Building Scale

Amanda Schneider discusses her career journey and insights into the future of work. She highlights her transition to Sandow, effective hiring strategies, and insights from her TEDx talk and generational research. The episode covers the trust gap and challenges of hybrid work environments, emphasizing metrics, scorecards, and personal work preferences. Amanda also offers advice on adapting to cultural changes in workplace models, especially for extroverts and introverts in remote settings. The episode wraps up with ThinkLab insights, closing remarks, and encouragement to share the episode, touching on scaling a business and improving company technology. Connect with Amanda Schneider -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajeanschneider/   Website: https://thinklab.design/TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/speakers/amanda_schneider Forbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffromm/2023/10/27/gen-z-and-the-great-office-debate-wont-end-in-2023/     Connect with Justin Neagle - Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Website: https://www.spotmigration.com   Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help (0:00) Introduction and mission offer (1:07) Guest introduction: Amanda Schneider (2:16) Amanda's career and the future of work (7:25) Transition to Sandow and hiring strategies (15:28) TEDx talk and generational research insights (22:12) Trust gap and work rule challenges in hybrid environments (24:28) Metrics, scorecards, and personal work preferences (29:53) Adapting to cultural changes in workplace models (36:33) Remote work dynamics for extroverts and introverts (39:30) Contacting Amanda Schneider and ThinkLab insights (43:07) Closing remarks and episode sharing encouragement (43:58) The three pillars of scaling a business (44:11) Improving company technology (44:29) Sign-off

Jesse Light shares his career journey in the AEC industry, emphasizing automation and software integration's role in enhancing efficiency and cost savings. The discussion includes AI applications developed with universities, examples of Power Automate use, and AI's return on investment. Jesse addresses recurring revenue models, file delivery optimization, and managing engineering fee structures and scope changes. The conversation explores AI's impact on employee roles, project searches, and detail management. Jesse highlights the importance of technology understanding and data centralization for business owners, addressing AI-related employee concerns and cybersecurity. Closing remarks encourage technology adoption and reflect on the podcast's mission.   Connect with Jesse Light -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-light-s-e-p-e-26b73b12/  Website: https://www.smleng.com/   Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/   Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -  Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration   Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help   (0:00) Introduction by Justin Neagle and Will Foret (1:10) Guest introduction: Jesse Light (2:10) Jesse Light's background and career journey in AEC (5:00) Automation and software integration in engineering (10:53) Efficiency improvements, cost savings, and leveraging AI (16:48) AI applications and university collaboration for coding (18:25) Power Automate examples and AI investment returns (20:56) Recurring revenue models and optimizing file delivery (26:06) Fee structures and managing scope changes in engineering (33:36) Employee roles, AI's long-term impact, and short-term evolutions (40:35) AI for project searches and detail management (43:24) Technology understanding and data centralization for business owners (48:06) Employee AI concerns and cybersecurity in cloud computing (54:27) Advice for investing in technology and company services (58:33) Technology adoption encouragement and upcoming events (59:55) Closing remarks and podcast mission

Ian Parr joins the conversation to share insights from his extensive background in construction and the founding of CCS International. He delves into growth strategies, emphasizing the distinction between cost management and estimating, and the integral role of the owner in successful construction projects. Ian discusses early project planning, cost savings, and risk management, illustrated through a senior facility project case study. The episode explores the development and application of Tenzing software, the evolution of construction technology, and the importance of cross-training and staffing. Ian reflects on his career, offering advice to his younger self, and shares final thoughts on business scaling.   Connect with Ian Parr -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-parr-427a423/  CCS Website: https://www.ccsdifference.com/ Tenzing Website: https://tenzingone.com/     Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/   Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -  Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration   Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help (0:00) Introduction and project success strategies (1:37) Guest introduction: Ian Parr (3:08) Ian Parr's background in construction (7:23) Founding of CCS International and growth strategies (9:36) Cost management vs. estimating (11:51) The role of the owner in construction projects (14:51) Early project planning and definition (19:02) Cost savings and risk management strategies (23:38) Case study: Senior facility project cost management (27:34) Process vs. project management (29:16) Collaboration with Northern Illinois University (32:07) Development of Tenzing software (36:11) Evolution of the construction software industry (42:02) Cross-training and staffing at CCS (45:18) Tenzing software use cases (47:07) Estimating and ensuring construction safety (50:55) Ian Parr's advice to his younger self (52:47) Contact information and final thoughts from Ian Parr (53:42) Closing remarks and business scaling pillars (54:04) Call to action for listeners

Join James Trahan as he discusses his journey in architecture and founding 180 Degrees Inc. He shares insights on risk-taking, design-build challenges, and revenue goals. The conversation touches on community involvement, philanthropy, and lessons from recessions. James highlights managing risks in unique projects, aligning client expectations, and using innovative technologies for challenges. Dive into project selection, competitive bidding, and the demands of residential vs. commercial projects. Sustainability, material upcycling, and historical preservation are emphasized, alongside leveraging technology in construction. James offers advice for aspiring AEC professionals.   Connect with James Trahan -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-trahan-5aa3925/  Website: https://www.180degreesinc.com/     Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/   Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -  Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration   Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help (0:00) Introduction to Risk-taking in Architecture with James Trahan (3:30) James Trahan's Background and Founding of 180 Degrees Inc. (5:03) Challenges and Unique Approach to Design-Build in Construction (9:05) Organizational Structure, Revenue Goals, and Early Business Development (12:39) Community Involvement, Philanthropy, and Recession Lessons (16:12) Managing Risks in Unique Projects and Setting Client Expectations (21:04) Innovative Technologies and Approaches to Out-of-Scope Challenges (24:22) Project Selection, Competitive Bidding, and Residential vs. Commercial Challenges (26:23) Sustainability in Architecture: Practices and Material Upcycling (29:04) Firm's Sustainability Focus and Evolution of Building Technologies (32:27) Historical Preservation Efforts and the Importance of Architectural History (40:02) Leveraging Technology in Construction Management (43:07) Final Advice for Aspiring AEC Professionals

Walt Brown Jr. shares insights from his career journey, beginning with the impact of his first deal and the founding of Diversified Partners. He emphasizes the role of communication in business growth and the importance of building a strong team. The episode explores leveraging technology in commercial real estate, goal setting, and managing challenges in the AEC industry. Walt discusses the effects of the pandemic, the significance of training the next generation, and strategies for nurturing young talent. He also covers compensation strategies for retaining high performers, evaluating real estate investments, and measuring success. Reflecting on his experiences, Walt offers valuable advice for future leaders. Connect with Walt Brown Jr. -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waltb/  Email: walt@dpcre.com Website: https://dpcre.com/ Instagram: @dpcre   Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/   Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -  Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration   Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help   (0:00) Introduction and background of guest Walt Brown Jr. (6:00) The impact of Walt's first deal on his career (10:17) The importance of communication in business growth (17:25) Building a team and the founding of Diversified Partners (22:45) Leveraging technology in commercial real estate (23:29) Goal setting and challenges in the AEC industry (27:08) Ensuring accountability and commitment in projects (29:11) Effects of the pandemic on the industry (30:33) Importance of training and empowering the next generation (34:29) Strategies for finding and nurturing young talent (41:52) Compensation strategies for retaining high performers (42:11) Evaluating and managing commercial real estate investments (45:49) Measuring success and productivity (50:09) Reflecting on past experiences and advice for the future

In this conversation, Justin Neagle and Will Foret speak with Kami Farahmandpour and Chris Kottra from Building Technology Consultants, Inc. (BTC) about their experiences in the engineering industry, the founding of BTC, and the importance of company culture, leadership transitions, and quality in their work. They discuss the challenges of hiring in a niche market, the significance of training for autonomy, and the role of litigation in honing expertise. The conversation also touches on reflections and advice for future leaders in the industry. Connect with Chris and Kami -  Chris' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-kottra-pe-rewc-ccca-61099b43/ Kami's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kami-farahmandpour-a9823115/ Website: https://www.btc.expert/     Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/   Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -  Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration   Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help (0:00) Introduction and early transition plans (1:17) Mission of the podcast and sponsor mention (3:08) Founding BTC and team member introductions (6:43) Career progression and planning for business transition (11:18) Transitioning ownership and cultivating firm culture (16:18) Evaluating ESOP and alternative business structures (20:14) Emphasizing merit-based promotion at BTC (22:02) Financing the business transition (29:37) Strategies for talent acquisition and retention (32:42) Managing growth while maintaining quality (37:01) Importance of training and mentorship programs (43:14) Measuring leadership performance and dynamics (47:06) Navigating litigation and providing expert testimony (50:53) Reflective advice to younger selves (54:59) Closing contact information and outro

Join Jacob Hansen and Colton Browning as they delve into their backgrounds in the AEC industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships and strategies for scaling firms. They explore the evolution of services with Building Information Modeling (BIM), discussing its purpose, application, and the need for buy-in and communication. A case study on BIM at TSMC highlights its practical use. The episode addresses challenges in scheduling, cost, and collaboration, stressing early involvement and coordination between contractors. Listen in for BIM war stories and success tales, offering insights and advice for newcomers to the field.   Connect with Jacob and Colten -  Jacob LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobhansen-hcg/   Colten LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coltenbrowning/ Website: https://hansenconsultinggroup.org/   Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/   Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -  Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration   Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help   (0:00) Introduction to BIM and Podcast (1:29) Introducing guests Jacob Hansen and Colton Browning (2:42) Guests' background in AEC (4:08) Building relationships in the AEC industry (7:10) Scaling an AEC firm (9:23) Evolving services in BIM (11:22) Deep dive into BIM and its purpose (13:20) BIM for various project scales (21:38) Achieving buy-in and communication for BIM (23:49) Establishing sources of truth in BIM (25:15) Case study: BIM at TSMC (28:17) Understanding LOD in BIM (32:33) BIM challenges with scheduling and cost (34:15) Collaboration and early involvement in BIM (36:57) BIM coordination between GCs and subcontractors (41:35) Integrating subcontractors into BIM processes (43:06) BIM war stories and benefits (46:00) BIM horror and success stories (52:12) Advice to younger self and closing thoughts (56:21) Sponsor: [Sponsor Name]

Mark Davenport discusses his career journey in architecture, from intern to managing partner at SPS+ Architects. He covers the firm's leadership structure, managing transitions, and role fit challenges. The conversation delves into business operations, including EOS integration for efficiency and the firm's evolving focus and expansion. Mark outlines future growth through studio specializations and examines how contract types are impacting the industry. He highlights using culture index for team dynamics, strategic planning, and process automation. Emphasizing growth strategies and technology's role in scaling, the episode concludes with ERP implementation lessons and time management advice.   Connect with Mark -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-davenport-21343011/  Website: https://www.spsplusarchitects.com/Phone: 602-524-2190     Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/   Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -  Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration   Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help (0:00) Introduction and Mark Davenport's architecture career journey (5:13) Mark's transition from intern to managing partner (7:28) Leadership structure at SPS Plus Architects (11:35) Managing leadership transitions and role fit (17:14) Business operations challenges and insights (24:07) Implementing ChatGPT and EOS for efficiency (29:44) Evolution of firm's focus and geographical reach (33:27) Future vision and studio specializations (37:24) Contract types and their impact on the industry (41:33) Utilizing culture index for team dynamics (44:17) Strategic planning and process automation (48:44) Growth strategies and embracing risk (49:25) Technology's role in scaling the business (50:22) Journey and lessons from ERP implementation (55:25) Mark Davenport's advice on time management (57:25) Conclusion and contact information (58:36) Sponsor: ${name}

Dr. Adam Krob explores AI's transformative potential in construction estimates. He discusses challenges and opportunities in construction technology, focusing on data governance, legacy systems, and risk management. Key topics include overcoming data storage issues, leadership buy-in for tech adoption, and AI's role in safety-sensitive industries. Dr. Krob also addresses AI's impact on labor shortages, value engineering, and lean scheduling. The episode concludes with insights on selecting AI platforms, building a tiered AI model, and understanding shadow IT.   Connect with Adam Krob -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akrob/   Website: https://bohbros.com/ AI Washing Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-right-reasons-adam-krob-1ngpe/     Connect with Justin & Will - Will's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willforet/ Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/   Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration -  Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration   Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help (0:00) Introduction and AI's potential in construction estimates (1:52) Introduction of guest Dr. Adam Krob and his journey (4:26) Challenges and opportunities in construction technology (7:48) Data governance, legacy systems, and risk management (14:28) Overcoming data storage challenges and leadership buy-in (17:35) Driving technology adoption through safety (20:34) The role of data in AI and starting the AI journey (24:33) Trustworthiness of AI in safety-sensitive construction industries (26:00) AI's impact on single founder companies and estimation processes (31:17) Utilizing AI to address labor shortages and improve value engineering (34:01) Integrating lean scheduling with AI (41:47) Selecting and governing AI platforms in construction (55:09) Building a tiered model for AI utilization and understanding shadow IT (59:49) Reflecting on past decisions and the pace of change in the industry (1:02:03) Connecting with the hosts and final thoughts on AI (1:02:57) Closing remarks and sponsor message

Jenny Williams discusses her journey in the family construction business and the significance of assembling the right team. She explores the CMGC delivery method, emphasizing its benefits in balancing work-life and technology adoption in construction. Jenny shares strategies for attracting and training new employees, highlighting the role of community engagement through events like construction rodeos. The conversation shifts to the evolving mindset in construction management, moving away from low-bid work, and the importance of building partnerships. Jenny also touches on the impact of DBE recognition and new growth opportunities in the industry, wrapping up with her closing thoughts. Connect with Jenny -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-williams-6518311a6/  Website: https://wdscontracting.com/   Connect with Justin - Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/ Website: https://www.spotmigration.com   Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help (0:00) Introduction and importance of the right team (2:06) Jenny Williams' journey in the family business (3:27) CMGC delivery method and work-life balance (10:13) CMGC benefits and technology adoption in construction (20:33) Strategies for attracting and training new employees (24:13) Construction rodeo and community engagement (28:32) Mindset shift in construction management and low-bid work (31:55) Building partnerships and impact of DBE recognition (34:56) New growth opportunities and closing thoughts