Solving the 2025 Skilled Worker Drop with Credential Tech & ERP Tools - Lou Perez

<p>In this special <strong><em>Construction Technology News</em></strong> episode of <strong>The ConTech crew Podcast,</strong> Jeff Sample is joined by Nathan Wood and <strong>Lou Perez</strong>, co-founder of <strong>Lumber</strong>, to unpack a major milestone in the company’s successful <strong>$15.5 million Series A funding round</strong>. The discussion kicks off with highlights from their celebration in New York, where NASDAQ gave them a literal spotlight in Times Square. With the acquisition of <strong>BuilderFAX</strong>, a digital credentialing wallet, the episode gets deep into the tech that’s reshaping workforce development in construction.</p><p>As the industry faces a looming skills gap, Lou shares how Lumber is building tools to bridge the divide between the field and the back office. From AI-powered innovation to digital certifications and ERP integrations, the episode delivers key insights into how modern tech can empower craftworkers, enhance job site safety, and redefine construction career paths.</p><h3><strong>Key Learnings</strong></h3><ul><li>Lumber raised $15.5M in Series A funding to accelerate product growth and innovation.</li><li>The acquisition of BuilderFAX introduces a digital wallet for craftworker certifications.</li><li>Lumber integrates with ERPs, enhancing not replacing existing systems.</li><li>Construction faces a workforce crisis, with 40% nearing retirement in five years.</li><li>In-house AI development is central to Lumber’s next-gen construction tech strategy.</li><li>Lumber offers free AI tech stack reviews to help contractors optimize their tools.</li><li>Empowering workers with control over their data promotes transparency and mobility.</li></ul><h2><br></h2><h3>Timestamps</h3><p><strong>[00:00]</strong> - Introduction</p><p><strong>[02:22]</strong> - Series A funding and goals</p><p><strong>[05:38]</strong> - ERP integrations and strategy</p><p><strong>[08:10]</strong> - Addressing workforce shortages and the stigma of construction jobs</p><p><strong>[12:03]</strong> - AI innovation and team growth</p><p><strong>[14:18]</strong> - Data ownership and future vision</p><p><strong>[19:37]</strong> - Real-world use cases and feedback from craftspeople</p><p><strong>[23:07]</strong> - How to access free AI tech reviews</p><p><strong>[25:42]</strong> - Closing remarks</p><h4><br></h4><h3>Follow the Guest:</h3><ul><li><strong>LinkedIn:</strong> <a href="linkedin.com/in/loujperez23/?trk=public_post_f…; rel="nofollow">linkedin.com/in/loujperez23</a></li&g…: </strong><a href="facebook.com/lou.perez.3762?locale=en_GB"; rel="nofollow">facebook.com/lou.perez.3762</a></li&g…: </strong><a href="instagram.com/LouJPerez"; rel="nofollow"><strong>instagram.com/LouJPerez</strong></a&g…; </strong></li><li><strong>Website:</strong> <a href="lumberfi.com/"; rel="nofollow">lumberfi.com/</a>; </li><li><strong>LinkedIn (Company):</strong> <a href="linkedin.com/company/lumberfi/"; rel="nofollow">linkedin.com/company/lumberfi/</a>; </li><li><strong>Facebook (Company):</strong> <a href="facebook.com/lumberfi.inc/"; rel="nofollow">facebook.com/lumberfi.inc/</a>; </li><li><strong>Twitter (Company)</strong>: <a href="x.com/lumberfi_inc"; rel="nofollow">x.com/lumberfi_inc</a>; </li><li><strong>Instagram (Company)</strong>: <a href="instagram.com/lumberfi/"; rel="nofollow">instagram.com/lumberfi/</a>; </li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3>Follow the Host:</h3><ul><li><strong>LinkedIn:</strong> <a href="linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/"; rel="nofollow">linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/</a></li&… the Co-Host:</h3><ul><li>LinkedIn: <a href="linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/"; rel="nofollow">linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/</a>; </li></ul><h3><br></h3><h3>Follow The ConTech Crew:</h3><ul><li><strong>Website:</strong><a href="thecontechcrew.com"; rel="nofollow"><strong> </strong></a><a href="thecontechcrew.com/"; rel="nofollow"><strong>thecontechcrew.com/</strong></a>&l…; </strong></li><li><strong>YouTube:</strong><a href="youtube.com/channel/ConTechCrew"; rel="nofollow"><strong> </strong></a><a href="youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg&q…; rel="nofollow"><strong>youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg&l…; </strong></li><li><strong>LinkedIn:</strong><a href="linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/"; rel="nofollow"><strong>linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/</stro…; </strong></li><li><strong>Facebook: </strong><a href="facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/"; rel="nofollow"><strong>facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/</strong><…; </strong></li><li><strong>Instagram: </strong><a href="instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en"; rel="nofollow"><strong>instagram.com/thecontechcrew/?hl=en</strong…; </strong></li><li><strong>Tiktok: </strong><a href="tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew"; rel="nofollow"><strong>tiktok.com/@thecontechcrew</strong></…; </strong></li><li><strong>Twitter: </strong><a href="x.com/TheConTechCrew"; rel="nofollow"><strong>x.com/TheConTechCrew</strong></a>&…; </strong></li><li><br></li></ul><p>#ConstructionTechnology #AIinConstruction #StartupFunding #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork #WorkforceDevelopment #SmartConstruction</p>