Before joining Houzz Pro, Ashton Ross dreamed of becoming an actor. The stage may look different today, but the same skills – listening closely, thinking on his feet and framing the right story for the right audience – now help him deliver a thoughtful, supportive experience for construction and design pros getting started with Houzz Pro.

How would you describe what you do at Houzz?
We partner with pros from the moment they join Houzz Pro, helping them feel supported and confident as they get started. We work closely with them to transfer data from previous systems, set up tools such as online payments and organize key account information, so they can begin using the platform with a really strong foundation.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love providing what I call “white-glove service” to pros new to the Houzz Pro platform. The sales experience is often where the excitement begins, but the first moments after a pro joins are where trust really starts to grow. First impressions really matter, so being that first representative after they make that commitment is an honor. I get to welcome them with open arms, introduce them to our ethos and show them that we are truly here to help their business grow.

Tell us about your career journey. How did you find Houzz?
My background spans hospitality, restaurant management, retail and telecommunications, but the common thread has always been providing excellent customer service. After becoming a dad, I wanted a more predictable schedule and an opportunity to build a career in tech. After working at a couple of other startups, I found Houzz, and it’s been a blast ever since. I just celebrated my second Houzziversary!

What’s the best part about working here?
It’s the people. The company is incredibly supportive. Anytime I have feedback, concerns or new ideas, the door is always open. That sense of support makes a real difference, particularly in a remote environment. Our team feels really connected. 

What’s something that has surprised you about working here?
How truly global and diverse our team is. I’ve worked at other startups that were strictly American-based, so I was surprised to see how well our teams connect seamlessly across different global time zones.

What advice would you give someone thinking about joining Houzz?
Be a go-getter. There are so many opportunities for people who take initiative, share ideas and follow things through. Ambition, curiosity and determination will help you make an impact and get the most from your experience here.

What makes you most excited about the future of Houzz?
The continuous, rapid evolution of our software. In the two years I’ve been here, I’ve seen the software get better and better, with teams listening closely to feedback from pros and turning it into new tools and improvements. I’m excited to see how features, especially AI, continue to make the platform even more valuable for construction and design professionals.

What’s your favorite Houzz Pro feature?
Without a doubt, the mobile room scanner within the 3D Floor Plan tool. Pros can scan a space using their phone or tablet, create an accurate floor plan and immediately turn that plan into an estimate or a quote. It gives clients a clear way to visualize their project and allows pros to deliver an impressive experience while they’re still on-site. I think it’s one of the features that really sets Houzz Pro apart.

What do you do when you’re not working?
I’m a Texan through and through, so I love grilling! Ideally with a cold beer and some ribs or chicken. I also love live music, especially checking out local jazz, R&B or spoken word performances. I also still act occasionally and recently took part in a staged play reading. But most of my time is spent with my two young children, taking them to the park, flying kites, blowing bubbles and introducing them to experiences that will hopefully become core memories.