business strategy

By Jenny Benbrook

Home service contractors put serious money into field service management (FSM) software and other digital tools, expecting them to streamline operations, boost profits, and create a better experience for both technicians and customers. But too often, they fall into the “perceived efficiency” trap, assuming that just having the software in place will deliver results.

The reality? Without a strategic approach to budgeting, implementation, training, and ongoing management, that investment can become an expensive headache instead of a game-changer. Technology should serve the business, not the other way around. The right tools, aligned with business goals and managed effectively, can maximize efficiency, improve workflows, and drive real revenue growth.

Why Implementation is Just the Beginning

FSM platforms like ServiceTitan and FieldEdge are powerful tools that can transform a business—when properly set up, used, and maintained. These platforms provide insights into operations, from tracking inventory and equipment maintenance to optimizing technician scheduling and following up on unsold estimates.

Take unsold estimates as an example. Contractors spend a fortune on marketing, lead generation, and technician dispatch just to get an estimate in front of a potential customer. But if that estimate isn’t followed up on, it’s money wasted. Leveraging FSM software to track, automate follow-ups, and increase close rates can unlock millions in revenue, turning lost opportunities into booked jobs.

But software success doesn’t stop at implementation. Without a proper training plan, standardized workflows, and dedicated oversight, even a well-implemented system can fall apart. Poor training leads to inconsistent usage, undocumented workflows create confusion, and a lack of tech stack management causes inefficiencies that negate the software’s benefits. A tool is only as good as the process it supports. If you don’t have a plan, technology just becomes another expense.

Common Roadblocks to Long-Term Software Success

Many contractors struggle with software adoption and optimization due to several key challenges:

Time Commitment: Learning a new platform takes time, and so does training a team to use it correctly. Without dedicated effort, even the best software won’t deliver its full potential.

Change Resistance: Asking a seasoned team to adopt new workflows can be tough. People get comfortable with how they work, and changing that, even for the better, can be met with pushback.

Lack of a Clear Plan: Many businesses invest in software without defining what success looks like. Without clear goals, implementation lacks direction, and the software’s value isn’t fully realized.

No Dedicated Tech Stack Management: Software is not a one-and-done purchase, it requires an ongoing financial commitment for optimization, training, and troubleshooting. Without a dedicated resource to manage the tech stack, inefficiencies and outdated workflows can creep in, reducing ROI.

Overwhelm from Too Many Tools: Contractors are drowning in technology options, with too many tools and no strategy. The greatest risk isn’t adopting technology too quickly, it’s adopting it without intention.

Getting the Most Out of Your Investment

To avoid these pitfalls, contractors should approach software implementation and long-term success with a structured plan. Here’s how to start:

Set Specific Goals – Identify what you want to achieve with your software. Are you trying to increase technician efficiency? Reduce inventory waste? Close more estimates? Improve customer communication? Define success in measurable terms.

Dedicate Financial Resources – Contractors should allocate 2-5% of projected annual revenue toward technology. This budget should not only cover software licensing but also implementation, training, ongoing support, and a dedicated internal or external resource to manage the tech stack. A clear roadmap prevents wasted time and money. Technology adoption should be intentional, seamless, and impactful.

Develop a Standardized Training Plan – A good implementation won’t matter if your team doesn’t know how to use the software correctly. Learning technology is not a one-and-done activity. Establish a structured training process, provide documentation, and offer continuous learning opportunities to keep employees up to speed.

Document and Maintain Workflows – Standardized processes ensure that every team member is using the software consistently. Powerhouse Consulting Group provides a structured, step-by-step approach to technology adoption with a technology playbook to ensure proper implementation, set expectations, process documentation, training, and more.

Invest in Ongoing Optimization – Success requires ongoing optimization, not just a one-time setup. Technology changes daily, and businesses need structured validation, tracking performance, optimizing workflows, and driving measurable results over time.

Why Professional Guidance Pays Off

Contractors don’t expect customers to install HVAC systems or electrical panels without professional expertise, so why should software be any different? FSM consultants spend thousands of hours mastering these platforms, learning the best configurations, workflows, and integrations to maximize their value.

Trying to implement a major system without expert help is like wiring your house without an electrician. You might get some lights to work, but it won’t be safe, efficient, or built to last. Powerhouse Consulting Group is the trusted guide for technology adoption, ensuring that tools are used efficiently and effectively. We don’t just vet and implement tools; we teach contractors how to maximize their value.

Final Thoughts

The future of the trades isn’t just about fixing what’s broken, it’s about anticipating what’s next. The industry is shifting toward data-driven decision-making, and contractors who strategically implement technology now will lead in the next 5-10 years. Investing in technology isn’t just about tools, it’s about building a scalable business.

Powerhouse isn’t just a consultant; we are a strategic partner helping contractors scale and thrive. Our hands-on, business-first approach ensures that contractors get real value from their technology investments. There is no easy button, but contractors who put in the work and follow the right process will build sustainable, profitable businesses.

Jenny Benbrook is the founder and CEO of Powerhouse Consulting Group. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience in the skilled trades, Jenny provides strategic coaching and consultation for home service businesses seeking to make the most of their software investments. Powerhouse Consulting Group is the first and only ServiceTitan Titanium Partner, and also provides in-depth expertise regarding FieldEdge. More information is available at mypowerhouse.group.