Bronco Spotlight: Ariel Castillo
Founder and CEO at BIMTECH
As a construction technology specialist, my job is to assist architects, engineers, contractors, and owners with the implementation of construction technologies to improve their workflows and make sure their projects stay successful.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is notoriously slow at implementing new technologies. Business owners continue to under-invest in tech, despite their acknowledgment of the many benefits it can provide to running their business and managing construction projects. This is particularly challenging, because not everybody is keen to move forward when I suggest new workflows, different strategies and innovative tools. However, it’s very rewarding when clients recognize their need to change and understand that technology is going to be a critical component of their business model and will provide them a competitive advantage over those who don’t. Knowing that I’m fueling the change, it’s very exciting.
Which of your skills had the biggest impact on your success?
Hands-down, the skill with the greatest impact must be adaptability. As a teenager, “Who Moved My Cheese” was my favorite book. The author, Dr. Spencer Johnson, made it clear to me that life constantly changes, so we must adapt. As a result, instead of being resistant to changes, I do my best to anticipate them. Thus, I would always focus on analyzing problems from every angle to find the best solutions and disrupt the status quo. Using the same principle, I added my own twist to my industry, instead of working with traditional methods I decided to focus on emerging technologies to create new experiences that allow us to maximize our resources on our day-to-day activities, whether it's designing, building, maintaining or selling a project.
What advice do you have for students looking for their career after college?
First, go big or go home, don’t be afraid to have a moonshot! Commit yourself to achieving this goal and make sure it’s not an easy one. This will guarantee you put all your energy and improve your skills towards a purpose. Second, keep in mind networking is powerful. Go out and connect with other professionals regardless of their background, they will either accelerate your success or at least provide you with a different perspective. Plus, it’s super fun! And, finally, go get yourself a mentor. Knowledge, experience, personal and professional growth, motivation, guidance… Let’s be honest, it’s like a life cheat sheet.