Constructive

In an industry often defined by hard data and low bids, how do you actually win work without "selling out"? In this episode of Constructive, I sit down with Ken Harms, a construction industry veteran with over 40 years of experience, to discuss the transition from technical project management to the human side of business development. Ken recently authored the book, Building Trust and Winning Work, where he argues that winning work has less to do with the physical proposal and everything to do with how you show up for your clients and build authentic relationships. We dive deep into the "Doer-Seller" model, the psychological hurdles of trust, and why the phrase "stay in your lane" is a creativity killer for construction firms. Key Topics Covered:The Trust Hurdle: Why being likable and competent isn't enough if you break your word. Service over Selling: Shifting your mindset from "making a sale" to being of radical service to the client. The Power of Curiosity: Why you should walk into a client meeting with a legal pad and six questions instead of a glossy brochure. Coaching & Mentorship: Why even the best in the industry—like Steph Curry—still need a coach to stay on top of their game. AI in Construction: How to use AI as a force multiplier for research without losing the essential "face-to-face" human connection. Whether you're an APM looking to accelerate your career or a C-suite executive rethinking your corporate strategy, Ken’s insights offer a blueprint for winning work with integrity. Connect with Ken Harms:Book: Building Trust and Winning Work LinkedIn: Kenneth HarmsMusic by Bensound.comLicense code: JT4WZ4TPKR0WYGNMArtist: Lunar Years

In this episode of Constructive, we sit down with Gary Eastman, President of SwiftBonds and Axcess Surety. Bonding is the "oxygen" of the construction industry, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood parts of the business.If you have ever felt stuck at a certain revenue ceiling, Gary explains how to unlock the next level of your company. We discuss why a surety bond is a guarantee—not insurance—and how it acts as the key to graduating from small residential jobs to major public and commercial projects. Gary shares tactical advice on managing your books, the importance of "velocity of money," and how to avoid the "red flags" that kill your bonding capacity.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Surety Secret: Why bonding is a three-party guarantee and how it differs from risk-sharing insurance.Scaling Your Capacity: The three tiers of bonding and how to move from "credit-based" to "full underwriting".The $1M Strategy: A thought experiment on how to take $50,000 and turn it into a million-dollar bond line in two years.Future-Proofing: How AI and data analytics are replacing the "retiring 50-year veteran" to keep projects efficient and safe.SwiftBonds: swiftbonds.com Axcess Surety: axcess-surety.com Music: https://www.bensound.comLicense code: DSEV5SKEXGAJTELKArtist: Roman SenykConnect with Gary EastmanMusic Credits

Are you "robbing Peter to pay Paul" just to keep your job sites running? In this episode, Seth sits down with Nick, co-founder of Buildplus, to discuss why the traditional construction cash flow model is broken—and why so many contractors are unknowingly operating like a Ponzi scheme.We dig into the messy reality of construction finance, from the "receipt in the cup holder" problem to the "napkin math" that passes for estimating today. Nick explains how Buildplus is using fintech and "Cost Plus" models to force radical transparency, eliminate client anxiety, and ensure every project stands on its own financial feet.If you’re tired of estimates that are "slop" and want to stop flying by the seat of your pants on high-end projects, this conversation is for you.In this episode, we cover:The Origin Story: How a builder bankruptcy sparked the idea for Buildplus.The "Ponzi" Trap: Why using Project A’s deposit to fund Project B is a ticking time bomb.Cost Plus vs. Fixed Fee: Why transparent pricing actually builds trust (and protects your profit).The "Receipt in the Cup Holder": Solving the chaos of expense tracking in the field.AI & The Future: Why current estimates are "BS made up on a napkin" and how AI might fix it.🔗 Connect with BuildPlus: Buildplus is a financial technology company and is not a bank. Banking services are provided by Core Bank, Member FDIC.Buildplus is not a FDIC insured institution and the FDIC’s deposit insurance coverage only protects against the failure of an FDIC insured depository institution.Website: https://buildplus.appContact: nicolas@buildplus.app💡 About Constructive:Constructive explores the intersection of technology and the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Hosted by Seth Kalkman.Music Credits:Music by: bensound.comLicense code: 06AAOPINEKFQI5PAArtist: Roman Senyk

Is it possible to build a sustainable future using the very ground beneath our feet? In this episode of Constructive, we sit down with Dr. Lauren Vasey and Kunal, the minds behind the ETH Zurich spin-off impact.build. They are moving beyond traditional 3D printing to a method called "Impact Printing"—a process that shoots excavated earth at high velocities to create structural bonds without the need for cement or chemical additives.We dive into the technical breakthroughs that allowed them to print a two-meter wall in a single session, the mission to democratize construction through automation, and why saving the world requires a profitable business model.Key Topics Discussed:What is Impact Printing? How shooting material at high velocity creates bonding without binders like cement.The Problem with Extrusion: Why typical 3D printing struggles with height and how impact printing solves the "green strength" problem.Circular Architecture: Using 100% recyclable materials sourced directly from construction site excavation.High-Payload Robotics: Moving specialized tools from the lab to autonomous gantry machines on-site.The Future of Work: Why automation isn't replacing workers, but rather taking over the "dull, dirty, and dangerous" tasks of the industry.Global Scalability: Scaling micro-factories to regions like India to turn waste soil into luxury resorts.

Can AI catch the errors that humans physically can't?In this episode, we welcome back Aakash Prasad (CEO) and Shuangling Yin (CTO) of InspectMind.ai. Since our last conversation, they’ve made a massive pivot upstream—moving from documenting field issues to preventing them entirely before ground is broken.We dive into their new "AI Checker Agent," a tool that cross-references thousands of drawing sheets, specs, and code requirements to find logic gaps that cost millions. Aakash shares a case study where the agent caught a material mismatch that would have cost a contractor $2M in rework, and Shuangling breaks down why "chatbots" aren't enough for construction—you need agents that execute complex workflows on your behalf.In this episode, we cover:The Pivot: How a job site visit in Long Island changed the company’s entire direction.The "Impossible" Standard: Why checking architectural drawings against structural plans is nearly impossible for humans at scale.Agents vs. Chatbots: Why the industry needs "hair on fire" solutions, not just cool tech.Trust & Verification: How their AI cites every claim so engineers can verify, not just trust.Links:Check out InspectMind: www.inspectmind.aiConnect with Aakash and Shuangling on LinkedIn.

In this powerful conversation, Angelo Suntres (The Human Side of Construction) confronts the industry's toughest challenges: the mental health crisis, toxic culture, and the cost of the "nice guy" approach to business.Angelo reveals the staggering statistics—construction workers are 5X more likely to die by suicide than from all workplace fatalities combined. Why? We're exploring the culture of suppressing vulnerability that leads to this crisis.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why the construction "macho culture" preys upon vulnerability and prevents essential communication.The surprising reason that Angelo believes "nice guys don't win" in the transactional world of construction business.How to achieve long-term success by dropping your ego and asking, "Can you help me?"The real reason why the industry’s attempts at diversity and inclusion are sometimes failing—because the culture is not ready to accept new workers.Why the most effective leaders realize they're not managing projects, they're managing people.This is a must-listen for project managers, superintendents, and business owners ready to transition from a transactional "boxing glove" mentality to one of trust, connection, and real profitability.Music I use: BensoundLicense code: LJJCLNI41WYH8IGSArtist: Lunar Years

How does a creative artist become a CFO, and then completely disrupt the $20 billion cabinet industry? Find out on this special in-person episode of Constructive, recorded live at the Olzac Group offices!Join your host as he sits down with Tino Go of HelloBaru and Zack Olzcack of Olzac Group/Olzac Build to unpack a massive shift in construction efficiency.Tino Go, a self-described "reformed CFO" , reveals his plan to "deglobalize or relocalize supply chains" to recover up to 40% of the revenue value typically wasted on distribution. It all started when he tried to buy a simple bookcase and found the process "medieval"!In this episode, you’ll discover:How thousands of underused CNC machines across the country are the key to building a "virtual factory" for on-demand, localized manufacturing.The inefficiency of the current $20 billion cabinet industry and how the new model is selling at "essentially half of market price".The true meaning of "efficiency as inherently ethical" and why eliminating waste is conserving more than just materials.Why the architecture and design-build process is fundamentally wasteful and how precision down to four decimals can solve major industry conflicts.The long-term vision for construction—from CNC-cut casework to a future where custom design doesn't equal "great expense".Listen now to see how a "hard digital link" is about to change everything from lead times to labor bottlenecks and project risk.Check out Baru: https://www.hellobaru.com/ and Tino Go on linkedin.Check out olczakgroup.com and get in touch with Zach via zach@olczakgroup.comMusic Attribution: Music I use: https://www.bensound.com, Artist: Roman Senyk, License code: JTB152H82KPEU1ZL

In this episode of Constructive, Seth sits down with Mani Subramanian (founder of Sixth Dimension and former Executive Vice President at Vanir CM) to explore what truly drives successful projects and lasting careers in construction.From his early days studying architecture in India to leading billion-dollar programs in California, Mani shares timeless lessons on humility, trust, and problem-solving. He explains why “construction management is about making things happen,” how relationships define real success, and why helping contractors succeed ultimately helps everyone.They also dig into communication, leadership, and the future of construction in an AI-powered world — reminding us that even as technology evolves, the human side of building still matters most.🎵 Music I Use: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videosLicense code: SDIUQ7EP5KW1AZSUArtist: Roman Senyk

This one is good... I prefer that you listen rather than skim something I get AI to *help* write for me :)

Episode 42 of Constructive Podcast we get the pleasure of hearing from Bhragan Paramanantham. He is a good friend and kindred spirit, and along with being an innovation driver at AECOM he has seen first hand the #contech startup landscape during his time with Formwork Labs. We unpack the essential qualities of a successful construction founder: the balance between having a strong vision and being flexible to customer feedback , the importance of storytelling and charisma in raising funds, and why the startup journey requires true perseverance.Bhragan helps bust the myth that construction is slow to innovate, explaining how thin profit margins and high-risk contracts dictate the industry’s pace and adoption of technology. We also look at the massive market opportunities in Design-Build delivery and the underserved renovation/retrofit sector.Plus: Why you should stop trusting the company page and start listening to individual voices , and the realistic way to approach AI in construction (spoiler: focus on the problem first).#ConstructionTech #ConstructionInnovation #AECIndustry #ConstructionStartup #DesignBuild #Renovation #ConstructionRisk #AIEssentials #Storytelling

Chris Neufeld from DPR Construction joins Seth Kalkman on Constructive to explore the world of prefabrication. Chris, who leads DPR's prefab strategy for the Northwest region, explains why prefabrication isn't just about big modular units, but a spectrum of solutions, from small-scale assemblies to entire volumetric buildings.Chris shares how DPR uses a tiered approach to prefabrication, starting with early-stage design to identify opportunities for adding value through cost, schedule, and predictability. He also offers an insightful analogy for a two-year-old, comparing building a treehouse one nail at a time versus assembling large parts on the ground first for safety and efficiency.The conversation dives into the challenges of prefabrication, including common industry pessimism and the importance of learning from mistakes. Chris discusses how technology like BIM, computational design, and AI is changing the game, allowing for better quality control and more reliable data. He also touches on the future of the industry, the role of vertical integration, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation.Learn how one of the industry's most innovative companies is navigating the shift from traditional construction to a more sophisticated, manufacturing-like approach.Key Topics:The spectrum of prefabrication DPR Construction's tiered approach The value of predictability, not just cost and schedule Combating industry pessimism The role of technology, AI, and robotics Fostering a culture of innovation Connect with Constructive:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConstructivePodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/constructivepodcast#Construction #Prefabrication #Prefab #ModularConstruction #DPRConstruction #Innovation #AEC #BuiltEnvironment #ProjectManagement #DigitalConstruction #ConstructionTechnology #AI #Robotics #SupplyChain #Manufacturing #Constructive

What if you could actually turn money back to the owner on a project instead of watching margins disappear?In this episode, Jason Brenner, Head of Industry Strategy at JOIN, shares how better decision-making, transparency, and collaboration are helping builders move beyond black boxes, endless silos, and razor-thin margins.We get into:Jason’s journey from biotech to billion-dollar construction projectsWhy most projects burn cash they don’t have toThe lessons a tough boss taught him early on (“stop selling once you’ve sold”)How JOIN helps teams make decisions faster and with more trustWhy even small projects can benefit from big ideas like Target Value DeliverySay goodbye to outdated ways of working — and hello to a smarter, fairer way to build.

Photographer, videographer, and Bridger Digital founder John Kakuk joins Constructive to talk about the power of storytelling in construction. We dive into his unique path from creative work to construction, why authentic voices beat cookie-cutter marketing, and how companies can avoid becoming a commodity. John also shares insights on using AI for content ideation, building trust over price, and why community and honesty matter more than chasing the bottom line. Whether you’re an owner, builder, or creative, this episode will challenge how you think about marketing and relationships in the construction industry.

In this episode of Constructive, guest Tamara Aspeling talks about her journey in the industry and how she created her company, Draw a Fence, to solve a common problem. Tamara shares how her experience in the fence industry, working as an estimator and project manager for one of Africa's biggest fence companies, taught her that communication is key to a project's success. She also highlights her passion for helping others in the industry by building a solution to a problem she personally experienced.Throughout the conversation, Tamara discusses:The challenge of fence drawings: Tamara explains that commercial fence projects require numerous drawings at every stage, from bidding to close-out documentation. Before Draw a Fence, companies often resorted to inefficient methods like cutting and pasting or using programs like MS Paint, which resulted in poor-quality documents that looked unprofessional.The solution: Draw a Fence is an online tool that works like a legal form generator. Users can select variables like height and footing type from a form, and the system generates a complete, multi-sheet drawing set, including elevations, details, and dimensions. This process takes only 2 to 5 minutes, compared to the 2 to 4 hours it would take to do it manually. The tool also makes drawings more accessible to people who don't have a technical background, improving communication between builders and clients.The state of construction tech: Tamara believes that many construction tech products are developed by people without a construction background who create flashy tools without understanding the real-world problems they're meant to solve. She advocates for "bottom-up" solutions that are simple and quick for the people who actually do the work.AI's role in the industry: While acknowledging that AI is currently overhyped, Tamara sees its potential in closed systems for fields like engineering and medicine where it can process vast amounts of data and speed up work for humans. She uses AI for idea generation and content strategy but believes a human touch is essential for writing and fact-checking.The importance of soft skills: Tamara emphasizes the value of soft skills like communication and problem-solving. She shares that building relationships and solving problems for people, whether they are field crews or clients, is crucial for success and trust.#ConstructionPodcast #ConstructionTech #Innovation #ConstructionLife #FenceIndustry #ConstructionSolutions #AIinConstruction #BuildSmarter #ProjectManagement #CAD #CivilEngineering

In this episode, the host explores the world of construction through the eyes of his nine-year-old nephew, Ryder. They discuss family backgrounds, the basics of construction, and even brainstorm a fun project: building a climbing wall in the backyard. The conversation touches on various roles in construction, budgeting for projects, and the importance of planning and safety.

This episode of Constructive special guest Matt Paneitz is the founder of Long Way Home, a nonprofit in Guatemala using trash to build schools... and those schools to build heroes.What started as a Peace Corps assignment turned into a 20-year journey of community-led construction, sustainable building, and hands-on education. From building with discarded tires and bottles to watching kids throw rose petals at student builders’ feet, Matt shares his story of failure, grit, and beauty in the rubble.🎧 Topics we cover:Why construction is a language of empowermentThe logistics of building schools out of wasteEducating through stoves, water tanks, and compost toiletsTurning resistance into momentumThe “Hero School” model for community resilience📍 Learn more: https://lwhome.org and https://lwhomegreen.org#ConstructionWithPurpose #SustainableBuilding #PeaceCorps #GreenSchool #CommunityBuilders #TireHouse #HeroSchool #ConstructivePodcast #GuatemalaNonprofit

Steve Dell’Orto spent ~26 years building some of the West Coast’s most iconic projects: Salesforce Tower, Chase Center, and more, before launching ConCntric, a tech platform aimed at transforming preconstruction from a spreadsheet scramble into a strategic advantage.In this episode, Steve shares what he learned from decades in the trenches, why preconstruction deserves more respect, and how AI and data are redefining what’s possible before anyone steps on-site. We talk about the future of estimating, the risk of tech bloat, and why treating project planning like a team sport may be the smartest move a builder can make.This one’s for the builders, the believers, and anyone who thinks construction can, and should, be better.

Can AI and mass timber help solve the housing crisis? In this episode of Constructive, Seth sits down with Seyfihan Usarer — Co-Founder & COO of Algoma — to explore how their startup is transforming the slow, siloed preconstruction process into a fast, transparent decision engine for real estate developers.From feasibility studies powered by zoning-AI and comps to mass timber kits of parts, Seyf shares how Algoma is helping developers go from site to permit with clarity and speed — while keeping carbon footprint in check. They talk housing affordability, startup lessons from McKinsey and TikTok, and why the future of construction is an optimization game.📍 Featuring projects in Brooklyn and Savannah🛠️ Built by a team of engineer, architect, and biz strategist🤖 AI embedded at every step► Check out Algoma at algoma.co► Connect with Seyfihan Usarer on LinkedIn🔊 If you care about construction, feasibility, or building smarter cities, this one’s for you.

Albert Bou Fadel didn’t set out to build construction tech. He was just trying to run his glazing crews and make sure six-figure payrolls actually lined up with what was happening on-site.In this episode of Constructive, Albert shares how his frustration with unreliable time tracking led him to create SmartBarrel: a deceptively simple, field-first solution that captures accurate labor data without friction. What’s more compelling, though, is Albert’s philosophy: build tools that align incentives, eliminate excuses, and solve one thing extremely well before moving to the next.If you’re tired of big promises and underwhelming results in ConTech, this one’s for you.

In this conversation, Trent Miskelly, CTO of Document Crunch, shares his journey in the construction technology space, discussing the importance of understanding contracts, the role of technology in preventing disputes, and the future of compliance in construction. He emphasizes the need for technology to enhance relationships and streamline processes, particularly through the integration of AI. Miskelly also highlights the unique challenges of the construction industry and the potential for technology to transform how contracts are understood and managed.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Trent Miskelly and Document Crunch01:38 Trent's Journey into Construction Technology07:53 The Role of Technology in Understanding Contracts12:40 Aiming for Zero Disputes in Construction15:51 Improving Payment Processes in Construction16:51 Integrating AI into Document Crunch22:13 User Insights and Questions on Contracts27:46 Encouraging New Talent in Construction33:24 The Future of Technology in Construction