Interview with UPRITE Construction

Can you share the story of UPRITE Construction and what inspired the founding vision of the company? What are some of the most significant milestones UPRITE Construction has achieved, and how have they shaped the company’s growth?

Uprite Construction, founded in 1991, started with just one small office in Irvine, California, and has since grown into a leading national commercial general contractor, now with 11 offices across 7 states. Specializing in industrial, self-storage, office environments, and medical projects, we emphasize quality, client relationships, and innovation. Our Uprite One initiative embodies our commitment to collaboration, sharing experience and knowledge across all offices and business units to deliver comprehensive solutions and ensure excellence in every project, building a 'partnership built on trust' with every client.

How has UPRITE leveraged innovation or technology to deliver exceptional results in the construction industry?

Uprite has effectively harnessed innovation and technology to achieve outstanding results in the construction industry, with safety as a top priority. By integrating advanced tools and platforms, the company streamlines operations, enhances safety, and improves project management.

Raken: This software is essential for field management and reporting, providing real-time data capture from job sites. It simplifies tasks like progress tracking and safety compliance, significantly boosting daily operational efficiency.

CMiC: This platform provides comprehensive project management by integrating financial tracking, scheduling, and collaboration, ensuring all project aspects are well-coordinated.

Phoenix Scheduling Software: Uprite uses this for project control and scheduling, employing a 3-week look-ahead approach and a graphic scheduling system. This helps teams visualize and manage complex project schedules, ensuring alignment with deadlines.

Drones: Uprite employs dedicated, FAA-approved drone pilots for site surveys and inspections. These drones gather accurate, real-time data, reducing manual inspection time and enhancing safety monitoring and risk management.

Uprite's commitment to safety is further reinforced by its dedicated safety department, which closely monitors all projects through regular site visits. The company's exceptional EMR rating of .77, well below the industry standard, positions Uprite as a leader in maintaining a safe work environment. By leveraging these technologies and maintaining rigorous safety protocols, Uprite not only boosts operational efficiency but also fosters a safer, more transparent, and agile construction environment.

Can you share your thoughts on your partnership with Advantech? How has this collaboration supported your vision or brought new opportunities?

Uprite Construction's collaboration with Advantech has been a cornerstone in our journey of growth and innovation. By partnering with such an innovative company, we have been able to align our vision for cutting-edge construction and technological advancement. Having the opportunity to fly to Tapai to tour the Advantech World HQ and meet with the Founder and Chairman K.C. Liu was an honor for Uprite. The chance to learn and understand that Advantech is a pioneer in anything/everything IoT related, was not only unforgettable but helps to solidify the importance of collaborative partnership.Building Advantech's North American headquarters in our community reflects our commitment to fostering local growth and supporting community development. Together, Uprite and Advantech are not only advancing in innovation but also strengthening our ties to the community by creating new opportunities and bringing sustainable development to the area. This partnership has also opened up possibilities for us to build for other high-profile clients, further solidifying our reputation as a leader in the construction industry. 

What has been the most challenging project UPRITE has tackled, and how did your team overcome it?

One of Uprite’s greatest challenges was managing a staffing shortage during a critical period of growth. Rather than seeing it as a setback, we saw an opportunity to strengthen our team by bringing in people who truly aligned with our core values.

We reached out to trusted former colleagues—individuals we had worked with before and knew shared our commitment to quality, integrity, and teamwork. Their deep understanding of our culture made them the perfect fit to step in and help us navigate this challenge.

By bringing in top-tier talent from our network, we not only maintained project momentum but also reinforced the power of strong professional relationships. What initially seemed like an obstacle became a pivotal moment that strengthened our team and reinforced Uprite’s foundation for long-term success.

How does UPRITE give back to the community, and what role does sustainability play in your projects?

Uprite is committed to supporting local communities by hiring local staff and subcontractors. Before starting a project, we send a dedicated front team into local communities to meet with local subcontractors and make a commitment to hiring local staff, including their colleagues and friends. We also prioritize sourcing materials from local suppliers and make an effort to patronize local restaurants, shops, and service providers, further integrating ourselves into the community fabric.

On the sustainability front, we implement rigorous recycling processes not only during demolition but also throughout the construction process, working closely with local authorities and landfills to meet all requirements. We use innovative techniques such as adding fiber mesh to concrete mixes to reduce the need for traditional rebar, cutting down on steel usage and overall environmental impact. Additionally, we incorporate energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources like solar panels to further minimize our carbon footprint.

Link to our website: Uprite Construction