The ConTechCrew

In this episode, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Cameron Page, Founder and CEO of Clearstory, to discuss one of construction's most misunderstood and critical processes: change orders. The conversation explores how change orders impact every stakeholder on a project, why transparency matters more than ever, and how AI is beginning to transform construction workflows. The episode also dives into technology adoption, process standardization, innovation teams, and the future of connected construction data. 

Cameron Page is the Founder and CEO of Clearstory, a construction technology company focused on streamlining change order communication, visibility, and workflow management across owners, general contractors, and specialty contractors. Before launching Clearstory in 2018, Cameron spent nine years at Devcon Construction, one of Silicon Valley's largest builders, where he worked on projects ranging from tenant improvements to large-scale corporate campuses. 

Key Takeaways
Why field experience is invaluable for anyone entering the construction industry.
How change orders have become the central workflow connecting design, schedule, budget, and project execution.
The hidden costs of poor visibility into change management.
How Clearstory is helping contractors, owners, and trade partners improve transparency and reduce risk.
The role AI agents may play in accelerating change order review, pricing, and approval workflows.

Timestamps
[00:00] - Episode Teaser
[00:43] - Meet Cameron Page & Clearstory
[02:15] - From Construction Management Student to Founder
[08:19] - The Change Order Problem
[11:33] - Creating Value for Contractors, GCs, and Owners
[16:53] - Design Evolution, Risk, and Cost Exposure
[19:24] - AI, Data Intelligence, and Predictive Insights
[23:47] - The Future of Change Order Management
[26:50] - AI Agents for Construction Workflows
[30:05] - Industry Standards, Adoption, and Innovation
[36:51] - Why Construction Tech Needs Construction Experts
[42:15] - Full-Circle Industry Connections
[44:41] - Final Thoughts & Where to Connect

Follow Cameron Page:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-page-740aa722/
Website (Company): https://www.clearstory.build/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/clearstory-build/
Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/Clearstory.build/
Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/clearstory.build/
X (Company): https://x.com/ClearstoryBuild
YouTube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@Clearstorybuild

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 
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In this episode, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with Bryan Guess to explore one of the most overlooked challenges in construction, technology, and business operations: mistaking symptoms for root causes. Drawing from his experience, Bryan explains why organizations often jump straight to solutions without first understanding the real problem they're trying to solve. The conversation explores systems thinking, organizational accountability, communication breakdowns, technology adoption, and why most operational problems are ultimately people and process problems. 

Bryan Guess is the founder of Bartizan Strategic Group, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations diagnose operational challenges, improve business systems, and solve complex organizational problems. Prior to launching Partizan, Bryan spent over a decade working with commercial building owners and AEC stakeholders, where he discovered that many challenges attributed to construction, engineering, or technology are actually universal business problems involving people, processes, incentives, and communication. 

Key Takeaways
Why organizations often prescribe solutions before fully understanding the problem.
How authority, accountability, and communication create recurring project failures.
Why technology and software are rarely the root solution to operational challenges.
How systems thinking can uncover hidden organizational inefficiencies.
Practical ways to diagnose recurring business and project problems before investing in new tools or processes.

Timestamps
[00:00] - Episode Teaser
[03:56] - Bryan's Journey from Building Consulting to Business Consulting
[05:21] - Universal Business Problems Across Industries
[07:11] - Systems Thinking, Shared Language, and Organizational Diagnostics
[10:34] - Authority, Accountability, and Why Projects Break Down
[15:07] - Technology Isn't a Magic Bullet
[19:15] - Diagnosing Before Prescribing Solutions
[30:53] - Lessons Learned, Repeatability, and Improving Project Systems
[37:15] - Communication Systems, Software Creep, and Operational Complexity
[46:11] - Final Advice: Stay Curious and Challenge Assumptions

Follow Bryan Guess:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-guess/
Website (Company): https://bartizan.group/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/bartizan-strategic-group/

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 
X: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood look into the evolving role of AI in construction technology with Colin Whitlatch, CTO of Kahua. Colin discusses how Kahua's platform leverages AI to enhance construction project management, the importance of security and compliance (especially in the context of FedRAMP), and how the human element remains vital even as AI becomes more prevalent in the industry.   

Colin Whitlatch is the Chief Technology Officer at Kahua, a leading software company in the construction tech space. With over 15 years of experience, Colin has played a pivotal role in shaping Kahua's AI-driven platform, which focuses on flexibility, data integrity, and helping construction businesses innovate while ensuring top-notch security. 

Key Takeaways
AI in construction tech must be paired with human oversight to ensure effective decision-making and avoid errors.
Security and compliance, such as FedRAMP, are critical in building trust and safeguarding sensitive data.
The balance of innovation and ethical responsibility is essential for leveraging AI at scale.
Despite AI’s power, context is key as AI can’t replace human judgment in complex scenarios.
The importance of transparency and traceability in AI-driven actions to avoid mistakes or legal risks.

Timestamps
[00:00] – Episode Teaser
[02:29] – Colin’s Background
[04:17] – Kahua’s Journey and Evolution
[09:13] – Connecting Business Logic to Project Contracts
[13:22] – AI’s Benefits and Challenges
[19:03] – Human in the Loop Concept
[20:25] – The Role of Security & FedRAMP
[25:45] – FedRAMP vs. CMK Compliance
[30:58] – Ethical Use of AI in Construction
[39:06] – AI and Human Oversight: A Necessary Balance
[47:31] – Final Thoughts

Follow Colin Whitlatch:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-whitlatch/
Website (Company): https://www.kahua.com/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/kahua/
Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/people/Kahua/100063610417010/#
Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/kahuainc/
X (Company): https://x.com/KahuaInc
YouTube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/@kahuainc
TikTok (Company): https://www.tiktok.com/@kahuainc

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 
X: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, we hear from Josh Levy, CEO of Document Crunch, as he shares the journey of his company's growth and transformation. From the early days of starting up with limited resources to the strategic partnership with Trimble, Josh offers insight into the challenges and successes that have shaped his entrepreneurial path. The conversation touches on the culture of Document Crunch, its focus on reducing disputes in the construction industry, and how the company’s vision aligns with Trimble's values to create a more efficient and collaborative industry. 

Josh Levy is the CEO of Document Crunch, a technology company that helps construction teams manage contracts more effectively to reduce risk and avoid disputes. With a background as a corporate lawyer, Josh transitioned to tech and has built Document Crunch into a fast-growing company that is now scaling with Trimble’s support. He shares how the company’s culture, his personal journey, and a strong commitment to his vision have led to this exciting new chapter.  

Key Takeaways
Document Crunch’s success is driven by a strong company culture, not just technology.
A clear, unwavering vision is crucial for overcoming doubts and achieving growth. 
Josh aims to eliminate disputes in construction by addressing contract risks upfront. 
Josh reflects on building strong relationships and seeking mentorship with key players.
Combining Document Crunch’s product velocity with Trimble’s vast platform, distribution network, and data will create unmatched opportunities

Timestamps
[00:00] - Episode Teaser
[02:51] - Josh’s Leap Into The Tech World And Starting Document Crunch
[06:41] - Importance Of Culture In Building A Successful Company
[09:25] - Document Crunch’s Focus On Creating A Great Work Environment
[14:06] - Early Lessons In Creating A Supportive Culture
[25:05] - “Zero Disputes” Vision And How It Transforms The Construction Industry
[29:40] - The Impact Of Contracts On Productivity
[38:01] - Introducing Trimble As A Partner
[43:40] - Final Thoughts

Follow Josh Levy:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-levy-/
Website (Company): https://www.documentcrunch.com/
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/document-crunch/
Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/documentcrunch/
Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/documentcrunch/
X (Company): https://x.com/DocumentCrunch

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

In this episode, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood talk with Alex Schickling about how DeWalt is transforming the construction industry by using robotics to address major workforce challenges. Alex explains how robotics is tackling the most physically demanding and repetitive tasks, allowing skilled workers to focus on higher-value activities. From drilling in data centers to revolutionizing construction manufacturing, this episode provides a fascinating look into the future of robotics in construction.  

Alex Schickling is the Director of Robotics at Stanley Black & Decker (DeWalt Robotics), where he leads the commercialization of robotic and field technologies in construction and industrial environments. With a background in engineering and extensive experience in construction manufacturing, Alex is passionate about using technology to improve safety and efficiency on construction sites. He has worked on numerous projects involving seismic bracing, cable trays, and anchors, and is now focused on the integration of robotics into the construction industry to address major challenges like labor shortages and worker safety. 

Key Takeaways
The focus of robotics in construction is on reducing the physical toll of repetitive, high-risk tasks. 
The partnership with August Robotics led to a system that enhances accuracy, efficiency, and safety. 
Robotics complement human work by handling physically demanding tasks, freeing skilled workers for higher-value work. 
Integrating robotics with DeWalt tools ensures practical, safe, and efficient technology on the jobsite. 
Contractor feedback, including from skeptics, is crucial to refining technology for real-world challenges.

Timestamps
[00:00] - Episode Teaser
[01:23] - Alex Schickling Introduction & Background 
[03:04] - Shifting from Over-Engineering to Simplicity in Design
[10:11] - Rise of Prefabrication and Robotics in Construction
[13:08] - Introducing DeWalt Robotics for Data Center Drilling
[15:18] - Partnership with August Robotics
[17:58] - Benefits of Robotics in Data Center Projects
[24:16] - The Importance of Accurate Drilling
[25:11] - Pit Stop Approach for Robot Maintenance
[29:22] - Future of Robotics in Construction
[37:25] - Contractor Testimony on Embracing Robotics

Follow Alex Schickling:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexschickling/
Website (Company): https://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/
Website (Company): https://augustrobotics.com/construction/drilling
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/stanley-black-decker-inc/
Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/stanleyblackanddecker
Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/stanleyblackdecker
X (Company): https://x.com/StanleyBlkDeckr
YouTube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/user/StanleyBlackDecker

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 
X: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew