His business, Wheeler Construction, operates across the Hockley and Southend area and holds an enviable reputation based on some impressive refurbishment and extension work.
Although the majority of new business comes via recommendation from happy customers, Brad is very much a firm believer in always improving the way he operates and none more so in the way he puts together and presents estimates and quotes.
Having always been on top of the game when it comes to computer-based packages, Brad has used some form of estimating software for about 20 years – but none ever really suited his needs!
That was until he came across the latest version of HBXL’s EstimatorXpress which he has now been using for just over 12 months.
The first thing that Brad noticed was the software’s versatility in that he can adapt all resources (labour, materials, plant and sub-contractors) both quantities and / or prices dependent on specific jobs. This means he is able to keep a very close eye on his margins.
And according to Brad, because EstimatorXpress is mainly diagram led, means the system is pretty much full proof when it comes to inputting dimensions.
Brad said: “Like any new bit of kit you need to sit down and invest a little time just so you get used to the way it works. With EstimatorXpress, once you’ve done this, it’s a piece of cake!
“It is much quicker than any system I’ve used before and its ease of use and accuracy is very impressive.
“On one recent job the client kept changing the specification which meant I had to go back eight times with a new price. But it didn’t matter because all I had to do was adjust the specification settings within EstimatorXpress and the software did the rest in minutes.
“I’m lucky in that I’ve been operating for many years so people in the area I work know that we provide a quality service which has resulted in customers trusting us.
“Having trust in your builder is vital. There’s no doubt EstimatorXpress saves me a lot of time and I can definitely see how it can help builders win more work. It also helps build that trust as the prices given are right up to date. The detail is also helpful as I can demonstrate exactly where the money is being spent right down to the last brick if necessary.
“Nowadays once I get home from a site I can quickly put together a new quote while my wife gets the dinner ready.
“There’s no way I could go back to working out estimates manually as it would just take too long.
Joanna Mulgrew, marketing director at HBXL said: “Brad is an excellent example of someone who is willing to embrace new ways of working in order to improve the service he provides.
“We’ve said it many times before that those who are willing to adapt and make use of new technologies that are designed specifically for them will ultimately be the ones who will not only stand out but will improve productivity.
“As well as Brad’s reputation this use of IT we believe has helped Wheeler Construction become increasingly competitive and is why the business is doing so well – we wish Brad all the best for the future.”
For further information on any HBXL product please call T: 0845 1234 065 or visit the web site www.hbxl.co.uk
