The construction industry is growing and thriving, fueled by a relentless demand for new infrastructure, housing, and commercial spaces. However, many aspiring entrepreneurs shy away from this field—both the challenges of finding projects and the industry's reputation as a physically demanding and underpaid sector have contributed to its perceived unattractiveness, particularly to young people.
Fortunately, the industry is being transformed in the face of modern technology thanks to innovators like Eric Owusu Sekyere. With a background in data science and analytics, he created Brace to gather and process data from building departments across the U.S., building a living database of information like permits, projects, materials, and professionals involved. It can then be used to help professionals find work, assist in the long and convoluted process of filing for permits, and accomplish other tasks that would otherwise slow the process down.
With Brace, finding clients and ensuring project stability is simplified, making the construction trades more accessible and less complex—especially for starters.
Keep reading to learn how Eric is transforming the construction industry and how Brace empowers a new generation of successful tradespeople.
Common Misconceptions and Challenges in the Construction Trades
Over the past few decades, there has been a noticeable decline in interest in trade work (construction especially), often due to negative preconceived notions regarding the industry.
One of the most pervasive misconceptions is that trades are low-skill, underpaid, and labor-intensive, with little room for career advancement. Furthermore, many people believe that the trades are only suitable for individuals who lack the aptitude or resources for college, often discouraging young people from exploring these vocational paths.
"For the past 20–30 years, people have been advised to go to college, get a degree, and work in an office," Eric elaborates. "This advice has significantly steered the youth away from the trades, leaving a critical void in the workforce."
As a result, as the older generation of skilled workers retires, the construction industry has faced a substantial skills gap and labor shortage.
However, even for those who do pursue work in the trades, Eric points out that many struggle to get started due to a lack of a network to find suitable work. This is especially noticeable in the construction trades, where connections play a crucial role in discovering available projects. It's a difficult club to break into without an established connection, disparaging many from even trying.
For those few remaining who still wish to enter this field after overcoming all these hurdles, still more are turned off by the bureaucracy that weighs down the construction industry. The sector is notorious for being heavily regulated, with strict permit requirements that can differ across regions. Handling these varying regulatory requirements can be time-consuming and costly, causing project delays and additional expenses.
Despite these difficulties, Eric recognizes the immense potential within the sector and is determined to provide an effective tool and empower more young professionals to enter the field.
Eric Owusu Sekyere's Brace
Eric's solution is Brace, a data platform designed to streamline and optimize various aspects of the construction workflow, including permits, entitlements, lead generation, and sales. By ingesting data from approved permits and entitlements and using artificial intelligence to process them, it's able to provide a comprehensive overview of local construction projects, allowing users to access information about new and upcoming ventures.
So, rather than relying on traditional methods of finding work (which often rely on word-of-mouth or direct outreach), new entrepreneurs can get a significant edge in project acquisition. "If you're just getting into the industry, there's not a lot you can do," Eric noted. "But Brace allows new tradespeople to filter through projects, connect, and secure their first few jobs, effectively getting their foot in the door."
Suppose you're a roofer just starting out and looking to find residential projects in a particular region. Brace allows you to filter works based on these factors, providing in-depth project details such as the general contractor's contact information, project timeline, location, and specific material and labor needed. With access to this information, new entrepreneurs can easily connect with potential clients and promote their products or services accordingly, significantly increasing their chances of securing business.
Brace also combats the bureaucratic red tape that discourages many from entering the trade. For example, since it ingests data from successful permits and entitlements, it can help builders identify which jurisdiction to submit their applications to (which is more difficult than it may sound since multiple jurisdictions may be at play in certain cases). It also helps them craft their applications and increase their chances of first-time approvals.
Finally, Brace assists in finding the optimal construction site in cases where a location is not set in stone: By gathering data from the 11,500 U.S. building departments, Brace allows users to understand the likely time frame for project approvals in various locations, helping them choose the most efficient site for their projects.
Building Your Future in Construction Trades
As the construction industry faces increasing demand for a fresh workforce, the need for skilled tradespeople has never been greater.
Eric Owusu Sekyere's Brace is perfectly positioned to meet this need and break down traditional barriers to entry. By addressing the hurdles of networking, project discovery, and regulations, Brace ensures that the next generation of tradespeople can confidently step into the construction industry with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
To learn more about Eric, connect with him on LinkedIn and explore Brace's website.
