The SkillSignal Story
Get to know the people
behind the platform
Sebastien de Ghellinck
SkillSignal Founder
I grew up in a tiny village outside Antwerp, Belgium. My grandfather, a soft-spoken aristocrat, was responsible for rebuilding Belgium’s electric grid, which was mostly destroyed during WW2. He and his team went on to deliver a safe and stable network used by millions of households and businesses. Several years later, at his funeral in 1986, his closest colleague’s eulogy not only emphasized his kindness but also how he had fought like a lion to invest in better PPE and to introduce the first safety rules at the company. Union leaders then read a long list of workers that survived thanks to his initiatives.
I was 10 years old, and the goodness and fierceness of my grandfather left an enduring mark on my soul. My Dad inherited his personality, and – even though I left my family in Belgium for New Jersey – he’s my North Star in growing SkillSignal.
I went on to start my professional career in 1999, working in top international banking and insurance. I sharpened my skills in building complex digital platforms and data systems during intense projects in London, Paris, Istanbul, Cincinnati, and New York City. SkillSignal is combining my roots in the trades and the wings I built in systems management!
Most important life lesson: Becoming an Eagle Scout taught me to never back down and stay together.
Favorite business principle: Always day 1.
For public speaking engagements on construction safety and wellness, please email: info@skillsignal.com
Vivian Burgnon
SkillSignal Founder
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the trades, I was surrounded by individuals who embodied grit and hard work—values that fostered my genuine passion for supporting those who build. My father, after serving in the Army, dedicated his professional life to the trades, and I had the privilege of watching him contribute to some incredible projects.
Service and public safety were also ingrained in my family’s legacy. My grandfather, a dedicated community leader, served as Fire Chief and Public Safety Director after years of service with the Stanford Hose Co. and Corry City Council. His unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others left a lasting impact on me, reinforcing the importance of responsibility, leadership, and contributing to something greater than oneself.
Professionally, I have a diverse background spanning public health and safety with the Florida Department of Health, legal work specializing in workers’ compensation and personal injury, and ultra-high-end customer service for New York City’s elite. Additionally, my experience in operations has allowed me to develop strategic problem-solving skills, optimize workflows, and drive efficiency in complex environments.
In my current role as Chief Customer Officer, I bring my customer-facing expertise and operational knowledge together to guide teams toward enhanced compliance and greater success. I understand that every project is unique and operates differently—I love embracing that complexity and finding ways to optimize outcomes.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about world travel. I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, always seeking new adventures—whether it’s scuba diving in new waters, scaling mountains via Ferrata, or immersing myself in different cultures.
Favorite business principle: momentum = action + desire + reflection.
The SkillSignal Team
Meet The SkillSignal Advisors
Felipe Engineer-Manriquez
SkillSignal Advisor
Felipe is a 20 year construction industry veteran, best-selling author, podcast host, and international keynote speaker.
He held leading positions at Turner, Pepper and McCarthy Construction companies and is currently Director at The Boldt Company in California. He’s an award-winning global expert on Lean Construction.
Felipe is a Registered Scrum Trainer™ (RST), Registered Scrum Master™ (RSM), and enables change via blogging, coaching, social media, and his book, “Construction Scrum.”
He is also a Lean Construction Institute Chairman’s Award recipient for his contributions to the industry.
Joe Schwed
SkillSignal Advisor
Joe Schwed is an accomplished safety leader whose distinguished career spans nearly three decades, complemented by a robust engagement in academic pursuits.
Presently serving as the Head of Health, Safety, and Wellbeing at Ferrovial, Mr. Schwed also imparts his extensive knowledge as an Adjunct Professor of Construction Safety at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey and as an Lecturer at the esteemed Columbia University in New York, where he devotes a substantial portion of his time instructing students in the intricacies of Safety Management.
With notable tenures at Honeywell and a directorship at the Port Authority of NY and NJ, Mr. Schwed played a pivotal role in fortifying safety protocols during the reconstruction of the World Trade Center, overseeing the development of the Hudson Yards project for the Related Companies, and currently spearheading the safe construction of the New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy Airport.
Safety tech’s fastest growing platform
Selected as #1 by top ENR General Contractors. Loved by thousands of Trade Contractors across the US
The SkillSignal Advantage
Save time, enhance safety, reduce risk, and ensure compliance.
Save 7-10 admin hours a week
Users save on average 7-10 hours per week, per jobsite. Our platform reduces the time required on admin tasks with digital efficiency.
Reach 100% Compliance
When you introduce SkillSignal’s exclusive apps, you can quickly and efficiently unburden your field staff!
17% reduced liability
Limiting liability is crucial to any project, we allow you to keep better records and be more detail-oriented than ever before.
22% increase in automation
with automatic daily logs, reports.
45% TRIR reduction
positively influencing EMR.
Win more clients and revenue
with cutting-edge field technology.
15x more jobsite data
for 100% paperless compliance.
50% DART reduction
with searchable digital libraries.
