Background

A rapidly expanding Chicago-based commercial roofing company faced significant operational challenges. Their existing software infrastructure was fragmented, resulting in inefficiencies and inconsistencies that threatened their growth trajectory. To address these issues, organizational leaders turned to ShapeConnect, a software selection platform renowned for its ability to streamline complex processes.

Enter Mark Kennedy, Chief Information Officer (CIO) and co-founder of ShapeConnect. With a deep commitment to excellence and strategic innovation, Kennedy quickly devised and executed a plan to empower the company's continued success and operational transformation.

Challenge

At the time, the multi-division company was relying on a disparate collection of software tools that hindered productivity and complicated business processes. As Kennedy observed, “They were running a mishmash of software at that point in time.” Leaders sought a comprehensive solution that would streamline operations, increase efficiency, and support their ambitious growth plans. The company needed expert guidance to identify, evaluate, and implement the right tools.

The Approach

When the roofing company approached ShapeConnect for assistance, Kennedy went beyond merely addressing their immediate software needs. He took the time to understand OSR's unique challenges and business goals. “They came to us and said, hey, we think we need [this] software,” Kennedy explained. By leveraging ShapeConnect’s robust software selection platform, he provided key insights that helped the organization choose the best solutions for their needs, instilling confidence in their purchasing decisions.

“[ShapeConnect] brought confidence to that buying decision.”
—Mark Kennedy

The Solution

ShapeConnect's initial focus was on helping the organizatin select an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. However, the collaboration quickly evolved into a broader partnership. Kennedy and his team continued to think creatively, addressing challenges across various business functions.

• ERP Selection and Implementation: ShapeConnect guided leaders through the selection and integration of a modern ERP system, Acumatica, tailored to support the company’s hyper-growth.
• Project Management Optimization: Recognizing the importance of efficient project management, ShapeConnect assisted key personnel in choosing and implementing Job Tread for project management, further enhancing operational efficiency.
• Additional Software Integrations: ShapeConnect’s services extended to selecting and integrating project management solutions, documentation solutions, service software solutions, and more.

Results

ShapeConnect’s collaboration with the organization delivered transformative results across multiple aspects of their business:

• Operational Streamlining: Critical ERP and project management selections streamlined operations, positioning the company for sustainable growth.
• Accurate Job Costing: By implementing Acumatica and Job Tread, the financial team gained control over approximately $100MM in job costing.
• GAAP Accounting Compliance: ShapeConnect facilitated the implementation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) policies and procedures through the new ERP system.
• Inventory Management: The migration of approximately $6MM in multi-location inventory from Excel to the new ERP system optimized inventory control and forecasting.
• Comprehensive Integrations: ShapeConnect scoped requirements to connect existing applications to the ERP and led eight additional software selections for seamless integration with organization's ERP.
• Growth Enablement: The comprehensive solution empowered the company to achieve 8-figure year-over-year growth, positioning the organization for a potential private equity acquisition.

Positive Business Impacts

ShapeConnect’s work with this roofing contractor resulted in notable benefits across the organization:

• Company Growth: Enabled sustained hyper-growth and scalability.
• Job Creation: Contributed to job creation and expanded operational capabilities.
• Cost Reduction: Achieved tenfold savings on operational expenses through refined software synergy.
• Customizable Technology Stack: Delivered a technology stack tailored to OSR’s evolving needs.
• Ongoing Support: Provided continuous guidance and strategic support, ensuring long-term success.

Conclusion

Through ShapeConnect’s expertise, this Chicago-based roofing contractor transformed their operations, achieving a streamlined, efficient, and growth-ready business structure. The collaboration between ShapeConnect and the organization demonstrates the power of strategic software selection and thoughtful implementation in driving hyper-growth and sustained success.

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