Technology Consulting
I'm a hands-on CTO who helps founders and established teams turn ideas into products and AI ambitions into tools people actually use. Decades leading engineering, and I still ship code.
Track record
Education MBA, Stanford GSB · BS, Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota
I'm a full-time CTO, so I take on only one or two outside engagements at a time. It keeps my advice current, since these are problems I'm solving every day, and it means every client gets the attention that they deserve.
01
For founders who need an experienced technical voice in the room.
Architecture, hiring, vendor and build-vs-buy calls, and board-ready technical strategy, without a full-time executive hire.
02
For an idea that needs to become something real.
I deliver hands-on, writing code with the assistance of the best AI coding tools, and take the product from a blank page to working software in front of users.
03
For teams ready to move past experiments.
Custom AI applications that solve a specific business problem: RAG, chat, agents, MCP integrations, and other AI-powered workflows built into how your team already works.
His work resonates over a year later as do his recommendations.
Now
Most of my clients are interested in integrating AI into real work processes, building with Claude Code, MCP, and agent skills, and helping them figure out what actually works. Other common requests are around security programs and data integrations.
Whether it's a foundational technology advisory, a product that needs a technical leader, or an AI initiative that's stuck at the demo stage, I'm happy to talk it through.
rian@rianschmidt.comNote: Because I'm a working CTO, all engagements are remote and run on a planned rhythm: scheduled working sessions with async communication in between.