Meet Two Young Entrepreneurs Redefining Customer Service with AI Receptionists

Meet Two Young Entrepreneurs Redefining Customer Service with AI Receptionists
Photo Courtesy: Chris Baxter

By: Jay Feldman

As businesses look for ways to keep up with increasing customer demands, one thing has become clear: AI-powered receptionists are transforming the way companies handle calls. Imagine calling a business and speaking to an AI that sounds warm, friendly, and truly human. It’s not a futuristic vision; it’s happening now. And at the forefront of this shift are two young innovators from Auckland, New Zealand: Chris Baxter and Louis Evans of Aeva AI.

Chris, with 5 years of hands-on experience in phone-based customer support, knew the importance of a good conversation. ā€œPeople don’t want to feel like they’re talking to a machine,ā€ he explains. ā€œThey want to feel heard.ā€ When he saw AI handling calls, he recognized a missing piece: empathy. This insight led him to team up with Louis, a technical expert with a background in building conversational AI systems, to create Aeva AI—a system designed to engage customers as if it were a real person.

ā€œAeva AI isn’t about ā€˜press 1 for this, press 2 for that,ā€™ā€ Chris says. ā€œIt’s about real, conversational flow.ā€ Built to be intuitive and responsive, Aeva AI does more than just answer calls. It understands context, responds naturally, and adapts to each caller’s needs, making it feel like a friendly human receptionist.

One of Aeva AI’s standout features is its ability to recognise returning clients by their phone number. When a familiar client calls in, Aeva AI instantly pulls up their details, bypassing the need for repeated questions or confirmation steps. ā€œIt’s seamless,ā€ Chris shares. ā€œThe AI greets returning clients warmly, already knowing their preferences and past interactions. There’s no need to re-verify information, which makes the call feel personal and efficient from the start.ā€ This feature saves time for both the client and the business, creating a smoother, more professional experience that feels genuinely attentive.

The benefits go beyond just sounding human; Aeva AI can handle calls with greater speed and efficiency than a human receptionist. While a traditional receptionist might be able to manage one or two calls at a time, Aeva AI can handle multiple interactions simultaneously, ensuring no call goes unanswered. This makes it an invaluable tool for businesses with high call volumes, providing instant responses without keeping callers on hold.

Louis, who handles the tech side, explains, ā€œIt’s not just about processing words; it’s about picking up on intent and responding in a way that feels warm and genuine.ā€ This dedication to detail has made Aeva AI a popular choice for businesses in New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S., helping companies offer seamless, 24/7 customer service without losing the personal touch.

For many companies, Aeva AI has been a game-changer. Clients have reported happier customers, smoother calls, and shorter wait times, thanks to an AI that not only provides fast answers but also makes callers feel valued. ā€œWe’re bringing the human side back into AI,ā€ Chris adds, ā€œand our clients are noticing the difference.ā€

With AI receptionists like Aeva, it’s easy to see where the future of customer service is headed—one where technology doesn’t just replace people but enhances the experience in ways that feel entirely human while maximizing efficiency. Learn more about Aeva AI here.

 

Published by: Annie P.

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