Podium, the AI-powered communications and conversion platform for local businesses, has launched Jerry 2.0, an upgraded AI agent designed to handle inquiries, schedule appointments, and close sales across industries such as automotive, home services, and aesthetics. The release coincides with a new OpenAI case study showing that Podium’s GPT-5.1–driven agents lift revenue by 30% and increase conversion rates by 45%.
“We learned that what makes a great AI employee is the same as what makes a great human employee: they’re great at their job, know your business, and are coachable,” said Eric Rea, co-founder and CEO of Podium.
Coachable, Customizable AI
Jerry 2.0 enables business owners to fully customize AI behavior, adapting to unique workflows and brand voice. Key features include:
- AI Studio: Full transparency into Jerry’s thought process, policies, and validation checks, giving owners visibility and control over responses.
- 60-Second Training: Rapid coaching allows agents to adapt instantly—for instance, replacing “fillers” with “injectable”—dramatically faster than traditional 2–4 week AI retraining cycles.
- Multi-Playbook Flexibility: Jerry selects the right playbook for each scenario, maintaining context across service requests or sales conversations.
- Vertical-Specific Mastery: Agents act as domain specialists: automotive Jerry handles trade-ins and test drives, HVAC Larry manages emergency repairs, and medspa Avery guides consultation intake and promotional upsells.
Proven Impact Across Local Businesses
Podium’s AI agents are already influencing billions in revenue across 10,000+ business locations, with AI-driven revenue growing 300% year-over-year. OpenAI’s case study highlights that local businesses treat Jerry as a full team member, freeing human employees for higher-value tasks while maintaining consistent performance. Many businesses report 4.8/5-star ratings on Google reviews for AI interactions.
“Roughly 40% of inquiries hit after hours,” said Liam Golightley, VP of Automotive and Enterprise at Podium. “For local businesses, every lead matters. Our AI agents ensure they never miss an opportunity, even on weekends.”
By combining transparency, rapid coaching, and vertical-specific intelligence, Jerry 2.0 represents a new benchmark for AI adoption in local business operations, helping small and medium enterprises convert more leads, streamline workflows, and optimize human talent.
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