A note from CEO, John Holland
What if the future of truss software isn’t just about developing better tools, but redefining the entire process from the ground up?
Today, we are excited to publicly announce Paragon — a product that will change the way trusses are designed and built. A product that took years of development, investment, and an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship. You may be wondering why it took so long, and why does it matter now more than ever?
Building on a Legacy
Our family's history in this industry runs deep from my grandfather’s revolutionary machinery designs to my father’s extensive industry leadership. When my grandfather started Clearspan Components Inc. in 1962, he wasn’t just building a business; he was laying the foundation for a legacy of innovation. He secured patents on the wall assembly process that is still in use today and developed a variety of unique machines not seen anywhere else in the industry.
My father, Daniel Holland, took that legacy of innovation to heart as he and the whole truss industry experienced the feeling of powerlessness during destabilizing market events like the recession of 2008, or the pandemic in 2020 that brought soaring material prices and supplier allocations. Fifteen years ago, Dan wrote the first line of Lisp code for a truss analysis prototype that would someday become Paragon. This journey has taught me that legacy isn’t just something you inherit; it’s a mission you must carry forward with passion and purpose.
Not without Challenge
Six months ago, we were on the brink of launching Paragon, poised to finally share with the world what we had been working on for years. But then, the unexpected happened—my father passed away, halting our momentum at a critical moment. It wasn’t just the loss of a key figure; it was a reminder of the countless challenges we have faced along the way. Suddenly, the finish line felt farther away than ever, and the doubts began to creep in. Could I overcome the loss of his leadership, wisdom, experience, calmness, friendship, and parenting, and still fulfill the vision we had set out to achieve?
I do know this–what hasn’t changed is our unwavering commitment to the vision that my father and I shared. Paragon was never meant to be just another piece of software—it was designed to be fundamentally different. We knew from the beginning that it wouldn’t be for everyone, nor would it meet every need. Instead, Paragon was built to challenge the status quo, offering a new approach to truss design that prioritizes openness, flexibility, and innovation. We’ve continued to refine and perfect the software by staying true to its core purpose: to provide a flexible, streamlined solution that empowers users to design trusses in ways that have never been done before. Through every challenge, this commitment to a different way of thinking has remained at the heart of Paragon, ready to make its mark on the industry.
Be Part of the Future
We’re on the cusp of something truly transformative, and we couldn’t be more excited for you to experience it firsthand. Paragon is here, and our beta waitlist is open for signups, offering you a chance to be part of revolutionizing truss design. We’ve poured years of innovation and dedication into creating the most open, accessible, and powerful truss design software the industry has ever seen. Explore our newly launched website, sign up for the beta waitlist, and see for yourself how Paragon can change the way you work. We’ll be at the BCMC and NCSEA conferences this fall, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit us in person and get a closer look at what we’ve built.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us, the talented Paragon Team, and thank you Dan Holland for all that you have taught me through your faithful example... The journey is just beginning, and we’re thrilled to have you with us as we shape the future of truss design.
