• Mike Makris

Originally from Washington, Duncan Robertson has spent the past six years honing his marketing and public relations expertise and now brings those skills to the design industry. After earning a Communication degree with a business emphasis from Boise State University, he dove straight into his career, channeling his versatile communication background to connect with diverse audiences. Duncan’s passion and creativity in marketing and PR continue to shine, fulfilling his early aspirations in this dynamic field. Go Broncos!

Mike Makris is an engineer who has spent nearly a decade at the heart of the AEC industry, driven by a desire to act as a change agent within both his organization and the field at large. He focuses on employee development, innovative fee billing structures, and forward-thinking marketing strategies that keep the industry ahead of the curve. Revered for his efforts to foster productive conversations and elevate professional standards, Mike takes pride in contributing to these ever-evolving discussions.

In this episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn teams up with Luke Carothers to spotlight two of the AEC industry’s brightest emerging professionals: Mike Makris and Duncan Robertson, both recognized with the Rising Stars Award from Zweig Group. From engineering and land development to marketing and business growth, Mike and Duncan share real-life perspectives on innovation, leadership, and the career impact of earning such a notable distinction. If you’re looking to strengthen your firm’s approach to talent development—or seeking first-hand insight into accelerating your own career—this discussion provides practical strategies and lessons learned from two award-winning paths. Join us to discover how these rising talents are shaping the future of the AEC industry and what it means for your own professional journey.

• Mentorship is Essential: Establish genuine mentorship relationships within firms to support and guide young professionals.
• Embrace Diverse Roles: Successful AEC firms recognize the value of both technical and non-technical roles in achieving growth.
• Navigate Imposter Syndrome: Open communication and strong leadership support help new entrants overcome self-doubt.
• Innovate Beyond Conventional Paths: Encourage flexibility and exploration in career choices within the AEC industry to fulfill personal and organizational goals.

All this and more in this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

Mike Makris on LinkedIn

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• Don Young

In this episode of the Zweig Letter Podcast, we share a panel session from the Zweig Group's 2024 ElevateAEC event. We delve into the evolving landscape of modern work environments and the importance of maintaining a thriving culture in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Host Chad Coldiron is joined by industry leaders Joseph Campos, Don Young, and Shelby Harvey, who share their insights on what it means to be recognized as one of the Best Firms to Work For.

The panel discusses their unique journeys into the AEC industry, the significance of employee engagement surveys, and how to turn feedback into actionable change. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on fostering a positive workplace culture, tackling challenges in remote work, and the essential qualities of effective leadership. This episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to enhance their firms and create an environment where employees thrive.

• Employee Engagement: Regular surveys and feedback mechanisms are vital for understanding employee needs and improving workplace culture.
• Celebrating Success: Acknowledging achievements, both big and small, fosters a sense of belonging and motivates teams.
• Flexibility in Work: Balancing remote work with in-office presence is crucial for maintaining team dynamics and productivity.
• Leadership Qualities: Effective leaders embody humility, vulnerability, and a positive mindset, which are essential for building trust and collaboration within teams.
• Cultural ROI: Investing in professional development and creating clear career paths can significantly improve employee retention and satisfaction.

• Chapters:
• (00:00) Introduction
• (01:30) Panelist Introductions
• (05:00) Discovering a Career in AEC
• (15:00) Importance of Employee Engagement
• (25:00) Insights from the Best Firms to Work For
• (35:00) Maintaining Company Culture
• (45:00) Q&A Session
• (55:00) Conclusion

All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

Connect with Chad Coldiron on LinkedIn

Connect with Joseph Campos on LinkedIn

Connect with Don Young on LinkedIn

Connect with Shelby Harvey on LinkedIn

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We highly encourage you to listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights into how AI is poised to revolutionize the design industry. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Zweig Letter podcast, and make sure to subscribe for regular updates!

Elevate AEC Keynote - Empowering AEC Professionals: Trends and Strategies for Success with Chad Clinehens and...

• Cherise Lakeside

Cherise Lakeside is a seasoned Senior Spec Writer at RDH Building Science. With a rich career path spanning construction, architecture, and building science, Cherise has acquired a profound understanding of the design industry. She has been actively involved in teaching and mentorship, notably being a long-time instructor for the Construction Specifications Institute Education Program. In addition to her professional work, Cherise is the host of the detailed podcast produced by ARCAT, where she shares her industry insights and engages in deep discussions about architectural design and project execution.

In this episode of the Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Cherise Lakeside, a notable figure in the architecture and design sector. With a career that began unexpectedly in high school, Cherise narrates her journey from administrative roles to becoming a respected spec writer and public speaker in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and shares her experiences with speaking engagements and the impact of social media on her career. This episode offers listeners a compelling narrative about career evolution and the diverse paths within the architectural industry.

Cherise Lakeside discusses her unexpected foray into the world of podcasting as the host of the detailed podcast on ARCAT. Initially hesitant, Cherise embraced the opportunity and has since relished the engagement with various experts in the field. Her podcast focuses on sharing knowledge and offering practical insights, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the design world. Throughout the conversation, Cherise highlights the importance of authenticity and connection, which resonates deeply with the podcast's growing audience of listeners seeking technical and inspirational content.

• Career Evolution in Design: Cherise Lakeside shares her unique journey within the architectural industry and the benefits of exploring cross-disciplinary opportunities.
• The Power of Mentorship: Emphasizing the significance of mentorship, Cherise elaborates on her teaching ventures and the impact of guiding the next generation of design professionals.
• Insights into Podcasting: Learn how Cherise transitioned to becoming a podcast host, her strategies for engaging conversations, and the benefits for both mentors and mentees within her content.
• Industry Impact: The detailed podcast serves as an educational platform, addressing real-life challenges in architecture and offering detailed insights that encourage positive changes within the industry.
• Networking and Collaboration: The episode highlights how developing relationships through conferences, social media, and podcasting can lead to substantial professional growth and brand elevation.

Chapters:

• 00:03 - Introduction to the Zweig Letter Podcast
• 02:49 - The Journey of Shareese Lakeside: From Receptionist to Spec Writer
• 14:15 - The Importance of Mentorship in the Design...

"The ownership transition is not just about percentages; it's about value and creating a legacy."

• John R. McAdams

About the Guest:

John R. McAdams is the founder of McAdams, a leading engineering, planning, and design firm that has shaped communities for over 40 years. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation, John has led transformative projects in land development and infrastructure. In this episode, he shares his journey as an industry leader, offering valuable insights into business growth, leadership, and passing the torch to the next generation of design professionals.

This episode of the Zweig Letter Podcast dives into the journey of founding the John R. McAdams Company in 1979 by John R. McAdams himself. He discusses the company's initial funding, the deliberate planning, and the establishment of a professional services firm rather than a solo practice. The episode focuses on the company's continuous ownership transition program, highlighting the importance of valuation, crafting a shareholder's agreement, and the procedures for transitioning ownership. McAdams elaborates on the criteria for inviting new owners and the benefits of a systematic ownership distribution to retain talent, ensure fairness, and promote growth without needing to sell the firm at retirement. Specific strategies, including leveraging Zweig Group's industry ratios and avoiding ESOPs to concentrate ownership among key contributors, are explained. The episode concludes with McAdams's personal story and plans for his shares as he approaches retirement.

• Founding and Vision: John R. McAdams established the John R. McAdams Company in 1979 with initial funding and deliberate planning to create a professional services firm, distinguishing it from a solo practice.
• Ownership Transition Program: The company emphasizes a structured ownership transition program, including valuation, crafting a shareholder's agreement, and defined procedures to transition ownership, ensuring talent retention, fairness, and growth.
• Strategic Ownership Distribution: The firm uses industry ratios from Zweig Group and avoids ESOPs, focusing on concentrated ownership among key contributors to sustain the firm's success and avoid selling at retirement.
• Criteria for New Owners: McAdams outlines specific criteria for inviting new owners, ensuring that ownership is distributed to those who significantly contribute to the company's success and align with its long-term vision.
• Personal Reflections and Plans: The episode concludes with McAdams sharing his personal story and discussing his plans for his shares as he nears retirement, providing insight into his leadership philosophy and succession planning.

All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

McAdams Website

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"You never know where you are going to learn information that is going to potentially be game-changing for you."

• Justin Smith

About the Moderator:

Justin Smith is a renowned expert in project management strategies and tactics, providing strategic consulting and training for the Zweig Group. With an impressive track record in business growth and leadership, Justin brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion.

Join us as Justin Smith moderates a panel of esteemed experts, including Aaron Lauinger, Tiara Marcus, and Brian Sielaff, representing firms excelling in client engagement, project leadership, and culture protection. Discover how to drive return on investment (ROI) and ownership of your most valuable initiatives throughout your organization in this engaging panel discussion from the ElevateAEC Conference. Industry experts share their insights on the essential role of high-level sponsorship and the importance of aligning initiatives with company culture. They emphasize that achieving significant change requires a commitment to client engagement and empathy, which ultimately enhances brand identity and client experience. The conversation also highlights the necessity of ruthless prioritization and accountability in implementing successful strategies. Through real-world examples and candid reflections on missteps, this episode offers valuable takeaways for any firm looking to elevate its operations and foster long-term growth.

• Client Engagement: Developing a differentiated brand through meaningful client interactions is crucial for standing out in a crowded market.
• Project Leadership: Empathy and client-centric approaches are essential for transforming project management into project leadership.
• Culture Protection: Maintaining a strong organizational culture requires intentional decision-making and aligning office environments with company values.
• Strategic Initiatives: Successful initiatives require high-level sponsorship, clear ROI measurement, and a commitment to long-term goals.
• Change Management: Adapting to change involves ruthless prioritization and ensuring the right people are driving initiatives forward.

All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

The Zweig Letter

Zweig Group

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We highly encourage you to listen to the full episode to gain deeper insights into how AI is poised to revolutionize the design industry. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Zweig Letter podcast, and make sure to subscribe for regular updates!

Innovative Startup Pirros Revolutionizes Detail Management for Design Firms

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• Dan Crist

Dan Crist is the President of A M King, a prominent design, construction, facility services, and property consulting firm based in North Carolina. With a background in Construction Management from Purdue University, Dan has been a pivotal leader at A M King since its inception in 2004. Transitioning from his initial role as a Project Manager, Dan has significantly impacted both the construction and design facets of the company, facilitating growth and innovation. Under his leadership, A M King has evolved to become a successful employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) entity.

In this captivating episode of the Zweig Letter Podcast, Randy Wilburn sits down with Dan Crist, President of A M King, a distinguished firm in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. This episode delves deeply into A M King's innovative approach to bridging the gap between construction and design, the firm's successful transition to an ESOP, and how these strategies bolster company culture and client relations.

Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to a comprehensive discussion filled with insightful commentary and strategic perspectives on overcoming traditional industry silos. Dan expounds on the evolution of his firm, emphasizing the growth in the design-build delivery method, and the transformative impact of integrating design with construction. This approach not only advances client value but also strengthens internal team synergies. Moreover, Dan sheds light on his leadership journey, stressing the importance of respect and knowledge transfer between generations within the firm. As they discuss emerging trends, the integration of AI in the design sector also becomes a focal point as A M King prepares to leverage these technologies to enhance efficiencies and deliver greater value to clients.

• Bridging Construction and Design: Dan highlights the importance of merging these two traditionally siloed disciplines to enhance client value.
• ESOP Advantages: The transition to an employee stock ownership plan has unified the team at A M King, reduced turnover, and bolstered company culture.
• Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer: Effective mentoring and knowledge sharing between seasoned professionals and new employees ensure sustained industry expertise.
• The Role of AI: A M King is proactively exploring AI to augment their design and construction capabilities, focusing on efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Leadership Evolution: Emphasizing respect and communication, Dan illustrates how leadership styles can adapt to foster inclusive and progressive company environments.

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"I've really spent the last 25 years building software technology products that are being used in the architecture engineering construction market."

• Randall Stevens

Randall Stevens is a long-time veteran in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, boasting over three decades of experience. He studied architecture but found his calling in software development, founding ArcVision in 1991 and later Avail. As the CEO of Avail, Randall focuses on developing innovative software solutions that address content management challenges faced by AEC professionals. With his architectural background and deep industry knowledge, Randall has consistently contributed to enhancing technological processes within the design and construction sectors.

In this episode of the Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn engages in a fascinating discussion with Randall Stevens, the founder and CEO of Avail, a company specializing in content management solutions for the AEC industry. The conversation delves into the complexities of managing unstructured data, the fragmentation within the industry, and how Avail's technology stands as a pivotal tool for architecture and design firms. By addressing the constant challenge of accessing and organizing essential files and content, Avail revolutionizes the way design professionals access information, improving workflow efficiency and collaboration.

Randall Stevens discusses the transformation from ArcVision to Avail and highlights the ongoing challenges of data management in a fragmented industry with innumerable tools and applications. As firms deal with various software and a continuous influx of digital content, Stevens explains the importance of a comprehensive and agnostic system like Avail. The episode touches on how technological advancements, particularly AI and machine learning, are shaping the future of content management, emphasizing a structured approach to handle information more effectively and turbocharge the industry’s productivity.

• Content Management Innovation: Avail offers an agnostic software solution that helps architecture and engineering firms manage their digital content more effectively.
• Fragmented Industry Solutions: Addressing the AEC industry's fragmented nature, Avail enables the seamless organization and retrieval of vast quantities of unstructured data.
• AI and Machine Learning Impact: The conversation highlights the emerging role of AI and machine learning in refining information retrieval processes and predicts an acceleration in technological integration.
• Challenges in Measuring ROI: Quantifying the impact of improved content management is complex but crucial for firms adopting new technologies to enhance efficiency.
• Knowledge Retention and Turnover: Avail aids in knowledge retention amidst high staff turnover rates, ensuring new employees can quickly and efficiently access needed information.

Email Randall Stevens

• Kristin Kautz

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Kristin Kautz is a seasoned SMPS Fellow and AI enthusiast who specializes in integrating marketing and artificial intelligence into business strategies. Known for her dynamic presentations and educational sessions, Kristin leverages her extensive experience marketing and AI to design firms maximize their return on investment. She is currently working with Zweig Group, where she consults firms on incorporating AI into their strategic planning, marketing, and daily operations.

Originally presented as a breakout session at Zweig Group's ElevateAEC Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida (2024), this special episode features Kristin Kautz's enlightening exploration of artificial intelligence in business. Speaking to a room of AEC professionals, Kautz breaks down the transformative potential of AI tools and their practical applications within architecture, engineering, and construction firms.

Drawing from her consulting experience, Kautz addresses the spectrum of reactions to AI within the AEC industry—from enthusiasm to apprehension—while emphasizing the importance of integrating AI strategically into existing business operations rather than treating it as an isolated solution. Through engaging industry-specific examples, client case studies, and market data, she outlines a clear roadmap for AEC firms looking to leverage AI effectively, beginning with identifying operational pain points and selecting appropriate tools.

Her presentation covers hands-on applications of tools like Chat GPT and Microsoft's Copilot, demonstrating their practical use in streamlining technical documentation, proposal writing, marketing materials, and HR processes. By focusing specifically on AEC industry needs, Kautz provides actionable insights for firms aiming to maintain their competitive edge in an increasingly AI-enhanced marketplace.

• Strategic Integration: AI should be integrated into the company’s strategic plan rather than being seen as an isolated tool. Start with identifying pain points and strategic goals.
• Current Tools: Leverage existing tools like Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT, and platforms like Unanet for immediate benefits in productivity and efficiency.
• Building AI Assistants: Harness the power of building custom GPTs (AI assistants) to automate repetitive tasks and enhance business processes.
• Data Privacy: Ensure data security by opting for AI tools that comply with standards like SoC 2 and avoid uploading sensitive data to free versions of AI tools.
• Future Trends: The evolution of AI technology is rapid; staying updated and experimenting with new tools and models is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.

All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.

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ZG AI Consulting Services

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