The AI Builder
AI coding tools are collapsing the PM/engineer divide. The hybrid role I've been predicting - and living - is now a job you can apply for.
Ben Shoemaker
Personal site and thought leadership platform for Ben Shoemaker - AI-assisted development practitioner, builder, and consultant.
Latest posts
In defense of not reading the code
Last week, I wrote an article whose purpose was to discuss where I saw AI-assisted coding going. That's not what generated 200 comments worth of passionate...
The Codex App Changes Everything!!! (not really)
The Codex desktop app doesn't change everything - but it's part of a larger trend worth paying attention to. Where IDEs are headed and why specs matter more than code.
An Open-Source Toolkit for AI-Assisted Coding
Introducing a lightweight, open-source toolkit that brings structure to AI-assisted coding through a Specify, Plan, Execute workflow.
The AI Wrapper Problem and the Case for BYOK
Why the current AI wrapper market is stuck between value and UX, and how bring-your-own-key could become a competitive advantage.
Vibe Scaffold Featured in AI Tinkerers Community Spotlights
Vibe Scaffold was featured in AI Tinkerers Community Spotlights for bridging the gap between rough ideas and executable architecture for AI coding agents.
Launching Vibe Scaffold: From Idea to 2,300 Users in 48 Hours
How a tool for turning rough product ideas into structured AI coding specs went from weekend project to 2,300 users in two days.
Fivetran + dbt Merger: What It Really Means for Your Data Stack
Analysis of the Fivetran and dbt Labs merger and how to maintain negotiating leverage without killing velocity.
Fun day in AI
Quick thoughts on Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4.5 announcement and Lovable's new Cloud and AI features.
Proximity to data is the cheat code for data teams
Why organizations should keep data work embedded within product teams rather than centralizing it.