National building repair and maintenance franchise Ace Handyman Services® is integrating artificial intelligence into its operations to improve efficiency while preserving the human expertise and connection that define the brand. Through the strategic layering of AI, the company is streamlining processes by automating administrative and operational functions. By expediting scheduling, estimating, routing and customer follow-ups, franchisees can focus primarily on delivering high-quality, personalized and efficient services. By Erika Ortega
National building repair and maintenance franchise Ace Handyman Services® is integrating artificial intelligence into its operations to improve efficiency while preserving the human expertise and connection that define the brand. Through the strategic layering of AI, the company is streamlining processes by automating administrative and operational functions. By expediting scheduling, estimating, routing and customer follow-ups, franchisees can focus primarily on delivering high-quality, personalized and efficient services.
Trust is essential in the handyman industry, and AI helps the team spend more time building long-term relationships and exceeding expectations.
“Franchise owners are thrilled at the proposition of bringing in more AI – as long as it integrates with existing platforms and processes,” said Vice President of Franchise Development Colette Bell. “They are also supportive of our model of internally reviewing and evaluating products, beta testing in corporate locations and beta testing by volunteer franchisees.”
Working with dedicated owners and staff, Ace Handyman Services is committed to helping individuals thrive in their roles, increasing employee morale, productivity and profitability.
“The strategy we are employing to embrace AI is, ‘How can we help people do their jobs better?’ The idea has never been to replace any position in the business but rather to augment our talented teams,” Bell said.
The AI systems and tools being considered are designed to enhance hiring, enable faster response times to customers and provide a platform for performance analytics and reporting. By incorporating customer history and preference data into the service process, team members can anticipate needs and customize proposals and deliverables more efficiently. The maintenance and repair of homes require human skills, problem-solving and trust. AI will be used in the background for repetitive processes while skilled craftspeople and trained representatives remain at the center of the customer experience.
Franchisees are embracing new technologies with enthusiasm, positioning the brand for continued growth while staying grounded in its core values.
“At our convention in 2025, franchise owners were adamant that their customers did not want to speak with AI agents,” Bell said. “The good news was that we agreed! Customer loyalty is built through human connection.”
Erika Ortega