Needs Before Tools: Customer-Centric Management with Matt Cooper, BQE

Building Scale

We interview successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they use people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses.

Needs Before Tools: Customer-Centric Management with Matt Cooper, BQE

E144 • Feb 3, 2026 • 60 mins

Matt Cooper, CEO of BQE, discusses the company's leadership transition and the critical role of customer feedback in driving improvements. He addresses common challenges faced by small to mid-sized AEC firms and how BQE's solutions help manage chaos and streamline processes. The conversation highlights the importance of technology in enhancing efficiency, particularly in invoicing and project management. Matt shares insights on integrating systems, catering to firms of varying sizes, and preparing for AI advancements. He also covers strategies for change management during tech implementation and managing feature requests, with a focus on cybersecurity in cloud software. Matt concludes with advice for the industry and provides his contact information.

Key Points

Reacting to real-time data can transform AEC firms from slow-moving battleships into agile speedboats.
The transition from founder-led to customer-focused leadership at BQE involved extensive customer engagement to identify and address pain points.
Implementing effective technology and processes in AEC firms can significantly reduce inefficiencies, such as cutting weeks out of invoicing cycles, thereby improving cash flow and project management.

Connect with Matt Cooper on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooper-04b3aa4/

Website: https://www.bqe.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bqesoftware Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bqesoftware/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bqesoftware/

Connect with Justin - Justin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justneagle/

Learn More & Connect With Spot Migration - Website: https://www.spotmigration.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spot-migration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spotmigration YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Spotmigration

Do you want to be a guest on the show? Go to https://buildingscale.net/guests

Need to discuss your IT and Cybersecurity Strategy? Go to https://buildingscale.net/help

Speakers

Matt Cooper

Guest • 66%

Will Foret

Host • 13%

Will Foret

Host • 2%

Justin Neagle

Host • 20%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and guest Matt Cooper, CEO of BQE
4:38	BQE's leadership transition and customer feedback importance
9:49	Addressing AEC industry problems with BQE solutions
13:53	Tackling chaos in small to mid-sized AEC firms
17:16	Streamlining AEC processes with technology
20:09	Enhancing efficiency in invoicing and project management
23:32	BQE's approach to integrating systems and innovation
28:33	Catering to diverse firm sizes and preparing for AI
39:15	Strategies for change management in tech implementation
49:44	Managing feature requests and cybersecurity in cloud software
56:10	Matt Cooper's advice and contact information
59:09	Outro and call to action

Transcript

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