Toronto entrepreneur Lucas Jenkins is encouraging businesses and workers to rethink outdated assumptions about technology adoption in construction, operations, and service-based industries.
As more businesses face pressure to modernize, entrepreneur Lucas Jenkins says many companies are still being held back by misconceptions about technology, artificial intelligence, and digital systems.
Jenkins, co-founder of JEMI Technology & Consulting and former co-founder of renovation platform Rendoodle, has spent the last several years helping businesses improve operations through practical technology solutions. According to him, the biggest challenge is often not the technology itself — it is the misinformation surrounding it.
“A lot of businesses are overwhelmed by technology conversations because they feel too abstract,” Jenkins says. “Most companies don’t need ten different systems. They usually need one or two improvements that remove friction from daily operations.”
Drawing from his work across construction, home services, and operational businesses, Jenkins is now speaking publicly about five myths he believes continue to slow progress across traditional industries.
Myth #1: “Technology Is Only for Large Companies”
Jenkins says this is one of the most common misconceptions he hears.
“People assume digital transformation only works for large corporations with huge budgets,” he says. “That’s just not true.”
Many small and mid-sized businesses can improve their operations through relatively simple tools such as scheduling software, workflow automation, or centralized communication systems.
According to a Deloitte report, small businesses that adopt digital tools are significantly more likely to improve productivity and long-term growth than those that rely entirely on manual systems.
“Technology should feel useful,” Jenkins says. “Not intimidating.”
Myth #2: “AI Will Replace Every Job”
Jenkins believes the public conversation around AI has become too extreme.
“A lot of fear comes from people thinking AI is meant to replace entire teams overnight,” he says. “Most of the time, it’s helping remove repetitive work.”
He says many companies are using AI to assist with organization, communication, scheduling, and data management rather than replacing employees entirely.
Research from the World Economic Forum suggests AI will change many roles, but also create demand for new operational and technical skills over time.
“The businesses adapting best are the ones treating AI as a tool, not a shortcut,” Jenkins says.
Myth #3: “You Need to Change Everything at Once”
Jenkins says this mindset causes many businesses to delay improvements entirely.
“Businesses don’t need to rebuild their operations overnight,” he explains. “You start with one problem and solve it properly.”
Through his consulting work, Jenkins often advises companies to begin with a single operational bottleneck rather than attempting large-scale overhauls.
This approach reduces internal resistance and makes adoption easier for teams already managing busy workloads.
“Consistency matters more than intensity,” he says. “Small improvements compound over time.”
Myth #4: “Traditional Industries Cannot Innovate.”
Construction, building supply, and service industries are often labeled as slow-moving sectors. Jenkins disagrees with the idea that they are incapable of innovation.
“These industries affect people’s daily lives,” he says. “Even small improvements can create a huge difference operationally.”
McKinsey research has shown that construction productivity has lagged behind many industries globally for years, largely due to fragmented communication and slow technology adoption. Jenkins sees that as an opportunity, not a limitation.
“You don’t always need a revolutionary idea,” he says. “Sometimes the biggest impact comes from improving something people already use.”
Myth #5: “The Newest Tool Is Always the Best Tool”
Jenkins says businesses often waste time chasing trends instead of solving operational problems.
“A lot of companies feel pressure to adopt every new platform immediately,” he says. “That usually creates more confusion.”
Instead, he believes businesses should evaluate technology based on practicality, usability, and long-term operational fit.
“The best ideas are usually the ones people actually use,” he says.
That philosophy has shaped much of Jenkins’ own career in technology and consulting.
If You Only Remember One Thing
Technology works best when it solves real operational problems.
Businesses do not need to become technology companies overnight. They need systems that reduce friction, improve communication, and help teams work more effectively day-to-day.
According to Jenkins, practical improvements matter more than chasing trends.
“Focus on solving real problems,” he says. “That’s where long-term value comes from.”
A Practical Call to Action
Lucas Jenkins encourages business owners, operators, and workers to start small.
Review one workflow this week. Identify one repetitive task. Explore one tool that could simplify communication or organization inside your business.
Then share these myths with someone still hesitant to modernize.
“Most meaningful progress happens gradually,” Jenkins says. “The important thing is starting.”
About Lucas Jenkins
Lucas Jenkins is a Toronto-based entrepreneur and business development leader focused on technology, digital transformation, and operational innovation within traditional industries. He is the co-founder of JEMI Technology & Consulting, where he works with businesses to improve efficiency through practical technology solutions and AI integration. He also co-founded Rendoodle, a home renovation platform that helped modernize project planning and customer experience within the building industry before the company was successfully sold. A former varsity soccer player at Wilfrid Laurier University, Jenkins brings a disciplined and operational approach to leadership shaped by both athletics and business. Outside of his professional work, he supports youth sports initiatives, children’s healthcare efforts, and mental health awareness programs across Ontario.
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