The Catalyst for the Trades
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The Catalyst for the Trades
Unlocking Efficiency: AI Lead Management & Automation with Utku “Dave” Kaynar
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley welcomes Utku “Dave” Kaynar, CEO of OnePath, to take you deep inside the future of automation, lead management, and true profitability for the trades. Learn how AI-driven workflows, intelligent booking, and seamless platform integration are helping HVAC, electrical, and plumbing companies convert more leads, reduce overhead, and outpace the competition—without sacrificing the customer experience.
If you want to elevate your business, stop letting leads slip through the cracks, and finally operate at peak efficiency, this is the episode for you.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Dave and the AI Revolution in the Trades
01:23 – Dave’s Journey: From Buckeye Startup to Home Services Innovator
04:11 – Data-Driven Insights: The 80% Rule & Repetitive Task Automation
06:25 – The Lead Management Gap: Booking Rate Truths & Industry Challenges
10:23 – AI and Financial Mastery: Boosting EBITDA with Automation
11:24 – What Makes OnePath Different: Agentic AI & Intelligent Customer Journeys
16:23 – The Power of Deep Integration: From Silos to Data-Driven Decisions
20:45 – Rethinking the Customer Experience: Personalized Automation for Every Channel
24:01 – Booking Without Bottlenecks: AI Chat, LSA, Web Forms, and Aggregator Integration
27:55 – Why Speed Wins: Fastest Response, Highest ROI
29:03 – Customer Preferences: Meeting Leads Where They Are, 24/7
31:45 – The Human Element: Human-in-the-Loop Support for Complex Cases
32:50 – How OnePath’s Booking Experience Outshines Traditional Tools
34:13 – Handling Urgent Appointments & Converting Every Opportunity
35:24 – Next-Level Automation: Outbound, Retention, and Personalized Marketing
36:58 – The Impact of AI-Powered Booking vs. Legacy Platforms
38:01 – Preparing for the Agentic Future: AI as Your Workforce
40:23 – How Contractors Can Finally Master High and Low Seasons
41:45 – Streamlining Repetitive & Administrative Payroll with AI
42:06 – Tool Comparison: Security, Integrations, and True Agency Intelligence
47:12 – Navigating Legacy Tech, Automation Pitfalls, and Choosing Smarter Solutions
49:24 – The AI-Enabled Contractor: Fast, Localized, and Language-Free
51:44 – Connect with OnePath, Book a Demo, and Next Steps for Contractors
Guest Details:
Utku “Dave” Kaynar
Title: CEO & Co-Founder, OnePath
Background: With over 15 years in tech and a pioneering track record in AI and automation for home services, Dave brings deep expertise in SaaS, workflow optimization, agentic AI, and field service integration. He previously co-founded Buckeye, scaling dispatch automation during the pandemic, and has led partnerships with industry giants like ServiceTitan and Nextstar. Dave’s insider knowledge helps contractors unlock “free money” through automation—raising booking rates, increasing profitability, and optimizing every step of the customer journey.
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