AI moves from buzzword to business tool

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Labor Central leaders say artificial intelligence is already reshaping how roofing companies manage labor, operations and customer response without replacing skilled trades. 

Labor Central is stepping into the artificial intelligence conversation with a clear message for roofing contractors: AI is no longer theoretical, and it is already strengthening day-to-day business operations. During this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards spoke with Carlos Carballo of Labor Central about how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape labor management, productivity and operational efficiency across the roofing industry. 

Carlos brings decades of experience in data and analytics to the conversation, shaped by a career spent inside some of the world’s largest technology and consulting firms. He has worked across North America, Latin America and Europe, building data and business intelligence systems long before artificial intelligence entered the mainstream. “I've spent about three decades really in technology on the data side, data and analytics,” he said, adding that the progression from reporting to AI was a natural evolution. Today, his focus is applying that background to an industry that has historically been slower to adopt advanced technology.  

That effort is taking shape as a platform that helps contractors find crews. Carlos characterizes the company as a labor marketplace built specifically around roofing, while keeping an eye on broader opportunities. Roofing remains the foundation of the business, but the long-term strategy is wider in scope. “The vision is to expand into construction,” he said. “But yeah, roofing, that's where we started.” 

As the discussion shifted toward artificial intelligence, Carlos emphasized that contractors should not view AI as an abstract or intimidating concept. At its core, he said, AI is designed to automate repetitive and data-heavy tasks, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently. “In reality this is the attempt to do a lot of automation,” he explained, noting that AI excels at processing information and scaling operations but does not replace physical labor. “AI is not going to be able to do much physically.” 

For roofing companies, that distinction matters. AI’s value lies in freeing up time for managers, sales teams and project coordinators who are often stretched thin. By handling scheduling, data analysis and routine communication, AI allows people to focus on judgment-driven work that technology cannot replicate. Carlos noted, “You'll be able to free up a lot of the work, free up a lot of the time.” 

AI-powered phone systems are already gaining traction across the industry, and Carlos confirmed that these tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated. AI agents can now handle inbound and outbound calls while integrating directly with company data. He noted, “You can have an AI call center agent not just responding to calls but making calls.” At Labor Central, the company uses an AI agent trained on internal business data rather than generic scripts.  

Despite those advances, adoption across the roofing industry remains uneven. Carlos said hesitation often stems from concerns around data security, limited education and resistance to change. Many contractors, he noted, are already using AI-enabled tools through customer relationship management platforms without realizing it.  

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how Labor Central is helping contractors use AI to strengthen roofing operations and workforce management!