In this episode, we sit down with Jeff, a seasoned veteran of both military and construction tech, to explore the parallels between warfighter support and field technology in construction. From his background in the New Zealand Army to developing tools for the U.S. DoD, Jeff shares powerful insights about product bias, user experience, and how tech must serve those at the sharp end of the spear. We discuss what goes wrong when tech is built in silos, the importance of post-sales support, and why field adoption is the true measure of success. Whether you’re a startup founder, a field leader, or a technologist, this is a must-listen on how to build tools that actually work—for the people who need them most.
0:00 – What really matters in product success: post-sale support
1:00 – Jeff’s military background and transition to construction tech
3:00 – Comparing warfighters and constructors: tools, stress, and stakes
7:00 – The disconnect between tech builders and field users
10:30 – Why engineering bias can derail adoption
17:00 – Designing for real personas, not ideal users
22:00 – Field implementation: the napkin vs the model
27:00 – The power of third-party feedback and checking your “true north”
35:00 – Workflow integration: A to E to C to O
41:00 – Tech adoption fails without a field-level incentive
47:00 – The reality of scaling tech in the U.S. market
50:00 – SMB vs enterprise: choosing who you’re really building for