LaborChart

Founded in 2015 by Ben Schultz and Hunter Browning, LaborChart developed a workforce management platform specifically for the construction industry. The company originated from Schultz's firsthand experience with the operational inefficiencies of managing labor in his family's fourth-generation electrical contracting business. Frustrated by the reliance on whiteboards and spreadsheets to handle scheduling and dispatching, Schultz identified a critical need for a modern, technological solution. This personal pain point was the catalyst for creating LaborChart, initially envisioned as an internal tool before evolving into a commercial software-as-a-service (SaaS) product.

LaborChart provides a centralized, cloud-based platform designed for specialty contractors and self-performing general contractors to manage their most significant and variable cost: their workforce. The software enables businesses to handle employee scheduling, dispatching, communication, and forecasting in real-time. Its primary function is to replace outdated, analog methods, thereby improving operational visibility, minimizing labor costs, and preventing project delays. Key features include a consolidated database for employee information like certifications and contact details, mobile apps for field communication and job updates, and analytics for better forecasting. By centralizing all workforce data, the platform provides a holistic view of personnel allocation, availability, and project needs, allowing for optimized productivity and better long-term planning.

The company operated on a subscription-based model, with pricing dependent on the client company's size. A significant milestone was a Series A funding round from Five Elms Capital in January 2020, which fueled expansion and product development. The platform's success and alignment with market needs led to its acquisition by Procore Technologies in October 2021. The integration with Procore was a natural progression, as LaborChart was already a partner on the Procore App Marketplace. The acquisition combined LaborChart's specialized workforce planning with Procore's broader construction management suite, aiming to offer a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for managing the entire lifecycle of a construction workforce.

Keywords: workforce management, construction labor management, contractor scheduling software, workforce planning, specialty contractors, self-performing general contractors, labor dispatching, construction forecasting, field productivity, project management, Procore, labor optimization, employee scheduling, construction technology, skilled labor management, resource allocation, project staffing, crew management, construction communication, labor cost control