Episode 190: ‘The Future of Construction Technology’ with Patrick Scarpati
In this episode
Christi Powell and Angela Gardner host Patrick Scarpati, an ABC apprenticeship graduate and licensed HVAC-R journeyperson (refrigeration), who now works at ABC National, focused on construction technology and innovation. Patrick shares his path into the trades after college wasn’t a fit, his volunteer leadership with ABC chapters, and how ABC’s Construction Technology and Innovation efforts—supported by a 22-company member committee—help contractors of all sizes with tech strategy, adoption, and implementation. The conversation highlights ABC’s 2025 BuildTech report as the fifth tech report and its focus on job-site hardware and real-world field case studies (including tools like laser scanners and robotic total stations) to reduce hurdles, clarify ROI, and encourage champions in the field and office. Patrick discusses what’s being adopted most: project management software, safety technology (training, inspections, observations, incident tracking, and leveraging historical safety data for bidding and forecasting), and growing drone usage for progress monitoring, security, safety, and measuring stockpiles. They discuss how tech changes roles and training, the challenge of whether to hire for tech skills versus construction experience, and the need for an “aha” moment rather than forcing culture shifts, including guidance around AI policies. Patrick also explains ABC programs STEP (a safety management system to evaluate and improve safety culture) and Excellence in Construction (recognizing contractors across many project types and sizes). The episode includes a Conexpo-Con/Agg announcement (March 3–7, 2026, Las Vegas; code WTC20 for 20% off) and notes ABC’s participation as an industry and education partner, with Patrick predicting workforce impacts from equipment/tool management via telematics and increasing autonomy in equipment operation. Patrick directs listeners to abc.org, the technology resources and webinars, and how to find and join a local ABC chapter.
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Welcome + Why Conexpo Matters for This Conversation
00:31 Meet Patrick Scarpati: HVAC-R Background & Path Into Construction Tech
03:36 How ABC Helps Contractors Win Through Technology & Innovation
06:56 Inside the 2025 BuildTech Report: Jobsite Hardware & Real-World Case Studies
09:43 Conexpo 2026 Spotlight: What’s Being Adopted Fast (PM Software, Safety Tech, Drones)
14:19 From Reactive to Proactive: Using Safety Data to Predict & Prevent Incidents
16:30 Training the Field for Tech: Culture Shift, Champions, and Workforce Development
21:51 ABC Programs Explained: STEP & Excellence in Construction (EIC)
25:12 What to Watch at Conexpo: Autonomy, Telematics, and Smarter As-Builts
27:45 Wrap-Up: Resources, How to Join ABC, and Final Thanks
About Patrick:
Patrick Scarpati serves as the Director of Construction Technology and Innovation at Associated Builders and Contractors. In this role, he provides comprehensive education to members and chapters on all aspects of construction technology.
A graduate of the ABC apprenticeship program and a licensed HVAC-R journeyperson by trade, he has also led numerous construction technology initiatives with general contractors and trade partners, focusing on collaboration, purpose, and process to ensure successful project execution.
