Datagrid Dialogues: From Early Adopter to Industry Evangelist
Kris Lengieza's Construction Evolution: From Customer to Industry Evangelist
Ever wonder what it takes to shape the future of an entire industry? In a recent Datagrid Dialogues podcast, Thiago da Costa, CEO of Datagrid, sat down with Kris Lengieza, Global Technology Evangelist at Procore, to explore just that. Their conversation wasn't just about construction; it was a journey through Kris’s career, the industry’s transformation, and the power of technology to connect people.
From Procore Customer to Procore Champion
Kris's story is one of organic growth within the construction world. "I went the first year as a customer," Kris shared, reflecting on his initial experience with Procore in Austin. "Then I've been on board as a customer as an employee at Procore for now a little over seven years." This unique perspective, shaped by 15 years in the industry, gives him an unparalleled understanding of both the challenges and the potential of construction technology. Kris's early experience as a Procore customer informs his approach to technology evangelism, providing a solid foundation for understanding industry needs, and now, as a Global Technology Evangelist, he helps others navigate the evolving landscape of construction.
The Shifting Sands of Construction: A Technological Revolution
The heart of the discussion centered on how technology is reshaping construction. Kris painted a picture of an industry in transition, moving from traditional methods to embrace digital solutions. "People are rolling in quickly," Kris noted, highlighting the rapid adoption of digital platforms. Despite the rise of technology, Kris emphasized the enduring importance of personal relationships: "You have to understand that those relationships really, really matter to them." The future, according to Kris, is about harnessing data to steer projects toward success.
Tackling the Industry's Toughest Challenges
Thiago and Kris didn't shy away from discussing the hurdles facing construction today. Many companies are still finding their footing in the digital world, and integrating disparate data sources is key to gaining a clear, comprehensive view. The challenge lies in harmonizing automation with the irreplaceable value of human insight.
Automation and Augmentation: The Future in Two Words
When asked to encapsulate the future of construction, Kris offered two powerful words: "Automation and Augmentation." He explained:
"Automation and Augmentation... It's going to make our people much more successful and have much longer and fulfilling careers than maybe they do today."
This vision isn't about replacing people but empowering them with the tools to excel.
A Lesson from the Trenches: Invest in People
Kris shared a key piece of advice for those starting their construction journey: "Invest in those personal relationships early." Building trust and understanding the human side of the business are paramount.
Conclusion: Embracing Change, Honoring Tradition
Kris Lengieza's insights offer a roadmap for the future of construction. By embracing technology while valuing human connections, the industry can build a more efficient, innovative, and fulfilling future.
Speakers
• Thiago Da Costa (Co-founder & CEO, Datagrid)
In this session, Thiago explores the intersection of people, process, and technology — and how data-driven platforms can empower teams to build smarter.
• Kris Lengieza (Vice President & Global Technology Evangelist, Procore Technologies)
Kris shares his journey from being a Procore customer to industry evangelist, reflecting on how technology is reshaping construction. He highlights the importance of relationships, the role of data, and why the future of construction lies in both automation and augmentation.