How does a creative artist become a CFO, and then completely disrupt the $20 billion cabinet industry? Find out on this special in-person episode of Constructive, recorded live at the Olzac Group offices!
Join your host as he sits down with Tino Go of HelloBaru and Zack Olzcack of Olzac Group/Olzac Build to unpack a massive shift in construction efficiency.
Tino Go, a self-described "reformed CFO" , reveals his plan to "deglobalize or relocalize supply chains" to recover up to 40% of the revenue value typically wasted on distribution. It all started when he tried to buy a simple bookcase and found the process "medieval"!
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How thousands of underused CNC machines across the country are the key to building a "virtual factory" for on-demand, localized manufacturing.
The inefficiency of the current $20 billion cabinet industry and how the new model is selling at "essentially half of market price".
The true meaning of "efficiency as inherently ethical" and why eliminating waste is conserving more than just materials.
Why the architecture and design-build process is fundamentally wasteful and how precision down to four decimals can solve major industry conflicts.
The long-term vision for construction—from CNC-cut casework to a future where custom design doesn't equal "great expense".
Listen now to see how a "hard digital link" is about to change everything from lead times to labor bottlenecks and project risk.
Music Attribution: Music I use: https://www.bensound.com, Artist: Roman Senyk, License code: JTB152H82KPEU1ZL
In this episode of Constructive, Seth sits down with Mani Subramanian (founder of Sixth Dimension and former Executive Vice President at Vanir CM) to explore what truly drives successful projects and lasting careers in construction.
From his early days studying architecture in India to leading billion-dollar programs in California, Mani shares timeless lessons on humility, trust, and problem-solving. He explains why “construction management is about making things happen,” how relationships define real success, and why helping contractors succeed ultimately helps everyone.
They also dig into communication, leadership, and the future of construction in an AI-powered world — reminding us that even as technology evolves, the human side of building still matters most.
🎵 Music I Use: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: SDIUQ7EP5KW1AZSU
Artist: Roman Senyk
This one is good... I prefer that you listen rather than skim something I get AI to *help* write for me :)
Episode 42 of Constructive Podcast we get the pleasure of hearing from Bhragan Paramanantham. He is a good friend and kindred spirit, and along with being an innovation driver at AECOM he has seen first hand the #contech startup landscape during his time with Formwork Labs.
We unpack the essential qualities of a successful construction founder: the balance between having a strong vision and being flexible to customer feedback , the importance of storytelling and charisma in raising funds, and why the startup journey requires true perseverance.
Bhragan helps bust the myth that construction is slow to innovate, explaining how thin profit margins and high-risk contracts dictate the industry’s pace and adoption of technology. We also look at the massive market opportunities in Design-Build delivery and the underserved renovation/retrofit sector.
Plus: Why you should stop trusting the company page and start listening to individual voices , and the realistic way to approach AI in construction (spoiler: focus on the problem first).
#ConstructionTech #ConstructionInnovation #AECIndustry #ConstructionStartup #DesignBuild #Renovation #ConstructionRisk #AIEssentials #Storytelling
Chris Neufeld from DPR Construction joins Seth Kalkman on Constructive to explore the world of prefabrication. Chris, who leads DPR's prefab strategy for the Northwest region, explains why prefabrication isn't just about big modular units, but a spectrum of solutions, from small-scale assemblies to entire volumetric buildings.
Chris shares how DPR uses a tiered approach to prefabrication, starting with early-stage design to identify opportunities for adding value through cost, schedule, and predictability. He also offers an insightful analogy for a two-year-old, comparing building a treehouse one nail at a time versus assembling large parts on the ground first for safety and efficiency.
The conversation dives into the challenges of prefabrication, including common industry pessimism and the importance of learning from mistakes. Chris discusses how technology like BIM, computational design, and AI is changing the game, allowing for better quality control and more reliable data. He also touches on the future of the industry, the role of vertical integration, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation.
Learn how one of the industry's most innovative companies is navigating the shift from traditional construction to a more sophisticated, manufacturing-like approach.
Key Topics:
The spectrum of prefabrication
DPR Construction's tiered approach
The value of predictability, not just cost and schedule
Combating industry pessimism
The role of technology, AI, and robotics
Fostering a culture of innovation
Connect with Constructive:
#Construction #Prefabrication #Prefab #ModularConstruction #DPRConstruction #Innovation #AEC #BuiltEnvironment #ProjectManagement #DigitalConstruction #ConstructionTechnology #AI #Robotics #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #Constructive
What if you could actually turn money back to the owner on a project instead of watching margins disappear?
In this episode, Jason Brenner, Head of Industry Strategy at JOIN, shares how better decision-making, transparency, and collaboration are helping builders move beyond black boxes, endless silos, and razor-thin margins.
We get into:
Jason’s journey from biotech to billion-dollar construction projects
Why most projects burn cash they don’t have to
The lessons a tough boss taught him early on (“stop selling once you’ve sold”)
How JOIN helps teams make decisions faster and with more trust
Why even small projects can benefit from big ideas like Target Value Delivery
Say goodbye to outdated ways of working — and hello to a smarter, fairer way to build.
Photographer, videographer, and Bridger Digital founder John Kakuk joins Constructive to talk about the power of storytelling in construction. We dive into his unique path from creative work to construction, why authentic voices beat cookie-cutter marketing, and how companies can avoid becoming a commodity. John also shares insights on using AI for content ideation, building trust over price, and why community and honesty matter more than chasing the bottom line. Whether you’re an owner, builder, or creative, this episode will challenge how you think about marketing and relationships in the construction industry.
In this episode of Constructive, guest Tamara Aspeling talks about her journey in the industry and how she created her company, Draw a Fence, to solve a common problem. Tamara shares how her experience in the fence industry, working as an estimator and project manager for one of Africa's biggest fence companies, taught her that communication is key to a project's success. She also highlights her passion for helping others in the industry by building a solution to a problem she personally experienced.
Throughout the conversation, Tamara discusses:
The challenge of fence drawings: Tamara explains that commercial fence projects require numerous drawings at every stage, from bidding to close-out documentation. Before Draw a Fence, companies often resorted to inefficient methods like cutting and pasting or using programs like MS Paint, which resulted in poor-quality documents that looked unprofessional.
The solution: Draw a Fence is an online tool that works like a legal form generator. Users can select variables like height and footing type from a form, and the system generates a complete, multi-sheet drawing set, including elevations, details, and dimensions. This process takes only 2 to 5 minutes, compared to the 2 to 4 hours it would take to do it manually. The tool also makes drawings more accessible to people who don't have a technical background, improving communication between builders and clients.
The state of construction tech: Tamara believes that many construction tech products are developed by people without a construction background who create flashy tools without understanding the real-world problems they're meant to solve. She advocates for "bottom-up" solutions that are simple and quick for the people who actually do the work.
AI's role in the industry: While acknowledging that AI is currently overhyped, Tamara sees its potential in closed systems for fields like engineering and medicine where it can process vast amounts of data and speed up work for humans. She uses AI for idea generation and content strategy but believes a human touch is essential for writing and fact-checking.
The importance of soft skills: Tamara emphasizes the value of soft skills like communication and problem-solving. She shares that building relationships and solving problems for people, whether they are field crews or clients, is crucial for success and trust.
#ConstructionPodcast #ConstructionTech #Innovation #ConstructionLife #FenceIndustry #ConstructionSolutions #AIinConstruction #BuildSmarter #ProjectManagement #CAD #CivilEngineering
In this episode, the host explores the world of construction through the eyes of his nine-year-old nephew, Ryder. They discuss family backgrounds, the basics of construction, and even brainstorm a fun project: building a climbing wall in the backyard. The conversation touches on various roles in construction, budgeting for projects, and the importance of planning and safety.
This episode of Constructive special guest Matt Paneitz is the founder of Long Way Home, a nonprofit in Guatemala using trash to build schools... and those schools to build heroes.
What started as a Peace Corps assignment turned into a 20-year journey of community-led construction, sustainable building, and hands-on education. From building with discarded tires and bottles to watching kids throw rose petals at student builders’ feet, Matt shares his story of failure, grit, and beauty in the rubble.
🎧 Topics we cover:
Why construction is a language of empowerment
The logistics of building schools out of waste
Educating through stoves, water tanks, and compost toilets
Turning resistance into momentum
The “Hero School” model for community resilience
📍 Learn more: https://lwhome.org and https://lwhomegreen.org
#ConstructionWithPurpose #SustainableBuilding #PeaceCorps #GreenSchool #CommunityBuilders #TireHouse #HeroSchool #ConstructivePodcast #GuatemalaNonprofit
Steve Dell’Orto spent ~26 years building some of the West Coast’s most iconic projects: Salesforce Tower, Chase Center, and more, before launching ConCntric, a tech platform aimed at transforming preconstruction from a spreadsheet scramble into a strategic advantage.
In this episode, Steve shares what he learned from decades in the trenches, why preconstruction deserves more respect, and how AI and data are redefining what’s possible before anyone steps on-site. We talk about the future of estimating, the risk of tech bloat, and why treating project planning like a team sport may be the smartest move a builder can make.
This one’s for the builders, the believers, and anyone who thinks construction can, and should, be better.
Can AI and mass timber help solve the housing crisis? In this episode of Constructive, Seth sits down with Seyfihan Usarer — Co-Founder & COO of Algoma — to explore how their startup is transforming the slow, siloed preconstruction process into a fast, transparent decision engine for real estate developers.
From feasibility studies powered by zoning-AI and comps to mass timber kits of parts, Seyf shares how Algoma is helping developers go from site to permit with clarity and speed — while keeping carbon footprint in check. They talk housing affordability, startup lessons from McKinsey and TikTok, and why the future of construction is an optimization game.
📍 Featuring projects in Brooklyn and Savannah🛠️ Built by a team of engineer, architect, and biz strategist🤖 AI embedded at every step
► Check out Algoma at algoma.co► Connect with Seyfihan Usarer on LinkedIn
🔊 If you care about construction, feasibility, or building smarter cities, this one’s for you.
Albert Bou Fadel didn’t set out to build construction tech. He was just trying to run his glazing crews and make sure six-figure payrolls actually lined up with what was happening on-site.
In this episode of Constructive, Albert shares how his frustration with unreliable time tracking led him to create SmartBarrel: a deceptively simple, field-first solution that captures accurate labor data without friction. What’s more compelling, though, is Albert’s philosophy: build tools that align incentives, eliminate excuses, and solve one thing extremely well before moving to the next.
If you’re tired of big promises and underwhelming results in ConTech, this one’s for you.
In this conversation, Trent Miskelly, CTO of Document Crunch, shares his journey in the construction technology space, discussing the importance of understanding contracts, the role of technology in preventing disputes, and the future of compliance in construction. He emphasizes the need for technology to enhance relationships and streamline processes, particularly through the integration of AI. Miskelly also highlights the unique challenges of the construction industry and the potential for technology to transform how contracts are understood and managed.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Trent Miskelly and Document Crunch
01:38 Trent's Journey into Construction Technology
07:53 The Role of Technology in Understanding Contracts
12:40 Aiming for Zero Disputes in Construction
15:51 Improving Payment Processes in Construction
16:51 Integrating AI into Document Crunch
22:13 User Insights and Questions on Contracts
27:46 Encouraging New Talent in Construction
33:24 The Future of Technology in Construction
What happens when a window installer turns construction tech founder? You get Salus, a safety platform built from the field up.
In this episode of Constructive, I sit down with Gabe Guetta, CEO and co-founder of Salus, to explore how his boots-on-the-ground experience shaped a new approach to construction safety that puts the worker, not the paperwork, at the center.
We talk about:
Starting Salus without a laptop or formal tech training
Why 84% of the workforce is in the field but most safety tools are built for the office
How to make safety software as intuitive as using a hammer
The real reason paper is still winning on job sites and how to fix it
Microlearning, mobile-first design, and Salus IQ (AI for safety pros)
Rethinking the value exchange between workers and safety programs
If you’re a builder, safety pro, project manager, or tech founder looking to make job sites smarter and safer, this conversation is packed with insight.
Listen now and try Salus’s free AI tool for safety professionals at https://ai.salusafety.io
What is a digital twin, really? In this episode, I sit down with Rebeca Gomez—PhD, civil engineer, and subject matter expert on digital twins—to break it all down in plain language. We talk about what digital twins actually do, why they’re more than just a fancy 3D model, and how they’re helping owners and facilities teams do more with less.
We also get into:– How digital twins improve team communication– What it takes to get started (hint: not as much as you’d think)– The future of cognitive, AI-powered digital twins– Why transparency matters—for teams and buildings
This is a solid primer for anyone in construction, facilities, or just trying to make sense of the tech everyone keeps talking about. Let’s get into it.
Mark Isaacs shares his extensive journey in architecture and sustainable design, discussing his early inspirations, the challenges he faced in the construction industry, and his innovative approaches to creating net zero energy homes. He emphasizes the importance of affordable housing solutions and the need for a collaborative effort in the construction field to achieve sustainability goals.
Chapters
00:00 Mark Isaacs: A Journey into Architecture and Design
07:31 Early Experiences in Construction and Development
16:24 Challenges and Lessons in Construction
17:05 Sustainable Living: The Quest for Energy Efficiency
18:44 The Limitations of LEED Certification
26:26 Innovations in Net Zero Energy Homes
31:32 Innovative Building Techniques and Micro Homes
35:03 The American Dream and Housing Affordability
37:09 Sustainability vs. Affordability in Housing
44:38 Innovations in Energy Efficiency and Building Codes
51:55 The Future of Affordable Net Zero Housing
59:13 The Holistic Approach to Construction and Innovation
In this episode of Constructive, Seth sits down with Spencer Easton to explore the choreography of construction. From personal stories and family legacies to the practical realities of Lean and Takt planning, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring order to the chaos of a job site. Spencer shares his deep knowledge of people-first project management, explains how Takt helps sync teams to the rhythm of the project, and cautions against chasing tech for tech’s sake. It’s a human-centered, honest look at what works—and what doesn’t—in today’s construction culture.
Roger Yarrow joins Seth to chat about the evolution of Trulook from a media company to a leader in construction camera technology. He emphasizes the importance of public engagement, security on job sites, and the role of AI in enhancing construction insights. The discussion also touches on company culture, innovation through customer feedback, and the changing perceptions of surveillance in the construction industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:28 The Intersection of Technology and Construction
04:19 The Evolution of Trulook
08:21 Engaging the Community Through Construction
10:01 Security Features and Innovations
14:19 Innovation and Staying Ahead in Technology
18:34 The Evolution of Turnkey Solutions
20:12 Integrating with Industry Giants
22:22 The Role of Drones in Construction
25:48 AI and the Future of Construction Technology
29:52 Changing Perceptions of Job Site Cameras
34:04 Building a Strong Company Culture
37:52 Lessons Learned from Failure
40:24 Balancing Risk and Safety in Leadership
Bo and Seth explore the intersection of construction and technology, discussing the Bo's journey from nuclear engineering to founding Current Sets. They delve into the challenges and opportunities within the construction industry, particularly focusing on communication, product management, and the future of modular construction. The discussion highlights the importance of effective collaboration among stakeholders and the evolving role of technology in improving construction processes.
