Smith Douglas Homes Taps Tech Veteran to Build Its Digital Future

ATLANTA, GA – January 14, 2026 – In a significant strategic move solidifying its commitment to technological advancement, Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (NYSE: SDHC) has appointed Dave Fazio as its first-ever Chief Information Officer. The announcement signals a new era for the national homebuilder, which went public in January 2024, and underscores a deliberate pivot towards embedding a robust, scalable technology strategy at the core of its operations as it navigates a competitive housing market.

Fazio, a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience, is tasked with a comprehensive mandate: to oversee the company's entire information technology landscape, including network infrastructure, enterprise platforms, systems development, and the increasingly critical domain of cybersecurity. The creation of this C-suite role is a clear indicator that Smith Douglas, a company that has already built homes for over 18,000 families, views technology not merely as a support function but as a primary engine for future growth and operational excellence.

“We are excited to welcome Dave to the Smith Douglas team,” said Greg Bennett, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Smith Douglas, in the official announcement. “Our homebuilding operations depend on reliable, scalable technology, and Dave’s leadership will help ensure our systems continue to support the Company’s growth. His experience and vision will also help us stay at the forefront of technological innovation across our industry.”

A Strategic Blueprint for Growth

The timing of Fazio's appointment is pivotal. Coming two years after its initial public offering, the move suggests a new phase of corporate maturity. As a public entity, the pressures of scale, efficiency, and transparent reporting demand a more sophisticated and centralized approach to technology. Smith Douglas, ranked #32 on the Builder Magazine Top 100 list, already utilizes a proprietary Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system known as SMART Builder. This system has been instrumental in managing its "land-light" business model, where the company focuses on acquiring finished lots via option contracts to minimize capital risk and align construction with real-time demand.

While the SMART Builder system has supported the company's growth to nearly 3,000 closings annually, the appointment of a CIO points to the recognition that future expansion requires a more holistic and forward-looking strategy. Fazio's role will likely involve evaluating, enhancing, and integrating the company's existing systems to create a seamless digital ecosystem. This is crucial for a builder operating across a dozen metropolitan markets, from Atlanta and Dallas to Nashville and Raleigh, targeting the price-sensitive entry-level and empty-nest buyer segments. Ensuring that its technology can scale reliably is paramount to maintaining its value proposition of delivering affordable, personalized homes.

The Architect of Transformation

Dave Fazio is not simply an IT manager; his background is that of a technology strategist and enterprise transformer. His career is marked by leadership roles where he drove significant innovation and modernization. Before joining Smith Douglas, he served as Vice President of IT and Data Management at VIRA Insight. More notably, he was the Chief Technology Officer at AspireHR, a provider of cloud-based human capital management solutions, where he led global teams in developing large-scale Software as a Service (SaaS) products.

His experience extends into the heart of modern enterprise technology. During a tenure at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Fazio was honored as "Architect of the Year" for his work as a Strategic Advisor, where he guided Fortune 100 companies through complex cloud transformation strategies. This expertise in cloud architecture and data analytics is particularly relevant for Smith Douglas. A transition to more advanced cloud-based platforms could unlock new levels of agility, data accessibility, and cost-efficiency, allowing the company to better manage everything from supply chain logistics to customer relationship management.

Furthermore, Fazio's track record includes bootstrapping a startup to $4.7 million in annual recurring revenue and leading a $5.5 million software project at McKesson Corporation that yielded substantial cost savings. This blend of entrepreneurial drive and large-enterprise discipline suggests he is well-equipped to build a technology division that is both innovative and fiscally responsible, a key consideration for a publicly traded company focused on value.

The Digital Arms Race in Homebuilding

Smith Douglas Homes' decision is not happening in a vacuum. The entire homebuilding industry, long considered a technological laggard, is now in the midst of a digital arms race. Faced with skilled labor shortages, volatile supply chains, and increasingly tech-savvy homebuyers, builders are turning to technology for a competitive edge. Major players like D.R. Horton and KB Home have been actively integrating smart home features and leveraging digital tools to streamline operations.

Industry-wide, the focus has shifted towards technologies that drive efficiency and improve the customer journey. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is replacing 2D blueprints with collaborative 3D models, reducing errors and waste. Drones are used for site surveys and progress monitoring, while advanced software platforms are helping to untangle complex supply chains. The appointment of a CIO at Smith Douglas is a strategic move to ensure it can compete effectively in this evolving landscape. Fazio's mandate will likely involve exploring and implementing technologies that can optimize construction schedules, predict material needs, and provide greater visibility across the entire building lifecycle.

From Blueprints to Bytes: Redefining the Homebuyer Experience

Ultimately, the impact of this technological overhaul will be felt most by the homebuyers. For the entry-level and empty-nest buyers that form Smith Douglas's core market, the homebuying process can be daunting. A modernized technology stack can transform this experience. Enhanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can provide more personalized and timely communication, guiding buyers from their initial inquiry to their closing date.

Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) tools could allow customers to tour and customize their future homes from their living rooms, offering a level of immersion and personalization previously unavailable at this price point. On the construction side, a more efficient, data-driven operation means fewer delays, better quality control, and more predictable timelines, all of which contribute to higher customer satisfaction.

Even the homes themselves may evolve. While Smith Douglas focuses on affordability, Fazio's innovation-focused background could lead to the strategic inclusion of cost-effective smart home packages—such as smart thermostats, video doorbells, and enhanced security—that add significant value for buyers. By digitizing its processes from the ground up, Smith Douglas is not just building houses; it is building a foundation for a more resilient, efficient, and customer-centric future in an industry on the cusp of profound change.