UpSmith, an a16z-backed technology company, has launched JennyAI, a revolutionary generative AI and performance marketing tool designed to help trades businesses streamline prospecting, boost engagement, and drive immediate revenue growth in the $500 billion U.S. home services market.

JennyAI automates outreach, personalizes engagement, and books customer appointments—empowering skilled trades businesses to maximize efficiency and convert more opportunities into revenue.

How JennyAI Works

Built on advanced AI models, JennyAI:

• Integrates seamlessly with ServiceTitan, the leading field service management platform.

• Identifies high-quality replacement opportunities within a company’s existing customer database.

• Personalizes outreach messages and books appointments with potential customers.

• Autonomously engages leads, gathers insights, and ensures meaningful customer interactions.

Why JennyAI is a Game-Changer for Trades Businesses

Traditional lead generation tools rely on manual outreach and fragmented customer data. JennyAI redefines the process by offering:

Automated, AI-Driven Engagement – No need for manual follow-ups; JennyAI scales outreach effortlessly.
Real-Time Lead Qualification – AI-powered insights help businesses focus on the best opportunities.
Revenue Acceleration – Businesses can unlock hidden value from thousands of existing customer contacts.
Seamless Adoption – JennyAI is ready to deploy within hours, eliminating lengthy setup times.

Industry Leaders Endorse JennyAI

"We have thousands of contacts in our database, but we've never had the capacity to fully engage them," said Chris Harrison, GM of Roland Black Heating & Cooling. "We spun up JennyAI in a matter of hours, automating personalized messages and generating opportunities out of thin air."

UpSmith CEO Wyatt Smith emphasizes the transformative power of AI in skilled trades:
"We believe every skilled trades company can be a data company. JennyAI gives businesses a technical advantage to help them win in today’s digital-first world."

What’s Next for JennyAI?

Currently, JennyAI is being deployed with a select group of UpSmith’s customers, with a wider rollout planned in the coming weeks. As AI adoption accelerates in the trades industry, JennyAI represents a significant leap forward in how home services businesses engage customers and drive sales.

JennyAI is poised to redefine performance marketing for trades businesses, enabling them to leverage AI for scalable, high-impact customer engagement. With seamless ServiceTitan integration, real-time automation, and data-driven outreach, JennyAI is the future of trades marketing.

Ovative Group, a leading performance marketing and measurement firm, has released its 2025 EMR Power Rankings, providing critical insights into which paid media channels deliver the highest Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR). As brands navigate an increasingly omnichannel environment, these rankings help marketers make data-driven media investment decisions to drive profitability and long-term growth.

What is EMR and Why It Matters?

Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR) is Ovative’s proprietary full-funnel measurement framework, powered by EMRge™ technology. Unlike traditional Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), which focuses only on direct digital revenue, EMR accounts for:

• Online and offline revenue impact (including in-store sales).

• Future customer value and retention.

• Incrementality and true profitability.

• Holistic media impact across all channels.

This approach allows marketers to make more sustainable and strategic media investment decisions beyond short-term digital conversions.

Insights from the 2025 EMR Power Rankings

1. TikTok’s Impact on In-Store Sales

• Despite regulatory uncertainty, TikTok surged in effectiveness, particularly in driving foot traffic and in-store purchases.

• Brands investing in TikTok ads saw a higher omni-channel revenue lift than in previous years.

2. Retail Media’s Rapid Growth

• Retail Media jumped from #15 to #8 in less than nine months, proving its increasing importance.

• Growth was fueled by wider adoption of commerce-driven ad platforms from major retailers.

3. Connected TV (CTV) Faces Challenges

• CTV dropped from #6 to #16, reflecting challenges such as audience fragmentation and saturation.

• Advertisers are reevaluating CTV investments due to declining effectiveness.

4. Upper Funnel Channels Strengthen Omni-Channel Sales

• TikTok, Meta, and audio advertising showed increased impact on in-store sales.

• Highlights the need for brands to invest in upper-funnel brand-building efforts for sustained business growth.

What This Means for Marketers

The 2025 EMR Power Rankings reinforce the need for omni-channel strategies that account for:

• Beyond ROAS Measurement – Evaluating true business impact instead of short-term digital performance.

• Investing in Upper-Funnel Growth – Prioritizing brand-building channels like TikTok, Meta, and audio.

• Reassessing CTV & Retail Media Strategies – Optimizing spend based on shifting consumer behavior and platform effectiveness.

The 2025 EMR Power Rankings serve as a critical resource for marketers navigating today’s evolving paid media landscape. By leveraging EMR insights, brands can optimize media investments, drive omni-channel success, and improve long-term profitability.

Appcast, a leading programmatic recruitment marketing platform, has been awarded 2025 Premier Partner status in the Google Partners program. This recognition places Appcast among the top 3% of Google Partners worldwide, showcasing its expertise in Google Ads and its ability to drive measurable hiring outcomes.

What It Means to Be a Google Premier Partner

By achieving Premier Partner status, Appcast receives:

• Top 3% Recognition – Acknowledged for industry leadership and expertise in Google Ads.

• Exclusive Google Partner Directory Listing – Increased visibility among businesses seeking top-tier digital marketing solutions.

• Dedicated Google Support & Benefits – Access to specialized resources, training, and account support to optimize recruitment campaigns.

Why This Matters for Employers

Appcast’s recruitment marketing strategy leverages Google Ads and other digital channels to ensure employers can efficiently reach and engage job seekers. This achievement reinforces its commitment to data-driven hiring solutions and recruitment marketing excellence.

Appcast’s Recruitment Marketing Capabilities

Appcast offers a holistic, always-on, and data-driven approach to recruitment, helping employers:

1. Optimize Search & Social Advertising

• Deploy Google Ads, social media campaigns, and remarketing to attract top talent.

• Drive attendance for hiring events and increase lead conversions.

2. Manage Job Board Advertising with Programmatic Technology

• Automate and optimize job ad placements for maximum ROI.

• Track ad performance through to successful hires.

3. Streamline Vendor & Budget Management

• Consolidate vendor relationships, centralize invoicing, and simplify contract negotiations.

• Enhance reporting and tracking to measure recruitment marketing success.

4. Strengthen Employer Branding & Candidate Engagement

• Develop career sites and creative recruitment campaigns.

• Leverage brand research and strategic insights to attract the right candidates.

What Appcast’s Leadership Says

"We're delighted to be recognized again as a Google Premier Partner," said Matt Molinari, CEO of Appcast. "Our industry-leading programmatic technology, deep data insights, and strong partnerships with innovators like Google ensure that our customers stay ahead in today’s competitive hiring landscape."

Appcast’s Premier Partner status underscores its leadership in recruitment marketing and Google Ads expertise. By combining cutting-edge programmatic technology with data-driven insights, Appcast empowers employers to navigate today’s evolving labor market and connect with top talent efficiently.

EZ Texting, a leader in SMS marketing with over 230K customers, has introduced Workflows, a new feature designed to enhance customer engagement through intelligent automation. Workflows enable businesses to automate SMS sequences, ensuring that the right message reaches the right customer at the perfect time—without the need for manual follow-ups.

Why Workflows Matter in SMS Marketing

• Reduces Manual Effort: Automates outreach, follow-ups, and engagement sequences.

• Enhances Customer Experience: Sends personalized, timely messages based on user behavior.

• Optimizes Conversions: Nurtures leads and encourages repeat purchases with targeted SMS campaigns.

Features of EZ Texting’s Workflows

1. Smart, Trigger-Based SMS Sequences

• Automates responses based on actions such as sign-ups, purchases, or abandoned carts.

• Uses conditional logic to personalize interactions dynamically.

2. No-Code, Drag-and-Drop Editor

• Easy-to-use interface allows businesses to create custom Workflows in minutes.

• No technical expertise required for deployment.

3. Scalable & Efficient

• Supports businesses of all sizes, from small startups to enterprises managing thousands of customers.

• Saves an estimated 25 hours per week for marketing teams using automation.

Pre-Built Workflow Templates for Instant Deployment

EZ Texting’s Workflows include ready-to-use templates for:

• Abandoned Cart Reminders: Recover lost revenue with automated follow-ups.

• Appointment Reminders: Reduce no-shows with timely alerts.

• Subscriber Nurture Campaigns: Engage new leads with scheduled messages.

• Welcome Messages & Onboarding Updates: Guide new customers seamlessly.

• Win-Back & Re-Engagement Campaigns: Rekindle interest with special offers.

• Event Follow-Ups: Collect feedback and keep attendees engaged.

Proven Impact of SMS Automation

• 25% increase in efficiency with automated workflows.

• 2x higher average order value compared to email automation.

• Significant time savings, allowing marketers to focus on strategy rather than manual messaging.

Easy Setup & Performance Optimization

1. Define Goals & Segments – Target the right audience with specific triggers.

2. Map Out Workflows – Use a visual editor to set up automated messaging sequences.

3. Optimize with A/B Testing & Analytics – Measure performance and refine messages for better engagement.

EZ Texting’s Workflows revolutionize SMS marketing by providing businesses with intelligent automation that boosts engagement, streamlines communication, and maximizes conversions. With easy-to-use templates and data-driven insights, businesses can now launch high-performing SMS campaigns in minutes—without the hassle of manual outreach.

Omnicom Media Group (OMG), the media services division of Omnicom, achieved the top position in global media management for 2024. According to COMvergence’s Global Media Agency New Business Barometer, OMG secured $7.7 billion in client billings, outperforming competitors by over $1 billion. With a remarkable 96% overall retention rate and major wins with brands like Amazon, Gap Inc., and Michelin, OMG reinforced its position as the leader in media strategy and execution.

OMG’s Unmatched Performance in 2024

• Best Total New Business Record

  • OMG outperformed global media groups with a net new business value of $7.7 billion.

  • Achieved the highest retention rate at 74% (compared to the industry average of 32%).

  • Secured high-profile client wins, including Goldman Sachs, Priceline, and Tim Hortons.

• Industry-Leading Growth & Retention

  • Projected 10.5% YoY growth, the highest among all media groups.

  • Overall client retention reached 96%, ensuring stability and long-term partnerships.

• Recognition from Forrester

  • Named a "Leader" in The Forrester Wave™: Media Management Services, Q4 2024.

  • Received perfect 5/5 scores in key areas like Innovation, Martech & Adtech Implementation, and Media Responsibility.

The Omni Advantage: Driving Success Through Technology

• Omni-Powered Agency Model

  • Omni, OMG’s open operating system, integrates talent, technology, and data to optimize media planning and execution.

  • Enabled OMG to win 24% of the $39 billion total new business in 2024 while keeping losses minimal at just 8%.

• Data-Driven Decision Making

  • Leverages Omni-powered insights to enhance business intelligence and campaign performance.

  • Transparent business practices foster strong client trust and long-term relationships.

PHD & OMD Lead the Global Network Rankings

• PHD Secures #1 Spot

  • Achieved $3.8 billion in new business, retaining major accounts like Volkswagen Group ($2.2B), Sainsbury’s, and HP.

  • Maintained an industry-best 83% retention rate.

  • Won additional business with Priceline, David Yurman, and Restaurant Brands International.

• OMD Ranks #3 Worldwide & #1 in North America

  • Won accounts like Gap Inc., Michelin, MSC Cruises, and AliExpress.

  • Named the top agency network in North America for net new business.

A Strong Start to 2025

• First-Mover Partnerships Announced at CES

  • OMG secured exclusive partnerships with Amazon, Google, Roku, and TikTok to enhance media investments.

• New Major Client Wins

  • PHD China won the $550M Volkswagen China business.

  • Hearts & Science named media agency of record for Warner Bros Discovery in APAC.

Omnicom Media Group’s stellar performance in 2024 cements its leadership in the media landscape. With a powerful combination of high retention rates, strategic partnerships, and innovative technology-driven solutions, OMG is well-positioned for continued growth in 2025. By leveraging its Omni-powered approach and expanding client relationships, OMG remains the go-to media partner for global brands seeking impactful, data-driven advertising solutions.

Ecommerce brands face constant challenges in ensuring seamless digital experiences. Even minor technical issues can lead to significant revenue losses. To address this, Noibu, a leading ecommerce performance and error monitoring platform, has integrated its AI-powered solution with Salesforce Commerce Cloud. This collaboration enables merchants to proactively identify and resolve site issues, enhancing customer experience and protecting revenue.

The Challenge: Hidden Issues Impact Revenue

• Ecommerce sites suffer from technical glitches such as checkout failures, slow load times, and payment processing issues, leading to lost sales.

• Traditional monitoring solutions require manual troubleshooting, causing delays in issue resolution.

• Global ecommerce brands lose approximately $18 billion annually due to cart abandonment caused by undetected site issues.

• Without automated insights, merchants struggle to prioritize fixes based on revenue impact.

The Solution: Noibu’s AI-Powered Performance Optimization

Noibu’s integration with Salesforce Commerce Cloud offers:

• Instant Issue Detection

  • AI-driven monitoring continuously scans for site errors, performance bottlenecks, and conversion blockers.

  • Real-time alerts notify merchants of critical issues before they impact revenue.

• AI-Powered Search and Query

  • Merchants can ask simple questions like, “Show me all checkout failures in the last 24 hours,” and instantly receive relevant data.

• Revenue-Centric Prioritization

  • Noibu ranks issues based on financial impact, helping merchants focus on the most critical fixes first.

• Actionable Insights & Root-Cause Analysis

  • AI provides precise recommendations to optimize site speed, performance, and user experience.

• Salesforce Commerce Cloud Log Intelligence

  • Extended data retention and advanced analytics provide deeper visibility into system performance.

• Performance & Speed Insights

  • Noibu tracks Core Web Vitals (Loading Speed, Interactivity, and Visual Stability) and recommends improvements.

AI-Powered Site Optimization in Action

1. Checkout Conversion Drop

   • A merchant notices declining checkout conversions.

   • Instead of manual troubleshooting, they query Noibu’s AI, which immediately identifies affected sessions, payment provider response times, and suggests fixes.

2. Slow Product Page Load Time

   • A customer reports slow loading for a product page.

   • The merchant searches the SKU in Noibu and retrieves session data, pinpointing browser and device-specific issues.

Why This Matters for Ecommerce Success

• Context-Aware AI: Understands how site errors affect conversions and revenue.

• Smart Prioritization: Helps merchants address the most revenue-impacting issues first.

• Automated Recommendations: Eliminates manual log analysis, offering instant optimization suggestions.

As ecommerce competition intensifies, AI-driven automation is critical for site optimization. Noibu’s integration with Salesforce Commerce Cloud empowers merchants with proactive error detection and intelligent recommendations, ensuring high-performing, conversion-optimized online stores. By leveraging Noibu’s AI-powered platform, brands can enhance user experience, prevent revenue losses, and maintain a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.

Carbyne, a global leader in mission-critical contact center solutions, has appointed Colby Proffitt as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). With a strong background in tech marketing and public sector support, Proffitt will lead Carbyne’s expansion, helping state, local, and municipal agencies—as well as enterprises in transportation, oil & gas, and public utilities—optimize emergency response.

"The combination of Carbyne’s innovative platform and its deep-rooted commitment to customer success resonates with my belief in challenging the status quo to deliver mission-critical, life-saving solutions," said Colby Proffitt, CMO, Carbyne.

Carbyne’s Cloud-Native Emergency Response Platform

Carbyne’s integrated emergency response platform enhances crisis communication by unifying:

• Voice, video, data, and text for real-time collaboration.

• AI-driven call triage to prioritize emergencies efficiently.

• Live translation and transcription services to eliminate language barriers.

• Breadcrumb tracking for improved location accuracy in dynamic situations.

"We founded Carbyne to give communities, governments, and enterprises a faster, more advanced, and integrated way to respond to crises," said Amir Elichai, Founder & CEO, Carbyne.

Why Proffitt’s Leadership Matters

With extensive experience in SaaS marketing and government technology adoption, Proffitt has driven:

• Company growth through SaaS platform expansion across high-stakes industries.

• Customer success in mission-critical sectors, including defense, national security, and public safety.

• Tech adoption in complex environments, including the Pentagon, state/local agencies, and civilian organizations.

"Our continued growth and success call for world-class leadership. Proffitt’s experience in high-stakes environments strengthens our commitment to transforming global emergency infrastructure," said Chris Hill, COO, Carbyne.

Carbyne’s appointment of Colby Proffitt as CMO signals its commitment to scaling life-saving emergency communication technology. His expertise will drive global expansion, customer engagement, and innovation—ensuring public safety agencies and enterprises have the tools needed to respond to crises faster and more effectively.

Blackhawk Network (BHN), a global leader in rewards and branded payments, has partnered with Exchange Solutions™, a specialist in loyalty and personalized offers, to help businesses drive deeper customer engagement through efficient, tech-powered loyalty programs. This collaboration enhances businesses’ ability to analyze customer spending, optimize rewards, and maximize engagement across retail, grocery, fuel, automotive, and other industries.

"Our partnership with Exchange Solutions reflects our commitment to technology-driven innovation in the branded payments space," said Jennifer Philo, GVP, Global Commerce at BHN.

Benefits of the BHN & Exchange Solutions Partnership

1. Data-Rich Loyalty and Payment Innovation

• Unified customer insights: Businesses can seamlessly integrate loyalty and payment strategies for a 360-degree view of customer behavior.

• Personalized rewards: Real-time data enables businesses to offer tailored incentives like gift cards, increasing redemption rates and reducing program costs.

2. Increased Revenue & Higher Average Order Value (AOV)

• Flexible gift card rewards: A broad selection of popular global rewards enhances program appeal.

• Repeat purchases: Offering relevant, high-value rewards fosters brand loyalty while reducing reliance on traditional discounts.

3. Smarter Customer Insights & Personalization

• Loyalty transactions + gift card activations: A unified data approach improves customer profiling and enhances targeted marketing efforts.

• Higher engagement rates: Personalized reward structures strengthen relationships with customers.

4. Faster Implementation & Global Scalability

• Seamless integration: BHN’s gift card portfolio and Exchange Solutions' technology provide fast, scalable redemption solutions.

• Reduced IT overhead: Businesses benefit from a turnkey, omnichannel loyalty experience without heavy tech investments.

5. Expanded Business Growth Opportunities

• End-to-end loyalty solutions: This collaboration offers comprehensive program development, execution, and optimization.

• Improved customer acquisition & retention: Businesses can boost long-term customer engagement and lifetime value.

This powerful partnership between BHN and Exchange Solutions enables businesses to enhance customer relationships through smarter, data-driven loyalty programs. By integrating advanced analytics, personalized rewards, and scalable technology, companies can drive higher engagement, increased revenue, and a stronger competitive edge in their industries.