The speed of technological change has always been relentless. The companies that thrive in this environment are the ones that do more than just keep up—they anticipate, adapt, and innovate.
It’s not enough to simply tweak existing processes. To remain competitive, businesses need to introduce groundbreaking solutions that not only streamline operations but also cut costs and boost efficiency across the board.
Meet startup founder Chis Polin
Chris Polin, a former project manager in construction, and founder of DLP Manager, didn’t set out to be a disruptor, but like most innovators, he saw a problem too big to ignore.
The construction industry, notoriously slow to embrace new technologies, was ripe for transformation. Cost overruns, protracted disputes, and shoddy workmanship were more than just inconveniences—they were eroding client trust and causing massive financial strain.
What was worse, these challenges didn’t end when the building was completed. Handovers and warranty periods were a quagmire of mismanagement, leaving property owners exposed to ongoing costs and legal battles.
Chris knew the answer wasn’t a quick fix; it was a complete overhaul.
Why his company DLP Manager matters
One of the most frustrating and expensive problems in construction is managing defects after a building is completed. It’s a mess—hundreds of details, dozens of people, and a process so chaotic it eats time, money, and resources. Everyone dreads it.
The traditional way of handling this is a disaster: spreadsheets, PDFs, phone calls, emails—often managed by people who aren't even qualified to solve the problems.
Chris saw this broken system and did what founders do best, he built something better. He and his team created DLP Manager, a tool designed not just to manage defects, but to make the whole process seamless.
What Chris realised is that the problem wasn’t just about better tools. It was about better collaboration. DLP Manager brings everyone to the table from day one, turning what used to be a blame game into something transparent and accountable.
By streamlining communication, it restores trust in the construction process. And in an industry that’s been slow to change, innovations like DLP Manager aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re critical for survival.
The importance of support to innovate
“Being part of Stone and Chalk has been instrumental in our growth,” says Chris. “We had the vision for DLP Manager, but Stone and Chalk provided us with the connections and resources needed to establish a strong foundation for our innovative technology.”
At the heart of every successful startup is a support network, and for Chris, Stone & Chalk was a launchpad to success.
“The mentoring and support we received from experienced professionals, including CTOs and accountants in residence, has accelerated our progress.”
Stone & Chalk is about resources, but it's also about building connections that matter. Whether it’s an introduction to a potential investor or the shared experiences from another founder over coffee, the community itself is a catapult for innovation.
Think big and make a difference
Chris added, “Stone and Chalk offers an environment that fosters innovation by bringing together individuals with a passion for change. It's a place where big thinkers and action-takers can collaborate and drive transformative solutions.
“Stone and Chalk is the ideal place for innovators because it supports and empowers those with a vision to make a difference. It's a community where entrepreneurs with ‘skin in the game’ can connect, learn and take action to drive innovation in their respective industries.”
Surrounded by mentors, experts, and like-minded entrepreneurs, Chris was able to harness the knowledge and guidance needed to build something that could truly make a difference. And in doing so, Stone & Chalk ensure that industries like construction, which are overdue for change, get the disruption they deserve to make lives better.
Stone and Chalk isn't for everyone...
But it is for those who are ready to embrace change and shape the future.
Chris Polin's journey with DLP Manager is a prime example of how innovation can breathe new life into traditional industries. What started as a frustration with the construction industry’s inefficiencies turned into a vision for something better—an industry where transparency and accountability are the norm, not the exception.
We’re for the brave. The risk takers. The hard working and the innovative. We’re for startups like DLP Manager, who are changing the world with their innovative solutions.
If you’d like to join Stone & Chalk’s community of game-changers and big thinkers, visit our website to learn more.
