This Fortune 500 Company Had Never Used Excel Until 2016 - The $300B Tech Gap in Store Development

"I got employee of the year in 2016 for introducing Excel to my company."That's the state of technology in the $300 billion store development industry.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sat down with Genevieve Davis and Alim Uderbekov from Surfaice. These two met on a beach in California (yes, really) and decided to tackle one of the most analog industries out there with AI agents.Here's what we covered:✅ Why companies building hundreds of stores aren't using Procore (hint: it's expensive and they're retailers, not developers)✅ The "McDonald's is a race car" analogy - why 40,000 cookie-cutter restaurants are actually the perfect use case for AI in construction✅ How code is becoming a commodity and why that changes everything about vertical software✅ Why AI won't take your job, but people who know how to use it willLink in comments - give it a listen if you're in retail, store development, or just want to hear how two people turned a beach conversation into a company.Our Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:46 Introduction to Surface and Founders' Backgrounds 06:48 The Vision Behind Surface and AI in Construction 09:41 The Meeting of Minds: Genevieve and Alim's Collaboration 12:45 Current Challenges in Store Development 15:30 AI's Role in Automating Construction Processes 18:32 Efficiency Gains and Time Savings with AI 21:44 The Future of Store Development and Human Touchpoints 24:30 Defensibility and Business Model of Surface 27:25 Funding and Future Plans for Surface 39:13 Investment Insights and Strategic Partnerships 41:31 Customer Engagement and Feedback 44:33 AI in Construction: Transforming Workflows 47:14 Navigating the Go-To-Market Strategy 54:20 Understanding Competition in the AI Space 59:25 Customization and Onboarding Process 01:03:07 Future of AI in Construction

"If we just listened to what our customers wanted, we would have had a faster horse."Everyone knows the Henry Ford quote, but Lee Mullin actually showed us what it means for construction tech.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we sat down with Lee from BuildArc. He spent 18 years at Autodesk, and honestly, the conversation completely changed how we think about talking about products.Here's what stuck with us: we're all making ourselves the hero of the story. We love talking about our amazing AI tools, our productivity gains, our revolutionary features. But Lee said something that hit different - your customer needs to be Luke Skywalker. You're just Yoda, guiding them along.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why taking people from "9 to 20" beats incremental improvements from "9 to 10"✅ The framework Lee used to convince construction crews that iPads weren't "voodoo"✅ How to tell stories that actually connect (hint: it's about project managers lying awake at night, not your feature list)✅ Why the best customer stories need tension and conflict (even though corporate hates that)The reality is, there's so much noise in AEC tech right now. If you can't tell a story that makes people feel understood, you're just another vendor promising productivity.Watch the full episode now. Link in the comments!Our SponsorsAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:48 The Importance of Storytelling in Business 13:32 Navigating the AEC Technology Landscape 21:44 Crafting Compelling Presentations 27:22 Building a Storytelling Framework 31:13 Transforming Customer Stories into Success 37:28 The Human Element in AI 42:11 Understanding Personas in Storytelling 44:26 Frameworks for Effective Storytelling 53:01 Building Conflict and Tension in Stories

"You can drop 30% of your project management labor right now."In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Darren Martin from AInvested and we got to learn about the harsh realities of digital transformation in AEC, how private equity firms value tech-enabled companies, and why most innovation initiatives fail to scale... and many more!Darren left his role as Chief Digital Officer at Atkins Realis to advise PE firms and help construction tech startups break through growth barriers. His perspective from both sides of the table reveals uncomfortable truths about how the industry approaches technology.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why most companies are "digitally dabbling" instead of transforming✅ How PE firms assess digital transformation value in billion-dollar acquisitions✅ The specific labor reductions possible with current AI tools (hint: it's 30% in project management)✅ Why small AEC firms can now compete with market leaders in ways that weren't possible beforeWatch now to hear how the game is changing for construction companies willing to move beyond pilot projects.Also, have a look at this article to know more: https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/aecom-jacobs-downgraded-uncertainty-over-180008836.htmlOur Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:30 Introduction and Background 08:13 Transitioning to Private Equity and Startups 13:35 The Role of Private Equity in AEC Companies 18:22 Digital Transformation and Value Creation 23:20 Market Trends and Company Sizes 28:20 Leveraging Technology for Business Value 33:07 Digital Accelerators and Human-Centric Approaches 35:22 Optimizing Construction Processes for Efficiency 37:51 Tying Technology to Corporate Success 41:42 Proving Value at the Project Level 43:55 The Balance of Show and Tell in Sales 49:09 Purposeful Change in the Construction Industry

A controller was spending 3 days a month just reconciling Excel reports across 80 projects.And that's just one person. Imagine the time sink across the entire org.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Joe Wilson from PROJEXION and we got to learn about the real state of construction data (spoiler: it's a disaster), why hiring data scientists isn't solving the problem, and how teams are finally breaking free from the endless cycle of firefighting... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why the 2018 point solution boom created a data fragmentation nightmare✅ The gap between builders and data scientists that nobody talks about✅ How one plug-and-play module gave an entire company their time back✅ What happens when your data goes from "collecting dust" to actually aliveJoe's perspective is refreshing—15 years as a builder before jumping into tech means he actually gets what it's like on the ground. No fluff, just real talk about real problems. Watch now! Link in the comments!Our Sponsors:Aphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.io📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/📲 Follow us:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/Chapters00:00:00 Intro00:03:30 Introduction and Background 00:06:29 The State of Construction Data 00:09:35 Data Fragmentation and Its Impact 00:12:32 Journey from Construction to Software 00:15:12 Building the Solution 00:17:41 The Leap of Faith 00:20:19 Finding the Right Co-Founder 00:23:17 Cultural Shifts in Transitioning Industries 00:26:34 Lessons Learned in Product Development 00:32:43 Transitioning from Construction to Sales 00:37:15 Building Relationships in Sales 00:41:55 Navigating the Sales Cycle 00:45:03 The Importance of Timing in Fundraising 00:46:52 Understanding Projection's Functionality 00:53:11 Integration and Onboarding Process 00:56:05 Real-World Use Cases and Impact 01:01:26 Overcoming Skepticism in Technology Adoption 01:04:47 Future Developments and Opportunities

"I remember just breaking down and crying when the announcement went live."That's Rob Phillpot describing the moment he sold Aconex to Oracle for $1.2 billion—still the biggest acquisition in construction tech history.The twist? He wasn't even looking to sell.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Rob Phillpot, founder of Aconex and now investor at Glitch Capital, and we got to learn about billion-dollar exits, why construction tech hasn't seen another mega-acquisition since 2018, and what's next for the industry.Tune in to find out about:✅ Why Oracle got Aconex at exactly the right moment ✅ The reality of losing control when you go public ✅ Why great construction software doesn't need to be sexy ✅ How AI will eliminate data entry and make tools predictiveWatch now on Youtube! Link in the comments!Our Sponsor: Archdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:10 The Emotional Journey of Selling Aconex 09:08 The Landscape of Construction Technology Acquisitions 12:10 Life After Aconex: Transitioning to New Ventures 20:11 Key Factors Behind Aconex's Growth 36:16 Navigating Go-to-Market Strategies 41:03 Navigating International Markets 47:19 The Evolution of Digital Marketing 51:59 The Impact of Short Sellers 59:08 Transitioning from Founder to CEO 01:06:51 Innovations in Construction Technology

"We're always running at 100%. Some people love that. I think it's like an adrenaline rush."That's how Katie Coulson describes leading Skanska Advanced Technology—where construction projects that typically take 2-3 years get done in a fraction of the time.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Katie Coulson from Skanska Advanced Technology and we got to learn about how they're building data centers and semiconductor fabs at tech company speed, why they're often starting construction before the design is even finalized, and what 31 years in construction has taught her about the future of the industry... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How Skanska's vertical unit model combines national tech expertise with local market knowledge to deliver high-speed projects across the US✅ Why the traditional construction bell curve doesn't exist in data center and semiconductor work—and the type of people who thrive in that chaos✅ The sophisticated subcontractor relationships that make it possible to mobilize quickly across different markets✅ Katie's predictions on AI, offsite manufacturing, and robotics as solutions to construction's labor challenges (especially as remote work isn't an option for field teams)If you're building in the data center or semiconductor space, or just curious about how construction is adapting to move at tech speed, this one's for you. Watch the full episode now. Link in the comment!📩 Subscribe to the Bricks & Bytes Newsletter: https://bricks-bytes.beehiiv.com/🌐 Visit our website: http://bricks-bytes.com/📲 Follow us:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bricks-bytes/ Twitter: https://x.com/bricksbytespod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bricksbytes/Enjoying the insights? Hit that Subscribe button to stay ahead in construction tech, AI, and the future of how we build.Our SponsorsAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coArchdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioChapters00:00 Intro03:20 Introduction to Skanska Advanced Technologies 06:12 The Evolution of High-Tech Construction 09:06 Speed and Efficiency in Construction Projects 12:12 Stakeholder Engagement and Subcontractor Relationships 15:01 Client Demands and Market Dynamics 17:59 Procurement and Buyout Strategies 21:04 Offsite Manufacturing and Prefabrication 23:55 Technology Integration in Construction 26:59 Safety Measures and AI in Construction 30:06 Data Management and Quality Assurance 33:37 Innovations in Construction Technology 37:32 The Role of AI in Streamlining Processes 39:26 Comparing Traditional and Tech-Driven Construction 42:43 Balancing Innovation with Project Constraints47:31 Managing Client Expectations in Tech Projects 50:42 Structure and Strategy of Advanced Technology Division 54:23 Building Trust and Team Dynamics 57:22 Advice for Aspiring Professionals in Data Centers 59:04 Future Predictions for Construction Technology

Owen and Martin broadcast live from Suffolk's BOOST Demo Day in Boston, going behind the scenes with the entire cohort and some of the biggest names in AEC.What we cover:● Live interviews with the full BOOST cohort including Arki, Cypher Autonomy, DigEnergy, Hardline AI, MOD, Neuron Factory, Aorus Materials, and Puppet Robotics● GOLDBECK's innovation team (Dani and Bjorn) on how a European giant thinks about construction tech●Exclusive conversations with Jit Kee (CTO at Suffolk Construction) and David Hinley (VP Corporate Development at Autodesk)● How these startups are tackling everything from AI-powered design automation to autonomous robotics on job sites● What accelerator demo days reveal about where construction tech is actually heading● Why Boston in winter is brutal for guys in Hawaiian shirtsKey quote: "In today's world, we're building an equivalent of New York City every month worldwide. And after the project is completed, this data is left abandoned. No one is capturing the results." - Natalia, CEO of Arki

"The industry is fundamentally incapable of change because there are so many interconnected problems."That's what Carl Christensen realized when he first looked at construction from the outside.In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Carl Christensen, co-founder of Spacemaker (acquired by Autodesk), and we got to learn about why the AEC industry struggles with digital transformation, how outcome-based design can break through systemic barriers, and what it really takes to sell your company... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why designers make critical decisions early without the information they need✅ How AI-powered simulations can predict sunlight, noise, and wind impacts in seconds✅ The real story behind the Autodesk acquisition and why cultural alignment mattered most✅ What Forma Building Design is doing to bridge the gap between sketch and detailed BIMWatch now to hear how Carl’s team turned systemic problems into a successful exit and what they're building next at Autodesk.Our Sponsor: Archdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:35 The Journey of Spacemaker: Founding and Vision 16:02 AI in AEC: Transforming Design and Collaboration 24:19 Autodesk Acquisition: The Value of Spacemaker 29:07 Future of AI in AEC: Insights and Predictions 36:21 Translating AI into Reality 42:38 Measuring AI Value in Design 45:15 The Evolution of Forma 54:10 Advice for AEC Product Builders 58:30 Navigating Acquisition Processes 01:07:46 Reflections on Building Spacemaker

How do you run a $2 trillion segment of the economy with just a book?In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Dmitry Alexin from Handoff and we got to learn about how AI is transforming residential construction, why 90% of US construction firms are one-person operations struggling with back-office work, and how a former IMF economist ended up building technology that delivers cost estimates in 30 seconds... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ Why traditional construction cost data is stuck in the physical book era and how real-time APIs are changing the game✅ How contractors can now delegate entire workflows to an AI agent through simple voice commands while driving between jobs✅ Why selling to residential contractors requires throwing out the enterprise playbook and leading with instant product value✅ The surprising shift of professionals from marketing and accounting backgrounds entering residential construction with a software-first mindsetWatch now to hear Dmitry's journey from GDP forecasting during the Ebola pandemic to revolutionizing how residential contractors run their businesses.Our Sponsor: Archdesk -  “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision -   streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:40 Introduction to Handoff and Its Purpose06:41 Dmitry's Background and Transition to Construction09:30 The Data Challenge in Construction12:49 Building the First Real-Time API for Construction Prices15:35 The Evolution of Handoff and Its Features18:37 The Importance of Accurate Estimating21:37 The Role of AI in Construction Estimating24:40 Understanding Labor and Material Costs27:32 Streamlining Procurement Processes30:36 Product-Led Growth Strategy33:35 Overcoming Skepticism in the Industry37:55 Leading with Value: Product-Led Growth38:42 Go-To-Market Strategies: Finding Your Audience43:24 Targeting Residential Contractors: A Strategic Choice46:54 The Role of AI Agents in Construction Tech49:25 Learning from Failures: Experimentation in Startups55:35 Future of Construction: Robotics and Material Science58:60 Funding Insights: Building a Diverse Investor Base01:05:05 Advice for Technical Founders: Embracing Humility01:07:15 Join the Team: Opportunities at Handoff

From indie rock band to HVAC software startup—how's that for a pivot?In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Davis Muxlow and Andrew Krippner from HVAKR and we got to learn about building construction tech from the ground up, the innovator's dilemma killing legacy software companies, and why making products faster might actually hurt your revenue... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How a church worship team "audition" turned into a college band and eventually a software company✅ Why legacy HVAC programs are making engineers slower despite new updates✅ The double-edged sword of efficiency: one engineer now doing the work of three✅ How AI is forcing SaaS companies to rethink their entire pricing modelThese guys went from mechanical engineering students with a Slack channel full of startup ideas to building a product that's actually making their customers more productive.The kicker? Their product works so well that customers need fewer seats. That's the kind of problem you want to have.Our Sponsor: Archdesk - “The #1 Construction Management Software for Growing Companies - Manage your projects from Tender to Handover” check archdesk.comBuildVision - streamlining the construction supply chain with a unified platform - www.buildvision.ioAphex is the multiplayer planning platform where construction teams plan together, stay aligned, and deliver projects faster – check out aphex.coChapters00:00 Intro03:19 The Musical Beginnings 05:20 From Bandmates to Entrepreneurs 09:13 The Path to HVACR 15:07 Building the Foundation of HVACR 19:02 The Accelerator Journey 25:10 The Product Unveiled 31:15 The Importance of Design in HVACR 35:18 Streamlining HVAC Design Processes 40:43 Design as a Differentiator 41:38 Innovative Pricing Models 44:35 Streamlining Sales Processes 48:12 Effective Trial Management 54:40 Customer-Centric Product Development 57:10 Building a Personal Brand 1:03:02 The Value of Transparency 1:04:13 Avoiding Common Mistakes in Product Design 1:09:25 Metrics of Success in Software Usage