"Where’s My Material?": Fixing the Most Frustrating Question in Construction

Every construction company knows the pain: the field needs materials, the office is chasing paperwork, and somewhere in between is a costly black hole of miscommunication. In this episode of The SubBase Show, we zoom in on a problem that drives subcontractors up the wal, constant confusion about material status. Marcus Spiegelberg of Douglas Orr Plumbing breaks it down with brutal clarity: “There was no visual.” Without real-time visibility, even the best foremen are left waiting, guessing, and asking the same question over and over again—“Where’s my material?” 

This isn’t just a rant. It’s a playbook for change. Marcus, alongside Brian Kian of Foundation Software and Eric from SubBase, shares how smart construction teams are closing the communication gap with purpose-built tools that actually work. From real-time updates and instant digital receivers to seamless accounting integration, this episode shows how a simple shift in workflow can buy back hours of lost time and turn your procurement chaos into a competitive edge. If you're still using 2x4s as message boards, you won’t want to miss this one. In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why traditional material requests are broken from the start
• How real-time updates eliminate the dreaded “where’s my material?” calls
• What smooth field-to-office communication actually looks like
• Why integration with accounting platforms is critical—not optional
• How to measure ROI by the minute (literally)

Featuring:

• Marcus Spiegelberg, President, Douglas Orr Plumbing
• Brian Kian, Construction Technology Expert, Foundation Software
• Eric, Founder, SubBase

Key Quote:
"We don't eliminate that position. You just allow them to do their job better—with more eyes wide open." — Marcus Spiegelberg