The Catalyst for the Trades
Are you driven to achieve more, push boundaries, and see real results in everything you do? The Catalyst is the podcast for the relentless go-getters, innovators, and leaders who are obsessed with turning vision into action. Join us as we dive deep into success stories, strategies, and insights from industry experts who have cracked the code on what it takes to ignite change and get results. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone determined to excel, this podcast will fuel your obsession with success. Listen in and become the catalyst for your own results.
The Catalyst for the Trades
AI-Driven Success for Contractors: Lynn Wise’s Blueprint for the Future
Ready to future-proof your contracting business? AI is transforming everything from lead conversion to customer service and financial management in the trades. In this episode, Lynn Wise, founder of Contractor in Charge and One Path AI, joins host Jennifer Bagley to break down how artificial intelligence is accelerating change for home service companies.
Learn what’s driving tighter margins, why AI-powered call centers and agentic agents are game-changers, and how contractors can level up to attract more leads, streamline operations, and boost profitability. Lynn and Jennifer share firsthand insights, practical adoption tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at innovative tools like the One Path AI CRM. This is a must-listen for anyone serious about thriving amid rapid tech transformation in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcoming Lynn Wise & The Urgency of AI in the Trades
03:07 - Lynn’s Unique Vantage Point: Financials and Call Centers
05:59 - Industry Trends: Margins, Overhead, and Post-COVID “Normal”
07:53 - AI’s Real Impact: Call Centers, Lead Velocity & Staffing
10:12 - The Consumer-Driven Shift to AI Tools and Agentic Agents
14:25 - How Business Owners Are Adopting Tech Slower Than Consumers
16:04 - The Freedom Outsourcing & AI Brings Contractors
18:57 - Early Adopters in the Trades: Real Stories and Use Cases
19:36 - Introducing One Path: The AI-First Operations Platform
21:16 - Why “Human in the Loop” Still Matters
23:43 - Letting Consumers Choose Their Experience
25:11 - Built for AI: Booking Systems, Agentic Agents & Efficiency
29:54 - Rethinking Customer Experience vs. Job Management
31:08 - SEO and Marketing in the Age of AI
35:23 - Lifetime Value, Lead Scoring & Automated Nurture
36:43 - Attribution, Reporting & Closing the AI Data Gap
38:41 - What’s Next: Releases, Parties & Staying Ahead
40:25 - Meet the AI-First Contractor: Case Studies
43:37 - Get Connected: How to Reach Lynn Wise & Jennifer Bagley
Guest Details:
Lynn Wise
Title: Founder of Contractor in Charge & Co-Founder of One Path AI
Background:
Lynn Wise is a pioneer in AI-driven solutions for the home services sector, with decades of expertise spanning financial management, call center operations, and tech innovation for contractors. Through Contractor in Charge and the new One Path AI platform, Lynn is empowering companies to leverage advanced tools that maximize margins, enhance customer service, and streamline day-to-day operations, making businesses more resilient, profitable, and ready for the future.
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