Frequently Asked Questions

Jay Thornton is a Product Owner and Executive with over 20 years of experience in product development, team leadership, and business automation. He has launched 50+ products from concept to market and has hired, mentored, and led 100+ team members across various organizations including Lokate Partners, Collective Bias, and Home Helpers of Arkansas.

My career spans leadership roles including Founder & Product Owner at Lokate Partners (where I built interconnected SaaS solutions for franchise businesses), VP of Technology at Collective Bias (employee #1, helping scale from startup to 150+ employees), and CMO at Home Helpers of Arkansas (overseeing franchise expansion from 9 to 35 offices). I specialize in turning complex problems into working products.

I'm based along the Florida coast but work with clients worldwide. Most of my engagements are remote, though I'm available for on-site work when projects require it. I typically hold calls Tuesday through Thursday mornings.

It means I focus on outcomes, not theory. When products stall, teams struggle, or technology isn't delivering value, I help identify what's broken and fix it. I've built my reputation on "Proof, Not Pitch Decks" — demonstrating results rather than just presenting ideas.

I offer three core services: (1) Product Design & Development — taking products from concept to launch and providing ongoing support; (2) Team Building & Leadership — putting the right people in the right places and building high-performance cultures; and (3) SaaS, AI & Business Automation — helping businesses work smarter by implementing practical technology solutions.

I have deep experience in SaaS, franchise operations, recruiting technology, CRM systems, and healthcare staffing. However, my product development and leadership principles apply across industries. If you're building digital products or scaling teams, my experience transfers well.

Both. I can serve as a hands-on Product Owner leading development teams, or as an advisor/consultant helping refine strategy and process. My preference is working closely with existing teams rather than replacing them — I believe in building internal capability, not dependency.

I believe in functional AI — if AI doesn't make something faster, clearer, or less manual, I don't ship it. I advocate for AI as an invisible, seamless layer that surfaces obvious outcomes rather than adding complexity. The goal is reducing decisions, not creating more dashboards.

I work with modern web technologies including PHP, JavaScript, and various SaaS platforms. I prioritize modular architecture — building reusable, independent components that can be tested and evolved separately. I'm technology-agnostic; the right tool depends on the problem.

The best way to start is booking an introductory call through my Inquiries page. We'll discuss your situation, goals, and whether I'm the right fit. If timelines are urgent, book a call — it's the fastest path. If you're still exploring, send a message with context about your challenge.

Engagements vary based on needs. Some clients need a few hours of strategic consultation, others need ongoing product leadership for months. I typically start with a discovery phase to understand the full picture before recommending a structure. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all proposals.

Both. I've been employee #1 at a startup that scaled to 150+ people, and I've worked with established franchise operations. The common thread is organizations that are ready to move — whether that's launching something new or fixing something broken.

I've been in the arena, not just advising from the sidelines. I've founded companies, built products, hired teams, and dealt with the messy reality of shipping software. I focus on practical outcomes over frameworks, and I'm direct about what will and won't work.

I typically respond within 1-2 business days. For faster engagement, book a call directly through Calendly. I'm most responsive Tuesday through Thursday. Include context about your challenge, what you've tried, and what success looks like — it helps me give you a better response.

Good software is a series of thoughtful decisions stacked carefully. I prioritize testing-driven development, modular architecture, and user-centered design. I believe most people don't need more data — they need fewer decisions. Simplicity enables better outcomes.

I focus on empowering individuals and celebrating collective achievements. Great teams need clear communication, strategic guidance, and an environment where people feel valued. I emphasize hiring for alignment with goals, then providing mentorship and room to grow.

It means I'd rather show you results than sell you on potential. My track record — 50+ products launched, 100+ team members led, 20+ years of experience — speaks louder than a presentation. I believe in demonstrating value through work, not promises.

First, I listen and diagnose. Many struggling projects have symptoms that point to root causes — unclear requirements, wrong team structure, technical debt, or misaligned priorities. I help identify what's actually broken, then create a realistic path forward. Sometimes that means hard conversations about what to stop doing.