Navigating AI, Change, and Growth in Home Services

In a world of AI acceleration, tech disruption, and changing customer expectations, how do you launch and scale a service business without losing your grip or your values?

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with Robert Leath, founder of a fast-growing residential HVAC company, and Vee Nettles, senior account executive at CI Web Group. Together, they explore what it really takes to build a business in a high-change, high-tech environment.

It’s an honest conversation about risk, decision-making, leadership, and the mindset shifts required to not only keep up, but lead.

Why You Should Listen

If you’re in the trenches of building a service business, or feeling overwhelmed by new tech and AI buzz, this episode offers a real-world perspective.

Hear how Robert:

• Left a secure corporate job to start from scratch with four kids at home
• Funded his launch the right way to avoid costly rework
• Used trust and humility as strategic advantages
• Tackled AI without being a tech expert
• Found early traction using smart platforms, strong partnerships, and daily experimentation

This is a grounded look at what adapting really looks like from the field.