AEC Tech Journeys with Mayur Mistry

In this episode, Kirk Donohoe, CEO of GRAND, breaks down how trust infrastructure is reshaping the construction industry through AI-driven payment systems, unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurship and business growth. 

He shares hard-earned startup advice, from navigating go-to-market strategies to avoiding common pitfalls when building a company to sell. If you’re exploring the intersection of AI, fintech, and real-world industries, this conversation offers a clear look at where trust networks are heading next.

 

key topics

Trust infrastructure in construction and trade

Grand's AI-driven trust network

Entrepreneurship and career highlights

Building a company to sell: pitfalls and strategies

Market entry and go-to-market strategies

Chapters

00:00 Kirk Donohoe: From Science to Entrepreneurship

08:24 Building Trust in Payments and Construction

16:33 The Vision for GRAND: A New Era in Commerce

24:48 Rapid Fire: Insights and Personal Reflections

 

💡Learn more about GRAND here: https://heygrand.com/

📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link : https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call

📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this insightful interview, Anton Marinovich, CRO at Joist AI, shares his extensive experience in SaaS and construction tech. He discusses the evolution of GTM strategies, the challenges of selling AI in construction, and practical advice for founders and sales teams aiming for growth in the industry.

 

key topics

GTM strategies in construction tech

Challenges of selling AI in construction

Building and scaling sales teams

Effective GTM tactics for startups

Data-driven decision making in sales

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anton Marinovich and His Journey

02:42 Lessons Learned from Hard Work and Career Challenges

05:11 Scaling HoloBuilder: From $350k to $4 Million ARR

07:45 GTM Strategies: Transitioning from Project Sales to Enterprise Sales

10:11 Hiring for Sales Teams: Key Traits and Tips

12:47 Founder's Role in Sales and Early Team Building

15:05 Joining Joist: The Decision Process and Vision

17:53 Transforming AEC Marketing with Joist AI

20:10 Regional vs. National Sales Strategies in AEC

22:48 Building a Modern Business Development Team

25:14 Common GTM Mistakes by First-Time Founders

27:37 Data-Driven Sales: Key Metrics and KPIs

30:23 Effective Channels for Construction Tech Sales

32:49 Rapid Fire Round: Personal Insights and Advice

 

💡Learn more about Joist AI here: https://www.joist.ai/

📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link : https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call

📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this insightful interview, Viktar Beliakou, founder of Enji Technologies, shares his journey from structural engineering to AI-driven software solutions for engineers. Discover how his platform aims to revolutionize engineering calculations, the challenges of integrating AI in construction, and advice for engineers interested in technology.

 

key topics

AI in Structural Engineering

Development of Enji Technologies Platform

Challenges in Engineering Software Adoption

Future of Engineering Standards and AI

Talent and Skills in Construction Tech

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Viktar Beliakou and NG Technologies

02:54 Identifying Problems in Structural Engineering

06:57 The Exploration Stage of Product Development

09:40 The Role of Technology in Engineering

13:26 Enji Technologies' Approach to Engineering Workflows

16:28 Future of Engineering Standards and AI Integration

17:45 Advice for Aspiring Engineers and Developers

 

💡Learn more about Enji.io: here: https://www.enji.io/

📞 If you are exploring ai in construction or need support in GTM for your construction tech startup, book a discovery call using this link : https://calendly.com/mayur-mistry7/consultancy-discovery-call

📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this insightful interview, Jefferson Sanchez, Co-founder of BIMROCK AI,  shares his journey from a first-generation immigrant and academic to a construction tech innovator. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in BIM automation, the role of AI in construction, and how to build a technology-native firm in the AEC industry.

key topics

Jefferson Sanchez's career journey and reflections

Challenges in the construction industry and BIM automation

The role of AI and machine learning in BIM and construction

Building a technology-native construction firm

Strategies for go-to-market and trust-building in construction tech

Chapters

00:00 Journey of a First-Generation Immigrant

02:11 Navigating the Startup Landscape

04:51 The Birth of BIMROCK AI

07:27 Understanding the MEP Market

09:57 Product Overview: BIMROCK AI

12:31 Customer Feedback and Validation

15:17 AI and BIM Data Challenges

17:27 Building a Technology-Native Firm

20:15 Trust and Reputation in AEC Sales

22:53 Conferences and Community Engagement

25:20 Rapid Fire Round: Insights and Reflections

 

💡Learn more about Bimrock AI here: https://bimrock.ai/

📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/

In this insightful interview, Claire Wilson, CEO & Co-founder of Siteline, shares her journey from structural engineer to construction tech founder. Discover how her industry experience shaped innovative billing solutions for subcontractors, the challenges faced, and her vision for transforming construction payments.

 

key  topics

 

Construction industry challenges

Subcontractor billing pain points

Startup journey and industry disruption

 

Chapters

 

00:00  Introduction to Claire Wilson and Siteline

02:43  Claire's Journey in Construction Management

05:10  Founding Siteline: The Beginning

07:40  Understanding the Billing Crisis in Construction

10:36  Challenges and Edge Cases in Billing

12:55  Product Development and Customer Feedback

15:23  Navigating Software Adoption in Construction

17:57  Early Customer Stories and Go-To-Market Strategy

20:19  Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

 

📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/