CEO’s warning to young workers in the AI age: “Stay as close to the cash register as possible”

Marvin Ellison, the CEO of American home improvement giant Lowe’s, has a clear message for the next generation entering the workforce: the best opportunities may not be behind a desk, but right on the front lines.

Lowe’s CEO offers AI reality check

At a recent business forum in Washington, Ellison offered a reality check about the limits of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in an industry built on hands-on service and practical know-how.

“AI isn’t going to patch a hole in your roof, stop your water heater from leaking, or fix an electrical issue,” he said, highlighting the continuing importance of skilled labor in an increasingly automated world.

Lowe’s, with nearly 1,750 stores across the U.S., specializes in home and garden equipment—from grills and lawnmowers to patio furniture and beyond. The company is a one-stop shop for Americans looking to upgrade their homes for weekend gatherings or summer barbecues. And while many employees work in-store, others provide in-home installation and repair services—something no chatbot or algorithm can replicate.

Marvin Ellison’s career advice to workers facing AI threat

Ellison, who has built a reputation as a bold and practical leader, emphasized the importance of staying close to real customers and real problems. “When young people tell me they want to work in an office, I tell them: stay as close to the cash register as possible,” he said.

His message is especially timely. The U.S. is facing a significant labor gap, with hundreds of thousands of open positions in construction, skilled trades, and manufacturing—sectors where hands-on work is essential and AI has yet to make a serious dent.

As automation reshapes entire industries, experts predict the biggest disruption will hit office-based roles—particularly in customer service, entry-level tech jobs, and administrative work. Many of these tasks are already being handled by AI tools. But when it comes to lifting, building, installing, and fixing? That still takes a human touch.

Ellison’s advice doubles as a career strategy: if you want job security in the AI era, go where the machines can’t follow. “Stay close to the customer,” he said. “That’s where the growth is.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.