From Jobsite to Help Desk: Brian Snyder’s People-First Approach to IT
Now Brian oversees IT operations for the Installation and Maintenance (I&M) segment, supporting construction-focused brands such as Bel-Aire Mechanical, Gilbert, Therma, IMD, Yearout Mechanical, A. O. Reed & Co., VarcoMac, and The Bowers Group. Brian understands IT in construction is different, as he knows field teams, jobsite urgency, and the realities of supporting users who may not work at desks all day. “I’ve never looked at technology skills as a measure of someone’s intelligence or value. We simply have different backgrounds and different areas of expertise.” His job is to help others with technology so they can focus on what they do best: troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues, managing crews, coordinating trades, or keeping projects moving.
In construction, if a project starts quickly and workers don’t have the devices they need, it can create serious delays and customer issues. “If IT is not keeping up with the clients’ demands, we’re going to be making a bad impression on our customer at the jobsite.” In fact, several Legence business units’ presidents have reached out to him saying they want IT partners who understand the unique demands of working in construction. He believes IT should be seen as a strategic business partner, not simply a support function, and is working to make IT more visible, approachable, and proactive through education, collaboration, and engagement. “I don’t want IT to be seen as...we’re only there to help you if something goes wrong. I want to engage with people in a way where they feel happy and excited because they’ve learned something new.”
In his free time, Brian enjoys microscopy photography, which is where microscopes are used to photograph butterfly wings, diatoms, and crystals he grows. Click here to check out more photos showcasing this unique talent on his website.
As Brian is always looking to develop as a professional, he enjoys listening to audiobooks while traveling to jobsites. If you also share a passion for eliminating bottlenecks and improving processes, one of his favorite books on this topic is called The Two Second Lean by Paul Akers. Brian describes himself as a “process junkie” who loves building documentation, standardizing workflows, and using automation to make IT more scalable and consistent. “Anytime there’s a problem, I always try to ask myself what I can do to create a process that will make sure this thing never comes up again.” He emphasizes the need to rely on your team and learn from others, such as Aaron Nielsen and others across Legence, when challenges arise. Brian doesn’t just support technology; he supports people.
