When Plans Change: Why I’m Building a New Path

Sometimes the shortest detours teach us the most. My experiment in attempting to start a digital marketing agency wasn’t a failure. It helped me pivot towards something I know and enjoy.

The Unplanned Detour

For nearly 20 years, I've thrived in construction, working as a project manager and estimator. Completing each piece of the puzzle, and working on many puzzles simultaneously, was something I always enjoyed. I found myself looking for a side hustle to start and thought about what other interests I had. I chose to try digital marketing and envisioned starting small and helping clients while learning along the way.

Reality hit hard. Instead of helping clients with small projects, I discovered that they were looking for complex solutions. Every day, my anxiety increased as people looked to me for help with something I was trying to learn on the spot. I came to an uncomfortable realization: I was trying to solve problems that I did not know how to solve.

I have no doubt that I could have produced the solution eventually, but the businesses I was attempting to help needed an immediate solution. True expertise comes from engaging deeply in what you know—even if it means reconsidering your path. Those few months of trial and error ultimately shed light on what really matters to me.

The Return to Roots: Why Construction Called Me Back

While considering what to do next, I felt a strong urge to stick to my roots in construction. There are unique challenges in this industry that only those of us involved truly understand.

The Pain Points Only Insiders Know

One of the major pain points that rarely gets discussed is deciding what software is best for your company.

One company I worked for spent tens of thousands of dollars a year on estimating software. And how did they use it? They put their estimates together in Excel and then manually entered the numbers into the software. They were essentially spending thousands of dollars on a proposal template! By the time I left, I had them using it to do what they needed. But did they really need to pay that much per year when Excel was meeting their needs?

Another example involves a previous employer that used accounting software that they didn't really like. They were spending thousands of dollars a year on a program that they did not like and only used it to about 30% of its potential. The reason for keeping it? It would be too costly to make a change!

Software can be a major benefit to your company. However, it can also be a major headache and cash drain if it is not a good fit for your company.

Often times, the salespeople aren't nearly as concerned with your needs as they are making the sale. They don't have experience in creating estimates or tracking costs. By the time you truly know if the software is a good fit for your business, you have invested so much time and money that it is difficult to make a change.

CX2 Digital 2.0: Tools Built from the Trenches

This realization led me to create something that resonates with my experience: CX2 Digital 2.0.

The Mission

Our mission is straightforward: We are not just making spreadsheets. We are making custom solutions that meet YOUR company's needs. We understand the importance of crafting solutions grounded in real-world challenges and tools that genuinely serve construction professionals.

How It Works

Our tools focus on accuracy and simplicity. There's no guesswork involved. We sit down with YOU to understand the needs of YOUR business.

I have a passion for helping construction professionals complete the tasks they need to complete as easily as possible without breaking the bank. At CX2, we prioritize what works well and is genuinely useful based on my nearly 20 years of construction management experience.

Early Wins

The first template I created was inspired by a personal need for an easier way to complete estimates. Eventually, I was able to share it with another contractor that was considering purchasing estimating software with a fee of nearly $40,000 per year. Imagine what more productive things you could do with that amount freed up in your budget! Today, I'm thrilled to share tools with others facing similar hurdles.

Why Pivoting Is a Strength (Not a Setback)

Reflecting on my time in digital marketing offered a couple of lessons.

The Digital Marketing Takeaway

I learned a core truth in those few months: I’m a builder, not a marketer. The skills I gained will improve my knowledge, but my strength is in construction cost management.

The Bigger Lesson

The most important takeaway is that changing direction isn’t a failure; it’s a refusal to waste time pursuing the wrong goal. Embracing the pivot allows you to move confidently towards what serves YOU and away from what doesn't.

Your Turn: Trusting What You Know

As you reflect on your own career, you may find yourself at a crossroads. Here are two thought-provoking questions to help uncover your “right path”:

1. What tasks make me lose track of time? When you’re deeply engaged, what are you doing? The activities that capture your attention often point to your true passions.

   
   

2. What challenges have I faced that could benefit others? Your struggles may offer opportunities for others. Consider how your experiences can shape your next endeavor.

   
   

Looking Ahead

As I set my focus back to construction, I’m energized by the challenges in front of me. This detour has brought vital lessons about my purpose and passion.

The construction field is full of potential. It’s vital to trust what you know. My expertise in construction management is driving me toward a new path, one that highlights the importance of practical solutions.

Let’s build something meaningful. If you feel a desire to switch paths, welcome that urge. Your own unexpected journey may lead you to discover what you are truly passionate about and give you the motivation you need to pursue it.