The ConTechCrew

Trade contractors operate at the center of some of construction’s most complex workflows; estimating, procurement, scheduling, fabrication, field execution, change management, and closeout, yet their critical project data often lives across disconnected systems. In this episode, the crew previews Trimble Dimensions 2026 and sits down with Yael Hanan, co-founder and CEO of Pelles AI, to explore how AI could help trade contractors connect those fragmented systems without forcing them to abandon the tools and workflows they already rely on. 

The conversation digs into Pelles AI’s vision for an AI infrastructure layer for the trades, connecting information across estimating, takeoff, project management, fabrication, schedules, contracts, and other systems. Yael also shares Pelles AI’s experience with Trimble’s 0 to 60 Challenge, why interoperability matters more than an all-in-one platform, and how better-connected data can move experienced construction professionals away from repetitive work and toward higher-value decision-making. 

Key Takeaways
Why trade contractors need a different approach to construction technology and why workflows can vary significantly not only between trades, but even between contractors working in the same specialty.
How AI can connect an existing construction tech stack rather than trying to replace estimating, takeoff, project management, fabrication, scheduling, and other specialized tools.
How connected project data can protect and improve margins, including comparing estimates against actual project outcomes and carrying lessons learned into future bids.
Why construction AI needs to lead to action, turning information from drawings, specifications, contracts, markups, schedules, and other sources into RFIs, change-order processes, purchasing decisions, invoicing, and other workflows.
Where construction AI and interoperability are headed next, including Pelles AI’s Trimble integrations, the importance of ERP connections, and why Yael believes the intelligence layer across multiple construction systems represents a major opportunity.

Timestamps 
[00:00] - Episode Teaser
[03:47] - From Construction Law to Construction Tech
[06:26] - Building AI Infrastructure for Trade Contractors
[10:28] - What a Connected Trade Workflow Actually Looks Like
[12:28] - Closing the Gap Between Estimates and Actual Results
[14:53] - Connecting Schedule, Procurement, and Fabrication
[19:11] - Trimble’s 0 to 60 Challenge and the Integration Strategy
[20:40] - Why the Future Is Connected Tech Stacks, Not One Tool
[32:19] - Rapid Fire, What’s Next, and Trimble Dimensions
[38:45] - How to Connect

Follow Yael Hanan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yael-meretyk-hanan/
Website (Company): https://www.pelles.ai/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/pelles-ai/

Follow the Hosts:
Jeff Sample: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/
Nathan Wood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/

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 
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Construction is facing a growing labor shortage while jobsite safety and productivity remain major challenges. In this episode, host Jeff Sample is joined by Shamoon Siddiqui, founder of Human Friendly Robotics, who explains why the future of construction automation isn't humanoid robots. It’s purpose-built robots designed to solve specific, repetitive tasks. From robotic tile installation to intelligent wire pulling, Shamoon shares how robotics can enhance skilled trades by protecting workers' bodies, improving reliability, and helping the industry scale without replacing craftsmanship. 

Shamoon Siddiqui is the founder of Human Friendly Robotics, a New Jersey-based company building robots specifically for the construction industry. With a background in technology and startups, Shamoon brings an outsider's perspective to construction, focusing on solving real-world jobsite problems while empowering skilled tradespeople rather than replacing them. 

Key Takeaways
Why purpose-built construction robots make more sense than humanoid robots.
How robotics can reduce injuries while preserving craftsmanship in the skilled trades.
The biggest engineering challenges of designing robots for unpredictable construction jobsites.
How intelligent wire-pulling robots could improve safety, scheduling, and productivity for electricians.
Why the future of construction depends on collaboration between technology companies, contractors, and unions.

Timestamps 
[00:00] - Episode Teaser
[02:01] - Introduction to today's guest
[02:42] - Shamoon's journey from software startups to construction robotics
[06:34] - Why tile installation became the first robotics opportunity
[10:12] - Protecting craftsmanship while automating repetitive work
[13:48] - Labor shortages, attracting the next generation, and the role of technology
[15:33] - Inside Human Friendly Robotics' engineering culture: "Action generates information"
[16:53] - Building reliable robots for unpredictable construction environments
[22:42] - Adoption challenges: estimating, bidding, unions, and changing construction workflows
[25:36] - Introducing Sparky: the future of intelligent electrical wire pulling
[33:31] - Where to connect 

Follow Shamoon Siddiqui:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamoons/
Website (Company): https://www.humanfriendly.bot/
LinkedIn (Company): http://linkedin.com/company/humanfriendlyrobotics/ 

Follow the Host:
Jeff Sample: 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

What does it take to launch and grow a successful commercial construction company in today's market? In this episode, host Jeff Sample invites Melissa Drew to share her journey from spending two decades with a national contractor to building a nimble construction management firm focused on large-scale government projects. The conversation explores how smaller contractors can compete with industry giants by prioritizing relationships, quality, planning, and practical technology over unnecessary complexity. Melissa also shares hard-earned lessons on bonding capacity, company growth, and choosing technology that delivers real value. 

Melissa Drew is the Founder and CEO of InSite BUILD, a Maryland-based construction management firm specializing in commercial and state government construction projects. After more than 20 years leading major higher education and public-sector projects for a national contractor, Melissa launched InSite BUILD to create a more agile, relationship-driven approach to construction management. Under her leadership, the company secured a $53 million project immediately after launch and continues to grow by combining big-project experience with the flexibility of a small, highly collaborative team. 

Key Takeaways
Why small construction firms can successfully compete against national contractors.
How strong subcontractor relationships create better project outcomes and lower costs.
The importance of planning, quality management, and "building it right the first time."
Lessons learned about bonding capacity and scaling a government contracting business.
How practical technology is transforming project planning and collaboration.

Timestamps
[00:00] - Episode Teaser
[00:21] - Introduction to Melissa Drew
[01:20] - From national contractor to launching InSite BUILD
[03:40] - Why smaller, more agile construction teams can outperform larger organizations
[05:31] - Building stronger subcontractor relationships through flexibility and trust
[09:04] - Winning work through teamwork, relationships, and a different approach to hard bid projects
[16:10] - Scaling challenges: bonding, risk, and growing a government construction business
[18:09] - Quality-first leadership and eliminating costly rework through better planning
[23:16] - Simple technology with powerful results: Excel, Bluebeam, AI, and visualization
[27:02] - Using Bluebeam to improve collaboration and communication
[38:40] - Choosing the right technology stack, and lessons from software investments
[50:01] - Final thoughts and where to connect

Follow Melissa Drew:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadrew/
Website (Company): https://www.insite-build.com/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/insite-build/
Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/insitebuildmd
Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/insite_build

Follow the Host:
Jeff Sample: 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

What does it take to transform MEP engineering with generative AI? In this episode, host Jeff Sample sits down with Niklas Lindgren to explore how Endra is building a new AI-powered workplace for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers. The conversation covers Niklas’s path from law school to founding and exiting a global design-build security company, assembling a world-class technical team, and creating technology that connects engineering calculations, 3D modeling, documentation, and manufacturer data. Niklas also explains how faster, more detailed engineering could improve decision-making for consultants, contractors, general contractors, owners, and manufacturers across the construction ecosystem.

Niklas Lindgren is the Co-founder and CEO of Endra, an AI platform designed to help MEP engineers automate repetitive workflows, generate documentation, and capture institutional knowledge. Before launching Endra, Niklas co-founded and scaled a global design-build security systems company serving hyperscalers, government organizations, logistics providers, and enterprise clients. After selling the company to private equity, he partnered with experienced AI and autonomous systems engineers to build Endra and pursue a broader vision to transform how engineering work is delivered.

Key Takeaways
Why generative AI can dramatically accelerate MEP design without removing engineers from the process.
How Endra connects 3D modeling, engineering calculations, documentation, and manufacturer-level data.
Why capturing and productizing institutional knowledge is becoming a strategic priority for large engineering firms.
How faster, data-rich design can improve cost analysis, procurement, collaboration, and downstream construction workflows.
What Endra’s $50 million Series A signals about investor interest in AI-driven engineering technology.

Timestamps
[00:00] - Episode teaser
[01:42] - Introduction to Niklas Lindgren and Endra
[03:48] - From law school to building a global design-build security company
[05:51] - Founding Endra and recruiting an elite technical team
[11:42] - The core problem Endra is solving for MEP engineers
[13:01] - Automating repetitive design work while keeping engineers in control
[17:48] - Capturing institutional knowledge and productizing engineering expertise
[19:39] - Enterprise adoption, global demand, and Endra’s go-to-market strategy
[25:57] - Raising a $50 million Series A and building for long-term transformation
[33:12] - How AI-powered engineering can improve construction downstream
[39:31] - Final thoughts and where to connect

Follow Niklas Lindgren:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niklaslindgren-endra/ 
Website (Company): https://www.endra.ai   
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/endraai/?originalSubdomain=se 

Follow the Host:
Jeff Sample: 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

The construction industry is facing an unprecedented wave of complexity. Mega-projects, data center expansions, labor shortages, and increasingly interconnected project teams are creating more risk and information overload than ever before. In this episode, host Jeff Sample sits down with the team behind Primepoint AI to discuss how artificial intelligence, knowledge graphs, and connected project data can help construction teams navigate complexity, reduce risk, and make better decisions faster. 
Lubomir Bourdev is the Co-Founder and CEO of Primepoint. A computer vision pioneer, he previously worked at Adobe, where he helped develop some of the earliest commercial computer vision applications. Kamran Azarbal serves as VP of Strategy at Primepoint. With a background in Civil Engineering from UC Berkeley and years of experience working for leading general contractors including Turner Construction and Webcor, Kamran brings deep operational knowledge of large-scale commercial construction projects.
Key Takeaways
Why construction may be one of the most challenging industries for AI to solve.
How knowledge graphs connect drawings, RFIs, submittals, schedules, and specifications into a unified project intelligence platform.
Ways AI can reduce project risk while increasing productivity across operations and field teams.
How construction organizations can preserve decades of institutional knowledge before experienced leaders retire.
Why the future of AI in construction is about augmenting human expertise rather than replacing it.

Timestamps
[00:00] - Episode Teaser
[02:05] - From Adobe and Facebook to Primepoint
[05:31] - Kamran Azarbal's Construction Background
[06:59] - Why Primepoint Built a Construction Knowledge Graph
[09:49] - Eliminating Information Overload on Construction Projects
[13:51] - How Connected Project Data Changes Everything
[18:39] - Practical Field Applications for AI-Powered Project Intelligence
[23:01] - Scaling Expertise Without Replacing People
[27:42] - Lubomir's Vision for the Future of Construction Intelligence
[33:16] - Building Trust While Moving Fast with AI
[37:04] - How to Connect

Follow the Guests:
LinkedIn (Lubomir): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubomir-bourdev-51a8652/
LinkedIn (Kamran): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamran-azarbal/
Website (Company): https://www.primepoint.ai/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/primepoint-labs/

Follow the Host:
Jeff Sample: 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