AI Proof in the Pudding: Pennoni's Joe Viscuso on Strategic Growth (Ep. 2)

In this conversation, Joe Viscuso, the Director of Strategic Growth at Pennoni, discusses his career journey, the role of technology in the AEC industry, and the challenges firms face in adopting new technologies. He highlights the importance of innovative solutions, particularly in road analytics, and emphasizes the need for the industry to adapt to a data-driven future. The discussion also touches on the competitive landscape of mergers and acquisitions and the evolving value proposition in the AEC sector.

Not a PSMJ PRO member? Learn more here: www.psmj.com/psmjpromembership

Order the Quarterly Market Forecast here: https://www.psmj.com/surveys/quarterly-market-forecast-2/

Check out Greg’s Book of the Month here:

https://www.amazon.com/Company-We-Keep-Reinventing-Community/dp/1931498733

Chapters

1:12 Metric of the Month

5:58 Who is Joe Viscuso?

9:01 Joe’s Career Journey & M&A Experience

10:44 The Role of Technology and Innovation in AEC

12:32 Challenges in Technology Adoption

13:53 Is Every AI Tool a Fit for Your Firm?

15:21 Case Study: AI for Road Analytics

18:39 The Future of Data and Predictive Analytics

22:01 Using AI for Data and How AEC Can Evolve

25:12 2026 Projections (Just for Fun)

26:06 M&A Activity & PSMJ’s M&A Summit

28:46 Five Minute Fix

34:45 Book of the Month

Takeaways

• Joe Viscuso's role focuses on growing the top line of Pennoni.
• Pennoni is 100% employee-owned and has grown significantly.
• Technology plays a crucial role in client offerings and project delivery.
• Adoption of technology is influenced by generational changes in the workforce.
• Public sector clients are often more resistant to adopting new technologies than private clients.
• Innovative road analytics technology improves objectivity in road condition assessments.
• Data is a valuable asset that the AEC industry has yet to fully monetize.
• Predictive analytics will play a significant role in the future of the industry.
• M&A activity remains competitive, with firms needing to be forward-looking.
• The industry must shift from selling hours to providing value-based solutions.

Host: Gregory Hart

Producers: Gregory Hart, Pete McPherson, Molly McElaney

Editor: Molly McElaney

Special thanks to Riverside FM!