see how his perspective on innovation and data in preconstruction has developed since then.
LINK: https://www.nichessp.com/pre-construction-podcast/33-nick-papadopoulos
You can reach out to Nick via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjpapadopoulos/
That’s a wrap for our Precon World 2025 series.
Thank you for tuning in to this special lineup of conversations with industry leaders. Stay with us for more episodes of The Preconstruction Podcast featuring the people shaping the future of preconstruction.
Our host, Gareth McGlynn, catches up with Brent Pilgrim, National Director of Preconstruction at The Beck Group, recorded live at Precon World 2025 in Irving, Texas.
Brent returns to the podcast after two years to share major progress in his long-term work on integrated estimating workflow — a model-based estimating process he has been refining for over 15 years. Brent has now demonstrated—through real results with clients, architects, and contractors that integrated estimating workflow truly delivers.
Key Discussion Highlights:
You can check out the research papers here:https://easychair.org/publications/paper/swJv/open https://easychair.org/publications/paper/2WQl/open
Have questions for Brent? Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentpilgrim/
In this episode, Gareth McGlynn sits down with Ale Macias of Ryan Companies during Precon World 2025 to discuss the growing influence of AI and technology in preconstruction and how teams are adapting to new ways of working.
Key Takeaways:
AI and Preconstruction Technology: How innovation is shaping today’s estimating and planning workflows.
Career Journey: From ballet to construction and becoming a key part of Ryan’s preconstruction group.
Collaboration and Openness: Her interest in collaboration and perspective on the day-to-day challenges faced by preconstruction professionals.
Precon Round Table: An initiative of like-minded companies working together to improve processes and reach solutions faster, which Ale is part of.
Connect with Ale Macias on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ale-m-a040071a4/
Tune in to this episode and stay tuned for more conversations and industry perspectives on The Preconstruction Podcast!
Recorded live at Precon World 2025, this week’s episode features Stewart Carroll, Chief Customer Officer at Beck Technology. Host Gareth McGlynn sits down with Stewart to talk about significant developments shaping the company and its vision for the full preconstruction lifecycle.
Discussion Highlights:
Pamlico Investment: What the recent investment means for Beck Technology’s future direction and scalability.
Workpack Acquisition: How the integration of Marty Cornish’s AI takeoff tool strengthens Beck Tech’s suite of solutions.
Preconstruction Lifecycle: Beck Tech’s strategy to expand across every stage of preconstruction.
Precon World 2025: Key takeaways from this year’s Beck Technology conference in Texas.
For further questions or inquiries, connect with Stewart Carroll directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartacarroll/
Gareth McGlynn sits down with Daniel Beatty, Founder of Constructive Leadership Solutions, to talk about leadership, management, and growth in construction. With 36 years in heavy civil infrastructure, Daniel brings a wealth of perspective on what it takes to strengthen organizations from the inside out.
You can connect with Dan via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbeattycls/
Ben Evelsizer, Senior Preconstruction Manager at Poettker Construction, joined Gareth McGlynn for a conversation recorded at Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego. Ben shares his perspective on several core aspects of preconstruction, from logistics planning to engaging trade partners.
Discussion Highlights:
Site Logistics in Estimating: How much attention it requires during preconstruction.
Project Focus: K-12, municipality, and federal government construction.
Historical Data: Why it’s a major passion of Ben’s and how Poettker is using it.
Artificial Intelligence: Views on its role in preconstruction.
Trade Partner Engagement: Why bringing them in too early can actually frustrate the process.
For further questions, you can connect with Ben via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-evelsizer-262a6267/
Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sat down with Ben Neff, Director of Preconstruction at Motz, during Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego. Together, they discussed the complexities behind creating world-class sports turf systems.
Discussion Highlights:
Beginnings in Construction: From studying business at the University of Kentucky to a pivot into construction management and early hands-on fieldwork.
Joining Motz: Transitioning from vertical construction to leading preconstruction at Motz.
About Motz: A 100% employee-owned specialty contractor building natural grass and synthetic sports fields.
Turf Systems: What it really takes to deliver a professional-quality field.
Mechanics & Maintenance: The engineering and upkeep involved in maintaining top-level surfaces.
Recent Project: Insights from Motz’s work on the Oakland A’s minor league ballpark.
You can connect with Ben via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-neff-14043214/
Gareth McGlynn catches up with Andrew Zukoski, CEO & Co-Founder of JOIN, at Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego.
Andrew returns to The Preconstruction Podcast to share updates on JOIN’s progress since his last appearance, with discussion around:
You can connect with Andrew via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewzukoski
Gareth McGlynn speaks with Matt Boeggeman, Senior Preconstruction Manager at Holder Construction, during Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego.Discussion Highlights:• Early career experience in HVAC and its value in data center projects• Holder’s role as one of the largest data center builders in the U.S.• Key challenges: inflation, supply chain, electrical demands, land, power, and scheduling• Using historical data to improve project efficiency• Integrating AI into the preconstruction processIf you have questions for Matt, connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-boeggeman-53277513/
Gareth McGlynn sits down with Paul Christen, Preconstruction Director at McCarthy Building Companies in Los Angeles, for a live conversation recorded at Advancing Preconstruction in San Diego.
This episode centres on culture and middle management -two areas that play a key role in building strong preconstruction teams.
Discussion Highlights:
The importance of middle management in selling preconstruction services, building successful teams and driving technology adoption.
How company culture influences team performance.
Personality assessments and DISC profiling.
The onboarding process and its impact on culture.
For any follow-up questions, connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-christen-59245a1a/
Bid leveling is handled differently in nearly every company, with plenty of confusion and no clear standard across the industry. After a recent pre-con roundtable webinar on the topic, Gareth McGlynn sat down with Dan Shaw, CEO & Co-Founder at Bridgeline, at Advancing Preconstruction in San Diego to get straight answers on how technology can simplify this essential step.
Discussion Highlights:
To connect with Dan Shaw, You can check out his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danshaw1/
For more conversations with innovators shaping the future of preconstruction, subscribe to The Preconstruction Podcast.
Sean Boyer, VP of Preconstruction at Pomerleau, joins Gareth McGlynn for a conversation recorded live at Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego. As the only GC to present on AI at the conference, Sean brings a unique perspective on how artificial intelligence is actively reshaping the preconstruction process.
He shares:
For follow-ups on the topics discussed, connect with him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-boyer-eng-pqs-8552a617/
Gareth McGlynn sits down with Geoff Devlin, EVP – Head of Growth at SUSA International, to discuss how sustainability is becoming a strategic advantage in preconstruction.
SUSA International may be new - just three years in - but they’re already making an impact. Specialising in sustainability, they step in during the decommissioning phase of a project to recycle materials and resell them, helping companies turn what’s usually a cost into a profit.
Discussion Highlights:
A great conversation with someone who’s seen the industry from every angle.
You can connect with Geoff via Linkedin.
Prama Kumar, VP of Preconstruction at Hill & Wilkinson, joins the podcast for a conversation recorded live at Advancing Preconstruction 2025 in San Diego. Co-hosted by Ciara McGlynn, this episode dives into Prama’s 20-year journey in the industry and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Discussion Highlights:
Career Progression: From Estimator to VP - what Prama has learned over two decades at Hill & Wilkinson.
AI in Preconstruction: How emerging tech is shaping processes and decision-making.
Women in Construction: Prama shares her perspective on visibility, opportunity, and change in the industry.
Connect with Prama via her Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pramakumar/
Our host, Gareth McGlynn, sits down with Joe Ledger, Vice President of Project Controls at Intel, as part of our Advanced Tech Series on The Preconstruction Podcast.
This episode offers a look inside one of the most complex and high-stakes project controls roles in the industry.
What’s covered:
For follow-ups on any of the topics discussed, you can contact Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-joe-ledger-cpe-7715306/
Watch out for more engaging conversations, industry challenges, and behind-the-scenes stories each week on The Preconstruction Podcast.
Gareth McGlynn sits down with Katie Coulson, EVP - General Manager, to discuss her journey and current role leading Skanska Advanced Technology (SAT) - a unit focused on high-tech project delivery across the U.S.
Discussion Highlights:
Her education at the University of Wisconsin - Madison as a Civil and Environmental Engineer.
Her background delivering high-tech projects for Skanska for over 27 years.
What her role as Director of Risk, Project Controls, and Project Analytics taught her.
What’s next for tariffs - and how the CHIPS Act could affect Skanska.
The challenges ahead as she leads Skanska Advanced Technology Group.
For follow-ups on the topics, connect with her via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecoulsonuw/
Clay Shumake, Preconstruction Manager at Gates Construction Co., joins Gareth McGlynn on The Preconstruction Podcast to share practical insights from his experience across electrical and masonry trades.
Discussion Highlights:
The art of masonry construction.
The importance of communication when dealing with subcontractors.
All the secrets of dealing with a masonry contractor as a GC.
Clay’s electrical background and why he made the switch
Why tariffs are causing huge problems with veneer types.
Preconstruction technology and its practical uses.
Solutions to keep out water in existing buildings and renovation projects.
Clay shares real-world experience across trades, offering value to anyone involved in the early phases of construction planning.
For further questions or follow up, you can reach Clay via:
Email: clay.shumake@gatesconstco.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clay-shumake-7b5a52151/
Gareth McGlynn sits down with Ryan Abbott, President, Southwest Region of Clayco , for a powerful discussion on leadership, innovation, and long-term thinking in the world of preconstruction and construction delivery.
Discussion Highlights:
Clayco's Business Units:
▪ Clayco Self-Performed Concrete
▪ Lamar Johnson Collaborative
▪ Clayco Design Engineering
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): Why Ryan believes it’s essential for improving project outcomes.
Award-Winning Results: How Clayco has earned over 61 awards for design and construction excellence across the Southeast.
Education & Drive: Why Ryan pursued his master’s degree through night school while building his career.
Career Journey: Reflections on 21 years at SUNT and what he’s bringing into his leadership at Clayco.
Future Outlook: Ryan shares why he believes Clayco is positioned for huge success in the coming decade.
Technology in Practice: Prefabrication, prefab glazing, and the role of predictive analytics in project planning and performance.
For any follow up questions, you can connect with Ryan via his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbottbuilding/
Our host, Gareth McGlynn, catches up with Ivo Brook, Brand Director at Hanson Wade, and Randall Thompson, Preconstruction Executive at Nibbi Brothers, for a full-on Advancing Preconstruction love fest.
Celebrating 75 years of excellence, Nibbi has led Bay Area construction with a focus on complex builds, innovation, and quality - Randall shares how that legacy continues to shape modern preconstruction.
Discussion highlights:
You can connect with our guests on LinkedIn:
Ivo Brook - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivobrook/Randall Thompson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallethompson/