It’s Halloween, the one day of the year when the scariest things come out of the walls … literally. 👻

In this special Halloween episode of What the RFI?, Matt Brennan is joined by Zach Rapaport to share real-life RFI horror stories from the construction world. From demolition surprises and lead-time nightmares to change orders that make your blood run cold, this episode uncovers the spooky side of Construction Administration.

🧱 Topics covered:

• The demolition discoveries that haunt every project
• Lead-time delays that kill your schedule
• Change-order chaos and how to stay calm
• Contract clauses that save your soul
• When bad news comes too late — and costs too much

Whether you’re an architect, contractor, or construction nerd, you’ll laugh, cringe, and pick up lessons to keep your next project from turning into a horror story.

🎧 Listen now and face your construction fears head-on.

Happy Halloween from What the RFI? 🕸️

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Recorded live at CSI 2025 in Cleveland, this episode of What the RFI brings together Dean Moilanen (Noble Company) and Holly Gotfredson (Finishing Dynamics & American Metalcraft) for a conversation that hits every note, literally.

Host Matt Brennan dives into the state of the construction industry, optimism returning to projects post-pandemic, and the lessons learned from unforgettable RFI horror stories. Dean and Holly share their experiences across Division 7 and 9, discuss the importance of communication, collaboration, and trust, and highlight how creative fabrication and custom design continue to shape the built environment.

The episode ends on a high note…. literally with the first live musical performance ever recorded on What the RFI, featuring a soulful rendition of Tennessee Whiskey and Ring of Fire.

Key topics:

CSI 2025 • Construction Communication • RFIs • Industry Optimism • Custom Fabrication • Domestic Production • Collaboration • Live Music in Construction

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction to CSI 2025 and Guests
• 02:40 – Optimism in the Construction Industry
• 05:58 – RFI Horror Stories and Lessons Learned
• 10:40 – The Importance of Communication in Projects
• 15:04 – Creative Projects and Custom Fabrications
• 20:04 – Musical Interlude and Personal Connections
• 30:01 – Closing Thoughts and Future Connections

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Recorded live from Cleveland, this episode of What the RFI? dives into the energy, insights, and connections shaping CSI National 2025. Host Matt Brennan sits down with Nish Patel (RIB North America), Eric Letbetter (Letbetter Inc.), and Dory Azar (Architect & Product Specialist, RIB Software) to explore how the world of spec writing, RFIs, and construction collaboration is evolving.

From making spec writing engaging and “cool again” to the growing role of digital twins, reality capture, and AI-driven construction management, this roundtable captures the pulse of where the industry is heading. The conversation also digs into the value of networking, the power of community among spec writers, and how collaboration—not conflict—drives better buildings.

🎧 Topics include:

• Lessons and laughs from CSI 2025 in Cleveland
• Why RFIs should be seen as collaboration, not confrontation
• The rebirth of spec writing as a creative and technical craft
• Digital innovation: 360 scanning, QR-coded assets, and progress tracking
• Future trends in flexible building design and sustainability

Chapters

• 00:00 – Live from CSI 2025: Introductions
• 04:38 – Networking and learning at CSI
• 10:43 – Making spec writing engaging and collaborative
• 16:58 – Collaboration and community in construction
• 22:14 – RFIs, relationships, and problem-solving
• 28:34 – Future trends and flexible building design
• 34:20 – Digital innovation and AI in construction management
• 38:12 – Final thoughts and the future of the industry

🎙️Website - WhattheRFI.com

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