Build Me Up: Investing in your people and your tech with BX-CC
Often times, when we use the term “innovation,” people quickly jump to flashy, technologically advanced innovations. But that is not always the case. BX Civil and Construction (BX-CC), a highway construction company based in South Dakota, is making very intentional investments in both its people and technology. BX-CC CEO and Owner Kari Karst knew that investing in technology was vitally important to keeping the company moving forward. The stringless paving technology has increased efficiency, but it has also helped foster a growth mindset among BX-CC’s employees. On the latest episode of the Build Me Up podcast, Kari Karst and BX-CC Field Technology Specialist Taylor Popham discuss stringless paving, the evolution of the construction industry, and how the company’s employees have embraced this technology.
About Kari Karst and BX-CC
“I just think the responsibility is to try to forge opportunities for other young women. And that’s on all levels … because the statistics in our industry are tough to deal with.”
Kari Karst got her start in the construction industry as a field worker, with the intention of working summers to pay her way through college. Her father was in the industry, so she grew up around construction. What started as a way to earn extra money spiraled into becoming the CEO and owner of BX-CC, one of the few woman-owned companies in the industry. As someone who got her start in the field, Kari’s priority was keeping a close connection to her field workers.
BX-CC’s Stringless Paving Technology
“The technology creates efficiencies, but we are still people, and we have to be willing to teach and learn from each other.”
Traditional paving tools require a lot more manual labor. Depending on the size of the job, it could be a whole day of a full crew of labor, preparing string lines. Measurements may not be exact, and there is more room for human error. It can be time consuming and tough on the body. The automatic paving technology is much more efficient and consistent. It has also fostered growth for BX-CC employees, whether they have been in the industry for decades or months. The most seasoned workers may be learning from the younger workers. This opportunity to take ownership over this new technology is what Kari feels will help the company succeed in the long run.
To learn more about stringless paving and BX-CC tune in to the latest episode of Build Me Up. You can subscribe to Build Me Up wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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