Merging Expertise for Next-Level AEC Content

This episode dives into the inspiring story of Gary Sprague, a long-time outsider who became a co-founder of two successful AEC startups, Andekan and Kinship. His journey is a testament to the power of collaboration and embracing new perspectives.

Gary’s background wasn’t in AEC. He initially worked in finance, focusing on social impact and environmental businesses. This experience equipped him with valuable skills in startups, marketing, and customer support. The turning point came through a reconnection with a college friend who had been working in a digital modeling company. Their shared passion for technology and a chance encounter with Revit software sparked an idea: who would create the content for this revolutionary tool in the AEC industry?

Despite lacking a traditional AEC background, Gary faced his initial imposter syndrome head-on. He realized that the industry’s vastness meant no one had the complete picture, and an outsider’s perspective could be a strength. He brought a user experience and technology focus, challenging the common narrative of architects being stuck in the past. For Gary, the design industry should be forward-thinking, and innovation is not exclusive to other sectors like Fintech, which he believes often relies on outdated backend systems.

The conversation also highlights the importance of strong partnerships. Gary emphasizes that finding the right co-founder is crucial. It’s a long-term commitment, and having partners who act as a team provides invaluable support through challenges and crises. With the right team in place, even outsiders with fresh perspectives can become successful innovators in the complex world of AEC.

Dive into this story of a build-passionate entrepreneur and his journey into founding 2 amazing AEC Startups.