
The Builders Joel Salomon – Turning a Manual Process Into Scalable Software
Many great software tools begin with a simple starting point: a manual process that works.
In this episode, Matt welcomes back Joel Salomon to talk about the journey of turning his proven stock-screening framework into a scalable software system. After years of teaching clients his five-step process for evaluating companies, Joel began exploring how technology could help automate the research and deliver insights more efficiently.
What followed was a builder’s journey that many founders will recognize. From manually screening hundreds of companies each quarter to experimenting with AI tools and working with early developers, Joel shares the real-world challenges of translating personal expertise into working software.
Along the way, Matt and Joel unpack the lessons that come from building technology when you’re not a developer. The conversation explores documentation, outsourcing development, managing expectations, and the patience required to turn a good idea into a functioning system.
For builders thinking about turning their own processes into software, this episode offers a practical look at what that journey can actually look like.
Key Takeaways
Many scalable tools begin as manual systems that prove themselves first
Turning expertise into software requires translating human judgment into clear logic
AI tools can accelerate research but still require careful verification
Outsourcing development requires strong communication and iteration
Builders often discover the real complexity of software during the building process
