Tag: Technology

FEATURE
How Will AI Revolutionize Field Service? with Jeff Oskin (Ep. 27)

How Will AI Revolutionize Field Service? with Jeff Oskin (Ep. 27)

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In this episode, we welcome Jeff Oskin, the founder of Newlogiq, to delve into the practical applications of AI for businesses. 

Jeff shares insights on how AI can yield a substantial return on investment, stressing the significance of a robust foundation in field service platforms and ticketing systems for effective AI integration. He also dives into the core principles of AI in field service, encompassing applications, wearables, and machine learning. He addresses AI’s potential impact on recruiting and privacy concerns while emphasizing the importance of educating individuals about AI for informed decision-making. Jeff underscores the financial benefits of AI, including enhanced productivity, increased customer satisfaction, and revenue potential. 

Jeff and Michael discuss:

  • Use of wearables to tap into the knowledge of experienced workers and make the job easier for less experienced workers
  • Use of machine learning to optimize scheduling and dispatching
  • Importance of data for accurate AI recommendations and the need for a solid foundation of data through technical service management infrastructure
  • The potential impact of AI on recruiting and finding ideal workers, with concerns about privacy and access to personal information
  • Importance of educating individuals about AI to make informed decisions about its use in businesses
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Jeff Oskin:

Connect with Michael Israel:

About our Guest:

With more than 30 years as an executive, business owner and executive coach, Jeff Oskin’s passion is bringing out the best in others. He is the former Founder and CEO of Jolt Consulting Group, a Salesforce consultancy Jeff started, grew organically and inorganically and ultimately sold in 2022, a past Vistage Chair and the former President of a publicly traded software company. He is a lifelong learner, lover of big ideas and passionate about helping new and mature leaders maximize their potential. 

Jeff brings a strong foundation of leadership and financial acumen to his role as a coach and mentor. Jeff currently is the Chair of Sage Advisors, an Albany, NY area CEO peer advisory group, an executive coach to dozens of executives and sits on the board of the Saratoga Senior Center, a non-profit serving the senior community of the greater Saratoga Springs, NY region. Jeff earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his MBA from Boston University. Jeff resides in upstate New York with his wife and enjoys golf, hockey and spending time with his family

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FEATURE
Field Service and the Potential Impact of a Recession with Michael Blumberg (Ep. 26)

Field Service and the Potential Impact of a Recession with Michael Blumberg (Ep. 26)

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Did you know that field service can be recession-proof? In a recent study conducted by Blumberg Advisory Group Inc., results showed that despite concerns of a recession, a majority of respondents are optimistic about the future. What happens most times during a recession, there is a higher demand for maintaining and servicing existing products, which works out in your best interest. 

In this episode, Michael Blumberg is back on the podcast to discuss the findings of a study conducted by Blumberg Advisory Groupon field service and its potential impact during a recession.

Michael discusses:

  • The importance of proactive service especially in field services
  • The impact of economic recessions on homeowners and businesses
  • How customers expect the same level of service across industries, thanks to Lyft and Uber and the bar they set for customer service
  • The top challenges reported in the survey, including pricing pressures, shrinking labor pool, and supply chain constraints
  • Career opportunities in the field services 
  • The use of technology, such as AI and augmented reality, in improving service delivery
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Michael Blumberg:

Connect with Michael Israel:

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FEATURE
Growing Your Business in Challenging Times With Rob Freedman (Ep. 17)

Growing Your Business in Challenging Times With Rob Freedman (Ep. 17)

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As field service businesses come to terms with the recession – investing in technology, specifically AI technology can be a cost-cutting opportunity.

In this episode, Rob Freedman, Head of Growth Marketing at Zuper, maps out the biggest growth opportunities during the recession for companies in the field service industry. Additionally, he shines a spotlight on the charity, “The RainShine foundation”, what they do to support different communities and how the idea started.

Rob discusses:

  • How the digitization of Zuper’s processes and work orders reduce costs for businesses
  • The 3 Ways field service management software can enhance growth
  • Native integration and syncing with all of your business tools
  • How to save money on fuel costs with machine learning and AI-powered intelligent dispatching and routing
  • The story behind starting the RainShine foundation
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with Rob Freedman:

About our Guest: 

Rob Freedman is a marketing executive and consultant with over 15 years of experience. He loves growing brands, developing all-star teams, and helping people achieve their professional and personal goals. Rob is a frequent contributor to articles on digital marketing trends, team leadership, and branding. As if all that weren’t enough, he also has two daughters to keep him busy! He spends his free time listening to music (he’s got eclectic tastes), traveling (he’s been everywhere from San Francisco to Kampala), reading books about the latest innovations in business, or drinking coffee (black).

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FEATURE
Gearing Up for the Fourth Industrial Revolution with Wajid Zakir (Ep. 11)

Gearing Up for the Fourth Industrial Revolution with Wajid Zakir (Ep. 11)

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Did you know that we’re currently in the midst of our Fourth Industrial Revolution?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is a period of rapid transformation across industries, societies, and nations. Technology, connectivity, and automation have been at the forefront of this revolution.

In this episode, We make a virtual stop in the UAE to speak with Wajid Zakir, Co-Founder and Director of Quiz Infomatics. He discusses how the UAE is gearing up to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution, some challenges businesses face when transitioning from traditional to digital, and strategies to overcome them. 

Wajid discusses: 

  • The three initiatives driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the UAE
  • Five strategies for successful digital transformation
  • COVID’s impact on technology adoption in the UAE
  • How companies could grow in a competitive market with digital initiatives
  • The need for education in field management tools and their implementation in every industry
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with Wajid Zakir

About our Guest: 

Wajid Zakir works with clients to help them transform their way of doing business. He uses technology to enhance customer experience, improve business processes, optimize costs, and maximize the use of tech opportunities.

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FEATURE
Incorporating Field Service Tools Into Smart Video Surveillance with Amanda Harris & Myles Osswald (Ep. 7)

Incorporating Field Service Tools Into Smart Video Surveillance with Amanda Harris & Myles Osswald (Ep. 7)

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We know how important it is to protect your property when you’re not around. 

While incorporating technology into the process is a must, how are experts within the surveillance industry streamlining their workflow to provide you and your business with the best security? 

In this episode, Myles Osswald and Amanda Harris from Pro-Vigil, join David Nour to unveil their experience working alongside Zuper as their primary field service tool. Amanda and Myles shed light on some best practices they use to support technicians in the arena while highlighting ways their processes and systems align with Zuper’s vision and mission. 

Amanda and Myles discuss:

  • Ways Zuper acts as a provider to those in the security and surveillance industry 
  • Best practices for the use of new technology
  • Their relationship with Field Nation and how that has integrated with Zuper
  • How Zuper supports Pro-Vigil’s workflow
  • What’s to come for the team at Pro-Vigil
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with Amanda Harris:

Connect with Myles Osswald:

About Our Guests: 

Myles Osswald is the chief financial officer, and Amanda Harris is the accounts receivable supervisor at Pro-Vigil.

Pro-Vigil was founded in 2006 with the mission to be the leading provider of comprehensive surveillance solutions. Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, the company has deployed 30,000+ cameras and has 3,500+ customers. With a team of expert designers and engineers, Pro-Vigil specializes in designing, installing, and operating cutting-edge surveillance systems to meet their customer’s unique needs.



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FEATURE
Inflation’s Impact on the Field Service Industry with Michael Blumberg (Ep. 6)

Inflation’s Impact on the Field Service Industry with Michael Blumberg (Ep. 6)

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Before March 2020, the word inflation was considered taboo. Fast forward two years, inflation has seeped into every aspect of our lives. 

So, has inflation impacted the field service management industry, too? 

Sure it has. 

In this episode, Michael Blumberg, the President and CEO of Blumberg Advisory Group Inc, joins Michael Israel to unveil how inflation has impacted the field service industry. Michael explores ways technological solutions can assist companies and details ways field professionals can prepare for increased costs.

Michael discusses: 

  • Some of the biggest challenges in the field service arena
  • How field service professionals can mitigate supply chain issues and prepare for rising fuel costs 
  • Ways field service companies can recruit and retain top talent
  • What you should know about the Great Resignation
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with Michael Blumberg:

About Our Guest:

Michael Blumberg is the President of Blumberg Advisory Group, Inc., a research and consulting firm in the field service industry. Michael’s firm provides clients with strategic guidance and tactical assistance for improving the overall profitability and quality of field service operations through procedural and systemic improvements and optimized service marketing strategies. Michael is a prolific author and frequent speaker at industry events and conferences.



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FEATURE
The Value of Technology & Relationships in Field Service Management (Ep. 5)

The Value of Technology & Relationships in Field Service Management (Ep. 5)

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How much do you know about technology in the field service management industry? 

How much do you care about human connection and maintaining relationships as a field service management professional?

In this episode, Michael Israel interviews David Nour, the CEO of The Nour Group. David highlights his career in field service management while unveiling everything you need to know about technology and the importance of nurturing relationships as a field service management expert. 

David discusses: 

  • The importance of strategic relationships 
  • Relationship economics and its benefits to business leaders
  • The pros and cons of technology in the field service management arena
  • Ways to get people and businesses to buy into change
  • The role his books have played in his career 
  • Wisdom words for business leaders
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with David Nour: 

About our Guest: 

A senior leadership/board advisor, educator, executive coach, and bestselling author, David Nour is internationally recognized as the leading expert on applications of strategic relationships in profitable growth, sustained innovation, and lasting change. The author of eleven books, including bestsellers Relationship Economics® (Wiley) – forthcoming in its 3rd edition, Co-Create (St. Martin’s Press), and Curve Benders (Wiley, 2021), Nour serves as a trusted advisor to global clients and coaches corporate leaders. He is an adjunct professor at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and was named to the Global Gurus Top 30 Leadership Professionals and the Thinkers 50 Radar Class of 2021 lists. A Forbes Leadership contributor on the Future of Work and an Inc. contributor on Relationship Economics, Nour’s unique insights have been featured in various prominent publications, including The Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, Huffington Post Business, Entrepreneur, and Knowledge@Wharton. He’s also the host of the popular Curve Benders podcast.

Born in Iran, Nour immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager with $100, limited family ties, and no fluency in English. He graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and went on to earn an Executive MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. He resides in Atlanta, GA, with his family. 



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FEATURE
Here’s What You Need To Know About The Field Service Management Industry with David Nour and Michael Israel (Ep. 3)

Here’s What You Need To Know About The Field Service Management Industry with David Nour and Michael Israel (Ep. 3)

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Sales, repair and maintenance, customer support, and regular inspections are just a few branches of the field service management industry. 

But is this a viable career path?

In this episode, David Nour, the CEO of The Nour Group, Inc, interviews Michael Israel. Together, they explore Michael’s journey in the field service management arena and reasons it can be a viable career path for incoming professionals.

David and Michael discuss: 

  • What drew Michael into the field service management path
  • How mentorship, leadership, and sponsorship can shape your career journey
  • The development of the field service management industry
  • Wisdom words for those who want to pivot and promote new technologies 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with David Nour: 

About Our Guest: 

A senior leadership/board advisor, educator, executive coach, and bestselling author, David Nour is internationally recognized as the leading expert on applications of strategic relationships in profitable growth, sustained innovation, and lasting change. The author of eleven books, including bestsellers Relationship Economics® (Wiley) – forthcoming in its 3rd edition, Co-Create (St. Martin’s Press), and Curve Benders (Wiley, 2021), Nour serves as a trusted advisor to global clients and coaches corporate leaders. He is an adjunct professor at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and was named to the Global Gurus Top 30 Leadership Professionals and the Thinkers 50 Radar Class of 2021 lists. A Forbes Leadership contributor on the Future of Work and an Inc. contributor on Relationship Economics, Nour’s unique insights have been featured in various prominent publications, including The Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, Huffington Post Business, Entrepreneur, and Knowledge@Wharton. He’s also the host of the popular Curve Benders podcast.

Born in Iran, Nour immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager with $100, limited family ties, and no fluency in English. He graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and went on to earn an Executive MBA from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. He resides in Atlanta, GA, with his family. 

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FEATURE
Investing in Field Service Technology with Kellan Carter (Ep. 2)

Investing in Field Service Technology with Kellan Carter (Ep. 2)

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What do venture capitalists and field service professionals have in common? 

They both have wondered why they should invest in software that aids the field service industry. 

In this episode, Michael Israel welcomes Kellan Carter, founding and general partner at FUSE. Together, they explain why investing in technology in the field service industry is a huge opportunity for investors and field service professionals alike.

Michael and Kellan discuss: 

  • The opportunity in the field service market
  • Reasons FUSE decided to invest in Zuper
  • How software can help field management professionals provide the best service
  • Why excellent customer service is integral, regardless of the industry
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael Israel: 

Connect with Kellan Carter: 

About Your Host:

Michael Israel is a Senior Management Executive and a lifelong expert in Field Service operations and software-related issues. He is proficient at identifying inefficiencies, developing new processes, and providing best practices, right solutions, and recommendations to meet clients’ technical and business objectives.

Michael is an analytical and goal-driven professional with broad-ranging experience in the Field Service ecosystem. Specifically in providing leadership, guidance, and key consultations regarding overall operations, sales and marketing activities, business systems analysis, and software implementation within the Field Service and customer service sector.

About Our Guest:

Kellan Carter is the founding and general partner of Fuse Venture Partners. Prior to launching Fuse Venture Partners, he joined Ignition as an associate in 2013 after several years of working in technology, investment banking, and finance. Fuse recently led the Series A funding round for Zuper and is a valued advisor on the Zuper board. 

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