A LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER
​Back in 2012, I cofounded a company called Redhammer to give small contractors the benefits of construction accounting best practices used by larger firms. Although I was one of the founding members, I did not participate full-time until early 2018.
By that time, I already had over 16 years of IT consulting experience so it didn’t take long for me to see that most of Redhammer’s clients had no one to turn to for their IT needs. Furthermore, even though I had been supporting the IT of a handful of AEC firms for years. I realized that it was broadly true that Hawaii's AEC firms weren't taking advantage of technology that could improve their businesses. Most were even dangerously behind the curve with basic IT standards and tech, putting them at risk and hampering their operations.
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This epiphany (along with a lack of enthusiasm for accounting!), led me to propose the creation of a separate business that same year - one focused on addressing the IT needs of Hawaii’s AEC firms. We agreed that I would create and run HammerTECH with the mission:
To raise the efficiency, profitability, and "quality of life" (including safety) of firms in Hawaii's building industry by enabling them to easily and safely leverage computer technology.
I began to dive deep into the world of “Contech: (AEC-specific technology) and realized my timing was perfect: Contech was undergoing an explosion of investment and new companies, with venture capital investments in Contech exceeding investments in other industries by 15x! It seems I wasn’t alone in seeing the big gap between how the industry was using tech and what they could be doing. After many hundreds of hours listening, reading, attending conferences, taking training, and talking to vendors I’m even more convinced of the huge opportunity to improve every aspect of AEC workflows and business issues with technology.
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Now, many years since its creation, HammerTECH remains the only company in Hawaii focused on the IT needs of Hawaii’s AEC firms. I love that we are able to understand the business issues and advise our clients on both IT and Contech, and support the apps common to the industry. In recognition of those we serve, our solutions are pragmatic, our support is responsive, and we start work at 6:30 in the morning 😉
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As I write this (shortly after our 7th anniversary), I’m still passionate as ever about raising the level of Hawaii’s building industry through tech. I also feel lucky to be part of an industry that, despite the incredible risks and challenges, manages to get things done project after project, supports Hawaii’s economy through tough times, and offers opportunity for living wages and good careers to our neighbors.
Steven Chiang
CEO, HammerTECH LLC
