Construction Industry Veteran Launches Innovative Team Scheduling App Using Remote Talent

A better scheduling solution for construction teams

A construction industry veteran with 35 years’ experience building custom high-end homes, Georgia-based Gary Turnbull saw first-hand how difficult crew scheduling could be, especially amid growing labor shortages. Yet, as a long-time technology early adopter who had always planned to launch his own tech business, Turnbull also recognized the opportunity that existed. 

Turnbull knew that crew scheduling challenges could be reduced—if not eliminated—through a technology-driven solution that would increase efficiencies and improve communication by bringing builder and subcontractor schedules together in a dynamic way. Turnbull called his vision CrewBoss, and he set out to find the resources needed to bring it to life. 

Laying the groundwork for future success

From the start, Turnbull had a clear understanding of what CrewBoss needed to be successful. The app’s features would need to improve upon the existing whiteboarding practices commonly used by construction teams. And because innovation in the construction sector often lags behind other industries, Turnbull knew team leaders would need to experience the app’s business benefits as quickly as possible in order to overcome potential reticence to embrace new technology. ‍

Scalable talent from a single source

Turnbull knew he needed to find a web and mobile app development partner who understood his priorities, so he turned to Upwork, which he had found through online searches. Turnbull’s decision to seek out external talent stemmed in part from his geographic location. “Savannah is a small town, and not a tech center,” he explained. Being able to tap into worldwide expertise appealed to Turnbull, who found that, “The breadth of what is available [on Upwork] is astounding.”

Further, Turnbull’s experience managing construction teams contributed to his confidence working with remote talent. Not only was he accustomed to providing clear overviews and project guidelines, he had no hesitations delegating work to others using the approach he took on job sites: have a clear vision, find the right team to build the product, make a clear plan, and stick to it.