Jason Potts, owner of RIC Flooring, and Ken Ballin, owner of Skyro Floors, developed the first-ever artificial intelligence (AI)-driven flooring installation chatbot called Ballin Knows Best (BKB) designed with the beginning flooring installer in mind to answer any question related to flooring installation, flooring products, flooring standards, tools and equipment on the jobsite. The inspiration for the chatbot was born out of the need for quick but accurate installation information by both Ballin and Potts when they first started their businesses.

"We expect BKB to become the go-to resource for flooring installers, offering them a unique blend of expert guidance, advanced tools, and community support,” Potts said. “Whether they need quick answers on the job or are looking to improve their skills, BKB will be there to help them succeed."

Jason Potts

Here, Potts walks us through the newest BKB features, the Mentors page—where you can find a bio and contact information for each of this month’s BKB contributors, misconceptions about the use of AI, the disadvantages and where he sees it impacting flooring installation in the future.

Floor Trends & Installation: What new features have you added to BKB?

Jason Potts: We’ve made some exciting updates to BKB to make it even more useful for flooring professionals. One of the big new features is an AI-powered tool that can identify wood species from a photo. We’ve also improved the user interface and added customization options, so installers can tailor their experience to fit their needs.

Floor Trends & Installation: You have added new apps. What have you added, and what is their purpose? How do they help installers?

Potts: We’ve rolled out new apps designed to help installers work more efficiently. There’s a project management app that helps keep track of schedules, job progress and client communication. We’ve also added a quoting tool that quickly generates accurate estimates, helping installers avoid errors and save time. These apps make the day-to-day tasks smoother, allowing installers to focus on their work.

Floor Trends & Installation: Tell me more about the photo feature that can name the wood species.

Potts: Our new photo feature is a game-changer for anyone working with wood floors. With just a quick picture, the AI can identify the wood species by analyzing the grain, color and texture. This is especially helpful for refinishing specialists who need to match existing floors or verify materials on-site. It really takes the guesswork out of the equation.

Floor Trends & Installation: Tell me how the Mentors page works.

Potts: The Mentors page is designed to connect users with industry experts. Each mentor specializes in a specific area, like wood floor refinishing or installation, and they’re available to provide advice, tips, and help with any challenges installers might face. The page also features content from these mentors, including videos, articles and webinars, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced pros.

Floor Trends & Installation: How is AI impacting the installation community? How is it benefiting them and/or making their job easier?

Potts: AI is really changing the game for flooring installers. It’s taking over the repetitive tasks and providing instant information that’s crucial for making quick, accurate decisions. This means fewer mistakes, faster identification of materials and better management of projects. In short, AI is helping installers do their jobs more efficiently and with greater precision.

Floor Trends & Installation: What are some of the misconceptions about using AI?

Potts: A lot of people worry that AI will take jobs away, but in reality, AI is a tool that helps installers work more efficiently, not replace them. It handles the repetitive tasks, freeing up installers to focus on the skilled work that really matters. Another misconception is that AI is hard to use, but we’ve made sure our tools are intuitive and easy to get started with.

Floor Trends & Installation: What are some of the disadvantages? How are those being addressed?

Potts: The main challenges with AI are the initial learning curve and the reliance on digital tools, which can be a bit daunting. We’re addressing these by offering comprehensive training and support to help users get comfortable with the technology. Plus, we’re constantly improving our AI to make it more accurate and reliable, so installers can trust it to get the job done right.

Floor Trends & Installation: Where do you see AI use in the installation community heading?

Potts: I see AI becoming an integral part of the flooring industry. As the technology advances, we’ll see AI tools that can predict and solve problems in real-time, manage entire projects, and offer even more detailed insights. The future of AI in the flooring community is bright, and it’s going to lead to greater efficiency, higher quality work and more satisfied customers.