The Team

Brandon Cook - Owner

Kayla Gauthier - CAD Technician

History

OnGrade was founded in 2018, built on nearly two decades of hands-on experience in the construction industry. The company’s roots trace back to 2005, beginning with field work as a laborer and progressing through multiple facets of construction. Early experience working directly under a professional engineer helped establish a strong technical foundation and a clear understanding of how engineering intent, construction plans, and real-world field execution connect.

Over time, that experience evolved into a focus on construction takeoffs and GPS modeling. Time spent in the field shaped a practical approach to modeling—one centered on accuracy, constructability, and producing data that crews can rely on in real jobsite conditions, not just in theory.

Before OnGrade was formed, additional experience was gained on the technology and business side of the industry through the sale and support of GPS equipment. That role reinforced the importance of matching the right tools to how contractors actually build. Understanding both field operations and construction technology became a defining strength and the foundation for how OnGrade operates today.

OnGrade began as a small, focused operation and grew steadily as demand increased. In 2020, the team expanded with the addition of Preston Cook. With no prior construction background, Preston was trained from the ground up, starting with learning construction plans on paper before transitioning into CAD and modeling work. This approach ensured a solid understanding of plan intent before relying on software.

The team grew again in 2024 with the addition of Kayla Gauthier. Like Preston, her training emphasized traditional plan reading first, followed by digital modeling and takeoffs. This methodical process remains a core part of OnGrade’s internal standards and reflects the belief that strong fundamentals lead to better results.

Today, OnGrade serves more than 100 repeat clients across multiple states, providing GPS modeling and construction takeoff services. Growth has been driven by long-term relationships, consistency, and a strong understanding of contractor needs. The team’s combined field experience and technical knowledge allow OnGrade to deliver work that aligns with how projects are actually built.

As a family-run company, OnGrade is grounded in shared values of quality, accountability, and customer service. Every project reflects a commitment to getting the details right and delivering reliable data. The company’s continued growth is rooted in experience, trust, and the belief that mastering the fundamentals is essential to making technology truly effective.