#USA #Artificial Intelligence #Lehi #Podium #Jerry 2.0

Podium Unveils Jerry 2.0: Transforming AI for Local Businesses

Podium, a prominent platform specializing in AI-driven conversion and communication solutions for local enterprises, has officially launched Jerry 2.0. This upgrade represents a major advancement in artificial intelligence, significantly benefiting industries such as automotive, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and medspa sectors.

The Impact of AI on Local Businesses

Alongside this groundbreaking release, an insightful case study by OpenAI highlights how Podium harnesses the capabilities of GPT-5.1 to create AI agents that operate around the clock. These agents manage tasks such as capturing demand, appointment scheduling, job closure, and customer follow-ups. This potent combination has generated a remarkable 30% increase in revenue and a staggering 45% boost in conversion rates for Podium's clientele.

With these AI agents already influencing billions in revenue across over 10,000 businesses, Podium has reported an astounding 300% year-over-year growth in its AI revenue.

A Customizable AI Experience

Podium understands that not all businesses are alike. With Jerry 2.0, business owners can tailor their AI agents to communicate in a manner akin to their top employees. Eric Rea, Podium's Co-founder and CEO, emphasizes that the qualities that define a great AI employee mirror those of an exceptional human employee: proficiency in their role, familiarity with the business’s operations, adherence to standard procedures, and adaptability to feedback.

Key features of Jerry 2.0 include:

• - Enhanced Control with AI Studio: Business owners gain complete visibility into their AI agent's decision-making process, including policies and checks performed before messaging clients.
• - Rapid Training with Coaching Agent: Owners can coach their AI agent using natural language, facilitating rapid adjustments in communication style in just 60 seconds, as opposed to traditional AI's retraining periods of weeks.
• - Multi-Playbook Flexibility: Jerry can identify the appropriate playbook for various customer interactions, whether it be a service request or discussing trade-in options, while maintaining contextual relevance.
• - Vertical-Specific Mastery: Jerry executes tasks tailored specifically for different industries—handling trade-ins and financing queries in automotive, managing repair triage in HVAC, and overseeing consultation processes in medspas, effectively acting as a domain expert rather than a generalist.

Learning from the OpenAI Case Study

The OpenAI case study further conveys how local businesses perceive Jerry not simply as a software solution but as an integral team member. Many companies are reallocating their human staff to more strategic roles, attributing Jerry's performance—a remarkable 4.8 out of 5 stars in customer evaluations—to this success.

Liam Golightley, Vice President of Automotive and Enterprise at Podium, remarked on the urgent need for AI in local businesses: "Around 40% of customer inquiries come in after hours. For owners, missing a single lead, especially on a weekend, could mean losing tens of thousands of dollars. Every lead is essential, and Podium ensures that businesses seize every opportunity."

About Podium

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Lehi, Utah, Podium is dedicated to evolving the sales and customer engagement landscape. The platform equips local businesses with AI agents that excel in converting conversations into revenue via text, calls, or web chats. With a robust backing from investors such as YC Continuity, Sapphire Ventures, and Accel, Podium is trusted by tens of thousands in sectors including automotive, home services, medspa, and retail.

For those interested in exploring how Podium can elevate their business, detailed information is available at www.podium.com.