IndieRails Jess Brown & Jeremy Smith

Today, we're joined by two remarkable individuals, Ben Wood and Nate Vick, seasoned entrepreneurs with over a decade of experience running a Rails consulting business with many successes: Hint
In this episode, Ben and Nate share their unique journey, from the highs of entrepreneurship to the tough decision of winding down their business. Despite this challenging transition, their passion for innovation hasn't waned. They're now embarking on new careers while also nurturing a budding software product, Selective, in their spare time.
Join us as we explore the realities of business, the resilience required to adapt, and the continuous pursuit of new horizons. Ben and Nate's story is a testament to the fact that while not every venture lasts forever, the spirit of entrepreneurship endures, paving the way for new opportunities and lessons.
Tune in as we uncover the insights and experiences of these two smart, adaptive professionals who remind us that change is not just an inevitable part of life but also a profound opportunity for growth.
Links:Ben WoodNate Vick
HintSelective
SimpleCov
Mint
Huntress

Cody Norman is a Rails consultant, fly fisherman, BBQ connoisseur, and big fan of the state of Colorado. He joins us to share about getting into software development, his journey to consulting, and his mentorship work. We also chat about his product Spot Squid, his plans for Rawhide Ruby, and his upcoming RailsConf talk on Action Mailbox: Attraction Mailbox - Why I love Action Mailbox. Cody also shared post-show that he's developing a course on Action Mailbox!
WebsiteTwitterSpot SquidRawhide RubyAction Mailbox Pro course
Related LinksAgency of LearningThe Startup of YouThe Mom Test

In this episode of IndieRails, we delve into the world of productized services in software development. Moving beyond the traditional model of bespoke or custom solutions, productized services offer a blend of consistency, scalability, and efficiency, reshaping how businesses approach service offerings.
We were prompted to look into this topic by a question from Pascal, who coincidentally just launched his React To Hotwire Migration Service offering.
In episode, we aim to explore the journey from concept to market, the strategic advantages of adopting a productized model, and the challenges developers face in this transition. Join us as we uncover the keys to successfully crafting service offerings that combine the best of both products and services, making a compelling case for innovation in the way we deliver value to clients.
Original Question from Pascalhttps://twitter.com/pascallaliberte/status/1724873520562237835
This is timely because he just launched his React To Hotwire Migration Service offering: https://twitter.com/pascallaliberte/status/1765489247694332083

Andy Croll is a Rubyist, author, and speaker. He's the CTO of CoverageBook, creator of the First Ruby Friend mentoring program, organizer of Brighton Ruby, and this year is co-chair of RailsConf. In short, he's a bit busy. In our conversation, we dive into his work at CoverageBook, discuss the hiring, onboarding, and mentoring of early career devs, and talk Ruby conferences (and why you should go).
Relevant LinksTwitterWebsiteWhy go to a Ruby or Rails conference?One Ruby ThingFirst Ruby FriendBrighton RubyRailsConfCoverageBook

In this episode we get the chance to interview Ben Orenstein: A person who probably doesn't need much of an introduction to our listeners. This episode should be special. Ben's journey from developer to entrepreneur exemplifies the path many in our audience aspire to tread. With a keen eye for opportunities and a deep understanding of the software industry's nuances, Ben's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to leverage their technical skills beyond the keyboard. Join us as we discuss strategies, challenges, and the mindset required to thrive in the competitive landscape of tech entrepreneurship.
Links:TwitterTupleTuple PodcastPersonal siteHackers Inc Podcast"Predictable Mistakes of the Developer-Turned-Founder" - Laracon talk

In this episode, we chat with Jess's friend and fellow Georgian, Matt D. Smith. While developers may not be too familiar, Matt is widely known and well respected in the interface design community. He ran an independent design studio for many years, eventually transitioning to building products and courses. Matt is currently focused on Shift Nudge, the premiere online learning experience for designing beautiful & functional interfaces.
Matt shares with us his story of moving from client work to products, and growing an online presence. The parallels to indie development are striking, with many takeaways for those trying to build an independent practice, or grow as content creators.
Relevant LinksMatt's TwitterMatt's YouTubeMatt's WebsiteShift NudgeUse ContrastFlowkit