Podium⁠(opens in a new window) builds AI software for local businesses—such as HVAC providers, auto dealers, and medspas—that help them increase revenue by capturing and converting more demand and providing better service to their customers.

After 11 years working side-by-side with small-to-medium (SMB)-sized operators, Podium saw the opportunity to harness AI and transform how local businesses market, sell, and grow by turning missed calls and slow replies into booked jobs, more revenue, and happier customers.

Early experiments with OpenAI in 2020 focused on point solutions like spam filtering and lead enrichment. As models advanced, Podium evolved those tools into an AI agent they affectionately call “Jerry” that converses naturally, follows business policies, and drives business outcomes by scheduling and confirming appointments or following up across channels.

Businesses quickly embraced Jerry; not as a tool, but as a teammate. Many gave their AI agent a name. Some customers even walk into stores asking to speak with “Jerry,” assuming they had talked to a person.