Simpro’s 2025 Trades Outlook Report Reveals How Data Centralization & AI-Driven Workflow Drive Revenue Growth for Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing Business Owners

BROOMFIELD, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Trade business owners are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities, according to Simpro’s 2025 Trades Outlook Report. For plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other field service business owners, the landscape has shifted dramatically, but so have the tools for success.

The report, gathering insights from over 600 diverse trade and field service businesses worldwide, reveals that companies thriving amid today’s economic pressures are those that invest in operational efficiency while building more resilient organizations.

“As someone who’s witnessed the success of trade business owners, I can tell you this is a pivotal moment,” says Gary Specter, CEO of Simpro. “The most successful businesses are facing these challenges head-on: rising customer expectations, evolving workforce dynamics, and the need to embrace technology as a competitive advantage. Those building resilient operations will see substantial growth in the coming years.”

Four Key Findings that Directly Impact the Bottom Line:

1. Focus on Operational Fundamentals

The report shows successful business owners prioritize systems that perfect the fundamentals: job management, accurate quoting, efficient scheduling, and streamlined invoicing. Nearly 80% of owners surveyed consider robust invoicing capabilities essential, recognizing that cash flow remains king.

2. Software Sprawl is Killing Efficiency

The average trade business now manages at least five software systems, with more extensive operations juggling eight or more. Yet nearly a third have no strategy for integrating the information generated by these resources. This fragmentation creates blind spots that prevent owners from making informed decisions about profitability, resource allocation, and growth opportunities.

3. AI Delivers Real ROI

For practical business owners, AI isn’t about futuristic concepts but tangible returns today. The report found that 69% of owners see AI’s most significant impact in optimizing workflows – reducing technician downtime, improving routing efficiency, and increasing job completion rates. Over 30% report that predictive maintenance capabilities help prevent costly equipment failures and emergency service calls.

4. Winning the Talent War Requires New Strategies

While blue-collar job growth continues to outpace white-collar positions, business owners still struggle to attract qualified workers. The perception problem is stark: only 23% of young people believe trades involve cutting-edge technology, while 89% of actual trades professionals report working with advanced tech daily. This disconnect has created a situation where just 16% of young people would even consider a career in the trades.

Strategic Priorities for Business Owners

For business owners looking to build more resilient operations, the report suggests three key focus areas:

1. Optimize Your Revenue Engine: The most successful owners invest in systems that streamline quoting, scheduling, invoicing, and payment processing – reducing overhead costs while accelerating cash flow.
2. Build a Data-Driven Business: Leading companies are consolidating information across their operations. Consider either hiring dedicated data expertise or partnering with software providers who can help transform your business data into actionable intelligence.
3. Modernize Your Recruiting and Retention: Forward-thinking owners are reshaping company culture to attract younger workers by highlighting the tech-driven nature of today’s trades — from automation tools that reduce manual tasks to clear pathways for career growth. Companies that lag in tech adoption risk being seen as outdated and less appealing to top talent.

“I’ve owned my security business for over fifteen years, and the pace of change has never been faster,” says Jennifer Lambert of Team Wired, a Houston-based company specializing in commercial security and fire alarm systems. “The businesses that will thrive aren’t necessarily the ones with the most trucks or the longest history – they’re the ones willing to modernize their operations while maintaining their commitment to quality service.”

Survey Methodology

Simpro partnered with Quietly Research to conduct comprehensive research for this report, drawing on insights from a series of first-party surveys across our global customer base. With over 600 responses from trade and field service businesses worldwide, the findings reflect a robust and diverse snapshot of industry trends and challenges.

About Simpro

Simpro is field service software for trade and field service businesses, offering best-in-class solutions that provide trade business leaders with a powerful workforce and business management platform that drives efficiency and growth. Simpro supports over 250,000 users worldwide, with offices in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. For more information, visit: www.simprogroup.com.

Contacts

Wise Collective, Inc. for Simpro

simpro@wisecollective.co
press@simprogroup.com

DURHAM, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Using zinc to build a single home prevents more than 50 tonnes in carbon emissions, and if just ten percent of new homes in North America were built using zinc, more than 40 million tonnes in carbon emissions would be prevented. These impressive numbers demonstrating zinc’s success story as an agent of decarbonization are the first results of the International Zinc Association’s new Zinc Enables Decarbonization (ZED) initiative, a partnership between the International Zinc Association and Environmental Economist Benjamin Cox, Program Director of the Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining at the University of British Columbia.

The ZED program quantifies zinc’s impact with steel on decreasing life-time costs, decreasing carbon emissions, and increasing safety in housing, infrastructure, energy and transportation. The first phase has assessed the value in residential construction, where zinc is used to coat and protect the rebar used in the reinforced concrete of a home’s foundation and in the sheeting of a metal roof. A zinc coating prevents corrosion and ensures longevity.

“Zinc plays a transformative role in building stronger, more sustainable communities, particularly in the decarbonization of residential buildings,” said Andrew Green, Executive Director of the International Zinc Association. “From the foundation to the rooftop, zinc enables long-lasting, low-maintenance solutions that enhance a home’s durability and environmental performance.”

In a typical U.S. home, a traditional foundation may last 75 years and an asphalt roof as long as 25 years, but a home using galvanized steel in concrete reinforcement and in roofing materials can double the service life and avert future costs and emissions associated with repair and replacement, according to ZED research. The selection of galvanized steel for new roofs in Europe also can prevent more than ten tonnes of carbon emissions per home and provide substantial economic savings over using tile roofing materials.

“Our research finds that zinc provides long-term savings by preventing repeated repair and replacement of a home’s roof and foundation,” said ZED Economist Benjamin Cox. “But in addition to economic savings, we’ve also accounted for the extraordinary environmental benefit provided by zinc – preventing hundreds of millions of tonnes in carbon emissions.”

The financial and environmental benefits are detailed in this graphic, showing the extended service life, lowered utility bill, and avoided environmental impact of a house built using zinc.

“Zinc’s impact in housing increases with each year of service life, adding substantial economic and environmental value to every home and providing a bright outlook for zinc and the homes it enhances,” said ZED Director Eric Van Genderen. “With these results, we can make the case to policy makers, investors, engineers, and builders to make zinc a permanent part of residential construction planning.”

The first report from the ZED program focuses on zinc’s impact on residential construction, particularly in the United States. ZED also will release reports quantifying zinc’s impact in transportation infrastructure, energy infrastructure, and the automotive industry.

About the International Zinc Association

The International Zinc Association is a non-profit trade association working on behalf of the global zinc industry and its downstream users. IZA’s mission is to provide global leadership, coordination, and value on strategic issues for the zinc industry, including market development, license to operate, communications, and sustainability.

Contacts

For more information, contact:

Tanya Correa

tcorrea@zinc.org
1-202-487-4534

LADERA RANCH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”) (NYSE:SMA), an internally managed real estate investment trust and a premier owner and operator of self-storage facilities in the United States and Canada, is pleased to announce that its SmartStop Self Storage Mobile App is officially available at all 220 locations across the United States and Canada.

After a successful phased rollout, the SmartStop Self Storage mobile app is now accessible to all SmartStop customers. It offers an enhanced, tech-forward experience that puts control at their fingertips. The SmartStop mobile app is a proprietary mobile app encompassing the latest in mobile technology, including biometrics and geographically enabled security features. The app enables users to manage their accounts, make easy and secure payments, rent new units, and access gates and doors with a single touch, providing a fully integrated storage experience directly from their smartphones.

“We’re excited to bring this level of convenience to all our customers,” said H. Michael Schwartz, Chairman and CEO of SmartStop. “The mobile app reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and making self storage more accessible, intuitive, customer-friendly, and of course, smart.”

With a focus on simplicity and functionality, the SmartStop app streamlines everyday tasks and allows users to manage their storage needs without visiting the office, empowering them with greater flexibility. The app is free for download on iOS and Android devices via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

About SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SmartStop):

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”) (NYSE:SMA) is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of approximately 590 self-storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop® Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through its indirect subsidiary SmartStop REIT Advisors, LLC, also sponsors other self-storage programs. As of April 24, 2025, SmartStop has an owned or managed portfolio of 220 operating properties in 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, comprising approximately 157,200 units and 17.7 million rentable square feet. SmartStop and its affiliates own or manage 41 operating self-storage properties in Canada, which total approximately 34,400 units and 3.5 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com.

Contacts

David Corak
Sr. VP of Corporate Finance and Strategy

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.

IR@smartstop.com

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DREAM RESIDENTIAL REIT (TSX: DRR.U and TSX: DRR.UN) (“Dream Residential” or the “REIT”) will be releasing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Senior management will be hosting a conference call to discuss the financial results. Participants may join the conference call by audio or webcast.

Conference Call:

Date:		Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (ET)
Audio:		1-844-763-8274 (toll free)
		647-484-8814 (toll)
Webcast:		A live webcast will also be available in listen-only mode. To access the simultaneous webcast, go to the Calendar of Events on the News and Events page on Dream Residential’s website at www.dreamresidentialreit.ca and click the link for the webcast.
Digital Replay:		A taped replay of the call will be available for ninety (90) days. For access details, please click on the Calendar of Events on Dream Residential’s website.

About Dream Residential

Dream Residential REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established and governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario. The REIT owns a portfolio of garden-style multi-residential properties, primarily located in three markets across the Sunbelt and Midwest regions of the United States. For more information, please visit www.dreamresidentialreit.ca.

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Brian Pauls
Chief Executive Officer

(416) 365-2365

bpauls@dream.ca

Derrick Lau
Chief Financial Officer

(416) 365-2364

dlau@dream.ca

Scott Schoeman
Chief Operating Officer

(303) 519-3020

sschoeman@dream.ca

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DREAM OFFICE REIT (TSX: D.UN) (“Dream Office” or the “Trust”) today announced its April 2025 monthly distribution of 8.333 cents ($1.00 annualized) per REIT Unit, Series A (“REIT A Units”). The April distribution will be payable on May 15, 2025 to unitholders of record as at April 30, 2025.

Dream Office REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust. Dream Office REIT is a premier office landlord in downtown Toronto with over 3.5 million square feet owned and managed. We have carefully curated an investment portfolio of high-quality assets in irreplaceable locations in one of the finest office markets in the world. For more information, please visit our website at www.dreamofficereit.ca.

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Michael J. Cooper

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

(416) 365-5145

mcooper@dream.ca

Jay Jiang

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 365-6638

jjiang@dream.ca

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DREAM RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (TSX: DRR.U and TSX: DRR.UN) (“Dream Residential REIT” or the “REIT”) today announced its April 2025 monthly distribution in the amount of US$0.035 per unit (US$0.42 annualized). The April distribution will be payable on May 15, 2025 to unitholders of record as at April 30, 2025.

About Dream Residential REIT

Dream Residential REIT is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established and governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario. The REIT owns a portfolio of garden-style multi-residential properties, primarily located in three markets across the Sunbelt and Midwest regions of the United States. For more information, please visit www.dreamresidentialreit.ca.

Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Dream Residential REIT

Brian Pauls
Chief Executive Officer

(416) 365-2365

bpauls@dream.ca

Derrick Lau
Chief Financial Officer

(416) 365-2364

dlau@dream.ca

Scott Schoeman
Chief Operating Officer

(303) 519-3020

sschoeman@dream.ca

LADERA RANCH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Strategic Storage Trust VI, Inc. (“SST VI”), a publicly registered non-traded real estate investment trust sponsored by an affiliate of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”) (NYSE:SMA) , in partnership with SmartCentres (TSX: SRU.UN), is pleased to announce the opening of a new Class A self-storage facility in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Strategically located at 494 Gilbert Avenue, the six-story facility features approximately 120,000 net rentable square feet of climate-controlled storage space, encompassing approximately 1,475 units. Designed for customer convenience, the facility features interior heated loading, three elevators and a modern, secure layout.

This property benefits from its prime location near Eglinton Avenue W, a major arterial corridor with approximately 50,000 vehicles per day. Situated in a densely populated, high-income residential area within a 3- to 5-mile radius, the facility is well-positioned to meet the storage needs of a rapidly growing urban population.

The new facility will serve residents from surrounding neighborhoods, including Brookhaven-Amesbury, Glen Long, Glen Park, York, Eglinton West, Fairbank, Forest Hill North, Caledonia-Fairbank, and Oakwood Village—areas experiencing robust residential development and increasing demand for secure, high-quality storage solutions.

“This facility marks a significant advancement in our strategic expansion into high-demand, high-growth markets,” stated H. Michael Schwartz, President and CEO of SST VI. “We are pleased to reinforce our commitment to Toronto by offering a secure, modern storage solution that meets the evolving needs of the community.”

About Strategic Storage Trust VI, Inc. (SST VI):

SST VI is a Maryland corporation that was elected to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. SST VI’s primary investment strategy is to invest in income-producing and growth self-storage facilities and related self-storage real estate investments in the United States and Canada. As of April 16, 2025, SST VI has a portfolio of 13 operating properties in the United States comprising approximately 9,015 units and 1,079,395 rentable square feet (including parking); 11 properties with approximately 10,205 units and 1,067,715 rentable square feet (including parking) in Canada, joint venture interests in two operational and three development properties in two Canadian provinces (Ontario and Québec) and one wholly owned development property in Ontario.

About SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SmartStop):

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”) (NYSE:SMA), is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of approximately 590 self-storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop® Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through its indirect subsidiary SmartStop REIT Advisors, LLC, also sponsors other self-storage programs. As of April 16, 2025, SmartStop has an owned or managed portfolio of 220 operating properties in 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, comprising approximately 157,200 units and 17.7 million rentable square feet. SmartStop and its affiliates own or manage 41 operating self-storage properties in Canada, which total approximately 34,400 units and 3.5 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com

Contacts

David Corak
SVP of Corporate Finance & Strategy

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.

IR@smartstop.com

 

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: WTS) will hold a live webcast of its conference call to discuss First Quarter 2025 results on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. will announce its financial results for this period in a press release to be issued after market close on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

This call can be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.watts.com. Following the webcast, an archived version of the call will be available at the same address until May 7, 2026.

Watts Water Technologies, Inc., through its family of companies, is a global manufacturer headquartered in the USA that provides one of the broadest plumbing, heating, and water quality product lines in the world. Watts Water companies and brands offer innovative plumbing, heating, and water quality solutions to control the efficiency, safety, and quality of water within commercial, residential, and industrial applications. For more information visit www.watts.com.

Contacts

Watts Water Technologies, Inc.
Diane McClintock

Senior Vice President FP&A and Investor Relations

Telephone: 978-689-6153

Email: investorrelations@wattswater.com

PASADENA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#consultingandengineering—Tetra Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTEK), a leading provider of high-end consulting and engineering services in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, announced today the planned dates for its second quarter 2025 results and conference call.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, after market close, Tetra Tech intends to announce its second quarter 2025 results. On Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time, Tetra Tech plans to host a conference call to present and discuss the Company’s financial results and forward outlook.

Investors and other interested parties can access a live audio-visual webcast through a link posted on the Company’s website at tetratech.com/investors. The webcast replay will be available following the call.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science^® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition. For more information about Tetra Tech, please visit tetratech.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contacts

Jim Wu, Investor Relations

Charlie MacPherson, Media & Public Relations

(626) 470-2844

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (“RioCan”) (TSX: REI.UN) today announced a distribution of 9.65 cents per unit for the month of April. The distribution will be payable on May 7, 2025, to unitholders of record as at April 30, 2025.

About RioCan

RioCan is one of Canada’s largest real estate investment trusts. RioCan owns, manages and develops retail-focused, mixed-use properties located in prime, high-density transit-oriented areas where Canadians want to shop, live and work. As at December 31, 2024, our portfolio is comprised of 178 properties with an aggregate net leasable area of approximately 32 million square feet (at RioCan’s interest). To learn more about us, please visit www.riocan.com.

Contacts

Contact Information
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust

Dennis Blasutti

Chief Financial Officer

416-866-3033 | www.riocan.com

Not for distribution to U.S. News Wire Services or dissemination in the United States.

TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#ChoiceProperties–Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (“Choice Properties”) (TSX: CHP.UN) announced today that the trustees of Choice Properties have declared a cash distribution for the month of April, 2025, of $0.064167 per trust unit, representing $0.77 per trust unit on an annualized basis, payable on May 15, 2025, to Unitholders of record at the close of business on April 30, 2025.

About Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust

Choice Properties is a leading Real Estate Investment Trust that creates enduring value through places where people thrive.

We are more than a national owner, operator and developer of high-quality commercial and residential real estate. We believe in creating spaces that enhance how our tenants and communities come together to live, work, and connect. This includes our industry leadership in integrating environmental, social and economic sustainability practices into all aspects of our business. In everything we do, we are guided by a shared set of values grounded in Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence.

For more information, visit Choice Properties’ website at www.choicereit.ca and Choice Properties’ issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Contacts

Erin Johnston

Chief Financial Officer

Choice Properties REIT

(647) 294-8724

Erin.Johnston@choicereit.ca

TORONTO & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX), a technology platform reshaping real estate for agents, home buyers and sellers, will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, before the market open.

The Company will hold a conference call to discuss operating and financial results for the quarter at 8:00 a.m. ET. Investors wishing to join the live call can use the dial-in details provided below. An audio-only webcast of the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://investors.onereal.com/ and can also be accessed directly through the link provided below. A replay will be available for one year.

Conference Call Details:
Date:		Thursday, May 8, 2025
Time:		8:00 a.m. ET
Dial-in Number:		North American Toll Free: 888-506-0062
		International: 973-528-0011
Access Code:		209366
Webcast:		https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2699/52080
Replay Information:
Replay Number:		North American Toll Free: 877-481-4010
		International: 919-882-2331
Access Code:		52080
Replay Link:		https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2699/52080

About Real

Real (NASDAQ: REAX) is a real estate experience company working to make life’s most complex transaction simple. The fast-growing company combines essential real estate, mortgage and closing services with powerful technology to deliver a single seamless end-to-end consumer experience, guided by trusted agents. With a presence in all 50 states throughout the U.S. and Canada, Real supports more than 27,000 agents who use its digital brokerage platform and tight-knit professional community to power their own forward-thinking businesses. Additional information can be found on its website at www.onereal.com.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “plan”, “estimate”, “expect”, “likely” and “intend” and statements that an event or result “may”, “will”, “should”, “could” or “might” occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. These statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as of the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limiting the foregoing, information relating to Real’s first quarter 2025 earnings call and the release of financial results.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including but not limited to Real’s business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. Real considers these assumptions to be reasonable in the circumstances. However, forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, slowdowns in real estate markets, economic and industry downturns, Real’s ability to attract new agents and retain current agents, Real’s ability to successfully launch new products and features, including Real Wallet, and those risk factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated March 6, 2025, and “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s Quarterly Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the period ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

These factors should be carefully considered and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Real cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and Real assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Contacts

For additional information, please contact:

Ravi Jani

Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis

investors@therealbrokerage.com
908.280.2515

For media inquiries, please contact:

Elisabeth Warrick

Senior Director, Marketing, Communications & Brand

elisabeth@therealbrokerage.com
201.564.4221