by Mercator.ai
The Future of Construction podcast brings together trailblazing leaders, industry executives, and tech pioneers to uncover the revolutionary technologies and forward-thinking strategies transforming the construction world. Hosted by Chloe Smith, CEO and founder of Mercator.ai, each episode offers an inside look at how these innovations are reshaping the future of the industry.
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🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/26/2024
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April 10, 2025
Construction 3D printing is positioned to revolutionize how we build, but the path to mass adoption is paved with regulatory hurdles and financial challenges. In this episode of The Future of Construction, Tom Macrokanis, Founder & Director of Macro3D, shares his journey from software developer to pioneering 3D concrete printing in Australia. Tom tells Chloe how he created a profitable steel fabrication business specifically to fund his printing technology, the challenges of convincing skeptical builders that 3D printed walls function like double brick construction, and his data-driven approach to quality assurance — tracking every material property throughout the printing process. Despite battling constrained investment environments and construction payment terms that leave ”hundreds of thousands in unpaid invoices,” Tom remains committed to solving Australia’s housing shortage through faster construction methods that require fewer workers. Topics discussed: - How to implement a dual company funding model for hardware innovation when traditional VCs won’t invest, creating a profitable service business (steel fabrication) with immediate revenue to systematically fund long-term R&D for revolutionary construction technology. - Navigating regulatory frameworks with the building code parallel mapping strategy that identifies existing approved construction methods with structural similarities to new technology, creating certification pathways by demonstrating functional equivalence to established methods like double brick construction. - Why speed-to-market trumps cost advantage in early-stage construction innovation, for examples focusing on reducing build time by 30-40% while maintaining industry-standard pricing around $300/sqm, rather than immediately passing all potential cost efficiencies to customers. - Implementing a triple stakeholder education protocol that simultaneously engages builders, inspectors, and engineers in collaborative learning sessions, transforming potential blockers into innovation partners through hands-on demonstration and participatory problem-solving. - Leveraging comprehensive data collection as a competitive moat by tracking material properties and environmental conditions for every layer of concrete, providing verifiable quality documentation impossible with traditional ”spot testing” methods that only sample occasional concrete batches. - Mitigating cash flow challenges through strategic deposit structuring: securing 75% upfront payment (50% initial deposit, 25% pre-site delivery) from innovation-friendly clients to fund development while navigating construction’s traditional progress payment schedules. - Identifying a synergy and patience client profile in construction innovation, targeting early adopters who recognize startup constraints, accommodate inevitable technology refinements, and view collaboration as strategic investment rather than traditional vendor relationship.
March 25, 2025
When Zach Rapaport’s father handed him a broom instead of a project management role after college, it sparked an unlikely journey from sweeping construction sites to becoming Founder & Principal at Meerkat Companies — and managing 150,000 square feet of development projects in just its first year. In this episode of The Future of Construction, Zach tells Chloe how he feeds complex land ordinances into AI ”cauldrons” to qualify development opportunities in minutes rather than hours, his surprising success with Gen Z employees who consistently arrive at the office before he does, and why he rejected the venture-capital model to build a sustainable company that prioritizes employee psychological safety over rapid expansion. Zach also shares the transformative moment when he saw families enjoying a restaurant he’d built, cementing his passion for hospitality construction over warehouse development. Topics discussed: - Using AI to rapidly assess land ordinances and development opportunities, reducing decision time from hours to minutes by efficiently processing complex regulatory documents to get faster thumbs up/down decisions. - Successful strategies for hiring and retaining Gen Z talent in construction, focusing on flexibility, site visits that showcase tangible results, and creating an environment where passion is contagious. - The tangible rewards of construction that transcend generations and give the visceral satisfaction of transforming spaces and seeing people enjoying environments you helped create. - Creating sustainable growth models focused on revenue-driven expansion rather than venture capital infusion, prioritizing employee stability and psychological safety. - The shift toward strategic partnerships between smaller firms rather than mergers and acquisitions, allowing companies to maintain sovereignty while collaborating on larger projects. - Modern approaches to project management, including remote collaboration with design firms globally, leveraging tools like Zoom and 3D modeling services to break geographical limitations. - Emerging construction tech innovations, including Adaptive (financing for smaller GCs), Sites (retail space marketplace), and Pillar (development site platform for identifying optimal locations). - How time saved through AI tools is reinvested in organizational efficiency, creating psychological safety for teams, and building sustainable business operations.
December 16, 2024
In this episode of The Future of Construction podcast, Chloe welcomes Sam Dowd, Sales Director at Viking Fence & Viking Rentals. Together, they dive into the importance of building community within the construction industry, highlighting how Sam’s Central Texas Construction and Commercial Real Estate Happy Hour fosters valuable connections among professionals. The conversation also explores the critical role of mental health and well-being in the workplace, emphasizing that prioritizing these aspects can lead to enhanced productivity and stronger relationships. Tune in to discover how cultivating a supportive environment can transform both personal and professional dynamics in construction. Topics discussed: - The significance of community-building in the construction industry and how it fosters relationships that extend beyond business transactions and enhance collaboration. - The critical role of mental health awareness in the workplace and its impact on employee well-being and productivity within the construction sector. - Strategies for preventing burnout among construction professionals and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a demanding industry. - The value of personal connections in business development and how trust is built through genuine relationships rather than transactional interactions. - Insights on how to engage young professionals in the construction industry and the evolving landscape of networking and relationship-building. - The challenges of scaling community events and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere as attendance grows significantly over time. - The importance of stewardship in leadership roles and how it influences team dynamics and employee engagement within organizations. - How adopting technology can streamline workflows and reduce the administrative burden on sales professionals, allowing them to focus on relationship-building. - The shift in industry culture towards prioritizing mental health and the proactive measures companies can take to support their employees.
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