The ConTechCrew

In this holiday special of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample returns with the construction dorks for a hosts-only episode to share their favorite tech and wellness gift ideas for the construction dorks in your life. From wearables and recovery tools to retro gaming consoles and DIY robot arms, this fun-filled episode looks into a wide range of geeky, practical, and wellness-focused gifts that blend construction life with tech enthusiasm. The crew also reflects on the importance of rest, play, and giving time during the holiday season.This episode features the full lineup: Jeff Sample, Jonathan Marsh, Travis Voss, and Nathan Wood. These construction technology veterans and self-proclaimed dorks bring their personal favorites and gadget obsessions to the table, each offering a mix of insight, humor, and holiday spirit rooted in years of experience in the construction tech industry.Key TakeawaysThe best wearables for health tracking, including Oura Ring, WHOOP, and Google Pixel Watch.The benefits of cold plunges and recovery tools like Hyperice compression sleeves and portable saunas.Fun and affordable tech gadgets for BIM professionals and construction nerds, from Bluetooth beanies to 3D printing pens.Retro and DIY gift ideas like robot arms, label makers, and retro gaming systems.Thoughtful advice on rest, play, and intentional gift-giving during the holiday season.Timestamps[00:32] – Host Introductions and Holiday Rants[05:04] – Wearables for Health and Recovery[10:43] – Cold Plunge and Sauna Gift Ideas[15:10] – Affordable Tech Stocking Stuffers[18:31] – Noise-Canceling Headphones and Travel Tech[23:45] – Robot Arms and DIY Tech Toys[26:31] – Retro Gaming Consoles and Play at Work[29:35] – Novelty Gifts and Bourbon Dispensers[32:08] – Wellness Subscriptions and Mental Health[34:57] – Final Reflections: Rest, Time, and PlayFollow Travis Voss & CompanyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.voss.336 Website: https://www.constructiondorks.com/ LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/smacna/ Website(Company): https://www.smacna.org/ Facebook(Company): https://www.facebook.com/SMACNA Twitter(Company): https://x.com/smacna Instagram(Company): https://www.instagram.com/smacna/ Follow Jonathan Marsh & CompanyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-toe-consulting-llc/ Website: https://www.steeltoeconsulting.com/ Follow Nathan Wood & CompanyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectrumaec/Twitter(company): https://x.com/spectrumaec? Follow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/Follow The ConTech Crew:Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample sits down with industry experts Ross Helleberg and Alex Belkofer from McCarthy Building Company. They discuss how their teams are pushing the boundaries of scheduling, planning, and virtual design and construction (VDC). They also explore the integration of advanced scheduling methodologies like Takt and Last Planner, the value of visual planning, and how these practices contribute to smoother project delivery and stronger collaboration between the office and the field.Ross Helleberg has been with McCarthy Building Company for 14 years, starting his career in the field and moving into a leadership role in scheduling. Alex Belkofer is McCarthy's Senior Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), where he plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the pre-construction and operations phases.Key TakeawaysThe integration of advanced scheduling methods to improve efficiency on large-scale projects.How McCarthy uses 4D scheduling to visualize project progress and integrate planning and construction teams.The concept of Visual Planning and how it enhances communication on projects.The evolution of digital delivery in construction and how McCarthy is leading the charge with tools like 4D planning.The power of building strong relationships within the team and with leadership to ensure project success.Timestamps[01:46] - Ross’s background and role at McCarthy[04:36] - Alex introduces his role in VDC[05:54] - Why schedulers need to be on-site[10:08] - Integrating Takt and Last Planner systems[11:58] - Visual planning and 4D scheduling[16:04] - Success story of first visual planning project[24:20] - Leadership support and planning time[30:11] - Evolving with digital tools and virtual planning[34:21] - Spreading innovation beyond McCarthy[40:02] - Final thoughts on planning and scheduling evolutionFollow Alex Belkofer:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbelkofer/Follow Ross Helleberg:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-helleberg-433a6a7b/Follow McCarthy Building Companies:Website: https://www.mccarthy.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mccarthy-building-companies-inc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccarthybuild/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mccarthybuilding/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mccarthybuilding?si=8F6XN14s4uOCxvA6Follow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/Follow The ConTech Crew:Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, the hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood are joined by Scott Kaplan of Jerry's Kitchen, a mobile catering service that specializes in feeding large-scale construction projects, including data centers and remote job sites. Scott shares the journey of how Jerry's Kitchen evolved from a traditional food truck to a high-efficiency, mobile catering solution for industries that require food service at scale, especially in hard-to-reach areas. With a unique focus on feeding construction crews efficiently and at scale, Jerry's Kitchen has become a game-changer for companies looking to keep their workforce nourished and productive. Scott talks about the challenges of feeding 1,500 people in 30 minutes and how they use technology to predict and plan their catering operations.Key TakeawaysHow Scott transitioned from a traditional food truck to providing large-scale, mobile catering solutionsWhy predictability and efficiency are key in delivering high-quality meals for construction workersThe concept of a "micro niche" and how focusing on the construction industry led to successHow Jerry’s Kitchen helps boost productivity and morale on construction sites by providing nourishing, timely mealsThe positive side effects of construction projects on local economies and communitiesTimestamps[00:43] - Introduction to Scott Kaplan and Jerry's Kitchen[02:50] - Scott shares his background and how Jerry's Kitchen started[04:47] - Transitioning from food truck to catering and the importance of efficiency[08:51] - Focusing on large construction projects and the data center sector[11:40] - Feeding 1,500 people in 30 minutes: logistics and planning[15:52] - The importance of predictability in food service and construction[17:40] - Parallel between food service and construction operations[19:56] - How Jerry’s Kitchen improves employee culture and community impact[27:25] - Scott discusses the impact of data centers on local economies and education[31:17] - Scott's pitch: national presence and custom catering for construction sitesFollow the Guest:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_iamnotachef_/Follow the Company:Website: https://www.jerrys-kitchen.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrysfoodtruck/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerrysfoodtruckYouTube: https://youtube.com/@scottkaplan5721?si=gRpD5dP_J_xTSMhMFollow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/Follow the Co-Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ Follow The ConTech Crew:Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this special re-release of The ConTech Crew Podcast, we're revisiting a powerful crossover episode from FreeTo CTO series, where hosts Jeff Sample and Trent Leinenbach are joined by Jen Clark, Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal. This conversation remains just as relevant today, diving into how unconventional career paths and curiosity-driven problem-solving can foster a new wave of construction technology leaders.Jen Clark is the Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal, a Portland-based mechanical contractor with nearly 100 years in business. With a background in civil engineering, Jen carved her own path from software support to field engineering, eventually stepping into a self-defined tech leadership role. Whether you missed it the first time or want to revisit Jen’s inspiring journey, this episode offers timeless insights into low-code innovation, managing shadow IT, and bridging the divide between operations and IT in the construction industry.Expect to LearnHow Jen transitioned from field engineering to a tech leadership role without formal tech training.What it means to act as a “human API” in a construction setting.Practical lessons from building low-code applications for project and data management.Strategies to drive tech adoption and gain executive support.How to handle shadow IT while fostering innovation in smaller firms.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps[00:00] - Introduction[01:21] - FreeTO Series by Construction Dorks[04:40] - Jen’s Unconventional Career Path[06:49] - Building a Role from Curiosity: Project Integration Manager[15:22] - Lessons from Low-Code App Development[19:01] - Jen Outlines Her Decision-Making Framework[26:57] - Collaboration and Strategic Growth[32:09] - Digital Transformation in the Fabrication Shop[37:22] - Selling Vision to Leadership[41:06] - Final ThoughtsFollow the Guest & CompanyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferaclark1/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/general-sheet-metal/Website (Company): https://www.gsmw.com/Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/generalsheetmetal/Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/GeneralSheetMetal1932# Follow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/Follow the Co-Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-466018177/Company: https://www.stratus.build/Blog: https://www.constructiondorks.com/Follow The ConTech Crew:Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, the hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Nitin Bhandari, Co-founder of Planera, to discuss the transformative impact of technology on construction scheduling. Nitin shares how his journey from hardware engineering to software entrepreneurship led him to tackle one of the industry's biggest pain points: scheduling inefficiencies. The discussion covers the vision behind Planera, how they are revolutionizing scheduling, and the future of construction planning with AI and data-driven insights.Nitin Bhandari is the Co-founder and CEO of Planera, a platform designed to transform how construction projects are scheduled. Nitin started his career as an electrical engineer and later moved into software entrepreneurship, co-founding two successful software companies before diving into the construction tech world. Partnering with a general contractor, Nitin identified a massive scheduling gap in construction and built Planera to solve this issue.Key TakeawaysThe challenges in construction scheduling and how Planera bridges the gapHow AI and natural language processing will soon allow users to interact with schedulesThe approach of moving scheduling from a “compliance tool” to a “business decision tool”How Planera integrates high-level schedules with day-to-day field activities to create a seamless flow of dataHow Planera is using AI to automate scheduling tasks and provide actionable insightsTimestamps[00:00] - Episode Introduction[02:04] - Nitin’s background and journey into construction tech[04:33] - The challenge of scheduling in construction and how Planera is solving it[08:14] - How Planera is democratizing scheduling for more stakeholders[10:15] - Connecting field schedules with office schedules for seamless data flow[15:21] - The cultural shift from compliance to business decision-making[18:03] - The impact of mission-critical projects like data centers on scheduling[26:07] - The role of AI and natural language processing in scheduling optimization[33:59] - Planera’s portfolio-level planning for better resource management[37:55] - Connect with Nitin and PlaneraFollow the Guest & The Company:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-bhandari/Website: https://www.planera.io/LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/planera-inc/Follow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/Follow the Co-Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ Follow The ConTech Crew:Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew