Mike Rowe Highlights Job Security in Trades at Housecall Pro Summit
On December 9, 2025, the Housecall Pro's 2025 Winter Virtual Summit served as a major gathering for home service professionals across the country, featuring discussions surrounding the future of the trades. The summit included a keynote address by Emmy® Award-winning host Mike Rowe, who candidly acknowledged the changing landscape of job security in essential industries, citing that the job market is shifting drastically due to advances in artificial intelligence (AI).
According to Rowe, traditional paths often promoted as secure, such as coding or pursuing a four-year degree, are now being overshadowed by the critical roles of skilled professionals in the trades. Rowe remarked, "Real job security is not coding. It's not the four-year degree. It's actually the HVAC tech, the electrician, the welder. So the whole thing has turned on its head, making it a very interesting time for me to be alive." His insights resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting how trades are becoming increasingly vital in today's economy.
The Housecall Pro Summit not only featured Rowe's address but also kick-started with Tommy Mello, an industry leader who shared his success story of transforming A1 from merely painting garage doors to a nationwide brand. Mello emphasized the power of intentional hiring practices, team profit-sharing, and a progressive change in leadership approach, all essential strategies for thriving in the trades.
A unique aspect of this year's summit was the #DirtiestJobsChallenge, celebrating the toughness and resilience prevalent within the industry. Professionals shared their most challenging job site experiences, with the winning submission, chosen by Rowe, receiving a vacation package worth $5,000.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in hands-on coaching sessions led by Housecall Pro experts alongside top field professionals. Topics ranged widely from pricing strategies and cash flow management to automation tools and data-informed decision making. These sessions showcased Housecall Pro’s commitment to supporting skilled workers through their Champion the Trades™ initiative. The innovative platform enables tradespeople to optimize their operations and ensure their businesses flourish year-round.
In addition to formal coaching, participants were provided with opportunities to join peer-led breakout rooms. These sessions specifically addressed several essential topics, such as integrating AI tools for efficiency, navigating industry-specific workflows, and enabling community engagement through subtracks like Lady Pros. This inclusive setup fostered a unique learning environment, allowing professionals to explore working models and strategies in a collaborative way.
"What makes this summit special is the generosity of the home service community," said Roland Ligtenberg, co-founder of Housecall Pro. "Pros aren't just learning from speakers, they're learning from each other. When thousands of business owners show up to share their real playbooks, the whole industry gets stronger." This message of collaboration and shared success underscored the event, reflecting the core values of community support inherent within the trades.
Housecall Pro continues its mission as a leading field service software platform, catering to over 200,000 professionals in home services. The company provides powerful tools for scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and customer communication. With an aim to streamline business operations and improve service quality, Housecall Pro stands as a reliable partner for tradespeople seeking to excel in their crafts. Launched in 2013, Housecall Pro remains committed to empowering tradespeople through technology while fostering a robust community that champions the future of the trades.
For those interested in learning more about Housecall Pro and how it can serve their business needs, additional information is available at housecallpro.com. Here, users can find resources, tools, and a supportive environment tailored to the nuances of the trades industry.