Meet the Team: Heidi Schroeder

In this blog we feature Heidi Schroeder, senior consultant at ECI Software Solutions' Residential Construction division. We sat down with Heidi to learn more about her role within the team.

ECI: Describe your role in 50 words or less.

Heidi Schroeder (HS): I help builders leverage technology to scale their business efficiently and effectively. I help sales and marketing teams understand their role in their company's growth and adopt and embrace technology.

ECI: What and where did you study?

HS: My formal university education was unrelated, but I learned homebuilder sales and marketing while working for an on-your-lot builder in the Pacific Northwest. I am also a graduate of Do You Convert’s online sales program.

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

HS: I worked in sales and marketing in other industries during my 20s, then pivoted to a successful career in the legal industry for 11 years. At that time, I sought an opportunity in a more positive and uplifting field where I could still help people and make a difference.

I was recruited and trained by Do You Convert for a builder's online sales consultant position. I thrived in that role and knew immediately I had found my calling. I went on to grow the Online Sales Program and eventually acted as Marketing Director for that builder. One of the things I loved best about that position was training and managing the sales team in Lasso. I grasped the importance of using the CRM and saw firsthand how embracing it positively impacted sales.

I sought a position with Lasso when I was looking for a new opportunity in 2020. It may be a case of right timing, but I like to think I was meant to be here.

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

HS: I work from my home office in the rural town of Chehalis, Washington. Most days, I meet directly with clients virtually to help them better understand Lasso and the role of technology in their business. I have four to six client calls on any given day. About once a month, I travel to a client’s office to consult and train with their team onsite.

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

HS: We have so many wonderful learning resources available in our industry! Soak up as much as you can. When I was starting out, I was lucky that I had a manager who encouraged me to attend every webinar, read every book, and listen to every podcast I could. I know I wouldn’t be in this position if I hadn’t invested that time to learn all I could about the industry. I still set aside dedicated time for learning each week. I keep an ongoing list of industry learning resources, reach out to me, and I am happy to share!

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

HS: Our industry is always evolving. Some people dread change, but I thrive. I love seeing the innovative ways our clients continue to learn about their customers and deliver a better experience. Beyond sales and marketing, I really enjoy seeing the evolution of how homes are built and the science behind building a quality, efficient home.

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

HS: It is sometimes challenging to help a Lasso client understand how their business practices affect their buyers’ experience. I always have my eye on the homebuyer's perception and how we can make buying a home a more seamless process.

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

HS: To align with people with the same values and vision for our industry. I haven’t always been true to my own values and vision, and it has taken some time to find mentors who share a common goal.

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

HS: It has been incredibly fulfilling to see the growth of the role of the Online Sales Consultant. Since it was my first position in the industry, I could see the role's impact on our organization. Looking toward the future, I’m looking forward to witnessing the growth of AI within our industry and seeing how that impacts how we sell and market new homes.

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

HS: I love hanging out with my husband and two boys. We hike and backpack together, attend baseball games, and plan adventures to explore our beautiful state. On my own, I enjoy cooking, winemaking, reading, and art history.

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

HS: It is hard to choose just one! We have a lot of amazing books in our industry, but as a more general choice, I’m currently loving "Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know" by Adam Grant.