- September 3, 2026
- 8:55 am
- 2 min read
Included in this article
Running a family business that spans more than five decades requires more than just hard work — it requires evolution. For Colvin’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical, a third-generation business established in 1971, success has always been built on strong customer relationships. However, as the company grew to manage four different trades, the operational complexities began to challenge their daily efficiency.
To secure their future, they needed a comprehensive solution — specifically, implementing field service management for a multi-trade business to scale without the chaos.
The challenge: moving past yellow sticky notes and chaos
In the early days, scheduling and dispatching relied on a room full of yellow sticky notes. Eventually, the company transitioned to spreadsheets and basic dispatching software, but it was not enough to handle their growth.
Before adopting the WEX™ Field Service Management platform, the office environment was chaotic. Without centralized systems, the team was working hard just to fight daily fires, making it difficult to achieve predictable growth.
“We had to pull physical files and manually look up past jobs just to understand what work had been done for a customer. It was a constant paper shuffle.”
— Shannon, Service Manager and Dispatcher
The solution: field service management for a multi-trade business
The turning point arrived when the leadership team recognized the need for a comprehensive system to scale the company. They chose the WEX™ Field Service Management software to serve as their central operational hub.
Stopping the paper shuffle
The real-time visibility offered by the WEX FSM platform allowed the office to completely eliminate manual filing. Shannon can now view the schedule for every plumber, electrician, and HVAC technician on a single screen. She can move appointments with the click of a button, drastically reducing the morning rush.
Empowering technicians in the field
For field technicians, the WEX FSM software is a critical tool in their toolkit. It decreases morning preparation time and reduces the drive time spent locating parts. Technicians arrive at the customer’s home fully prepared, knowing the equipment history and what the previous calls entailed. Customers appreciate that they do not have to repeat their stories to multiple technicians. Furthermore, the software provides flat-rate pricing, checklists for each trade, and the ability to process payments directly on the job site.
The results: predictability, growth, and peace of mind
Implementing a centralized system has transformed the daily operations at Colvin’s. By allowing technicians to handle jobs from start to finish within the WEX application, the overall stress level is greatly reduced, and the operational weight has been lifted off the team’s shoulders.
The immediate impact of the transition includes:
8 hrs Saved in daily administrative work for the dispatch team | 90% Of technicians dispatched directly from home, saving travel time every morning | Instant Visibility into total sales and profit & loss for each division |
Securing the next generation’s legacy
For David Inman, president and chief operating officer, the most significant benefit is the predictability the system brings to the family business. The WEX platform has established the systems necessary for the next generation to succeed. Because the operational framework is already in plain sight, future leaders can focus entirely on leadership development and providing excellent service, rather than figuring out how to manage the back office.
Transform Your Multi-Trade Business Operations with WEX FSM
A comprehensive software system is not just an operational tool. It ensures quality, protects your legacy, and provides the foundation for efficient growth. Whether you are managing one trade or four, having a systematic approach transforms your daily workflow. Streamline your operation by partnering with WEX Field Service Management.
Copyright ©2026 WEX Inc. All rights reserved. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
