The ConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample explores the “Wild Wild West” of construction engineering with Jasper Calcara of D.H. Charles Engineering. From Olympic downhill inspections to life-threatening trench collapses and sheared structural columns, Jasper shares what it means to be the “sheriff” in an industry where seconds matter and safety is everything.
Construction engineering is one of the most overlooked and most dangerous aspects of the building industry. While architects and structural engineers design permanent structures, construction engineers operate in the high-risk, fast-paced world of temporary works: scaffolding, excavation shoring, crane picks, structural stabilization, and emergency site interventions.

Key Takeaways
Why construction engineering (temporary works) is one of the most dangerous and under-supported disciplines in construction
What really happens behind the scenes on massive projects like the Bay Bridge and the Olympics
The hidden dangers of trench work and why even a 5-foot excavation can be deadly
How technology and custom-built systems can improve safety, response time, and team collaboration
Why modern, accessible education is critical as experienced construction knowledge retires out of the workforce

Timestamps
[00:00] – Episode Introduction
[02:30] – Meet the “Engineering Sheriff”
[06:07] – What Is Construction Engineering?
[07:54] – The Bay Bridge & The Scope of Temporary Works
[10:50] – Olympic-Level Engineering
[12:00] – Risk, Liability & The Wild West of Construction
[16:00] – Building Technology for Seconds That Matter
[18:45] – The Hidden Dangers of Below-Ground Work
[21:27] – Reinventing Construction Education
[31:07] – A Wake-Up Call: When No One Knows the Risk
[33:21] – A Critical Moment for the Industry
[35:26] – Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect

Follow Jasper Calcara:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaspercalcara/
Website (Company): https://charlesengineering.com/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/d-h-charles-engineering/

Follow the Host:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:
Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
X: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Jonathan Marsh and Travis Voss. They discuss the latest trends in construction technology, including the growing role of AI, its implications on the workforce, and its potential to change the construction industry. They also cover the importance of hands-on skill development, share insights from the MVP Innovation Conference, and discuss exciting developments in the building automation space.

Key Takeaways
How AI can augment skills but may also risk diminishing them if over-relied upon.
The role of IoT and predictive maintenance in making buildings more energy-efficient and connected.
Why AI isn’t yet ready to fully replace human decision-making in complex construction scenarios.
How companies can stand out by offering strong service expertise alongside their tech solutions.
The rise of quick, experimental coding and the idea of developing throwaway tech for rapid prototyping.

Timestamps
[00:00] - Episode Introduction
[03:08] - AI and its Role in the Workforce
[08:40] - Tribal Knowledge and Human Decision-Making
[15:37] - Workforce Development – The Heavy Metal Summer Experience
[19:17] - The Role of IoT in Building Automation
[26:28] - AI in Construction – Risks and Benefits
[29:58] - AI Usage Curve and The Slop
[34:02] - Final Predictions for 2026

Follow Travis Voss & Company
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.voss.336 
Website: https://www.constructiondorks.com/ 
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/smacna/ 
Website (Company): https://www.smacna.org/ 
Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/SMACNA 
Twitter (Company): https://x.com/smacna 
Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/smacna/ 

Follow Jonathan Marsh & Company
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe 
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-toe-consulting-llc/ 
Website: https://www.steeltoeconsulting.com/

Follow the Host:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:
Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
X: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, the conversation moves into one of the least flashy but most critical areas of construction: accounting. host Jeff Sample is joined by construction accounting expert Bryce Wisan to unpack why construction accounting is fundamentally different from other industries, why profitable contractors still fail, and how cash flow, not margin, is often the real killer.

Bryce Wisan is a lifelong construction accounting professional and founder of Levvigo, a company providing remote, construction-trained accounting talent to contractors. Raised by a construction CPA, Bryce has spent his career working with contractors in public accounting, financial management, and advisory roles.

Key Takeaways
Why construction accounting is operational, not just financial record-keeping
How job costing connects estimating, field operations, billing, and cash flow
Why 70% of contractors fail while still profitable
The real impact of the accountant shortage in construction
How remote and nearshore accounting models can help contractors scale sustainably

Timestamps
[00:00] - Episode Introduction
[01:53] – Bryce’s Path into Construction Accounting
[03:34] – Why Construction Accounting Is Different
[06:20] – Job Costing Explained: “Measuring What Matters”
[10:18] – The Disconnect Between Estimating, Billing & Reality
[12:48] – The Accounting Talent Shortage Gets Real
[15:01] – CFMA, Upskilling & Smarter Technology
[20:45] – LeverGo & Accounting as a Service
[28:25] – Final Thoughts & Resources

Follow Bryce Wisan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brycewisan/
Website (Company): https://www.levvigo.com/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/levvigo/

Follow the Host:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:
Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
X: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample looks into the real-world application of AI in construction with industry leaders from Quantum Rise. While AI is generating excitement across industries, construction companies often struggle with where to start, what to automate, and how to ensure meaningful ROI. This conversation breaks down the path from curiosity to implementation, showing how AI can shift from buzzword to business advantage, if done right.

Hugh Seaton and Connor Schmeling from Quantum Rise join the show. Hugh brings years of experience in AI and digital transformation, with a sharp focus on aligning tech with business goals. Connor leads the construction vertical at Quantum Rise, leveraging a consulting and technology background (KPMG, fintech) to help contractors and subcontractors drive value through AI. Together, they offer a complementary blend of vision and execution.

Key Takeaways
Why starting AI initiatives with business outcomes is the key to success.
Common AI implementation pitfalls in construction and how to avoid them.
The value of automating “boring” but necessary tasks to free up human expertise.
How Quantum Rise uses a “Rapid AI Breakthrough Assessment” to identify high-ROI opportunities.
Why future-proofing your AI stack matters and how modular solutions enable adaptability.

Timestamps
[00:00] - Episode Introduction
[02:34] - Hugh’s AI Journey and the Current Landscape
[04:34] - Meet Connor Schmeling and Quantum Rise’s Approach
[07:12] - Avoiding AI Failures: It’s Not Just About Tech
[11:34] - The Importance of Business Strategy Before AI Strategy
[16:31] - Automating the Right Tasks: Small Wins, Big Impact
[23:34] - Future-Proofing AI Solutions and Modular Model Design
[28:10] - Human-Centric Design: Making AI Usable and Trusted
[35:05] - The Connected Jobsite and Using Data Intelligently
[41:05] - Conclusion: AI as a Strategic Partner in Construction

Follow Connor Schmeling:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorschmeling/

Follow Hugh Seaton:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughseaton/
Website: https://hughseaton.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hughg.seaton.9
X: https://x.com/hughseaton

Follow Quantum Rise:
Website: https://www.quantumrise.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quantumrise/

Follow the Host:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:
Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
X: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample sits down with Colin Piper to discuss the rapid adoption of AI in the construction industry. They explore Build Ops’ latest report on AI in commercial contracting, highlighting key trends and challenges faced by trade contractors. The episode discusses how AI is transforming workflows, tackling burnout and labor shortages, and increasing efficiency in the industry. The duo also reflects on the importance of data, training, and the need for ongoing investment to ensure AI’s success in the trade sector.
Colin Piper is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at BuildOps, a leading company in construction technology. With over 20 years of experience in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry, Colin has worked with Autodesk, where he helped build marketing teams and led their construction tech initiatives. Now at BuildOps, he continues his mission to transform the industry through innovative technology, particularly focusing on the adoption of AI.

Key Takeaways
Why Trade contractors are already using AI, and how is it changing their workflows
How the Pivot Point report challenges the common perception about AI adoption in commercial contracting
Rising burnout and a shortage of skilled labor affecting both field workers and back-office teams
How AI helps streamline repetitive tasks on job sites, and what impact it has on tradespeople
Effective AI adoption requires a strong data infrastructure and ongoing investment in training

Timestamps
[00:00] - Episode Introduction
[01:43] - Colin Piper’s Background
[04:05] - The Pivot Point Report
[08:20] - Rising Burnout & Labor Shortages
[11:15] - AI Adoption in the Trades
[14:01] - AI’s Usage & Impact on Efficiency
[18:52] - Data Infrastructure & Training
[25:54] - The Future of the Trades
[38:34] - Closing Remarks & Resources

Follow Colin Piper:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-t-piper/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctpiper/

Follow BuildOps:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildops/
Website: https://buildops.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoBuildOps
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobuildops/
X: https://x.com/gobuildops

The Pivot Point Report: 
https://buildops.com/resources/the-trades-are-at-a-pivot-point/
https://buildops.com/lp/kickstand-report/

Follow the Host:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow The ConTech Crew:
Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en 
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew 
X: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew