How RouteSmart Is Strengthening Its Feedback Loop with Canny
We’re building better products by listening — and we’re doubling down with new team talent and a smarter feedback loop.
– 3 Min Read
Intelligent route planning isn’t just about advanced algorithms and precision mapping — it’s about listening to our clients and continuously improving based on their needs. That client-driven mindset is fueling growth within our Product Management team and shaping the tools we use to turn feedback into innovation.
Welcoming Caroline Van Hook and Ben Dressing
Earlier this year, Caroline Van Hook joined RouteSmart as Product Manager. Based in our Columbia, Maryland headquarters, Caroline leads the development of RouteSmart for ArcGIS Pro, ensuring clients continue to benefit from intelligent route planning that integrates seamlessly with Esri technology. Caroline has jumped right in, focusing on ways to make the transition to ArcGIS Pro even smoother and more intuitive for our users.
In October, we added Ben Dressing as our newest Product Manager, focusing on RouteSmart Online. Ben collaborates closely with Senior Product Manager Mike Corder and the QA team to advance RouteSmart Online’s features and functionality. His work bridges strategy, product development, and client engagement — keeping innovation aligned with real-world needs.
Together, Caroline and Ben bring fresh perspectives and new energy to the team, strengthening our ability to translate client insights into meaningful updates and long-term product growth.
Caroline Van Hook, Product Manager, RouteSmart
Closing the Feedback Loop with Canny
As we continue to grow, so does our commitment to listening more effectively. Our partnership with Canny, a leading product feedback platform, makes that possible.
Canny provides a transparent way for RouteSmart clients to share ideas, request features, and vote on enhancements for RouteSmart Online and RouteSmart for ArcGIS Pro. The platform helps our product team see which ideas resonate most and prioritize development work that delivers the greatest impact.
“RouteSmart is a great example of a company that genuinely wants feedback and acts on it,” Eric Hoppe, Director of Marketing at Canny, said. “You’re not just collecting ideas — you’re showing clients how their voices influence the product. That’s the difference between having a feedback tool and having a feedback culture.”
That feedback culture is exactly what we’re working to build. And for our clients, the value is immediate: they can follow progress through a public roadmap, track updates, and see when their suggestions become new product features. It’s a simple but powerful way to keep communication open — and to show that every piece of feedback counts.
Eric Hoppe, Head of Marketing, Canny
Client-Driven Innovation in Action
Canny has become an integral part of our development process. It helps our Product Managers — from Caroline and Ben to Mike and the QA team — identify trends, validate ideas, and ensure we’re building tools that truly serve our clients.
“Canny gives us clarity,” explained RouteSmart Senior Product Manager Mike Corder. “It cuts through the noise and helps us focus on what will make the biggest difference for our clients. The feedback is organized, the priorities are visible, and it keeps us aligned with what users really need.”
Having that clarity means we can respond faster, plan smarter, and deliver updates with confidence.
The result is a stronger, more responsive relationship between our team and the people who rely on our solutions every day. By combining our expanding product team with data-driven feedback tools like Canny, we’re turning client insights into intelligent improvements faster and more effectively than ever before.
The Road Ahead
With new talent on the Product Management team and a more connected approach to client feedback, we’re continuing to evolve — guided by collaboration, innovation, and transparency.
Because when our clients’ voices shape our roadmap, everyone moves forward more intelligently.
