Beyond the Wrench How AI is Reshaping the Trades

In the world of skilled trades, the traditional toolkit of wrenches, pliers, and tape is getting a major digital upgrade. For the team at Oak Creek Plumbing & Remodeling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the most valuable new tool isn't found in a toolbox—it's on a tablet. They are now equipped with the latest version of ChatGPT, revolutionizing how they work.

The New Toolkit AI in the Field

Company president Dan Callies explains that this technology helps his team of roughly 20 plumbers automatically create invoices, draft work proposals, and even brainstorm solutions for complex plumbing issues. By simply taking photos of a problem, like a broken water heater, or describing their observations, ChatGPT can generate a list of actionable recommendations. “It’s definitely been worth the investment,” Callies noted. “Some of our older guys have learned to ask ChatGPT the right questions, and they’re kind of amazed with some of answers it comes up with.”

This isn't an isolated case. From office administration to on-site troubleshooting, blue-collar businesses are increasingly embracing AI to enhance productivity and reduce costs. While some use popular platforms like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, others are adopting industry-specific software like ServiceTitan and Housecall Pro that come with built-in AI capabilities.

At Gulfshore Air Conditioning & Heating in Niceville, Florida, AI has automated the entire process from a customer's service request to the technician's arrival. Once on-site, technicians use AI to diagnose issues and access technical information in seconds, a task that once required combing through dense, 60-page manuals. Krista Landen, the company’s marketing and IT manager, highlighted this dramatic shift in efficiency.

A Growing Trend Across the Trades

The adoption of AI is becoming widespread. A recent survey of over 400 tradespeople by Housecall Pro revealed that over 70% of respondents have tried AI tools, with about 40% using them actively. While younger professionals are leading the adoption, older workers are also beginning to explore the technology.

The impact varies by trade. The survey found that plumbers were most likely to report business growth due to AI, cleaners were the earliest and most widespread adopters, and electricians reported the highest satisfaction rates with the technology. This trend has also caught the attention of vocational schools, which are now integrating AI into their curriculum to ensure graduates are prepared for the jobs of the future, not the past.

Reshaping the Economics of Skilled Labor

AI is gradually transforming the financial landscape of blue-collar America. Laura Ullrich, an economist at Indeed, points out that businesses implementing AI are becoming more productive, enabling them to take on more projects and improve service quality. “People go into the trades because they like doing the hands-on work itself, and if some of the administrative tasks can be automated, then that should help those workers lean into the parts of the job they like and do smarter work,” she said.

The financial benefits are tangible. Gulfshore saw its revenue increase by $370,000 just 30 days after implementing an AI-powered marketing feature. The company also reported a $150 increase in revenue per average ticket, as AI freed up technicians to focus on selling additional services. This increased revenue is expected to lead to higher compensation for technicians.

Similarly, Oak Creek Plumbing & Remodeling has been able to “lower our overhead and provide better services or better value” thanks to ChatGPT. As AI handles more marketing and customer service tasks, businesses may need fewer office workers, presenting an opportunity to cut administrative costs.

The Future is Now But Humans are Still in Charge

Despite the rapid adoption, there is still some skepticism. Edward McFarlane of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America acknowledges some hesitancy but states, “the tide is definitely coming in.” For now, experts agree that AI is far from replacing the hands-on work of technicians. Instead, it serves as a powerful assistant.

“All of our technicians are running more efficiently, and they’re less stressed,” said Landen. “I feel like I am a real life Jetson living in the future.”