Lumber Acquires BuilderFax to Transform Construction Workforce Management
In a groundbreaking move, Lumber, a frontrunner in the construction workforce management space, has successfully acquired BuilderFax, a digital platform for credential management aimed at construction craft workers. This acquisition, announced on May 1, 2025, signifies a significant leap forward in addressing ongoing labor inefficiencies and the critical workforce challenges facing the U.S. construction industry.
The collaboration will integrate BuilderFax's innovative credential wallet with Lumber's sophisticated AI-driven suite of tools. This combination aims to streamline processes within the construction sector, which currently grapples with a severe shortage of skilled labor. According to a report by FMI Corporation, contractors faced staggering losses of up to $40 billion in 2022 due to inefficiencies in labor management. Thus, the partnership between Lumber and BuilderFax is poised to provide immediate, verifiable qualification data to construction companies while granting craft workers free access to tools that securely manage and share their credentials and qualifications.
Kirk Samuelson, the founder of BuilderFax and an industry veteran with over 45 years of experience, emphasized the importance of this acquisition: "I created BuilderFax to empower craft workers, allowing them ownership over their credentials and achievements. Joining forces with Lumber enables us to develop a comprehensive approach that benefits both employers and workers, supporting sustainable careers in construction."
Shreesha Ramdas, co-founder and CEO of Lumber, highlighted the critical timing of this acquisition. The national shortage of electricians is not just a minor hiccup but a significant roadblock to the nation’s infrastructure growth. Ramdas remarked, "Our integration will address one of the industry’s most pressing problems, focusing on developing, certifying, and retaining skilled tradespeople who are essential for building the future of America. When credential management systems fail, it hampers workers' opportunities and stalls projects. This partnership will tackle a $12 billion issue while also enhancing career pathways for craft professionals nationwide."
Key Benefits of the Integration
The collaboration between Lumber and BuilderFax promises to deliver multiple key advantages to the construction ecosystem, including:
- - Empowering Craft Workers: Craft workers will access a free application that allows them to manage their digital credentials efficiently, moving away from traditional paper certifications scattered across various platforms.
- - Strengthening the Labor Market: The new solution simplifies hiring and compliance, reducing delays and administrative burdens, thereby broadening access to a skilled workforce.
- - On-Site Experience Ledger: Employers will be able to authenticate on-site experiences, making workers' skills easier to evaluate and measure.
- - Alleviating Administrative Load: By linking credential data with time tracking, scheduling, and payroll systems, productivity is expected to significantly improve.
- - Enhancing Career Development: The platform will offer tools like resume builders, personalized career guidance, union job boards, and training pathways tailored to individual credentials and job specifications.
- - Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with vocational schools will promote the app, supporting students' career entry and credential tracking from the outset.
Ultimately, this strategic acquisition positions Lumber as a trailblazer in workforce innovation within the construction industry, addressing urgent challenges in credentialing, workforce management, and skilled labor deployment. Combining advanced technologies and a user-friendly interface, Lumber aims to set a new standard for supporting construction professionals.
About Lumber
Lumber is a comprehensive construction workforce management platform that enhances efficiencies in payroll, time tracking, safety, compliance, field productivity, and employee recognition. Tailored for specialty contractors, its AI-driven features prioritize safety and regulatory compliance through thorough customization and seamless tech integration. Learn more at
Lumber’s website.
About BuilderFax
BuilderFax is a digital credential management platform empowering construction craft workers to securely manage their qualifications and certifications. Founded by Kirk Samuelson, BuilderFax functions to enhance the professional development of laborers while providing employers with trustworthy qualification data. More information can be found at
BuilderFax’s website.