How Ryan Thornton Drives Innovation in Insearch at ECI Software Solutions

This blog features Ryan Thornton, development manager for Insearch at ECI Software Solutions. We chatted with Ryan to learn more about his role within the team.

Ryan Thornton, Development Manager for Insearch at ECI Software Solutions, plays a key role in designing software that empowers builders to sell homes faster and smarter. From his roots in architecture to leading innovations in interactive design centers, Ryan shares his journey, daily role, and insights into the building technology industry

ECI: Describe your role in 50 words or less.

Ryan Thornton (RT): As development manager for Insearch, I am responsible for many roles throughout our Insearch software. My roles include design center implementations, new feature development, client success, support, and public speaking.

ECI: What and where did you study?

RT: I started at the University of Nevada and finished with a B.A. in architecture from the New School of Architecture and Design in San Diego, Calif.

ECI: Tell us about your background and the path that led you to your current role.

RT: Out of architecture school, I started a firm where I designed custom homes. I also had a small marketing company where I designed logos, business cards, and advertisements. A few years after I graduated, I started a part-time job at a commercial architecture firm, and that is where I met Chad Andres, my eventual business partner for Insearch. We met our first client, DiLoreto Homes, through the commercial architecture firm. DiLoreto was about to start a new community but did not want to build any models coming out of the downturn.

Insearch was born as a concept after we created a flash application that allowed the DiLoretos to sell their homes, including lots, plans, and options. DiLoreto’s, in turn, sold 22 homes in two weeks off the application and Insearch was born. All of this led me to the current role I am in today, and I continue to develop and help builders sell their homes at top dollar.

ECI: What does your day-to-day work life look like?

RT: My typical day begins with checking emails to help with any clients or coworkers. That is followed by checking internal messages for any help needed with the team. This is typically followed by a wellness check on the software to ensure everything is running properly. The rest of my day involves helping the sales team, reviewing accounts, providing customer support, design center implementations, and preparing for future speaking engagements.

ECI: What advice would you give someone just starting in your industry? Any words of wisdom?

RT: Technology is extremely fast-paced, so you must be agile as a company to keep reinventing yourself and your product and stay ahead of the curve.

ECI: What excites you most about working within this industry?

RT: What’s both exciting is also frustrating! The lack of technology and adoption in our industry excites me most, but that has also come with some challenges. When you start seeing real results and our software making a difference, that’s where the excitement and drive come from. I liken it to the same feeling I would get when designing custom homes for my clients and seeing their reactions in the past.

ECI: What do you find most challenging about working within this industry?

RT: The overall lack of tech adoption to stay on pace with other industries.

ECI: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since you began your career?

RT: Trust yourself. Many negative influences will try to deter you from what you believe in.

ECI: Since you started working in the industry, what changes have you witnessed?

RT: A slow adoption of technology, although I wish the shift happened a lot sooner, the building industry is starting to see a real shift in the use of technology.

ECI: What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?

RT: Golf and travel.

ECI: What book would you recommend for anyone to add to their must-read list?

RT: Truthfully, I am not much of a reader. Most of the books I have collected over the years are architecture books by famous architects or architectural design theory books.

Ryan Thornton’s passion for innovation in building technology continues to shape the future of Insearch at ECI. His experience highlights the importance of agility and embracing technology to stay competitive. For builders looking to enhance their customer experience and sell more efficiently, Ryan’s story serves as an inspiring example.