How Contractors Are Thinking About Emerging Tech

From robotics to artificial intelligence and evolving ways to report out data/analytics, there’s no shortage of opportunities for building service contractors to embrace the latest in emerging technology solutions.

We spoke with Ryan Ferons (Pioneer) and Connor Haas (Merchants Building Maintenance) to better understand how contractors are thinking about technology for their frontline workers, as well as back-of-house operations.

Tune in as they share their perspective on where our industry is heading, what we must do to embrace disruptive trends, and a few points to help demystify the buzz behind AI, too. After all, not all that glitters is gold.  

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Connor Haas is a regional manager at Merchants Building Maintenance, where he oversees operations for hundreds of cleaning staff and numerous floor crews across multiple states. A third generation janitor, Connor has deep roots in the building maintenance industry, which have shaped an extensive understanding of the operational workflow and effective management skills. 

Merchants Building Maintenance, a family owned and operated company since its founding in 1961, prides itself on its commitment to excellent service and self-performed work. Merchants is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and operates out of 13 branch offices in nine Western states. 

Ryan Ferons is a seasoned technologist and software engineer with over a decade of experience making cool stuff on the internet. Ferons’ career has been a remarkable journey through diverse industries ranging from background screening, aviation, energy, and most recently building services, where he's consistently delivered cutting-edge solutions.

As the director of software development at Pioneer, Ferons leads the charge in architecting and deploying transformative systems, such as Cora and CleanCode, revolutionizing operational efficiency. With a passion for technology and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Ryan continues to spearhead progress and drive technological innovation that not only meets but anticipates industry needs. His expertise serves as a guiding force for teams seeking to innovate disruptive processes.