DRYSTAR Wall & Ceiling Ltd. was paying for a large construction software platform, using only a portion of its tools, and paying extra to make it fit the business. Everyday frustrations were adding up. When the next subscription renewal approached, co-owner Derek Paquette started looking for alternatives that better matched how his company worked.
His field crew had already used eSUB and liked its simplicity; however, at the time, he thought moving to another platform that promised additional capabilities, including progress billing would be best for his growing business. But the experience left Derek navigating workflows designed primarily around larger general contractors.
So what brought DRYSTAR back to eSUB?
A closer fit for the work. Fusion by eSUB offered the subcontractor-focused workflows his crew remembered, along with additional capabilities the business needed.
“It looked like it had everything we needed, so it was an easy choice for us to make the switch,” said Derek.
Key Takeaways
- Tools that fit the business: DRYSTAR returned to eSUB after paying for unused capabilities and customizations on a larger, GC-focused platform.
- Simpler change-order delivery: Email attachments give general contractors direct access to change-order documents.
- Approval visibility in the field: The crew can check change-order status in the app before proceeding with extra work.
- An easy return: Familiar workflows and responsive support helped the field crew and office team transition to Fusion by eSUB.
A Business Built Around Commercial Work
Founded in 2014, with trade roots reaching back to 1985, DRYSTAR specializes in steel studs, drywall, insulation, acoustical ceilings, and wall panels. Its projects include schools, healthcare facilities, community centers, and other commercial and institutional buildings.
Derek and his brother Kyle own the business as equal partners. Derek handles estimating, contracts, and business development, while Kyle leads operations and field execution.
That division of responsibilities makes accessible information important. The office manages contracts and documentation, while the field crew needs to know what has been approved before moving ahead.
The company’s investment in better systems supports both sides of the business.
When the Platform Required Too Many Adjustments
DRYSTAR had been using Procore, but Derek found that the platform’s emphasis on general contractors showed up throughout the experience, making it feel less aligned with the day-to-day needs of a commercial subcontractor.
Financial terminology centered on owner contracts rather than a subcontractor’s relationship with the GC. DRYSTAR also paid for adjustments to its progress-invoice cover sheet, including formatting and information needed for its Canadian projects.
Those extra costs came alongside a subscription for capabilities the company wasn’t fully using. Routine processes added further frustration.
As renewal approached, Derek researched alternatives through reviews, Google searches, AI tools, and online construction discussions. He wanted to understand what other commercial subcontractors were using.
His earlier experience with eSUB remained a useful point of comparison.
“It always felt like it was geared towards a commercial subcontractor like us,” Derek explained.
A walkthrough of the updated platform showed him how eSUB had developed since DRYSTAR last used it. The combination of familiar workflows and additional modules made returning a straightforward decision.
A Small Detail That Made Work Easier
About four to six weeks into DRYSTAR’s return, one early benefit stood out to Derek: change order documents attached directly to emails.
With Procore, he described recipients following a link into the system and manually exporting a PDF. General contractors unfamiliar with that process would ask where to find the document.
Having the attachment in the original email removed those steps.
“With [eSUB], it’s right in the initial email. It’s just too easy.”
— Derek Paquette, Co-owner, DRYSTAR Wall & Ceiling Ltd.
For Derek, that detail reflected the practical value of simplicity. Sharing a change order meant giving the recipient the document they needed without explaining how to retrieve it.
Knowing What’s Approved Before Work Begins
Change order visibility also supports an important part of DRYSTAR’s company culture: getting the paperwork in place before proceeding with extra work.
When a general contractor asks the crew to move ahead, the question is immediate. Has the change order actually been approved?
Previously, Derek described field staff contacting the office to check. With eSUB, they can see the status in the app themselves.
“Now they can have a quick look on the app and see what’s going on,” Derek said.
That access helps the field crew follow the same documentation practices as the office team. Derek wants written approval in hand rather than reaching the end of a project with extra work completed and outstanding paperwork.
“Get it in writing, or check: Has the paperwork been approved?” is how he described the expectation for his site crew.
Having that information available helps them respond when someone is asking them to act.
An Easy Return and a Team That Listens
Derek described the transition back as easy for both the field crew and office team. Their previous experience meant many of the workflows were familiar.
He appreciated the implementation meetings with site staff, follow-up support, and responsiveness to questions.
“Your team has been great, transitioning us back in,” Derek said.
For Derek, coming back to eSUB meant finding software and a responsive team that understands their needs. From accessible documents and visible approvals to hands-on support from people who listen, eSUB has built a tool around the work of a commercial subcontractor.
