12Build has a clear mission: proving that procurement in construction can be fundamentally different. “We want to show that even the smallest subcontractor—who might find AI a bit daunting—can benefit from smart solutions,” says Patrick. "Multinationals have paved the way through trial and error. Now, the real opportunities are yours to seize.”
Looking ahead, 2025 will be all about delivering more value to the subcontractors and general contractors. New features like Publications and Bid Board will improve collaboration between general and subcontractors, while we also work on improved user experience by automating tasks and simplifying processes. In this blog series, we guide you through 12Build’s path to the future.
As our new CEO, Patrick is ready to lead 12Build into the future and drive digital transformation in construction. His leadership style? Listening, adapting, and staying connected with the construction industry.
He describes himself as an "extroverted introvert"—not the loudest in the room, but someone who makes an impact. “12Build users will definitely notice my presence. 12Build has always been built outside-in, developing what the market truly needs. That won’t change.”
And his connection to construction? It wasn’t there from the start. “But I quickly saw how innovation and SaaS solutions can solve key industry challenges.” While Patrick brings fresh perspective, 12Build’s roots in construction remain strong—with founder Erik Nieuwenhuis, the son of a contractor, ensuring the company stays grounded in real-world industry needs. Erik Nieuwenhuis hands over the CEO role to focus on new adventures. But he’s not leaving. As founder, he’ll stay actively involved, providing strategic input and shaping 12Build’s culture.
The past few years at 12Build have been a period of rapid growth. That growth is exactly what the company aims for, but it also brought challenges. Staying closely connected to customers became more difficult during this expansion.
"We want to grow by staying close to our customers," says Patrick. "But with our fast expansion, that became more difficult. We ran into internal bottlenecks, while growth just kept going. In 2023, we started tackling these issues so we could refocus on what really matters: our customers and how to translate those into our product." (An upcoming blog will reveal more about how this will be translated into the product.)
Last year, we introduced key changes to improve scalability and set out to prove that its expansion strategy works—aiming to successfully establish a new region within three years. Denmark became the ultimate test.
"After an initial growth spurt, everything stalled in Q2 of 2024," Patrick explains. "That kind of slowdown, especially in a new market, creates uncertainty. It demanded a lot of perseverance from the team. But after the summer, things turned around, and we ended up exceeding all targets in Denmark."
Beyond the numbers, Patrick was most impressed by the adaptability of the team. "They embraced all the changes effortlessly—even though it was a lot. That’s what makes 12Build strong: we don’t just push forward, we adjust, improve, and respond to trends."
In 2025, 12Build is set to deliver more value to both general contractors and subcontractors. According to Patrick, the focus is clear: “We need to start reaping the benefits of the changes we’ve made. That means regularly launching new features that help our customers get even more out of 12Build.” A big part of that is improving the user experience—making the platform even easier and more intuitive to use.
A key priority is strengthening collaboration in the tendering process. “Good partnerships between general and subcontractors start with solid groundwork in the offer phase. That’s where we can make a real difference,” Patrick explains. To support this, 12Build is rolling out Publications and Bid Board—tools that give subcontractors more control and visibility and make tender management more structured.
Innovation drives the construction industry forward. “We want our users to benefit directly from smart technology,” says Patrick. “By automating tasks and simplifying complex processes, we respond to industry trends and challenges. It’s not just about working faster but also about making smarter decisions.” AI is, therefore, another game-changer according to Patrick. “Whether it's reducing manual work or improving decision-making, innovations will play a big role in the future of digital procurement."
With smarter tools, better collaboration, and innovation, 12Build helps contractors address the construction industry’s challenges, like skilled labor shortage and the need for prefab and circularity, the more than ever. And Patrick? "I’m excited to take 12Build forward and help the construction industry move ahead. I’d love to share more about how we’re helping our customers further. So, stay tuned for more blogs from me!"
Want to stay ahead in the industry? Start sourcing smarter with 12Build. Or, Follow Patrick on LinkedIn for insights on digital transformation, procurement, and sales in the construction industry.