
Custom Apps in 45 Minutes? AI Makes It Possible with Kevin Ashcroft
12/18/24 • 63 min
You know me—I’m all about breaking things down and finding the best ways to get stuff done. But this time? We’re going way beyond theory. In this episode, my good friend and collaborator, Kevin Ashcroft, jumped in and showed me how to actually build TWO apps—live. Step by step, no fluff, just straight-up action. Watching it happen blew my mind, and trust me, you’re gonna want to see this for yourself. It’s a total game-changer for anyone who’s ever thought about creating their tools.
You might know Kevin from previous episodes, but if this is your first time listening to Beyond 8 Figures, let me catch you up. Kevin, CEO of WP Support Specialists and author of Outsourcing for Success, is the kind of entrepreneur who takes ideas and runs with them fast. Using tools like Claude AI and Replit, he’s built custom apps, like a meal and exercise tracker tailored to his specific health needs, in just 45 minutes. Yep, you read that right—45 minutes. And in this episode, he’s showing us exactly how it’s done.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Kevin built a functional personal app to manage his health using AI tools in under an hour.
- The benefits and challenges of creating tailored solutions versus using off-the-shelf apps.
- Insights into Kevin’s process for launching the "Content Refresh Manager" WordPress plugin.
- Why personal software is the next frontier for entrepreneurs.
- How AI can democratize app development, empowering non-technical founders.
Key Takeaways:
- AI is Your Brainstorming Buddy: Watching Kevin work with AI tools felt like seeing someone brainstorm with the ultimate creative partner. Sure, there were a few frustrating moments, but the payoff? Totally worth it.
- Keep It Simple: Kevin’s approach to app-building is a great reminder that you don’t need flashy features to make a big impact. Sometimes, the cleanest, simplest solutions are the ones that truly deliver.
- Make It Work for You: One thing that stood out was how customizable Kevin’s tools were. It’s a great example of how entrepreneurs can align their productivity tools with their specific goals instead of settling for one-size-fits-all solutions.
- From Idea to Marketplace: Kevin didn’t just stop at personal apps—he showed us how to take that same energy and use it to create a WordPress plugin that’s already live and making waves.
Building exactly what you need is more accessible and game-changing than ever. Watching Kevin create tailored apps in real time was a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t have to be expensive, flashy, or overly complex—it’s about solving real problems with simple, practical tools that work for you.
Why This Matters
Running a business is hard enough without wasting time on tools that don’t fit or waiting for someone else to solve your problems.
I’ve been in those moments where nothing quite fits—whether it’s a process that feels clunky or a tool that almost does the job but leaves you frustrated. What I love about what we dive into here is the idea that you don’t have to wait around or settle anymore. You can actually build something that fits your needs, and it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
For me, it was a reminder that we don’t have to play by the old rules. We can create what we need, when we need it. If you’re trying to get over a bottleneck or just make your business run smoother, trust me, this episode is worth your time. It’s one of those conversations that sticks with you and makes you rethink what’s possible.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re ready to stop relying on cookie-cutter solutions and start building tools that work for your business, let’s talk. Whether refining your strategy, streamlining your operations, or scaling smarter, I can help you create a roadmap that fits your goals—and makes the most of your time and resources.
👉 Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me today: calendly.com/ajlawrence/30min
Together, we’ll figure out how to take your business to the next level—no fluff, just real, actionable steps.
Kevin's best advice for entrepreneurs:
"Instead of using something and kind of fitting into it, you can quite easily create your own software that fits into you."Resources mentioned:
You know me—I’m all about breaking things down and finding the best ways to get stuff done. But this time? We’re going way beyond theory. In this episode, my good friend and collaborator, Kevin Ashcroft, jumped in and showed me how to actually build TWO apps—live. Step by step, no fluff, just straight-up action. Watching it happen blew my mind, and trust me, you’re gonna want to see this for yourself. It’s a total game-changer for anyone who’s ever thought about creating their tools.
You might know Kevin from previous episodes, but if this is your first time listening to Beyond 8 Figures, let me catch you up. Kevin, CEO of WP Support Specialists and author of Outsourcing for Success, is the kind of entrepreneur who takes ideas and runs with them fast. Using tools like Claude AI and Replit, he’s built custom apps, like a meal and exercise tracker tailored to his specific health needs, in just 45 minutes. Yep, you read that right—45 minutes. And in this episode, he’s showing us exactly how it’s done.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Kevin built a functional personal app to manage his health using AI tools in under an hour.
- The benefits and challenges of creating tailored solutions versus using off-the-shelf apps.
- Insights into Kevin’s process for launching the "Content Refresh Manager" WordPress plugin.
- Why personal software is the next frontier for entrepreneurs.
- How AI can democratize app development, empowering non-technical founders.
Key Takeaways:
- AI is Your Brainstorming Buddy: Watching Kevin work with AI tools felt like seeing someone brainstorm with the ultimate creative partner. Sure, there were a few frustrating moments, but the payoff? Totally worth it.
- Keep It Simple: Kevin’s approach to app-building is a great reminder that you don’t need flashy features to make a big impact. Sometimes, the cleanest, simplest solutions are the ones that truly deliver.
- Make It Work for You: One thing that stood out was how customizable Kevin’s tools were. It’s a great example of how entrepreneurs can align their productivity tools with their specific goals instead of settling for one-size-fits-all solutions.
- From Idea to Marketplace: Kevin didn’t just stop at personal apps—he showed us how to take that same energy and use it to create a WordPress plugin that’s already live and making waves.
Building exactly what you need is more accessible and game-changing than ever. Watching Kevin create tailored apps in real time was a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t have to be expensive, flashy, or overly complex—it’s about solving real problems with simple, practical tools that work for you.
Why This Matters
Running a business is hard enough without wasting time on tools that don’t fit or waiting for someone else to solve your problems.
I’ve been in those moments where nothing quite fits—whether it’s a process that feels clunky or a tool that almost does the job but leaves you frustrated. What I love about what we dive into here is the idea that you don’t have to wait around or settle anymore. You can actually build something that fits your needs, and it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
For me, it was a reminder that we don’t have to play by the old rules. We can create what we need, when we need it. If you’re trying to get over a bottleneck or just make your business run smoother, trust me, this episode is worth your time. It’s one of those conversations that sticks with you and makes you rethink what’s possible.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re ready to stop relying on cookie-cutter solutions and start building tools that work for your business, let’s talk. Whether refining your strategy, streamlining your operations, or scaling smarter, I can help you create a roadmap that fits your goals—and makes the most of your time and resources.
👉 Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me today: calendly.com/ajlawrence/30min
Together, we’ll figure out how to take your business to the next level—no fluff, just real, actionable steps.
Kevin's best advice for entrepreneurs:
"Instead of using something and kind of fitting into it, you can quite easily create your own software that fits into you."Resources mentioned:
Previous Episode

From Spreadsheet Chaos to Financial Freedom with Tyson Koska, OnTrajectory
Let’s face it: entrepreneurs are great at making money but often terrible at managing it. I’m talking endless spreadsheets, vague budgets, and a lot of stress that kept me up at night. If you’ve been there ( I know I have), you need to hear this week’s episode with Tyson Koska, founder of OnTrajectory.
He’s solved a problem many of us face but rarely talk about: how to create a clear, actionable plan for financial success.
After years as an engineer and analyst, Tyson realized there wasn’t a tool that could help him plan his financial future without the noise of industry agendas. So, he built one. OnTrajectory started as a passion project and has grown into a powerful platform that helps entrepreneurs and individuals create 50-year financial models, make smarter decisions, and find clarity in their financial lives.
As someone who’s built and sold companies, I know the juggling act of balancing business growth with personal finances, and Tyson’s insights on bridging that gap are game-changing.
What’s In It For You
1. Facing Financial Truths as an Entrepreneur
I’ll be the first to admit that for years, my financial strategy was to grow my businesses as quickly as possible and then “figure it out later.” Tyson shares how dangerous this mindset can be and why having a clear financial plan is not just about the money—it’s about giving yourself the freedom to make the best choices for your life and your business.
For any of us who’ve had sleepless nights over cash flow or the uncertainty of “what’s next,” Tyson’s approach is a game-changer. He’s all about simplifying the process, which was music to my ears—I’ve always believed that complexity is the enemy of clarity, whether in business or in life.
2. Learning to Market Beyond the Product
Tyson’s journey wasn’t just about building a great tool. He had to learn how to market OnTrajectory effectively—and that shift from being a builder to being a marketer is something I know many of us struggle with. Tyson talks about stepping out of his comfort zone to reach new customers, including joining podcasts like mine to spread the word. His transparency around facing these challenges is a powerful reminder that, as entrepreneurs, we have to evolve continually. It’s not enough to have a great product; we need to get it in front of the right people.
3. Simplify to Scale
One of the biggest takeaways for me from this episode is Tyson’s philosophy on simplifying to scale. In my own experience, it’s easy to fall into the trap of adding more features, more services, and more complexity—thinking that more is better. Tyson did the opposite: he recognized that growth often comes from stripping back to what really works and making it even better. I’ve seen this firsthand—whether in building a business or managing a team, the clearer and more focused you can make things, the easier it is to grow.
Here’s what stood out most to me in this chat:
- Clarity Drives Confidence: The more you understand where your money is going, the easier it is to make big decisions—whether that’s investing in a new venture or taking a well-deserved break.
- Community Engagement Fuels Growth: Tyson emphasized how listening to his users helped shape OnTrajectory into what it is today. I’ve seen this time and again—your community will guide you if you let them.
- Focus on What Matters: Growth doesn’t mean doing everything; it means doing the right things better. Tyson’s shift to simplifying OnTrajectory is a reminder to all of us that sometimes, less is truly more.
Build a Business That Works for You
What if you could work fewer hours, grow your revenue, and feel completely confident about your financial future? That’s not just a dream—it’s a plan we can create together. Drawing on my experience scaling businesses and helping entrepreneurs like you eliminate bottlenecks, I’ll guide you toward building a business that truly works for you.
Here’s how I can help you:
- Streamline Your Operations: Identify bottlenecks and build systems that save time and increase profitability.
- Achieve Financial Clarity: Learn how to model your personal and business finances for smarter decision-making.
- Scale Strategically: Shift your focus to high-impact opportunities that drive long-term growth.
Let’s map out a strategy tailored to your needs so you can focus on what matters most. Book your complimentary 30-minute consulting session now, and take the first step toward transforming your business and your life.
Book your complimentary 30-minute strategy session today: calendly.com/...
Next Episode

Beyond 8 Figures Special: 2024's Most Powerful Lessons for Scaling Your Business
In this special year-end episode, I share the most transformative insights from my conversations with entrepreneurs who've successfully navigated the journey from 7 to 8 figures. Rather than just chasing growth, we're diving deep into how today's most successful entrepreneurs leverage AI, build legacy-focused teams, and redefine sustainable success in today's business landscape.
Throughout 2024, we've explored how entrepreneurs find innovative ways to scale their businesses while maintaining work-life balance. From implementing AI-powered decision-making to creating strong team cultures, these lessons provide a blueprint for smarter growth in 2025.
Key Themes & Insights:
1. Leveraging AI and Technology Strategically: The landscape of scaling businesses has fundamentally changed. Our guests shared powerful insights about using AI not just as a tool but as a strategic partner in decision-making:
- Building "digital twins" of your business to test strategies risk-free (Hamza Mudassir)
- Using AI for enhanced decision-making and strategic planning
- Implementing AI in content creation and business operations (Steve Maly)
- Finding the balance between automation and the human touch
2. Building Legacy-Driven Teams: A recurring theme throughout our conversations was the importance of building teams aligned with your values and vision:
- Creating a unified organizational language for clearer communication (Devan Kline)
- Defining your legacy as a foundation for team culture (Paula Telfer)
- Developing systems that scale without sacrificing company values
- Fostering a culture that attracts and retains top talent
3. Redefining Success and Scale: Perhaps the most surprising insight from our guests was their perspective on what true success looks like:
- Why a $3M business at 15-20% profit might serve you better than a $20M business at 10% (Eric Bandholz)
- Understanding the point of diminishing returns in business growth
- Creating sustainable systems for long-term success
- Building a business that serves your life, not consumes it
Actionable Takeaways for 2025:
1. Implement Strategic AI Integration
Start with clear objectives and well-defined prompts
Test strategies using AI-powered simulations before real-world implementation
Focus on areas where AI can enhance rather than replace human decision-making
2. Build Value-Aligned Teams
Define your legacy and core values first
Create a common organizational language
Develop systems that scale while maintaining culture
3. Design for Sustainable Growth
Identify your optimal scale point
Focus on profit margins over pure revenue
Build systems that support work-life balance
Featured Insights From:
- Hamza Mudassir: AI strategy and digital business transformation
- Steve Maly: Marketing automation and AI implementation
- Paola Telfer: Legacy-driven team building
- Devan Kline: Organizational communication and scaling
- Eric Bandholz: Sustainable growth strategies
- Jon Matzner: Building leveraged systems
- Austin Linney: Entrepreneurial mindset and development
Connect with Beyond 8 Figures:
- Website: https://beyond8figures.com
- Twitter: @beyond8figures
- LinkedIn: Beyond 8 Figures
Work with A.J.:
Are you ready to implement these strategies in your business? I help entrepreneurs integrate cutting-edge AI solutions, build strong teams, and create sustainable growth systems. Let's create your roadmap for success in 2025.
Learn more at https://beyond8figures.com/work-with-a-j/
Resource Links:
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