Entrepreneurship is a game of constant learning, and few industries evolve as fast as software development. That’s why for the very first episode of Scaling the Unscalable, I sat down with Kevin Riedl from Wavect to dig into the realities of running a tech business, navigating AI’s impact, and hiring the right people.

From Software Agency to Product Studio

Kevin describes his company as his baby, and that’s exactly the level of care and obsession required to build something great when running a tech business. Unlike a traditional software agency that simply ships code, his approach is to act as a product studio, laser-focused on delivering value to clients. The goal? Build products that don’t just exist but actually generate revenue.

“We don’t just throw software at clients. We build what they need.”

Too many agencies take a transactional approach to software development: get paid, ship the product, move on. Kevin flips the script by ensuring the solutions built truly align with a client’s business goals. That means challenging assumptions and sometimes advising clients against the latest, flashiest tech if it’s not the right fit.

Web3, AI, and the Evolving Tech Landscape

Kevin’s background is rooted in Web3, but he has learned that specializing in a single technology can be limiting. Why? Because tech should be a tool, not the goal. Many clients rush into blockchain or AI without fully understanding if it’s the right solution. His role is to help them figure that out first.

We also tackled the big question on every tech founder’s mind: Is AI going to replace developers?

Neither of us thinks so, but the landscape is shifting. AI-assisted coding is making developers 3-5x more efficient. The entry barriers are rising, and while seniors will always be in demand, junior developers may find it harder to break in. The real challenge? Figuring out how junior developers gain experience in an AI-dominated world.

Running a Tech Business: Hiring and Culture

Hiring isn’t about resumes. It’s about mindset.

Kevin and I both agreed: hiring for character beats hiring for competence every time.

Skills can be taught. Passion, accountability, and a problem-solving mentality? Not so much.

One of my favorite ways to gauge this in interviews is simple: “What’s the hardest problem you’ve ever solved?” The best candidates light up with excitement and dive into the details. Passionate developers tinker, they don’t just code because they have to, they love it. If someone isn’t excited about problem-solving, they’re not the right fit.

Culture also isn’t just about how you feel – it’s about the behaviors that define success in an organization. At Division 5, our three core values are Trust, Responsibility, and Accountability. They’re embedded in our hiring process, our policies, and the way we work every day. Culture isn’t about making people comfortable, it’s about making them effective.

AI, Content, and the Future of Growth

Growth doesn’t come from chasing shiny objects. It comes from doing more of what works.

Kevin and I both learned this lesson the hard way. It’s tempting to jump on the next big thing, whether it’s launching a new marketing channel or chasing a new service line. But sustainable growth comes from doubling down on what’s already working and only adding new initiatives once they’re stabilized.

For Kevin and Wavect, that means a mix of outbound sales and content marketing. For Division 5, it’s been a cold outbound process that consistently delivers qualified leads, and now, we’re layering in more video content to scale our impact.

Content in 2025 isn’t just about writing. It’s about showing up. Video is king. If you’re writing a newsletter, you should be vlogging too. If you’re posting insights, start speaking them out loud.

Staying Motivated When Things Get Hard

Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster. Some days, you’re on top of the world. Others? Just getting out of bed feels like a win.

Kevin and I agreed: the key isn’t motivation. It’s discipline. The trick is raising the standard for what your “bad days” look like. If your bad days used to mean watching Netflix and eating junk food, but now they mean putting in two solid hours of deep work? That’s progress.

As entrepreneurs, we don’t have the luxury of waiting to feel like working. We show up anyway. And the best way to break out of a slump? Do something productive. Read a book. Go for a walk. Write down what you need to get done. Action creates momentum. Momentum creates results.

Final Thoughts

Talking with Kevin reminded me why I started Scaling the Unscalable Podcast: to have real, unfiltered conversations about what it takes to build and grow a business. No fluff. No generic advice. These are just raw insights from people in the trenches.

If you’re building something ambitious, remember: The game is long. Play for the long term. Focus on what moves the needle. And never stop learning.

Want the full, unfiltered conversation?

This post barely scratches the surface.

In the full episode, Kevin and I dive even deeper into:

• Why most software projects fail (and how to avoid it)
• The rise of AI-assisted development
• What it really takes to scale a tech business
• How to stay disciplined when motivation fades

Watch the full episode on YouTube:

Let me know your biggest takeaway in the comments.