Utah entrepreneur says AI helped him build six-figure business in a few days

Utah Entrepreneur Leverages AI to Launch Six-Figure Business in Days

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various sectors is becoming increasingly prevalent in Utah. From governmental initiatives to educational advancements, AI is reshaping the landscape of everyday life.

Among the innovators utilizing this technology is Jon Cheney, who successfully built a six-figure business in just a few days with his venture, GenAIPI.

A Challenge Accepted

One day, Cheney decided to set a personal challenge: to create a profitable business within 24 hours. Although it took him a little longer than planned, he achieved remarkable results—getting GenAIPI operational and signing a paying contract in under a week.

“I thought, ‘I need to build something where I can maybe help teach people [about AI],’” Cheney shared, underscoring his motivation to educate others on the transformative capabilities of AI.

Filling an Industry Gap

Cheney identified a significant need within businesses: understanding and utilizing AI effectively. He developed GenAIPI as a platform that assesses employees’ familiarity with AI and provides the necessary training to enhance their proficiency.

The rapid success of his venture was bolstered by an impressive $15,000 contract, which he secured shortly after his initial pitch to a prospective client. “I found someone who agreed to get on a call, we had that call, and we had a $15,000 contract lined up ready to go,” Cheney recounted.

The Advantages of AI

Cheney’s journey exemplifies not only his entrepreneurial spirit but also the swift advancements AI has made. In contrast to his previous enterprise, which required nearly a decade and substantial financial investment to develop, GenAIPI’s launch highlights the speed and efficiency that AI can facilitate in business creation.

Hope Fagler, a strategic team lead at Utah Valley University (UVU), has observed the rapid evolution of AI in recent times. “AI has definitely grown enormously in a very short span of time,” Fagler noted, leading a team focused on studying emerging technologies.

Navigating AI’s Complex Landscape

Despite the potential benefits, concerns surrounding AI’s safety and effectiveness persist. Fagler emphasized that while AI excels in certain areas, it also has notable limitations. She advised businesses to find practical applications for AI while keeping potential drawbacks in mind.

“If you try to use it like Google and you don’t actually learn how to put guard rails around it and tell it what you want,” Cheney cautioned, echoing Fagler’s sentiments about the critical importance of understanding AI’s capabilities.

Looking ahead, Fagler pointed out the importance of navigating the balance between “short-term help versus long-term hurt” as AI technologies continue to evolve.

Conclusion

Cheney’s journey underscores a pivotal moment for entrepreneurs within Utah and beyond, showcasing how AI can empower individuals to innovate rapidly and effectively. As artificial intelligence continues to permeate various industries, the lessons learned from projects like GenAIPI could help shape the future of business practices, heralding a new era of entrepreneurial possibilities.

With a keen eye on both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, Utah’s business landscape stands ready for the next wave of innovation.