From Reactive to Predictive Infrastructure: A Smarter Way to Build
When Fredy Chavez first walked into RNGD, something felt different. “It honestly felt like joining a tech startup, but with the ‘boots-on-the-ground’ grit of construction,” he recalls. That impression wasn’t just about the energy in the room, it was about a company genuinely open to doing things differently.
For Fredy, being a renegade means “refusing to settle for ‘how it’s always been done’ and challenging outdated ways of thinking.” But he’s not talking about change for change’s sake. He’s focused on innovation that creates real value, and RNGD’s culture makes that possible. “If you have a better way to build, track, or communicate, then someone’s going to listen,” he says.
That openness has allowed Fredy to integrate tools like Power BI, Microsoft Copilot, and custom AI agents into his daily workflow on the infrastructure team. “We are building out ways to track productivity and integrate tools to communicate more clearly so we’re not just reacting,” he explains. “It allows us to anticipate and plan accordingly.”
The shift from reactive to predictive thinking isn’t just theoretical for Fredy, he’s seeing the results. “The most exciting aspect for me is witnessing the increased efficiency brought about by AI tools.” It’s technology in service of better outcomes, not technology for its own sake.
That predictive approach proved essential on projects like the Central City stormwater retention fields, where Fredy’s team excavated up to eight feet below grade. Success relied on advanced modeling and planning tools to anticipate water flow and environmental impacts before breaking ground. “Technology is transforming infrastructure from reactive to predictive,” Fredy explains. “It streamlines workflows, enhances safety and delivers smarter, faster outcomes.”
This approach fits perfectly with RNGD’s broader mission. The infrastructure team is actively pushing predictive practices into day-to-day operations, and Fredy’s emphasis on data-driven decision making is helping lead that charge. For him, being a renegade means staying curious, stepping up, and never settling for “good enough” when better is possible.
Originally featured in Biz New Orleans, this story dives deeper into the people and mindset shaping how we build. To read the full article visit Biz New Orleans.
