About
Hi, I'm Bryan.
I run AI businesses for a living. The Smart Operator is the side of that work where I sit down 1:1 with another operator and figure out exactly what AI tools belong in their week — and which ones don't.
Not a tool reseller. Not an agency that bolted "AI" onto a marketing menu. Someone who ships production AI every day and compresses a weekend of research into a 1–2 week, 90-minute engagement.
The path here
How an engineer ended up auditing AI tools for small business owners.
The short version: I spent a decade-plus building production software, lived an exit, then started Crafted Labs to put AI to work in real businesses. The Smart Operator is what happened when operator after operator asked me, "okay, but what should I actually do?"
2010s
Built and led engineering teams in cybersecurity SaaS
Joined a cybersecurity SaaS company early. Stayed for over a decade as CTO and VP of Product Management. Built engineering teams. Owned product. Lived 0-to-exit.
2023
Cybersecurity company acquired
The company was acquired in 2023. Lived the M&A side end-to-end. Walked away with a stack of expensive lessons about what makes a small software business actually compound.
2024
Founded Crafted Labs
Started Crafted Labs to build AI products for small businesses, including Cira — an AI receptionist running 24/7 for real businesses. Crafted Labs ships AI in production every day.
2025
Launched The Smart Operator
Started running 1:1 AI Tools Assessments for solopreneurs and small teams. Patterns showed up fast: most operators didn't need more tools, they needed an operating plan. The productized $799 audit was born from that.
How I run the audit
Four principles that shape every recommendation.
Operator-to-operator, not consultant-speak
You don't need a 60-page strategy deck. You need to know what to do Monday morning. The audit talks to operators the way operators actually think.
Workflow automation, not AI bolted onto marketing
Most agencies that claim "AI services" started in marketing. The Smart Operator started in workflow automation, cybersecurity, and shipping software at scale. Different lineage. Different recommendations.
Skin in the game
5+ hours back per week within 30 days, or full refund. Most consultants won't put their fee on the line. This one does because the recommendations actually run.
Tools I personally use
Recommendations come out of running AI businesses, not reading launch posts. If I haven't used it Tuesday morning, it doesn't go in your report.
The companies I run
Where the production AI experience comes from.
Parent company
Crafted Labs
AI products and software studio. Where the recommendations in your audit get battle-tested before they end up in your report.
craftedlabs.com
Flagship AI product
Cira
An AI receptionist that runs 24/7 for real small businesses — answering calls, booking jobs, and recovering leads. The reason "ships AI in production" isn't a slogan.
Work with me
Want me to look at your week?
The AI Tools Assessment is one 45-minute discovery call, one custom report, one 30-minute walkthrough. About 90 minutes of your time total. 5+ hours back per week within 30 days, or full refund.
Questions first? Email bryan@thesmartoperator.co