#25 - Chris Creasey, VP of National Gaming & Kelsey Gauger, VP of Operational Excellence at Suffolk
Slice of Construction Team
08/19/2024
Join us in this exciting episode of the Slice of Construction podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor! Our Guests: Chris Creasey, VP of National Gaming & Kelsey Gauger, VP of Operational Excellence at Suffolk.
What you’ll get out of this episode:
- Chris Creasey discusses Suffolk's push to become the top gaming contractor in the U.S.
- Kelsey Gauger highlights Suffolk's use of technology to drive operational excellence.
- Insight into Suffolk's pioneering tech tools like BIM, AI, and robotics in large-scale projects.
- Case study on the Encore Boston Harbor Casino, emphasizing Suffolk's cutting-edge approach.
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Introduction
In this episode of the Slice Construction Podcast, host Jared Taylor welcomes two industry leaders from Suffolk Construction—Chris Creasey, VP of National Gaming, and Kelsey Gauger, VP of Operational Excellence. This marks a special episode as it’s the first time the podcast features two guests simultaneously. Together, they delve into the innovative technologies and strategies that are propelling Suffolk to the forefront of the construction and gaming industries.
Chris Creasey: Suffolk’s Gaming Industry Vision
Chris Creasey, who is no stranger to the podcast, returns with updates on his journey since his last appearance. With almost a year in his role, Creasey is navigating the challenges of the current financing market while positioning Suffolk to become the leading gaming contractor in the United States. The company’s focus on securing major projects within the next few months is a testament to Suffolk’s ambitious growth plans.
Kelsey Gauger: Driving Operational Excellence Through Technology
Kelsey Gauger, making her first appearance on the podcast, shares her decade-long journey at Suffolk Construction, starting from the Career Start program to her current role as VP of Operational Excellence. Gauger provides a glimpse into how Suffolk is revolutionizing construction with technology. From her experience on the Encore Casino project to leading Suffolk’s tech adoption efforts, Gauger emphasizes the importance of integrating technology with operations to achieve consistent and predictable project outcomes.
Suffolk’s Technological Edge
Suffolk Construction stands out in the industry for its proactive approach to technology. Gauger explains how Suffolk’s venture capital arm, Suffolk Technologies, invests in startups and innovative solutions that are then piloted on their projects. This collaboration not only fosters innovation but also helps Suffolk stay ahead in the ever-evolving construction landscape.
Key technologies discussed include:
- BIM and Digital Twin Modeling: Used extensively in projects like the Encore Boston Harbor Casino to virtually construct and coordinate every detail before physical execution.
- AI and Machine Learning: Identified as the next frontier in construction, especially in design automation and project scheduling.
- Robotics and IoT: Examples like Rugged Robotics and Wint demonstrate Suffolk’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve project efficiency and safety.
Case Study: Encore Boston Harbor Casino
The Encore Boston Harbor Casino project serves as a prime example of Suffolk’s technological prowess. Spanning over 1.7 million square feet with luxury finishes, this project required meticulous planning and execution. Gauger highlights the use of BIM to create a full digital twin of the building, allowing Suffolk to virtually coordinate everything down to the placement of shower drains. This approach not only ensured precision but also saved significant costs and time by reducing the need for physical mock-ups and rework.
Creasey adds that the virtual modeling of rooms drastically improved efficiency, allowing the construction team to build with confidence that all design decisions were finalized in the digital space. This level of detail and preparation set the Encore project apart, making it a model for future large-scale developments.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Construction and Gaming
As the conversation wraps up, both Creasey and Gauger share their visions for the future. Gauger sees rapid advancements in AI and automation reshaping construction processes, particularly in design and scheduling. Meanwhile, Creasey predicts continued growth in the gaming industry, driven by the expansion of Native American gaming and the legalization of sports betting.
Conclusion
The insights from this episode provide a compelling look into how Suffolk Construction is leading the way in both the construction and gaming sectors. With a strong focus on technology and innovation, Suffolk is not only redefining how buildings are constructed but also setting new standards for excellence in project delivery.
