In a forward-looking collaboration that bridges technology and hands-on service, Rilla and Neighborly® have united to empower home service professionals with advanced artificial intelligence tools designed to enhance communication and sales performance. The partnership, recently highlighted when Rilla received Neighborly’s Vendor of the Year award, underscores how technology can transform traditional service industries.
With more than 500 Neighborly franchise locations now utilizing Rilla’s proprietary software, over 2,000 plumbing and HVAC technicians are already benefiting from real-time coaching. The system analyzes in-person conversations to provide immediate feedback, helping technicians refine their approach and improve customer satisfaction. The results have been impressive: a 13 percent increase in average ticket sizes and nearly a two percent boost in closure rates.
Sebastian Jimenez, founder and CEO of Rilla, described the partnership as a defining moment for the company’s mission to humanize AI-driven communication. “We want to give every technician the same level of guidance that elite performers receive,” he said. “This partnership with Neighborly shows that artificial intelligence can lift entire industries by improving the way people connect and serve.”
Neighborly’s leadership, including Mike Davis, has praised Rilla’s ability to provide data-driven insights that strengthen both franchise operations and customer relationships. Jerry Rice, a longtime franchise advisor, noted that the technology mirrors the discipline and focus of championship teams, drawing parallels between the precision of AI feedback and the meticulous preparation of professional athletes. His analogy found an echo in Barry Bonds, who emphasized that success—whether on the field or in business—comes from measurable improvement and consistent coaching.
The collaboration has also impressed data executives within Neighborly, including Tanner Stutz, Senior Vice President of Data Insights. Stutz explained that analyzing more than 375,000 customer conversations has given the company “a direct line to what customers really value,” translating those findings into better training and franchise-wide standards.
As Rilla prepares to showcase its technology at the upcoming Dreamforce conference, anticipation is high across the franchising and home services communities. The partnership’s early success demonstrates how artificial intelligence can redefine performance in sectors long reliant on personal expertise. For Rilla and Neighborly, this is not simply a technological leap—it is a shared commitment to transforming how people deliver and experience service.
