Sources: BCMI Corp., Redmond, Wash.; CP staff
A group of privately-held, family-owned concrete and construction materials producers has purchased shares of BCMI Corp., for a minority stake. New investors in the software developer, also known as the Bulk Construction Materials Initiative, include BARD Materials, Dyersville, Iowa; Geiger Ready Mix Co., Kansas City, Kan.; plus, Walt Miles and Lisa Kittilsby, principals of Miles Sand & Gravel, Puyallup, Wash.
Their share purchase coincides with the retirement and exit of Bernard Benson, who co-founded the business with Craig Yeack, president, chief executive and majority owner. Along with BARD, Geiger, Miles S&G and peers, they built the BCMI Platform into a fully integrated, end-to-end software system for analytics, operational management, customer relationship management, quotation, fulfillment and dispatch, quality control and invoicing.
“True to the spirit and intent of BCMI, Bernie Benson has created a firm foundation for meaningful investment opportunities within our network of materials producers,” says Yeack. “The investors are strategic, closely held, multi-generational materials producers aligned with the long-term BCMI vision.” The new minority shareholders will provide invaluable strategic guidance, including through representation on the Board of Directors, he adds.
BCMI remains resolutely committed to protecting customer data. “Our customers’ data belongs to them. Period,” Yeack affirms. “It is safeguarded and will never be shared without explicit, case-by-case consent with any other customers, regardless of shareholder status.”
BCMI receives guidance on technical development by a Producer Advisory Board. Advisors consist of key representatives from the Bulk Construction Materials Initiative producers’ group, independent of shareholder status. They help define new functionality and contribute to prioritization of development plans.
“Ultimately, BCMI belongs in the hands of the construction materials industry,” says Yeack. “Our goal is to become a truly generational, sustainable technology partner. This initial investment by early supporters of the Bulk Construction Materials Initiative is just the first step toward achieving that collaborative vision.”