Bridging the Gap: Insights & Innovations in Construction

• Culture on the Bleeding Edge: How Satterfield & Pontikes Drives Change from the Field Up

  What does it take to turn skeptics into champions of innovation? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025, this conversation with Mark Dinius of Satterfield & Pontikes dives into how one of Texas’s most forward-thinking builders is shaping a “bleeding-edge” culture where technology, trust, and field-first innovation thrive. From leading a major Procore → ACC migration to redefining risk management with data-driven tools, Mark shares practical lessons in change management, intentional tech adoption, and empowering teams to see value in new ways. Highlights from the Conversation How culture turns skeptics into tech champions Why new tools demand new processes—not old habits Building trust through early wins and people-first support Why interoperability beats tool overload every time The future of AI and object-driven data in construction MEET OUR GUEST Mark Dinius is Vice President of Innovation & Technology at Satterfield & Pontikes, where he leads IT, VDC, systems integration, and analytics across commercial, industrial, K–12, and healthcare projects. A BIM pioneer and Purdue alum, Mark has evolved from virtual construction within academia into driving digital transformation in the field—advancing object-driven data, process modernization, and intentional tech adoption to help his teams work smarter, not harder. TODD TAKES Culture Turns Skeptics into Champions SatPon’s “bleeding edge” mindset starts at the top and spreads by proving value on real jobs. Once teams see tech remove risk and save time, the boulder rolls downhill—your hardest skeptics become your loudest advocates. Trust is earned by solving their problems first. Be Intentional: New Tech, New Process Their Procore → ACC migration worked because they didn’t cram old habits into new tools. Clear ownership, phased rollout, and people-first support (training, ticketing, KPIs) kept overwhelm down and adoption up. The same discipline guides AI: avoid point-solution sprawl, prioritize impact. Make the Field’s Job Easier (Object-Driven Data) The win isn’t “more apps”—it’s faster answers where supers already live: the plans. An object-driven approach that ties RFIs, submittals, schedule, costs, and vendor info to the element on screen beats tool-switching every time. Interoperability (and smart tools) should serve that simple goal.   More Resources  Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Mark’s LinkedIn SatPon’s Website

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• From Jobsite to Data Site: How Construction Tech Is Finally Solving the Real Problems

  What happens when someone who’s lived the chaos of the jobsite starts leading global construction sales at Autodesk? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025, this conversation with Brent Ramos dives into the human side of construction tech — solving the real problems that happen every day on projects. Brent shares his journey from fourth-generation stucco contractor to Autodesk leader, revealing why technology only matters when it fixes miscommunication, eliminates rework, and frees people to focus on building. Highlights from the Conversation Why fixing field frustrations is the foundation of meaningful innovation How connected data and AI unlock smarter, predictive decisions Why “bad data” is a workflow problem — not a tech one What it takes to build intentional, lasting innovation How Autodesk’s Forma platform is turning connected construction into reality MEET OUR GUEST Brent Ramos leads Autodesk’s global construction technology sales, bringing a unique perspective shaped by decades in the field. A fourth-generation stucco and plaster tradesman by roots, Brent began his career doing hands-on work—hot carrying, patching, scaffolding—and then managed projects, founded his own construction business, and eventually pivoted into software and digital transformation. Today, as Autodesk’s construction sales leader, Brent bridges real-world experience with modern tech, guiding how connected data, AI, and purposeful innovation can solve the problems he once faced firsthand. TODD TAKES Solve the Real Problems, Don't Just Add Tech The passion for construction technology comes from firsthand experience with the pain points—miscommunication, rework, and wasted time. Technology only matters when it fixes those problems. The goal should always be less paperwork, fewer silos, and more people building. Connected Data Unlocks Smarter Decisions Data has been messy, siloed, and disconnected for too long. The shift happening now is toward unifying information in one platform so it’s searchable, contextual, and actionable. That’s how data goes from “bad” to powerful—fueling workflows, predictive insights, and better decision-making. Innovation Takes Intentionality and Trust Progress doesn’t happen by chasing every shiny object. It takes an intentional, steady commitment to unify tools, embed AI where it adds real value, and build trust with customers and partners. That’s what ensures innovation sticks and makes life easier for people in the field.   More Resources  Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Brent’s LinkedIn Autodesk Website

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• Building Trust in Transformation: AI, Data, and Partner Agility

  How do you lead through change when innovation is happening at lightning speed? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation with Rachel Tuller, VP Global Channels at Autodesk, explores how data, AI, and culture are redefining success in the partner ecosystem. The discussion dives into what it takes to build trust, communicate effectively, and stay agile in a world where technology and customer expectations are constantly evolving. Highlights from the Conversation Why innovation now centers on customer outcomes, not features How connected data and AI are powering smarter workflows The role of trust and clarity in driving successful change management Why communication is the foundation of every transformation How agility and collaboration keep the industry moving forward together MEET OUR GUEST Rachel Tuller is the Vice President of Global Channels at Autodesk, where she leads global partner strategy, programs, and enablement. With deep expertise in digital transformation, channel development, and customer success, Rachel focuses on building high-trust relationships, aligning partner value with customer outcomes, and preparing the Autodesk ecosystem for the future of AI and data-driven innovation. TODD TAKES Innovation Is About Customer Outcomes The most exciting change is that innovation is no longer framed as features or transactions—it’s about outcomes. Partners and technology providers alike are leaning into solving customer problems, improving workflows, and creating measurable impact. That shift from “what’s the tool” to “what’s the result” is where true transformation happens. Data + AI Should Power Workflows (Not Features) The story this year isn’t about buttons—it’s about end-to-end workflows driven by connected data and embedded AI. When insights surface in real time, teams move faster and make better calls. Practical AI plus thoughtful services create a multiplier effect for productivity and project success. Trust Fuels Change (Start with the Why) Change management begins with clarity. When leaders communicate the “why” early and often, they build trust that makes adoption possible. Add cultural alignment and open collaboration, and change shifts from something feared to something embraced. That circle of trust is where meaningful progress happens.   More Resources Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Rachel’s LinkedIn Autodesk Website

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• The Future Is Now: Culture, AI, and Human Ingenuity

  How do we unlock the real promise of AI in construction and design? Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation with Dara Treseder, CMO of Autodesk, explores the importance of good technology paired with the right culture to allow innovation to thrive. When AI’s potential meets human ingenuity inside the right environment, that’s where the magic happens. It’s a rising tide that lifts all boats, accelerating opportunities, resilience, and impact across the industry. Highlights from the Conversation Why culture is the foundation for innovation to flourish How AI plus human creativity creates exponential opportunities Why resilience and adaptability matter more than ever in times of change Practical ways to make the future tangible today, not tomorrow A vision for impact that empowers everyone, not just a few MEET OUR GUEST Dara Treseder is the Chief Marketing Officer of Autodesk, where she leads global marketing, brand, and customer engagement. Named one of the world’s most influential CMOs, Dara has a track record of helping organizations harness technology, culture, and creativity to drive impact. At Autodesk, she champions opportunities for customers to embrace AI, adapt to change, and model the future with confidence and purpose.   TODD TAKES AI Is Moving From Hype to Reality We’ve officially crossed the line where AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s showing up in real workflows, saving time, and driving better decisions on the jobsite. The winners will be those who don’t treat AI as “just another cool technology” but as a tool to solve real customer problems. The pace of change over the last six months proves this isn’t optional—it’s here to stay. Authenticity Builds Trust The construction industry has no time for hype cycles. What resonates are real customer stories and tangible outcomes. By rooting messaging in authenticity, showing how real companies achieve results—leaders build the trust that’s necessary for change. True influence comes from proving value, not promoting features. Innovation Requires Trust and Culture Adopting new technology isn’t just about tools—it’s about creating a culture where people feel safe to take risks and try new approaches. Change is hard because most people fear it will make things worse. Leaders need to model trust, create psychological safety, and show that innovation makes life easier, not harder. That’s the culture where real transformation happens.   More Resources  Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Dara’s LinkedIn Autodesk Website

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• Mass Timber, Carbon Truths, and Smarter Sustainability

  Mass timber is everywhere in today’s conversations about sustainable construction. But is it the silver bullet that many claim it to be? In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd Weyandt talks with Varun Kohli, Director of Sustainability at Corgan, about the real impact of mass timber and the future of sustainable design. Varun shares insights from Corgan’s groundbreaking research on embodied carbon and their new Mass Timber Carbon Calculator, which challenges assumptions about net-zero claims and highlights the hidden emissions in forestry practices.  CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Why it’s critical to ask deeper questions about sourcing and forestry practices How embodied carbon calculations are evolving in architecture and construction The role of hybrid solutions, adaptive reuse, and low-carbon alternatives beyond timber Why modular building could be the next big leap in sustainable construction If you care about the future of building design, sustainability, and carbon accountability, this episode is packed with takeaways that will reshape how you think about construction materials. MEET OUR GUEST Varun Kohli is Principal – Director of Sustainability at Corgan. A fierce advocate for environmental and social sustainability, Varun creates and implements integrated design processes for significant projects globally. His meticulous approach purposefully dissolves the boundaries between built, human, and natural ecosystems. As the Director of Sustainability at Corgan, Varun provides firm-wide leadership on climate and sustainability topics. With a focus on integrating environmental sensitivities in design, Varun collaborates with Yale Center for Ecosystems + Architecture (CEA) researchers on novel pedagogical models for environmental design and has taught courses at Harvard GSD and RPI (CASE).  TODD TAKES No Silver Bullets Mass Timber is exciting, but it’s not a cure-all. We need to view it as one option in a broader toolkit of sustainable materials and strategies. The “Yes, And” Approach Sustainability isn’t about choosing one perfect solution. It’s about combining methods, technologies, and ideas to create better outcomes together. Stay Curious The biggest breakthroughs come when we keep asking deeper questions. Where does this material come from, what’s its impact, and how can we make it better?   Thanks for listening! Please be sure to leave a rating and/or review and follow up our social accounts. Bridging the Gap Website Bridging the Gap LinkedIn Bridging the Gap Instagram Bridging the Gap YouTube Todd’s LinkedIn   Thank you to our sponsors! Graitec North America Graitec North America LinkedIn   Other Relevant Links: Varun’s LinkedIn Corgan  

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