Field notes
AI, explained
A new AI model comes out every week, and every vendor says theirs changes everything. We build with this stuff every day, so here's what it actually is, what it can do in a trades shop, and what it can't, in plain English.
AI, explainedJev vs. ChatGPT: the AI that decides instead of talks
A new AI model called Jev doesn't write a single word. It makes fast, cheap decisions with a confidence score. Here's what that means for a trades shop.
Oct 6, 2026 · 7 min read
AI, explainedWho's Using AI in the Skilled Trades? And What For?
A 2025 survey of 400+ trades professionals reveals adoption rates, time savings, and the top barriers holding businesses back from using AI.
Feb 18, 2026 · 2 min read
AI, explainedAI for the Skilled Trades: Hype or Hope?
You've heard the promises of AI — hours saved, money saved, accelerated efficiency. But will it disrupt how you do business? Here's what to actually look for in an AI platform for the trades.
Feb 18, 2026 · 2 min read
- AI, explained
The Future of Trades Tech: AI as the New Crew Member
AI isn't coming to replace your trades team—it's coming to work alongside them. Here's what that actually looks like in practice.
Jan 22, 2026 · 4 min read
AI, explainedThe Invisible Office Manager: How AI Handles Repetitive Trades Tasks
AI-powered automations act like an invisible office manager — never taking a lunch break, never forgetting a follow-up, and quietly handling payroll prep, vendor bills, and scheduling inside the tools you already use.
Aug 28, 2025 · 3 min read
The trades businessTrades 2030: What Does the Future Look Like?
Skilled trades won't disappear by 2030—but the way you run your business will look very different. Here's what to expect and how to prepare.
Feb 16, 2026 · 5 min read
Winning and keeping customersGive Your Online Reviews the Attention They Deserve—Automatically.
Reviews work 24/7 even when your office doesn't. Here's how AI-powered review automation protects your reputation without adding work to your team's plate.
Feb 10, 2026 · 5 min read
- The trades business
Prebuilt vs. Custom Assemblies: Which One Fits Your Business?
Not every automation problem needs a custom solution — and not every prebuilt fits your workflow. Here's a practical framework for choosing the right approach for your trades business.
Jan 22, 2026 · 5 min read
Winning and keeping customersCutting Cancellations by 5%: AI's Role in Customer Retention
Cancellations aren't inevitable. Learn how AI-driven automations like appointment reminders, missed-call follow-ups, and win-back workflows can reduce cancellations by around 5% and protect your bottom line.
Jan 22, 2026 · 5 min read
The trades business5 ServiceTitan Gaps We've Solved with Automation
ServiceTitan is the strongest platform in the trades—but it still leaves gaps that cost you time every day. Here are five we've fixed with automation.
Jan 22, 2026 · 4 min read
The trades businessThe Horseless Carriage Problem: Why Most Trades Software Feels Outdated
Most AI software for the trades has the same problem early automobiles had — it's a new engine bolted onto an old design. Here's what 'building the actual car' looks like for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses.
Jan 13, 2026 · 6 min read
The trades businessHow Aggregators Can Scale Smarter with AI-Driven Systems
For PE-backed aggregators, buying revenue is the easy part — operating at scale is the hard part. AI-driven systems offer a smarter path: standardize outcomes across the portfolio without forcing every brand into a painful overhaul.
Jan 13, 2026 · 5 min read
Tools for this
Free calculators and handouts, plus the products we built for this part of the business.
For the CSRCall CatchAI voice agent that catches overflow calls.5 min back · 15¢ per call
For the CSRNight LineAfter-hours voice agent that books while you sleep.5 min back · 15¢ per call
For the Marketing CoordinatorReview ResponderAI-drafted review replies that post on brand.4 min back · 12¢ per review
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More topics
“Why does the phone ring all day and still miss the calls that matter?”
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5 postsOpen“Where's my tech?”
Keeping customers in the loop
11 postsOpen“What happens to the rest of the day when one job runs long?”
Dispatch and the board
13 postsOpen“What does the tech need before they pull into the driveway?”
Out in the field
3 postsOpen“Why did they go with the other guy?”
Winning and keeping customers
3 postsOpen“Where did the margin go?”
Money and the numbers
10 postsOpen“How do you find good techs, and keep them?”
Your people
4 postsOpen“Where is the industry headed, and where does my shop fit?”
The trades business
11 postsOpen