The Art of Construction

"If you’re going to base your career on crunching numbers, I hope you’ll be satisfied with a salary of 2 cents now." Join Devon this week as he talks with René Morkos from ALICE Technologies about AI! René Morkos is the founder of ALICE Technologies. He obtained his Ph.D. in artificial intelligence applications for construction as a Charles H. Leavell fellow at Stanford University. He is a second generation civil engineer with over 15 years of construction industry experience that is divided between industry and academia. His professional experience includes working as a project manager in Afghanistan, underwater pipeline construction, automation engineering on a $350 million gas refinery expansion project in Abu Dhabi, ERP system implementations, and various Virtual Design and Construction projects. Visit ALICE Technologies website! Watch a clip of this virtual podcast!

“Often we share problems…It can’t stop there, and too often it does…We have to come to the table with ‘Here’s an idea that might work.’ The moment we start thinking about the future in terms of potential solutions…those conversations start adding up. That habit makes the collaboration work better, and it will get us to a point where we can make an impact.” This podcast episode features a conversation with Nolan Brown, the founder of ADL Ventures, about decarbonization and the challenges of implementing clean energy solutions in the construction industry. This episode is also happy to introduce Jason Blanker as the co-host! The conversation covers topics such as the role of drones in construction, the lack of adoption of innovation in the industry, and the future of technology in construction. Nolan is a seasoned entrepreneur and research leader with 15 years of C-Suite experience in energy, buildings, and transportation sectors. A 5-time founder, he brings a wealth of innovation and strategic insight to his roles. He has driven organizations to success as a board member of building materials manufacturer and offsite leader Sto Corporation, and Lead Contractor for High Performance Computing for Manufacturing at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He also co-founded and served as Managing Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy and showcased his success in implementing new technologies, notably through his $40M+ living laboratory project. His expertise spans industries including building materials, automotive, and renewable energy. As founder of ADL Ventures, he guides companies not only in upscaling and business development but also in applying for government grants that fuel innovation and growth. Watch Nolan's TedX Talk! Jason Blenker is a cowboy and a visionary who finds the edge of the frontier a fascinating place to navigate and explore. The son of a carpenter and a home builder, he learned firsthand about building homes, businesses, and relationships from his parents whom he worked with in building a world-class, vertically integrated, offsite construction solutions company in the Midwest. After selling the business, he now guides others looking for solutions and is on the hunt for great innovation that will help address the housing affordability crisis we face today. He's on a mission to “Build Something Great®”. The first half of his career he spent focused on building great buildings – homes, apartments, commercial buildings, and off-site manufacturing where he found his true passion – building great teams and pushing innovation and automation. By focusing on culture, engaged leadership, and the team, he successfully grew a family business from 7 “employees” to over 300 “Team Members” and learned over 1 million wrong ways of doing things. He enjoys sharing stories of his bumps, bruises, and scars to help people find creative and inventive solutions to problems. When he's not working with a team, he enjoys spending time with the love of his life, Jenny, teaching and raising 3 crazy kids on a hobby farm, snocross racing, or at a rodeo. Not being much of a procrastinator, he does not believe in a bucket list that you’ll get around to one day, you should live each day to its fullest. He tries to give his free time and talent to various charities and has even been talked into riding a 2000# bull at a rodeo to help support the local food pantry (much to the dismay of his wife). Watch a clip of this virtual podcast!

This week's episode was created and recorded for The ConTech Crew podcast, hosted by Jeff Sample, with our host, Devon Tilly, as the guest! This is a great episode to learn more about Devon and the Master Facilitator Community! Jeff Sample is a technology evangelist, speaker, podcaster, and passionate advocate for construction. He has been working in the Technology Industry for the past 25+ years. He has taken specific care to work with and understand the diverse components of a successful business and how technology can enhance those workflows. He has designed and implemented solutions for diverse teams emphasizing functionality and fiscal responsibility. He joined a software development team to understand the software life cycle and become a better technology provider for the organizations he supports. He helps individuals and companies reach their full potential through technology innovation. As owner of MVWD, Devon Tilly fulfills clients' dreams with project management expertise in windows, doors, and hardware. Through social media and video, he has created an information platform for the building industry. He hosts the #1 rated podcast for contractors and architects, "The Art of Construction." They partner with high-end designers, architects, and builders utilizing the highest quality manufacturers to bring an art and science approach to the building industry. When you partner with MVWD, you have access to the highest quality products with a high level of expertise. He also knows "what not to do" and exceeds high-end project expectations. They have a culture of continuous improvement and a progressive commitment to excellence. They seek to add value with every interaction. Their business partners and clients receive the highest level of service, industry expertise, and a guide to assist them from start to finish. Follow MVWD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mountain-view-window-&-door/ Follow AOC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theart-of-construction/

“Start with 'why?' Why should I care about this data in the first place?" Join us this week as Devon chats with Nathan Wood from SpectrumAEC about data, technology, and their relationship with the construction industry. Nathan C. Wood is the Executive Director of Construction Progress Coalition (CPC), a grassroots non-profit initiative to educate AEC professionals about the need for open interoperability standards between project delivery stakeholders. Nathan’s experience with Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), Lean process improvement, and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) has led him to realize how even proven technology solutions can result in lost ROI when the needs of people and process are not addressed. Nathan balances his passion for data insights and stakeholder empathy through pragmatic adoption strategy, driving digital standards adoption in design and construction. When not fighting for open standards, Nathan also supports construction transformation as Chief Enabling Officer of SpectrumAEC, delivering speaking engagements, research publications and Design Thinking workshops. Register for the Advancing Prefabrication Conference with the discount code: PODCAST10 Watch a clip of this in person podcast! Read more about CDX & learn more about the AEC Integration Summit!

This is episode 4 of 4 discussing the national organization BS + Beer and Building Science. Today's episode features Devon and Robby as co-hosts chatting with Shawn LeMons of Mitsubishi wrapping up the 4 episode Deep Dive Series on BS + Beer. They explore how to get contractors on board with heat pump technology. The episode highlights the role of collaboration and innovation in moving the industry forward and emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between theory and reality. They explore the changing landscape of heat pumps and the options available for builders. They emphasize the need to take small steps towards energy efficiency and the importance of testing and double-checking specifications. They also discuss the power of a long-term mindset. "Treat the product you are providing your customer with a 10-year warranty mindset. What opportunities would that open up for you?" Robby Schwarz has been a champion of home performance for over 25 years, focusing on building performance, applied building science, and system thinking. He is committed to helping industry partners, builders, code jurisdictions, and others understand residential energy, applied building science, systems thinking, home performance and our role in the built environment. His interest started in 1995, while exploring how to incorporate green building materials into the production building environment. Soon after, Robby founded his first company, BuiltWright, Inc. In 2006, he cofounded EnergyLogic, now the largest energy rating firm of its kind in Colorado. In 2020 he became the principal thinker and founder of BUILDTank, Inc., a pragmatic building think tank specializing in actionable applied building science solutions. He is actively involved in energy code development, builder and trade training, and educating the next generation of residential energy experts. He has helped Colorado jurisdictions develop and implement their energy codes, presented code language that was successfully adopted at the national ICC® code hearings, and encouraged implementation of the simulated performance path for code compliance. His ability to integrate applied building science and systems thinking with building programs such as Energy Star®, Indoor airPlus®, and DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes® has lead to thousands of certified homes in Colorado. Energy and resource efficiency, sustainable buildings, and community abundance have become Shawn LeMons' life focus. He enjoys contributing his experience and intuitive problem-solving skills to this history-changing industry. The time is now to meet these challenges head-on. He has enjoyed a broad range of professional experiences from management in large corporations to ownership of small businesses. He truly enjoys being at the center of an organization and working cross-departmentally to find innovative solutions for clients and industry partners with Mitsubishi (#heatpumpnation). He can navigate complex project dynamics from detailed specifications, operational processes, field quality assurance, customer experience nuances, and business development strategy. He considers himself a change-agent and team player with a systems-oriented approach to the development and integration of products, services, and processes. Register for the Advancing Prefabrication Conference with the discount code: PODCAST10 Watch a clip of this in-person studio podcast! Listen to Robby's podcast, BuildCAST! Learn how a heat pump works! Visit Mitsubishi Electric Trane Youtube Chanel. Visit Mitsubishi Electric heat pump tech-spec website!

To any long time listeners of AOC, this is your chance to get to know the host, Devon Tilly! This is episode 3 of 4 discussing the national organization BS + Beer and Building Science. If you hear any background noise, that's because this podcast was recorded LIVE at Tradecraft Industries during a BS + Beer meeting in December, 2023! Today's episode features Devon and Robby as co-hosts taking questions from the BS + Beer member audience. Robby interviews Devon before we take questions - here's your chance to learn more about Devon! Devon and Robby discuss building science, the AOC podcast, and Devon's business, Mountain View Window and Door. We also get to listen to discussion & questions from the audience. "Building Science is the people. Building Science is...people coming together on a system. It's innovators working together." Robby Schwarz has been a champion of home performance for over 25 years, focusing on building performance, applied building science, and system thinking. He is committed to helping industry partners, builders, code jurisdictions, and others understand residential energy, applied building science, systems thinking, home performance and our role in the built environment. His interest started in 1995, while exploring how to incorporate green building materials into the production building environment. Soon after, Robby founded his first company, BuiltWright, Inc. In 2006, he cofounded EnergyLogic, now the largest energy rating firm of its kind in Colorado. In 2020 he became the principal thinker and founder of BUILDTank, Inc., a pragmatic building think tank specializing in actionable applied building science solutions. He is actively involved in energy code development, builder and trade training, and educating the next generation of residential energy experts. He has helped Colorado jurisdictions develop and implement their energy codes, presented code language that was successfully adopted at the national ICC® code hearings, and encouraged implementation of the simulated performance path for code compliance. His ability to integrate applied building science and systems thinking with building programs such as Energy Star®, Indoor airPlus®, and DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes® has lead to thousands of certified homes in Colorado. We have so many video clips to share from this episode! - Watch Devon explain the History of AOC - Watch Devon explain his "Crystal Ball" - Watch an Audience Q&A Clip (from our podcast guest, Shawn LeMons for the 4th episode of this series) - Watch a second Audience Q&A Clip about window technology Listen to Robby's podcast, BuildCAST: https://open.spotify.com/show/2M8c6vIFahbGsCBl675BAr Follow MVWD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mountain-view-window-&-door/ Follow AOC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theart-of-construction/

This is episode 2 of 4 discussing the national organization BS + Beer and Building Science. If you hear any background noise, that's because this podcast was recorded LIVE at Tradecraft Industries before a BS + Beer meeting in December, 2023! "Their whole purpose is not to fine buildings. They don't want to levy these fines. They would like that money to go into upgrading the buildings so that they're achieving these targets...they want to really force the issue of, 'let's pay attention to this'...." Join us this week as we talk with Bryce Ballew of Tradecraft Industries about Energize Denver. Robby Schwarz from BUILDTank joins Devon as a co-host in this podcast! Bryce started out in the world of commercial construction as a project manager, but branched into multiple entrepreneurial pursuits including general contracting (Construction Incorporated LLC) construction focused flex-office space (Tradecraft Industries LLC) and most recently, building efficiency consulting (CleanTech Engineering LLC). CleanTech Engineering is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to helping real estate owners balance energy use with building performance and investment returns. CleanTech draws experience from Commercial General Contracting, Mechanical Engineering and Property Management to work with building owners as they seek to navigate the requirements of Energize Denver ordinance. Aside from his professional pursuits, Bryce serves on the board for Combat Recovery Foundation, empowering veterans and trauma survivors to rebuild trust and community for those who have experienced the worst that life can send their way. When not working, Bryce enjoys snowboarding, trail running, scuba and free diving, hiking, boxing and international backpacking. Robby Schwarz has been a champion of home performance for over 25 years, focusing on building performance, applied building science, and system thinking. He is committed to helping industry partners, builders, code jurisdictions, and others understand residential energy, applied building science, systems thinking, home performance and our role in the built environment. His interest started in 1995, while exploring how to incorporate green building materials into the production building environment. Soon after, Robby founded his first company, BuiltWright, Inc. In 2006, he cofounded EnergyLogic, now the largest energy rating firm of its kind in Colorado. In 2020 he became the principal thinker and founder of BUILDTank, Inc., a pragmatic building think tank specializing in actionable applied building science solutions. He is actively involved in energy code development, builder and trade training, and educating the next generation of residential energy experts. He has helped Colorado jurisdictions develop and implement their energy codes, presented code language that was successfully adopted at the national ICC® code hearings, and encouraged implementation of the simulated performance path for code compliance. His ability to integrate applied building science and systems thinking with building programs such as Energy Star®, Indoor airPlus®, and DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes® has lead to thousands of certified homes in Colorado. Watch a clip of this LIVE podcast https://youtu.be/MNvRqlQei_4 Listen to Robby's podcast, BuildCAST: https://open.spotify.com/show/2M8c6vIFahbGsCBl675BAr

This is episode 1 of 4 discussing the national organization BS + Beer. “Concentrate on that control and predictability, everything is about control and predictability.” Join us this week as we talk with Robby Schwarz about BUILDTank and the foundations of building science and energy modeling. We kick off this Deep Dive Series with Robby and Devon discussing Building Science in our studio. They set up future episodes that will discuss Energize Denver and feature a LIVE podcast at BS + Beer Denver! Robby has been a champion of home performance for over 25 years, focusing on building performance, applied building science, and system thinking. He is committed to helping industry partners, builders, code jurisdictions, and others understand residential energy, applied building science, systems thinking, home performance and our role in the built environment. His interest started in 1995, while exploring how to incorporate green building materials into the production building environment. Soon after, Robby founded his first company, BuiltWright, Inc. In 2006, he cofounded EnergyLogic, now the largest energy rating firm of its kind in Colorado. In 2020 he became the principal thinker and founder of BUILDTank, Inc., a pragmatic building think tank specializing in actionable applied building science solutions. When getting his hands dirty doing the work he finds that ideas are stimulated, and innovative change can occur. Using what he has learned from working on thousands of homes, Robby has helped train and lead the industry. He is actively involved in energy code development, builder and trade training, and educating the next generation of residential energy experts. He has helped Colorado jurisdictions develop and implement their energy codes, presented code language that was successfully adopted at the national ICC® code hearings, and encouraged implementation of the simulated performance path for code compliance. His ability to integrate applied building science and systems thinking with building programs such as Energy Star®, Indoor airPlus®, and DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes® has lead to thousands of certified homes in Colorado. Robby is a sought-after trainer and routinely presents at RESNET®, EEBA, the ENERGY STAR® Summit, the Colorado Chapter of the IECC®, Colorado Energy Office, and local Home Builders Associations. Watch a promo video for this Deep Dive Series! Listen to Robby's podcast, BuildCAST: https://open.spotify.com/show/2M8c6vIFahbGsCBl675BAr

“At the end of the day you need to build something that is actually going to be very intuitive, very easy, and actually helps them - rather than something that feels like a micromanagement tool.” Roni Szigeti is a visionary leader with a profound background in specialty subcontracting and a relentless commitment to developing innovation solutions for specialty subcontractors. Roni's journey into the world of specialty subcontracting began with their tenure at Northstar Environmental Group (Formerly LVI), where he served as a key player in the company's mission to provide innovative environmental and demolition contracting solutions. With a deep understanding of the complex challenges associated with environmental projects, Roni quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a driving force in the industry. At Northstar, Roni successfully managed and executed a wide range of environmental projects, from soil remediation, asbestos abatement, structural and interior demolition, to hazardous waste disposal. Their expertise and commitment to safety and sustainability earned them recognition as a trailblazer in the field, setting new standards for responsible environmental contracting. Driven by a desire to bring innovation and efficiencies to specialty subcontractors, Roni Szigeti embarked on an entrepreneurial journey and founded FieldFlo, a technology company at the forefront of the digital revolution in our industry. As the CEO of FieldFlo, Roni has harnessed their extensive industry knowledge to develop cutting-edge software solutions that streamline and optimize project and field management. Under Roni's leadership, FieldFlo has become synonymous with innovation in the specialty subcontractor sector, providing tools and technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Through FieldFlo, Roni is empowering organizations worldwide to make real time educated decisions about their projects, employees, safety and equipment while improving their bottom line. His unwavering commitment to bringing increased efficiencies, compliance, and safety to the specialty subcontracting world extends beyond their professional endeavors. They are a passionate advocate and actively engage with a diverse set of organizations to promote awareness and best practices. Roni envisions a world where businesses and individuals can thrive through the implementation of sound technology that truly makes their companies and lives easier, safer and more profitable. His dedication to this vision, coupled with his impressive track record, positions them as a leading authority in environmental contracting and technology. In addition to his professional achievements, Roni enjoys mountain biking, golfing and going to see live music in his spare time, demonstrating a well-rounded and holistic approach to life. His inspiring journey from environmental contracting to entrepreneurship exemplifies the power of passion and dedication in creating a more innovative world for our industry. With FieldFlo as a platform for change, Roni continues to lead the charge towards a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come. Follow FieldFlō on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fieldflo/about/ Follow Roni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roni-szigeti-2626b636/ Visit FieldFlō's website: https://www.fieldflo.com/ Follow FieldFlō on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fieldflo

"It doesn't have to be hard to know what's going on in your business, and to know which needles you need to move that month..." Join us this week as we talk to Shelby Ashley of Optimized Financial Solutions! In this episode, Devon Tilly interviews Shelby Ashley, the founder of Optimize Financial Solutions, about the importance of finance management in a wide variety of construction businesses. They discuss the role of a CFO in helping manage their cash flow and make informed financial decisions. Shelby emphasizes the need for business owners to understand the financial statements and key metrics that drive revenue, profit, and the flow of money. She also highlights the importance of paying yourself first and using artificial intelligence to streamline financial processes. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and practical tips for effectively managing finances in a construction business. Shelby lives in Huntsville, AL but serves clients all over the United States. She founded Optimized Financial Solutions because she is passionate about translating what business owners see (and are often confused by) on their financial statements, into actionable decisions to help grow their business. Shelby received her Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance as well as her MBA from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. After working in several industries helping large business owners achieve success, she decided to start her own service helping small to medium sized business owners do the same. Her mission is to help clients go from feeling overwhelmed, stressed about cash, to feeling confident, knowing they are running their business like a CEO. Visit Optimized Financial Solution's website: www.optimizedfinancialsolutions.com Follow Shelby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelby-ashley-mba-a72903b9/ Contact Shelby for more info/questions at info@optimizedfinancialsolutions.com View a clip of this virtual podcast here: https://youtu.be/BIb0oOvxbkI Listen to Shelby on the Construction Instruction podcast: Https://www.construction-disruption.com/episode/cash-is-king-with-shelby-

"You're business is never too small to get started." Join us this week as we talk to Brian Lambert and Jeff Salyer of Managing It Right! As a licensed NASCLA general contractor and the proprietor of EMG, Brian Lambert's construction company, he has extensive experience in the construction industry. Additionally, he is the owner of Managing It Right, a construction management software company. He enjoys traveling, lifting weights, and running. His active nature is evident in both his personal and professional life, and his relentless work ethic has earned him a reputation as a workaholic. Driven by a commitment to excellence, he maintains high standards for himself, his staff, and his clients. Jeff Salyer, a seasoned professional with roots in the heartland of Kansas, whose diverse journey encompasses both military valor and business acumen. Raised against the backdrop of Kansas' scenic landscapes, he discovered at an early age the calling to serve, leading to a distinguished six-year tenure as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman. With three combat tours under his belt, learning from many leaders in his service career about courage and dedication, he earned commendations for his exceptional medical support to Marine Corps units. Transitioning seamlessly from the military to the corporate arena, he has spent six years making an impact in business development. He holds an MBA degree along with a Bachelor’s from Purdue University. As a devoted spouse and proud parent of two sons, he understands the delicate balance between professional success and a rich, rewarding personal life. Residing in the vibrant state of North Carolina, he brings a unique fusion of Midwestern values and Southern hospitality to his professional and personal interactions. He wants to continue to make significant contributions to the business landscape and thank those who have been an inspiration to value the confluence of service, leadership, and business acumen. Visit Managing It Right's website: https://managingitright.com/ Follow Managing It Right on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/managingitright/ Follow Managing It Right on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/managingitright/ Follow Managing It Right on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/managingitright/ Follow Jeff Salyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-salyer-/ Watch clips of this virtual podcast: https://youtu.be/fCI0EHyFZoE and https://youtu.be/LvyOlCrlrfo Read the article "Plans to Profits": https://www.managingitright.com/from-plans-to-profits-essential-software-products-for-home-builders.html

This is episode 4 of a 4 part series on constructing housing for I/DD adults! “Where does your heart rest in this work? I think that that’s going to build their business definitively…In this work of what you’re building or what you’re doing, are you fundamentally changing the life of the persons who are going to be in your asset?” In this episode, Michelle Dumay of Energy Glass discusses the benefits and applications of Energy Glass, a solar alternative for standard plate glass windows. She shares case studies and challenges faced in implementing this technology and highlights the unique features of Energy Glass. Michelle also emphasizes the importance of considering the needs of the IDD (Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled) community in construction projects and encourages builders and affiliates to focus on the heart line of their work. Michelle Dumay is the mother of a terminally ill child born with a rare brain abnormality that required nearly half of her brain to be removed when she was less than a day old. Among other medical conditions (cerebral palsy, blindness and quadriplegia) her daughter suffers from four types of seizures. Michelle is no stranger to medical/hospital settings having taken her daughter to more than 1400 appointments. Her experience as a caregiver and medical advocate has allowed her to serve on patient advisory councils for two children’s hospital (Los Angeles and Phoenix) and one insurer (Mercy Care). As a trained chemist, she first turned to conventional-pharma for the treatment of her daughter's seizures. Then she learned of the medicinal value of cannabis and its efficacy in mitigating seizures. With great success, her daughter has been using cannabis for several years. Along with advocacy, learning has been a huge part of this journey. Federal prohibition has hampered all things-cannabis, including medical use. Having experienced first-hand the benefits and efficacy of its use to mitigate her daughter’s seizures, Michelle wanted to petition her insurance companies to cover the cost of the cannabis medicine. Quickly she learned that this was a lofty aspiration for a huge unforeseen reason (besides Prohibition): medical cannabis dispensaries are not HIPAA-compliant and as such, cannot partner with insurance companies to serve cannabis patients. Working to solve her own problem and the looming problem of millions of cannabis-using patients, she entered into the world of cannabis governance, risk and compliance. Learn more about Energy Glass: http://www.energyglass.com/egl/index.php Follow Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelledumay/ Watch Michelle's TedTalk: https://www.ted.com/talks/michelle_dumay_cannabis_gave_me_a_voice Learn more about the Trailhead Community here:https://www.trailheadcommunity.org/

This is episode 3 of a 4 part series on constructing housing for I/DD adults! If you hear any background noise or laughter - that’s because this podcast was recorded LIVE from the Nuts and Bolts Conference in Colorado Springs in November 2023! “Many people don’t even know that this is a thing…so many of these folks live at home…we need more housing, we need policy to bring more money to allow for more affordable housing for this population. We need 100 of these buildings done tomorrow. The need is there.” Beth Rodriguez is the secretary and treasurer of Trailhead Community – a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 with a mission to create a neuro-inclusive and intentional housing community. Beth has a passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)- specifically helping them gain independence in activities they value. She is a licensed occupational therapist and a certified aging in place specialist (CAPS.) Beth grew up in the home building industry and cultivated a love for building and design. She is especially interested in universal design and home modifications to allow individuals of all ages and abilities to live safely and independently in their environments. Beth worked closely consulting with the design and construction team for Trailhead’s first project in creating an 83 unit building that lives well, encourages community, and promotes health and wellness. Beth has many years of experience working with individuals with IDD in both a prevocational day program setting as well as providing direct care services in the homes of individuals helping them gain independence in daily living skills. She knows the desperate need for attainable housing in the Denver area for adults with IDD and appreciates the opportunity to be on Trailhead’s Board to create innovative housing solutions for this population. In her spare time, you can find Beth enjoying anything outdoors- skiing, hiking, camping and traveling! Ken Wilkinson, the visionary founder and managing partner of Layer 10, has always been driven by a passion for pioneering the integration of technology in the built environment. His journey in technology consulting has led him to redefine the role of IT in construction and real estate, transforming everyday spaces into dynamic, user-centric environments. At Layer 10, Ken's leadership and innovative approach have been instrumental in setting new standards for how technology enhances our physical world. Under Ken's leadership, Layer 10 has become synonymous with a design-first, user-centric, product-agnostic approach to technology in the built environment. His vision has propelled the firm to the forefront of integrating technology into commercial real estate, setting new standards for how we experience our surroundings. Ken's expertise isn't confined to the boardroom. He's a dynamic speaker and thought leader, frequently invited to share his insights on the fusion of technology and physical spaces. His talks go beyond the informative, offering transformative perspectives that are reshaping the industry. For a glimpse into Ken's innovative thinking and to stay updated on the latest trends at the intersection of technology and the built environment, follow him on LinkedIn. Here, you'll also find his insightful and informative newsletter, "Building Tomorrow," which delves into the future of technology in construction and real estate. Join Ken and Layer 10 in advancing the conversation around building tomorrow, today. Follow Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-gigliotti-rodriguez Follow Ken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/layer-10-consulting/?viewAsMember=true Join the "Building Tomorrow" Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7097365261124546560 Layer 10's website: www.layer10.com Layer 10 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/layer-10-consulting Layer 10 on Twitter:...

This is episode 2 of a 4 part series on constructing housing for I/DD adults! If you hear any background noise or laughter - that’s because this podcast was recorded LIVE from the Nuts and Bolts Conference in Colorado Springs in November 2023! “It’s always about people, and it’s about leadership and guiding those people…It’s about who’s educating that team, who’s guiding that team, who’s leading that team so that decisions can be made timely.” Jim Shipton was born in the Midwest and raised in Story City, Iowa, the heartland as they call it. He loves being from a small town where you have an opportunity to participate in all aspects of life. Jim played football, basketball, golf and learned to work hard in the farming community. He completed one year of undergraduate civil engineering at Iowa State University before transferring to Colorado State University where he met his future wife and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture. Upon graduation he and his wife, Denise, moved to the San Diego area for several years, gained valuable experience and his first license in 1992, before moving back to the Denver Metro area. He has been delivering his exceptional services to owners and developers in the western region of the US for the last 35 years. Currently he and his wife live in Littleton where they are trying to figure out how to become empty nesters. Jim enjoys outdoor activities, skiing, golfing, camping and all things Ford Bronco. Greg Krause is a co-founder and principal of K2 Residential Solutions. With over 22 years of construction management experience, Greg heads up K2’s Business Development and Pre-Construction efforts. Prior to establishing K2 Residential Solutions in 2015, Greg led the construction efforts of K2’s affiliate company, Metropolitan Homes, Inc. from 2001-2014. Krause has been active on the boards of both the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver and the Construction Education Foundation. He is also very involved in philanthropic endeavors including long-standing relationships with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Children’s Hospital, and Trailhead Community. Krause is a native of Colorado, residing in Metro Denver his entire life, with the exception of his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington where he competed as a member of the UW Crew. Gre­g continued with his competitive athletic pursuits after college as a professional triathlete and cyclist. Greg trained and raced the Ironman Hawaii, Cape Epic, La Ruta, and the Leadville 100 to name a few. He currently lives in Jefferson County with his wife and daughter. The Krause’s enjoy spending family time in the great outdoors skiing, hiking, and cycling. Learn more about Jim's work at www.pnt-llc.com Follow Jim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/point-consulting-llc Visit K2's website: https://www.k2rs.com/ Learn more about the Trailhead Community: https://www.trailheadcommunity.org/

This is episode 1 of a 4 part series on constructing housing for IDD adults! “Please listen to the parents, and understand their passion will drive them to success. Believe us…You won’t just be helping us, and our kids, you will be solving an incredible social problem.” If you hear any background noise or laughter - that’s because this podcast was recorded LIVE from the Nuts and Bolts Conference in Colorado Springs in November 2023! Barbara Ziegler is the Board president of the Trailhead Community. Here's more about Trailhead Community that can also be found on their website: Trailhead Community was originally inspired by the success of Stepping Stone Support Center, a sister company established in 2013. The Support Center provides prevocational and life skills training, job placement, job coaching services, social events and community connection. It now serves more than 100 individuals with developmental disabilities to live meaningful and productive lives. With this success in one aspect, it became quickly evident that another important piece was missing for adults with developmental disabilities: Homes of their own! The individuals we work with are first and foremost ADULTS. Like all adults, they deserve to live independently in a place of their own. So in 2016, a group of parents, Stepping Stone staff and other friends all came together for the purpose of creating a non-profit to address this need. Stepping Stone Communities was born and the mission established: creating and designing an extraordinary opportunity for people to come together in an integrated and intentional apartment community! After hundreds of hours of research and discussion, Stepping Stone Communities selected its first project- Trailhead Community, an apartment building with 77 units for both adults with DD and members of the general population with plenty of community space for meals and recreation. This was an ambitious project and it has grown since then! The final result is an 83 unit complex where 50% of the units are allocated for adults with developmental disabilities and the other 50% for neuro-typical residents. The building will include state-of-the-art technology and “Universal Design” features to promote independence and safety for all residents. A cooperative management model will integrate all residents to make decisions about how their community will operate! There will be on-site concierge staff to provide 24/7 oversite for the building, social events, meal preparation and encourage mutual exchange and support between tenants. The building will have many unique and intentional features to promote community including a sport court, sound-proof multimedia room for music, large screen viewing and mini jam sessions, an art studio, fitness room, a community kitchen and common dining room serving optional meals daily, and large common areas both indoors and outdoors! Learn more about the Trailhead Community here: https://www.trailheadcommunity.org/

“If you find something that’s truly innovative, if your life history and experiences bring you to a point where you have the opportunity to change the world - you should do it.” Derek is a values-centered entrepreneur who is passionate about the environment and making bold leaps in energy efficiency through system integration. He is a subject matter expert in building controls and intelligent DC Nanogrids, and contributes to industry working groups to promote efficient building technologies. As founder and CEO of LumenCache, he is leading the collaborative effort to globally change the standard for power distribution in buildings making them smart, safe, efficient, and resilient. LumenCache's website: https://reneta.lighting Learn more by watching this video from LumenCache: https://youtu.be/8o3bsk7Zq6c Denver HIA Pitch deck: https://youtu.be/g4qPd-ICWXY Watch a clip from this in person podcast here: https://youtu.be/-ErrnLTZ11U & https://youtu.be/kT0ikRfkIBk

"If you don't like change, you're going to like irrelevance a lot less." Brad Leavitt is President and Founder of “A Finer Touch Construction” - a Scottsdale based luxury residential and commercial builder. AFT Construction, as known throughout the industry, is an award-winning construction firm and has been nationally published in magazines such as: Fine Home Building, Luxe Interiors and Design, and Professional Builder. Brad was awarded as an “Icon” in the AZ building industry by Sources for Design in October, 2019. He was also recognized as a 2022 Phoenix Titan 100. The Titan 100 program recognizes Phoenix’s Top 100 CEO’s & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that includes demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. Collectively, the Phoenix 2022 Titans have a combined total of annual revenue of $32B and employ more than 85,000 individuals. Brad Leavitt is an energetic public speaker and ambassador for many national brands including Kohler, Louisiana Pacific, Rinnai. Pella, Subzero-Wolf, Buildertrend, Cambria, and Elkay. Brad completed a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from BYU in 2005 and worked on notable projects around Phoenix, including the Omni Montelucia in Paradise Valley. His Podcast, “The AFT Construction Podcast”, is focused on bringing value to its listeners, no matter their industry. The topics are focused on marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, organization, building science and construction. AFT has continued to exceed industry standards and create strong client relationships based on integrity, reliability and quality. Brad is married to Ashley Leavitt. Together, they have 6 children, 5 girls and 1 boy. Brad is active with all 6 of his children, serves in his local community, and loves all sports Mark LaLiberte is the co-founder and president of Construction Instruction. He has dedicated over 30 years to the building industry. Through his lectures, site assistance, Building Better Homes video series and his mobile App, he provides builders, architects and manufacturers with an in-depth look at the current and future state of housing. His work has earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA), where he developed the highly acclaimed Houses that Work lecture series. The HTW Series has been delivered for over 16 years by the Ci team in 100’s of North American cities. He was the 2013 Building Science co-chair for the Hanley Wood Vision 2020 project and he has provided technical assistance and a voluntary board position to the Cold Climate Housing Research Center in Fairbanks, Alaska for over 10 years. Mark also helped develop the training curriculum for the 2012 Repair Corp Project for Habitat for Humanity that provides assistance to improve existing housing for our Veterans. He works with various manufacturers to assist in developing products and services for the next phase of efficient homes. Mark is the co-creator of the Ci App and animation studio, which developed the number one mobile App in the construction industry and builds realistic state of the art contextual animations on building science concepts and technical installation practices. He is also President of Sales Instruction Inc., helping to bridge sales and marketing efforts to our industry. Working with leading industry suppliers and manufacturers, his sales training company creates a common language to drive sales and increase productivity for sales teams. His passion for educating lies in knowing how vital the building industry is. Building healthy, safe, durable and efficient homes has an effect on the buyer, the builder, the economy and the planet. View Videos of the virtual podcast here: https://youtu.be/ywp9Lr0lWv4 AFT Construction's website: www.aftconstruction.com Listen to the AFT Construction Podcast: www.bradleavitt.com AFT Construction on Instagram...

"What if one of the big tech companies - Apple, Google, Amazon, Tesla - decides to become homebuilders? And disruption comes from outside the industry that basically upends the industry completely, a company that can come in and do what the industry will not, or can not, at this point, to deliver affordable, high-quality housing?" Join us this week as talk with Rich Binsacca and Dennis Steigerwalt about HIA 2024, PitchFest, and offsite construction. Rich Binsacca is the editorial director of Pro Builder, the leading B2B media brand for the U.S. housing industry, where he heads a team journalists, designers, and contributors to deliver timely, relevant, and award-winning content. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, he has engaged the housing industry since 1987 as a journalist, editor, producer, and marketing/communications professional. Published independently by SGC-Horizon, Pro Builder is the official media partner of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Dennis leads strategy and market engagement for the Housing Innovation Alliance, a network of over 2,000+ companies focused on strategic growth opportunities in the homebuilding industries. He’s a boundary spanner, a connector, and an investor in all things related to the built environment. Navigating complex networks of relationships and promoting broader investment in research and development, Dennis seeks out opportunities to connect the dots on transformational initiatives to achieve objectives together that we shouldn’t, and likely couldn’t, tackle alone. The Housing Innovation Summit will take place June 4-6, 2024. Pitchfest will kick off the Summit on June 4th. Get a 2-day Summit registration to participate in all Pitchfest activities and Summit sessions, round table discussions, and networking events. Stay for the final day (June 6) with a separate ticket for tours or send another member of your team to gather best practices from the field. Follow the Housing Innovation Alliance on LinkedIn and connect with Dennis. View Videos of the virtual podcast here: https://youtu.be/J4GORWQp-SY https://youtu.be/4IJa3dqjJsE

"AI will not put you out of a job, someone using AI will." Join us this week as we discuss the "hot topic" of AI in Architecture and Construction with Bill Allen. Bill Allen, a seasoned leader in the AEC industry. He currently serves as the CEO and President of both EvolveLAB and On Point Scans, where he orchestrates a dynamic synergy aimed at empowering Architects, Engineers, and Contractors to optimize the built environment through the strategic application of artificial intelligence and data-driven design. With an impressive track record spanning almost 20 years, Bill brings unparalleled expertise to the AEC industry, having consulted with pioneering firms at the forefront of technological advancement. An accomplished public speaker, he has graced the stage as a keynote and featured speaker at numerous prestigious events, including the most watched Autodesk University talk, titled 'The Future of BIM is NOT BIM, And It's Coming Faster Than You Think.' Beyond his professional pursuits, Bill is a co-founder of The Bare Roots Foundation, a nonprofit organization passionately committed to ensuring that all individuals are granted the fundamental rights to clean food, shelter, and drinking water, embodying his dedication to global humanitarian efforts. Visit EvolveLAB's website: www.evolvelab.io Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolvelabio/ Twitter (X): @EvolveLABio Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvelabio/ Watch some clips of this virtual podcast: https://youtu.be/Nt4yLYhcJ6U and https://youtu.be/H1iE8DTZSZo Watch a Veras Demo with Devon and Bill: https://youtu.be/nMTlBQ9oEUY

Eric Schaefer of Fading West and Ross Cohen of DL Cohen join us for episode 321 of Art of Construction! "We came into existence to solve a problem. And the problem is that there are no attainable houses being built in our country right now." Eric is a determine Chief Business Development Officer at Fading West, responsible for forging meaningful partnerships with developers, non-profits, and municipalities in Colorado. His drive to create workforce housing and sell Fading West products was inspired by his many years of ministry, non-profit, and donor relations work in California and the Southeast. Almost three years ago, Eric relocated to Denver to open the Fading West office, furthering his commitment to making positive changes in the world through exceptional leadership. Ross Cohen of DL Cohen provides lots of unique perspectives in this podcast as well. Growing up in a construction family naturally led Ross to pursue construction at a young age. While at Denver University, he joined a residential framing contractor as their estimator and over five years began managing much of the operations. In 2009, Ross joined with his father David to start a new framing contracting company together known as DL Cohen and our components company Huron Components. Keep up with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-schaefer-849051b/ Visit Fading West's website: https://www.fadingwestdevelopment.com/ Visit DL Cohen's website: https://dlcohencc.com