Modernising Fabrication and ERP Systems with Low-Code Tools for Construction Leaders with Jen Clark

<p>In this episode of <em>The ConTech Crew </em>Podcast, part of a crossover with <em>FreeTo CTO</em> series, hosts <a href="linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/"; rel="nofollow">Jeff Sample</a> and <a href="linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-46601817…; rel="nofollow">Trent Leinenbach</a> sit down with Jen Clark, Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal. They explore how non-traditional career paths and curiosity-driven problem-solving can shape a new generation of construction technology leaders. This conversation shines a light on Jen's unique route into tech leadership, her approach to low-code app development, managing shadow IT, and driving digital transformation in construction.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="linkedin.com/in/jenniferaclark1/"; rel="nofollow"><strong>Jen Clark</strong></a> is the Project Integration Manager at General Sheet Metal, a Portland-based mechanical contractor with nearly a century of operations. Originally trained in civil engineering, Jen's journey has taken her from software support to field engineering and eventually into a self-defined technology leadership role. Her work spans app development, ERP integration, and digital strategy which have all been aimed at bridging the gap between operations, finance, and IT in construction.</p><p><br></p><h3>Expect to Learn</h3><ul><li>How Jen transitioned from field engineering to tech leadership without a construction tech background.</li><li>What it means to be a “human API” in construction: connecting IT, operations, and finance.</li><li>Lessons learned from building low-code applications to manage projects and data.</li><li>Strategies for driving internal tech adoption and aligning with leadership.</li><li>How to navigate the balance between shadow IT and strategic innovation in small-to-midsize firms.</li></ul><p><br></p><h3>Episode Breakdown with Timestamps</h3><p>[00:00] - Introduction</p><p>[02:17] - FreeTO Series by Construction Dorks</p><p>[05:09] - Jen’s Unconventional Career Path</p><p>[07:35] - Building a Role from Curiosity: Project Integration Manager</p><p>[15:54] - Lessons from Low-Code App Development</p><p>[19:27] - Jen Outlines Her Decision-Making Framework</p><p>[27:38] - Collaboration and Strategic Growth</p><p>[32:34] - Digital Transformation in the Fabrication Shop</p><p>[37:42] - Selling Vision to Leadership</p><p>[41:46] - Final Thoughts</p><p><br></p><h3>Follow the Guest & Company</h3><ul><li><strong>LinkedIn: </strong><a href="linkedin.com/in/jenniferaclark1/"; rel="nofollow">linkedin.com/in/jenniferaclark1/</a><… (Company):</strong> <a href="linkedin.com/company/general-sheet-metal/"; rel="nofollow">linkedin.com/company/general-sheet-metal/</… (Company):</strong> <a href="gsmw.com/"; rel="nofollow">gsmw.com/</a></li><li><st… (Company):</strong> <a href="instagram.com/generalsheetmetal/"; rel="nofollow">instagram.com/generalsheetmetal/</a><… (Company):</strong> <a href="facebook.com/GeneralSheetMetal1932"; rel="nofollow">facebook.com/GeneralSheetMetal1932#</a>; </li></ul><h4><br></h4><h3>Follow the Host:</h3><ul><li><strong>LinkedIn:</strong> <a href="linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/"; rel="nofollow">linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/</a></li&… the Co-Host:</h3><ul><li><strong>LinkedIn:</strong> <a href="linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-46601817…; rel="nofollow">linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-46601817…: </strong><a href="stratus.build/"; rel="nofollow">stratus.build/</a></li><li>&…: </strong><a href="constructiondorks.com/"; rel="nofollow">constructiondorks.com/</a></li><… The ConTech Crew:</h3><ul><li><strong>Website: </strong><a href="thecontechcrew.com/"; rel="nofollow">thecontechcrew.com/</a>; </li><li><strong>YouTube: </strong><a href="youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg&q…; rel="nofollow">youtube.com/channel/</a></li><l…: </strong><a href="linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/"; rel="nofollow">linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/</a>; </li><li><strong>Facebook: </strong><a href="facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/"; rel="nofollow">facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/</a>; </li><li><strong>Instagram: </strong><a href="instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en"; rel="nofollow">instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en</a>; </li><li><strong>Tiktok: </strong><a href="tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew"; rel="nofollow">tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew</a>; </li><li><strong>Twitter: </strong><a href="x.com/TheConTechCrew"; rel="nofollow">x.com/TheConTechCrew</a></li></…;