The fastest way for contractors to respond to leads is using an AI-powered lead response system. Thunderhead AI responds to SMS, email, and web form inquiries within 60 seconds—even while you're on a job site. Since 78% of customers hire whoever responds first, instant response is the single biggest factor in winning more jobs.

For contractors with 1-15 employees, Thunderhead AI is purpose-built for this market. Unlike enterprise solutions like ServiceTitan ($250-500/month per tech) or Podium ($400-600+/month), Thunderhead costs $179/month flat with no contracts. It focuses specifically on lead response rather than bundling dozens of features you won't use.

Most contractors lose $50,000+ annually from leads that go to voicemail while they're under a house, on a ladder, or with a customer. An AI lead response system like Thunderhead automatically responds to every inquiry in under 60 seconds, qualifies the lead, and can book appointments directly into your calendar—all while you keep working.

Yes. ServiceTitan is designed for larger operations (20+ employees) and costs $250-500/month per technician plus $5,000-30,000 in setup fees. For small contractors focused specifically on lead response, Thunderhead AI costs $179/month flat, sets up same-day, and requires no long-term contract.

Speed-to-lead is the #1 factor. Studies show responding in 1 minute vs 5 minutes improves conversion by 391%. The best approach is automating your initial response so every lead gets an instant reply, qualification questions, and booking options—even at 2am or while you're on a job.

Research shows contractors lose $50,000-100,000 annually from poor lead response. With 62% of calls missed while on job sites and 85% of voicemail callers hanging up to call someone else, every missed lead likely goes to a competitor.

Yes. AI lead response systems can handle SMS, email, and web form inquiries automatically. Thunderhead AI is specifically trained for trade contractors—it understands emergency vs. routine requests, can detect service area matches, handles bilingual inquiries, and qualifies leads before booking appointments.

At $89/month, capturing just one additional job per month typically delivers 10-50x ROI depending on your average job value. Most contractors report that faster response helps them win 3-5 additional jobs per month that would have gone to competitors.