The Workwave Beyond Service User Conference returned to Dallas, Texas, from Feb. 3-5, 2025. The event brought together industry professionals from pest control, lawn care, commercial cleaning, and security management. The three-day gathering focused on technology-driven strategies for business growth, employee retention, and artificial intelligence (AI) advancements.
Attendees participated in interactive sessions, keynote speeches, and hands-on demonstrations. They explored how AI, data analytics, and digital transformation reshape service industries. WorkWave leaders introduced new tools and insights to help companies scale, increase efficiency, and retain customers in an ever-evolving market.
“We’re on the next wave of massive disruption with technology, data, and AI,” said Kevin Kemmerer, CEO of WorkWave. “We’re in a great place to bring in that next generation and apply technology to solve business problems.”
Innovative Tools to Drive Business Success
WorkWave unveiled its latest advancement, Wavelytics, a data-driven analytics platform that provides near real-time insights for field service companies.
“A large piece of the puzzle for our customers is labor control and workforce management,” said David Libesman, senior vice president and general manager of AI and data analytics at WorkWave.
Libesman emphasized the industry’s need for real-time, industry-specific AI models that transcend generic platforms like ChatGPT: “Everyone is trying these new AI tools, but they are not industry-specific. WorkWave is creating models that deliver market-specific answers.”
Wavelytics pulls from years of industry data to provide businesses with performance tools, financial insights, and workforce efficiency solutions.
“It can help them double down to make more money and keep more money in the bank,” Libesman explained. “You won’t be spending as much as you need to make.”
WorkWave’s Four Key Initiatives
Kemmerer outlined four core initiatives that will drive WorkWave’s next phase of business innovation:
- Enterprise-Grade Software: High-performance platforms built for scalability.
- Faster Onboarding: A streamlined experience for new users.
- Empowering Customers With Fintech: Financial solutions to support business owners and employees.
- Driving Value Through AI and Data: Advanced analytics for smarter decision-making.
By integrating these initiatives, WorkWave aims to help businesses improve customer retention, operational efficiency, and revenue growth.
AI’s Role in Service Industries
From automating daily tasks to improving customer interactions, AI is changing how service businesses operate.
Dave Bradford is the CEO of Certus Pest. He recently joined a panel discussion on AI in business operations and compared AI adoption to bright headlights on the other side of the road.
“You have to put yourself on the other side of the road with a flashlight,” Bradford insisted. “AI can eliminate one-third of jobs that employees don’t want to do. It helps automate tasks that are mundane and will free up employees to do other things.”
Companies leverage AI to reduce manual work, improve decision-making, and increase workforce productivity. The result? Employees have more time for high-value tasks.
Understanding Generational Trends in the Workforce
Generational research expert Jason Dorsey was the keynote speaker. He provided insights into how different generations impact the workforce and highlighted the importance of understanding employee expectations, particularly for Gen Z workers.
“What Gen Z employees most want is stability, yet we never talk about it,” Dorsey said. “All they want to hear is we are a stable employer, pay on time, have health care benefits, and have your back.”
Dorsey’s session explored how generational trends drive technology adoption, with younger workers influencing digital transformation across industries.
Recognizing Industry Excellence
WorkWave honored top-performing businesses during an awards ceremony by celebrating companies that demonstrated outstanding innovation and growth.
- Trailblazer of the Year Award: Arrow Exterminators, Atlanta, Ga.
- Outperform Award: Colonial Pest Control, Worcester, Mass.
- CoalMarch Outperform Award: Petti Pest Control, Shepherdstown, W.Va.
These awards recognized companies that leveraged technology, improved customer retention, and expanded their service capabilities.
Looking Ahead: The Future of WorkWave and Service Industries
As technology and AI continue to reshape field service industries, WorkWave remains committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that help businesses grow. The conference reinforced the importance of digital transformation, workforce management, and AI-driven insights in creating a competitive edge.
