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Future-Proofing Contracting: Paul Redman on Tech, AI, and the New Customer Experience
Manage episode 488131693 series 3620561
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 matters
02:18 – Paul Redman’s journey from field sales to Contractor Commerce
07:21 – Spotting trends: Seeing the future in HVAC and home services
10:56 – The technology revolution: AI adoption, contractor mindsets, and industry shifts
14:33 – Native AI everywhere: How device updates will transform how consumers find you
19:16 – The evolving sales process: Preempting customer questions and leveraging automation
22:34 – Transparency, trust, and the rise of recorded customer interactions
26:24 – Removing excuses: Why efficiency is easier than ever with today’s AI tools
30:38 – Breaking down barriers: Closed-loop systems vs. AI’s demand for open integration
32:42 – Memberships for contractors: What works, what falls flat, and what customers actually want
35:24 – The big question: Will lean, tech-driven contractors outcompete industry giants?
39:04 – People vs. profit: How to build margin and deliver exceptional experiences
43:49 – Risk, reward, and pricing: The new business model for contractors
47:11 – Omnichannel, DTC, and the future of HVAC manufacturers
51:04 – High-leverage activities: Human connection as your best competitive edge
52:52 – Wrap-up and takeaways
Guest Details:
Paul Redman
Title: CEO of Contractor Commerce
Background: 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.
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