Future-Proofing Your Business: Leveraging AI in the Construction Industry with Michael Kline
Tue Jan 20 2026
In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome back Michael Kline, a seasoned marketing expert and AI enthusiast, to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various industries, including construction.
We kick off the episode with some light-hearted banter about Chris's decision to stay with the podcast for its sixth season, dispelling rumors of his departure. Jon then introduces Mike, reminiscing about their long-standing professional relationship that dates back to the early 2000s when they worked together at the Steel Structures Painting Council.
Mike dives into the core topic of the episode: understanding AI and its implications for businesses. He provides a clear definition of artificial intelligence, likening it to a sophisticated calculator that processes vast amounts of human knowledge. This analogy helps demystify AI, emphasizing that it is not about inventing new concepts but rather about leveraging existing information in innovative ways.
As the conversation unfolds, we address common fears surrounding AI, particularly the concern that it will replace jobs. Mike reassures listeners that while AI will enhance efficiency in certain roles, particularly in marketing and software development, it will not eliminate jobs in the trades, which remain essential and irreplaceable.
We explore practical applications of AI in business, with Mike sharing his own experiences of using AI tools to streamline processes, such as generating meeting notes and creating proposals. He emphasizes the importance of identifying specific business challenges before diving into AI solutions, encouraging business owners to evaluate where AI can provide the most value.
Throughout the episode, Mike highlights various AI platforms, including Cloud AI and Chip AI, which allow users to build custom applications without extensive coding knowledge. He shares insights on how he has utilized these tools to create agents that assist him in legal, marketing, and writing tasks, effectively substituting for a full team.
As we wrap up, Mike encourages listeners to embrace AI, suggesting that they start by identifying their pain points and experimenting with AI tools to find solutions. He also touches on the future of AI, predicting that while we are currently in a "Wild West" phase, regulation and consolidation will eventually shape the landscape.
This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to understand and leverage AI in their business. We invite our audience to reach out to Mike for further guidance and to keep an eye out for his upcoming AI 101 presentation.
Join us as we navigate the exciting world of AI and its potential to revolutionize the construction industry and beyond!
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In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome back Michael Kline, a seasoned marketing expert and AI enthusiast, to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various industries, including construction. We kick off the episode with some light-hearted banter about Chris's decision to stay with the podcast for its sixth season, dispelling rumors of his departure. Jon then introduces Mike, reminiscing about their long-standing professional relationship that dates back to the early 2000s when they worked together at the Steel Structures Painting Council. Mike dives into the core topic of the episode: understanding AI and its implications for businesses. He provides a clear definition of artificial intelligence, likening it to a sophisticated calculator that processes vast amounts of human knowledge. This analogy helps demystify AI, emphasizing that it is not about inventing new concepts but rather about leveraging existing information in innovative ways. As the conversation unfolds, we address common fears surrounding AI, particularly the concern that it will replace jobs. Mike reassures listeners that while AI will enhance efficiency in certain roles, particularly in marketing and software development, it will not eliminate jobs in the trades, which remain essential and irreplaceable. We explore practical applications of AI in business, with Mike sharing his own experiences of using AI tools to streamline processes, such as generating meeting notes and creating proposals. He emphasizes the importance of identifying specific business challenges before diving into AI solutions, encouraging business owners to evaluate where AI can provide the most value. Throughout the episode, Mike highlights various AI platforms, including Cloud AI and Chip AI, which allow users to build custom applications without extensive coding knowledge. He shares insights on how he has utilized these tools to create agents that assist him in legal, marketing, and writing tasks, effectively substituting for a full team. As we wrap up, Mike encourages listeners to embrace AI, suggesting that they start by identifying their pain points and experimenting with AI tools to find solutions. He also touches on the future of AI, predicting that while we are currently in a "Wild West" phase, regulation and consolidation will eventually shape the landscape. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to understand and leverage AI in their business. We invite our audience to reach out to Mike for further guidance and to keep an eye out for his upcoming AI 101 presentation. Join us as we navigate the exciting world of AI and its potential to revolutionize the construction industry and beyond!