In this episode of The ConTech Crew Podcast, part of a crossover with FreeTo CTO series, hosts Jeff Sample and Trent Leinenbach 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. Jen Clark 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. Expect to Learn How Jen transitioned from field engineering to tech leadership without a construction tech background. What it means to be a “human API” in construction: connecting IT, operations, and finance. Lessons learned from building low-code applications to manage projects and data. Strategies for driving internal tech adoption and aligning with leadership. How to navigate the balance between shadow IT and strategic innovation in small-to-midsize firms. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction [02:17] - FreeTO Series by Construction Dorks [05:09] - Jen’s Unconventional Career Path [07:35] - Building a Role from Curiosity: Project Integration Manager [15:54] - Lessons from Low-Code App Development [19:27] - Jen Outlines Her Decision-Making Framework [27:38] - Collaboration and Strategic Growth [32:34] - Digital Transformation in the Fabrication Shop [37:42] - Selling Vision to Leadership [41:46] - Final Thoughts Follow the Guest & Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferaclark1/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/general-sheet-metal/ Website (Company): https://www.gsmw.com/ Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/generalsheetmetal/ Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/GeneralSheetMetal1932# Follow the Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/ Follow the Co-Host: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-leinenbach-plmb-466018177/ Company: https://www.stratus.build/ Blog: https://www.constructiondorks.com/ Follow The ConTech Crew: Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew Twitter: https://x.com/TheConTechCrew
