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

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Founder Insight: Shreesha Ramdas shares his journey and inspiration behind founding Lumber.

• Industry Challenge: Addressing the looming retirement crisis and lack of interest from younger generations in construction.

• Solution Focus: How Lumber's platform improves workforce experience and productivity in the construction industry.

• Adoption Strategies: Overcoming challenges in technology adoption within construction firms.

• Future Vision: The potential of AI and data to enhance safety and training in construction.

Watch

Listen

Read More

Introduction

In a recent episode of the Slice of Construction podcast, host Jared Taylor sat down with Shreesha Ramdas, the founder and CEO of Lumber, to discuss the pressing issues facing the construction workforce and how Lumber is stepping up to address these challenges. From tackling the impending retirement wave to leveraging technology for better workforce management, this episode dives deep into the innovation driving the construction industry forward.

The Birth of Lumber

Shreesha Ramdas embarked on his fourth startup journey with a clear vision: to make a significant impact on an industry lagging in technological advancements. After selling his previous company to Medallia and helping them go public, Shreesha sought a new challenge. Conversations with industry professionals pointed him towards the construction sector, where a workforce crisis was brewing.

Addressing the Workforce Crisis

With a staggering 41% of the construction workforce set to retire in the next seven years and a lack of interest from younger generations, the construction industry faces a significant labor gap. Lumber aims to bridge this gap by promoting trade schools and emphasizing the importance of workforce experience and excellence. The platform is designed to streamline workforce management, making it easier for firms to attract and retain talent.

Overcoming Adoption Challenges

One of the key challenges in the construction industry is the adoption of new technologies. Shreesha highlights how Lumber focuses on creating a user-friendly experience for both back-office staff and the on-site workforce. By centering their UX paradigm on the needs of the workforce, Lumber ensures that the platform is accessible and effective, ultimately driving better adoption rates.

Leveraging Data for AI Solutions

The future of Lumber is deeply intertwined with the potential of AI and data analytics. Shreesha is particularly excited about the workforce knowledge graph they are building, which will enable advanced AI models to enhance productivity, safety, and training in the construction industry. By mining data from time tracking and other sources, Lumber can provide actionable insights to improve workforce management.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, Shreesha envisions a construction industry that fully embraces digital tools and technology. He believes that by leveraging AI and automation, construction firms can significantly enhance productivity and safety, ensuring a more resilient and capable workforce. The adoption of these technologies is crucial for overcoming the workforce crisis and driving the industry towards a more innovative future.

Learn More About Lumber:

Follow Us 😁