The ConTechCrew
The Future is Built! Learn more at: https://thecontechcrew.com/Welcome to The ConTechCrew, hosted by Jeff Sample!Here, we discuss innovation and all things construction tech, including hardware, software, devices, apps, and the strategies for applying them to construction projects.Tune in each week to get your latest construction tech news update.Follow us on social media and join the conversation: @TheConTechCrew
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AI Failures in Construction for Business Leaders to Fix Workflow Gaps with Connor and Hugh
<p>In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample looks into the real-world application of AI in construction with industry leaders from Quantum Rise. While AI is generating excitement across industries, construction companies often struggle with where to start, what to automate, and how to ensure meaningful ROI. This conversation breaks down the path from curiosity to implementation, showing how AI can shift from buzzword to business advantage, if done right.</p><p><br></p><p>Hugh Seaton and Connor Schmeling from Quantum Rise join the show. Hugh brings years of experience in AI and digital transformation, with...
The Trade Contractors Are Leading the AI Revolution in Construction with Colin Piper
<p>In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample sits down with Colin Piper to discuss the rapid adoption of AI in the construction industry. They explore Build Ops’ latest report on AI in commercial contracting, highlighting key trends and challenges faced by trade contractors. The episode discusses how AI is transforming workflows, tackling burnout and labor shortages, and increasing efficiency in the industry. The duo also reflects on the importance of data, training, and the need for ongoing investment to ensure AI’s success in the trade sector.</p><p>Colin Piper is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO...
What 2025 Really Taught Construction About AI Prefab and Data with The Crew
<p>In this special year-end episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample gathers the crew Jonathan Marsh, Travis Voss, and Nathan Wood. Together, they reflect on the events, challenges, and advancements in the construction technology industry throughout 2025. From AI's growing dominance to the evolution of prefab construction, the team discusses key trends, frustrations, and the industry's trajectory toward 2026. They also talk about mergers and acquisitions, data-driven innovations, and shifting labor dynamics.</p><p><br></p><p>The crew is cautiously optimistic about 2026, with a focus on how construction technology will mature and how companies can better harness data and...
The Ignoring Industry Experts in Construction Tech Costs Founders Adoption with Usman Shuja
<p>Disclaimer: This episode is a rerun of a previously aired conversation, but the insights on AI and technology’s role in construction remain timely and incredibly relevant.</p><p><br></p><p>In this exciting episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Usman Shuja, CEO of Bluebeam, to explore how AI and technology are transforming the construction industry. With extensive experience in AI development across high-stakes industries, Usman shares his unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that digital transformation brings to construction. </p><p><br></p><p>The conversation explores the importance of respecting dom...
AI and Leadership Are Transforming the Construction Industry with Tooey Courtemanche
<p>Disclaimer: This episode is a rerun of a previously aired conversation, but the insights remain as relevant and powerful as ever. Enjoy this timeless discussion on the evolution of construction and the role of technology in shaping its future.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample sits down with Tooey Courtemanche, CEO of Procore Technologies, for an enlightening discussion on the construction industry's transformation over the past decade. Tooey offers a unique perspective on how technology has reshaped the sector, the role of leadership in driving innovation, and the growing importance...
Top Holiday Tech Gifts for Construction Pros to Stay Healthy and Energized with The Construction Dorks
<p>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.</p><p>This episode features the full lineup: Jeff Sample, Jonathan Marsh...
The Silos Breaking in Construction for Superintendents to Align Planning and VDC with Ross Helleberg
<p>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.</p><p>Ross Helleberg has been with McCarthy Building Company for 14 years, starting his career in the field and moving...
What Feeding 1500 Workers Taught Construction Leaders About Efficiency with Scott Kaplan
<p>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. </p><p>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 n...
FREETO: Building a Career Toward CTO in Construction with Jen Clark
<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>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...
The Future of Construction Scheduling for GCs to Improve with AI using Planera - Nitin Bhandari
<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Nitin Bhandari is the Co-founder and CEO of Planera, a platform designed to transform how...
