Automation First, AI Second: Practical Systems for the Trades with Guests Tersh Blissett & Josh Crouch with Trade Automation Pros

Bill Brown interviews Tersh Blissett and Josh Crouch about the real difference between automation and AI, and how HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses are using processes, automations, and AI to save time and scale. They share hands-on examples, common tools, and why automation often comes before meaningful AI in the trades.

Key takeaways include documenting and optimizing processes, automating repetitive tasks (especially those done three or more times per week), using tools like Zapier and custom GPTs, and implementing transparent pricing and follow-up automations. The episode also highlights their Tap into the Future event in Savannah, Oct 3–5, with live automation workshops.

AI vs automation in the trades: what's the difference and how should contractors actually be using these tools? In this episode, Bill Brown sits down with Tersh Blissett (Trade Automation Pros, Service Business Mastery Podcast) and Josh Crouch (Relentless Digital) to break down real-world AI and automation use cases in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses.

You’ll learn how top contractors are saving hours with smart automations, where AI actually fits in, and how to avoid wasted tools that don’t move the needle. The guys share industry stories, tech stacks, practical starting points, and predictions for how service businesses will look in 2030.

What you’ll hear in this episode:
✅ AI vs automation in the trades (what contractors really need)
✅ Building systems and processes that scale
✅ Tools like Zapier, CastMagic, Plaud, and PhoneTap explained
✅ How AI agents are already changing workflows in service companies
✅ Hiring, training, and SOP automation tips
✅ Predictions for pricing, private equity, and the future of sales in the trades

📍 Event: Tap into the Future – AI and Automation Unleashed, October 3-5 in Savannah, GA (with the Savannah Bananas) 👉 https://tapintothefuture.ai/

👉 Join the ServiceTitan Hacks Facebook Group:
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https://go.st-hacks.cc/servicetitanhacks

Guests:
Tersh Blissett – Co-Founder, Trade Automation Pros | Host, Service Business Mastery Podcast | HVAC Top 40 Under 40
Josh Crouch – CEO, Relentless Digital | Marketing Automation Expert | HVAC Top 40 Under 40