How Contractors Are Using AI Assistants to Automate Construction Workflows: A Case Study with Zac O’Hara of North Shore Masonry

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a practical tool for contractors, not just a trend. In this Builder Stories podcast episode, JobTread CEO Eric Fortenberry interviews Zac O’Hara of North Shore Masonry to explore how his company is using an AI assistant to automate estimates, scheduling, reporting, and lead generation.

This case study shows how AI can integrate with construction software through an open API, what safeguards are necessary, and how contractors can begin using AI without fully committing to complex integrations.

Key Takeaways

• Contractors can use AI assistants to automate estimates, scheduling changes, reporting, and lead follow-ups.
• JobTread’s open API allows businesses to integrate third-party AI tools.
• AI adoption can be gradual. Businesses can start with browser extensions or prompt-based tools.
• Security depends on permission controls, read-only access, and oversight.
• Visibility in AI-driven search results is becoming critical for contractors’ marketing strategies.

What Is an AI Assistant for Contractors?

An AI assistant for contractors is a software tool that connects to business platforms such as construction management systems, email, or CRM tools and performs tasks based on prompts or voice instructions. These tasks may include:

• Updating budgets
• Sending client messages
• Modifying job schedules
• Pulling reports
• Automating follow-ups
• Generating outreach emails

Through JobTread’s open API, contractors can connect AI platforms like OpenClaw and create customized automation workflows tailored to their operations.

A Family Legacy in Masonry

Zac O’Hara represents the third generation of contractors in his family. After careers in roofing shaped by his father and grandfather, the O’Hara family took over North Shore Masonry when its previous owner retired.

Based in the Chicago area, where brick construction drives consistent demand, North Shore Masonry specializes in:

• Tuck-pointing
• Waterproofing
• Historic restorations
• Concrete work
• Pavers
• New construction

Despite operating with a lean team of nine to ten employees, the company ranks second in Chicago and first in Milwaukee for Google reviews in its category.

As O’Hara puts it, “Masonry is an art.”

How North Shore Masonry Uses AI in Daily Operations

Integrating AI Through JobTread’s Open API

O’Hara implemented an AI assistant, aptly named “Mason,” using OpenClaw and connected it through JobTread’s open API.

With this system in place:

• Sales representatives can send voice memos instructing the AI to update job budgets or send client messages.
• The production team uses AI to adjust schedules and notify customers.
• Weekly reports that were once manually compiled are now automated.
• Estimates can be completed more quickly within a single day.

O’Hara describes the experience as achieving a long-awaited automation vision: “You tell it what to do, and it does it.”

JobTread CEO Eric Fortenberry explains that this flexibility is exactly why JobTread was built with an open API, so contractors can tailor their systems to meet evolving technology needs.

Automating Lead Generation

Mason AI also supports marketing efforts. The system:

• Scrapes RSS feeds for approved permits
• Identifies potential clients on LinkedIn
• Initiates outreach messages
• Enrolls contacts into nurture sequences
• Creates records in CRM systems
• Assigns follow-up tasks

This automation has already produced measurable new leads for the company.

O’Hara summarizes the impact this way: “One person can run a company that looks like 100 people.”

How Contractors Can Start Using AI (Without Full Integration)

Not every contractor needs a fully integrated AI assistant.

O’Hara recommends starting with tools like:

• ChatGPT
• Claude
• Claude for Chrome
• Gemini
• Grok

For example, Claude for Chrome can review JobTread to-dos labeled “follow up estimate” and draft personalized responses in a contractor’s persona.

This allows businesses to benefit from AI automation without granting system-level access.

Success with large language models often comes down to asking precise questions and clearly defining desired outcomes.

Security Considerations When Using AI in Construction

AI integration carries legitimate security concerns.

O’Hara mitigates risk by:

• Granting read-only Gmail access
• Preventing AI from sending emails on his behalf
• Using controlled permissions
• Operating within virtual machine environments
• Monitoring access levels carefully

Fortenberry and O’Hara both emphasize that safeguards must be in place before granting AI access to business systems.

As Fortenberry explains: “Trust or don’t trust, you’ve got to verify. At the end of the day, the buck stops with you.”

Contractors remain responsible for how AI is implemented in their organizations.

Why AI Visibility Matters for Contractors

Beyond operations, AI is reshaping marketing. Fortenberry and O’Hara stress the importance of:

• Building strong Google review profiles
• Creating fact-based list articles
• Targeting common search queries such as “Best Masonry Businesses in Chicago”
• Publishing structured content that answers specific questions

As search engines increasingly rely on AI-generated overviews, appearing in those summaries will become essential for long-term marketing success.

Contractors who structure their content clearly, answer direct questions, and build digital authority will be more likely to surface in AI search results.

Final Perspective

Artificial intelligence in construction is no longer theoretical. It is being implemented in real businesses today.

Fortenberry believes the first step is understanding what is possible, then making informed decisions about what to adopt and what to observe from a distance. He encourages transparency in sharing best practices while maintaining personal responsibility in implementation.

AI adoption is not mandatory. It is strategic.

Contractors can choose how far and how fast they move, but those who learn early will better understand where the industry is heading.

Frequently Asked Questions About AI for Contractors

Disclaimer: The AI tools, platforms, and services referenced in this article are discussed for informational purposes only. JobTread does not endorse, sponsor, or formally recommend any specific AI assistant, third-party software, or integration mentioned. Businesses are responsible for conducting their own due diligence, evaluating security considerations, and determining what technologies are appropriate for their operations. Any implementation of third-party tools or integrations is done at the user’s discretion and risk.

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