Bricks And Bytes

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.-----------🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xSpdQpmgf0xJvAsGAQRX5?si=QgmckXGVRnO46vOZKa0I1Q📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/📲 Follow us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/Enjoying the insights? Hit that Follow button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.-----------Chapters00:00 Intro02:30 Introduction to Hardware Startups05:30 Challenges in Building Hardware Startups08:20 The Role of Hardware in Major Companies11:19 Nathan's Journey into Hardware and Robotics14:12 Innovations in Construction and Robotics17:03 Engaging with Large Corporations20:15 The Consultant vs. Innovator Mindset23:07 Incremental Innovation vs. Grand Solutions26:00 Cultural Differences Between Startups and Corporates28:54 Bridging the Gap Between Startups and Corporates36:56 Breaking Barriers in Compliance41:40 Navigating Commercialization in Robotics49:15 The Pilot Process: A Necessary Evil?57:44 The Future of Robotics: Visible vs. Invisible62:15 Insights from the Venture Capital Perspective

"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