Scaling operations through a digital foundation

The Challenge

CarbonSix Construction, a startup with just 25 employees trying to compete in a crowded and competitive market, needed a professional and efficient way to run projects from day one. Before they even launched, they decided to implement a platform that would give teams shared visibility, keep documents current and support disciplined budget management as the company grew.

The Solution

CarbonSix adopted Procore at launch, making it the company’s foundational operational platform. With every project living inside Procore from award through closeout, CarbonSix gained a single source of truth for all documents, a foundation for easy communication and a structured, reliable way to track costs across its rapidly growing portfolio.

The Results

• Real-time visibility between field and office
• Faster communication and better risk documentation
• Clearer budget reviews and cost tracking, helping to reduce financial surprises and minimize exposure to liquidated damages
• Stronger consistency through required Procore training
• One centralized platform for the entire project lifecycle

Starting a new GC with a strong foundation

When CarbonSix launched in 2021, its founding team of seasoned construction professionals made an early decision: no paper files, no scattered documents and no confusing patchwork of software platforms. Instead, the company would launch with a project management platform that would instantly provide a single source of truth and real-time visibility into the critical aspects of the company’s operations. “We began using Procore right out of the gate,” said Kerri Hendrickson, Project Coordinator, “and it’s the only construction management software we’ve ever used.”

That choice gave CarbonSix an immediate operational advantage. Instead of trying to unify processes later, the company built its workflows, documentation and project management structure around a single system from day one. Every employee uses Procore, and every project moves through the same standardized path. “Starting with Procore has made us efficient from the very beginning,” Hendrickson said. “We didn’t have to clean up old systems or reinvent our process — everything was built on a solid foundation from the start.”

Real-time visibility that keeps projects moving

Today, with about 25 employees and $35M in annual revenue, CarbonSix relies on Procore as the backbone of its communication between field and office. Superintendents upload photos, observations and updates directly from the job site, and project managers see them instantly. “When they come across something, it’s immediate,” Hendrickson said. “Project photo uploads are right there for the PM to see.”

Having all documents in one place also helps to strengthen CarbonSix’s safety and risk profile. In one case, when OSHA unexpectedly arrived at a jobsite, the team was able to provide photo and documentation records on the spot. “Everything was right there,” Hendrickson said. “That real-time availability made a big difference.”

Clearer budgets, fewer surprises

Budget management is one area where Procore has had a major impact. CarbonSix worked with Procore’s Professional Services team to build customized budget views that align with the company’s monthly review process. For each project, the team compares current-month costs to previous months to monitor performance, anticipate risks and support profitability. “Thanks to those budget views, our project managers know exactly what’s happening,” said Hendrickson.

This clarity has also helped CarbonSix avoid unnecessary expenses, including liquidated damages. “Having real-time budget info updated monthly helps us stay on time and avoid extra costs at the end of a project,” she said.

Driving adoption through structured training

CarbonSix has established a strong training culture to ensure teams use Procore consistently. Every new employee must complete all required Procore certifications before using the platform. This was not the case early on — and the difference is noticeable. “You could see the holes when people hadn’t been trained,” Hendrickson said. “Now everybody goes through all the certifications.”

Even tech-averse employees have come around. “Some people prefer pen and paper,” Hendrickson said, “but I’ve seen them convert and understand why this works for everyone involved.”

One platform that builds credibility

After several years of partnering with Procore, one benefit stands above the rest for Hendrickson. “The biggest overall benefit is having everything in one spot,” she said. “Every part of a project — photos, data reports, budgets, contracts, changes. It’s all right there.”

For a young general contractor competing against much larger firms, that consistency matters. With Procore as its operational backbone, CarbonSix runs projects with the structure, visibility and confidence of a seasoned GC — building trust with partners and setting the foundation for future growth.