• Robert Yuen

In this episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, host Randy Wilburn is joined by Robert Yuen of Monograph and Mark Zweig of Zweig Group for a candid conversation around the future of A/E firm management. Together, they explore the recent industry benchmarks released by Monograph, unpack persistent pain points for design firm leaders, and discuss how technology is reshaping project visibility, profitability, and firm culture.

The discussion dives into the importance of real-time data, transparency, and the need to rethink how AEC firms measure success—challenging outdated norms that stifle both business growth and employee engagement. With stories from Robert’s career and practical lessons for both emerging and established leaders, this episode delivers actionable strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of architecture and engineering firm management.

• Prioritize Real-Time Financial Data: Accurate, daily time tracking and monthly invoicing transform firm cash flow and profitability, while improving financial literacy at all levels.
• Culture Is as Critical as Tools: Transparency, communication, and a willingness to share essential financial metrics with staff help reshape and elevate firm culture, supporting sustainable growth.
• Small Firms, Big Potential: Success isn’t determined by size—firms pursuing excellence at any scale should aim for profitability, intelligent processes, and strong client relationships.
• AI for Better Processes: Automation and AI-driven workflows, like contract parsing and resource allocation, can instantly streamline operations and reduce manual data entry.
• Simplicity Drives Adoption: Keeping time tracking and project categorization simple increases accuracy and efficiency, preventing costly misattributions and confusion.

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

• Monograph Website: https://www.monograph.com/
• Connect with Robert Yuen: robert@monograph.com
• Connect with Robert Yuen on LinkedIn
• Connect with Mark Zweig on LinkedIn
• Learn about the Zweig Letter and subscribe: https://thezweigletter.com/
• AI in AEC and Benchmarks: Explore Monograph’s Benchmark Reports (linked from monograph.com)
• Connect with Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

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Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Zweig Letter podcast, and make sure to subscribe for regular updates!

From Specs

• Randy Wilburn

Randy Wilburn and Luke Carothers deliver an exclusive preview of the 2025 Elevate AEC Conference, September 9–11 in San Antonio, Texas. Drawing on extensive industry experience and insights from previous events, they explore what makes Elevate Conference a critical growth catalyst for AEC firm owners, emerging leaders, and rising talent.

The conversation covers the conference's complete experience—from industry award celebrations to transformative workshops and strategic peer networking opportunities. Randy and Luke examine how Elevate AEC drives firm growth, fosters innovation, and strengthens organizational culture across all career levels. They dive into this year's theme, "The Speed of Business," and discuss the enhanced opportunities created by Zweig Group's recent integration with Stambaugh Ness.

For AEC professionals celebrating recent successes or navigating strategies in today's fast-evolving marketplace, this episode demonstrates why Elevate AEC stands as the industry's premier annual gathering.

• Power of Proximity: Connecting in person with successful peers and industry leaders at Elevate AEC provides real-world insights, mentorship, and examples to follow—no matter your firm size or discipline.
• Holistic Recognition: The conference celebrates the full spectrum of AEC professionals—from designers to marketing and operations—reinforcing the idea that everyone contributes to a firm’s success.
• The Speed of Business: 2025’s theme focuses on innovation and acceleration in the AEC industry, challenging the notion that the sector is slow to change and spotlighting transformative technologies and practices, including AI.
• Action-Oriented Learning: Participants can expect workshops, roundtables, and panels covering recruitment/retention, ownership transition, diversity, marketing, and AI—ensuring actionable insights for every attendee.
• Unmatched Networking & Culture: The camaraderie, energy, and actionable conversations foster business deals and lifelong professional relationships—plus, the celebration is second to none, from the Black Tie Awards Gala to “next-level snacks.”
• Firm Growth Stories: Alumni share firsthand accounts of executing major business improvements inspired by past Elevate conferences, underscoring the event’s tangible ROI.

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

Reserve Your Spot at ElevateAEC 2025 in San Antonio, TX

Luke Carothers on LinkedIn

Randy Wilburn on LInkedIn

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Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the Zweig Letter podcast, and make sure to subscribe for regular updates!

• Kyle Ahern

Keith Sequeira serves as Senior Director of Analytics and Technology at Zweig Group, where he leads research, analytics, and technological innovation, driving new approaches in data collection and delivery for the AEC sector. Kyle Ahern, Manager of Awards and Analytics, has spent over ten years at Zweig Group, with deep expertise running the Best Firms To Work For (BFTWF) program and integrating employee survey data into actionable insights for the industry. Supporting the conversation is co-host Luke Carothers, a guiding voice in exploring the data-driven evolution of AEC firm management.

This episode dives into the evolving landscape of research, data, and industry benchmarking within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) space. Host Randy Wilburn teams up with co-host Luke Carothers to interview Keith Sequeira and Kyle Ahern, uncovering how Zweig Group’s research initiatives—especially the Best Firms To Work For (BFTWF) program—are reshaping the value of employee sentiment and firm benchmarking. Keith and Kyle discuss how design firms’ needs have shifted from simply seeking award recognition to actively using detailed survey data to drive strategy, foster better workplaces, and compete more effectively for talent.

The conversation highlights the innovations in delivering real-time, actionable analytics through platforms like Zweig Insights. The team details the new research calendar and tiered participation incentive program, aimed at driving engagement and ensuring the most up-to-date data for all Zweig Group reports. From the transition away from static reports to the implementation of dynamic benchmarking tools, this episode offers practical wisdom for firm leaders looking to leverage industry data for recruitment, retention, and firm growth.

• Actionable Benchmarking: Firms increasingly participate in BFTWF for the employee data and benchmarking tools, not just for the award, using insights for internal strategy and improvement.
• Technology-Driven Insights: Zweig Insights platform provides interactive, real-time benchmarking and analysis, moving beyond traditional static PDF reports.
• Participation Incentives & Timely Data: A new research calendar and tiered discount structure incentivize timely survey participation, ensuring fresher, more accurate reports for all firms.
• Employee Experience Drives Success: Surveying for employee sentiment is vital for recruitment, retention, and competitive advantage—and firms must communicate the survey's purpose and act on the findings.
• Continuous Recognition and Industry Celebration: Zweig’s award programs, culminating at Elevate AEC, play a critical role in celebrating firm achievements and motivating ongoing improvement within the industry.

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

Keith Sequiera on...