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The Graphite Lab Blog
Actionable insights on automation, AI, and smart workflows for the trades


If You Need a Superhero CSR, Your Process Is Broken
If you have a superhero CSR, your workflow may be what needs rescuing.
5 days ago3 min read


Growing Without Burning Out Your Best People.
Your top performers may be on the brink of burnout. Here's what to know.
5 days ago4 min read


"When It Comes to AI, I Don't Know What I Don't Know."
Answering some FAQs about AI.
5 days ago1 min read


How to Become the Employer of Choice in Your Local Market
Competition for skilled workers is fiercer than ever before. Here are some practical ways to make your company more attractive to potential hires, and to your current staff.
Apr 205 min read


How to avoid failed AI implementations in skilled trades companies.
Learn which mistakes can sabotage your AI efforts.
Apr 202 min read


What if You Were Starting a Trades Business From Scratch Today?
Building a new skilled trades business requires good people and a solid AI platform.
Apr 154 min read


Our AI Won't Replace Your Staff. But It Will Make Their Lives Easier.
Our products won't replace your people. Period.
Apr 152 min read


"We're Not a Tech Company" Is No Longer an Excuse
You don't have to become a tech company to put AI to work for you.
Apr 104 min read


The Office Usually Gets Blamed for Problems It Inherited
In many cases, what's called an "office problem" ... isn't.
Apr 105 min read


Build a More Human Brand with AI
How do you differentiate yourself from a crowd of skilled tradespeople who do the same thing as you?
Apr 103 min read


Four Real-World Ways AI Can Help Trades Businesses Today
Most tradespeople regard AI as either magic or a threat. In reality, it’s like a new crew member for your office.
Apr 83 min read


AI for the Skilled Trades: Hype or Hope?
Business is booming. That’s good. But it’s stretching your people to the limit. That’s a problem. And it’s the same story across all of the skilled trades.
Feb 182 min read


Cutting Cancellations by 5%: AI’s Role in Customer Retention
Cancellations aren’t inevitable. In fact, many of them are preventable. AI automations can help keep customers engaged and satisfied.
Jan 225 min read


From Chaos to Calm: How One Aggregator Streamlined 5 Companies
This aggregator did was a lot of smart operators do. They bought five great businesses— but soon realized they were wrangling five separate tornadoes.
Jan 226 min read


5 ServiceTitan Gaps We’ve Solved with Automation
ServiceTitan is a great tool for skilled trades businesses, but we've identified (and plugged) common gaps in workflows that frustrate companies just like yours.
Jan 224 min read


How Aggregators Can Scale Smarter with AI-Driven Systems
Automation creates standardized processes across portfolio companies, cuts overhead, and enables faster scaling.
Jan 135 min read


What AI Actually Means for HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Businesses
It's a practical helper for your business that increases productivity. AI made for the skilled trades should be an enabler, not a disruptor.
Jan 134 min read
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