Coming up with a million dollar product idea - is easier than coming up with million dollar product idea that is based on solving a real world problem that will allow that idea to actually succeed.

In this podcast, Dave Erickson and his co-host Botond Seres are going to examine How Field Experience Can Drive Technology Innovation  - with John Downing - Co-Founder & Chief Product Architect of Leteligence.

John is the co-founder of Lateligence and founder of Latel, and he began his career in heavy civil construction, operating equipment and later working as a civil estimator manually calculating dirt quantities.

That firsthand experience led him to invest early in high‑end drone technology, long before it was common, and grew Latel into a nationwide LIDAR service helping contractors uncover change orders and optimize dirt movement.

Today, as Chief Product Architect, he’s leading the development of new AI‑enabled software built from the ground up for field users, already deployed by national developers and major contractors.

John brings a rare blend of practical field insight, technical vision, and a deep commitment to empowering the people doing the work on the ground.

Timeline Summary:

0:00 INTRO - Field Experience and Technology Product Innovation
2:22 John Downing's Early Career and Passion for Heavy Equipment
3:35 The Birth of Littell and Early Adoption of Drone Technology
11:51 Challenges and Frustrations in Early Adoption
16:05 Transition to Lidar and Advanced Drone Technology
34:35 Developing Litelligence and Addressing Industry Needs
1:05:47 The Future of Surveying and Technology
1:09:04 Outro

If you have questions for our Podcast Hosts or Guest, you can reach them here:

Dave Erickson = https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveerickson1/

Botond Seres = https://www.linkedin.com/in/botondseres/

GUEST: John Downing = https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndowning-letel/

Website = https://leteligence.com/