Construction Conversations

Ep. 06 - Director of Electrical VDC - Navigating Careers and Mental Health in Construction with Chris Wilocki

Join us as we sit down with Chris Wilocki, Director of Electrical VDC at VIATechnik, to explore the evolving landscape of construction careers and the pressing issue of mental health within the industry. Chris shares his personal journey from a high school graduate entering an electrical apprenticeship to his current role, highlighting the diverse opportunities within the field. We delve into the impact of BIM technology on construction projects, discussing its benefits and challenges. The conversation also addresses the mental health crisis in construction, examining the factors contributing to high stress levels and the importance of redefining the value and perception of construction work. Tune in for an insightful discussion on navigating careers and fostering well-being in the construction industry.

Ep. 05 - General Superintendent - Lessons in Leadership and How to Future Proof Your Career with Mitch MacDonald

In this episode, we are joined by Mitch McDonald, General Superintendent at XL Construction, as he shares his fascinating journey from a third-generation construction family to leading major projects. Mitch dives into his early life, growing up on a dairy farm, and how those experiences shaped his work ethic and career in construction.

We explore Mitch's rapid rise in the industry, his transition from field to office roles, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. He offers insightful advice on balancing work-life rhythms, the importance of mentorship, and how young professionals can navigate their careers in construction.

Mitch also discusses the future of the construction industry, emphasizing the critical need for skilled labor and the potential career paths for those entering the field. This episode is packed with wisdom and practical guidance for anyone interested in or already part of the construction industry.

Takeaways

• Raising your hand and asking for opportunities is key to career progression.
• A successful superintendent guides the collective effort of the team rather than directing or ordering.
• Managing people older than you requires respect, engagement, and utilizing their experience and knowledge.
• Work-life balance can be challenging in the construction industry, especially in the early stages of career advancement. Prioritizing family and personal well-being is crucial for achieving work-life balance.
• Individuals should take ownership of their own development and seek resources that resonate with them.
• Apprenticeship programs in the construction industry offer high salaries and the potential for early retirement.
• Communication and outreach are key in attracting young people to the construction industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:11 From Family Background to Construction Career

09:09 The Importance of Continuous Education

18:15 Raising Your Hand and Taking Initiative

22:40 Managing People with Respect and Guidance

24:59 Navigating Work-Life Balance Challenges

27:16 Reassessing Priorities for Personal Well-being

30:00 Doing What's Best for You and Your Family

32:06 Finding a Rhythm Instead of Balance

36:28 Throwing Yourself into Your Work

43:08 The Importance of Emotional Support

48:18 Completion of Product Over Time Spent

52:41 Mentoring as a Personal and Organic Process

58:13 Making the Construction Industry More Attractive

01:01:30 The Increasing Demand for Skilled Labor

Ep. 04 - Founder and CEO - Decentralized Growth and the Foundation Needed to Leverage Technology with Lars Herman

Join Stephen as he sits down with Lars Herrmann, a trailblazing founder in the construction industry, known for his candid insights and fearless approach to innovation. In this episode, Lars shares his journey from the Navy to founding Hermann Construction, tackling industry inefficiencies, and the evolution of construction technology. Discover how Lars' military background honed his leadership and communication skills, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to scaling a successful construction business.

Explore the challenges and opportunities within the construction sector, from the disconnect between the field and the office to the role of technology and AI in transforming traditional practices. Lars offers a unique perspective on creating a culture of accountability, the importance of standardization, and the potential of decentralized growth. This conversation dives deep into the practical and philosophical aspects of driving industry change, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of construction.

Ep. 03 - Sr. VDC Manager - The Future of BIM: Success Stories and Challenges in 2024 with Jack Desloge

The conversation focuses on the good, bad, and ugly of building digitally in 2024. The guest, Jack Desloge, shares his background and how he ended up at VIATechnik. They discuss the industry's level of leveraging BIM and the challenges faced by regional contractors. They also explore the importance of integrating BIM into the project team and the need for domain expertise in implementing the process. The conversation touches on the role of VDC managers and the potential paradigm shift in the industry. They discuss the benefits of cultivating strong VDC managers and the impact they can have on multiple projects. They also talk about the culture shift needed in the industry to attract and retain talent. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the day-to-day activities of a VDC manager on a project. The conversation explores the benefits and challenges of early involvement in construction projects and the potential of integrated project delivery (IPD) and progressive design build. The importance of collaboration, coordination, and education in VDC efforts is emphasized. The measurement of ROI in VDC is discussed, with a focus on schedule improvements and reducing rework. The future of the industry is envisioned to include standardized delivery of information models and increased demand for digital twins by owners.

Takeaways

• The industry still has a long way to go in leveraging BIM and integrating it into project delivery.
• The challenges faced by regional contractors in adopting BIM include fee constraints and the need for owner demand.
• The role of VDC managers is crucial in bridging the gap between the technical aspects of BIM and the project team's execution.
• There is a need for a paradigm shift in the industry to view BIM as an integrated and essential part of project delivery.
• Cultivating strong VDC managers can have a significant impact on multiple projects and improve project outcomes.
• The industry needs to undergo a culture shift to attract and retain talent, making it a more desirable place to work.
• The day-to-day activities of a VDC manager include constructability review, content creation, coordination with trade partners, and architectural wall coordination. Early involvement in construction projects can help prevent conflicts and improve coordination between disciplines.
• Integrated project delivery (IPD) and progressive design build can encourage collaboration and shared risk and reward.
• Continuing education and communication are crucial in VDC efforts.
• Measuring the ROI of VDC can be challenging, but schedule improvements and reducing rework are key indicators.
• The future of the industry may include standardized delivery of information models and increased demand for digital twins.

 

Ep. 02 - Director of Innovation - What is and is Not Working About Innovation in Construction with Karl Sorensen

In this captivating episode of Construction Conversations, Karl Sorensen, Director of Innovation at Davis Construction, unpacks the existing challenges within the construction handoff process and explores the potential solutions to streamline it. Drawing from his own experiences as a millennial grappling with inefficiencies on the job site, Sorensen elaborates on the significant role of improved technologies, processes, and organizational structures in bolstering the performance of small businesses operating within the construction industry.

The episode opens up conversations on the complexities imposed by rapidly evolving tech solutions in construction, highlighting the importance of these technologies as enablers in achieving efficiency rather than dictating the construction process. The discourse also touches on the key role of daily reporting vendors in identifying and resolving issues critical for successful project execution and the essential need for tech companies to deepen their industry understanding, emphasizing a client-engagement approach.

Underscoring the value of construction tools born from hands-on industry experience, the discussion brings into focus the significance of real-time collaboration. Moreover, the profound role of technology in managing escalated project complexities, stringent deadlines, and incomplete project documentation has been stressed.

This thought-provoking episode dives into the pressing need for better project documentation during the design phase and explores the potential of Building Information Modeling (BIM), Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bridging existing knowledge and process gaps within the construction industry.

The discussions further explore the intricate role of AI in the construction industry and address potential risks of sharing company-specific data for AI training, the need for AI output verification, and the potential legal risks associated with it. Wrapping up, the conversation also brings into focus the evolving roles of professionals in the construction sector and the dire need for the industry to keep engaging in such crucial dialogues.

Ep. 01 - Sr. Superintendent - Is Tech Failing to Improve the Lives of Project Teams with Wes Juergen

Welcome to the first episode of Construction Conversations with our host, Stephen Poppe. In this insightful discussion, we're joined by Wes Juergens, a Senior Superintendent at Austin Commercial. Wes imparts valuable knowledge onto listeners, discussing critical topics like the ongoing labor shortage, the integration of much-needed technology in the industry, and how evolving tech is reshaping project completion.

The dialogue progresses to focus on technology's profound effects on the construction sector. Wes elaborates on how advanced tech — such as AI and robotics — can potentially revolutionize the industry and provides practical, tangible examples. He also explains the immense benefits of software programs in managing projects and solving issues.

A compelling part of the episode is when Wes speaks about the impacts of technology on work-life balance. He concedes that, while tech has made the work process more streamlined and safer, it has also reduced downtime due to an 'always on' work culture. Still, he ends the conversation with an impact note, emphasizing the importance of a balanced work life.

Join us for this engaging journey into the evolving landscape of the construction industry, as we explore topics ranging from the challenging stereotypes to the embrace of complexity and technology. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone intrigued by the construction industry's progress and potential future.