EP 011MAR 12, 2025 · 55 MIN

Sr. Superintendent - The Reality of Tech Adoption in Construction with Chris Masse

Chris Masse · Senior Superintendent · EllisDon

In this engaging episode of 'Construction Conversations,' hosts Stephen and Lars sit down Chris Massey, Senior Superintendent from Ellis Don, to explore the evolution of a career in construction. Chris reflects on his childhood aspirations and the journey that led him to become a leader in the industry, emphasizing the impact of a construction background and the critical role of on-the-ground experience. The discussion dives deep into the industry's resistance to technology adoption, juxtaposed with the recent acceleration due to circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris shares personal insights on the importance of tech in modernizing workflows and improving efficiency, while retaining the essential human element in construction planning. He highlights how Ellis Don stays ahead by adopting new technologies and fostering a culture of innovation. Furthermore, Chris emphasizes the significance of meticulous planning in construction projects, offering a glimpse into his planning strategies that ensure project success. The episode…

Tools this guest actually uses: AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, iPad. See the database →

In this episode
  1. 00:00Intro
  2. 05:38McKinsey's productivity gap and early tech resistance
  3. 13:53The pilot project that changed his mind on tech
  4. 21:30Rolling new tech out across EllisDon's field teams
  5. 27:07Why digital building demands a better BIM model
  6. 31:32Does tech return time to workers or just margin
  7. 38:33Building the CM Planner with color coded drawings
  8. 47:53Feeding the CPM schedule straight from the plan
  9. 51:02Advice for a young superintendent starting out
  10. 55:17Mentors, LinkedIn, and why construction is worth it

Timestamps are from the recording and may drift a minute or two from the published edit.

Worth writing down

"If you're putting a plan together and continuously collaborating with the team, and tracking that plan, you're going to be much more successful than if you just show up and say what do you guys want to do today."

Chris Masse · 38:33

"Being a superintendent is a lot harder than what people think. Spend as much time as you can in the field interacting with your trades, because you'll learn a lot more there in a much quicker time."

Chris Masse · 51:35

"It's fun. It's a grind, but it's fun, and you might not feel like it. There are some pretty stressful times, some sleepless nights, and it comes in phases."

Chris Masse · 1:01:44
Read the written version
Insider Take: Insiders Take | 01 - The Efficiency Is in the Planning, Not the Software →
Mentioned
EllisDonAutoCADBluebeamCM PlannerLinkedInTim HortonsiPad
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