By Rachael Mahoney

What’s rarer than growing up on a remote homestead in Alaska, where fewer than 3,500 people ever claimed homestead patents? Or navigating the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley tech, where only 29% of executive roles are held by women? Or leading in the heavy civil construction industry, where women make up just 1% of CEOs globally? The intersection of these worlds is nearly unheard of—and yet it’s the story of my life. These unlikely paths, though unconventional, have converged to create the most rewarding career I could have imagined.

How Tech and Construction Intersect

Growing up on a homestead in Alaska, I was surrounded by hardhats and safety gear—worn by my parents, brother, cousins, uncles, and aunties—all contributing to the critical infrastructure that keeps our rugged state running. In a place where everything feels just a little bigger and harder, the challenges were as monumental as the land itself. Winters that freeze eyelashes into icicles. Summers swarming with mosquitos as big as birds. From remote roads cutting through dense wilderness to electrical grids powering isolated communities and buildings like those at the North Pole, where my dad, Tim Mahoney, is currently working, there was almost always a Mahoney on site.

The work wasn’t easy. Alaska is one of the most extreme environments on earth, where nature constantly tests human ingenuity. Projects mean contending with brutal weather, rugged landscapes, and isolation, where even the simplest task requires careful planning, adaptability, and grit.

That environment taught me early on about resilience, creativity, and teamwork—the qualities that make construction possible. These lessons didn’t just shape how I saw my family’s work; they became foundational to who I am.

It turns out those tough Alaskan experiences were the perfect training for Silicon Valley, which might not have subzero temperatures but definitely has its own wild terrain. Instead of dodging moose on the highway, you’re navigating jargon-filled pitches, endless obstacles and lower odds of success. In Alaska, we deal with storms that knock out power; in The Valley, its servers crashing during a big launch. Both places have high stakes, and neither gives you much room for error.

Bouncing between these two extremes is shaping my career in the best possible ways and serving me well in the land of startups. Now, working to bring technology solutions to heavy civil construction, I get to blend both worlds, proving that even the most unlikely paths can lead to something meaningful.

Two Roads Merge

Two years ago, I found myself standing at the edge of a massive quarry, trying to take in the sheer scale of what I was seeing. The Trappe Brothers, owners of Canyon Rock, were giving me a firsthand look at the intricate process of producing bulk materials. We drove in a giant truck through the site, passing towering stockpiles of rock, watching automated loaders in action, and standing close enough to feel the ground tremble during blasting.

It wasn’t just the size of the operation that left me in awe—it was the realization that a small, family-owned business was at the heart of these engineering marvels. Seeing the care, precision, and innovation required to deliver something as seemingly simple as aggregates shifted my perspective forever. It’s an experience I’ll never forget, and it marked the beginning of my deeper connection to heavy civil construction.

From Building in Alaska to Building in Silicon Valley

What I didn’t fully appreciate until recently was how much those same qualities apply to building technology solutions. Today, I work in construction tech, helping to build the Bulk Exchange marketplace for the heavy civil industry. While the setting couldn’t be more different—transitioning from the wilds of Alaska to the fast-paced, high-stakes world of The Valley—the parallels are undeniable.

Most startups fail. It’s a reality of working in the heart of the technology capital of the world, where innovation is constant, competition is fierce, and success demands extraordinary effort. In many ways, building a technology solution feels like building a road through a remote Alaskan wilderness. The conditions might not involve snow or wind, but the challenges are just as daunting.

Much like construction in Alaska, technology requires navigating unknowns, solving problems with limited resources, and bringing people together to achieve a shared goal. These parallels have given me a deeper appreciation for both industries and reinforced just how interconnected they are.

Bringing It All Together

One of the most fulfilling parts of my journey has been connecting my upbringing with my career in a way that wasn’t possible before. My family has always understood construction, but when I worked in other areas of tech, the connection between what I did and what they did wasn’t always clear.

Now, it is. They see how technology can directly impact the work they do, and I get to be part of something that feels bigger than myself. It’s been a rewarding experience, one I didn’t expect, but am deeply grateful for.

Lessons in Relationships and Innovation

Coming into construction wasn’t without its challenges. As an introvert, the relationship-driven nature of the industry intimidated me at first. Construction is built on trust and face-to-face connections, a stark contrast to the digital, often impersonal world of tech.

But two years in, I can confidently say that the people I’ve met and get to work with are the best part of my career. They’re teaching me the value of slowing down, listening, and prioritizing quality over speed. It’s a lesson that other industries, including tech, could learn from. Too often, we assume that faster and more automated is better, but construction shows us the value of staying close to our roots and prioritizing human connection.

At the same time, I’ve seen firsthand how much opportunity there is to bring meaningful technology to this field. The industry is still catching up, which means the potential to make an impact is unlimited. Every new tool or system we introduce has the power to transform workflows, save time, and reduce waste without sacrificing the relationships that have defined this industry for generations. That ability to contribute to something lasting feels as consequential as the infrastructure we’re building.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Heavy Civil Construction Workers

Despite the rewards, construction still faces a perception problem. It’s no secret that the industry is struggling to attract the next generation of workers, even though it offers good salaries, job stability, and the chance to work on tangible, meaningful projects.

I think part of the issue is that construction doesn’t always look as exciting as tech, medicine, or other industries that get more attention. But what I’ve found is an industry filled with complexity and heart. From small, family-run businesses managing massive engineering feats to large-scale projects that shape entire communities, there’s so much here to inspire pride and purpose.

For anyone considering this field—especially those with backgrounds in tech or other industries—my advice is simple: don’t overlook construction as I almost did. Yes, it’s hard work, and yes, it’s different. But the challenges are what make it exciting, and the opportunity to innovate and leave a lasting impact is enormous.

Heavy Civil Construction: A Career Worth Building

My career has taken twists I never expected. But those turns have brought me to a place where I can combine my skills, my upbringing, and my passion in a way that feels deeply fulfilling. ConTech is challenging me, inspiring me, and reminding me why I love solving problems and connecting people.

This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to make a difference that matters to everyone. And for me, that’s as exciting as anything I’ve ever done.

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By Rachael Mahoney, Chief Strategy Officer, Bulk Exchange

In moments of crisis, the heavy civil construction industry plays a critical role in recovery. However, the challenges faced during emergencies—like the recent LA fires—can be overwhelming. Disrupted supply chains, urgent material needs, and the difficulty of accessing reliable information can turn an already chaotic situation into a logistical nightmare. The need for a centralized platform for the heavy civil industry is particularly acute during natural disasters, when contractors and suppliers need to respond and operate quickly...In that disaster article? Can you let me know when that's done?

A Personal Motivation for Change

Bulk Exchange’s founder and CEO, Paul Foley, knows firsthand the chaos and challenges that follow a disaster. During the devastating Camp and Tubbs fires in Northern California, he was a small excavation contractor on the frontlines, trying to help communities recover. But instead of finding support, he encountered misinformation, confusion, and bad actors exploiting the situation.

“I saw people take advantage of the lack of structure and clear information—whether it was through price gouging, unfair practices, or outright misinformation,” Paul recalls. “It slowed down recovery and made it harder for those of us who genuinely wanted to help.”

This experience became a driving force behind the decision to create Bulk Exchange. Recovery efforts would continue to be hindered without a platform that would streamline recovery efforts, create a level playing field, and ensure transparency and efficiency during times of crisis. Today, Bulk Exchange is fulfilling that vision by improving how the heavy civil construction industry operates, particularly in disaster response.

Addressing the Challenges of Disaster Recovery

Disasters like wildfires generate massive amounts of debris, often contaminated and requiring specialized disposal solutions. Finding suitable facilities for these materials is no small task, especially when time is critical. Bulk Exchange simplifies this process with its comprehensive, accurate directory of producers and disposers, allowing contractors to quickly locate facilities capable of handling specialized materials.

Additionally, emergencies often create opportunities for bad actors to exploit the situation through price gouging or unethical practices. A public marketplace like Bulk Exchange plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability. By connecting producers, contractors, and disposers in a neutral environment, the platform helps protect against inflated prices and ensures fair access to resources for all parties involved.

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The Power of Time-Sensitive Information

In a disaster, minutes matter. Whether sourcing base rock for infrastructure repairs or coordinating the disposal of hazardous materials, access to real-time, accurate information is essential. Bulk Exchange’s centralized communication tools enable seamless coordination among multiple parties, ensuring everyone—from contractors to facility operators—is on the same page.

More Than a Tech Solution: A True Partner in Recovery

At Bulk Exchange, we pride ourselves on being more than just a technology provider. We see ourselves as true partners to our customers, many of whom are on the frontlines of recovery. Disasters bring immense pressure and uncertainty, and we are committed to going beyond the platform to support our partners.

This means leveraging our deep industry expertise, tailoring our tools to the specific needs of recovery efforts, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers to help them succeed. When our partners win—whether they’re a small contractor like our founder once was or a large-scale operation—communities recover faster, and the industry grows stronger.

Building Resilience for the Future

Disasters like the ongoing wildfires in LA will continue to test the heavy civil construction industry, but platforms like Bulk Exchange will help build resilience. By modernizing how the industry connects, communicates, and collaborates, we are improving day-to-day operations and equipping our partners to respond more effectively when emergencies arise.

Our mission remains clear: to be the trusted partner the industry can rely on, whether in times of growth or crisis. Together, we can tackle even the toughest challenges and pave the way for a stronger, more connected industry—one that can rise to meet any emergency, just as Paul Foley envisioned when he created Bulk Exchange.

As we continue to support recovery efforts from the LA fires, it’s crucial to come together as a community. If you’re looking for ways to help, consider supporting organizations like the California Community Foundation, Wildfire Relief Fund, American Red Cross - Southern California Region, or Direct Relief, actively aiding victims and first responders. For more information and additional resources for donating or volunteering, visit https://www.bulkexchange.com/help.

In construction and bulk materials management, inefficiencies often hide in plain sight, quietly inflating costs and delaying projects. While it’s easy to spot the immediate impacts of delays or over-ordering, the hidden costs—spanning procurement, logistics, and even waste disposal—are where businesses lose the most.

Before founding BX, I worked as a contractor. I experienced firsthand the frustrations of working with suppliers, coordinating with dumpsites, and managing the unpredictable nature of construction projects. Those years gave me invaluable insight into contractors' daily challenges—from procurement delays to misaligned waste management. As the CEO of BX, I’ve combined my hands-on experience with an amazing team from the world of technology to build solutions that address these pain points head-on.

In this blog, I’ll outline the key inefficiencies plaguing bulk material transactions and share how smart technology solutions can help contractors and suppliers solve them.

The True Cost of Inefficiencies

Inefficiencies in bulk materials management cost far more than what’s visible on the surface. Here are some of the most common (and costly) areas:

1. Delays in Material Availability

• Impact: Delayed access to materials can cause equipment downtime and idle labor, leading to cascading project delays.
• Hidden Cost: Each hour of downtime can cost $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the scale of the project.

2. Manual Processes

• Impact: Spreadsheets and email chains increase the likelihood of errors, miscommunication, and inefficiency.
• Hidden Cost: Manual workflows can inflate procurement costs by up to 5%.

3. Mismanaged Disposal Logistics

• Impact: Inefficient coordination with dumpsites can lead to extra hauling costs, overflow issues, and compliance risks.

Hidden Cost: Inefficient disposal logistics can lead to significant unforeseen expenses, ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands in wasted resources.

How BX Solves These Problems

The good news? These inefficiencies are solvable. At BX, we’ve developed a platform that integrates the entire lifecycle of bulk material transactions—from procurement to disposal—into a seamless, tech-driven experience.

Here’s How We Help:

• Real-Time Material Availability: Find and book suppliers instantly to avoid delays and downtime.
• Centralized Communication: Streamline interactions between contractors, suppliers, and dumpsites to save time and reduce errors.
• Smarter Waste Management: Integrate disposal planning into project workflows to minimize hauling costs and ensure compliance.

Gary Ogle, CEO, Chief Estimator at Double O Engineering:

"We were working on a project in Richmond, CA.  My crew and equipment were costing me $8K per day, putting in a new parking lot.  As we were offhauling and importing to a site 1 hr away, I discovered EcoTerra on Bulk Exchange, which was 20 minutes away.  The job was completed a couple of days earlier because my crew had no stand-by time between trucks, less trucking, and cheaper material costs.  Just on that one small job, I saved $20K plus due to greater visibility to the supply and disposal sites close to my job, which I would never have known about".

Spotting Inefficiencies in Your Operations

Ready to assess your operations? Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Is inconsistent material availability frequently disrupting your timelines?
2. Does your team rely on manual processes for procurement and logistics?
3. Are waste disposal trips often misaligned with project schedules?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, you’re not alone—and there’s a solution.

A Smarter Future for Bulk Material Transactions

The bulk materials industry is evolving, and businesses that embrace innovation will lead the way. You can unlock significant savings and build more sustainable operations by holistically addressing inefficiencies- from sourcing materials to managing waste.

At BX, we’re proud to partner with contractors, suppliers, and dumpsite operators to make every transaction more efficient and profitable.

Let’s Build Smarter Together

Don’t let hidden inefficiencies hold your business back. Take control today. Schedule a free demo of BX to see how our platform can help you streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes. Click here to schedule your demo, or visit BX’s Website for more information.

Efficiency is more than a buzzword—it’s your competitive edge. Let’s build it together.