Join us in this exciting episode of the Slice of Construction podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor! Our Guest: Chloe Smith, Co-Founder & CEO at Mercator AI. What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Chloe Smith introduces Mercator AI's innovative approach to business development for commercial contractors.

• The importance of leveraging data to overcome challenges in construction.

• Chloe's journey from public relations to leading an AI company.

• How Mercator AI helps construction companies qualify and discover new projects efficiently.

• The significance of intuition and industry feedback in entrepreneurial success.

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Introduction

In a recent episode of the Slice of Construction podcast, host Jared Taylor sat down with Chloe Smith, the co-founder and CEO of Mercator AI. Chloe shared her insights on how Mercator AI is revolutionizing business development in the construction industry through the power of artificial intelligence. This post delves into Chloe's journey, the challenges facing the construction sector, and how Mercator AI is addressing these issues.

Chloe Smith's Background

Chloe Smith's path to becoming the CEO of Mercator AI was anything but straightforward. With a degree in public relations, Chloe began her career building websites and diving into analytics. Her journey took her through various industries, including marketing for agriculture and working at a global marketing and advertising agency. It was here that she honed her skills in innovation, leading to the development of business development products.

Chloe's entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on, having started several businesses, including a residential cleaning company to fund her education. However, it was her construction family background and a desire to transform an "unsexy" industry that led her to create Mercator AI.

What is Mercator AI?

Mercator AI is an AI-powered business development platform specifically designed for commercial contractors. The company primarily works with mid to large-size general contractors, helping them identify and get in front of projects early in their development. Mercator AI focuses on low-rise multifamily projects to light industrial developments.

Chloe explains that the construction industry often operates in a "black box," with limited visibility into project opportunities unless directly involved. Mercator AI aims to change this by leveraging data to scale business development efforts and make existing teams more effective.

The Genesis of Mercator AI

The idea for Mercator AI didn't come overnight. Chloe had been developing business development tools in her previous roles and saw a significant opportunity to apply these concepts to the construction industry. After extensive research and conversations with various sectors, construction emerged as the field most in need of data-driven solutions but least invested in them. This gap presented a unique opportunity for Mercator AI to make a substantial impact.

Overcoming Challenges in Business Development

Chloe emphasizes the importance of having clear goals when adopting new technology. Many companies fail in tech adoption because they lack defined outcomes. Mercator AI helps companies pinpoint their business development challenges and determine whether AI can provide a solution. By focusing on unqualified projects and uncovering new opportunities, Mercator AI saves clients time and resources, allowing them to build more strategic and informed relationships.

Advice for Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on her journey, Chloe shares valuable advice for fellow entrepreneurs:

1. Trust Your Intuition: Chloe highlights the importance of trusting one's gut instincts, especially in the early stages of a business. This intuition, she believes, is crucial in navigating the myriad decisions that founders face.

2. Engage with the Industry: Don't be afraid to talk to your customers and industry peers. Understanding their pain points and feedback can significantly improve your product.

3. Adapt and Pivot Quickly: Chloe and Jared discuss the importance of being willing to move past ideas that aren't working and pivoting swiftly to more promising opportunities.

Looking Ahead

Chloe is excited about Mercator AI's future, particularly its expansion into the United States. This move opens new geographical markets and customer bases, fueling the development of additional product features. Beyond lead generation, Mercator AI aims to offer tools for pre-qualification, marketing, strategic planning, and real-time industry reporting.

Conclusion

Chloe Smith's journey and Mercator AI's innovative solutions highlight the transformative potential of AI in the construction industry. By addressing the challenges of visibility and efficiency in business development, Mercator AI is helping commercial contractors navigate an increasingly competitive landscape. For more insights and updates on Mercator AI's progress, stay tuned to the Slice of Construction podcast.

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