IT on the Frontlines: Tech, AI, and the Future of Construction

In this episode of On the Surface, we sit down with Craig McClellan and Russell Goss—Delta’s IT Manager and IT Technician—to uncover the technology, teamwork, and troubleshooting that keep our construction operations running every single day. From dial‑up internet and building their first PCs to supporting hundreds of employees across multiple states, Craig and Russell share how they each found their way into IT and why the role has never been more essential.

They walk through the realities of modern tech in a construction environment—networking, VoIP systems, cybersecurity, cloud servers, and the never‑ending stream of access requests and password resets—while also breaking down the “boots on the ground” part of IT that most people never see. From plant outages and high‑pressure fixes to organizing messy network rooms and prepping for AI‑driven support tools, they explain how IT touches every dollar made in the company.

Craig and Russell also explore the future: fully connected plants, AI‑powered troubleshooting, drones that analyze job sites, and the expanding need for digital security as cyber threats grow. They open up about leadership, staying curious, adapting to constant change, and why construction is a rock‑solid industry for young people entering the workforce—especially those interested in technology.

It’s an inside look at the people behind the screens who keep the business online, secure, and moving forward—one ticket, one server, and one reboot at a time.

Thanks for listening!

Check us out:

deltacos.com

Instragram

LinkedIn