Episode Overview
As COO of Roofers Coffee Shop, Karen Edwards meets people in the roofing industry with varying opinions about adopting AI technology.
Pantheon2025, ServiceTitan’s annual user conference, is a perfect example of an industry meeting where people of all skill levels can get together to share information.
Edwards talks to contractors who are a little skeptical. Including those who trust their tape measure more than any specs from a computer.
There are also early adopters, who see how AI has the potential to change the roofing business in a positive way. Those folks share Edwards’ passion for technology.
She’d love to be able to convince business owners that the new tech isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
“I don't think there is one [technology] solution that does everything,” Edwards says. “But everything has to work together.”
It’s important to get everybody on staff to buy into whatever tech solution is being brought in for implementation, she says.
“You can't have the owner of the company say, ‘Hey, we're going to start using this cool AI tool,’” Edwards says. “And then, your team goes, ‘I'm not using that. What are you talking about?’ You need those internal champions. You need the team on board.”
She wants to spread the word that nobody in the industry is alone. There are places like Roofers Coffee Shop to help, as well as the Roofing Technology Think Tank, where Edwards is a director.
“Don't be afraid to ask for help or ask questions because there are so many people who are willing to help,” she says. “The industry is just fantastic, and nobody wants you to fail. Everybody wants you to succeed.”
Karen Edwards recently joined ServiceTitan’s Jackie Aubel on the “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast, which included Edwards’ thoughts on:
[8:57] Common pitfalls roofers can stumble into when adopting new technology
[13:35] How outside experts and internal champions can help you streamline tech adoption
[16:49] Finding time to learn AI
[20:55] Bringing international roofing innovation to American contractors
[29:59] ServiceTitan onboarding advice
Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:
To hear more stories from the trades, subscribe to “Toolbox for the Trades” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or anywhere you get podcasts.
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