MarkSystems Consultant Interview - Jeff Muir

Jeff Muir Senior Consultant

MarkSystems' Senior Consultants are not only experts on the software, they also bring their experience in the residential home construction industry to each implementation. This month, we would like to feature Jeff Muir, Senior Consultant with MarkSystems. We sat down with Jeff to learn more about his experience in the home building industry, impressions on the changes in the industry and get his advice on what builders need to look for in a new system.

Tell us a little bit about your background? How long have you worked in the new home construction industry and been in your current role?

I’ve been working in construction for almost 20 years. I started at age 14 as a general laborer during the summers and then full-time after 18. I was a carpenter for most of my teens and became a crew supervisor at the age of 19 and project manager at 20 overseeing customer homes, production homes, commercial, and multi-family projects.

I attended college at BYU-Idaho (2005-2006) but left in my second year when they ended their architecture program; I took that as a sign to start my own custom home-construction business. For six years I had my own business before I started working for a production builder in 2012 as a Purchasing Agent and eventually became a Purchasing Manager.

Having been in this business for nearly two decades, I’ve worked with several construction/business management systems and MarkSystems has by far been the best. I started consulting in 2016 and helping other builders implement the system.

How have you seen the home building industry change in the last few years?

In general, due to technology, I would say that home buyers have become more educated in what to expect from a home builder and in a new home. And, home builders have become more aware in delivering products that meet the needs of the changing market. I think this allows both parties to benefit from more livable and efficient homes.

The global information economy has stiffened competition which has resulted in elevating the quality level of homes being produced, even in rural areas. You can purchase a new home in a densely populated metro area or a small town with only one local builder and you can almost expect the same quality products and designs.

How many builders have you helped during your time as a MarkSystems consultant?

I have helped over 100 builders implement MarkSystems or with improving their businesses during or after implementation.

What are some of the most successful implementations you've seen and why do you consider them successful?

The most successful implementations rely on three things:

1. People: having motivated staff who are willing to continue to learn and question the status quo and to collaborate as a team.
2. Processes: having the right processes in place to measure successes and failures. Also, having a clear vision of where you would like to be in five years.
3. Product: having a brand and knowing your market.

What's your advice to builders looking for a new software system?

First, evaluate your business to identify the specific needs you are lacking, then shop around until you find the software that best meets those needs. There is never a perfect fit for anyone, but if a software can meet most of your needs, you can figure out how to best work with it to meet all your needs.

What's your favorite feature in MarkSystems?

The complete integration between accounting, sales, purchasing, production, and warranty. The fact that everyone has access to all the information they need to fulfill their role and it’s actually live, real-time information.

Describe MarkSystems using one word?

Communication.