The ConTechCrew

In this episode, host Jeff Sample sits down with Jennifer Hohman, Chief Information and Technology Officer at Baker Construction, for a practical conversation on how technology is shaping modern construction. Jennifer shares her path into the industry and brings a grounded perspective on aligning innovation with real-world project delivery.

The discussion focuses on how construction teams can adopt technology without losing sight of core operations. Jennifer highlights the importance of connecting digital tools with field execution, ensuring that solutions actually support crews on-site rather than adding complexity. From BIM to AI, the conversation explores what drives efficiency, where challenges still exist, and how to approach technology adoption with a clear strategy.

With a strong focus on workforce development, collaboration, and process improvement, this episode offers valuable insights for construction professionals working to deliver projects more efficiently while adapting to ongoing industry changes.

Key Takeaways:
Technology must align with field operations and project workflows
Strong processes are essential before implementing digital solutions
AI can support planning, training, and analysis, but requires human oversight
Avoid tech overload by focusing on tools that solve real project challenges
Investing in workforce development is critical for long-term project success

Timestamps:
 [00:00] – Episode Teaser
[01:00] – Introduction and Jennifer’s background
[02:49] – Journey into construction technology
[11:52] – BIM and the shift to digital workflows
[12:41] – Connecting technology with field execution
[28:42] – AI in construction: practical applications
[40:22] – Final thoughts: process over technology

Follow Jennifer Hohman:
Website: https://www.jenniferhohman.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-hohman/ 
X: https://x.com/JennHohman 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hohman 
Website (Company): https://bakerconstruction.com/ 
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/bakerconstruction/ 
Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/BakerConst1968 
Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/bakerconst1968/ 
X (Company): https://x.com/BakerConst1968 

Follow the Host:
Jeff Sample (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/
Nathan Wood (LinkedIn): 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 Nathan Wood and Jeff Sample sit down with Rob Sloyer, Vice President of Innovation & Strategic Services at Kast Construction, for an insightful conversation about the role of technology in construction, the evolution of digital tools, and the industry's ongoing challenges and opportunities. Rob shares his journey from the early days of fax machines to the digital transformation that has reshaped construction, highlighting the lessons he's learned along the way.

With a focus on improving field operations, Rob emphasizes the need to balance technology adoption with hands-on experience to ensure that workers are equipped with both the tools and the knowledge to succeed. His insights into the impact of AI, data sharing, and training provide valuable perspectives on how the industry can continue to innovate and grow in the coming years.

Key Takeaways
The evolution of construction technology from manual processes to digital tools
How the construction industry has adapted (or struggled) with new technologies like BIM and AI
The importance of community and sharing knowledge in construction technology
The value of learning through experience and why it's essential to teach the next generation of workers
How technology, when implemented correctly, can enhance decision-making, but should not replace the human touch

Timestamps
[01:10] – Introduction and Rob’s background
[03:03] – Rob’s journey into construction technology
[05:24] – The impact of BIM and digital tools during the recession
[11:02] – Transition from manual processes to digital tools
[14:15] – Digital tools and the evolution of construction work
[18:05] – AI in construction: challenges and opportunities
[25:35] – AI as a Training Tool (Not Just Automation)
[28:09] – The future of training and development in construction
[34:00] – Tech Overload & Vendor Fatigue
[38:00] – Final Thoughts: Process > Automation

Follow Rob Sloyer:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-sloyer-9937111b/ 
Website (Company): https://www.kastbuild.com/ 
LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/kast-construction/ 
Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/KASTConstruction 
Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/kastconstruction/ 
X (Company):  https://x.com/KASTbuild 
YouTube (Company): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJfHa9nYNnEw7aPejw83AxA/ 

Follow the Host:
Jeff Sample (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/
Nathan Wood (LinkedIn): 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, 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