By Phillip Ogilby, STACK Construction Technologies CEO and Founder
It’s not every day that I get called before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business as a featured witness.
But that’s just what happened on Tuesday, Nov. 19, when I was honored to speak to our federal legislators about a topic that is near and dear to my heart: the importance of technology in the construction industry as it changes and grows. The hearing also gave me a chance to talk about my other passion — the small businesses that are the engine of our U.S. economy.
After more than 10 years on the contracting side of the industry, I know the challenges that construction firms have to face every day. For too many years, the construction industry has been stuck in the past. While productivity has soared in other industries, construction has been mired down by the way things have always been done.
So many of the day-to-day tasks facing general and subcontractors are time-intensive, paperwork-heavy and just plain inefficient. But the construction industry is realizing that there is a better way. In recent years, contractors have begun embracing innovative new technologies to boost their efficiency and productivity.
I’m glad to say that STACK Construction Technologies is doing its part by developing software products that target the pain points that hinder contractors on a day-to-day basis.
The contractors who put these innovative technological solutions to work will find their jobs are more efficient and enjoy an improved work-life balance. The contractors who continue to use outdated methods will be left behind.
The construction industry has such an important part to play in American infrastructure. I’m hopeful the government’s examination of smart construction technology and the importance of small businesses and contractors in the American economy will encourage the sector as a whole to evolve and grow.
