But his journey into independent field service work was not straightforward. It was shaped by curiosity, resilience, and, ultimately, freedom of choice.

Finding his way to the Field Nation marketplace

Mike first discovered field service marketplaces in 2007, while supplementing his full-time job. He connected with a gig-based model for technical work, which eventually led him to Field Nation.

After exploring the marketplace and completing several jobs, Mike determined that Field Nation was where he felt the best fit. “After all the cards fell, Field Nation was the best bet,” Mike recalled. “The marketplace is oriented toward technicians, and Field Nation seems to cover everything very well.”

By 2014, after 30 years in telecom, Mike stepped back into semi-retirement. In 2015, he dove back into field service, this time through Field Nation.

Building a career on flexibility

A typical day for Mike involves one to three jobs around the Seattle area. With over 2,800 projects completed, he focuses on what he knows best: telecom and networking. The freedom to choose the work types he prefers is key. “When looking through work orders, every decision starts with: do I know the buyer, and can I do the work well?”

The art of communication

Beyond technical know-how, Mike emphasizes communication as a cornerstone of field service success. Whether coordinating with buyers, troubleshooting alongside onsite staff, or making sure end users understand the updates before he leaves, Mike knows the job doesn’t end when the fix is complete.

“You never want to leave a site with anybody angry. That’s never an option,” he said. “You always want to communicate what you’re doing to the people on site and the people on the phone that are helping you configure stuff. Everyone has to be on the same page when you leave.” With a Provider Success Score of 92, he has earned a stellar reputation on the marketplace.

Establishing work-life balance through Field Nation

For Mike, Field Nation has provided not just consistent work, but the kind of lifestyle he envisioned after semi-retirement.

“I work between 15 and 25 hours a week on the Field Nation marketplace. I worked 30 years from 1984 to 2014, and since then it’s been a gig economy life—and it’s been great. Field Nation fits just right for me,” Mike added. He enjoys the flexibility to stay engaged with his craft, earn a comfortable income, and keep working on his own terms.

Looking ahead

Mike has seen technology shift dramatically from the analog days of copper lines to today’s fiber-powered world. Still, one thing remains constant: his commitment to doing the job right, communicating well, and leaving every site better than he found it. “Every project I do is an adventure. That’s why I like it so much. It really is fun,” he concluded.

For Mike, Field Nation isn’t just a marketplace. It’s a bridge between decades of expertise and the freedom to keep doing what he loves, on his own terms.

The post Stories from the field: Mike Mott appeared first on Field Nation.

Working in and around commercial buildings comes with the responsibility to perform tasks safely and avoid property damage. One commonly overlooked risk is the building’s fire sprinkler system. Damage to sprinkler heads or pipes – especially during cabling or ceiling work – can lead to extensive water damage and costly disruptions.

Below are key risks and best practices to help providers prevent and mitigate sprinkler-related incidents.

Risks of Sprinkler System Damage

• Water Damage: Fire sprinkler heads in commercial buildings discharge water at rates of 20–40 gallons per minute (GPM), with some systems exceeding 100 GPM, per NFPA standards. A single accidental impact – such as stepping on a supply line or striking a head during cabling – can cause significant flooding, damaging both the structure and its contents.
• Financial Costs: Water damage repair goes beyond fixing the sprinkler system. It may involve replacing drywall, flooring, electrical systems, furniture, inventory, and electronics – resulting in substantial costs.
• Project Delays: Accidental activation can halt progress. Cleanup and repairs may delay timelines, impacting broader project schedules and deliverables.

Measures for Providers to Prevent or Mitigate Sprinkler Damage

Identify: Before starting work, locate sprinkler heads and lines. Be aware that some may be concealed under insulation or above ceilings.

Protect: Use temporary barriers or coverings around sprinkler heads and lines when working nearby to prevent accidental contact.

Lighting: Utilize hands-free lighting (e.g., headlamps or task lights) to improve visibility in ceiling spaces and identify utilities.

Inform Your Team: Ensure all team members are aware of sprinkler system locations within the work area.

Response Plan for Sprinkler Damage

If a sprinkler head or line is damaged, water will continue to flow until the system is shut off. Be prepared:

Locate Shut-Off Valves: Identify the main and zone-specific shut-off valves before work begins. These valves are often secured in locked rooms or chained to prevent accidental shutdown. Coordinate with the building owner or Buyer to establish a shut-off plan in case of emergency.

Carry a Shut-Off Tool: Keep a fire sprinkler shut-off tool (e.g., Shutgun or Quickstop) in your tool kit. These tools can temporarily seal activated sprinkler heads and minimize water damage.

Document the Incident: Immediately take photos and videos of any damage for reporting and insurance purposes.

Report Promptly: Notify the building owner and/or Buyer so repairs can be made and the sprinkler system reactivated safely.

Summary

To prevent property damage from sprinkler systems:

• Plan ahead
• Use protective measures
• Establish a clear mitigation strategy

Effective communication with building stakeholders and preparedness are key to minimizing risk and ensuring safe, efficient work environments.

This information is provided by Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, the marketing brand for the insurance company subsidiaries of Intact Insurance Group USA Holdings Inc., including Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, Homeland Insurance Company of New York, Homeland Insurance Company of Delaware, OBI America Insurance Company, The Guarantee Company of North America USA, or OBI National Insurance Company. This document is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute and is not intended to take the place of legal or risk management advice. Readers should consult their own legal counsel or other representatives for any such advice. This document does not purport to identify all possible or significant hazards at a premises or in your operations.  In addition, it does not undertake to bring you into full compliance with any local, state or federal health or safety laws or contractual obligations. Further, by providing this document, we do not assume any obligations you may have to identify, manage, control or correct any hazard on your premises or in your operations.

The post Preventing sprinkler system damage: best practices for providers appeared first on Field Nation.

Downtime: the quiet threat to robotics ROI

Whether it’s a delivery bot on a university campus or an autonomous cleaner in a retail store, robots are no longer novelties; they’re vital to operational efficiency, user satisfaction, and brand reputation. But when these devices go down, the ripple effects are immediate.

Today, it’s not uncommon for robotic units to remain offline for multiple days, sometimes even up to a week. According to recent studies, factories can lose 5-20% of their productivity due to robot downtime. Delays in technician dispatch or parts delivery, especially in rural or less serviced locations, can also paralyze a robotics deployment. 

Beyond the technical setback, prolonged outages can damage trust. Customers expect a service experience akin to healthcare: swift, competent, and available when needed most. Many companies are deeming these friction points unacceptable.

Rethinking the service model for robots in the field

Traditional repair workflows, reliant on fixed staffing models or regional service hubs, are falling short, particularly in a world where robotics deployments are increasingly distributed. These systems lack the speed, agility, and scalability to keep operations running smoothly and decrease robot downtime.

This is where the on-demand service model enters the picture. By tapping into a distributed marketplace of skilled independent technicians, robotics companies can move away from rigid structures and toward flexible, rapid-response models that meet modern expectations.

Field Nation, for instance, connects organizations with a vast network of independent field service professionals. The labor marketplace sees average response times of 12 to 15 minutes in major cities, dramatically reducing the window between failure and resolution. Most issues are resolved same-day or next-day, even in geographies with limited traditional service coverage.

Restore trust and preserve time with fast repair solutions

The real-world impact is clear: on one college campus, a robot outage forced students to walk across campus for meals, creating a frustrating experience that undermines the convenience these robotic services are designed to provide.

Fast repairs restore trust, preserve uptime, and protect the ROI on robotics investments. But more broadly, service responsiveness unlocks growth. Robotics companies can scale confidently, knowing they have reliable, nationwide service coverage that flexes with demand. They can expand into new regions without building local teams from scratch. And they can deliver the urgency that their customers expect.

Service robotics quickly and confidently with the Field Nation marketplace

The robotics revolution isn’t just about smarter machines—it’s about smarter support. Service models must evolve in lockstep as deployments grow in complexity and scale. A distributed, on-demand field service approach isn’t just a fix for today’s challenges. It’s a foundational strategy for a future where downtime isn’t an option. 

Are you ready to explore the benefits of on-demand robotics repair? Visit our robotics info page for more info or book a time to speak further about our marketplace.

The post The critical need for reducing robot downtime appeared first on Field Nation.

“When I’m driving to a worksite, I like to catch up on news around crypto and Web 3 development,” he says of his commute. “There are a few YouTubers who put stuff out consistently. I’m always trying to learn as much as I can and stay current.”

“I’m almost 50 years old,” he adds, “so I need to keep up with the young guys in tech!”

In many ways, Thomas could be a role model for those young guys in tech.

In 2012 he decided to start working for himself. His years of experience in the IT service delivery space drew the attention of several clients, and he soon built up a dependable stream of steady work.

“They have a technician they can trust in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and I have a company that I can rely on for steady work.”

Still, there were periods when Thomas found himself in search of supplemental income. In 2016, a client mentioned that he frequently connected with contract IT technicians through an app called Field Nation, and Thomas decided to check it out.

The decision turned out to be game-changing.

“I do a lot of cabling work, and I saw that some of the work being posted was stuff that I could do. So that’s how it landed on my radar: I learned I could turn to it when I need a little extra income.”

Currently, Thomas specializes in low-voltage cabling, office equipment, and server & networking work. The platform lets Thomas make judicious decisions about which types of jobs he’ll accept. Being able to make these cost/benefit decisions in real time helps support the financial security he’s built up with his network of steady clients.

He notes: “I’ve got two kids in private school and it’s really helped out.”

The secret to Thomas’ success? A combination of preparation and flexibility.

“As an independent field technician, you’ve got to come prepared and you’ve got to be ready to deal with certain challenges that you wouldn’t encounter in a nine-to-five job where you are doing the same thing every day.”

“As long as you’re willing to do it, you can always find work,” he says. “And that’s a great thing to have.”

The post Stories from the Field: Thomas Cloud appeared first on Field Nation.

Summary

In 2008, after transitioning away from OnForce, Eric Zuelke joined Field Nation. Eric began building a successful computer repair business in 2006 and switched to Field Nation to find more work and connect with more clients. With an expertise in A/V, digital signage, and office equipment, Eric loves his work and his customers, which is how he’s managed to gain new clients and maintain a steady flow of work for over 10 years.

Background

In 2006, Eric started working on his own as a Computer Repair Technician. In the beginning, he advertised locally and found clients through word-of-mouth. At the time, Eric was mostly working with individuals doing software, hardware, computer, and server repair. However, as he grew, he wanted to branch out into more commercial work – which is when he turned to Field Nation.

“The type of work on Field Nation I get are types of jobs I prefer over others,” Eric says. “My commercial jobs are in a lot of different environments, everything from grocery stores to banks.”

The variety in his work allows Eric to put his skills to the test, and he loves the chance to solve people’s problems, large or small.

“I like to get people out of jams. A lot of people depend on their computers,” Eric says, “That’s what makes it worth it.”

Growing a successful computer repair business

Over the years as technology shifts, many technicians may find it hard to keep up with the industry. On the other hand, for Eric, that constant change is exciting, challenging, and something he uses to stay on top of his game.

“My business grows mostly through word of mouth, and I have grown a lot. As the industry shifts and changes over time, people need different things and I try and keep up with that as much as I can,” Eric says.

One of the biggest drivers of his growth, according to him, is the fact that he’s learned how to fix the problem while also building rapport with the customer.  Eric emphasizes the importance of learning soft-skills like constructive communication, de-escalation for tense situations, and general rules of professionalism.

“You have to know how to talk to people and put them at ease. If you don’t know how to be professional on-site, take classes, watch videos, learn how to be professional,” Eric says. “You have to look at it from a business-minded aspect and not just a computer repair.”

Eric credits much of his success and ability to land consistent work to those people skills.

“I think the most rewarding part about that is the consistency of work has improved over time. After a while, you don’t have to worry about finding work as much because the work comes to you a bit more consistently,” Eric says.

Building client relationships

Eric always goes above-and-beyond to make a good impression, especially on commercial jobs.

“Any time I go into a commercial job, I aim to leave it better than it was when I went in there,” Eric says. “For instance, going into a server room, if the rooms a mess while I’m standing around waiting for my tech people to do what they need to do, I’ll clean the server room up. I’ll do what cable management I can do while I’m there.”

It’s small steps like these that make a technician stand out in a client’s mind. Going that extra mile can build trust and establish quality that could net you more work with that client in the future.

Growing with Field Nation

As Eric continues growing his computer service business this year, he’s using Field Nation to find more work and strengthen existing relationships, and he recommends other technicians do the same.

“There are lots of other platforms people can choose from, but when it comes down to the daily nuts and bolts of using it, I’ve never had a problem with Field Nation,” Eric says. “I would recommend Field Nation to other techs. It’s easy to use. The companies who use Field Nation have done their due diligence.”

The post Maintaining steady work in a competitive market: Meet Eric Zuelke appeared first on Field Nation.

Minnesota: Recognition of Negligent Selection Claims

Minnesota has introduced a notable change in the treatment of independent contractors under the law, specifically about negligent selection claims. Historically, businesses hiring independent contractors were generally not liable for the contractor’s actions. However, a recent development has now opened the door for claims of negligent selection of independent contractors.

What does this mean for you?

This change highlights the growing importance of carefully vetting independent contractors and verifying they possess the necessary skills and qualifications for the job. 

Leveraging a labor marketplace like Field Nation can eliminate the guesswork of finding, vetting, assigning, managing, and paying reliable field service techs. By enabling companies like yours to connect with thousands of independent contractors with skills in a variety of work types, you and your customers can have a clearer picture of who you are selecting to achieve successful outcomes and mitigate risk.

Learn more: Minnesota Selection of Independent Contractors

New York: The Freelance Isn’t Free Act 

New York has expanded protections for freelance workers under the Freelance Isn’t Free Act (FIFA). Initially passed in New York City several years ago, this law is now effective statewide.

FIFA mandates that any freelance job worth $800 or more within a 120-day period must be documented with a written contract and timely compensation. This contract must outline key terms, including the scope of work, payment deadlines, and pay rate. 

What does this mean for you? 

This law only affects buyers with a business address in New York.

While companies are ultimately responsible for complying with employment laws, a platform that requires listing specific information as part of the work order, which serves as a written contract, helps ensure all required information is included. This is good news for field service leaders looking to navigate the legislative landscape most efficiently while staying ahead of the evolving requirements.  

Field Nation has recently updated work orders for companies with NY-based addresses to automatically add requirements to reflect FIFA compliance with minimal impact on business operations. 

Companies are responsible for paying an independent technician within 30 days of work order approval.

Learn more: New York State Freelance Isn’t Free Act (FIFA)

Illinois: The Freelance Worker Protection Act

As of July 1, 2024, the Freelance Worker Protection Act (FWPA) is another significant legislative development in Illinois. This act safeguards freelancers’ rights by ensuring timely payment and providing legal recourse during disputes. 

Under the FWPA, freelance workers are entitled to a written contract for any work amounting to $500 or more. Like New York’s FIFA, the agreement must specify the scope of work, payment terms, and the compensation rate.

What does this mean for you? 

Although companies are responsible for complying with employment regulations, platforms that require specific details in work orders, which create a written contract, help ensure all required information is included. This approach benefits field service leaders who need to navigate legal requirements efficiently while staying proactive in responding to changing regulations.

Field Nation has made updates to automatically populate a new work order field for all Illinois-based work orders in compliance with FWPA, with minimal disruption to business operations. 

Companies are responsible for paying an independent technician within 30 days of work order approval.

Learn more: Illinois Freelance Worker Protection Act (FWPA).

In Conclusion

These legislative changes reflect a broader trend toward increased regulation and protection for independent contractors across various states. Staying informed about legislative changes is crucial for independent contractors and companies. Companies can mitigate risks and maintain robust and compliant working relationships by understanding and adhering to these new laws. Should you have any legal questions, please consult with your attorney.

While companies are ultimately responsible for complying with employment laws, Field Nation continues to evaluate and take action to provide customers with solutions via its platform work orders with minimal impact on business operations.

The post State-level regulations around independent contractors: key updates appeared first on Field Nation.

“I believe integrity will always lead you in the right direction, no matter what’s going on around you.”

It’s a belief that strengthens Lester’s relationships with clients at his company, Tek-Genius IT Solutions, which currently offers service in Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

He also looks for curiosity:

“If techs have the will to learn, and if they’re open and patient during the learning process, chances are they’re going to make it in this industry.”

This much Lester knows from experience. An experienced technician himself, Lester got involved in IT services as a side hustle. Lester has experience taking on a variety of types of work on Field Nation, including point-of-sale, networking, and low-voltage cabling. His willingness to try new things and learn along the way made him a perfect fit for the industry.

“While I was applying to jobs post-college, I fixed computers on the side. Simple stuff mostly: removing viruses, laptop repairs,things of that nature. After a while, as I was gaining traction through word of mouth, I realized this is actually something that I’m good at––and it pays enough for me to make a living.”

One day, while out running errands, Lester noticed a technician performing some maintenance work. He struck up a conversation and learned that the tech had secured his current project through Field Nation.

“The rest is pretty much history, at that point. He gave me the website, I signed up, and I took off like a rocket ship.”

Now, Lester is able to employ and collaborate with other technicians across a broad spectrum of service offerings and geographies. Since starting his business in 2016, Lester has built key relationships and grown his network to include major companies. A standout Tek-Genuis IT Solutions contract entailed working on one of the largest ground shipping facilities in the world.

His success relates back to the premium he puts on integrity, and the way that integrity creates a productive bond between technician and client.

“Today, technology is pretty much the backbone of the corporate world. But a lot of people either aren’t computer savvy or they don’t have the time to be computer savvy, so they need help from someone like me. Seeing the level of satisfaction and relief they get from our services––I can say that’s something I see consistently, and I’m grateful for that.”

When mentoring technicians, Lester likes to remind them that the key to a successful job is having the right outlook.

“When we’re in the field, I tell my guys: there are no problems, there are only situations. If you focus on some sort of resolution, your path to a solution will be much smoother. You’re able to think with a clear mind because you’re focused on the solution and not the problem. Positive over negative.”

Lester fortifies this outlook with podcasts and audiobooks, which he listens to as he drives to and from worksites. He cites The Magic of Thinking Big as a particularly good read.

His extensive background as a technician helps keep his relationships with Tek-Genius technicians strong.

“I know it’s a cliché, but I really do view them as working with me as opposed to for me. I always look at it as a mutual relationship. I think that alone gives us a lot of leeway. It makes learning easier, and that means the work gets done right.”

The post Stories from the Field: Lester Kirk appeared first on Field Nation.

Early beginnings

“My story’s a bit unique,” Brian reflects. “I started working for my dad, and by the time I was 13, he was running his own company. I was the kid that hung around the shop…that’s where I started learning the business.” This early exposure to the field service industry shaped Brian’s career path and instilled a passion for the trade that would last a lifetime.

The field service industry has undergone significant changes over the years, a transformation Brian has witnessed firsthand. “I’ve been around the industry long enough to recognize how technology has changed the industry,” he says. By continuously honing his skills and knowledge, Brian has learned to embrace change, including learning how to work with sophisticated modern day IT systems.

A typical day

In 2018, Brian took a pivotal step by forming his field service company, Smarter Technologies. This move was not just about starting a business; it was about creating a platform for innovation and excellence in the field services industry.

As a business owner managing three different teams, Brian’s day is a mix of leadership, networking, and hands-on work. “I still go out on jobs…I like troubleshooting. No environment is the same,” he shares. This hands-on approach keeps Brian connected to his roots and provides valuable training opportunities for his team.

Since 2017, Brian has used Field Nation to find projects and build relationships with buyers. “Pulling jobs from Field Nation helps me establish consistency for my business,” he explains. The platform enables Brian to find opportunities that fit his company’s skill set, ensuring a good match between the service provided and the client’s needs.

Advice for newcomers

Brian offers key advice for those starting out in the field service industry: “The hardest part of getting started is actually getting started. When you select your first Work Order, read everything in the scope of work so you are fully prepared. ” He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, being open to training opportunities, and documenting everything. “Buyers like to see motivated and well-informed technicians. Those are the ones they want,” Brian advises.

A partnership for growth

Reflecting on his experience with the Field Nation platform, Brian appreciates the operational efficiency it brings to his business. “You want some consistency in your business and that’s what Field Nation is good at,” he says. This collaboration has allowed Smarter Technologies to focus on what they do best, providing top-notch field services across various locations.

Through his leadership at Smarter Technologies and his strategic use of Field Nation, Brian has carved out a successful niche in the rapidly evolving field service landscape. Brian’s story is proof that with the right approach, growth and success are well within reach. Connect with skilled technicians like Brian for your next project, or if  you’re an independent technician who’s ready to find work on the #1 labor marketplace for IT field services, create your profile on Field Nation today! 

The post Stories from the Field: Brian Smith appeared first on Field Nation.

Here are 5 key vetting tips from these experienced Ambassadors that you can take to your own organization.

1. Build strong connections with technicians

Fostering effective relationships includes understanding technicians’ personalities and ensuring a good fit with your company’s culture. Make technicians feel valued and align with their expectations through open, honest communication. Such interactions solidify the foundation for mutual understanding and consistent execution of project goals.

“Our vetting process is tailored to the specific requirements of each job. For assignments demanding more intricate work or recurring visits, we intensify our vetting to include not just technical skills but also personality fit through direct interactions and, where necessary, client interviews. This ensures that technicians are not only capable but also compatible with the project’s broader needs.” – Joe Rosenberg, Director of Field Services

“Effective vetting involves more than just taking a technician’s word at face value. It’s vital to use open-ended questions to gauge their real capabilities and experience. This, coupled with clear communication about tool requirements upfront, has significantly improved our project outcomes.” – Sandra Williams, Field Services Delivery Manager

“To enhance communication, we’ve created a Teams link directly within the work order that allows technicians to access a live session with a simple click, facilitating real-time assistance and interaction with the project team. It’s greatly improved our ability to communicate with techs, ensuring everyone involved can collaborate more seamlessly and efficiently.” – Stacy Lonergan, Senior Resource Manager

2. Assess skills to confirm fit

Evaluating a technician’s technical skills is also essential. This step goes beyond mere qualifications, focusing on a technician’s familiarity with specific technologies, their problem-solving abilities, and how well they can adapt to the unique demands of each project.

“We contact technicians to gauge their familiarity with specific technologies, such as mesh networks, which are crucial in our projects. Following their initial assignments, we employ a unique metric system to evaluate them, focusing on their ability to navigate challenges smoothly and maintain professionalism under pressure.” – Mark Morettini, Technical Field Operations Coordinator

“Almost half our projects each week are ‘emergencies,’ demanding immediate action that day or the following morning. Clear work order titles are fundamental to quickly attracting the right expertise. We’ve learned that adding details about the project requirements and timeline (sometimes even with asterisks) directly in the title captures the attention of technicians with the skills and experience we need.” – Kyle Wright, Director of Managed Services

3. Emphasize professionalism

Ensuring technicians not only have the right skills but also present themselves professionally is key to maintaining high service standards. This includes everything from the initial impression given by their resume to their behavior and appearance on the job site. Ambassadors emphasize the importance of scrutinizing these elements closely.

“Reviewing a technician’s resume is crucial for us. If it’s missing, we skip them. We value technicians who take the initiative to detail their skills and experiences on the Field Nation platform. This diligence in updating their profiles signals their professionalism and suitability for our projects.” – Chantella Allen, Senior Service Delivery Coordinator

“Video calls are a cornerstone of our vetting process. They allow us to see the technician, assess their professional demeanor, and get a better sense of their technical knowledge before they ever set foot on site. It’s about ensuring that the person representing our company is the best fit for our clients.” – Bill McElroy, Project Coordinator Vendor Relations

4. Automate to overcome vetting challenges

When vetting needs to scale up for larger projects, efficiency becomes paramount. Automation and technology can significantly streamline the process, ensuring quick and accurate technician selection without compromising quality.

“Automated routing rules based on a technician’s work history and experiences have been a game-changer for us. By using a dashboard in our ticketing system, we can quickly match job requirements with the skills of available technicians, making the process faster and more accurate.” – Sindy Eichen, Field Service Manager

“Vetting technicians for national projects presents scalability challenges, especially when spanning hundreds of technicians and numerous sites. We address this through automation, such as a 10-minute training mechanism with a quiz, and follow-up calls. However, the larger the project, the more complex the vetting becomes.” – Craig Kumiega, Senior Manager of Services

5. Prioritize safety above all

Technician safety and compliance with job-specific requirements are non-negotiable. This aspect of vetting is especially critical for high-risk jobs, where the right tools and knowledge of safety protocols can mean the difference between a job well done and a potential accident.

“Safety is our top priority, so we make specific tool requirements clear from the start and implement penalties for non-compliance. It’s about more than just getting the job done; it’s ensuring everyone involved is safe and compliant with all necessary regulations.” – Bill McElroy, Project Coordinator Vendor Relations

By adopting these proven strategies from Field Nation Ambassadors, you can enhance your vetting process, ensuring every technician you choose is a perfect fit for your project. Ready to elevate your vetting process? Explore our support center, connect with your account representatives, or message our team for more insights.

The post 5 top vetting tips from Field Nation customers appeared first on Field Nation.

An introduction to field services

Chad’s field services journey started in IT. With prior experience as a customer service representative at a tech repair company and as a service manager at a computer store, he was no stranger to the world of technology. However, life took an unexpected turn when a car accident required him to take a step back from his mobile career and focus on recovery. “Being in an environment where you have to be on your feet a lot while recovering from such an accident was challenging,” he explained, “I knew I’d have to take some time off and take care of myself.”

During his recovery, Chad received a phone call from a technology staffing company that recognized his IT background and offered him an opportunity to complete field service work. This gave Chad the opportunity to ease back into part-time work. “I had an IT background and was 100% self-taught,” Chad explained. “I saw this as an opportunity to pivot my career and regain my independence.”

During this time, Chad met several field service contractors who introduced him to Field Nation, allowing him to quickly recognize the benefits of leveraging a marketplace. In April 2019, he made the leap, and became an independent contractor. This transition marked a significant turning point in his career.

A day in the life

Chad’s typical workday revolves around driving to job sites and completing assignments. He primarily works with audio/visual equipment and is often booked months in advance. While he appreciates the opportunity to work with familiar customers, he’s always open to new challenges. “Working with the same customers allows me to know what to expect, but I don’t mind trying new things,” he says.

Problem-solving on the go

Field service often means walking into unknown situations. Chad relies on his extensive experience and history to anticipate potential issues and provide quick and effective solutions. When in doubt, he also leverages helpful online resources such as Google and YouTube to quickly find solutions.

The marketplace impact

When asked about how Field Nation’s technology, systems and support have impacted his career, Chad confirms the transformation has been profound. “The marketplace experience has changed my life ten-fold. I can plan vacations, ride my Harley Davidson bike, and enjoy week-long bike trips during the summer,” he said. Chad appreciates the convenience the marketplace offers, allowing him to grab work generated by customers when needed.

Taking on commutes

Chad, who drives 45-60k miles yearly to job sites, often listens to podcasts to pass the time. He sometimes drives to job sites with his wife, who also uses Field Nation’s marketplace to find work. 

Advice for new technicians

Chad’s advice for newcomers to the field service industry is simple yet powerful: be as reliable as possible. “Show up as the best version of yourself that you can be,” he advises. “Don’t be intimidated by something new, and be willing to learn on the fly.” 

Chad’s journey to becoming a successful and reliable field service contractor is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Want to start building your schedule and start finding work on Field Nation? Click here to sign up for your profile today! If you’re a field service company that’s in need of skilled, independent technicians for your next project, reach out to the Field Nation team.

The post Stories from the field: Chad Humes appeared first on Field Nation.