Unlocking business potential: uSource is an advanced business management software platform, offering everything you need to sell more, streamline your operations, and manage your workforce in real-time.

“Our emphasis on a strong team structure remains pivotal to our ongoing success.”

uSource is an integrated ERP system designed for the maintenance services industry. It’s an end-to-end software-as-a-service that automates business-critical functions. The platform offers users information connection and easy and intuitive access, aiming to build and scale up in the industry.

uSource’s mission centers on developing a customizable system that can adapt to individual needs, providing a seamless technological experience without needing a dedicated technology manager or incurring unnecessary employee costs, thereby saving capital. Additionally, it caters to individuals without technological expertise, enabling them to navigate the platform as effortlessly as they would navigate widely used interfaces. The platform’s 2.0 model incorporates three key languages: English, Spanish, and Mandarin. However, even for those who do not speak these languages, the platform is designed for intuitive use, ensuring that users can grasp its functionalities with minimal clicks and effort.

In addition to streamlining internal communications, uSource also features a distinct “customer portal,” enabling clients to multiple vendors to access service information and submit tickets. In essence, it fosters 360-degree connectivity, establishing a robust link between the client, the seller, and potential subcontractors.

Since its inception in 2017, the idea of uSource has introduced differentiating entities to the market, simplifying daily operations. It has facilitated efficient management of employee onboarding and offboarding processes, streamlined tasks previously handled manually, and yielded annual savings of over $300,000 to one of the company users, owing to the system’s inherent precision.

uSource headquarter office is located in Houston, TX.

The Silicon Review contacted Alexander Melgar, founder and CEO of uSource, and here’s his response.

Interview Highlights

Tell us about the circumstances or events that led to the founding of uSource.

Based on my 20-year tenure as CEO across multiple companies in the maintenance sector. I learned that scalability requires the delegation of tasks to various members of the organization and the decentralization of information. Pertinent information, stored solely in the brain of the CEO, needed to be more effectively integrated throughout the company. I came to the realization that there’s a necessity to establish a communication system that would interconnect various departments (such as finance, sales, and human resources) to consolidate data. This would enable smoother facilitation of new processes, time optimization, and cost savings.

Further, discussions with my CFO initiated the pursuit of an experienced software developer to improve our system. However, after six months, it became clear that the idea was not precisely asserted. This was primarily due to the inability to transfer specialized knowledge, resulting in excessive reliance on the expert for the execution of the system. Over time, we collaborated with a company to jointly build the platform. While engaging with others in the maintenance industry, I realized they faced similar challenges and that crafting a solution from scratch, with its share of successes and failures, was ideal for our market. This solution effectively addressed my requirements, enabling delegation without compromising control, providing visibility into crucial information, and allowing me to fulfill my role as CEO by remaining dedicated to constant creation, innovation, and problem-solving. That’s how uSource was born.

Q. What characteristics must a uSource employee meet?

Based on my experiences across various companies, I have established a robust corporate culture that embraces the importance of respect and freedom of expression. This culture prioritizes hiring individuals who demonstrate a willingness to learn, go beyond their assigned tasks, consistently envision goals, and possess the drive to progress.

Consequently, I avoid hiring individuals with arrogant attitudes or a sense of superiority. When the company achieves success, such individuals tend to prioritize personal recognition, seeking individual glory and overshadowing the collaborative teamwork that contributed to the accomplishments. At uSource, we foster a collective spirit where every individual embodies the spirit of a CEO. Our emphasis on a solid team structure remains pivotal to our ongoing success.

Setbacks are part of every growing business. Tell us about some obstacles and learning lessons that helped uSource grow over the years.

While pursuing success, one inevitably confronts obstacles to overcome and avenues that foster growth, leading to favorable outcomes. This was the case for uSource during its initial stages. Despite facing challenges, our focus extended beyond simply finding the right solution for our users’ needs.

During our initial system implementation, we encountered numerous errors and bugs resulting from a lack of comprehension regarding the workings of the technology, unfamiliarity with the associated terminology, and a less technologically adept team, all of which incurred substantial financial costs, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Realizing that I couldn’t rely on external guidance, I made a personal commitment to continue my education and enroll in classes to gain proficiency in interactive foundations, interfaces, and related concepts.

Embracing the philosophy of “If you don’t know how to swim, learn to build a boat,” I leveraged technology to my advantage. Utilizing social networks, I actively sought out seasoned experts in the field. I attended various events, reached out to experienced entrepreneurs for insights, and diligently absorbed and implemented the knowledge acquired to achieve my objectives.

In my career, giving up has never been an option. I chose an entrepreneur’s path rather than a technology director’s. I have invested resources in the platform’s development and gaining experience and knowledge, particularly in learning from mistakes and understanding what to avoid.

“This solution effectively addressed my requirements, enabling delegation without compromising control, providing visibility into crucial information, and allowing me to fulfill my role as CEO to dedicate my time to growth and planning.”