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

In this special Construction Technology News episode of The ConTech crew Podcast, Jeff Sample is joined by Nathan Wood and Lou Perez, co-founder of Lumber, to unpack a major milestone in the company’s successful $15.5 million Series A funding round. 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 BuilderFAX, a digital credentialing wallet, the episode gets deep into the tech that’s reshaping workforce development in construction.

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.

Key Learnings

• Lumber raised $15.5M in Series A funding to accelerate product growth and innovation.
• The acquisition of BuilderFAX introduces a digital wallet for craftworker certifications.
• Lumber integrates with ERPs, enhancing not replacing existing systems.
• Construction faces a workforce crisis, with 40% nearing retirement in five years.
• In-house AI development is central to Lumber’s next-gen construction tech strategy.
• Lumber offers free AI tech stack reviews to help contractors optimize their tools.
• Empowering workers with control over their data promotes transparency and mobility.

Timestamps

[00:00] - Introduction

[02:22] - Series A funding and goals

[05:38] - ERP integrations and strategy

[08:10] - Addressing workforce shortages and the stigma of construction jobs

[12:03] - AI innovation and team growth

[14:18] - Data ownership and future vision

[19:37] - Real-world use cases and feedback from craftspeople

[23:07] - How to access free AI tech reviews

[25:42] - Closing remarks

Follow the Guest:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loujperez23
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lou.perez.3762
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LouJPerez 
• Website: https://www.lumberfi.com/ 
• LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumberfi/ 
• Facebook (Company): https://www.facebook.com/lumberfi.inc/ 
• Twitter (Company): https://x.com/lumberfi_inc 
• Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/lumberfi/ 

Follow the Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ironmanofit/

Follow the Co-Host:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanaec/ 

Follow The ConTech Crew:

• Website: https://thecontechcrew.com/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDRThvRmSpyTZmMWY4EAjg 
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contechcrew/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheConTechCrew/ 
• Instagram: .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}