EPISODE · Jan 13, 2026 · 32 MIN
Founder Series: How Construction Is Entering Its Next Technology Cycle with Paul Zeckser
from CRE Unplugged: Innovating from the Streets to the Skyline · host Nadine Ezzie + Ryan Elazari
How AI is transforming pre-construction, and why precision matters as much as speed in construction tech.A conversation on AI, risk reduction, and building durable software for real estate development.In this Founder Series episode, Ryan Elazari sits down with Paul Zeckser, Co-Founder and CEO of LightTable, to explore how AI is changing one of the most expensive and error-prone phases of real estate development: pre-construction.Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Paul shares why building the company later in his career shaped everything from product focus to pricing, and why precision is the real advantage in construction tech.The discussion spans the challenge of building vertical software as foundational models evolve, what it takes to earn adoption across developers, architects, and contractors, and why in-person collaboration still matters as the industry enters its next technology cycle.Show Notes: 00:00 – Introducing Paul Zeckser02:37 – Why building a company later in your career can be an advantage06:01 – Assembling teams with deep domain expertise08:33 – Leadership, transparency, and prioritizing goals over being liked10:16 – Why most construction problems originate in pre-construction15:40 – Can vertical solutions survive as foundation models evolve?20:37 – Why LightTable chose unlimited-user pricing over traditional SaaS24:05 – Being bullish on the office: collaboration, culture, and outcomes28:32 – CU Boulder, the Deming Center, and a full-circle founder moment31:10 – Postgame RecapIf you love what you hear, please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us grow and improve!Be sure to visit our website at www.creunplugged.com for all the latest news and updates. Have thoughts or suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a line at [email protected] to our YouTube channel at @CREUnplugged1 and be sure to follow CRE Unplugged on LinkedIn and Instagram!Interested in being featured on the Founders’ Series?We’re always looking to spotlight bold leaders and founders who are building the future of commercial real estate. If you’re solving real problems, challenging outdated norms, or reshaping how this industry operates, we want to hear from you.
What this episode covers
How AI is transforming pre-construction, and why precision matters as much as speed in construction tech.A conversation on AI, risk reduction, and building durable software for real estate development.In this Founder Series episode, Ryan Elazari sits down with Paul Zeckser, Co-Founder and CEO of LightTable, to explore how AI is changing one of the most expensive and error-prone phases of real estate development: pre-construction.Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Paul shares why building the company later in his career shaped everything from product focus to pricing, and why precision is the real advantage in construction tech.The discussion spans the challenge of building vertical software as foundational models evolve, what it takes to earn adoption across developers, architects, and contractors, and why in-person collaboration still matters as the industry enters its next technology cycle.Show Notes: 00:00 – Introducing Paul Zeckser02:37 – Why building a company later in your career can be an advantage06:01 – Assembling teams with deep domain expertise08:33 – Leadership, transparency, and prioritizing goals over being liked10:16 – Why most construction problems originate in pre-construction15:40 – Can vertical solutions survive as foundation models evolve?20:37 – Why LightTable chose unlimited-user pricing over traditional SaaS24:05 – Being bullish on the office: collaboration, culture, and outcomes28:32 – CU Boulder, the Deming Center, and a full-circle founder moment31:10 – Postgame RecapIf you love what you hear, please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us grow and improve!Be sure to visit our website at www.creunplugged.com for all the latest news and updates. Have thoughts or suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Drop us a line at [email protected] to our YouTube channel at @CREUnplugged1 and be sure to follow CRE Unplugged on LinkedIn and Instagram!Interested in being featured on the Founders’ Series?We’re always looking to spotlight bold leaders and founders who are building the future of commercial real estate. If you’re solving real problems, challenging outdated norms, or reshaping how this industry operates, we want to hear from you.
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Founder Series: How Construction Is Entering Its Next Technology Cycle with Paul Zeckser
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