The ConTechCrew

The secret to flawless planning! In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample  is joined by Nathan C. Wood and Charlie Dunn from DPR Construction to explore how shifting the planning process from a top-down directive to a collaborative experience unlocks better results in construction. Traditional planning isolates decision-makers and imposes schedules on teams, creating frustration and inefficiency.  But when teams co-create plans using visual tools, the process changes dramatically. Connecting schedules to models lets teams "time travel" into future scenarios.  By visualizing outcomes, they can identify issues early, revise strategies, and align on a shared vision of success.  It’s a continuous loop of improvement that eliminates uncertainty and builds confidence. Collaboration transforms planning into a powerful tool—not a burdensome task.  When everyone is invested in the process, you don’t just create better schedules—you create stronger teams. 🎧 Listen to the full episode https://lnkd.in/gjTAhp-W #ConstructionLeadership #Collaboration #VisualPlanning #Innovation #TrustInTeams #ConstructionSuccess

Are we teaching kids not to be #creative? This episode of The ConTechCrew with Charlie Dunn went to some of the heart of the work Nathan C. Wood and I have been doing alongside Charlie for the past few years. The idea of #play has been lost, yet it is the most important tool for #innovation! We are not fighting alone, and ultimately, we are paying homage to Duncan Wardle and others who are freely sharing their content to help us, like Kristina Henkai, SoBuilt (Society for Built Experiences), Jennifer Lacy & Jesus (Jesse) Hernandez, No BS with Jen & Jess. We don't forget the people grinding the ground level Adam Hoots, Doanh Do 🏗️ 👷♂️, Felipe Engineer-Manriquez, David Stutzman, Steve Gantner, Clark Ellis and those I forgot! Find the links to the show in the comments!

The #1 reason plans fail. In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample teams up with Nathan C. Wood and Charlie Dunn from DPR Construction to uncover why precision in planning is the foundation of trust in construction projects. Approximation errors happen when progress is communicated vaguely—like saying “we’re 20% done” versus “we’re 80% done.” These gaps aren’t just about numbers; they create mistrust and disrupt workflows.  Misaligned expectations between teams lead to unnecessary tension and slow progress. The fix starts with collaboration.  When teams build schedules together, trust becomes the byproduct of clear, visual, and universally understood plans.  Using precise progress markers replaces ambiguity with confidence.  Everyone knows what’s done, what’s next, and that the plan is achievable. This isn’t just about better schedules—it’s about fostering belief and ownership in the process, empowering teams to work together seamlessly. 🎧 Listen to the full episode https://lnkd.in/gjTAhp-W #ConstructionLeadership #Collaboration #PrecisionPlanning #Innovation #TrustInTeams #ProjectSuccess

Are you unknowingly eroding #trust in your #construction #project #teams through ambiguity? Charlie Dunn from DPR Construction breaks it down in this clip and throughout this episode with hosts Jeff Sample & Nathan C. Wood!

The secret to making up lost time! In this episode of The Contech Crew, host Jeff Sample  invites Robert Salaj , Director of Customer Advisory for Construction at Quickbase  , to explore the challenges of project scheduling, field coordination, and leveraging technology for real-time adjustments. Schedules aren't just deadlines on paper—they’re living tools.  A delayed schedule turns decisions into problems.  Teams often learn of delays too late to adjust, leading to avoidable setbacks. Real recovery on schedules is possible when information flows early and effectively. Mobilizing a team requires more than urgency. It demands visibility into labor, materials, and equipment.  The key isn’t just having data but ensuring it’s accessible when needed.  Platforms must bridge gaps—connecting the field to the back office with actionable insights.  Every trade, contractor, and planner must see the same inkblot and act on shared realities. Smart scheduling isn’t rigid. It’s adaptable.  The construction process doesn’t wait for perfection. It changes. Prepare for those changes by integrating tools that simplify complex layers of collaboration and decision-making. 🎧 Listen to the full episode https://lnkd.in/gkJ2hea3 #ConstructionManagement #RealTimeInsights #ProjectScheduling #ConstructionTech #Quickbase

Stop letting tech overwhelm your team! In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample  is joined by Robert Salaj  Director of Customer Advisory for Construction at Quickbase  , to discuss the importance of adaptable construction software and its role in improving project outcomes. Selecting software that evolves with a company’s changing needs is critical.  Flexibility ensures that tools can keep pace with shifts in leadership, technology, and project requirements.  An adaptable platform acts as a central hub, connecting disparate systems and providing teams with the insights they need to work efficiently.  Balancing innovation with usability is key—whether it’s integrating augmented reality or managing resources effectively. Applications that work “80% out of the box” while allowing for 20% customization help companies tailor solutions to their unique workflows.  This approach empowers teams to leverage technology without feeling constrained by rigid systems. By prioritizing adaptability and user-focused design, construction technology is enabling businesses to streamline operations, embrace innovation, and future-proof their processes. 🎧 Listen to the full episode https://lnkd.in/gkJ2hea3 #ConstructionTech #AdaptableSoftware #ProjectManagement #TechInnovation #ConstructionTools #EfficiencyTools #TheConTechCrew #DigitalTransformation #SoftwareCustomization

Our host, Jeff Sample, has been #collaborating with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) for the past year to understand the critical roles of modern #CIO, #CTO, and #technology enabled #CFO's and how they can impact a companies ability to maintain a competitive advantage. He will be joined by Chris Weaver, CM-Lean, Matt Lamb, and Joseph Lansdell to illustrate the journey from #contractor to #DateEmpowered #Innovator! Sean McGuire, Travis Voss, Tauhira Ali, Josh Bone

Too much info is paralyzing! In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample  is joined by Robert Salaj  Director of Customer Advisory for Construction at Quickbase  , to explore how construction technology is revolutionizing resource management by simplifying data access and enhancing decision-making. Effective resource management hinges on finding the right balance between providing critical information and avoiding data overload. Platforms that consolidate key details—such as fleet status, equipment availability, and tool usage—help teams make smarter decisions without being overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity. Streamlined workflows ensure that critical information is always within reach. Persona-based hubs take this a step further by tailoring the experience to individual needs.  These hubs mirror the way professionals organize their physical tools, creating an intuitive system that allows users to focus on priorities and improve efficiency. By aligning technology with user workflows, construction platforms are empowering teams to save time, minimize errors, and achieve better project outcomes. 🎧 Listen to the full episode https://lnkd.in/gkJ2hea3 #ConstructionTech #ResourceManagement #EfficiencyTools #TechInConstruction #UserExperience #ProjectManagement #TheConTechCrew #ConstructionInnovation

At what point are #field #leadership overloaded with #information? Robert Salaj joined our host Jeff Sample to talk about that and when top gun applies to #technology- "I feel the need, the need for speed!" We talk #GreyWork, Procore Technologies #GBK24, Quickbase, and more!

Congratulations to the team Document Crunch for this big next step to #trnasforming #construction #contracts from #weapons to #guides. I am reminded at a Charlie Dunn quote "We give #project teams swords, tridents, and knives and wonder why a fight breaks out." Part of the change we need starts with contracts and Nathan C. Wood and Ariel Castillo joined our host Jeff Sample to talk about this and more! Josh Levy, Trent Miskelly, Lori Peters, Sabrina Miskelly https://lnkd.in/g5CfXrrF