Liens and Preliens and Laughs Oh My with Amy Houk E10
Robert and J.J. meet up with Amy Houk, Chief Marketing/Product Officer with Prelien Pro Technologies to discuss all things liens and preliens. Amy is the authority and shares her wealth of knowledge with the guys, and shares the why behind Prelien Pro Technologies and the development of software for the world of construction. If you are a general contractor, subcontractor, or supplier this episode is a must have as a reference to often misunderstood statutes pertaining to the lien and prelien process and your rights.
General Contractors, Subcontractors and suppliers learn the answers to often misunderstood processes surrounding your lien rights. 
Prelien Pro Technologies, Inc. began when a team of consultants were asked to develop an easier workflow for lien companies to manage the hundreds of prelien notices submitted to their company weekly. Once they dove into the structure and processes lien companies were utilizing, it became very obvious that the lack of “out-of-the-box” solutions was crippling this industry. Lien companies were spending 10’s of thousands of dollars to create custom, single-user solutions or relying on a dos-based, single desktop solution for software that was cumbersome, antiquated, and rigid. Shocked by what they found, they sought out the guidance of one of the most dynamic and successful CTO’s to wrestle the “ dot-com boom” they could find… one laptop, one monitor, and one hot conference room later, a dream team of developers, innovators, and consultants came together to form what would become Prelien Pro Technologies, Inc.
As they researched and learned more about this industry, they also found that construction companies were forced to submit their notice requests on an equally outdated interface. The team was shocked to hear that most construction companies weren’t too bothered by the legacy look and feel as most software they used at the time was just as clumsy. Realizing that the construction industry was ripe for a solution to weave together all of these processes and workflows, the team devised a strategy – to learn the lien management industry from the inside out. They achieved this by creating their own lien company, collaborating with the construction industry, and building a solution that solves all of the obvious (and not so obvious) issues this process had on the overall performance and cost of a project.
This strategy led to an immeasurable amount of input from the construction industry – not just from the builders, but also the suppliers, the funders, the developers, and the insurers. The team built relationships with every level of construction to prepare and plan for a development strategy that would lead them on a two-year journey of discovery, development, and some trial and error to create a single application – bringing together the multitude of excel spreadsheets, three-ring binders, filing cabinets, fax machines, and single-task applications that “solved” their day-to-day issues.
Today, Prelien Pro Technologies, Inc. has fully deployed its construction lien software (cls) application to the captive lien company with a second onboarding in mid to late 4th quarter, 2021. That application currently supports 466 construction firms, 1500 users, and 10 lien preparation professionals. They have also created the only fully embedded experience with Procore technologies and have a focus group of our target general contractors currently using the prelien pro application. Because of the strategic development plan outlined by our CTO, all further development is 75% (or more) completed as the foundational Prelien Pro Technologies, Inc. platform fully supports the additional products and services.
Amy Houk’s history as a founding member of Prelien Pro has seen the company grow from a handful of valued relationships to a large and growing community of clients, industry partners, association affiliations, and friendships.
Amy brings a cool and dynamic element to the team. Her ability to forge relationships and create an open dialogue with clients has been a vital asset to our team. She brings over 20 years experience offering a variety of services and consultation to businesses.
Her expertise and knowledge with construction companies and the industry has made her a pivotal addition to the team.
When Amy isn’t working with the team, she spends her time promoting women’s equality in construction, donating her time to construction associations, going on photo safaris with her husband of 15 years, taking construction pics, traveling, and spending time with family (especially her new grand baby).
Follow Prelien Pro Technologies on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
About Your Hosts
Meet JJ Levenske
JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial and industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service.
JJ’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike. JJ does not believe in mediocrity and strives to see the “end at the beginning” for each project, effectuating a higher return on investment for the entire team.
Early on in his career, JJ worked as a cost engineer conducting feasibility estimates, strategic capital estimates, cost planning, and analysis of value engineering for the technology, petrochemical, and food industries. He went on to develop and implement a variety of systems for estimating, scheduling, resource management, and cost tracking while holding Project Manager and Senior Management Positions.
During his tenure, JJ has been involved in $1 billion worth of construction services. A strong entrepreneurial acumen allows him to be the perfect advocate for your facility based business solutions.
Meet Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson is a knowledgeable construction professional with over 40 years of experience. His experience ranges from residential to the commercial and industrial sectors.
Robert began working in the trades immediately out of high school and quickly advanced to Journeyman status. Robert went on to estimating, operations, senior level management and then business development.
Robert is consistently building relationships and networking with those associated with all aspects of development and construction. Robert has become a respected source for prefabricated construction solutions.
Robert enjoys spending time with Pam, his wife of 42 years, their 3 children, and 10 grandchildren.
About Our Sponsors
Bleuwave is a Phoenix-based general contractor with a specialty in land development & site improvement, pre-construction, design build, remodel and renovations, construction management, and post construction.
Bleuwave is passionate about what they do and takes pride in their partner’s success.
When you need it done right the first time, call Bleuwave.
Follow Bleuwave on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Tori Contracting’s smaller, cohesive structure results in superior workmanship and economical solutions.
The Tori Contracting team has construction experience acquired by performing highly successful work for hotels and casinos, restaurants, retail stores, healthcare facilities and a wide range of commercial and themed projects.
We provide design assist capabilities from start to finish…from schematic design and development through construction documents with the aid of our full-time AUTOCAD staff.
