Building Conversations

Built to Chill: Exploring Cold Storage Construction

What does it really take to build high-performance cold storage facilities in today’s market?
Join Layton Construction’s National Building Group as Executive Vice President Eric Nay hosts a dynamic conversation with Thomas Gubbins, Director of Client Relations and Pre-Construction, Christopher Webb, Design Manager, Sean Doherty, Project Manager, and Mike George, Vice President of Operations on the booming world of cold storage construction. From refrigeration systems to convertibility, automation, and emerging trends, the team shares real-world insights and what sets Layton apart in this highly technical and fast-growing sector.

Ask the Expert: The Elevator Playbook with Michael Walsh

In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert, series, Michael Walsh, Vice President of Elevator Construction Consultants at STO Building Group, shares key insights into elevator system planning, coordination, and innovation. From design-phase red flags to the rise of AI-powered elevators, Walsh breaks down strategies that keep projects on schedule and performing at their best. 

Next-Level Building: Drones, AI, and Reality Capture

How is reality capture technology changing the way we build? Join Greg Dunkle, STO Building Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Jon Ferguson, Vice President of Virtual Design and Construction at Layton Construction, Austin Lay, Senior VDC Manager at Layton Construction, and James Pipe, Chief Product Officer at Drone Deploy as they explore how tools like drones, 360 cameras, and AI are transforming project accuracy, documentation, and data management on today’s jobsites.

Ask the Expert: Safety Innovations with Keith Haselman

In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert series on the Building Conversations podcast, STOBG’s Senior Vice President of Safety, Keith Haselman, explores the cutting-edge innovations—like drones, wearables, AI, and radar—reshaping how we keep jobsites safe.

Stacking the Deck: The Rise of Mass Timber in Modern Building

Could mass timber be the catalyst for the next era of construction efficiency and sustainability? Join Doug Kroll, Director of Business Development at Layton Construction, Pete Kobelt, Director of Mass Timber at STO Building Group, and James Litwin, Vice President of Construction at Harbor Bay, as they dissect how this groundbreaking material is streamlining project delivery, enhancing design flexibility, and reducing environmental impact.

Ask the Expert: The Future of Workplace Design with Stephen Dennis

In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert series, STOBG’s Global Services Account Executive, Stephen Dennis, breaks down the biggest cost trends shaping commercial interiors in 2025—from finish levels and permitting pain points to post-pandemic design priorities. Join Stephen as he dives into practical insights on workplace densification, sound design, and how companies are planning for the next decade of office space.

Innovation Expo Series: Featuring BuildVision

What’s the future of procurement in construction? At STO Building Group's Innovation Expo, Chief Innovation Officer Rob Leon was joined by David Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Construction Procurement Solutions (CPS), and Ben Lyddane, COO of BuildVision, to discuss how technology is reshaping procurement processes. Their conversation explored the challenges facing traditional procurement, the innovative solutions BuildVision brings to the table, and how smarter procurement strategies can drive efficiency and success in project delivery.

 

 

 

 

Innovation Expo Series: Featuring Join

Today’s episode features a conversation from STOBG’s Innovation Expo Series—a video series designed by STOBG Innovation to help professionals in our industry learn more about the construction technologies and process improvements revolutionizing construction. This session features a conversation between Rob Leon, STOBG’s Chief Innovation Officer, and Andrew Zukoski, Founder and CEO of Join, a collaborative preconstruction platform.

Women Who Build: Strength, Family, and Inclusion in the Field

What does it take to balance motherhood and a career in construction? In this special Women’s History Month collaboration episode, join Rebecca Leonardis, STO Building Group’s SVP of Marketing and Communications, Stacey Dackson, Structure Tone New York's Vice President of Operations, and Tonia Rivers, host of Mothers in Construction and owner and president of WLS Construction Consultants, as they dive into what it means to build not just structures but legacies—juggling deadlines, leadership, and the unique challenges of being not just women, but mothers, in the industry. 

Ask the Expert: Navigating Office-to-Residential Conversions with Brooks McDaniel

In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert series, STOBG Senior Vice President of Building Repositioning, Brooks McDaniel, explores the complexities of office-to-residential conversions. Join Brooks as he debunks common myths, breaks down cost comparisons, and discusses design challenges, zoning impacts, and government incentives shaping these transformative projects.