I'm Stephen Bogner, a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) based in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. I run an engineering consulting practice focused on systems engineering, AI integration, and project leadership. But that's only part of the story.
Over the past few years, I've been building something different: a suite of AI-powered desktop applications called SoloStaff. These aren't cloud-based subscription services or venture-backed platforms promising to revolutionize everything. They're simple, focused tools designed around a core philosophy: "Simplicity over complexity, intuitive over RTFM, local installation over cloud dependency, and privacy first, always."
This blog is where I'll share the journey of building these tools, the engineering thinking behind them, and what I've learned about running a solo business in the age of AI.
What is SoloStaff?
SoloStaff is a collection of AI-enhanced desktop applications built for solo entrepreneurs, small businesses, and anyone who values privacy and simplicity. Each tool solves a specific problem I encountered in my own consulting practice.
The premise is straightforward: instead of juggling multiple subscriptions, uploading sensitive data to various cloud services, and dealing with feature bloat, you get focused tools that run locally on your machine. One-time purchase, no recurring fees, your data stays with you.
Here's what's available right now:
- SoloStaff Bookkeeper ($100 USD) — AI-powered receipt parsing and expense tracking. Drop receipts in a folder, get organized records automatically. Supports multi-currency, duplicate detection, and maps to tax forms like IRS Schedule C and CRA T2125.
- SoloStaff Invoice ($65 USD) — PDF invoice generation with recurring billing, customer management, and over 10 built-in reports. Everything runs locally on your desktop.
- SoloStaff Meeting Secretary ($50 USD) — Automates the meeting lifecycle with M365 integration. Handles agenda collection, generates AI-powered meeting minutes, creates Teams meetings, and distributes minutes via email—all with human approval checkpoints.
- SoloStaff Emailer (Free for nonprofits) — Campaign management with subscriber segmentation, engagement tracking, and SendGrid integration. GDPR compliant and designed specifically for nonprofit organizations.
I also have SoloStaff SalesFlow coming soon, but I won't make promises about features that aren't ready yet.
The Dogfooding Approach
Here's what makes SoloStaff different from most software products: I use every single tool in my own business operations daily. This isn't just a nice-to-have—it's fundamental to how I build.
When SoloStaff Bookkeeper fails to parse a receipt correctly, I'm the first to know because it's my receipt. When Meeting Secretary's agenda collection feels clunky, I experience that friction in my own client meetings. When Invoice generates a report that's missing crucial information, it's my business reporting that suffers.
This "dogfooding" approach—using your own products—means these tools are built from real business needs, not assumptions about what users might want. The features exist because I needed them. The workflow feels natural because I refined it through daily use.
It also means development priorities stay grounded. I'm not chasing flashy features or following the latest AI trends. I'm solving actual problems that show up in real business operations.
Privacy First, Subscriptions Never
The AI tools market is dominated by cloud services that require you to upload your data, pay monthly fees, and hope the company stays in business. I think there's a better way.
SoloStaff applications run locally on your machine. Your receipts, invoices, meeting notes, and customer data never leave your computer unless you explicitly choose to share them. The AI processing happens locally or through carefully chosen integrations that respect privacy.
The pricing model is equally straightforward: you pay once, you own the software. No subscriptions, no per-user fees, no "freemium" limitations that appear when you actually need the tool.
This isn't just a business model—it's a philosophy. I believe you should own your tools and control your data.
What This Blog Will Cover
Starting this blog serves a few purposes. First, there's a story worth telling about building AI-powered desktop applications as a solo developer. The technical decisions, business challenges, and engineering approaches that go into creating tools people actually use.
I'll share insights about:
- AI integration — How to build AI features that solve real problems without the hype
- Solo entrepreneurship — Lessons from running a consulting practice while building products
- Privacy-first software — Technical and business decisions that put user control first
- Engineering approaches to business problems — How systematic thinking applies to more than just code
This won't be a typical startup blog full of growth hacking tips or venture capital stories. It's about sustainable business building, thoughtful engineering, and creating tools that actually serve their users.
Why Now?
The AI revolution is real, but most of the noise around it misses the point. The value isn't in having the most advanced model or the flashiest interface—it's in solving specific problems more effectively.
As a Professional Engineer, I approach AI integration the same way I approach any engineering problem: understand the requirements, choose appropriate tools, build reliable systems, and test everything thoroughly.
Solo entrepreneurs and small businesses need AI tools built with this mindset—reliable, focused, and respectful of their time and data.
Join the Journey
If you're interested in AI tools that prioritize simplicity and privacy, or if you're curious about the intersection of engineering thinking and solo entrepreneurship, this blog is for you.
Take a look at the SoloStaff products if any of them solve problems you're facing. Each product page includes detailed information about features, pricing, and system requirements.
I'm also working on a newsletter that will cover similar topics with a focus on practical insights for solo business owners. It's not launched yet, but when it is, you'll find signup information here.
Thanks for reading, and welcome to the journey.