Startups in offsite construction, like in any other industry, demand a unique combination of flexibility and conviction. Entrepreneurs in this space must possess a visionary mindset, driving toward a goal that may seem distant, while continuously adapting their tactics to overcome the hurdles that arise in a rapidly evolving sector. The best of them are described as “learning machines”—individuals who evolve their strategies day by day, mastering the intricacies of their industry with a steadfast commitment to their overarching mission. But why does success elude so many, and how can these innovators push through to realize their vision?
top: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos bottom: Steve Jobs, J. K. Rowling
Let’s start with the likes of Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Steve Jobs, and J.K. Rowling—visionaries who not only revolutionized their respective industries but also inspired millions of entrepreneurs to follow in their footsteps. Yet for every Elon or Jeff, there are countless entrepreneurs like Chas Biltmoyer. Who is Chas Biltmoyer, you ask? He’s an entrepreneur who never succeeded. He lost every penny his investors gave him, despite believing in his vision and pouring his heart into his venture. His story, while not widely known, represents the reality that many startup founders face.
Obstinate Vision
The best offsite construction entrepreneurs remain obstinate in their vision, understanding that their unwavering belief in their mission is what separates them from the vast pool of startups that never achieve lift-off. Having a clear vision allows these founders to weather the difficult moments, providing a North Star to guide them through uncertainty. When exploring new technologies or innovative construction methods—like modular housing, 3D printing, or automated construction—these entrepreneurs must answer a critical question: What crucial problem is my startup solving?
If the problem is unclear or insignificant, the startup is unlikely to resonate with the market, no matter how innovative or efficient the solution might be. But for the entrepreneurs who maintain a sharp focus on addressing a genuine pain point, their vision becomes a tool of endurance. In offsite construction, where timelines, budgets, and regulatory barriers can seem insurmountable, the ability to stay the course is paramount.
However, being obstinate about your vision doesn’t mean being blind to feedback or reality. The balance lies in knowing when to pivot tactics while still pursuing the ultimate goal. Entrepreneurs in offsite construction face a dual challenge: bringing a new approach to an old industry, while simultaneously educating customers, investors, and sometimes even regulators on the value of their innovation.
The Flexibility Paradox
To survive the harsh realities of a startup—especially in offsite construction where challenges like logistics, material procurement, and design integration constantly evolve—entrepreneurs must be flexible in their tactics. This is where the paradox emerges. While they remain obstinate about their vision, they must also adapt to new data, market signals, and technical setbacks.
For example, many offsite construction startups begin with a groundbreaking idea—such as leveraging robotics for modular home assembly or creating sustainable housing units from recycled materials—but often face hurdles they didn’t anticipate. The key to success lies in their ability to adapt. Perhaps they learn that their chosen materials are costlier than expected, or maybe their production method isn’t as scalable as originally thought. This is when flexibility becomes their saving grace.
Take the case of Chas Biltmoyer. Chas was deeply committed to his vision of creating a fully automated modular housing system, but he didn’t account for the rigid zoning laws that limited his business. Instead of adapting his tactics and finding a way to introduce his system incrementally, he pressed forward without adjusting his strategy. His investors lost confidence, and his startup eventually failed. The lesson here is that while a grand vision is critical, so too is the willingness to make tactical shifts along the way. A rigid approach can be fatal.
In contrast, some of the best offsite construction entrepreneurs who have succeeded in scaling their businesses are those who not only maintained a firm grip on their long-term goals but also demonstrated flexibility. They listened to the market, adjusted their pricing, found new supply chains, or even pivoted to a different target customer. These founders understood that success wasn’t about doing the same thing over and over—it was about learning, iterating, and improving.
Becoming a Learning Machine
Offsite construction is not an industry that allows for stagnation. The job of running a startup in this field is so varied and dynamic that it requires founders to “level up” constantly. Each week presents a new challenge—whether it’s navigating regulatory frameworks, optimizing the factory-to-site delivery process, or integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) with real-world construction.
Becoming a “learning machine” is essential. The term, often used to describe entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, refers to a person’s ability to absorb information rapidly, process it, and apply it to the business in real-time. Successful founders read voraciously, stay current with industry trends, and regularly consult experts to fill gaps in their knowledge. In offsite construction, this learning machine mentality is critical because the technology, market demands, and competition are constantly evolving.
It’s not enough to have a vision. It’s about the ongoing process of learning, adapting, and refining. Entrepreneurs who are too attached to their initial idea without upgrading their knowledge and skills along the way often find themselves outpaced by the market. They are like Chas Biltmoyer, driven by passion but ultimately lacking the ability to learn and pivot in response to new data.
Flexibility with Conviction
The best offsite construction entrepreneurs must master the art of flexibility with conviction. This means they approach every challenge with the mindset that their vision will prevail, but they’re open to changing the details of how they achieve that vision. They understand that the startup journey isn’t linear. They experiment, learn, and iterate.
For example, an entrepreneur who initially sets out to build affordable modular homes might realize along the way that the market for high-end modular homes has more immediate potential. While this discovery requires a tactical pivot, it doesn’t mean they abandon their vision of creating modular housing solutions. It simply means they’ve recognized a more viable entry point to achieve their ultimate goal.
Moreover, the journey of building a startup in offsite construction is not just about answering today’s problems but also preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. What will the market need five years from now? How can offsite construction be integrated with sustainable practices, AI, or advanced logistics systems? Entrepreneurs who ask these questions and are flexible enough to adjust their approaches will be the ones who stay ahead of the curve.
The Road Ahead
As offsite construction continues to grow, the industry needs entrepreneurs who balance vision with flexibility. These founders must not only solve the most pressing issues—affordability, sustainability, and scalability—but also navigate an environment filled with regulatory barriers, logistical challenges, and technological shifts.
While there will always be a few visionary entrepreneurs who rise to the status of Musk or Bezos, most will fall somewhere between their meteoric success and the failure of Chas Biltmoyer. Yet, for every Chas, there’s an opportunity to learn, adapt, and eventually thrive. The key is to remain steadfast in your vision, flexible in your tactics, and committed to becoming a learning machine.
Modcoach Note: Chas Biltmoyer, a fictional entrepreneur, represents what happens to many startup offsite construction owners.
.
CLICK HERE to read the latest edition
Contact Gary Fleisher
