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The Hammer: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Canadian Contractor Magazine
The Hammer is your deep dive into the issues and information that drive Canada’s renovation and custom homebuilding contractors. Join Canadian Contractor editor Patrick Flannery as he talks to top experts from inside and outside the industry to generate new insights and ideas for your business. Find new and past episodes online at canadiancontractor.ca or subscribe through your favourite podcasting service.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 6 days ago31 min
Turning Data Into Profits - Dan Morton, JACK
A long-time contractor in his native Australia, Dan Morton became frustrated with using multiple software tools from multiple vendors, none of which could communicate with each other to generate a holistic picture of how his business was performing. So he went into the app business, creating JACK. In the process, Morton has learned a lot about how construction firms – even small construction firms – can use the information that is already in their offices to get better organized, find efficiencies and cut costs. He joins The Hammer to share some tips and insights.
- 1 weeks ago42 min
Episode #73: AI and cybersecurity - David Mill, Scelta
Much has been said about the promise of AI and its possible threat to jobs. But how might this powerful new technology affect an old concern: your company's data security? David Mill, CEO and founder of Scelta, a Windsor, Ont., construction software provider, joins The Hammer to talk about the ways AI might empower bad actors to produce better scams, steal data from your systems, spoof your reviews and even damage your processes if allowed inside. We also discuss how AI-powered security might thwart these threats and allow you to operate with less worries about the old challenges.
- 2 weeks ago42 min
Episode #72: Renology - Sarah Caron, CHBA Renovation Services
CHBA is doing more than ever to serve, assist and represent its renovation sector members. Renovation Services director, Sarah Caron, joins The Hammer to talk about the special nature of renovation contracting as a sub-sector of the home building business. She explains the various member benefits and services to the industry that Renovation Services is offering, including the Renomark https://renomark.ca/ program, the Renovation Market Index and the various events and education sessions coming up. Finally, she previews Renovation Month, coming this October.
- Jun 15, 202657 min
Episode #71: Going DIGITAL: Amy Vilis, DIGITAL, and John Reid, Faber Technologies
The effort to get our industry to fully embrace the latest technology tools grinds on. Amy Vilis is the director of housing growth innovation at DIGITAL, a Vancouver-based non-profit working on bringing technology and construction companies together for mutual benefit. Working with Vilis is John Reid from Faber Technologies, the developer of Faber Connect, an AI-powered software tool that connects construction companies to a pool of over 100,000 skilled labourers across western Canada. Vilis and Reid join The Hammer to talk about the potential benefits to contractors of "going digital" and about the larger productivity gap in construction that continues to hold us back from building the housing we need.
- May 1, 20261h 0m
Episode #70 - Make It Here, Build It There - Antonio Manchisi, Sapphire Balconies
After decades in the commercial facade business building whole sections of skyscrapers in factories before shipping them to jobsites, Antonio Manchisi of Sapphire Balconies knows a thing or two about prefabricating construction components. He joins The Hammer to talk about how offsite and modular building are the norm in other parts of the world; how they can save costs, improve quality, efficiency and safety; and where they might not work best in residential renovation and custom building. In an environment where we're all looking to get more done faster with less skilled labour, Manchisi brings some hearty food for thought on how we structure our project process.
- Apr 20, 202645 min
Episode #69: The Alignment Problem - Paul Amato, Tallin Advisory
Paul Amato of Tallinn Advisory brings 20 years' of professional experience advising construction companies to the question of how to get the different parts of your organization working better together. He joins The Hammer to talk about what he means by “alignment”; the elements of a good mindset; the barriers to great customer service and quality; and how to build a culture that succeeds. Take some time with Paul to think about how you do business!
- Mar 23, 202644 min
Episode #68: Don't Stress Out - Sandra Primiano, Dialogue
Contractors work in a high-stress jobs for sure, where frustration, time pressure, conflict and long hours can grind us down. We view workplace stress as part of the lifestyle, but Sandra Primiano from online mental health services provider, Dialogue, says it has very real and measurable effects on productivity and quality. Those effects can include workplace accidents and addiction problems, so it's something we need to pay attention to. Primiano joins The Hammer to explain how job stress leads to decreased performance; what signs might point to a co-worker who is struggling; and some practical tips for mitigating issues when they arise.
- Feb 24, 202638 min
Episode #67: Let's Talk Skylights - Mark Taylor, Velux
Skylights are a feature that transform an interior space when done right and risk a lifetime of headaches when done wrong. Modern designs have come a long way from the old plexiglass domes and now offer great energy efficiency, smart home options and the ability to improve the environment throughout a home. Mark Taylor, national Canadian sales manager for Velux and 27-year veteran of the business, joins The Hammer to share tips on how to do skylights right and really boost the impact of your renovations and custom builds.
About The Hammer
The Hammer is your deep dive into the issues and information that drive Canada’s renovation and custom homebuilding contractors. Join Canadian Contractor editor Patrick Flannery as he talks to top experts from inside and outside the industry to generate new insights and ideas for your business. Find new and past episodes online at canadiancontractor.ca or subscribe through your favourite podcasting service.
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