How Builders Can Leverage Technology for Success
Monica Wheaton
2023 NAHB Woman of the Year
Monica Wheaton, vice president of customer success for residential home construction at ECI Software Solutions, brings a unique perspective to the field with more than 25 years of experience working in the construction and technology industries.
She was named the 2023 Woman of the Year — the Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council’s most prestigious recognition — which is awarded to someone who has made an extraordinary impact on the residential construction industry through her leadership and contributions.
Wheaton’s experience intersects between home building and technology. She grew up in the home building industry, and after obtaining her MBA and working outside the industry, she returned to home building to co-found Builder Partnerships with Chuck and Emma Shinn.
Working for Shinn Consulting/Lee Evans Group, Wheaton recognized early the importance of establishing processes and managing based on data.
“Overlaying technology on top of that foundation enables builders to accomplish much more with fewer resources,” Wheaton explained. “Builders can improve their operations by setting up standardized processes and leveraging technology, ensuring consistent communication and data management across their organizations.”
“Having a good system also helps builders look back and understand how their decisions impact the company — and it allows them to make informed decisions on how to save time and money,” she added. “I’m very passionate about helping builders get the training and resources they need to get to this point.”
Wheaton is an active participant in NAHB’s PWB Council and organizations such as Homes for HOPE. PWB has allowed her to expand her network and connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges, and provided a platform where she can continue her passion for helping others grow while also gaining fresh perspectives on how to collectively make a broader impact in the home building industry.
“Mentoring and supporting others has been a core value throughout my life, shaped by my early leadership experiences and international work,” she stated. “I realized that many people take on leadership roles out of necessity but lack the resources, connections or support to truly excel ... I’ve always focused on gaps and bridging them. My goal is to create connections and to provide the tools, training and resources that empower people to thrive in their roles and reach their full potential.”
As VP of customer success at ECI Software Solutions, Wheaton also guides and supports people to reach their potential and achieve their goals in her professional life by helping customers exceed their goals by leveraging technology.
“It’s not just about finding and solving problems,” she shared. “It’s about building connections, fostering success and creating lasting impact.”
Some of the technologies that will continue to have a lasting impact on the industry include interactive sales tools, such as virtual tours, customizable floor plans, product configurators and online design studios, Wheaton noted, which empower buyers to explore options and personalize their homes online before making a purchase decision.
“With consumers accustomed to online shopping, home builders need to offer engaging digital experiences that provide a continuous experience through the entire buying process – online or in the sales center,” she shared. “This enhances customer satisfaction and engagement. These tools allow builders to meet buyers where they are and bring them further into the purchasing process while tracking engagement and interests and providing a familiar online shopping experience”
Applications are currently open for the NAHB Industry Awards, including Woman of the Year, which will be presented at The Nationals Gala at the 2025 International Builders’ Show.