Independent consulting & advisory
AI Strategist & Technology Advisor
Helping small and midsize businesses connect business goals, people, and technology.
THE PERSON BEHIND THE WORK
I’m Robert Lair—a software entrepreneur, author, and technology advisor. My favorite part of any project is sitting with a business leader, understanding the vision, and figuring out how to bring it to life.
I’ve worked across the development lifecycle, from writing code to leading product development and serving as CTO and CEO. I bring that whole perspective to the table.
Explore my experience ↗
HOW I CAN HELP
For small and midsize businesses that want a clear direction—and someone who can speak both business and technology.
We explore your goals, daily work, challenges, and ideas. Whether you want to improve an existing business or envision a new product, we identify where technology can make a meaningful difference.
I translate those opportunities into a clear roadmap, prioritizing what matters and defining the tools, workflows, and technical approach needed to move forward.
I help your people and delivery partners put the plan into action, bridging business and technical decisions as you implement, learn, and adapt.
A FEW THINGS I’VE HELPED BRING TO LIFE
Connected fitness · HeartFITT
A connected fitness platform spanning group workouts, personal training, competition, and a roadmap for AI personalization.
Fitness platform · AI strategy & architecture
Private AI · LifeQuest
Local AI that turns a folder of sensitive documents into an organized collection.
Working prototype
Project knowledge · NeuralDev
An AI-assisted project workspace built around a shared source of truth.
Working prototype
Gamification · LifeQuest Studios
Helping younger visitors connect with the museum exhibits already around them.
Mobile application
Personalized meditation · NeuralDev
Personalized, voice-guided meditation powered by AI-generated experiences.
Working prototype
Poverty experience · ThinkTank
Bringing an in-person poverty experience online when COVID changed how people could gather.
Cross-platform client applicationWHERE IT ALL TOOK OFF
Before ASP.NET’s public release, I built IBuySpy using only Microsoft’s individual development specifications. I worked alongside Scott Guthrie on the demo application Bill Gates used onstage to introduce ASP.NET to the development community.
That work launched a career in books, speaking, and helping others understand what technology makes possible.
The IBuySpy story ↗SHARING WHAT I’VE LEARNED
Robert Lair and Jason Lefebvre. Sams Publishing, 2001. Author.
Robert Lair. Apress, 2009. Author.
Robert Lair. Apress, 2012. Author.
CodeMash
CodeStock
ASP.NET Developers Conference
StirTrek
BEYOND THE WORK
Music, time on the court, and making things by hand.
Music
4.0/4.5, 2026 4.0 40+ State Champion
Woodworking, leatherworking & metalworking
A NEW WAVE. A FAMILIAR APPROACH.
“AI is a wave that will reshape how businesses work. I help business leaders learn to surf it—so they can move forward with confidence instead of getting caught in the undertow.”
Robert Lair · AI Strategist & Technology Advisor