386: Build better with Kahua

⏱️ 49:33 🎤 Devon Tilly, AJ Waters

AUDIO EPISODE

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Chapters

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0:00

Introduction & AJ Waters

Devon Tilly introduces AJ Waters and highlights the importance of aligning 'superpowers' in construction for deeper conversations and building better.
8:47

AJ's Personal Side

AJ shares his favorite beverage (Roy Rogers), favorite travel destination (Phoenix/Scottsdale), and hobbies outside of work (Lego and family activities).
15:29

AJ's Path to Kahua

AJ recounts his career trajectory from an engineer at Kiewit, embracing early construction tech, to becoming the brand evangelist for Kahua, aiming to help others avoid pitfalls he encountered.
22:39

Understanding Kahua Platform

AJ explains Kahua as a construction project management platform, emphasizing its 'platform' nature like iOS or Android, allowing users and partners to build and customize applications.
28:54

Kahua's Origin Story

AJ details how Kahua's founders, having previously built Constructware, decided to re-imagine a construction platform that is adaptable and user-driven, spending five years in development.
39:02

Kahua Collaboration Model

AJ discusses the challenges of collaboration between disparate systems in construction and how Kahua aims to unify processes, avoiding the 'man in the middle' scenario.
50:51

Customer Care Wheel

AJ elaborates on Kahua's customer care wheel concept, emphasizing that all stakeholders are interconnected and must work as a team for project success, fostering a collaborative mindset.
1:04:06

Construction is Not Linear

AJ and Devon discuss the non-linear, chaotic nature of construction projects despite planning for perfection, highlighting the need for flexible, customizable tools.
1:15:07

Partner Program and Runding

AJ explains Kahua's partner program, using Runding as an example of a company that builds specific applications on the Kahua platform, much like apps on a smartphone operating system.
1:24:01

The Engineer Life Podcast

AJ shares the evolution from his blog to launching 'The Engineer Life' podcast, aiming for two-way conversations and amplifying unique skills that can practically improve job sites.

Speakers

Devon Tilly

Host

AJ Waters

Brand Evangelist at Kahua

Key Takeaways

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Embrace platform-based software like Kahua that allows customization rather than forcing your business to conform to rigid software, ensuring better adoption and efficiency.

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Prioritize collaboration and team-based mindsets on projects, recognizing that successful outcomes depend on all stakeholders working together, not just individual efforts.

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Be open to technology adoption; early engagement with new tools can provide a competitive edge and prevent being left behind by industry shifts.

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Seek out 'proven partners' and ecosystems that offer integrated solutions, as building everything from scratch is inefficient and less reliable in the complex construction landscape.

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Recognize that construction is inherently non-linear and chaotic; select tools and processes that accommodate this reality rather than trying to force a perfect, linear plan.

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Foster a culture of innovation and learning within your company, giving permission for employees to test new ideas and learn from 'fast failures' to drive progress.

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Consider how your company can engage with broader industry conversations and communities, such as The Art of Construction Master Facilitators, to expand knowledge and connections.

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