#USA #risk management #Burlington, Massachusetts #Highwire #Contractor Success

Highwire's Journey Towards Contractor Success

Highwire, a leading platform dedicated to managing risks in capital project construction and operations, has recently marked a year full of impressive achievements and innovations. The company is on a mission to reshape the way contractors and project owners approach risk mitigation in the construction industry.

In 2024, Highwire welcomed a wide array of new clients ranging from prominent asset owners like National Grid and Vantage Data Centers to general contractors such as NOVO Construction and R.P. Brennan. Additionally, specialized contractors like Apollo Mechanical and Piedmont Service Group joined the expanding roster. The influx of new clients has been particularly notable in high-demand sectors like data centers and semiconductor manufacturing.

According to Don Fornes, Highwire’s Chairman and CEO, "Three years ago, we articulated our vision to change how the industry mitigates risk. We’re helping our clients move beyond traditional prequalification and compliance processes, which often result in a simplistic 'yes' or 'no' response. Our goal is to empower contractors to achieve better outcomes, especially in a labor market where skilled subcontractors are becoming harder to find."

One of the key contributors to Highwire’s impressive growth is its extensive contractor network, which has grown to over 60,000 companies across the country. This growth enables both owners and general contractors to access a wider range of reliable subcontractors in new geographical areas. Unlike basic web directories, the Highwire Network dives deep into contractor risk profiles, providing clients with vital insights necessary for informed decision-making.

In terms of product innovation, this past year saw Highwire introduce several significant enhancements to its platform. Key among these was the launch of a comprehensive Prequalification solution, which thoroughly assesses contractor stability and capabilities. This addition, alongside advanced AI safety risk analytics that transform safety documentation into actionable insights, marks a significant step forward in simplifying risk management processes. Moreover, Highwire unveiled a mobile application bringing field inspections and incident management conveniently to users’ smartphones.

Another notable development was the seamless integration with Procore, a widely used construction management software. This functionality has been hastily adopted by general contractor clients, and further integration options are regularly being rolled out to enhance interoperability.

Supporting these advancements, Highwire also welcomed Harinder Bhinder as the new Vice President of Engineering in March. Bhinder’s previous experience in scaling ZoomInfo from start-up to IPO is expected to bolster Highwire's ambitious product growth plans. Additionally, Kyra van den Bosch transitioned to Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding its leadership team.

Overall, Highwire has demonstrated growth at all levels, with headcount increasing by almost 21% year-over-year, a testament to the company's expanding influence and innovation in the construction risk management landscape.

As Highwire continues to push forward, its achievements serve to enhance not just contractor success, but also improve worker safety across the industry. "Owners and general contractors alike will see improved outcomes when they collaborate closely to achieve Contractor Success," Fornes concluded.

Highwire originated from technological developments at Harvard University aimed at ensuring safety and reducing insurance costs within educational environments. Spun out as an independent company in 2008, it has now evolved into a trusted partner for some of the most respected owners and general contractors worldwide. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Highwire proudly emphasizes that it is made in the USA.

For more details on Highwire and its evolving solutions, visit highwire.com.