Blogs
Construction Innovators Spotlight: Kyle Tomak, VDC Manager at Hensel Phelps
Every day, our teams collaborate with various professionals in the construction industry, and some leave a lasting impact with their dedication to improving the way things are built. Their commitment to learning, adapting, and pushing boundaries inspires us. To recognize their efforts, we’re launching the Construction Innovators Spotlight series, a look into the journeys of those driving meaningful change in construction.
One such professional is Kyle Tomak, whose journey offers a firsthand look at how the right technology, when implemented with purpose, can drive efficiency and empower those in the field.
From a childhood surrounded by cranes and construction to leading digital transformation at Hensel Phelps, Kyle’s story is one of craftsmanship, innovation, and a passion for building.
A Passion for Craftsmanship and Problem-Solving
Kyle has always been drawn to hands-on challenges, whether it’s woodworking, fabrication, or exploring the outdoors through hiking and camping. He thrives on figuring things out for himself, enjoying the process just as much as the final product.
Every project is a chance to test ideas, refine skills, and push past hesitation. His philosophy is simple: the hardest part is starting, so dive in before overthinking gets in the way.
A Journey Rooted in Construction
Growing up in Brunswick, Ohio, he was surrounded by the trucking and heavy equipment industry, often riding along with his grandfather, father, and uncles to sawmills, asphalt plants, and construction sites. Those early experiences gave him a deep appreciation for the mechanics of building, from the machinery that moved materials to the coordination it took to bring a project to life. Fascinated by the scale and complexity of construction, he knew he wanted to be part of it in a meaningful way. That drive led him to the University of Toledo, where he studied Construction Engineering Technology, gaining the technical knowledge and hands-on experience to turn his passion into a career.
An Evolving Career in Construction Technology
After graduating, Kyle set his sights on joining a top general contractor. Determined to work with the best, he applied to companies ranked on the ENR Top 400 General Contractor list and secured an opportunity with Hensel Phelps, then ranked #9. He made the move from Ohio to Arizona, stepping into what would become a dynamic and fulfilling career in construction technology. Over the years, Kyle has taken on roles such as BIM Engineer, Laser Scan Technician, and Laser Scan Manager, each giving him a deeper understanding of how digital tools can integrate seamlessly into construction workflows. His work has played a key role in shaping Hensel Phelps approach to technology adoption, ensuring that innovation is driven by practical application rather than novelty.
“Hensel Phelps is all about people, processes, partnerships, and technology.” He mentions.
His philosophy centers on ensuring that any digital solution introduced to the field must make the work of builders more efficient and intuitive. Rather than technology being an isolated function, Kyle believes it should empower teams, streamline operations, and ultimately support the company’s core mission of delivering high-quality projects.
Lessons in Leadership and Technology Adoption at Hensel Phelps
Kyle credits much of his professional growth to hands-on learning. While his formal education laid a strong foundation, working alongside experienced professionals provided invaluable insights. He emphasizes that technology adoption should support field teams rather than introduce unnecessary complexities.
“If a technology solely lives with me, it’s not a good tool,” Kyle says. “Good technology should sell itself. It should be intuitive, solve real problems, and remove pain points from existing processes.”
Kyle emphasizes the importance of collaboration within Hensel Phelps, particularly within the VDC department. He sees the team as a close-knit group that communicates well and shares best practices to drive technology adoption effectively.
“The way technology develops and spreads, you need a technology department that communicates, shares best practices, and helps each other out,” Kyle explains. “Banding together as a VDC department allows us to move the needle in the most efficient way possible.” By working together and staying aligned, the team ensures technology is implemented smoothly across projects.
The Track3D Experience
For Kyle, Track3D stands out because of its field-first approach. A philosophy that aligns seamlessly with Hensel Phelps commitment to being builders first. He values solutions that enhance efficiency on the ground, where the real work happens.
Track3D’s impact is particularly evident in how it supports field and QC teams, streamlining processes that were once time-consuming and manual. Kyle sees its value in three different ways:
- Reality Capture: At its core, Track3D provides a structured, visual history of a project through high-end 360° reality capture. This ensures that teams can always look back and find exactly what they need, offering a detailed and organized record of past site conditions.
- Progress Tracking: By leveraging AI and machine learning, Track3D transforms reality capture data into actionable insights. Automated trend charts, progress maps, and tracking of completed and pending work reduce the burden on superintendents and field engineers, allowing them to focus on higher-priority tasks.
- Deviations: Beyond tracking progress, Track3D is planning to go a step further by comparing captured reality against coordinated models, identifying quality issues before they become costly rework.
Kyle believes anyone responsible for maintaining a schedule and performing quality control can benefit from Track3D. The biggest impression it has left on him is its purpose-built design. It doesn’t try to be everything at once but instead maximizes efficiency by focusing on real problems.
The People Who Shaped the Journey
Kyle’s career has been shaped by the people who supported, challenged, and inspired him along the way. His wife has been his greatest supporter, moving across states and countries nine times in 12 years, so he could pursue new opportunities in construction technology. Her unwavering support has made every challenge easier to take on. At work, mentors and colleagues have played a key role in his growth. Jim Park, senior VDC manager, set the standard for hard work and taking pride in every task. Thai Nguyen, Director of Innovation, encouraged him to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. Angelo Lago, Director of VDC, has driven the VDC team to make technology an undeniable force in construction. And Luis Esquivel, Senior VDC Manager, has given him the space to drive change in Southern California, ensuring new ideas take root.
Looking ahead, he remains committed to driving meaningful change and ensuring that technology continues to serve the people who build. With the support of those who have shaped his journey, he continues to push for innovation that makes a real impact, turning ideas into solutions that drive the industry forward.
