December 2024: The Beginning
In late 2024 a very dear friend asked me a question that would alter my life: "Eli, tell me, what are some interesting things you are doing with AI?". Seeing as how I knew nothing of coding, and had only a basic working knowledge of computers, I responded that I was not 'doing' anything with AI. He told me that I needed to dive in and begin utilizing AI because it was the "Way of the Future". I needed a vision, and I had a hypothesis: What if AI could compress decades of learning into months? I needed a focal point—a meaningful project that could serve as both a learning vehicle and something that truly mattered.
That's when I conceived Rant. A Mental Health Social Platform where people could post anonymously, expressing struggles they might never voice otherwise. We all project strength to those around us, but sometimes we need a safe space to let it out. This wasn't just a coding exercise—it was about creating something meaningful.
Important note: Every single achievement below was accomplished in my spare time, while maintaining other responsibilities.
First 60 Days: Rant Web Backend
I built and deployed the complete Python/Flask backend for Rant. This became my AI prompting bootcamp—learning development fundamentals while creating a production-ready social platform with user authentication, content moderation, and database architecture. Every line of code taught me something new about both programming and AI collaboration.
Next 45 Days: iOS Mastery
Rant iOS App: As my prompting skills improved, I set an ambitious goal—build a native iOS app connecting to my web backend. In just 45 days, I built the app, tested it in Xcode, submitted it to Apple's Review Team, and got it published to the App Store. From concept to App Store approval in 45 days.
30-Day Sprint: LightTap Game
LightTap iOS Game: To prove my iOS development wasn't a fluke, I built, tested, submitted, and got approved a complete iOS game in just 30 days. Fast-paced reaction game with advanced animations, sound integration, and game state management—all delivered in one month.
Under 30 Days: PGA HOPE MEETUPS
Veterans Golf Platform: Built a complete charity platform for Veterans in under 30 days. Event management, team formation, match scheduling, email notifications—a full-featured platform that brings Veterans together through golf.
Continuous Innovation: Updates & Enhancements
Added AI Listener feature to Rant iOS app. Successfully submitted 2 updates for Rant iOS and 1 update for LightTap. Built additional projects including this portfolio site. Each project compounds my capabilities exponentially.
The AI-Enhanced Development Methodology
My approach isn't about replacing human creativity—it's about amplifying it. Here's what makes this revolutionary:
Strategic Prompt Engineering
I've mastered the art of communicating with AI systems to generate production-ready code, debug complex issues, and implement advanced features.
Rapid Iteration Cycles
While traditional developers spend hours debugging, I can iterate through solutions in minutes, testing multiple approaches simultaneously.
Full-Stack Mastery
From backend databases to frontend interfaces, from deployment to security—I handle every aspect of development without the need for specialized team members.
Business-First Thinking
Every technical decision is driven by business value. I don't just build features—I build solutions that drive results.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Traditional Development Team
- Team Size: 3-5 developers, 1 project manager, 1 designer
- Education Required: 4-year CS degrees + 2-5 years experience each
- Timeline: 6-12 months for similar projects
- Cost: $50,000-$150,000+ per project
- Communication: Multiple layers, potential for miscommunication
My AI-Enhanced Approach
- Team Size: 1 (me)
- Learning Time: 7 months total
- Timeline: 30-60 days per project
- Cost: Fraction of traditional development
- Communication: Direct, immediate, no middlemen
What This Means for Your Business
This isn't just about faster development—it's about competitive advantage. While your competitors are still assembling teams and writing requirements documents, your custom solution is already in production. While they're debugging integration issues, you're already seeing ROI.
I bring the capabilities of an entire development team, the speed of AI-enhanced workflows, and the business focus of an entrepreneur who understands that technology is only valuable when it drives results.
The question isn't whether AI will transform your industry—it's whether you'll be leading that transformation or watching from behind.