Bricks & Bytes

From indie rock band to HVAC software startup—how's that for a pivot?In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Davis Muxlow and Andrew Krippner from HVAKR and we got to learn about building construction tech from the ground up, the innovator's dilemma killing legacy software companies, and why making products faster might actually hurt your revenue... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How a church worship team "audition" turned into a college band and eventually a software company✅ Why legacy HVAC programs are making engineers slower despite new updates✅ The double-edged sword of efficiency: one engineer now doing the work of three✅ How AI is forcing SaaS companies to rethink their entire pricing modelThese guys went from mechanical engineering students with a Slack channel full of startup ideas to building a product that's actually making their customers more productive.The kicker? Their product works so well that customers need fewer seats. That's the kind of problem you want to have.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:19 The Musical Beginnings 05:20 From Bandmates to Entrepreneurs 09:13 The Path to HVACR 15:07 Building the Foundation of HVACR 19:02 The Accelerator Journey 25:10 The Product Unveiled 31:15 The Importance of Design in HVACR 35:18 Streamlining HVAC Design Processes 40:43 Design as a Differentiator 41:38 Innovative Pricing Models 44:35 Streamlining Sales Processes 48:12 Effective Trial Management 54:40 Customer-Centric Product Development 57:10 Building a Personal Brand 1:03:02 The Value of Transparency 1:04:13 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Product Design 1:09:25 Metrics of Success in Software Usage

In this special episode, we're broadcasting live from SpeckleCon 2025 in London, where the future of construction technology is being written in real-time. We sat down with some of the biggest names in AEC tech to talk about the one thing everyone's finally paying attention to: data.We hear from Suffolk Construction and Pomerlau on turning BIM chaos into usable data, MultiConsult's Morten on giving engineers superpowers with Python, Martin Day's warning that we're all horses before the industrial revolution, Oliver Thomas on why small firms will beat the giants in the AI race, and Speckle's Dimitrie and Virginia on their push to become the data platform that finally fixes this broken industry.Key Takeaways:Data accessibility is the new battleground - visibility matters more than authoring toolsGeneral contractors are leading the charge on data infrastructure• Off-the-shelf LLMs don't work well for AEC without fine-tuningThe visualization industry is getting disrupted by AI right now•Open source doesn't mean free, but it does mean you own your exit strategyOutcome-based pricing is coming for construction softwareThe market for design seats might be 50% smaller than we think once AI hits

"Universities Are 15 Years Behind, We Don't Need More Degrees"In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Gary Cowan, the head of digital construction at Kane Group and we got to learn about how MEP contractors are becoming technology companies, why the traditional education system is failing construction workers, and the real challenges behind construction automation that nobody talks about.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why breaking down buildings into modular components and prefabricating in factories is changing project delivery across the UK and Ireland✅ The massive shift from siloed Excel files to cloud-based real-time data systems and what it takes to make that transformation work✅ Why universities teaching 15-year-old methods are creating a skills gap and why we need more tradespeople who understand technology✅ The hidden problems with construction robots that sound great in theory but struggle with real-world challenges like consistent finishes and quality controlWatch now to hear Gary break down how traditional contractors are evolving into digital-first service providers.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters 00:00 Intro & Sponsors04:26 Introduction to Digital Construction 07:21 Understanding the Role of Head of Digital Construction 10:12 Challenges in Existing Structures and Digital Verification 13:19 The Importance of Collaboration in Construction 16:13 The Evolution of Technology in Construction 19:25 Prefabrication and Its Integration in Design 22:20 The Digital Tool Tech Stack 25:05 Virtual Reality in Construction 28:19 Augmented Reality and Reality Capture Solutions 33:55 The Rise of XR Technology 34:11 AI: Hype vs. Reality 35:54 Navigating AI Adoption 38:15 The Challenge of Authenticity in Tech 39:44 The Importance of Expertise 43:08 Evaluating Tech Solutions 45:17 Frustrations with Vendor Solutions 47:19 Rolling Out New Technologies 50:07 Aligning Data Across the Business 52:26 Pain Points in Real-Time Data 56:12 Robotics in MEP 1:00:07 Expanding Digital Construction Services 1:02:05 The Future of Digital Construction

"Often it results in an almost Frankenstein technology stack where you may have different things for different reasons."This is the reality of construction tech adoption today.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Josh Weyand from Trunk Tools and we got to learn about navigating the messy world of construction technology, why some solutions stay point solutions while others scale enterprise-wide, and the critical mistake vendors make when trying to sell to large contractors... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why building trust and credibility matters more than your product features when selling to contractors✅ The real reasons technologies don't scale (hint: it's not always about the product)✅ How to align your solution to business initiatives instead of hitting friction at every step✅ What makes construction-specific tools win over generic software solutionsWatch now to hear Josh's insights from his time as Director of Emerging Technologies at Suffolk and his current role helping builders solve real problems.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

"If I could do some things over, I would have hired marketing leadership earlier, even before sales."That's what Document Crunch CEO Josh Levy told his VP of Marketing, Lori Peters.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Lori Peters from Document Crunch and we got to learn about why construction tech marketing is fundamentally different from other SaaS industries, how to scale from seed to Series B, and what's actually working in 2025.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why conferences are their biggest lead generation channel (while other SaaS companies avoid them)✅ How they expanded nationally by going where their customers were, not just selling remotely✅ The shift from marketing-led pipeline to fully integrated go-to-market teams✅ Why LinkedIn still dominates and how AI is changing organic search foreverWatch now to hear how a 10-year construction tech marketing veteran built a winning strategy from the ground up.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:26 Introduction to Document Crunch and Construction Tech06:28 Evolution of Marketing in Construction Tech09:23 Marketing Strategies Through Funding Stages12:23 Challenges in Scaling Marketing Operations15:11 Effective In-Person Marketing Channels18:29 Community Initiatives: Built by Builders and Crunch Community21:28 Targeting Customers and Tailoring Messages30:03 The Costly Disruptions in Construction30:58 Understanding Disputes and Their Impact32:28 The Role of Customer Advisory Boards34:43 Navigating the AI Landscape in Construction37:39 Building Trust in AI Solutions38:59 Leveraging Investor Relationships40:17 Partnerships and Trust in Marketing42:23 AI in Marketing Strategies47:30 Marketing Nuances in the Construction Industry49:19 The Importance of Thought Leadership52:12 Structuring a Growing Marketing Team53:49 Technology in the Marketing Stack54:57 Future Predictions for Marketing in AEC

"We've nearly tripled our profits in three years - and it wasn't one big change, it was a million small ones."In today's episode of the Bricks & Bytes, we had Marc Barone, COO of Buro Happold, and we got to learn about how they scaled from strong to exceptional, the real impact of AI on engineering productivity, and why listening matters more than action in your first 90 days as a leader... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How Buro Happold grew 75% in three years while tripling profitability ✅ Why understanding what to say no to is as important as knowing what to say yes to ✅ The truth about measuring AI productivity gains and what actually works ✅ Why your first 90 days as COO should be about listening, not changing everythingWatch now on YouTube! Link in the comments!------------------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io------------Chapters00:00 Intro03:35 Introduction and Background05:36 Overview of Bureau Hapold06:47 Technical vs Commercial Risk Management08:59 Growth and Profitability Strategies12:45 Path to COO Role16:01 Leadership and Team Dynamics19:45 Culture and Employee Engagement25:39 Digital Transformation and AI Integration33:38 Innovation and Technology Solutions38:04 The Gradual Rollout of AI Tools42:19 Balancing Automation and Human Resources47:19 The Importance of Local Expertise52:26 Evaluating AI Tools for Business57:11 The Future of AI and Market Dynamics01:04:17 Measuring Productivity Gains from Technology01:09:08 First Steps for a New COO

71% of construction companies are still using Excel to manage thousands of employees—and it's costing them millions in lost projects.In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, Owen and Martin sit down with Lauren Lake, co-founder of Bridgit, and Kevin Ferguson from AECO Product Marketing to uncover how two college students disrupted the construction workforce planning industry—and built a company that now serves half of the top 20 general contractors in North America.In this episode:Why 42% of contractors are turning down projects despite high demand (hint: it's not what you think)The "crane hunting" strategy that led to a Harvard Business School case studyHow Bridget went from $0 to $4M ARR in just 2 years by solving one simple problemWhy construction companies are now budgeting $100K+ for workforce planning softwareThe shocking reason employees are leaving construction jobs (and it's not the pay)What happens when executives ask "where are our people?" and nobody knows the answerThe hidden cost of breaking up winning project teams after every jobHow AI and experience tracking are revolutionizing team composition decisionsWhy there's been ZERO research data on project team success since 1999The global expansion playbook that worked across North America, Australia, and the UK"Our goal was simple: we just need to replace Excel. And that's actually a really challenging goal." — Lauren LakeWhether you're a contractor struggling with resource allocation, a tech founder looking for validation strategies, or simply curious about how construction's labor shortage is reshaping the industry—this episode reveals why workforce planning has become the most critical investment in construction technology.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io

"If you can't get to $5M in recurring revenue in 18 months, you're probably not venture fundable right now."KP Reddy just called out the entire construction tech ecosystem—and he's not holding back.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had KP Reddy and we got to learn about why most construction tech startups are chasing the wrong business model, how AI is fundamentally changing the value of human work, and why he's now buying contractors instead of selling them software... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why construction attracts risk-averse founders (and why that's killing innovation)✅ The real reason CEOs want everyone back in the office (hint: it's about ego, not productivity)✅ How token-based pricing will replace hourly billing in the next 5 years✅ Why KP is teaching CEOs to vibe code—and firing consultants who say "it can't be done"This conversation will change how you think about building, investing, and working in construction tech.Watch now on YouTube. Link in the comments!-------------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:00 Introduction and Competitive Spirit06:05 The Shift in Venture Capital Dynamics08:42 Capital Light vs. Capital Heavy Startups11:45 Vibe Coding: The New Era of Prototyping14:45 The Role of AI in Construction and Tech17:44 The Future of CRM and Personalization in Business20:42 The Impact of AI on Job Identity and Purpose23:29 Navigating the Future of Work in AEC26:17 The Evolution of Business Models in Construction29:06 Conclusion: Embracing Change and Purpose35:56 Finding Fulfillment in Venture Capital39:38 The Role of AI in Pricing Models45:33 Ego and Status in Business Decisions49:33 Brackish Waters: The Intersection of VC and PE57:49 Transformative Tech and Market Dynamics62:39 The Nonsense of Change Management

"Digital twins are still solving problems we haven't even imagined yet."In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, we had James Mize from CRB and we got to learn about why pharmaceutical and biotech construction is pushing the boundaries of what's possible with digital twins, the real reason most companies stick with their tech partners, and why information management is construction's biggest unsolved problem... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How predictive maintenance using digital twins is saving pharmaceutical companies millions in downtime costs✅ Why design innovation is racing ahead while construction remains stubbornly manual✅ The partnership model that actually works when choosing construction technology vendors✅ Why document control might disappear completely as AI learns where every file should liveListen now on Spotify and join the conversation about the future of construction technology.----------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io-------------------Chapters00:00 Intro03:05 Exploring Digital Twins in Construction09:10 The Role of CRB in Biotech and Pharmaceutical Construction14:54 Innovation in Design vs. Construction20:50 Evaluating Technology Vendors and Solutions26:43 Navigating Pricing Models for Tech Solutions36:31 Exploring Software Innovations in Construction38:34 Identifying Pain Points in Information Management43:04 Researching Solutions: Inbound vs Outbound47:18 Evaluating Information Management Tools51:42 Lessons from Technology Failures54:11 The Role of Venture Backing in Technology Solutions55:09 Importance of Construction Experience in Founders56:39 Contrarian Views on External Validation57:41 Gathering Feedback from the Field01:00:04 Maximizing ROI from Technology Investments01:02:00 Current Initiatives and Hiring Opportunities

Most construction companies think they're using BIM. They're not. And it's costing them 20% on every project.In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, Owen sits down with Dave from Procore's BIM team and Tore Hovland, founder of NovaRender (recently acquired by Procore), to unpack what's really happening in the BIM space and why two major acquisitions just changed the game.Key topics discussed:Why BIM adoption is actually 20-30%, not the 70% everyone claimsThe hidden 2GB browser limit killing your ability to view large modelsHow building from 2D vs 3D vs full BIM changes cost overruns from 20% to 5%Why Procore spent millions acquiring NovaRender and Flypaper simultaneouslyThe streaming technology that lets you open 50-mile infrastructure projects in secondsWhat 80% of acquisitions fail and why culture matters more than techThe future where construction happens without drawings"Where we're going, there are no drawings. You could actually build off the model. It could actually be the permit that goes out." - Dave, ProcoreIf you've ever wondered why your BIM models won't load, why projects keep going over budget, or what the hell is actually happening with construction technology right now, this episode breaks it all down.---------------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro02:00 Introduction to Procore and NovaRender Acquisition04:02 Winning BIM: Strategies and Challenges06:52 The Significance of NovaRender in BIM12:04 The Vision Behind NovaRender's Creation15:42 The Decision to Partner with Procore16:57 Acquisition of Flypaper: Enhancing BIM Solutions19:51 BIM Adoption Trends and Statistics23:47 The Impact of BIM on Project Costs28:49 Procore's Growth Strategy in Europe30:26 The Importance of Data Ownership in BIM37:41 Dave's Background and Its Influence on Procore39:16 The Evolution of BIM and Sustainable Construction41:04 User-Centric Design in Construction Technology42:45 Streamlining BIM Models for Field Use45:40 Defining Success in BIM Adoption50:20 Lessons from Founding NoRender54:17 The Acquisition Process: Insights and Experiences01:03:53 Future Predictions for BIM and Construction Technology

Jan Hendrik Goldbeck CEO of GOLDBECK grew his family construction business from €750M to €7B by treating buildings like LEGO.In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sit down with Hendrik Goldbeck, CEO of Goldbeck Group, who reveals how 60 years of stubborn innovation and perfect timing transformed a small German metalworking shop into Europe's construction powerhouse.FULL DOCUMENTARY COMING FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER, SUBSCRIBE TO  @BBBeyond  TO STAY UPDATED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQPQc0blM3kKey topics discussed:- The 1969 origin story: Why his father rejected "we've always done it this way" thinking- German reunification luck: How overnight demand boom accelerated their product approach- The "war of all against all": Why traditional construction's sequential trade-by-trade model fails- From steel elements to turnkey buildings: 60 years of step-by-step evolution- Decentralization strategy: Getting close to architects and engineers in early design stages- Why construction tech "Tesla" startups keep failing (spoiler: it's still physical construction)- The asset-heavy advantage: Why Katerra failed and patient money wins- Cultural integration challenges: Germans want execution, French want endless discussion- AI's future impact: Prompt-driven design cutting pre-construction from months to weeks- "Nature positive buildings" moonshot: Carbon neutral concrete without green premiums- US expansion plans and the importance of local JV partnerships- Leadership philosophy: Open hierarchies vs flat hierarchies"You cannot come from outside and say 'I'm going to be the Tesla of construction.' It's still construction with all the physical restraints. Each project is still individual even with a product approach." - HendrikFrom surviving the 2008 financial crisis by going anti-cyclical to planning voice-activated building configurators, discover how this stubborn German family business is industrializing construction one LEGO brick at a time.Check out our interview with Goldbeck's tech team here: https://youtu.be/vDNUsgVmZHgEnjoy this? Want further exclusive insights in AEC tech? Sign up to our newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/----------------Chapters0:00 - Introduction & Company Growth Story1:04 - Goldbeck Origins & Industrialization Vision6:02 - German Reunification & Market Transformation9:20 - Strategic Growth & International Expansion14:37 - The Goldbeck System & Product Approach19:05 - Industry Resistance & Competitive Landscape22:09 - Growth Philosophy & Strategic Priorities27:35 - Future of Construction & Technology34:06 - Sustainability & Nature Positive Buildings38:02 - Leadership & Company Culture42:01 - Customer Value & Business Model44:13 - Startup Ecosystem & Innovation45:43 - Global Expansion Strategy

This German construction giant cracked the code on building 500 projects per year with LEGO-like precision.In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sit down with Fabian, Managing Director of Goldbeck Technologies, who reveals how this family-owned company complete rewrote the rules of construction by treating buildings like configurable products rather than one-off projects.FULL DOCUMENTARY COMING FRIDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER, SUBSCRIBE TO ‪ @BBBeyond  TO STAY UPDATED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQPQc0blM3kKey topics discussed:- Why traditional construction is broken (fragmented design with no shared responsibility)- The "LEGO approach": How standardized building systems enable mass customization- 480-person R&D department developing everything from AI chatbots to augmented reality quality control- Building Operating System: Creating live digital twins for operations and maintenance- Why most construction startups fail by trying to "make horses better instead of building cars"- From 3,700 to 14,000 employees: The 40-year journey to their "hockey stick" moment- 570+ software solutions and the challenge of managing technological complexity- AI as an interface layer: Using agents to orchestrate multiple tools seamlessly- Decarbonizing concrete and steel: Already 35% below market average carbon footprint- The configurator vs. client choice dilemma: "We give options, not open-ended questions""We try to sell a product rather than an individual project. It's like configuring your car - you can decide comfort steering wheel or sporty steering wheel, small engine or racing engine. We make sure everything fits together." - FabianFrom factories producing prefabricated elements to augmented reality construction management, discover how Goldbeck industrialized an industry that most consider "un-industrializable."Check out our interview with GOLDBECK's CEO, Jan Hendrik: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-zrwzhId0cEnjoy this? Want further exclusive insights in AEC tech? Sign up to our newsletter: https://bricksbytes.beehiiv.com/Chapters0:00 - Fabian's Role at Goldbeck Technologies0:49 - Company Culture & Technology Foundation1:12 - Building 500 Buildings Per Year with Technology2:31 - Goldbeck Technologies: 480 People R&D Division3:50 - Balancing Future Innovation vs Immediate Profits5:52 - Building Operating System & Digital Twin Development6:53 - Most Exciting Innovation Areas & Nature Positive Buildings8:40 - Traditional Construction Problems vs Goldbeck's Solution9:58 - Product Approach & Early Client Engagement Strategy12:05 - Finding Clients Early: Regional Sales & AI Tools13:43 - In-House Design Teams vs External Consultants14:46 - Product-Specific BIM Implementation15:31 - Client Education & Overcoming Market Resistance18:15 - Decision-Making Process: Car Configurator Analogy19:13 - Lean Construction vs Managing Just-in-Time Delivery20:39 - Why Few Companies Use This Approach (40-Year Development)22:11 - Complex Business Model Requirements22:59 - Technology Success Stories: Building Automation24:19 - Augmented Reality for Quality Control25:54 - Software Development Team (120-140 People)27:03 - ID Solution Process: Build vs Buy Decisions28:00 - AI Department & Implementation Strategy29:36 - Internal AI Chatbot & Knowledge Management30:43 - AI in Design: Configurators vs AI Designers31:46 - Managing 570+ Software Solutions33:00 - AI as Interface for Multiple Tools34:50 - Robots in Factories vs Construction Sites35:44 - Innovation Scouting & Stage-Gate Process36:52 - Venture Capital Fund Partnerships38:56 - Direct Startup Investments & Focus Areas40:41 - Sustainability & Carbon Neutral Goals42:19 - Timber vs Concrete: Cost-Benefit Analysis44:00 - 35% Carbon Reduction in Concrete Elements45:04 - Success Metrics & Company Culture47:10 - Goldbäcker Family Culture & Work Environment

"If you're a VP of Sales and things go wrong, you either failed or got a bad plan. But if you're a CRO and things go wrong, you probably shouldn't have taken the job."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Mike Pettinella and we got to learn about scaling construction tech from zero to a $275M exit, the brutal realities of international expansion, and why targeting owners instead of contractors is the harder but smarter play... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why sales is only two things: volume and efficiency (and you can't train volume)✅ The real difference between selling to American vs British buyers✅ How Building Connected went from zero revenue to Autodesk acquisition✅ Why dedicated reality capture beats DIY solutions every timeMike's journey from forensic construction consulting to leading sales at unicorn startups reveals hard-won insights about building in the most relationship-driven industry on earth.Listen on Spotify now to hear the full conversation.-----------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io---------------Chapters00:00 Intro02:49 Understanding Roles: CRO vs. VP of Sales03:58 Building Connected: The Journey to Acquisition06:05 Transitioning to Monetization: Challenges and Strategies07:55 Sales Strategies: From Inside Sales to Enterprise Deals11:49 Geographic Sales Dynamics: Where's the Business?14:03 Consulting to Sales: Skills and Strategies Transferred16:22 Managing Sales Volume: Efficiency and Technology19:14 Cultural Shift: Selling in EMEA vs. North America24:59 Expanding Markets: Product Adaptation is Key28:58 OnSight IQ: The Journey and Vision of a Startup33:34 Characteristics of Great Founders: Relentlessness and Empathy37:25 Cooking and Morning Routines38:38 Targeting Owners in Construction42:54 The Importance of Construction Data Ownership46:12 Strategies for Targeting Developers49:14 Reality Capture in Construction53:04 Best Practices for Reality Capture56:08 Future of Data Utilization in Construction58:45 Speeding Up Sales Cycles1:00:35 Managing Multiple Stakeholders1:02:09 Closing Big Deals1:04:04 Pricing Strategies in Construction Tech1:05:48 Mentoring in Sales1:09:02 The Story Behind the Art1:11:29 Exciting Product Developments

"Don't build shitty products for problems that don't exist."This brutal advice from Maksim hit different. After spinning off from his first AEC tech company Kreo, he's now building PVFarm - solar design software that's pulling in $40K average revenue per customer.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Maksim and we got to learn about why distribution beats product in AEC, how he cracked the $150M solar design market, and why most startup marketing tactics fail in construction tech... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why relationship-based sales trump amazing products in AEC ✅ The two pathways to selling enterprise software in construction✅ Why LinkedIn outreach and email marketing don't work for AEC startups ✅ How vertical integration beats horizontal CAD tools for specific building typesListen now on Spotify to hear how Maksim went from building multiple failed products to finding product-market fit with a 40-hour learning curve software that customers love.-----------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/-----------------Chapters00:00 Introduction to Maxim and His Journey in AEC Tech03:02 Lessons Learned from Creo: Market Understanding and Sales Strategies05:58 The Relationship Between Sunbeam and PVFarm09:12 Understanding Sunbeam's Focus and Product Offerings11:57 The Importance of Collaboration in Design14:54 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Solar Design Software17:57 Market Size and Growth Potential in Solar PV20:56 Go-to-Market Strategies and Customer Engagement23:58 Building Value Through Education and Relationships26:55 Webinars as a Tool for Engagement and Education33:28 The Value of Community Engagement33:56 Marketing Strategies That Fail36:00 Leveraging AI for Usability39:26 Navigating the AI Landscape41:14 Building Robust Tools in a Competitive Market43:52 The Go-Kill Framework for Product Ideas46:22 The Role of a CEO in a Tech Startup51:53 Balancing Discipline and Flexibility in Teams52:41 Successful Products in AEC54:51 Building in Different Markets57:12 The Importance of Community in Tech59:20 Managing Remote Teams01:01:08 The Intersection of Jiu-Jitsu and Business

"One construction project required 18 different software tools just for daily operations - and that's considered normal in our industry."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Michael and Danielle from Skanska and we got to learn about the brutal reality of construction tech adoption, why VCs keep backing the wrong startups, and how pricing models are completely broken for the industry... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why construction companies are drowning in software but starving for solutions✅ The real reason progress tracking tools cost a dollar per square foot✅ How AI hype is following the exact same pattern as the cloud revolution✅ What startup founders get completely wrong about enterprise sales in constructionThese insights from two innovation leaders at a global construction company will change how you think about construction tech.Listen now on Spotify and discover why the industry needs fewer tools, not more.------------------Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io4M Analytics - Instant, reliable utility data you can trust and verify - https://www.4manalytics.com/--------------Chapters00:00 Intro02:48 Introduction to Emerging Technologies in Construction06:27 Navigating Software Complexity in Construction12:45 Trends and Innovations in Construction Tech15:06 Geographical Hubs of Innovation16:48 Partnerships with Startups and Compliance Challenges20:36 Adapting to Rapid Technological Changes22:49 Success Stories from Pilot Programs27:14 Defining Emerging Technology and KPIs31:06 Sources and Filtering for New Technologies33:38 The Role of AI in Construction Tech36:06 The Hype Cycle of AI and Big Data38:04 In-House Development and Proprietary Solutions39:07 Advancements in Safety Technology41:10 Challenges with Autonomous Robotics43:01 Evaluating Technology: Frustrations and Complexities48:11 Pricing Models and Industry Friction53:50 Building Partnerships with Startups57:42 Future of Construction Technology1:02:31 Emerging Technologies in Construction

"The world has an enormous shortage of qualified project managers - to the tune of tens of millions of people."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Greg from Nodes & Links and we got to learn about how AI is solving construction's biggest workforce crisis, why American customers bite your hand off for ROI while Europeans think about it for budget cycles, and the physics behind project acceleration... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why the construction industry needs a billion more project managers and how AI workers will fill the gap ✅ How one customer saved $63,000 per scheduler per year using automation software✅ The brutal reality of startup hiring - 0.3% acceptance rate from 15,000 CVs reviewed ✅ Why the CEO's job is preventing failure while everyone else maximizes successListen now on Spotify to discover how construction scheduling is being revolutionized and what it means for the future of mega projects worldwide.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.com---------Chapters00:00 Intro03:00 Introduction to Nodes and Links05:43 Evolution of Project Management Software08:54 The Role of AI in Construction11:39 Challenges in Project Management14:33 Customer Onboarding and Experience17:36 Pricing and Business Model20:35 Scaling Challenges in Tech23:29 Identifying Customer Pain Points34:14 Maximizing Productivity in Construction Projects35:55 Client vs Contractor Needs in Software37:07 Global Operations and Team Management38:36 Building High-Performance Remote Teams39:59 The CEO's Role in Preventing Failure43:29 Insights from 'The Physics of Project Acceleration'46:27 Recent Funding and Growth Strategies49:53 Understanding Profitability in Construction Tech52:01 Raising Capital in Construction Technology54:56 Calculating Capital Needs for Growth56:55 Vision for the Future of Project Management59:02 Cultural Nuances in Global Construction Practices

99% of acquisition deals fail, but Britton Langdon beat the odds when a sneaky AI scraper accidentally announced his stealth startup to 30,000 people.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Britton Langdon and we got to learn about his journey from building M-Suite to launching BuildFactory, the hidden capacity problem in prefab shops, and why construction has more FOMO than any other industry... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How he achieved 140% net retention at M-Suite before selling to Stanley Black & Decker✅ Why every prefab shop has hidden capacity but nobody talks about it✅ The marketplace approach to solving construction's supply and demand problem✅ Why construction companies fear missing out more than any other industryListen now on Spotify to hear how Britton is building the Airbnb for offsite construction and democratizing fabrication work across North America.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comChapters02:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings04:59 The Launch of BuildFactory07:55 Building in Cedar Rapids: A Unique Perspective11:03 Understanding M Suite: The Journey13:43 The Decision to Sell: Timing and Strategy16:48 Customer Retention and Business Growth19:40 Pricing Models and Value Creation22:44 Navigating Acquisition Offers25:46 Diligence and Compliance in Acquisitions28:38 Lessons Learned for Future Ventures33:52 Exploring BeamFabField and Its Limitations36:25 Introduction to Build Factory and Its Ecosystem40:31 Addressing Supply and Demand in Prefabrication44:20 The Role of Prefabrication in Construction48:28 Building a Marketplace for Prefabrication53:10 Challenges and Strategies in Marketplace Development59:15 The Future of Build Factory and Market Trends

"We acquired a robotics company that nobody knows about and robot costs just crashed from $100,000 to $15,000."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Matt Daly, CMO of DroneDeploy, and we got to learn about the hidden robotics revolution happening in construction, why most startups are choosing the wrong funding path, and how AI agents with "a million eyeballs" are about to transform job sites... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How ground robots went from $100K to $15K and why this changes everything ✅ Why 60% of DroneDeploy's new customers come from word of mouth ✅ The biggest mistake early-stage construction tech founders make with funding ✅ How multimodal AI models are replacing human-powered data analysisListen now on Spotify to discover why Matt believes "this is such a phenomenal time to be building products in reality capture" and what's coming this fall that will deliver answers, not just mountains of photos.Chapters00:00 Intro03:24 Introduction and Overview of DroneDeploy06:20 The Role of Robotics and AI in Construction09:17 Merging for Market Consolidation12:07 The Future of Reality Capture Solutions15:19 Vision for Automated Data Capture18:18 Challenges in Robotics and Automation21:02 Cost Dynamics in Ground Robotics24:10 The Impact of Major Tech Companies27:02 Understanding Customer Personas30:00 Visibility and Data Sharing Among Stakeholders33:07 Customization of Solutions for Different Trades35:56 Lessons Learned in Business Growth40:01 Mastering Talent Acquisition47:07 Navigating Capital Acquisition53:59 Effective Resource Allocation01:00:18 Marketing Strategies and Customer Acquisition01:03:26 The Evolution of Reality Capture with AI01:06:17 Pricing Models in Construction Software

"Hardware is hard" is the biggest lie in tech.Yet VCs keep repeating it while holding their iPhones - literally a piece of hardware that made Apple one of the world's biggest companies.In today's episode of Bricks & bytes, we had Nathan Kirchner and we got to learn about why the "hardware is hard" myth is killing innovation in construction, how to break through corporate inertia, and the real barriers startups face when selling to billion-dollar companies... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why 7 out of 10 biggest companies are actually hardware-dependent ✅ How to escape "pilot purgatory" and get real corporate deals ✅ The psychology behind why big companies resist innovation ✅ Why bringing domain experts into your team beats perfect tech every timeListen now on Spotify and discover how construction startups can actually win against corporate giants.-----------

"AI can create decent poetry way before it can deal with engineering work."This blew my mind during our conversation with Francesco Iorio, CEO of Augmenta.The construction industry is facing a massive problem. The gap between what technology can do and how we actually build is bigger than almost any other field.Francesco shared how his team is tackling electrical design automation - one of the most complex problems in construction. They're not just speeding up workflows. They're completely rethinking how buildings get designed.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Francesco and we got to learn about why electrical design is so complicated, how AI misconceptions are holding back the industry, and why automation is the only path to sustainable building design... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why recreating software like Revit costs over 500 million dollars ✅ How labor shortage is driving construction tech innovation ✅ Why error-free design is still years away but getting closer ✅ How automation will change construction contracts and insuranceListen now on Spotify and join the conversation about the future of construction technology.------------Chapters00:00 Intro02:45 Introduction to Generative Design in AEC07:51 Francesco Iorio's Background and Journey12:33 Identifying the Need for Augmentor17:31 The Evolution of Augmentor's Focus22:41 Challenges in Electrical Design27:39 Augmentor's Current Capabilities and Future Goals33:02 Addressing Labor Shortages in Electrical Design35:23 Funding Journey and Investor Conviction39:05 Sustainability and Automation in Design41:49 Integration Challenges in AEC Solutions45:18 The Quest for Error-Free Design50:33 AI's Role in Generative Design54:46 Customer Engagement and Sales Strategies59:13 Demographics of Early Adopters01:02:49 Future Expansion Beyond Electrical Design

"We can do a few thousand iterations a millisecond. That gives people, you know, no loading screens, right? I want to generate and then edit, right?"That's how Jack from TestFit described their AI-powered generative design that's completely changing how buildings get planned.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Laura Paciano and Jack from TestFit and we got to learn about how they're collapsing two months of pursuit costs into a single day, why big tech giants keep failing in construction, and how one customer won $750,000 more business in their first year... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why innovation is never asked for and how to educate markets on solutions they don't know they need✅ How TestFit collapses the traditional 2-month feasibility process into one day with live collaboration✅ Why architects are the hardest to convince but quickest to adopt new technology once they decide✅ The biggest myth about selling tech to the construction industry and why domain expertise beats big tech moneyWatch now on Youtube and discover how TestFit is changing the game for developers, architects, and GCs across the construction industry.Chapters00:00 Intro02:00 Introduction and Backgrounds05:05 Understanding TestFit's Current Operations08:06 Product Typologies and Market Focus10:48 Category Creation and Market Education14:00 Overcoming Resistance to Change15:58 Real Estate Execution Plan Explained18:47 Pricing Models and Value Proposition21:58 Feasibility Studies and Zoning Considerations25:51 Evaluating New Markets for Expansion27:58 Go-to-Market Strategies and Pods31:56 Key Performance Indicators for Pods34:51 Navigating KPIs and Roadmaps37:41 The Role of AI in TestFit40:57 Building with Empathy: The Builder Mentality41:32 Understanding Go-to-Market Strategies44:42 Engaging with Municipalities and Permitting Challenges50:46 Innovating the Real Estate Workflow58:41 Debating BIM and the Future of Construction Tech01:02:38 Myths in Selling and Building Tech for AEC

Every construction startup gets acquired for less than $100 million.That's what Yves Frinault was told when he pitched Fieldwire back in 2013. They called it the "$100 million curse" that killed every construction tech company.But Yves had a different plan.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Yves Frinault and we got to learn about how military training shaped his leadership style, why gaming experience was crucial for building construction software, and the near-death moment that almost killed Fieldwire... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ How paratrooper training taught him fairness in leadership ✅ Why he went from half salary to a successful Series A in months ✅ The product lessons he learned from video game design ✅ How Fieldwire broke the $100M curse with their Hilti acquisitionListen now on Spotify and discover how one founder changed construction tech forever.-------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:30 From Military to Tech: A Unique Journey04:23 Lessons from Gaming: Insights for Construction Tech07:24 The Birth of FieldWire: Inspiration and Initial Steps13:24 Navigating Growth: Key Milestones and Customer Insights19:04 Marketing Strategies: The Power of Ads and Product-Led Growth25:13 Scaling Up: Targeting Different Customer Segments30:56 Enterprise vs. SMB: Understanding Market Dynamics40:35 Balancing Customization and Scalability41:59 Testing Frameworks and Product Development46:35 The Hilti Acquisition Journey51:55 Cultural Integration Post-Acquisition57:10 Negotiating Acquisition Deals01:01:33 Pricing Strategies in Construction Tech01:04:20 Go-to-Market Strategies in Construction Tech01:07:20 The State of Exits in Construction Tech01:10:19 Key Decisions that Shape Success01:13:15 Future Aspirations and New Ventures

"We're building about 30 times more square footage this year than we did last year."That's what Vikas Enti told me. And he's not talking about some massive construction company.He's talking about a startup that's completely reimagining how homes get built.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Vikas Enti, CEO of Reframe Systems and former Amazon Robotics VP, and we got to learn about how he's applying mass customization principles from e-commerce to solve the housing crisis, why every home built today is essentially a prototype, and how his team can fix construction mistakes in 9 minutes while the industry takes weeks... and many more!Vikas spent 11 years at Amazon Robotics deploying over half a million robots. Now he's using that same software-defined manufacturing approach to build climate-resilient homes faster and cheaper than traditional construction.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why the assembly line approach is killing modular construction ✅ How they're solving the skilled trades shortage with iPad instructions ✅ The real reason construction costs $350-450 per square foot in infill markets ✅ Why 40% of plumbers and electricians will retire in the next 10 yearsListen now on Spotify and discover how one team is turning construction into a software problem.Chapters03:00 Introduction and Recent Developments06:03 Expansion into California and Fire Resilience08:45 Vikas Enti's Background and Transition to Construction12:11 The Need for Mass Customization in Construction15:01 Software-Defined Manufacturing and Automation17:55 Design Automation and User Interaction20:55 Challenges in Hardware and Automation24:08 The Future of Construction and Change Management35:41 Navigating Change Management in Construction37:30 The Shift to Developer-Centric Models39:11 Embracing a Beginner's Mindset for Innovation41:50 Scaling Microfactories and Business Models44:48 Delivering Turnkey Solutions: The Role of Microfactories48:31 Unit Economics and Competitive Positioning52:24 Balancing Profitability and Affordability54:29 Understanding Competition in the Construction Industry59:32 The Information Problem in Construction

From clearing landmines to building the "Google Maps of what's beneath the ground" - sometimes the most unexpected backgrounds create the biggest breakthroughs.Most people can't imagine that we don't actually know where underground utilities are buried. Yet there are 169,000 construction projects happening every single day in the US that need this critical information.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Itzik from 4M Analytics and we got to learn about turning military explosive detection expertise into construction tech, the tragic consequences when underground mapping fails, and how AI is revolutionizing subsurface data... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How military landmine detection skills translate to finding buried utilities ✅ Why 8% of every construction budget goes to unknown underground risks✅ The business model that maps once but sells the same data forever ✅ From 104 employees to mapping 22 US states in one yearReady to discover how one founder is preventing construction disasters while building a unicorn? Listen now on Spotify.------------Chapters00:00 Intro02:00 From Military to Mapping: The Journey Begins04:56 Building the Google Maps of the Subsurface08:07 Navigating the Challenges of Investment10:49 Understanding the Utility Coordination Landscape13:57 The Pain Points in Construction and Excavation17:01 The Value Proposition of 4M Analytics19:56 The Role of Technology in Mapping Subsurface Utilities23:13 AI and Its Impact on Data Accuracy25:48 The Importance of Timing in Tech Solutions28:56 Innovations in Data Collection and AI Integration41:01 The Future of Construction and AI42:17 Expansion and Focus on the US Market45:36 Navigating Challenges and Learning from Mistakes51:41 Adapting Go-to-Market Strategies57:01 Achieving Product-Market Fit01:02:21 The Role of a CEO in a Growing Company01:10:14 Closing Thoughts and Future Initiatives

"Hiring young, cheap marketers is actually more expensive than hiring experienced ones."That's just one of the eye-opening insights from Phil Carpenter, a fractional CMO who specializes in AEC tech startups.In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, we had Phil Carpenter and we got to learn about why most AEC startups fail at marketing, the hidden costs of inexperienced hires, and how to actually reach construction professionals... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why AEC customers are more skeptical than other industries and what they really want to see✅ The "crossing the chasm" strategy that determines startup success or failure✅ Why LinkedIn marketing doesn't work for most construction professionals✅ How to build a cost-effective marketing team without breaking the bankPhil's 30 years of experience in tech marketing reveals some uncomfortable truths about how startups waste money on the wrong strategies.Ready to learn from his wins and failures? Listen to the full episode on Spotify now.--------------Chapters00:00 Intro02:00 Introduction to Phil Carpenter03:59 The AEC Industry and Marketing Needs06:01 Crossing the Chasm in Technology Marketing08:01 Identifying Target Segments10:53 Customer Research and Validation13:05 Content Marketing Strategies15:10 The Role of Content Creators in Marketing16:56 SEO and AI in Marketing18:56 Testing Marketing Channels21:52 Public Relations in AEC Marketing24:58 Budgeting for Startups36:13 Measuring Marketing Performance39:59 Finding the Right Marketing Strategy41:53 The Experimenter's Mindset in Marketing42:56 Creative Marketing Stunts44:14 The Importance of Customer Case Studies47:08 Building the Right Marketing Tech Stack49:59 Scaling Marketing Strategies as Startups Grow53:18 Aligning Marketing and Sales for Success55:24 Consultative Approach to Startup Marketing59:58 Learning from Marketing Campaigns01:03:13 The Fast Follower Strategy01:05:07 Emerging Trends in AEC Technology Marketing

"Bringing in a CRO too early is the death of any business. It's like bringing in Lewis Hamilton and saying drive my Fiat in a school zone."In today's episode of the Bricks & Bytes, we had Ricky from Deep Space and we got to learn about why most founders hire the wrong sales leadership at the wrong time, how to scale from zero to unicorn status, and the brutal reality of go-to-market in construction tech... and many more!Ricky took simPro from $10M to over $1B valuation as their first CRO. Now he's doing it again with Deep Space while running his own venture fund.Tune in to find out about:✅ The exact revenue stage when you should hire a CRO (hint: it's not when you think)✅ Why construction sales still requires picking up the phone in 2025✅ How to build repeatable sales processes that actually work in AEC✅ The real difference between good and bad revenue leadersListen now on Spotify and learn from someone who's actually built the playbook.Chapters00:00 Intro01:50 Introduction and Guest Background05:48 Ricky's Journey in Tech and Venture Capital09:56 The Role of a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)13:56 Sales Strategies and Market Adaptation17:51 Building Trust and Value in Sales21:46 Hiring Sales Reps and Team Dynamics25:38 Identifying the Right CRO for Your Business29:49 Metrics for Evaluating a CRO33:55 Advice for Early-Stage Founders36:01 Marketing and Content Strategy in AEC Tech37:54 Navigating Domain Expertise in Marketing41:15 Understanding the Sales Cycle Touchpoints43:49 Essential Tools for Early-Stage Businesses45:51 Deep Space: The Future of Construction Management Software52:52 Transparent Pricing in Software Solutions53:46 The Evolution of Product Management55:50 Balancing AI Adoption with Business Strategy57:52 Analyzing Ricky's LinkedIn Insights

"We're in an industry that loves ROI calculators... but the industry has built some sort of skepticism to these ROI calculators."This reality check from David Horesh hit different.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had David Horesh and we got to learn about why construction marketing is still a blue ocean, how to avoid the handshake trap, and why memes might be your secret weapon... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why understanding construction jargon is make-or-break for tech marketers✅ The leaky bucket problem killing your sales funnel✅ How AI agents can replace entire marketing teams✅ Why construction professionals want memes with their morning coffeeDavid spent 7 years helping construction tech companies go from zero to serious ARR. His insights on digital marketing in a traditional industry will change how you think about go-to-market.Listen now on Spotify and discover what most construction tech founders get wrong about marketing.----------Chapters00:00 Intro01:52 Introduction to David Horesh and His Journey04:50 Understanding Go-To-Market Strategies07:52 The Importance of Knowing Your Customer10:52 Defining Go-To-Market Team Structures13:50 Navigating Change in the Construction Industry16:54 Building Relationships and Network Effects19:43 The Role of ROI in Marketing Strategies22:54 Marketing Channels in Construction26:00 Leveraging Digital Marketing in Construction28:42 Creating Engaging Content for the Industry38:22 Building Relationships in Marketing40:37 From Traffic to Sales: The Conversion Process43:27 The Importance of Awareness and Trust48:52 Understanding the Marketing Funnel55:58 Recruiting the Right Marketing Talent01:01:51 Leveraging AI in Marketing01:04:51 Measuring Marketing Success

"Pen and paper is still one of the largest competitors that construction tech has."That's what Kalyn Lengieza, owner of Grindstone Consultants, told us during our latest conversation. And honestly, it hit different.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Kalyn and we got to learn about why authenticity beats fancy tech features, how relationships still drive deals in our industry, and the real secrets behind successful construction tech marketing... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why deals still get done on golf courses and job site trailers ✅ The time, talent, treasure framework for resource allocation ✅ How to use AI and tools like Gong to understand your customers better ✅ Why most construction tech companies are positioning themselves wrongThis episode is packed with actionable insights for founders, marketers, and anyone trying to crack the construction tech code.Listen now on Spotify and let us know what resonates with you in the comments.---------------# Podcast Timestamps00:00 Intro01:56 Introduction and Unique Connections05:10 The Importance of Authenticity in Construction Tech Marketing07:46 Kalyn's Role and Daily Involvement in Grindstone10:55 Building Relationships and Customer Acquisition Costs14:00 Leveraging AI and Tools for Marketing Efficiency16:41 Time, Talent, and Treasure Framework for Startups19:53 Prioritizing Marketing and Sales Initiatives22:47 Testing and Iterating Marketing Strategies26:03 Maintaining Customer Touchpoints and Nurturing Relationships28:54 Final Thoughts on Marketing in Construction Tech32:50 Creating a Cohesive Marketing Strategy34:58 Winning at Product Marketing36:07 Understanding Your Customers37:48 Common Positioning Mistakes41:08 Effective Messaging Frameworks42:57 Tailoring Messaging for Different Personas47:59 Key Metrics for Success52:33 Generating Qualified Leads55:53 The Best Channels for Customer Engagement59:17 Radical Changes in Go-to-Market Strategies

"I can't tell you how many times I'm on LinkedIn, see an AEC tech company post something, click their profile, and have NO IDEA what they do."That's Kevin Ferguson speaking - and if a product marketing expert in our industry can't figure out what these companies do, what chance do customers have?In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Kevin and we got to learn about why most AEC startups are failing at basic messaging, the real difference between hype and reality in construction tech, and how to actually position products that sell... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why 2,000+ AEC tech companies can't explain what they do ✅ The one thing that kills more startups than bad products ✅ How to break through the noise in a relationship-driven industry✅ Why your website is actually your biggest sales toolThis episode will change how you think about marketing in construction tech.Listen now on Spotify and let us know what resonates with you.------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:47 Introduction to AEC Marketing and Kevin Ferguson06:58 The Importance of Clear Messaging in AEC Tech11:38 Niche Marketing in AEC Technology16:52 Identifying Target Personas in AEC Tech21:51 The Role of Customer Feedback in Messaging26:49 Balancing Product Quality and Marketing31:43 Effective Product Positioning Strategies36:56 The Importance of Clarity in Messaging38:07 Choosing the Right Medium for Communication39:36 Building Trust in Relationships40:36 Leveraging Owned Channels for Marketing42:36 Breaking Down Complexity in Product Messaging45:46 Evolving Messaging with Product Development47:01 Strategies for Successful Product Launches54:31 Post-Launch Evaluation and Metrics1:02:00 Lessons from Microsoft for Product Marketing

"WhatsApp processes billion-dollar construction orders while ERPs sit unused as glorified data entry systems in Africa.."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Kagure Wamunyu from Jumba and we got to learn about how African tech companies must build entire ecosystems from scratch, why 60% of Kenya's GDP runs on mobile money, and how construction distribution works in emerging markets... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Uber Kenya became the first 100% cash market using manual Excel reconciliation ✅ Why Kenyans build homes instead of buying them due to 15% mortgage rates✅ The reality of building construction tech in Africa where you become multiple businesses ✅ How WhatsApp has become the primary business operating system across African companiesFrom civil engineering to dropping out of Oxford PhD to revolutionize construction supply chains across Africa, Kagure shares the untold story of adapting global tech solutions to local market realities.Her journey from handling driver strikes as Uber's face in Kenya to building Jumba shows how founders in emerging markets navigate challenges that don't exist elsewhere.Watch now on Youtube to hear the full conversation about building in markets where traditional assumptions don't apply.00:00 Intro01:55 Kagure's Journey: From Nairobi to Tech Innovator04:52 The Uber Experience: Adapting Technology to Local Markets07:53 Understanding Mobile Money: The Backbone of Kenyan Transactions10:53 Navigating Challenges: From Uber to EdTech13:59 The Birth of Jumba: Merging Construction and Technology16:48 Jumba's Business Model: Connecting Hardware Stores and Manufacturers20:09 Strategic Product Focus: Cement, Steel, and Beyond22:56 Scaling Operations: The Role of Hardware Stores in Construction25:45 SaaS Development: Building Technology for the Construction Industry28:30 Streamlining Financial Processes with SaaS29:35 Building Tech Products in Africa34:35 Navigating Talent and Fundraising in Kenya39:35 Understanding African Market Dynamics43:54 Sales Strategies in Construction Tech48:30 Challenges and Advantages of Being a Female Founder49:57 Lessons Learned and Future Ambitions

"We reacted too late to the labor shortage. Now we need to work smarter - it has to happen."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Tyler Campbell, host of Construction Brothers Podcast, and we got to learn about why construction tech keeps failing, the reality behind the $13 trillion industry myth, and how major projects still run on Excel spreadsheets... and many more!Tyler shared eye-opening insights from his journey building FieldProof and interviewing hundreds of industry leaders.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why RFIs have become weapons for project delays ✅ The real reason construction apps fail to get field adoption ✅ How a £100 million project runs entirely on Excel ✅ Why robotics and AI agents are the only path forwardThe construction industry is more fragmented than we think. Time to face the hard truths about where we're heading.Watch now on Youtube to hear the full conversation about construction's biggest challenges and what comes next.--------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:50 Introduction and Podcast Origins04:53 The Fragmentation of the Construction Industry07:43 The Journey of Starting a Podcast13:50 Content Creation and Audience Engagement19:55 Challenges and Issues in the Construction Industry28:14 Comparing Construction Markets: US vs UK32:04 Mindset and Risk-Taking in Construction36:17 The Role of Technology in Construction39:36 Data Collection Challenges in Construction44:44 The Future of Robotics in Construction51:21 Human-Centric Technology in Construction

This physicist turned construction revolutionary by building houses faster than McDonald's serves burgers!In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sits down with Oleg, co-founder of Cuby, who's cracked the code on industrial-scale homebuilding with mobile micro-factories that can pump out a 2,000 sq ft house every single day.Key topics discussed:Why construction is still stuck in the stone age (and how Cuby is dragging it into the future)The mobile micro-factory concept: bringing manufacturing directly to construction sitesHow they're producing homes at $100/sq ft with just 4-person assembly teamsThe IKEA + Starbucks approach to standardized, quality housingWhy most construction tech startups fail (and what Cuby does differently)400,000+ engineering hours invested in solving the "kit of parts" puzzlePlans to deploy 200 factories across the US in the next 10 years"If you solve the logistic problem, you will solve the construction problem. But one of the main problems is not easy just to solve the logistic problem. Because we are speaking not only related the logistic of materials. This is the logistic of tools. This is the logistic of information. This is the logistic of assembling." - OlegFrom lean manufacturing principles borrowed from Toyota to AI-powered quality control, discover how this team is industrializing an industry that hasn't changed since Jesus was a carpenter.

"I make a horrible employee. I'm not a good employee at a big company."That's how Nitin Bhandari, third-time founder and CEO of Planera, describes why he keeps starting companies instead of joining them.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Nitin Bhandari and we got to learn about his journey from wireless networks to construction tech, the critical mistakes first-time founders make, and why scheduling software has stayed stuck in the stone age while every other industry moved forward... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why he spent 9 months just learning construction before building anything✅ How he landed customers who wanted to invest their own money in his company✅ The real reason construction scheduling is broken (it's not what you think)✅ Why hiring for culture fit matters more than most founders realizeListen now on Spotify and discover how an outsider is transforming one of construction's most critical workflows.

"We don't want this data to exist because if the owner knows it exists, they'll be all over us."This shocking confession from a contractor reveals the massive information gap plaguing the $2 trillion construction industry.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Ardalan Khosrowpour, CEO of OnsiteIQ, and we got to learn about why contractors intentionally hide project data from owners, how 95% of construction projects don't even use their BIM models, and the brutal reality of 3% profit margins that force underbidding... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why the construction industry suffers from deliberate information asymmetry✅ How network effects can create monopolies in vertical markets✅ The stark difference between contractor mindset ($1.5M profit) vs owner mindset ($150M asset)✅ Why selling to capital allocators beats selling to contractors every timeListen now on Spotify to discover how one founder is revolutionizing construction oversight by working with owners instead of contractors.-------------------------Chapters00:00 Intro01:45 The Power of Network Effects in Real Estate04:47 Understanding the Construction Intelligence Platform07:38 Data Capture and Its Impact on Project Management10:40 Misalignment of Incentives in Construction13:46 The Role of Transparency in Construction Projects16:44 Challenges in Selling Technology to Owners19:52 Monitoring and Analyzing Construction Progress22:45 Quality Control and Data Comparison in Construction34:14 Building a Data-Driven Construction Model39:45 Challenges in Selling to Owners43:13 Outbound Sales Strategies and Market Dynamics48:59 Generating Demand Through Product Value54:25 Defensibility and Competition in the Market

Could mobile factories revolutionize homebuilding and solve the housing crisis? One company thinks they've cracked the code.In this episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sit down with Alex Gample, co-founder of Cuby, who's tackling America's housing shortage with a radical approach: containerized micro-factories that can be deployed anywhere to manufacture homes at $100-110 per square foot—significantly cheaper than traditional construction.Key topics discussed:How Cuby's mobile micro-factories work and why they chose a distributed model over gigafactoriesThe company's ambitious plan to deploy 275 factories over the next decadeWhy construction productivity hasn't improved in decades while other industries have transformedHow they're using unskilled labor with advanced software guidance to replace skilled construction workersThe regulatory challenges that have killed previous housing innovation attemptsTheir partnership model with local developers and the economics behind itWhy Eastern European engineering talent is giving them a 7-10x cost advantageThe three-phase master plan from factory deployment to vertical integration"For every seven folks that now retire from the construction industry, only one replaces them... nine out of 10 times no one even has in their immediate circle someone that swings a hammer."Discover how Cuby is reimagining homebuilding from the ground up, why their "antithesis" approach might succeed where others have failed, and what it could mean for making homeownership accessible again.

"Most software companies either get acquired or go out of business. If you start doing really well, they're either going to copy you or buy you."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Geoff Tarrant from Payapps and we got to learn about how a $600 million construction tech exit really happens, why Australian startups must expand globally, and the brutal truth about fundraising timing... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why construction tech companies never IPO and always get acquired instead✅ The mistake founders make when expanding to new markets too early✅ How to build relationships with potential acquirers years before selling✅ Why raising money too late kills more startups than anything elseGeoff shared incredible insights from building PayApps from a CFO's monthly nightmare into a tens-of-millions revenue business that Autodesk couldn't ignore. His investment banking background gives him a unique perspective on what really drives acquisitions and why timing everything wrong can destroy even great companies.Listen now on Spotify to discover the real playbook for construction tech exits and what founders get dangerously wrong.=============Chapters01:41 – Intro & Acquisition Overview04:34 – How Claims Are Evolving in Construction07:41 – Market Dynamics & Competitive Landscape10:30 – The Role of Independent Players in ConTech13:45 – Inside the Acquisition: Strategy & Timing16:49 – What Happens After: Post-Acquisition Integration19:37 – Winning Customers: Acquisition Strategies That Work22:31 – Going Global: Expansion & Market Entry36:58 – Hard Truths: Challenges in New Markets42:13 – Product-Market Fit: Why It Matters More Than Ever47:58 – Team Building at Scale52:55 – Raising Capital & Managing Dilution01:00:39 – What's Next: AI & The Future of ConTech01:03:59 – Where the Opportunities Are: Shifting Construction Markets

Most insurance carriers use 5-10 different systems just to price one submission. One CEO figured out how to do it in 12 hours instead of weeks.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Justin Levine and we got to learn about how he's revolutionizing construction insurance by rewarding tech adoption, scaling to double-digit millions in revenue, and why reality capture tools reduce claims by 40-50%... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Shepherd shifts tech funding from contractors to insurance providers ✅ Why underwriters completely ignore technology when pricing policies ✅ The broken insurance process that takes weeks vs their 12-hour turnaround ✅ How construction tech partnerships create win-win scenarios for everyoneJustin's journey from civil engineer to risk manager to successful exit with TradeTap to building Shepherd shows exactly how deep industry knowledge combined with the right business model can disrupt billion-dollar markets.Listen now on Spotify to hear the full conversation about transforming construction insurance.Chapters---------------Chapters00:00 Introduction to Shepherd and Its Business Model04:53 The Evolution of TradeTap and Its Acquisition10:08 Transitioning from Startups to Corporate Culture14:52 The Unique Approach of Shepherd in Insurance19:59 Understanding the Underwriting Process and Technology's Role25:01 Shepherd's Market Position and Customer Base35:40 Understanding the Enterprise Sales Model43:41 Go-to-Market Strategy and Sales Dynamics51:07 Organizing for Growth and Market Fit01:00:28 Partnership Philosophy and Building Relationships

Lost $100,000 before even breaking ground on a construction projectIt happens more often than you think in the construction industry.In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, we had Victor Zhang from Trestle and we got to learn about the hidden profit leaks in construction, why phone calls still beat emails in B2B sales, and how AI is actually being used in construction tech... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why construction companies lose money before projects even start✅ The real reason email marketing fails with general contractors✅ How proprietary data creates stronger defensibility than AI algorithms✅ Why now is the perfect time to start a construction tech companyVictor shared real examples from his 15 years as a civil engineer and how he built Trestle into an AI-driven risk management platform for general contractors.The talent shortage in construction is so severe that if your startup fails, there will be more jobs waiting for you than when you left.Listen now on Spotify to hear the full conversation about building in the construction tech space.

"Construction scheduling is completely broken. We're still using PDF files and sticky notes to manage million-dollar projects."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Patrick Hennessy from Harkins Builders and we got to learn about why traditional project management tools are failing the construction industry, how AI could revolutionize daily site operations, and the brutal truth about construction tech pricing... and many more!Patrick runs planning and analytics for a $600M general contractor and shares unfiltered insights from the trenches of construction technology adoption.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Primavera P6 and traditional scheduling software creates more problems than it solves✅ How AI daily briefs could replace morning huddles and transform job site management✅ The real reason construction software pricing is getting out of control and what contractors should demand✅ Why construction tech websites are completely useless and how startups are losing millions in delayed sales cyclesListen now on Spotify and get the inside perspective on where construction technology is actually heading from someone who evaluates and implements it every day.----------Chapters00:00 March Madness and Personal Reflections01:15 Understanding Project Controls at Harkins Builders04:06 The Role of Technology in Project Management09:17 Harkins Builders: Company Size and Structure11:36 Innovation in Construction: VDC vs. Project Controls13:01 Evaluating Scheduling Software: The Future of Collaboration16:06 Traditional vs. Modern Scheduling Practices20:14 Data Collection and Its Impact on Scheduling25:28 Accelerating Tech Adoption in Construction29:32 The Quest for Comprehensive Software Solutions33:29 The Importance of Clear Messaging in Construction Tech37:16 Navigating Cold Outreach and Sales Tactics41:15 The Challenge of Point Solutions vs. Comprehensive Platforms44:46 Understanding Pricing Models in Construction Software55:32 The Impact of AI on Construction Processes

You may price a job for two years just to get the chance to build it."That's the brutal reality Trey Darnell shared about construction sales today.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Trey Darnell, Director of Sales at Ediphi, and we got to learn about why construction tech sales is completely broken, how most salespeople get it wrong, and why the industry desperately needs a new approach... and many more!Trey went from writing user guides on construction sites to becoming a sales leader at one of the hottest pre-construction tech companies. His journey reveals hard truths about our industry.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why 90% of construction salespeople fail at their job ✅ The hidden cost of pricing jobs for years without winning them ✅ Why platforms are becoming "jack of all trades, master of none" ✅ How to sell construction tech without being another annoying vendorThis episode will change how you think about buying and selling construction technology.Listen now on Spotify and let us know what you think in the comments.---------------Chapters# Chapters00:00 Intro00:03:00 Introduction and Background of Trey Darnell00:06:02 Challenges in Construction and BIM Advocacy00:08:50 Transition to Construction Tech and PlanGrid Experience00:12:10 Sales as a Consulting Approach00:15:14 Joining Edify and the Evolution of Pre-Construction Solutions00:20:58 Go-to-Market Strategy for Edify00:27:01 Building Relationships and Understanding Client Needs00:33:07 Understanding Time to Value in Construction Tech00:37:01 Successful Go-to-Market Strategies00:41:10 Sales Cycle Dynamics and Compression Strategies00:46:38 Navigating Small vs. Large Accounts00:52:02 Pricing Strategies and Negotiation00:54:29 Traits of Successful Salespeople in Construction Tech00:57:36 Gaining Experience in the Construction Industry00:59:13 Advice for Newcomers in Construction Tech Sales01:00:41 When to Hire a Sales Leader

"When we launched PlanGrid, it was the only enterprise product on the iPad. Even Facebook refused to make an iPad app because Zuckerberg didn't believe in it."In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks & Bytes, we had Ralph Gootee and we got to learn about how PlanGrid became the first enterprise app on iPad, the brutal year-long acquisition process, and why pricing decisions can make or break your startup... and many more!Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why iPad was crucial to PlanGrid's success when even Facebook refused to build an iPad app ✅ The $17,000 marketing hack that involved giving away free iPads to customers ✅ How having 5 co-founders worked despite conventional wisdom saying otherwise ✅ Why AI augments engineers but won't replace them anytime soonListen now on Spotify to hear the full story behind one of construction tech's biggest exits and what Ralph is building next with TigerEye.# Chapters00:00 Intro01:45 The Journey of PlanGrid: From Startup to Acquisition11:37 Product Development and Market Fit: Lessons Learned21:44 Navigating the Acquisition Landscape: Strategies and Insights31:41 The Role of AI in Construction: Opportunities and Challenges41:49 Building for Success: Founder's Mindset and Company Culture29:49 From Idea to Prototype: The Birth of a Startup31:18 Y Combinator: The Turning Point for PlanGrid33:39 Building a Team: The Importance of Co-Founders39:45 Solo Founders vs. Co-Founders: A Comparative Insight42:40 User Acquisition: The Power of Viral Growth in Construction46:44 Pricing Strategies: Lessons Learned from PlanGrid53:54 Hiring the Best: Building a Legacy at PlanGrid54:28 The Legacy of Plangrid and Its Impact on the Industry54:58 Challenges in Recruiting and Building a Team56:26 The Importance of Hiring the Right People58:54 Scaling Challenges and the Need for Fast Decisions01:02:13 Emerging Companies in Construction Tech01:03:18 Lessons Learned from Building Plangrid01:07:12 The Role of AI in Software Development01:13:08 Introducing TigerEye: A New Venture01:20:59 Evaluating ROI in Construction Tech

"Elite sales leaders don't just hire sellers - they hire 'pirates and romantics' who can thrive in chaos when everything's broken."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Scotland Foss, who helped build PlanGrid before its $1B acquisition by Autodesk. Scotland shared his proven playbook for construction tech go-to-market success from his journey across multiple ventures.Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why product-market fit must come before hiring salespeople ✅ The power of "mutual action plans" in closing complex deals ✅ How PlanGrid's freemium strategy created viral adoption on job sites ✅ Why unlimited user pricing models work better than per-seat in construction ✅ How a 90-second video convinced a CEO to take a 2-hour meetingListen now on Spotify to hear Scotland's insights on building successful construction tech sales organizations in challenging market conditions.

"I remember bringing Tracy Young to my job site when PlanGrid was just an MVP. She offered us the software for free - we just needed to provide the iPads. My PM and PX didn't get it. They told me, 'Don't waste my time like that again.'"In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Tom Feliz share his journey from construction sites to tech leadership at Data Grid. Tom unpacks the secrets behind effective Go-To-Market strategies in construction tech, drawing from his experiences at OpenSpace, Autodesk, and more.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why solving real industry pain points is the foundation of any successful ConTech product✅ How to identify your Ideal Customer Profile across the construction value chain✅ Why the construction volume pricing model needs to change✅ The emergence of the "Go-To-Market Engineer" and how AI is transforming salesListen to the full episode on Spotify to learn how Tom closed 5 enterprise deals in one week and why he believes agentic AI is the future of construction.------------Chapters00:00 Intro02:30 Introduction to the Conversation07:30 Tom Feliz's Journey in Construction Tech12:37 Key Components of a Successful Go-To-Market Strategy17:42 Understanding the Construction Industry's Unique Challenges22:21 Identifying Ideal Customer Profiles (ICPs) in Construction Tech27:36 Navigating the Buying Process Across Different Company Sizes31:26 The Importance of Social Proof in Construction Tech32:23 Targeting the Mid-Market: A Strategic Approach35:18 Navigating Enterprise Sales in Construction37:19 Freemium Models and Proof of Value38:47 Rethinking Pricing Models in Construction Tech41:50 The Role of FOMO in Sales Conversations45:37 Key Metrics for Construction Tech Success49:47 The Personal Connection to Construction51:38 The Impact of Our Actions52:32 Tools for Go-To-Market Success54:24 The Rise of Agentic AI in Sales58:33 The Importance of Discovery in Sales01:04:35 Resource Allocation in Sales Strategy01:06:37 Traits of a Great Salesperson01:09:36 When to Hire a Head of Sales

"53% of the construction workforce is expected to retire by 2036. And that number is going up, not down."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Kris from Procore and we got to learn about their just-released Future State of Construction 2025 report, which reveals how technology will transform productivity, design, decision-making, and the workforce crisis.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why contractors, not architects, will own more of the design process in the future✅ How construction teams lose 18% of project time just searching for information✅ The shift from "gut feeling" decisions to data-driven insights using AI✅ Why Procore is building "Agent Studio" to create company-specific AI you can actually trustListen now on Spotify and discover how construction's digital transformation is finally solving its biggest challenges.-----------------Chapters00:00 Intro02:50 Introduction and Industry Growth03:49 Leadership Changes at Procore04:51 The Future State of Construction Report06:47 Future of Productivity in Construction13:59 Addressing Data Search Challenges17:49 Rework and Its Causes19:46 Future of Design and Automation22:54 Case Studies in Construction Technology26:59 Future of Workforce and Talent Retention 38:25 The Intersection of Opportunity and Wealth in Construction39:00 Cultural Drivers in the Construction Industry42:21 Data-Driven Decision Making in Construction46:48 Building Trust in AI and Automation54:55 The Future of Design in Construction01:06:09 Inspiring Transformation in the Construction Industry

"The best salespeople don't need to talk about their successes - they focus on what went wrong and how to improve. At Joist AI, we don't want to hear about past wins, only lessons learned."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, We had Anton Marinovich from Joist AI and he shared his construction tech go-to-market journey from my father's masonry business to leading sales at Contentful, HoloBuilder, and now Joist AI.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why matching your product to workflows is crucial in construction tech✅ How simplicity in sales compensation drives the right behaviors✅ Why grit and consistency separate average salespeople from top performers✅ The importance of transparency in building trust with construction clientsListen now on Spotify to hear insights on building effective go-to-market strategies in construction tech!--------Chapters00:00 Intro00:04 Introduction and Background07:01 Journey into Construction Tech10:00 Sales Strategies and Lessons Learned13:10 Revenue Operations and CRM Importance15:59 Building a Successful Go-To-Market Strategy18:53 Understanding Customer Segmentation22:02 Sales Process and Buyer Behavior24:58 Defining Sales and Building Processes27:59 Ideal Customer Profile and Messaging38:14 Leveraging LinkedIn for Networking39:06 The Power of Video in Sales41:27 Professional Persistence in Sales43:55 Common Mistakes in Go-to-Market Strategies45:09 The Impact of AI on Sales48:12 Customer Acquisition vs. Expansion53:31 Sales Compensation Strategies01:00:20 Effective Pricing Strategies01:03:07 Future Trends in Construction Tech Sales

"The best renewal is no renewal. So closing a three-year agreement, right?"In today's episode of our Go To Market Series from the Bricks & Bytes Podcast, we have Kevin Halter (CRO of OpenSpace) share his journey from scaling PlanGrid from $5M to $100M+ ARR and building high-performing sales teams in construction tech.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why construction tech requires a unique go-to-market approach focused on project-level ROI✅ How to transition from project-level sales to enterprise agreements (the key to breaking the $10M ARR ceiling)✅ What to look for when hiring sales talent ("fire in the belly")✅ When founders should hire their first VP of Sales vs CROWhether you're a founder struggling with the 5-10M ARR plateau or a sales leader in construction tech, this episode delivers practical insights on building scalable go-to-market motions in an industry where "it's easy to start a pilot, but hard to scale."06:30 Introduction to Construction Tech Journey09:30 Scaling from 5M to 100M ARR12:31 Understanding Project-Level Value15:22 Building Trust and Transparency in Construction18:28 Transitioning to Enterprise-Level Sales21:28 The Importance of Customer Success Management24:28 Hiring the Right Sales Team27:29 Effective Communication with Executives30:24 Building Long-Term Partnerships33:31 Creating a Scalable Sales Model44:47 Building Long-Term Partnerships (appears to be repeated)48:30 Lessons from Biotech for Construction Tech53:17 Hiring and Scaling Sales Team57:57 Developing Talent and Leadership1:07:31 Choosing the Right Company to Join1:14:53 When to Hire a Chief Revenue Officer

"Genius is 99% perspiration and only 1% innovation."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we have Darren Martin, Chief Digital Officer at Atkins Realis, sharing powerful insights about technology implementation in a global engineering firm with 40,000 employees.Tune in to find out about: ✅ How they evaluate technology investments (looking for at least 4X ROI within 12-18 months) ✅ The challenges of integrating startup technologies into enterprise environments ✅ Their approach to AI implementation across the organization ✅ Why future construction will combine "hyper personalization and hyper modularization"Listen now on Spotify to hear Darren's perspectives on innovation at scale in the AEC industry!

"We got to a million dollars in ARR by taking meetings any way we could - sending chunky mail, handwritten cards, even just picking up the phone. It's simple."In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we had Martin Roth sharing his journey as Levelset's go-to-market leader and the real-world tactics that helped scale the business to a successful exit.Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why the first million in revenue requires founders to do the selling themselves ✅ The five key traits Martin looks for when hiring salespeople (grit, resourcefulness, enthusiasm, curiosity, ambition) ✅ How selling to construction differs from typical B2B SaaS ✅ Why you should never hire a sales director before hitting $1M in ARRMartin reveals how Levelset went from $1.5M to $10M ARR in six years, then doubled to $20M in just 18 months once they figured out their go-to-market strategy. A must-listen for construction tech founders looking to scale sales operations.---------Timestamps00:00 Intro05:06 Introduction to the Journey09:10 Early Days at Levelset17:14 Go-to-Market Strategy Evolution23:59 Sales Techniques and Lessons Learned26:04 Differences in Construction Tech vs. B2B SaaS29:42 Understanding the Construction Industry's Landscape35:23 Navigating Messaging Challenges in a Diverse Market42:58 Sales Strategies for SMB vs. Enterprise Markets53:27 Handling Long Sales Cycles in Construction56:06 Navigating Enterprise Sales Challenges58:57 The Role of Champions in Sales1:01:54 Understanding the Cost of Adoption1:05:12 Effective Communication in Sales1:06:54 Key Traits of Successful Salespeople1:14:11 Building a Sales Team and Leadership Dynamics

"AI in construction isn't just hype - we're in construction, so we know nobody will deploy solutions based on hype alone."In today's episode of Brick and Bytes, we had Vivin Hegde from Zakua Ventures sharing insights on construction tech investments and market trends.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why robotics is becoming essential in construction (labor shortage is only getting worse)✅ The three-tier approach to AI adoption in construction tech✅ Why FlexNode's modular data centers could grow faster than any construction tech startup in 15 years✅ How geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping construction tech investment prioritiesVivin also shared fascinating details about their recent investments in excavator automation, real estate platforms, and next-gen robotics. If you're interested in where construction tech is heading, this episode is packed with valuable insights!Listen now on Spotify:

"Loading 19 files, each over a gigabyte, into a web browser and manipulating them like butter was the moment I knew I had to join Qonic." - Aaron Perry, former digital design lead at one of UK's largest architecture firms.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we sat down with Mark and Aaron from Qonic to explore how they're revolutionizing AEC software with cloud-native technology that overcomes the limitations of decades-old industry tools.Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why existing AEC software built in the 90s is holding the industry back ✅ How Qonic handles complex construction models that traditional tools can't process ✅ Their innovative "per project size" pricing model instead of per-user licensing ✅ Why contractors adopt new tech faster than architects (hint: it's not about the colors)Listen to the full conversation on Spotify to discover how Qonic is enabling true collaboration across the entire building lifecycle.-----Chapters00:00 Founding Koniq: A New Era in AEC Software03:03 The Future of AEC Software: Insights and Innovations05:58 Challenges in the AEC Industry: Software Limitations08:55 Interoperability and Collaboration: Bridging the Gaps12:00 Koniq's Unique Approach: Transforming Design and Construction14:46 The Role of Koniq in the AEC Landscape17:59 Market Positioning: Koniq's Strategy and Vision20:59 The Future of AEC Tools: Collaboration vs. Monopolization24:01 Koniq's Value Proposition: Cost Efficiency and Innovation27:04 The Impact of AI on AEC Software29:57 Looking Ahead: The Future of Koniq and AEC Software39:00 The Role of AI in Architecture45:02 Modern Architect Needs and Software Solutions52:01 Understanding the Customer Base55:55 Innovative Pricing Models and ROI01:02:02 Bootstrapping and Go-to-Market Strategies

"I love my iPhone, but you don't hear people say, I love my consultant."In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we welcomed Angelos Nicolaou from Sektor AI who shared fascinating insights about construction tech adoption, the "anti-consultant" movement, and why technology must equal profitability.Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Sektor helps companies avoid wasting billions on unused technology ✅ Why large companies with tiny innovation teams need external firepower ✅ The race to adopt AI and how smaller companies can now compete with giants ✅ Why the consulting model is ripe for disruption through automationThe construction industry often treats each project like "a new startup" with new teams and processes built from scratch. Sektor is changing that through tech adoption that delivers measurable results.Listen to the full episode on Spotify!