Phillip Ogilby of Cloud Takeoff
Meet Phillip Ogilby of Cloud Takeoff, a cloud program for construction contractors.
What is Cloud Takeoff?
Cloud Takeoff makes it very easy for construction contractors to measure, or perform “takeoffs” on their blueprints stored safely in the cloud. From any MAC or PC they can create estimates, share their plans with subs or suppliers and communicate with others directly on their plans.
How did you come up with the idea?
My previous venture, iSqFt.com, was instrumental in moving the construction industry’s distribution of blueprints from paper to digital. It occurred to me that while tremendous efficiency gains were being enjoyed by those paying the printing bills, most contractors still struggled with the painful process of downloading large PDF images for use on screen.
What was the biggest surprise in starting your business?
The tools that are available today make it easy to start your own online business from your home with very little capital outlay.
Where did you find your first employee?
Through an industry connection we learned that John Galioto might be available. John was one of our key developers in the early days of starting iSqFt.com. We jumped at the chance to hire him again.
What does a typical day in your business look like?
We have several thousand users already, so most of our time is spent designing and coding some very cool new features and functionality for Cloud Takeoff.
What are some of the advantages to doing business in Ohio?
It has surprised me the support we have received from the state of Ohio, primarily through our relationship with
CincyTech. The state has been very helpful with some early stage funding to help us grow new jobs here in southwest Ohio.
What resources or organizations in Ohio did you take advantage of and how did they help?
Well it’s still early, but as I mentioned CincyTech ventures in Cincinnati has been great to work with, helping us to connect with capital and a couple of key hires as well. They also connected us with the folks here in the City of Mason. We are one of the first tenants at the new
Mason Technology Center. Thanks to the City of Mason we enjoy class A office space in a very desirable part of town. Our location makes it easier to hire talent who value living, working and raising children in a nice community. The folks in Mason are very forward thinking and bring a large amount of resources to the table as they seek to help bring new jobs to the city.
Can you share a funny or amazing entrepreneurial experience with our readers?
My son Justin is a partner along with my wife, in our venture. When Justin was only 15 years old he wrote my first estimating software program called Buildware Pro. By the time Justin was 17 we had sold about half a million dollars worth of our software. It’s been great fun and very rewarding to work side by side with my son over the last 15 years.
What inspires you?
We are blessed to live in the greatest country on earth where hard work and a single-minded focus on your customer can bring great rewards and employment to many.
Can you share some of your favorite off-time activities or hobbies?
I recently took up tennis and am always looking for opportunities to play. I have played golf for years, but don’t take it very seriously.
What founders do you admire and why?
Elon Musk is a genius and I truly believe that he is about to revolutionize the way cars are made, bought and sold.
What’s next for you?
Cloud Takeoff has my full attention for the next several years. We have some big plans for the technology and the construction industry is thirsty for a better way.
Interview by Joe Baur