The Infamous "Dad Rant"

This week we continue the conversation we started last week with Dad.

00:00 - Introduction

01:38 - Bogus RFIs
Dad continues his thoughts from last week regarding industry inefficiencies and complications. He explains how many people use the RFI as a delay tactic. He’s seen this on the receiving side as a project manager, but he’s also seen members of his own team do it from the sending side.

Eddie talks about how he’s seen people creating an unnecessarily adversarial relationship for their own advantage. We discuss how this is present in at least some pockets of every sector of the industry. We discuss the role of owners in establishing the company culture in these regards.

Dad recalls some technology complications when working with Tekla required several extra steps.

09:15 - Product Problems
Eddie discusses the economies and efficiencies of steel production and design. Then he shifts to an exploration of the complexities of seeking subcontractors that can produce exactly what you, as a designer or fabricator, need from them.

Dad sees it somewhat differently. He sees the problems as arising primarily from lack of specialty knowledge on the part of the designers. When the subs push back, the GCs don’t know enough about the sub’s industry to know that some of that pushback is nonsense. He says no part of this industry is rocket science, and that anyone who is willing to invest the research time can become knowledgeable about their related specialties.

Eddie chimes in with some recollections of market shifts and subcontractor complications at various points in the growth of the industry.

18:32 - The Sheet Metal Mattered…
Dad shares about a project in Tampa where the quality and production method of the sheet metal complicated a project. Eddie discusses how some effectively handled BIM work couldn’t smoothly lead to a satisfactory final product without lots and lots of extra communication with the subs.

Dad talks about Tekla added a new kind of fastener as a result of one ABSI project. We explore the reality that boldness is required to stretch the capabilities of software, production, and application.

23:13 - BIM’s Nothing More Than a Tool…
Dad talks about how BIM is one of many industry tools that is only really useful if it’s in the hands of an expert. We get into the importance of knowing the industry nuances of a particular region–the little construction dialects and ecosystem issues.

Eddie asks Dad to advise up-and-comers general contractors and project managers who want to break out of the fray. He starts with a review of the ways that business comes to different positions at different times. Then he tries to get us to gripe about RTU frames and the disproportionate complications those create.

Dad finally gets around to his advice: Learn how to build. Then pay attention to what the subs are telling you but don’t believe everything they say. Eddie translates, clarifying that subs don’t necessarily know more than you do. He compares it to the classic ham-butt problem.

34:51 - Software Evangelism
We discuss the claims of supposed savings that subs say they could have provided. Are they just blowing hot air? Often that’s the case. Dad claims some credit for the growth of Tekla. We reminisce about software evangelism experiences. Eddie recalls a presentation to a skeptical group that became deeply invested as soon as they saw a 3D image. Then we veer into our contempt for lying and the bridge-burning that result from it.

Tyler shares a story about RTU solution shared with him and about how he learned that the most powerful question in construction: “Why?” Significant inefficiencies can often be avoided by asking that question kindly and selectively.

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