Trade businesses keep the world running – but many are still operating with disconnected systems, thin margins, and limited visibility into performance. Simpro is built to change that. Ahead of New York Build, we spoke with Mike Langley, VP

 

 

Q: For readers new to Simpro, what do you do and who is it for? 

Simpro is an AI-first operating platform built for what we call “second responders” – the trades that restore stability after an emergency is over, and keep the global economy running the way we need to live the lives we live. That includes HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, security, and mechanical services, all commercial contractors. 

Simpro connects the entire operation – quoting, scheduling, job execution, costing, inventory, invoicing, and getting paid – into one system that runs the business end to end. 

 

Q: What problem does that solve for contractors day to day? 

Most trade businesses are running on patchwork systems, with spreadsheets, disconnected software, and manual handoffs. That creates blind spots and leakage. Missed billable hours, poor labor control, delayed invoices, weak cash flow. 

By connecting everything, office teams see what’s happening in the field in real time, field teams have everything they need on mobile, and owners can see margins and cash flow while jobs are still live. This allows our customers to have the same profit margins as other providers that serve their very customers. Lawyers, Accountants, and Marketing firms that serve their customers are making 35-50% profit margins. Our second-responders deserve the same financial reward and recognition for their work which is much more critical. 

 

Q: You talk about “unit economics.” Why is that important? 

Efficiency is only part of the story. Unit economics is about how much profit a business keeps from every dollar earned. Most trade businesses operate on 8 to12% margins, while professional services firms run at 40% or more. That gap doesn’t make sense. 

Simpro helps close it by reducing leakage through tighter labor and material control, faster billing, and lower software costs. Many customers see an immediate 20-30% margin improvement just by moving onto the platform. 

 

Q: Who should stop by the Simpro booth at New York Build? 

Anyone running a service or project-based trade business who cares about margin, productivity, and cash flow. HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire and security, facilities management. 

We’ll walk through the full workflow, from quote to getting paid, and show how Simpro turns complex operations into more profitable ones. They will see why Simpro is uniquely positioned to change the unit economics of this entire industry. 

 

Q: Finally, what’s the bigger mission behind Simpro? 
We’re not a product company or a sales company. We are a customer company. Every decision we make is about improving outcomes for the people who keep society running. 

Second responders deserve better margins, period. Simpro exists to help them get there.