Boban John
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic buzzword in the plumbing and mechanical trades, it’s an active force reshaping how we work, connect, and innovate. Over the past year, AI has gained significant traction in the skilled trades ecosphere. With many showcasing its value in efficiency, automation, and business growth functionality and others who think it’s nothing more than a party trick, to which I say—think bigger!
At the 2025 AHR Expo, I had the privilege of joining an insightful panel alongside industry leaders Mary-Anne Boycott and Susan Frew, moderated by John Mesenbrink and Tim Ward of Mechanical Hub. We tackled AI’s role in workforce adaptation, automation, and business efficiency, all critical topics for contractors looking to stay competitive.
Beyond the main stage, I also led another discussion: “The Connected Contractor”, a session focused on how AI-powered tools and social media integration are shaping the modern tradesperson’s success and leave what I call a “Digital footprint”. The panel featured Becca Stamey of Refrigeration Technologies, Carson Brown of Surge Digital Marketing and Danny Braught from Lokal Media House Agency (LMH). The talk dug deep into an AI-driven world and the role of online reputation. Ultimately, we left contractors with the message of just how they must recognize the impact of these tools, not only operations but also brand identity and human-centric customer engagement.
AI’s Growing Role
The skilled trades are experiencing a digital transformation, with AI-powered tools becoming more embedded in daily operations. Contractors now have access to real-time diagnostics, predictive analytics, and automated systems that optimize workflows.
One of the most significant takeaways from my discussions at AHR was how AI is revolutionizing job site documentation and customer interaction. Tools like Meta smart glasses, which I demonstrated during our session, allow technicians to conduct hands-free site walkthroughs, document work, and even troubleshoot issues remotely with expert support. These innovations eliminate outdated methods like texting photos back and forth, offering a seamless way to connect technicians with office staff or customers.
Additionally, AI-driven estimating software is transforming project planning by analyzing blueprints, generating material lists, and automating pricing models. This efficiency translates into measurable financial gains, something Susan highlighted with a real-world example where AI logistics optimization saved one of her manufacturing clients $300,000 annually by eliminating costly delivery delays.
Automation and the Bottom Line
For contractors, the financial advantages of AI go beyond estimation. Automated scheduling, fleet management, and predictive maintenance are helping businesses minimize downtime and maximize profitability. AI is already embedded in smart home and building systems that manage water usage, monitoring leaks, and optimizing energy consumption. All these data-driven products are areas where plumbers and mechanical contractors need to stay ahead of the curve to keep up with the changing equipment and maintenance techniques.
During “The Connected Contractor” panel, we discussed how AI extends beyond job site efficiency into the realm of digital marketing and customer engagement. Contractors leveraging AI-powered social media tools and chatbots are seeing significant boosts in online visibility and lead generation, all by farming out the tasks they don’t have time to do themselves. Social media presence is no longer just an add-on, it’s a business necessity that connects contractors directly to their customer base, helping to build trust and brand awareness that creates relationships to build on.
But with automation comes challenges, especially for business owners uncertain about where to begin. Susan Frew made a great point about needing to “go old school before going new school,” and gave some examples about how to get organized. AI integration only works when a company’s foundational processes are clearly defined and in text or code. Organizing business data in spreadsheets, documenting workflows, and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) are critical first steps before AI optimization can truly take hold.
Quality Control & Customer Service
AI’s ability to analyze historical data for predictive insights is one of its most underutilized advantages and programmers are bullish on selling new products to the construction industry that do just that. Contractors who digitize their processes can use AI to predict equipment failures, schedule proactive maintenance, and tailor services based on client specific needs, all while raking in the cash.
Service based businesses benefit tremendously from AI-assisted fleet tracking and scheduling tools, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and automated dispatching with built in accounting. If you can predict when a customer’s system is likely to fail and schedule maintenance proactively, you’re providing next level service while reducing emergency calls.
However, as our discussions at AHR confirmed, AI is not replacing the human experience, it’s enhancing it. No matter how intelligent automation becomes, skilled trades require a personal touch. The ability to communicate with clients, build trust, and provide hands-on service will always be a cornerstone of success in our industry. AI is simply another tool in the toolbox, and the most successful contractors will be those who balance technology with human connection.
Navigating the Future of AI
AI’s expansion into the trades raises important conversations around energy consumption, regulation, and workforce evolution. As data centers continue to expand, energy demand is increasing, and that demand requires new cooling technologies. Systems such as liquid-cooled infrastructure and thermal energy networks (TENs) are creating fresh opportunities for plumbing and mechanical professionals to get involved in building out our nation’s next big energy sector.
The discussion at AHR also touched on AI governance, privacy concerns, and regulatory shifts. As governments explore AI oversight, tradespeople must stay informed about how policies will impact data collection, customer security, and workforce standards.
One of the most common fears about AI is job displacement. While automation will undoubtedly shift the nature of work, it will also create new roles that didn’t exist before. The consensus among panelists was clear: AI isn’t about replacing human workers—it’s about augmenting their capabilities. Those who embrace AI as a tool to improve productivity, streamline operations, and enhance customer engagement will thrive.
Onward and Upward
Looking back on the discussions at AHR this year, one thing is clear and it’s that AI is not a distant concept decades away from hitting the jobsite. Artificial intelligence and robotics are here and are rapidly becoming a fundamental part of our future. Contractors who actively engage with AI-powered tools, leverage social media for brand growth, and optimize their workflows with the latest technology will be at the forefront of this industry shift.
For professionals navigating the evolving landscape of it all, the key is to stay adaptable, continuously learn, and embrace innovation without losing sight of the hands-on expertise that defines our craft. Those who master the balance between tradition and technology will set the standard for the future of skilled trades.
