Trust Builders
Four mpd² students created a platform for their Capstone project designed to foster confidence in relationships between contractors and homeowners.
In an era where finding reliable contractors can be challenging, four students in Northwestern Engineering's Master of Product Design and Development Management (mpd²) program developed a solution that could improve the home-improvement industry.
Josh Cameron (mpd² ‘25), Eduardo Castro (mpd² ‘25), John Lattanzi (mpd² ‘25), and Ivan Yastrebov (mpd² ‘25) used their time in Capstone – the culminating component of the mpd² program – to create Compa, a marketplace designed to bridge the trust gap between contractors and homeowners.
“What we’re trying to do is make that process a little bit better,” Lattanzi said. “We can help contractors build their own portfolio, so instead of just telling homeowners they can do the job, they can show their previous work.”
The idea for Compa, Spanish for “friend” or “buddy,” emerged from the team’s desire to solve a problem they saw: the often difficult relationship between those looking for home renovations and the ones with the skills to get the job done. Compa aims to address challenges faced by both contractors and homeowners.
For contractors, especially those just starting out, it can often be difficult to prove their capabilities and secure jobs. Homeowners, on the other hand, struggle with trust issues when inviting strangers into their homes.
The platform incorporates features such as real-time tracking of contractors’ locations and easy ordering of additional materials, streamlining the entire process for both parties.
One of the key differentiators of Compa is its contractor-first approach.
“No one is on the side of contractors the way we are,” Yastrebov said. “We’re planning not to charge them unless they get an output from us, which means jobs they can successfully complete.”
The team faced several challenges during the development process, including the “cold start” problem inherent in two-sided marketplaces. This challenge happens when a new platform needs both suppliers and customers to be valuable, but it is difficult to attract either group without the other already being present.
They overcame that by focusing initially on creating value for contractors, with plans to attract homeowners once a solid base of service providers is established.
Throughout their journey, the team leveraged AI to enhance its productivity and creativity.
“We were really lucky to do this at such a pivotal time,” Cameron said. “If you did this even a year earlier or two years earlier, it would have been so much less possible to make our ideas real so quickly.”
The Capstone project was proof that the mpd² program has been transformative for the team, teaching them valuable lessons about product development and innovation. Lattanzi noted a significant shift in his approach to problem-solving, turning his focus to the “why” of a business need instead of the “how” or “what.”
For Yastrebov, the program demystified the process of creating a product.
“I learned that it's not that scary and it’s quite doable to create your own thing,” he said. “I am way more reassured that I can do it.”
With Compa, the students believe they've created something that can be far more than just a platform. They think it has the potential to transform the home improvement industry and help workers looking to get started in the field.
“It’s really hard for contractors to start their own business,” Lattanzi said. “What we are aiming for is to help contractors live the American dream without any blockers.”