Simplifying Casual Workforce Management for AEC Leaders
In this episode of AEC Traiblazers, Matt Jones, Founder of The Dragon Group, joins Valentin Noves to discuss how technology is reshaping workforce management in the AEC industry.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by builders, site managers and business owners, Matt shares insights on how Dragon App streamlines the recruitment process for casual labor.
He explains how their platform provides a seamless experience for managing workforce allocation and reduces the headache of dealing with traditional labor hire companies.
As Matt says, “We make it really easy for the builder to navigate the platform because they don’t want to be dealing with labor hire.”
The conversation dives into the technicalities of workforce engagement through technology, emphasizing how Dragon App provides construction firms the tools they need to connect with skilled Australian workers more efficiently.
Matt highlights the importance of pricing and structure for workforce management, noting that “Even if the clients think they know what they want, Dragon app will give the best outcome.”
The episode explores how this innovative platform leverages AI to match workers with jobs, ultimately improving the bottom line for businesses.
Whether you’re a site manager trying to manage your team more efficiently or a builder looking to cut operational costs, this episode provides actionable insights. From taxes to managing the casual workforce, Matt covers all the critical points.
Discover how embracing tech like Dragon App can revolutionize your staffing model, give you better control over your projects and drive higher margins.
Host
Matt Jones
Founder of The Dragon Group
Matt Jones is the Founder The Dragon Group, recognized in the industry as a true leader in technology for engaging the casual workforce. Since founding the company in 2015, Matt has driven its evolution from a traditional labour hire model to an industry frontrunner, leveraging innovative, in-house built technology to connect Sydney builders with the city's blue-collar workforce.
Dragon boasts a unique, two-sided marketplace. Its app for builders, site managers, and foremen allows them to add new sites, make bookings, approve timesheets, and manage a pool of Favorite workers. With over 10,000 downloads, this app connects seamlessly to the Dragon Portal—the heart of operations—equipped with custom-built timesheet rules and an AI that allocates Dragon Workers to the best-suited jobs. The Dragon Worker app, designed specifically for Sydney's construction workforce, enables workers to complete onboarding, add tickets and skills, set availability, view current and past jobs, and submit daily timesheets.
Matt believes that traditional recruitment has failed the construction industry and its workforce. By building industry-leading technology, he has driven efficiency into the engagement of the casual workforce, eliminating middleman and creating a platform that prioritizes the best outcomes for both Dragon Workers and clients.
Some may find it bold to call Dragon "one of a kind," but it’s precisely this forward-thinking approach that defines the future of labour hire—without a recruiter in sight.
Outside of business, Matt is a hundred breaker on the snooker table, a 10-handicap golfer, and loves getting out on his mountain bike in Garigal Park or hitting up Sydney's Eastern Creek Raceway in his car. His drive and work ethic were apparent early on; he left school at 14 and moved overseas at 15 to work in Tenerife as a PR, then onto selling timeshare where he honed his skills in connecting with people and building relationships.
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.
