Nov 16, 2021
In this week's episode of The Propcast, Louisa speaks to Michael Werner, CEO and Founder of HomeX, a home services platform for both homeowners and service providers, radically improving the complex and fragmented home services industry. In this episode they discuss the trends and problems that exist within the residential home services industry and how these challenges can be addressed through PropTech to create a complete consumer and supplier service that creates jobs and is underpinned by the value of being a positive force within the industry.
Companies Mentioned:
HomeX https://homex.com/
Allstate Insurance https://www.allstate.com/
Shout Outs:
Stephanie Werner Payne, Co-Founder https://www.linkedin.com/in/swerner1/
Vincent Payen, Co-Founder https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-payen-9b6b72a/
Key Insights From This Episode:
- We're building digital experiences that provide convenience and reduces the friction of taking care of a home - Michael Werner
- Housing is way behind and it'd be great to help housing be able to make the same kind of leap that every other industry has made with digital technology - Michael Werner
- Housing is central to our existence - Michael Werner
- As you think about the next two to three or five years in the prop tech market, it's going to be about digitisation. It is going to be about bringing the same kind of convenience to the home that has been brought to so many other areas - Michael Werner
- The beauty of what we're doing for contractors is we're making their work more effective and efficient, and then we're actually giving them jobs. And rather than giving them leads, we actually will give them a fully vetted job - Michael Werner
- Shelter is so central, so critical to people's lives that if we can make home life better, we’ve made a huge, huge contribution to the world - Michael Werner
Keywords: home services, contractors, consumers, tech, trade, assistance, home improvements
About Our Guests:
Michael Werner
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-e-werner-09258/
Michael is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of HomeX. He has built HomeX to be a positive force, leveraging technology to radically improve the home services industry for consumers and service providers. Prior to HomeX, Michael was President and CEO of Globe Union Group (Gerber Plumbing Fixtures and Danze Faucets) and served as President of Werner Ladder Co., a family operation that spanned 75 years.
Michael is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a master’s degree in Engineering Management and Science. Michael is past Chairman of the Lymphoma Research Foundation, on the Executive Committee of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and has been active in the Economic Club of Chicago, the Young Presidents Organization, and the National Kitchen and Bath Association. When he’s not working or volunteering, you’ll find him with his family at hockey games or on his skis, mountain, or road bikes. He resides in Chicago with his wife Laura and they have three grown children, including Stephanie Werner-Payen, who is a co-founder of HomeX.
About HomeX
HomeX is a first of its kind home services platform for both homeowners and service providers, radically improving the complex and fragmented home services industry. HomeX is making home maintenance less complicated for homeowners by providing quick, trusted solutions for issues that arise related to heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical systems and appliances. Scaled amid COVID-19, HomeX Remote Assist provides virtual, personalized solutions with expert guidance through video, call, or chat. The HomeX suite of business solutions helps established, local service companies thrive, automating their booking, driving qualified demand, simplifying their operations and improving their holistic customer experience.
About HomeX Remote Assist
Remote Assist is a virtual service from HomeX that connects homeowners to trained technicians who can offer expert advice, a diagnosis, or one-on-one guidance through the repair process right over a phone or video call. With professional, personalized attention — and at a fraction of the typical in-home service fee — Remote Assist is the quick and contactless answer to homeowner headaches. If the issue is complex enough to require hands-on support, HomeX can book you an in-home visit from a trusted home pro to finish the job quickly and efficiently. Remote Assist is also now available on the HomeX app, so homeowners can access a trusted expert from anywhere.
About Our Host
Louisa Dickins
https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-dickins-ab065392/?originalSubdomain=uk
Louisa started her career in property working at a well-known estate agency in London. Realising her people skills, she moved over to Lloyd May to pursue a career in recruitment. She now is a Director at LMRE, who are a specialist recruitment firm driven by PropTech and recruitment professionals, and Louisa oversees their 5 core areas. Louisa co-founded LMRE and provides a constructive recruitment platform to the new disruptors in real estate. Louisa is also on the board of Directors at UK PropTech Association (UKPA).
About LMRE
LMRE believe there is a better way to recruit. LMRE focus on a more comprehensive, client led focus delivering exceptional talent to the place at the time. They are passionate about the industry and passionate about people's careers. LMRE spend time with each client to become and an extension of the business, and their transparency and core values help them grow with the sector. LMRE simplify recruitment and innovate with our clients and evolve the people driven, PropTech community.