From customer service rep to customer: Why Nick Wilcox can’t quit Buildertrend

Ice cream, puppies, sunny days and Buildertrend … what do all these have in common?

They’re confirmation that the age-old adage, “too much of a good thing”, isn’t always true. That’s right, the world’s leading construction management software is right up there with mint chip and baby labradoodles.

But why take our word for it? Nick Wilcox is proof.

Wilcox use to be a part of our award-winning Customer Success team, serving as one of our super smart and super helpful client services managers. Then last year he got a new gig, co-founding his own construction business, Evolved Structures.

Well, you know what they say: You can take the man out of Buildertrend, but you can’t take the Buildertrend out of the man. So, what platform do you think his team uses to help manage their projects? You guessed it – Buildertrend!

Evolved Structures is an Omaha, Neb. residential construction business that focuses on building new affordable homes that don’t sacrifice on quality. Their customer-centric approach is next level, allowing them to build houses that are filled with custom selections that give clients the efficient space they’ve always dreamed of.

Buildertrend is with Evolved Structures every step of the way.

That’s why we wanted to sit down and catch up with Wilcox. We chatted about how our software helps his team, what they’ve been doing to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and how he’s remained a member of the Buildertrend employee family thanks to Snapchat.

Q: What is your day-to-day like in your current role as president of construction operations at Evolved Structures? How does Buildertrend help you?

Nick: I am in charge of managing all our current builds as well as preparing our upcoming scheduled builds. My day-to-day consists of meeting with subs or vendors for bids and product selections, being onsite to check job progress and managing financing of each project.

Buildertrend really helps me streamline all of this, keeping it organized as we always have multiple builds going on at once.

Q: How did your previous role at Buildertrend help prepare you for this current role?

Nick: The roll gave me the chance to speak with a ton of amazing builders and learn their processes. It also gave me great insight into how they use software to be successful in this industry.

Q: Why did you start Evolved Structures, and how did Buildertrend help you break into the market?

Nick: I’ve wanted to build homes for about the past 15-20 years, but I never really knew the best way to get into the industry. When I met my current partners, I told them the only way we could achieve what we want to do – build 100 homes a year – would be with Buildertrend. The efficiency and time-savings the system provides were big selling points for them to move forward.

Q: Why is Buildertrend the right fit for Evolved Structures?

Nick: It was a really easy decision for me. I’d been hands on with the program every day for the past three years, and it was one less thing for me to learn during this new adventure. I also knew it was something that would separate us from other builders in this area.

Q: What are your favorite Buildertrend features and why?

Nick: My favorite features are the Customer Portal and the financial tools. I love seeing how excited my clients get making selections in the Portal. As for financials, it really helps me stay on budget and make sure my subs are paid so I can continue a great relationship with them.

These really are the greatest benefits Buildertrend provides us. The amount of time and number of client meetings for selections is cut dramatically. Plus, entering all the information into my budget and pulling amounts for bank draws as well as the integration with QuickBooks Online has allowed me to manage the entire financial process in a very timely manner. Thanks to Buildertrend, I don’t have to outsource that or hire someone.

Q: How has Buildertrend helped you stay competitive during the COVID-19 crisis?

Nick: Buildertrend has really helped Evolve Structures keep in contact with our clients and provide them updates through the Customer Portal. We don’t have to meet in person to keep them engaged and informed. We can be safer and keep business going during this time.

With everything going on right now, you’re going to see a big change to less face-to-face communication. Instead, things will become more online and web based. Having this software is going to help builders transition and continue to move forward.

Q: Do you still keep in touch with your former BT coworkers?

Nick: Up until this pandemic, a few buddies and I would meet for lunch once a month to catch up. I’m also still in a few snapchat groups – shout out to Team Stoolies!

Q: What do you miss about the Buildertrend culture?

I miss the people the most.  The company does an amazing job hiring such awesome, motivated people. As a result, the culture they’ve created is like no other. I owe a lot to my Buildertrend family for getting me to where I am today.

Nick: Why should other residential construction companies consider Buildertrend?

A: First, it will only help grow your company by saving you time and money with every part of the process, from scheduling to managing finances. Additionally, it really is a great way to separate yourself from other builders. Use it as a selling point to clients to help gain more business because our clients love the Customer Portal and the experience it provides.