The ConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, hosts Jeff Sample and Nathan Wood sit down with James Hatfield, CRO at LiveSwitch, to unpack his incredible journey from painting houses to disrupting the tech space with real-time video communication tools. James shares how a financial blind spot in his early service business led him to co-found a fintech startup that soared to a billion-dollar valuation. From humble beginnings to leading-edge innovation, his story is one of hustle, grit, and bold pivots. But the episode goes far beyond the origin story. James reveals how LiveSwitch is revolutionizing emergency response, home services, and construction tech by eliminating friction in video communication: no apps, no hardware, just a tap. With real-world use cases spanning NASA, WWE, and the Super Bowl, he explains why “seeing what I see” is becoming a game-changing layer of accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the built world. Whether you're a techie, contractor, or startup founder, this conversation is packed with takeaways. KEY LEARNINGS * James started as a house painter and built his first tech business. * Transitioning into tech meant leaving behind safety nets and going all in. * James co-founded a nonprofit turning inmates into entrepreneurs, later featured on ABC. * LiveSwitch prioritizes ease of use, no apps, no downloads, no hardware. * Engineers need to understand the real jobsite for tech adoption to succeed. * Situational awareness via instant video is reshaping operations across industries. * LiveSwitch is the engine powering major platforms construction tech can plug right in. TIMESTAMPS [00:00] - Show introduction [02:45] - James’ background in painting, home services, and his entrepreneurial roots [08:04] - “Burn the boats” mindset and fully committing to tech [15:20] - What is LiveSwitch? Use cases from WWE to NASA to 911 [22:20] - Pushback from the field and shifting mindsets with “instant replay” [29:23] - Tradeoffs between apps vs. browser-based video tools [31:45] - How small businesses can start using LiveSwitch instantly [37:20] - Strategic value for contractors and service companies [39:53] - Where to find James and final wrap-up FOLLOW THE GUEST: * James Hatfield (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hatfield/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hatfield/]  * Website: https://www.liveswitch.com/ [https://www.liveswitch.com/]  * LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/liveswitch-inc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/liveswitch-inc/]  * Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/liveswitchinc/ [https://www.facebook.com/liveswitchinc/]  * Twitter (Company): https://twitter.com/liveswitchinc [https://twitter.com/liveswitchinc]  FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/] FOLLOW THE CO-HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/]  FOLLOW THE CONTECH CREW: * Website: https://thecontechcrew.comhttps://thecontechcrew.com/ [https://thecontechcrew.com/]  * YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg]  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ [https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en]  * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew [https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew]  * Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew [https://x.com/TheConTechCrew]  #ConTechCrew #ConstructionTech #LiveSwitch #TechInnovation #FieldTech #VideoTech #SmartConstruction #DigitalTransformation #HomeServices #EmergencyTech #EntrepreneurshipJourney #StartupLife #TradesToTech #SecondChances #RealTimeVideo #APIIntegration #ConstructionSoftware #PhilanthropyInTech #EaseOfUse #NoAppRequired

In this episode of Construction Tech News, host Jeff Sample teams up with two industry leaders to discuss how automation and artificial intelligence are influencing construction workflows.Travis Voss, Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication at SMACNA and Trent Leinenbach, Vice President of Customer Experience at Stratus joined the conversation to explore topics ranging from autonomous forklifts to AI-driven news sourcing. The discussion also covers the introduction of CLARK, a large language model designed to assist engineers with codes and standards and analyzes the industry’s take on U.S. steel tariffs and their long-term implications for construction materials. Key Learnings: * Autonomous forklifts are now a reality thanks to university-led research. * AI tools like ChatGPT can support construction pros with smarter news sourcing. * CLARK, a new large language model, aims to assist structural engineers. * Engineering decisions still require human oversight, even with AI input. * Steel tariffs may stabilize local manufacturing but introduce uncertainty. * Industry leaders support tariffs for long-term competitive advantage. * The future of sourcing materials hinges on balancing innovation and policy. Timestamps: [00:00] - Show intro and episode format   [01:41] - Autonomous forklifts and robotics in construction   [08:39] - CLARK: AI for engineering and code support   [10:53] - The role of LLMs and AI responsibility in engineering   [17:25] - U.S. steel tariffs and the global materials supply chain   NCCER: https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/ [https://ambitiontheory.com/building-better-report/]  Follow The Guest (Travis Voss) * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-voss/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.voss.336 [https://www.facebook.com/travis.voss.336]  * Website: https://www.constructiondorks.com/ [https://www.constructiondorks.com/]  Follow The Guest (Trent Leinenbach) * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-466018177/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-466018177/]  * Twitter: https://x.com/BimminAintEasy [https://x.com/BimminAintEasy]   Reference Links:  * https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bim-dead-long-live-briefish-commentary-past-present-future-olcott-jbxmf/?trackingId=XSkRE3UsQiagIlk1W4wvtw%3D%3D [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bim-dead-long-live-briefish-commentary-past-present-future-olcott-jbxmf/?trackingId=XSkRE3UsQiagIlk1W4wvtw%3D%3D] * https://www.enr.com/articles/60595-steel-construction-institute-announces-ai-clark-and-supports-tariff-policies [https://www.enr.com/articles/60595-steel-construction-institute-announces-ai-clark-and-supports-tariff-policies]  * https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.14331 [https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.14331] * https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-for-worker-site-safety-in-construction-2025-4 [https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-for-worker-site-safety-in-construction-2025-4] Follow The ConTech Crew: * Website: https://thecontechcrew.comhttps://thecontechcrew.com/ [https://thecontechcrew.com/]  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ConTechCrewhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg]  * LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ [https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en]  * Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew [https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew]  * Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew [https://x.com/TheConTechCrew]

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, host Jeff Sample is joined by Anna Jochim, Director Future Workforce Development at Wesco and ELECTRI, and Nelson Squires, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Electrical & Electronic Solutions, gets into one of the most pressing issues facing the electrical construction industry: workforce development. With the electrical industry rapidly evolving due to increased electrification, data center expansion, and green energy demands, the conversation zeroes in on the urgent need to cultivate skilled talent through structured, scalable programs. Anna introduces the groundbreaking Project Management Apprenticeship Program, a first-of-its-kind office-based apprenticeship designed to provide real-world, structured training for future project managers. Nelson shares Wesco’s commitment to supporting this initiative through scholarships and industry partnerships, emphasizing that talent development is critical to meeting future demand. Together, they paint a compelling vision for the future of electrical construction and how mentorship, innovation, and strategic investment are key to solving the labor shortage. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Electrification is exploding, creating urgent demand for skilled electrical. * The Project Management Apprenticeship is a new structured path for training office-based leaders in the industry. * Wesco is investing in workforce development, offering scholarships and mentoring programs via Wesco Cares. * There’s a projected 14% workforce decline by 2030. * Apprenticeship now extends to office roles, focusing on leadership, field-to-office transition, and structured learning. * Mentorship is symbiotic, helping capture legacy knowledge . * The industry must evolve to attract the next-gen workforce. * Solving the labor crisis benefits the entire industry ecosystem. TIMESTAMPS [00:30] - Introduction [02:27] - Anna introduces Electri and its mission [05:46] - Nelson’s background and Wesco’s role in electrification [07:55] - Projects Wesco supports: data centers, battery plants, hospitals [14:06] - Why Electri created the PM Apprenticeship Program [17:08] - Alarming labor stats: shrinking workforce, rising demand [25:05] - Addressing misconceptions about office apprenticeships [32:56] - Capturing mentor wisdom through documentation and shared learning [37:36] - Final thoughts: where the program is headed and how to get involved [40:45] - Outro and call to action FOLLOW THE ANNA JOCHIM: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annajochim/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/annajochim/]  * Company(LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/electriinternational/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/electriinternational/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ELECTRI.org/ [https://www.facebook.com/ELECTRI.org/]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electri_org/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/electri_org/?hl=en]  * Twitter: https://x.com/electri_org [https://x.com/electri_org]  FOLLOW THE NELSON SQUIRES: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-squires/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-squires/]  * Company(LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/wesco/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wesco/]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wesco.corp/ [https://www.facebook.com/wesco.corp/]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesco.corp/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/wesco.corp/?hl=en]  * Twitter: https://x.com/wescocorp [https://x.com/wescocorp]  FOLLOW THE HOST:  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/ [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 Twitter (X): https://x.com/TheConTechCrew

In this episode of The ConTech Crew, Jeff Sample and Jonathan Marsh get into the future of construction design automation with Aaron Szymanski and Francesco Iorio from Augmenta.ai. Augmenta.ai [http://augmenta.ai] is pioneering AI-driven solutions to optimize the design and engineering of construction projects, starting with electrical Raceway systems. Their mission? To automate detailed, constructible designs and revolutionize efficiency in the industry. The conversation covers the origins of Augmenta.ai [http://augmenta.ai], the challenges in digitalizing construction workflows, and the potential for AI to transform decision-making in design. The guests explain how their AI system learns from real-world contractor input, refines designs, and drastically reduces modeling time all while enhancing accuracy. If you’re interested in the intersection of construction, AI, and automation, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Key Learnings: * How AI-driven design automation is reshaping construction workflows. * The importance of balancing human expertise with machine intelligence. * Challenges in digitalizing construction and overcoming industry resistance. * The impact of Augmenta’s technology on efficiency and accuracy. * Future possibilities for AI in the construction industry. Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction to the episode.  [01:56] - Introduction to Aaron Szymanski and Francesco Iorio. [15:16] - The origins of Augmenta and its mission. [19:00] - The role of AI in automating electrical Raceway design. [22:14] - The challenge of balancing machine intelligence with human expertise. [33:27] - The future of AI in construction and its long-term potential. [39:43] - Where to learn more about Augmenta.ai. [http://augmenta.ai] FOLLOW THE GUESTS: * LinkedIn(Aaron Szymanski): https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronszymanski/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronszymanski/]  * Twitter(Aaron Szymanski): https://x.com/AaronSzymanski [https://x.com/AaronSzymanski]  * LinkedIn(Francesco Iorio): https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescoiorio/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescoiorio/]  * Twitter(Francesco Iorio): https://x.com/FrancescoIorio_ [https://x.com/FrancescoIorio_]  * Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/augmenta-ai/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/augmenta-ai/]  * Company’s Twitter: https://x.com/AugmentaAI [https://x.com/AugmentaAI]  FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/] FOLLOW THE CO-HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdmsteeltoe/]  #ConstructionTech #AIinConstruction #Automation #Augmenta #TheConTechCrew #ConstructionInnovation #DigitalTransformation #MachineLearning #FutureofConstruction #BuildingSmart #TechPodcast

In this special announcement episode of The ConTech Crew, we’re excited to sit down with David Lincoln, Senior Vice President at Rosendin Electric, to talk about a major leap forward in construction technology. David gets deep into how Rosendin is leveraging robotics to streamline operations in remote, large-scale projects, reducing material touches, minimizing breakage, and ultimately saving time and labor costs. But this isn't just about efficiency, it’s about making work easier, safer, and more sustainable for the crews on the ground. From micro laydowns to diesel hybrid electric units, David walks us through the real world application of these advanced tools, their impact on workforce deployment, and why they’re a game changer for the future of construction. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, contractor, or industry leader, this episode delivers valuable insight into how innovation is driving productivity while preserving the human element at the heart of the trade. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: * Robotics in construction technology and its impact on large-scale, remote projects. * How Rosendin is creating career paths from high school to professional leadership. * The secrets behind running a successful internship program * The unique mentorship culture within Rosendin * Building a diverse and empowered workforce through mission-driven values * How technology is reshaping the construction talent landscape * The importance of internal mobility and retention strategies EPISODE BREAKDOWN WITH TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] - Introduction to the episode and guest David Lincoln [02:15] - David’s early career. [06:07] - What drew David to the renewable side of the industry.  [09:00] - Announcement of RTMIS- Robotic transitioning module installation system. [18:15] - David Lincoln discusses the benefits of robotic solutions in construction. [20:18] - Rosendin’s search for manufacturing partners to scale a new field innovation, inviting industry leaders to a media demo on April 17th in Abilene, Texas. [30:47] - How robotics and AI are enhancing productivity and safety in construction. [34:24] - Final thoughts from Jeff and David. 📅 MEDIA DAY ANNOUNCEMENT * Rosendin is hosting a Media Day on April 17 in Abilene, Texas to showcase the robotic technology live on-site. * The event invites manufacturers, developers, GCs, and robotic tech companies to see the innovation in action and explore partnership opportunities. FOLLOW THE GUEST: * David Lincoln (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorbaggetthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lincoln-72755a20/ * LinkedIn(Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/rosendininc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rosendininc/]  * Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/rosendininc/ [https://www.facebook.com/rosendininc/]  * Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/rosendininc/ [https://www.instagram.com/rosendininc/]  * Twitter (Company): https://twitter.com/RosendinInc [https://twitter.com/RosendinInc]  * Website: https://www.rosendin.com/ [https://www.rosendin.com/]  FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/] FOLLOW THE CONTECH CREW: * Website: https://thecontechcrew.com [https://thecontechcrew.com] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ [https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en] * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew [https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew] * Twitter (X): https://x.com/TheConTechCrew [https://x.com/TheConTechCrew] #ConTech #ConstructionTech #Rosendin #GenerativeAI #NoCode #DataInConstruction #DigitalTransformation #ConstructionInnovation #AIinConstruction #SmartBuilding #ConstructionData #ConstructionSoftware #TheConTechCrew