Shwego speeds up home service by connecting customers with plumbers and painters more efficiently.

In the bustling landscape of Philadelphia’s home services industry, Shwego, a software startup headquartered in Fort Washington, is making waves with a platform designed specifically for small contractors. Founded in 2022 by Sam Puleo and Junny Kim, Shwego aims to simplify the operations of various trades, including plumbing, painting, electrical work, and heating and cooling systems. The platform is now utilized by multiple service providers extending from Philadelphia to as far as Miami and Brooklyn.

This innovative software distinguishes itself in a market often saturated with expensive enterprise solutions from larger tech companies. Shwego focuses on offering user-friendly tools that streamline quoting, scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and payment processes for contractors. By focusing on simplicity, the company caters to small businesses that require robust systems without the overwhelming features that can come at significant costs, a common issue with major platforms such as ServiceTitan.

Shwego’s first notable client, Express Drains, demonstrates the effectiveness of the application. Founder Ryan Larrimore emphasizes the transformative nature of the software, which has significantly enhanced his business efficiency. The app allows Larrimore to monitor workforce locations in real-time, enabling him to dispatch crews to jobs efficiently—a capability he likens to playing a strategic game of chess.

The business has grown quickly; Larrimore remembers starting in 2008 after losing his job due to the closure of a local DHL hub. With a basic set of tools and a small loan, he transformed his initial struggles into a booming business, with last year’s revenues reaching an impressive .6 million from approximately 100 service calls a day.

Despite a flourishing operation, Larrimore faced challenges in managing growth efficiently. Initially, his business relied on outdated systems like Gmail for orders and paper records for financial management, creating the potential for logistical errors and financial oversight. This issue prompted a search for more effective business management software. Unfortunately, the high costs associated with traditional solutions deterred him until Puleo’s outreach introduced him to Shwego.

As Puleo, a former digital marketing director, and Kim, an IT consultant, moved into developing Shwego, they prioritized keeping the software straightforward. Their approach has not only modernized daily operations for Larrimore but also piqued the interest of other service providers seeking a reliable solution to manage their workflows.

Recognizing a growing digital transformation within the home services sector, Puleo and Kim strategize for future enhancements, including mobile payment options and integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that Shwego remains a practical and accessible tool for contractors transitioning to electronic workflows.

As they continue to develop their platform, both founders are driven by the aspiration to empower tradespeople through technology, improving their work efficiency and client satisfaction along the way. Shwego stands as a promising contender in the evolving technology landscape of home services, embodying the adage, “Keep it simple,” while steadily expanding its capabilities.

With increasing interest from an ever-burgeoning list of clients, Shwego is poised to redefine operational standards in the home services industry, making it a key player in the digital transformation of trade businesses.