Meet Dan Dvorak from the LBM Team

This month, we feature Dan Dvorak, product manager II at ECI Software Solutions. We sat down with Dan to learn more about his role within the LBM team.

ECI: Describe your role in 50 words or less.

Dan Dvorak (DD): I am a product manager within the LBM division. In this role, I currently focus on applying agile product principles and methodologies by implementing tools such as Aha for strategy development, planning, and gathering customer insights.

ECI: What and where did you study?

DD: I studied business at the University of Nebraska. More recently, I've dedicated the last seven-plus years to my role as a product manager, continuously refining my skills through various product courses and certification

ECI: Tell us about your background and the path that led you to your current role.

DD: Throughout my career, I've worn multiple hats, from motorized shading integration and consulting to construction management software support, ultimately leading me to product management. A common thread among these past roles is their focus on the construction industry. This diverse background has uniquely prepared me for the challenges and opportunities in the industry.

ECI: What does your day-to-day work life look like?

DD: My typical day involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, helping refine product strategies, overseeing the customer ideation portal, and creating visual solutions and reports to help the team feel informed about customer needs.

ECI: What advice would you give someone just starting in your industry? Any words of wisdom?

DD: Embrace a continuous learning mindset, stay customer-focused, and build strong communication skills. Success in product management lies in your ability to adapt, listen, and lead with empathy.

ECI: What excites you most about working within this industry?

DD: The ever-evolving nature of the industry excites me. Every day presents a new challenge, an opportunity to innovate, and a chance to create products that make a meaningful impact on people's lives.

ECI: What do you find most challenging about working within this industry?

DD: The most significant challenge for me personally today lies in balancing competing priorities and ensuring that every product decision aligns with the broader company strategy. It's a dynamic puzzle that requires constant attention.

ECI: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since you began your career?

DD: The importance of collaboration and cross-functional teamwork. No great product is created in isolation; it results from diverse minds working together cohesively. I never want to get to the finish line, and I hope people like it!

ECI: Since you started working in the industry, what changes have you witnessed?

DD: From a customer perspective within the construction industry, I've observed significant shifts such as increased digitalization, a growing request for data insights, and a more robust demand for innovation and usability.

Within software development, I've witnessed a shift towards agile methodologies, a greater emphasis on user-centric design, and the rapid adoption of innovative tools and technologies that have transformed product development.

ECI: What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?

DD: Outside work, I’m a dad of two kids, ages eight and four, and a husband.  If I am not watching football, the family is usually out about finding the next adventure.

ECI: What book would you recommend for anyone to add to their ‘must-read list?

DD: I highly recommend "Inspired: How To Create Products Customers Love" by Marty Cagan. It's a comprehensive guide to modern product management and innovation that has greatly influenced my approach.