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.

If you’re like most small and mid-sized business leaders I talk to, you’re excited about AI, but also overwhelmed. You’re hearing about tools that promise to replace your marketing team or write code at the speed of light. And you’re wondering, “Where do I even start?”

That’s exactly why I invited Hunter Jensen, CEO of Barefoot Solutions, to join me on the Human-First AI Marketing Podcast. Hunter has spent 20+ years helping companies like NASA, IMAX, and the Department of Defense build custom apps and data platforms, and now, he’s turning his sights to helping mid-market businesses win the AI race without losing their soul.

Here are my biggest takeaways from our conversation, and why I think they matter for marketing directors, tech-savvy founders, and anyone trying to future-proof their business:

1. AI Speeds Up the Work, But It Doesn’t Finish It

AI tools can now do the first 80% of many tasks, from proposal writing to code snippets to content creation. But the last 20%? That still takes a smart human. Hunter calls it the “last mile problem,” and it’s the most valuable part of the work. Whether you’re building software or a sales funnel, someone still has to stitch it all together.

Lesson: Don’t just chase tools. Design processes that integrate AI and human talent strategically.

2. The Hourly Billing Model is Dead

When tasks that used to take six hours now take six minutes, billing by the hour doesn’t make sense. Whether you’re a developer, a lawyer, or a marketer (like me), value has to be tied to impact, not effort.

Lesson: If you haven’t already shifted to project-based or value-based pricing, start now. Your clients already know how fast AI can go.

3. Off-the-Shelf AI Isn’t Enough for Most Businesses

Enterprises are building custom AI platforms. Solo entrepreneurs are hacking together GPT-4 with Zapier. But mid-market companies are stuck in the middle. That’s why Hunter built Compass, a customizable, self-hosted AI platform that integrates with CRMs, content systems, and internal workflows all while staying compliant with privacy regulations.

Lesson: The winners in this space will build hybrid solutions custom enough to work, flexible enough to grow.

4. You Can’t Automate Purpose

One of my favorite moments was when Hunter said we might be heading toward a future where humans don’t have to work and instead, we get to choose what we work on. That means creativity, curiosity, and community will matter more than ever. He called it a new kind of artistic renaissance. I’m calling it a playful future (shoutout to my book, Playful Humans).

Lesson: Build your business with people at the center. AI should help you tell better stories, connect deeper, and free up time not replace what makes your brand human.

5. This Is a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity for SMBs

If you’re in that sweet spot big enough to have some budget, small enough to move fast, you are sitting on the best seat in the house. Hunter made it clear: mid-market businesses can absolutely outmaneuver slow-moving giants if they lean into smart, customized AI now.

Lesson: Don’t wait. Get curious. Experiment. Stitch your stack together with intent, and you might just leapfrog your competitors.

Ready to Move from Idea to Impact?

At Avenue9, we specialize in helping companies turn human-first AI strategies into real growth. Whether it’s marketing automation, custom GPTs, or stitching your data together in a way that finally makes sense we’re here to help you go the last mile.

Reach out to avenue9.com to explore what a smarter future could look like for your brand.

Until next time, stay human, stay curious, and keep building cool stuff.