Is your contracting business ready for the next wave of technology? In this forward-thinking episode, Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz sit down with Paul Redman, CEO of Contractor Commerce, to talk about what it really takes to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. They dive into the impact of AI, automation, and e-commerce, how lean, tech-centric companies are reshaping home services, and why a customer-first mindset is more critical than ever.From practical ways to leverage AI—no matter your company size—to rethinking memberships, avoiding “growth debt,” and creating standout customer experiences, this episode is packed with insights for contractors who want to win today and tomorrow.Whether you’re just starting out or leading a multimillion-dollar operation, you’ll get actionable advice and real-world examples to help you adapt, thrive, and build a future-ready business.Timestamps:00:00 – Introductions and laughs: Why getting the details right matters02:18 – Paul Redman’s journey from field sales to Contractor Commerce07:21 – Spotting trends: Seeing the future in HVAC and home services10:56 – The technology revolution: AI adoption, contractor mindsets, and industry shifts14:33 – Native AI everywhere: How device updates will transform how consumers find you19:16 – The evolving sales process: Preempting customer questions and leveraging automation22:34 – Transparency, trust, and the rise of recorded customer interactions26:24 – Removing excuses: Why efficiency is easier than ever with today’s AI tools30:38 – Breaking down barriers: Closed-loop systems vs. AI’s demand for open integration32:42 – Memberships for contractors: What works, what falls flat, and what customers actually want35:24 – The big question: Will lean, tech-driven contractors outcompete industry giants?39:04 – People vs. profit: How to build margin and deliver exceptional experiences43:49 – Risk, reward, and pricing: The new business model for contractors47:11 – Omnichannel, DTC, and the future of HVAC manufacturers51:04 – High-leverage activities: Human connection as your best competitive edge52:52 – Wrap-up and takeawaysGuest Details:Paul RedmanTitle: CEO of Contractor CommerceBackground: Paul Redman is a leader in digital transformation for the trades, with extensive experience in HVAC, sales, and tech. From his start in field sales straight out of college to founding Contractor Commerce, Paul’s passion is making e-commerce and modern customer experiences accessible to contractors of all sizes. He’s a champion for contractor success—and for keeping the human touch alive in a tech-driven world.Relevant Links:Contractor CommerceCatalyst for the Trades PodcastCI Web GroupOpus and Golds GroupEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe to "The Catalyst for Trades" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Share this episode with aspiring and established leaders, and stay tuned for more insights on driving business success and personal leadership growth.

Ver todos los episodios