Innovation Expo: How Outbuild is Reinventing Construction Scheduling
In this episode of STO Building Group’s Innovation Expo Series, host Rob Leon sits down with Franco Giaquinto, founder and CEO of Outbuild, to explore how the company is transforming construction project management through collaborative, integrated scheduling tools.
From outdated processes like whiteboards and Excel sheets to AI-powered insights, Outbuild is helping owners, general contractors, and trade partners streamline planning, improve relationships, and deliver projects more efficiently.
HOST
Rob Leon
Chief Innovation OfficerSTO Building Group
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GUEST
Franco Giaquinto
Founder & CEOOutbuild
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Here are the episode highlights:
- [00:46] Identifying the Problem – Franco shares how outdated tools like Excel and MS Project inspired the creation of Outbuild, aiming for a more collaborative and integrated scheduling process.
- [02:04] Building Collaboration – Why moving away from disconnected tools improves trade partner engagement, reduces risk, and fosters stronger owner-GC-trade relationships.
- [03:42] Overcoming Buy-In Challenges – The importance of starting with field teams and trade partners before scaling collaboration up to owners and executives.
- [05:09] Evolving with Feedback – How Outbuild grew from a scheduling tool into a platform that impacts outcomes: on-time delivery, fewer claims, and healthier project dynamics.
- [06:29] Defining Success – Franco highlights Outbuild’s biggest wins, including team building, disrupting 30 years of stagnant scheduling practices, and securing support from top investors.
- [08:20] Staying Close to Clients – Outbuild’s roadshows bring leadership directly to job sites, reinforcing partnership and collecting real-time feedback.
- [09:14] Challenges & Surprises – From the tough realities of building a construction tech company to the power of hiring the right talent at the right time.
- [11:33] Recruiting Talent from Construction – Why Outbuild hires industry professionals and teaches them tech—flipping the traditional model.
- [13:20] Differentiators – User-friendly, cloud-based scheduling with iPad accessibility, advanced analytics, and seamless integration across project teams.
- [14:59] Future Features – Executive dashboards, AI-driven decision support, enhanced reporting, and BIM integration to strengthen collaboration from design through execution.
Key Takeaways
- Construction scheduling has been stagnant for decades, but collaborative digital platforms like Outbuild are reshaping the way projects are planned and delivered.
- By focusing on field teams first, technology adoption becomes more effective and scalable.
- Thoughtful integration of AI and analytics provides teams with deeper insights to improve project outcomes.