Custom Apps & Data Science: Hunter Jensen on Winning the Last Mile

In this episode of the Human-First AI Marketing Podcast, host Mike Monague sits down with Hunter Jensen, founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, to explore how AI is transforming software development, data workflows, and productivity across industries. From building custom applications to launching Compass, an AI-powered, self-hosted enterprise platform, Hunter shares how mid-market businesses can use AI strategically without relying on one-size-fits-all tools. With experience supporting organizations like NASA, IMAX, and the Department of Defense, Hunter offers a front-row view into how businesses are radically rethinking operations in the age of intelligent automation.

Listeners will gain insight into how AI is disrupting engineering and marketing teams alike, why the "last mile problem" is still unsolved, and what it means to compete as an SMB in a post-ChatGPT world. Hunter and Mike unpack real-world use cases from proposal automation in regulated industries to AI-assisted patent workflows alongside their shared belief that impact, not effort, is what matters now. Whether you're a business owner, CTO, or marketing director, this episode offers practical takeaways for building smarter, faster, and more human-first organizations.

Key Takeaways

1. AI Has Made Coding Exponentially Faster, But Not Fully Seamless
AI tools have drastically reduced the time required to develop applications, but integrating and scaling them still requires experienced engineers to manage the “last mile.”

2. MVP Development Is More Accessible Than Ever
With platforms like Supabase and Vercel, even non-engineers can now build functional MVPs, dramatically lowering the barrier to entry for tech innovation.

3. Custom AI Platforms Are the Future for Mid-Market Companies
Unlike massive enterprises building in-house and small businesses using off-the-shelf tools, mid-sized companies need flexible, semi-custom AI solutions to stay competitive.

4. Productivity Gains Must Be Tied to Business Impact, Not Hours Worked
Selling hours is outdated; the new value model is based on insight, output, and impact, especially as AI reduces task time from hours to minutes.

5. Self-Hosted AI Can Unlock Productivity in Regulated Industries
By developing internal tools like Compass, companies dealing with sensitive data can benefit from AI without compromising security or compliance.

6. AI Can Improve Both Speed and Accuracy in Complex Tasks
From patent review to clinical trial documentation, AI systems not only accelerate work but also often reduce human error in data-intensive processes.

7. Every AI Output Still Needs a Human in the Loop,  For Now
Despite major advancements, outputs must be reviewed and refined by people to ensure quality and trustworthiness in critical business functions.

8. AI Is a Platform, Not Just

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