Recorded live at CSI 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio, this special episode of What the RFI brought together two dynamic voices from the construction industry: Dean Moilanen, representing Noble Company, and Holly Gotfredson, owner and president of Finishing Dynamics and American Metalcraft.
Host Matt Brennan guided the discussion through the themes that define today’s built environment—communication, collaboration, optimism, and creativity. What began as a conversation about RFIs, fabrication, and specification writing turned into one of the most memorable episodes yet—complete with the first-ever live musical performance on the show.
Reconnecting at CSI 2025
For Dean and Holly, CSI 2025 wasn’t just another industry conference—it was a reunion of colleagues and friends who share a passion for making construction better.
“I have made so many great friends,” Holly said. “Every year I come back to reconnect and make new ones. CSI feels like home.”
Dean echoed that sentiment, adding that optimism is returning to the construction landscape. After years of economic uncertainty and supply chain challenges, he’s seeing projects come off the sidelines and momentum returning across markets like Las Vegas and beyond.
RFI Horror Stories & Lessons Learned
Every architect, contractor, and manufacturer has a story that keeps them up at night—the infamous RFI horror story. Dean recounted one that still resonates across the industry: a last-minute product substitution on a major Las Vegas resort that turned into a multimillion-dollar repair.
“They replaced a high-performance waterproofing system with a cheap liquid membrane,” he explained. “The facility manager didn’t even know the change was made. It became a massive rip-and-repair job.”
Holly shared her own experience—less catastrophic, but equally instructive—about a project that derailed when a specification didn’t match the rest of the campus renovation.
“We were the basis of design, already in production,” she said. “Then the architect realized the specified panel didn’t align with the existing metalwork. Communication could have saved weeks of effort.”
Both stories underscored the same message: communication is everything. Picking up the phone, trusting your reps, and clarifying design intent early can save time, money, and frustration for everyone involved.
Communication, Collaboration, and Trust
Throughout the episode, Matt, Dean, and Holly emphasized the importance of relationships in Construction Administration.
“Trust your reps,” Holly urged. “If we’re doing our jobs well, we’re a resource—not just selling products. We help architects and contractors make informed, successful decisions.”
Dean added that while technology and AI tools have accelerated communication, they can’t replace professional judgment:
“AI is great, but don’t trust it blindly. Do your due diligence. Verify. Communication still comes down to people.”
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Creativity and Custom Fabrication
Beyond the technical talk, the conversation highlighted how creativity and craftsmanship bring life to the built environment. Holly shared her love for artistic and complex façade systems—custom perforations, ornamental metals, and rainscreen designs that merge performance and art.
“I love projects that challenge us,” she said. “They let us collaborate with architects to bring their vision to life—to make something both functional and beautiful.”
Dean reflected on Noble Company’s milestone projects like Las Vegas CityCenter, where waterproofing specifications were non-negotiable and performance was paramount.
“It was like a three-year Christmas,” he laughed. “Six thousand rooms, 8,500 workers, multiple design firms—and our products specified everywhere. It took us to another level.”
A First for What the RFI: Live Music at CSI
Then came the surprise no one saw coming: a live performance. Dean unpacked his guitar—his “comfort instrument”—while Holly joined in on vocals for soulful renditions of Tennessee Whiskey and Ring of Fire.
It was a first in What the RFI history and a perfect close to an episode that celebrated the human side of construction—where professional connections evolve into genuine friendships, creativity crosses boundaries, and collaboration extends beyond blueprints.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” Matt said as the final chords faded.
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