I’ve been building SaaS platforms for over a decade now, and for the past two years, I’ve been focused on how AI can be thoughtfully integrated—not as a gimmick, but as a functional layer that improves the product experience. Every platform I’ve worked on—whether CRM, scheduling, or internal tools—has pushed me to ask better questions: What’s essential? What’s scalable? What genuinely improves how people work?
It’s easy to get distracted in this space. New frameworks. Shiny plugins. AI hype. But under all that,
Good software is still just a series of thoughtful decisions—stacked carefully and built to last.
That’s where I try to stay grounded.
Let’s Talk About AI (But Actually Talk About It)
AI is everywhere now—and too often, it’s thrown at problems it doesn’t actually solve. I’ve seen “AI-powered” features that are basically autocomplete in a trench coat. So I set a rule for myself:
If AI doesn’t make something faster, clearer, or less manual—I don’t ship it.
In the platforms I’ve built, AI shows up only where it earns its place:
- Smarter lead management and routing based on real usage patterns
- Context-aware interfaces that adapt by role, behavior, and history
- AI-generated summaries and insights that reduce busywork
- Natural language prompts to surface actions faster
When done right, AI disappears into the workflow. It’s invisible, seamless, and useful. If it feels like an add-on, it probably is.
Modular Everything (Because Flexibility Is Freedom)
One of the biggest unlocks this year has been leaning into modular development—especially when you’re iterating fast or supporting multiple use cases.
I’ve rebuilt core parts of these platforms using modular PHP and JS components so that every element can be reused, tested, and evolved independently. Scoped scripts. Smart defaults. Minimal bloat. Not glamorous—but it’s what keeps the product moving.
- A dynamic modal system used across profiles, leads, users, and settings
- Reusable search and filter logic that adapts to any dataset
- API-first routes that simplify mobile extensions and third-party tools
- Granular role logic that does more than just restrict access
The mindset is simple: Can this scale without becoming brittle? If not, I refactor until it can.
Testing Early, Testing Often
Here’s the part most indie devs gloss over: testing.
I’ve been leaning into lightweight automated testing and soft CI—not because I’m chasing “enterprise best practices,” but because I’ve lived the pain of broken updates. I’d rather catch issues with a validation layer than rely on luck and late-night QA scrambles.
- Backend tests to validate logic, input, and permissions
- Frontend sanity checks for key flows
- Change logging that helps me trace “what changed and why”
Testing doesn’t slow you down—it frees you up. It lets you move fast without fear. That’s a lesson I wish I’d absorbed earlier in my career.
I’m still obsessed with building software that respects people’s time. That removes friction. That feels intuitive from day one—and quietly improves behind the scenes.
If you’re building with the same mindset—modular, human-first, and focused on solving real problems—I’d love to connect and swap notes.
You can find me across social platforms at @jaythornton000, or reach out directly via my contact page.
There’s still so much to build. But it’s better when you build it right.
Want to Learn More?
Ask a question.
Guest
so, what did all this teach you?
2025-04-23 17:39:06
Jay Thornton
From our previous discussion on ‘General’, I’ve learned that clarity and context are crucial in communication. Understanding the nuances of a topic allows for more insightful conversations. Additionally, engaging with diverse sources enhances knowledge and perspectives, reminding me of the value of continuous learning. What about you? What do you feel you’ve gained from our discussion?
2025-04-23 17:39:08
Jay Thornton
Team building and leadership have always been at the core of my professional journey. As a Product Owner at Lokate Partners, I founded the company and led the development of interconnected SaaS products, fostering a culture of collaboration among cross-functional teams. My role as CMO at Home Helpers of Arkansas allowed me to manage and mentor high-performing teams, significantly enhancing productivity and sales performance through strategic guidance and support. During my time at Collective Bias, I played a crucial role in scaling the team to over 150 employees, implementing effective hiring and training programs that not only built a strong workforce but also cultivated a positive work environment. I truly believe that strong leadership stems from empowerment and open communication, and I strive to create spaces where team members can thrive and contribute their best work. If you’d like to know more about my experiences or connect, feel free to reach out through my LinkedIn or shoot me an email at jay@jaythornton000.com.com!
2025-04-22 17:26:44
Jay Thornton
In my journey as a Product Owner and technology leader, I’ve had the privilege of diving deep into Product Design and Development, particularly at Lokate Partners. Here, I founded the company with the vision of creating interconnected SaaS solutions tailored for franchise businesses. I designed and developed key platforms like JetRecruiter and LokateCRM, which not only optimized operations but also significantly enhanced user experiences. By leveraging AI-powered analytics, I ensured our products continuously evolved to meet market needs. The blend of creativity and technology in this space is incredibly exciting, and I love leading cross-functional teams to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions. If you’re curious about my work, feel free to check out my background on LinkedIn!
2025-04-22 17:18:09
Guest
can jay help build my website?
2025-04-22 17:10:24
Jay Thornton
Absolutely! I can help guide you through the process of building your website, from planning and design to choosing platforms and tools. What specific aspects do you need assistance with?
2025-04-22 17:10:26
Jay Thornton
In my journey as a Product Owner and technology leader, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to dive deep into Product Design & Development. At Lokate Partners, I founded the company to create innovative SaaS products specifically tailored for franchise businesses. I designed and developed our core platforms like JetRecruiter and LokateCRM, ensuring they are interconnected and meet the diverse needs of our users. My approach embraces Agile methodologies, allowing me to lead cross-functional teams efficiently. By integrating AI-powered analytics into our designs, I not only optimized our products but also propelled user adoption. Each project has been a learning experience, where I’ve strived to create designs that not only enhance usability but also truly make a difference in the everyday operations of our franchise partners. If you’re curious about specific projects or insights, feel free to check out my work on LinkedIn!
2025-04-16 17:01:15
Guest
what do you think “being fulfilled” means
2025-04-16 16:10:39
Jay Thornton
Being fulfilled means experiencing a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment in life. It often involves pursuing and achieving personal goals, forming meaningful relationships, and engaging in activities that resonate with one’s passions and values. Fulfillment varies from person to person, as it reflects individual aspirations and what brings joy and purpose to their lives. Ultimately, it’s about aligning daily actions with one’s core beliefs and finding a balance that contributes to overall well-being.
2025-04-16 16:10:41
Guest
what is the normal return on adspend per campaign?
2025-04-16 15:01:29
Jay Thornton
The normal return on ad spend (ROAS) can vary significantly depending on the industry, campaign goals, and specific market conditions. Generally, a ROAS of 4:1, meaning $4 earned for every $1 spent on advertising, is often seen as a good benchmark. However, some high-margin businesses may aim for a higher ROAS, while others with lower margins might consider a lower target acceptable.
To get a more precise figure, it’s essential to look at industry-specific data and
2025-04-16 15:01:31
Guest
Can Jay run a paid media campaign?
2025-04-16 14:48:33
Jay Thornton
Yes, Jay can run a paid media campaign. Depending on the goals, target audience, and budget, I can help strategize, create content, and optimize campaigns across different platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, or Instagram. If you have specific objectives in mind, feel free to share, and we can dive deeper!
2025-04-16 14:48:34
Jay Thornton
Certainly! I’ve had the pleasure of working extensively in the realms of SaaS, AI, and business automation throughout my career. At Lokate Partners, LLC, I founded the company specifically to develop interconnected SaaS products tailored for franchise businesses. This included platforms like JetRecruiter and LokateCRM, where my focus was on enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. One of my proudest achievements has been leading the integration of AI-powered analytics across these platforms to automate processes and optimize performance. Additionally, my role as CMO at Home Helpers of Arkansas allowed me to implement business automation strategies that expanded our franchise network significantly and improved profitability. I believe that combining innovative technology with strategic business practices is essential for driving growth and achieving operational excellence. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to check out my LinkedIn profile!
2025-04-16 14:48:23