From Rolodex to ROI: How Erick Vargas is Digitizing Contractor Relationships
Erick Vargas explains how cloud-based CRM tools are helping contractors scale smarter and preserve institutional knowledge.
In this episode of AEC Trailblazers, we dive into the often-overlooked side of construction tech: the sales process.
Valentin Noves sits down with Erick Vargas, President of Followup CRM, to talk about how relationship-driven businesses can modernize their operations without losing their personal touch.
Erick shares his journey from tech and business to construction, and why the AEC industry was the perfect place to apply customer-focused digital tools. “The whole industry is just getting started with technology,” he says, highlighting how many contractors are still using email inboxes and cell phones as makeshift CRMs.
The conversation explores:
- The gap between operational tools and sales technology in construction
- Why even large firms often don’t have a proper CRM system
- How Followup CRM serves as the first step toward digitization for many companies
Erick explains that some of the firms he works with have over 100 users across 10 locations—while others are one-person operations. The goal is always the same: put all critical data into one place to increase productivity, preserve relationships, and prepare for future growth.
He also talks candidly about the risks of doing nothing: “If your customer list is only in your phone or email and that employee leaves… the company loses everything.” With average tenure hovering around 18 months, institutional knowledge is slipping away faster than most firms realize.
From cloud-based collaboration to AI-powered forecasting, Erick sees the role of technology expanding beyond admin support—it’s now a driver of culture and long-term value. Whether helping a firm prepare for acquisition or simply keeping their contacts organized, Followup CRM is more than just a tool—it’s a mindset shift.
For contractors, estimators, and business developers looking to scale without losing their edge, this episode offers a clear path to smarter, more resilient relationship management.
Host
Erick Vargas
President of Followup CRM
Erick is the President of Followup CRM, where he combines his passion for technology and business with a commitment to helping construction professionals succeed.
With a background in business administration and years of experience in the tech industry, Erick brings both technical expertise and a customer-focused mindset to his leadership. His goal is to simplify client management for construction firms, enabling them to grow and thrive.
Erick’s hands-on approach and dedication to making a real impact have been key to Followup CRM’s success.
Valentin Noves
CEO at e-verse
A versatile leader with broad exposure to projects and procedures and an in-depth understanding of technology services and product development. He has a tremendous passion for working in teams driven to provide remarkable software development services that disrupt the status quo. He is a creative problem solver who is equally comfortable rolling up his sleeves or leading teams with a make-it-happen attitude.
Samuel Barcenas
BIM Consultant Founder of AVES
A highly motivated and experienced architect with a proven track record of success in designing and delivering innovative and sustainable buildings. He is also a BIM expert with a deep understanding of how to use technology to improve the efficiency and quality of the design and construction process.
Valentin Noves
I'm a versatile leader with broad exposure to projects and procedures and an in-depth understanding of technology services/product development. I have a tremendous passion for working in teams driven to provide remarkable software development services that disrupt the status quo. I am a creative problem solver who is equally comfortable rolling up my sleeves or leading teams with a make-it-happen attitude.
