ChallengeVerve Electric used three spreadsheets, each an independent silo of information, to manage clients, estimates, and invoices alongside a basic online calendar to share project information when away from the office. Finding a client, their associated projects and files, and then communicating detailed information from office to jobsite was difficult, time-consuming, and limited. |
SolutionThe unified database provided by ConstructionSuite enables Verve Electric to quickly search across their projects. They can now easily find estimates and invoices for any given client, improving their processing speed and streamlining their workflow for both new jobs and numerous repeat customers. Integration with ConstructionOnline’s powerful Mobile App made it possible for Nathan to easily view the same centralized data set in the field, making it possible to open a project’s estimate and files away from the office. |
ConstructionOnline is a major selling point for Aspen Builders. "Once a prospective client sees the communication and organization benefits that come with ConstructionOnline, they see exactly what they're going to get when they're an actual customer," said Chris. Homeowners can stay connected to their contractor along the way by using ConstructionOnline to see their project schedule, invoices, photos, and much more. "At this same stage, ConstructionOnline is used by ABC's crews, vendors, suppliers, and employees to access the latest updates of everything from schedules to purchase orders. It's such a great tool for every part of our business," said Chris.
Chris currently shares almost 500 different photos or documents with his clients, crews, and others through ConstructionOnline, spending a few hours each week making the most out of the program that has certainly helped his business. But ConstructionOnline isn't the only program that helps Aspen Builders perform well. Three short years ago, Chris decided that it was time to find a better way to run his business, specifically in the estimating and scheduling area. After discussing it with trusted industry members, he followed their recommendation and purchased UDA's ConstructionSuite system - the most comprehensive construction software on the market.
ConstructionSuite provides Chris with an easy to use program that lets him create schedules, estimates, contracts, and even integrate his accounting with QuickBooks. "ConstructionSuite is great from a scheduling standpoint," said Chris, "we use that extensively. It is literally the central point that we use, and because of the integration with Microsoft Outlook, we can export our ConstructionSuite schedule to Microsoft Outlook and even our phones. Scheduling is so crucial to keep everyone on the same page - homeowners can even see it and keep up with the latest changes. ConstructionSuite as a whole works exceptionally well for us."
As a member of the TotalCare community, Chris also takes advantage of SuiteLink - the direct connection from ConstructionSuite to ConstructionOnline that allows seamless and effortless transferring of files from one program to the other. These files specifically include estimates, purchase orders, photos and most importantly, the schedule that Chris and all of his team members rely on so heavily.
SuiteLink isn't the only advantage Chris gets as a TotalCare member - he also receives unlimited priority support, a personalized training session, automated logging of QuickBooks transactions, quarterly RS Means Costbook updates, as well as other update and upgrade options only available to those with TotalCare. Of which, the training is one of Chris's favorite benefits. He said, "the training you provide at UDA is great - you have answers and instructions online at the website and on the forum and I can even watch webinars to learn more - both are fantastic!"
All of these benefits and features combine to help make Aspen Builders successful. ABC has built an exceptionally satisfied clientele which that has resulted in a positive reputation for Aspen Builders in the greater Denver area. "ABC is leading the way to improve the construction industry as we know it," said Michael Stevens, President of UDA Technologies, "which is why we are proud to announce their selection as a recipient of UDA's prestigious 2010 Innovation Award."
UDA Technologies, the maker and provider of both ConstructionSuite and ConstructionOnline, is proud to have successful clients like Aspen Builders on their long list of innovative clients. UDA's 2010 Innovation Award selection was based on the client's ability to positively enhance the construction industry for both the industry member and the client. Aspen Builders' combined use of ConstructionSuite and ConstructionOnline to improve not only the company, but also the client's experience make them a competitive and worthy recipient of this year's award.
Professionalism and quality are both incredibly important for TriVista USA to do exceptional work with superior results. Michael explains, "Communication is 90% non-verbal, and if you show up with a level of service that starts at a high level, and that level remains consistent as you dive into the job - if the specs look good and contract is well-presented - if everything looks good and is tight and neat - then everything, including your company, looks professional because it is. Obviously, it begins and ends with you doing what you say you're going to do, but ConstructionSuite helps people do that and get stuff to clients on time, stay on budget, and that's the beginning and end to me."
A few of TriVista USA's current jobs get Michael really excited, especially one extremely unique home in the D.C. area. "We're working on some very cool things right now - specifically this amazing home that is set into the side of an extremely steep hill. So steep in fact, that a parking deck had to be built to give the family parking access from the street. From this parking deck, there is an architecturally beautiful bridge they walk across to get into the house but the space beneath the bridge and parking area has gone completely unused so far," said Michael. He continued, "TriVista is recreating this area to make a gorgeous flagstone patio and the family will finally start enjoying this amazing space."
Excitement, passion, and love for what you do is extremely important, especially when you have the hectic schedule that Michael Sauri has. His passion truly shines every day when he has the chance to develop creative solutions. He says "I love the design part of what I get to do - the first few meetings are always the best. I meet with my clients and they've got something in their home that just isn't working for them. I have the privilege to come in and transform that space, usually with a solution they never thought possible."
Another thing that keeps Michael excited and challenged is the fact that everything TriVista works on is custom made. "It's easy to just do something you did in a previous project because you know it works, but we don't do that. Everything we do is custom made and by making yourself come about something with a brand new approach each time, it ensures that your end results will be even better," said Michael. The end results are extremely important to Michael, as he explains "in my industry, I am constantly building things that outlive me - every single day. I am very aware of that in everything I'm doing, because in ten years, I may not be here, but my work still is, and honestly, I don't want that to suck."
It may be that mindset that contributes to TriVista USA's exceptional work which continues to earn notice. Michael was just recently selected to be the Green Building Technology and Strategies on-camera spokesperson for the online component of Remodeling Magazine, Remodeling TV. He is featured on Remodeling TV to discuss the ins and outs of Green Building. TriVista USA was also recently selected to be featured on BobVila.com for their recent work on a home in Washington, D.C.
While these adventures just add to Michael's busy schedule, he's extremely excited to be a part of it. He said, "What I hope comes from these opportunities with Remodeling TV and Bob Vila is that I'm going to help other business owners who are in similar situations by giving them insight into what's been working for us. Hopefully those who see my ideas will reach out to me, either by giving me constructive criticism or just telling me their different opinions. That alone will help TriVista USA and myself grow and improve because really, bouncing ideas off of each other is going to make us better and also the industry as a whole."
Media attention isn't the only attention that TriVista USA has been receiving. The solid results they've produced have resulted in the 2009 Arlington County's Green Home Choice Award as well as multiple National Association of the Remodeling Industry's Contractor of the Year (COTY) Awards. TriVista USA was recognized in 2008 with COTY Awards for their work on a commercial interior at the Robert Shields Interiors office space, and for an entire house renovation for a home in Silver Spring, Maryland. Additionally, they were awarded COTY Awards in 2007 for their commercial interior work in the Washington D.C. restaurant, D'Acqua, and for their residential exterior renovation of a home in McLean, Virginia.
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UDA Technologies is one of the fastest growing providers of construction project management software in the United States, Canada, Central & South America, Australia, and 75 countries worldwide with double digit, industry leading revenue growth. Designed for growing construction firms, UDA construction software manages over 70 billion dollars of construction annually.
