Motivation isn’t magic. But when feedback arrives at the right moment, it can feel that way.
In most home service companies, performance updates come days or even weeks late. The moment to act passes, and with it, the chance to improve.

But what happens when every technician suddenly sees their numbers live—the wins, the misses, the opportunities—as they unfold?

That’s the shift General Manager Rick Gallardo and his team at Drain Right Services experienced after adopting Plecto’s real-time dashboards. The result wasn’t just better tracking — it was a visible boost in accountability, energy, and teamwork. And it came at a time when this HVAC company needed it most.

The psychology behind real-time motivation

Every workplace runs on feedback loops. The shorter the loop, the faster people learn,and the more engaged they stay. A delayed metric is like a delayed compliment: still true, but with less of an impact.

When progress becomes visible in real time, the human brain responds instantly. Small wins release dopamine, reinforcing focus and persistence. That’s why progress bars and fitness trackers work — and why real-time dashboards can transform a team’s energy.

For technicians at Drain Right Services, seeing results unfold as they worked didn’t just keep them informed; it made performance personal.

The Drain Right Services challenge

For years, Drain Right Services tracked performance on a whiteboard in the office. It worked while the team was small, and their results were quick and visible. But as the company expanded, keeping that system up-to-date became a full-time task.

“Before Plecto, it was updating the whiteboard manually, and that would sometimes get updated, sometimes it wouldn’t,” Rick recalls. “It’s just a tedious effort to do that.”

Managers pulled several reports from different systems just to keep numbers accurate. The data wasn’t wrong; it was simply late. And when feedback arrives too late, even great teams lose momentum.

Still, Drain Right Services had everything that matters: skilled technicians, clear goals, and a culture built on accountability. They just needed a way to keep pace with their own growth.

Turning data into daily conversation

When the company implemented Plecto’s real-time dashboards, the goal wasn’t to monitor people — it was to connect them.

“We use mainly the technician dashboard, which shows most of the technician KPIs,” explains Gallardo. “We also have a CSR dashboard we call a ‘3-Day Call Board,’ showing calls for the next three days. Along with that, in our call center we have a marketing dashboard and a company snapshot that me, the owner, and managers use.”

With screens mounted in the call center, warehouse, and break areas, data became part of the company’s rhythm. “The dashboards are kind of the new coffee machine,” Rick says with a laugh. “It’s where everyone gathers to look at their numbers.”

Performance was no longer a spreadsheet update. Instead, it became a shared conversation. Technicians compared progress, celebrated wins, and motivated each other. Managers coached in real time instead of waiting for weekly reports.

When visibility sparks efficiency

The first impact was time. What once required hours of manual reporting now happens automatically.

“To update a whiteboard with 20 technicians, you have to pull three to five different reports,” Rick says. “Plecto gives those hours back — time that can now be used for one-on-ones, coaching, recruiting, or ride-alongs.”

Managers estimate they save four to six hours every month that used to disappear into report prep. But the real win is momentum. Technicians can see how they’re doing right now, and adjust on the spot.

“Plecto definitely contributes to technician efficiency,” Ricks adds. “They want to be more productive and generate more for the company and themselves.”

When results are visible, accountability becomes natural. People don’t need reminders—they just need data they can trust.

The emotional side of data

Not all motivation comes from numbers. At Drain Right Services, data started to carry emotional weight—and a little fun too.

“When technicians see the images or videos pop up when they get a sale, they get excited — the gamification makes it fun,” Gallardo says.

Each animation or notification acts like a small public high-five. Recognition is instant and visible, creating moments that build pride and camaraderie throughout the day.

What was once static information now feels alive: something to celebrate, not just record.

Why Plecto works (and keeps working)

The shift isn’t about technology; it’s about psychology. Real-time visibility makes performance tangible. It closes the gap between effort and recognition, turning good habits into self-sustaining ones.

By aligning data with behavior, they’ve built a workplace where accountability and motivation feed each other—not through pressure, but through presence.

Conclusion

Motivation doesn’t start with words;it starts with visibility. Drain Right’s experience proves that when teams can see their performance in real time, they don’t just work harder; they work smarter, faster, and with more pride.

10/10 happy technicians recommend! Explore Plecto with a free 14-day trial.