DiscoverDeliberate Words
Deliberate Words
Claim Ownership

Deliberate Words

Author: David Stutzman and Steve Gantner

Subscribed: 4Played: 84
Share

Description

by Conspectus, Inc. - decision managers, word masters, aggregators. There is tremendous power in a word that is perfectly placed at the best location, at the best time, during the design and construction process of a project. Deliberate words can manage success, build trust, and provide transparency that every member of the project team craves. As decision managers of the team, Conspectus explores the notion of how transparency transforms three main components of every project: behavior, content, and outcomes, through the appropriate usage of words. Behavior of every participant, is the foundation communication and collaboration, through deliberate words. It will transform the team, and build strong relationships. Content, the documentation built on these relationships, containing deliberate words, is then transformed. The outcome is a successful project, with a legacy of ultimate collaboration. Join us as we chat with members of the architectural, engineering, construction, and owner communities to learn how deliberate word shape their contributions, their projects, and their world! Through these conversations, words aggregate decisions, and transforms perspectives on transparency in the decision-making process.

56 Episodes
Reverse
Steve Gantner and Dave Stutzman talk with Jared Bilsak, a licensed architect and haunted house owner, about the intersection of architecture and Halloween attractions. They explore the origins of Jared's passion for haunted houses, the challenges he faced in establishing the Lincoln Mill Haunted House, and the unique backstory that adds depth to the attraction. The discussion also touches on the impact of Hurricane Ida on the building and the extensive restoration efforts required to transfor...
Duke Energy’s Andy Browning joins Dave and Steve to unpack how a modern utility balances today’s demand spikes—especially from data centers—with tomorrow’s low-carbon grid. Andy traces his path from Babcock & Wilcox field engineer to Duke’s GM of Engineering & Construction Services, explains why Duke runs an “all-of-the-above” strategy (gas as a bridge, batteries for flexibility, solar growth, hydro upgrades), and makes the case that nuclear—both large units and SMRs—will anchor long-...
Greg Holness wears two powerful hats—engineer and attorney—and he’s spent over 30 years walking the fault lines of construction projects gone sideways. From root cause analysis to expert witness testimony, he’s called in when things don’t go according to plan—whether it’s delays, design flaws, scope creep, or flat-out contract chaos. But here’s the twist to Greg’s story: he’s not just about pointing fingers. He’s a big believer in resolution over litigation—and he’s got the scars (and stories...
From a 14 year old kid bending sheet metal in his family's basement, to receiving a lifetime achievement award at 70 years old, Dick Bus of ATAS International, breaks down how to help build the metal industry. In this episode, Dick breaks down what it takes to build more than just a successful business. It's about investing in relationships, technology, and education—laying the groundwork not only for growth, but for lasting impact across the metal envelope industry. Dick shares how hea...
What do muscle cars and global procurement have in common? According to Kevin Batche, Vice President of Procurement at IPS (Integrated Project Services)—quite a bit. It’s all about timing, control, and having the right engine under the hood when the road gets unpredictable, like the current climate with global tariffs. Kevin is a mechanical engineer by trade and a Penn State graduate. His early career in the steel industry in western Pennsylvania laid the groundwork for a transition int...
What happens when you grow up in manufacturing surrounded by sheets of glass, the hum of cutting tools, and a father with a vision? You don’t just learn the business—you reshape it. In this episode, we sit down with Chris McGrory of McGrory Glass—a company that’s shattered expectations (and a few stereotypes) since its humble beginnings in 1984. From decorative and architectural to ballistic and fire-rated, Chris has taken the family trade far beyond the showroom—into the realm of safety, per...
One Hard Hat – The Concept that Built Air Products air and gas separation unit featuring Kevin Sell and Brandon Jordan from The Kwest Group What does it take to deliver a world-class facility? A willing owner and a passionate contractor team—fully aligned under one vision. This is the Deliberate Words podcast, hosted by David Stutzman and Steve Gantner, leaders in Conspectus, the specification company….where words have a power that can create trust, transparency, and transform the process and...
We found a kindred spirit with Matt Brennan- host of the podcast “What the RFI” with his ambition to improve project documentation and construction administration (CA) through that oh-so critical practice of communication! This is the Deliberate Words podcast, hosted by David Stutzman and Steve Gantner, leaders in Conspectus, the specifications company….where words have a power that can create trust, transparency, and transform the process and can significantly impact the success of a constru...
As a new year kicks off, it is natural to look ahead with a bit, or a lot, of uncertainty. What risks lie ahead and how can they be managed? We invite Michael Dubreuil, managing partner of PTAG, to join us on to the show. He works on projects that can span decades! In this episode, Michael dives into collaborative contracting, which basically is IPD (integrated project delivery) on steroids. This powerful method of contracting provides balance, stability, and trust in ...
The idea of a good owner is more than just a philosophical idea or an anecdote. It is the member of the project team, who is intentional, aware, and deliberately behaves with responsibility to create a positive influence and success on the project. Jack Mumma is that owner. Jack, educated in philosophy and law, is the Executive Director of Construction and Facilities Strategic Acquisitions at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. His unique blend of legal expertise and philosophical in...
Sourcing product information can be tedious, time consuming, frustrating! Conspectus has been using 4specs.com for decades, and a reliable directory for information. No, this is not an infomercial. Instead we reveal the solution to the ongoing quest many are on to find a quality resource of building product content and manufacturers. Whether he's on a journey to connect with fellow ham radio operators or gathering insights for the specifying community, Colin Gilboy enjoys a...
Does the construction industry need more attorneys, or do we simply need contractors to better understand the construction contract process? Josh Levy, CEO of Document Crunch and an attorney, believes it's all about understanding the process rather than hiring more lawyers. He offers deep insights into how they are helping project teams navigate the complex area of construction contracts. Many individuals are passionate about improving the construction industry through their expertise. In thi...
Saddle up for high stakes and hard hats! Ken Stonecipher, corporate director of construction for Global Gaming Solutions joins us to chat about what its like to build in the world of casinos, with Native American tribes. As a true-blue rodeo guy, with a long career in construction, Ken knows a bit about risk and safety, culture and community, teamwork and coordination, and most importantly preparation. All of these play critical roles in running casino and racino projects for the Global...
In this episode we welcome Jeff Sawyer! Researcher, business leader and educator who is the director of strategy for Simplar – a world-leading procurement and an organizational management consultancy, and is president of the board of directors at the Center 4 Procurement, home of the RFP Doctor! Jeff, who considers himself the black sheep of construction research, introduces us to a new perspective in viewing the procurement process. A perspective that is backed by scientifi...
Organization of information is critical when it comes to making design decisions, estimating costs, and constructing a building. Structuring project data in an efficient manner allows members of the project team to make rigorous analysis of options to compare cost, risk, performance and design attributes. This can be accomplished through the SPD, which stands for Systems and Performance Description. It is a way of documenting design in a highly efficient manner, offering tre...
Let’s throw back to November, 2023 to the COAA Fall Conference in Orlando, FL. Our guests are: Cy Rangel of Purdue University, Carli Cole of HGA Architects, Sarah Delphin and Kamila Andrzejak from MD Anderson. In this episode host of Deliberate Words and president of Conspectus sits down with four colleagues who we have become friends with during our participation and attendance at COAA which stands for Construction Owners Association of America. This podcast is a peak into ...
Conspectus continues to grow, doubling the size of the team in just one year. The Conspectians got together for the annual meeting in December, 2023 in the world-wide headquarters - Tuckahoe, NJ. Take a peek into our culture. That is the secret to our success.
A fascinating look at the career path of the AEC industry tech leader Marc Goldman. From crafting his own arch/eng degree to software development to digital mapping and location intelligence, and many adventures in between that brought him to BIM, the digital twin and GIS - Geographic Information System. In his current position with ESRI, he educates the AEC industry on how to leverage the benefits of GIS during planning, design and construction. Something is build everywhere.&nbs...
Specifications are not typically a celestial experience, but Brian Conroy helps us discover how the process of creating well written documents, when done correctly, can put one in a state of service that may have the effects of feeling spiritual. In this episode we welcome Brian Conroy, fellow Philly CSI members and product rep of Master Wall, which is a manufacturer of stucco, coatings, exterior insulation and EIFS. Brian is our very first building product manufacturer on the sh...
Welcome to the Continuum... during this episode, we welcome Doug Bevill, the very first General Manager of Conspectus Cloud. Conspectus Cloud, the specification tool created by specifiers for specifiers, and designers, and contractors, and owners and building product manufacturers, is capturing attention in the industry at a tremendous rate. In response to this growth, Conspectus brought on Doug Bevill, who is incredibly experienced in the AECO industry, and belief system is in li...
loading
Comments