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.

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

A critical step toward continued growth and opportunity in low-voltage cabling is obtaining and displaying the necessary licenses. If you’re a technician who uses Field Nation to find and complete work, you may want to list current low-voltage licenses on your profile. In this blog, we’ll delve into additional reasons how a low-voltage cabling license may be beneficial and what it takes to get licensed.

The benefits of a low-voltage license

Several factors make a low-voltage license beneficial to technicians, including:

Quality assurance

Licensing is a testament to a technician’s proficiency, knowledge, and adherence to industry standards. Service delivery leaders want experienced and qualified technicians working on their assignments. Listing a low-voltage license on your profile showcases your ability to complete projects that require specific skill sets.

Commitment to compliance and legal requirements

License requirements vary from state to state, and in many regions, low-voltage cabling work is subject to specific regulations. As states continue to evolve their licensing requirements, many field service companies will increasingly turn to licensed low-voltage cabling technicians. A low-voltage license on your Field Nation profile shows clients your adherence to potential state requirements.

Enhanced marketability

Licensed technicians stand out in a competitive field. Listing a low-voltage license on your Field Nation profile can help enhance your visibility and marketability to buyers.

How to get licensed in low-voltage cabling

The process for obtaining a low-voltage cabling license can vary by state, however, technicians pursuing a license can likely expect similar steps.

Training and experience

Most licensing authorities require candidates to have a solid educational background in low-voltage cabling. In fact, many states require several years of experience in cabling before obtaining a license. Training may consist of attending a specific course or program depending on your state.

Examination and application

Licensing typically involves passing a rigorous examination that assesses your knowledge of low-voltage cabling concepts, regulations, and best practices. After passing the exam and/or meeting your state’s requirements, you must submit the specified form or application so your state can approve and grant the license.

Continuing education

To stay licensed, technicians often need to engage in continuous learning. This learning may consist of completing an annual course or training session. Adhering to the continuing education requirement ensures you stay updated on industry advancements and maintain a high standard of expertise.

Create your Field Nation profile and start building your work schedule

Getting a low-voltage license boosts professional growth, credibility, and work opportunities. With a license, you can continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless integration of cutting-edge systems. By navigating the licensing process strategically, you can position yourself as an industry leader, contributing to the field service industry.

Ready to start finding work and building your schedule? Create a profile on Field Nation and jumpstart your career as a low-voltage technician!

The post A technician’s guide to low-voltage licensing appeared first on Field Nation.

Getting Started with Field Nation

Hunter’s journey into the industry wasn’t exactly expected. “I got started in field services kind of by accident,” Hunter explains. Just a year ago, he was a professor and substitute teacher at a university in Indiana. Realizing he desired a different path, Hunter decided to pivot. With a CompTIA A+ certification under his belt, he started interviewing for tech positions.

As he was looking for field work positions, Hunter turned to online listings. “I stumbled upon a LinkedIn listing and got hired on to do field work,” he says. In this role, the company provided Hunter with printed work orders, complete with directions to his job sites. After completing a couple of jobs, Hunter decided to take matters into his own hands and downloaded the Field Nation marketplace app, which opened up a world of opportunities for him.

A typical day in the life of Hunter Poole

When it comes to a typical day, his experience depends on the work order types. “Most days, I’ll have several smaller tickets,” he describes. “Those tickets are usually quoted for about two or three hours.” Sometimes, these particular assignments are extended, requiring Hunter to juggle multiple locations within a day. 

“Occasionally, I’ll get booked for a work order that requires a full eight hours,” Hunter says. These longer projects allow Hunter to take a break from the hustle and bustle of finding new work orders, and allows him to get to know the client better. When it comes to his ideal client, Hunter enjoys being relied on. “I prefer the folks who feel they can count on me and have the presumption that I will get the job done.”

Problem-solving in the field

For Hunter, problem-solving starts before he arrives at the work order site, and he understands communication is paramount. “Once I arrive on site, the first thing I do is I call the client and tell them I’ve arrived,” he explains. “The client will usually give me a rundown of the technical support needed, and then I’ll speak to the manager and ask to be shown the problem area.”

Hunter’s mechanical mindset guides him as he systematically simplifies the troubleshooting process. He follows a mental flow chart, beginning with checking connections and determining whether it’s a hardware or software issue. When working toward a solution, Hunter compares the troubleshooting process to an onion: “I try to peel the onion back and get to the root of the problem,” he says. Hunter will often start the process with his handy cable testers and continue the process from there.

Selecting the right work orders

When choosing which work orders to accept, Hunter maintains an open mind. “I sort of have a bit of a do-it-all attitude,” he says. “If I see a task that looks to be slightly challenging for me, I’ll still try my hand at it.” However, an important factor that Hunter considers when choosing work orders is presentation. “I pay attention to how the ticket is structured. A well-organized ticket gives me a good look into what is expected of me.”

The impact of Field Nation on Hunter’s life

To say Field Nation has positively impacted Hunter’s work life would be an understatement. “Field Nation has been fantastic for my work life,” he says, “I really like the fact that I can control my own schedule and set my own rates within reason.” Autonomy and the freedom of choosing when he wants to work are key factors that make being an independent contractor a great experience for Hunter. The flexibility is a game-changer for him, offering a sense of stability even in an ever-changing industry.

Hunter’s playlist

Hunter’s playlist of varying genres and artists keeps him focused as he navigates to different job sites and takes on new projects. His playlist is as diverse as his field service experiences, featuring artists like Muse, Nickelback, Mac Miller, Hensen, and Melanie Martinez.  Sometimes he’ll even listen to podcasts before he starts pulling cable. “Music is especially important when I’m doing a task that’s long and labor-intensive such as a cable run,” he says.

Hunter’s journey into the world of field services is a testament to the flexibility and opportunities that labor marketplaces like Field Nation provide. Independent technicians like Hunter enjoy a work life that is flexible, exciting, and rewarding. Field services is a dynamic industry that keeps professionals like him on their toes, problem-solving and adapting to new challenges every day.

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