#46 - Tom Deane, Co-Founder and CEO at ProjectMark CRM
Slice of Construction Team
May 28, 2025
Episode details
Join us in this exciting episode of the Slice of Construction podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor! Our Guest: Tom Deane, Co-Founder and CEO at ProjectMark CRM.
What you’ll get out of this episode:
- Tom Deane’s Journey: From Dublin building sites to co-founding ProjectMark in San Francisco.
- Startup Lessons: Importance of validating customer pain and timing investor outreach.
- Fundraising Realities: Navigating the gray area of being “too early” or “too late” for VCs.
- Tech and Labor in Construction: AI adoption and labor shortages shaping the industry.
- ProjectMark's Vision: Simplifying data, enhancing relationships, and fueling revenue growth.
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From Ireland to Innovation: Tom Deane’s Career Path
Tom Deane, born and raised in Dublin, began his construction journey on job sites before studying construction management in Limerick. Inspired by big opportunities, he moved to the U.S. with just $1,500 and a one-way ticket, eventually working on high-rise projects across the coasts. A reconnection with college roommate Noel in San Francisco led to founding ProjectMark.
Early-Stage Entrepreneurship: Lessons Learned
As a domain expert transitioning to tech, Tom acknowledged gaps in software development and fundraising strategy. He emphasized the importance of deeply validating customer pain before launching and advised against rushing into VC pitches prematurely. Reflecting on this, he noted that while passion and belief are vital, strategic patience could have saved time and resources.
The Investor Paradox
Tom shared the frustrating ambiguity in venture capital: what's “too early” for one investor might be ideal for another. While second-time founders often receive quicker backing due to reduced perceived risk, first-timers need traction and a clear, compelling story. He urged founders not to be discouraged by rejections, as success often lies just beyond them.
AI and the Labor Crisis in Construction
Tom sees the current landscape as a turning point. While AI is accelerating adoption due to its time-saving potential, labor shortages remain a critical issue. He attributes this to a cultural perception gap and flawed immigration policy in the U.S. Unlike Ireland, where construction trades are celebrated, the U.S. needs better education and skilled labor immigration frameworks to meet rising demand.
What’s Next for ProjectMark?
ProjectMark aims to redefine CRM for construction. Unlike legacy systems, their vertical CRM is tailored for the industry's nuances, empowering leaders to track revenue ops, foster strong relationships, and pursue the right projects. With an intuitive data framework and an eye on AI-driven enhancements, the company is poised to become an essential tool for construction executives.
