Join us in this exciting episode of the Slice of Construction podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor! Our Guest: Jon Sibley, Founder & CEO at TrueBuilt.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Introduction to TrueBuilt: An integrated pre-construction platform.

• Overcoming challenges: From startup struggles to Silicon Valley Bank scare.

• AI and computer vision: Enhancing accuracy and efficiency in construction.

• Mental health awareness: The importance in both tech and construction industries.

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Introduction

In this episode of the Slice of Construction podcast, host Jared S. Taylor welcomes Jon Sibley, the founder and CEO of TrueBuilt. Jon shares his journey of creating a modern pre-construction platform that integrates takeoff, estimation, and bid management into a seamless, cloud-based solution.

The Genesis of TrueBuilt

When asked about TrueBuilt, Jon describes it as a modern pre-construction platform designed to streamline the pre-construction process. He highlights the fragmented nature of the industry, where contractors often rely on a patchwork of tools. TrueBuilt aims to bring all stakeholders and data into one cohesive platform, improving efficiency and profitability.

Overcoming Challenges

Jon recounts the early days of TrueBuilt, including a significant hurdle during the Silicon Valley Bank scare. With limited funds and payroll looming, his small team of engineers worked tirelessly to keep the company afloat. This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork and resilience, values Jon brings from his background as a former US and collegiate athlete.

Impact on the Construction Industry

TrueBuilt's solutions have significantly impacted general contractors and subcontractors, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy. Jon explains how their platform leverages AI and computer vision to automate tedious tasks, allowing estimators to focus on creating competitive bids. This technological edge is crucial, especially given recent challenges like pricing volatility and supply chain issues.

Lessons Learned and Pivotal Moments

Jon shares a pivotal moment in TrueBuilt's journey: initially focusing on bid management before realizing the greater impact of their takeoff module. Despite the technical challenges, this shift has allowed TrueBuilt to provide more value to their customers. The key lesson here is balancing innovation with customer familiarity, ensuring that new features are both innovative and intuitive.

Mental Health in Construction and Tech

A topic close to Jon's heart is mental health, particularly in the construction industry, which has the highest suicide rate among professions. TrueBuilt not only aims to ease the workflow of their users but also supports mental health through community engagement and personalized support. Jon emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the mental health challenges faced by construction workers.

The Future of AI and Robotics in Construction

Looking ahead, Jon is excited about further advancements in AI and computer vision within TrueBuilt. By developing specialized AI models for various trades, TrueBuilt aims to continue reducing the monotonous aspects of pre-construction work. Jon envisions a future where technology significantly enhances efficiency without over-automating processes.

Valuable Advice and Final Thoughts

Jon reflects on the best and worst advice he has received. The worst being the notion to go all-in on a side hustle without a stable foundation. The best advice, drawn from his sports experience, is understanding that difficult decisions are choices, not sacrifices. This mindset has helped him navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and build a successful company.

Conclusion

Jon Sibley's journey with TrueBuilt highlights the transformative power of technology in the construction industry. By focusing on customer needs and mental health, TrueBuilt is not only advancing pre-construction processes but also fostering a supportive and resilient industry culture.

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