Build Log

Notes from the workshop. What I'm building, what broke, what I learned, and what shipped.

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Build Log6 min read

Why I Build for Niches Silicon Valley Ignores

Three recent projects, three unglamorous verticals, one thesis: depth in a specific niche beats breadth in a generic one. Here is why I keep picking the weird, specific industries on purpose.

nichesoperator-builderindustriesaviation
Conner Contreras

Conner Contreras

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Latest Articles

6 posts
Build Log
6 min read

I Killed the Consultant. Here's What I Built Instead.

Why I walked away from the AI consultancy playbook, stopped playing by rules that don't exist anymore, and rebuilt ShirePath as a builder's studio.

rebrandbuilderShirePath
Conner ContrerasConner Contreras
March 28, 2026
AI Solutions
15 min read

81,000 People Were Asked What They Want from AI. Here's What Small Business Owners Should Pay Attention To.

Anthropic's massive study of 81,000 AI users confirms what we see working with small businesses every day — and reveals five tensions every owner should understand before investing in AI.

AIsmall businessAI research
Conner ContrerasConner Contreras
March 25, 2026
AI Solutions
6 min read

How I Built This Website in 3 Hours Using AI (And Ditched My $40/Month Squarespace)

A practical look at using Claude Code to build a professional business website, cutting hosting costs and gaining full control over my online presence.

AIClaude Codeweb development
Conner ContrerasConner Contreras
February 4, 2025
AI Automation
3 min read

Getting Started with AI Automation for Small Businesses

Discover how small businesses can leverage AI automation to streamline operations, reduce costs, and stay competitive in today's market.

AIautomationsmall business
Conner ContrerasConner Contreras
December 15, 2024
Technology Strategy
3 min read

Why Every Business Needs a Technology Advocate

Learn why having a dedicated technology advocate can help your business make smarter tech decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your technology investments.

technologybusiness strategyconsulting
Conner ContrerasConner Contreras
November 28, 2024
AI Solutions
4 min read

How AI Chatbots Are Transforming Customer Service

Explore how AI-powered chatbots are revolutionizing customer service, providing 24/7 support, and helping businesses deliver better experiences.

chatbotscustomer serviceAI
Conner ContrerasConner Contreras
November 10, 2024