Spec Shaman

In this second edition of The Spec Shaman Podcast, Sustainable Innovators Series, we sit down with Yukari Kubo, a licensed architect and Materials Specialist with Brightworks Sustainability. Dedicated to reducing the carbon and toxicological impacts of the built environment, Yukari shares her expertise on the union between architecture and environmental impacts. Discussing her experiences working with a variety of stakeholders – including architects, contractors, owners, and manufacturers, to provide transparency in building materials to her clients, Yukari unpacks how she helps to create synergistic relationships that promote low-carbon manufacturing, product selections, and design choices. 

As a LEED AP and International Living Future Accredited professional, Yukari explains how she assists her clients, including many Fortune 500 companies with their internal goals and carbon commitments. An expert in guiding alignments between certification systems, she works with design teams to achieve LEED and ILFI certification. Our conversation with this standout member of the sustainability community provides a holistic picture of material impacts on our built environment for more informed decision-making with many memorable takeaways. 

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We are joined by Blima Ehrentreu, CEO and Founder of The Designers Group. Blima, an inventive leader in architecture, discusses leveraging AI while keeping the authentic human approach to project curation. Combining vision and VR technology, Blima opens up on her collaborative approach to relaying the goal of the built environment to stakeholders for a truly immersive design experience. 

Committed to inclusivity, Blima highlights the value of prismatic perspectives to create unique and memorable spaces. She shares how she has infused spa-inspired design centered on wellness into medical and senior living spaces. No matter the space, Blima is known for balancing care, purpose-driven design and transformative inspiration to every project. This conversation was a delight and Blima is stellar, exemplifying thoughtful, integral ethos in design. 

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• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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We are thrilled to announce the release of a special edition of The Spec Shaman Podcast! In the first episode of our “Sustainable Innovators Series”, we have the privilege of speaking with our longtime friend and esteemed colleague Terry Swack, an eminent figure in the realm of sustainability and the visionary founder of Sustainable Minds.

In this installment, we have a profound conversation on the historical origins and evolutionary journey of Sustainable Minds. With the mission of advancing sustainability within the domain of building product manufacturing, Terry shares the genesis and raison d'être of the Transparency Catalog and Project Builder Library. Highlighting the recent developments and expansions of this revolutionary software, the conversation centers on the prospective trajectory of sustainability at the nexus of building product manufacturing and the AEC industry.

Our conversation is situated on the frontiers of sustainable design, building product manufacturing, project design and construction methodologies and will resonate with scholars, researchers, industry professionals, and sustainability advocates alike. Offering new dimensions of insight for those who are deeply immersed in, or simply intrigued by, the dynamics of sustainability in the built environment, Terry’s expertise is nothing short of revolutionary. For anyone interested in the process and tools to practically apply the core principles of ecological responsibility, design innovation, and sustainable construction practices, this episode is a can’t miss. 

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• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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Join us in an illuminating exposition into the world of building and construction materials with our esteemed guest, Jeff Surovi. With over three decades of experience in manufacturing and wholesale building materials distribution across various product lines, Jeff brings a wealth of expertise to the table.

In this podcast episode, we discuss key industry topics:

1. The art of building a community within your field and industry. 

2. The value of membership in organizations, particularly in the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Chapters nationwide.

3. The significance of honesty in architectural specification.

Our conversation explores Jeff’s extensive experience in areas such as Design Community collaboration, New Business Development, Project Management, Product Distribution, and Marketing. He shares insights on sales team leadership, relationship building and effective product placement initiatives. This podcast offers a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge and insights from a seasoned industry professional.

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• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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In this episode of the Spec Shaman Podcast, featuring Brad Benedict, the conversation revolves around the integration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming, VR technology, and the merging of these two fields. The conversations shed light on the importance of CTE programming in addressing the growing chasm for skilled workers in various industries. Underscoring the role of VR technology in reshaping career exploration and training, the conversation focused on the rising demand for CTE programming to address skilled workforce shortages. As the skilled workforce landscape evolves, new code and safety criteria are implemented and product technology advances, Brad's work has immense value for architects, building product manufacturers and educators looking to collaborate and better prepare the workforce for the future. 

 Brad Benedict a pioneer in VR advancements for developing the skilled workforce, using his expertise to revolutionize career exploration and training. He is committed to helping learners explore and excel within their professional journeys through immersive experiences. Leveraging virtual reality experiences of on-the-job site training like climbing a lineman pole and product manufacturing, Brad is a champion of bringing authentic experiences that leave an indelible mark on learners towards workforce development. Brad is at the forefront shaping the future of career exploration, introducing new technologies and fostering skilled labor growth.

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• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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On this episode of the Spec Shaman Podcast, we have an insightful discussion on the impact of rewarding human connections made while traveling to manufacturing sites, the progress of the women in the A/E/C industry and the prismatic effect of a gratitude centered approach to daily life both professionally and personally.

 We are joined by Syndi Sim, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Diamon-Fusion International (DFI) responsible for driving growth opportunities and nurturing client relationships. With over two decades of experience in Strategic Client Development, Business Development, and Global Marketing, Syndi Sim has carved a remarkable path for herself in the world of corporate strategy and growth. 

In an era where digital presence is an integral component of success, Syndi's positivity and strength based approach to content creation is a fresh take on curating a meaningful online presence. Her ability to align her personal values with her professional identity showcases an authenticity that resonates with AEC audiences across social media platforms.

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• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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In this episode of the Spec Shaman Podcast, we discuss the growing demand for site-specific security products and applications, the current shift in the A/E/C industry driven by AI and cost-benefit analysis of investments in new technology focused on product development and employee retention. 

We are joined by Rick Snelling, Vice-President and General Manager of Armortex. Rick is an expert in bullet, blast and forced entry resistant product manufacturing. His wealth of knowledge pertaining to  industry security standards, Rick oversees company policy design, product development technology and testing protocols and procedures. With his background in telecommunications and It operations, Rick has vision for where the security industry is headed and how to successfully get there. 

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• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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In this episode of the Spec Shaman Podcast, we discuss the theory and practice of Master Product Databases, the landscape of specification software development for the construction industries and the value of perspective when it comes to the evolutionary progression of programming capabilities. 

 We are joined by Matt Johnson,  Director of Manufacturer Solutions at RIB SpecLink. Matt has spent the last 35 years in product management with a focus on products built-in support of construction specifications.  As former CTO of ARCOM MasterSpec and, he has designed or managed the technology platforms driving almost all construction specification and product selection done in the United States. 

 He’s also spent four years as the American delegate to the International Construction Information Society, providing an opportunity to collaborate with international efforts focused on improving coordination between BIM and specifications.  He has a unique perspective on what can often be a confusing array of solutions available to Building Product Manufacturers as they attempt to influence product selection through specifications, which is the reason he’s with us today. Welcome Matt we are so glad you are joining us today. 

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• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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In this episode of the Spec Shaman Podcast, we discuss drinking from the fountain of knowledge on the built environment, credibility over bottom lines and the connection between altruism, education and architectural specification.  

 We are joined by the accomplished Roy F. Schauffele, President and founder of Division 7 Solutions, Inc. Schauffele is an internationally published author and speaker in energy conservation and sustainable building envelopes. 

Schauffele is also a multiple award winner from Build San Antonio Green, a former elected official and Texas Senate appointee. He serves the City of San Antonio as the Vice Chair of the Small Business Development Advocacy Committee as well as the Bexar County Commissioners Precinct 3 appointee on the Bexar County Small, Minority, and Women Business Enterprise Advisory Committee.

Globally, he is the only person to be a Fellow of the Construction Specifications Institute and the air barrier association of America. He recently completed two terms as a Board member of the (Rainscreen Association in North America). He was among the first to achieve the Certified Air Barrier Specialist (CABS) designation. He recently concluded his services as Executive Advisor to the ABAA Board.

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• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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In this inaugural episode of the Spec Shaman Podcast, we are discussing the labor shortages impacting the building industry, the value of integrity in product representation for architectural specification and a surf shack dream realized in Costa Rica.

We are joined by Jason Foura of WOLF the VP of Market Development who oversees the architectural and down-streaming effort of the contractor base and a champion of longform conversations on the built environment. A graduate of Bucknell University, Jason has held sales, corporate training and management positions with various building products companies, including Cooper Tools, Pella Windows and Doors, and AZEK Building Products. On this episode, Jason shares his wealth of experience and how it has informed his approach to his work in the design and building industries.

To find out more about Wolf:
https://www.wolfhomeproducts.com/

Contact Us:

• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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