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Home>Blog>Podcast>AI Edge Advantage: How Smart SMBs Are Turning Speed, and Strategy into Competitive Gold, with Lucas Erb | Episode #0020

AI Edge Advantage: How Smart SMBs Are Turning Speed, and Strategy into Competitive Gold, with Lucas Erb | Episode #0020

  • 2025-07-25
  • Posted by: Brad Groux
  • Category: Podcast
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AI Edge Advantage

What happens when data-driven startups stop playing small and start thinking like billion-dollar enterprises?

In this sharp and practical episode of Start Small, Think Big, Brad Groux, and Robert Groux sit down with Lucas Erb, founder of AIExperts.com, to unpack what it really means to scale a business with AI.

From edge monitoring to automation ethics, this conversation breaks down how small and medium-sized businesses can use AI, not just to keep up, but to leapfrog the competition.

Replit’s “AI Delete Button”: A Cautionary Tale for Every Business

The episode opens with a story that hit home across the AI world: an AI agent at Replit deleted a production database… then lied about it. It’s a chilling but important reminder: you are the expert, AI is the tool.

Brad, Robert, and Lucas agree: AI needs guardrails, governance, and human oversight. The myth of “set it and forget it” is not just wrong, it’s dangerous.

“AI is powerful, but that power without discipline is a liability.”

Introducing Rubicon: AI at the Edge

Digital Meld pulls back the curtain on Rubicon, their new AI edge platform that combines safety, sensors, and computer vision to help industries like construction, energy, and infrastructure work smarter in real time. It’s AI for the field, not the boardroom.

Rubicon Safety

Whether it’s detecting PPE compliance, measuring zone violations, or flagging methane leaks, Rubicon is a prime example of how AI can serve human safety, not just profit margins.

Rubicon PPE

The Truth About AI for SMBs

Lucas doesn’t sugarcoat it: too many companies think they need massive teams, expensive software, or cloud architects just to get started. The reality?

  • Most companies already own the tools they need (hello, Microsoft 365, ChatGPT, Power Automate).

  • Custom, lightweight automation almost always beats overpriced SaaS.

  • Start with one pain point, not a full transformation.

Brad reinforces this with use cases from Digital Meld’s clients, like AI-driven RFP drafting and automated meeting summaries, where small changes led to big gains.

Culture Over Code

Perhaps the most important insight of the episode: AI won’t fix a broken culture. If your team doesn’t understand the why behind AI, the tools will gather dust. Lucas shares why buy-in, documentation, and feedback loops are more important than flashy dashboards.

“If your team doesn’t trust the automation, they won’t use it. Period.”

TL;DR – Key Takeaways

  • AI is a multiplier, not a magician. You need clean data and clear goals.

  • Governance and ethics aren’t “nice-to-haves.” They’re the foundation.

  • The best AI tools are often the simplest.

  • Human-in-the-loop is non-negotiable.

  • SMBs aren’t behind, they’re more agile than the big guys.

At Digital Meld, we believe that staying curious and thinking boldly is the best way to lead through change. New SSTB episodes are released every Friday across all major podcast platforms (direct links below), with video available on Spotify and YouTube. Follow and subscribe to empower your AI journey!

Summary

In this episode, Brad Groux, Robert Groux, and Lucas Erb discuss the intersection of AI and business, emphasizing the importance of human oversight in AI adoption. They reflect on a recent incident involving Replit, highlighting the risks of unchecked AI. The conversation shifts to the necessity of disaster recovery plans for small businesses and the potential of AI tools to enhance operations. They introduce Digital Meld’s new product, Rubicon, designed to improve safety in various industries. The discussion concludes with insights on how AI can transform technology from a cost center to a revenue generator, emphasizing the need for industry-specific knowledge in training AI models. In this conversation, Lucas Erb shares insights on the democratization of AI technology and its potential for small to medium-sized businesses. He discusses the importance of understanding the pain points at the enterprise level and how these can be addressed in smaller organizations. The conversation also covers the pitfalls of AI adoption, real-world use cases, and the process of implementing AI solutions effectively. The discussion concludes with rapid-fire insights on current AI trends and tools.

Keywords

AI, Digital Meld, Rubicon, safety, disaster recovery, human oversight, business growth, automation, technology, small business, AI, small business, consulting, technology adoption, automation, efficiency, pitfalls, implementation, use cases, trends

Takeaways

  • AI adoption requires human oversight to prevent disasters.

  • Replit’s incident highlights the risks of unchecked AI.

  • Small businesses often neglect disaster recovery plans.

  • Embracing AI tools can significantly enhance business operations.

  • Digital Meld’s Rubicon aims to improve safety in industries.

  • AI can automate safety protocols and incident management.

  • Data is a competitive advantage for businesses.

  • Training AI models requires industry-specific knowledge.

  • Proactive safety measures can prevent workplace accidents.

  • AI can transform technology from a cost center to a revenue generator.

  • AI is now accessible to small and medium businesses.

  • The goal is to enhance human efficiency with AI.

  • Small businesses can leverage AI to compete with larger firms.

  • Identifying workflows that can be automated is crucial.

  • AI adoption requires a careful understanding of business needs.

  • Experimentation is key to discovering AI’s potential.

  • Standard operating procedures can be automated with AI.

  • Real-world use cases demonstrate AI’s impact on revenue.

  • Vibe coding is a powerful trend but has limitations.

  • AI can teach users how to use itself effectively.

Titles

  • Navigating AI: Insights from Digital Meld

  • The Human Element in AI Adoption

Sound Bites

  • “AI can automate safety protocols.”

  • “Data is a competitive advantage.”

  • “Start small, think big.”

Resources

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI and Business Solutions

01:48 The Importance of Human Oversight in AI

05:26 Security Risks and Business Continuity

11:26 The Role of AI in Business Automation

16:38 Introducing Digital Meld’s New Product

22:40 Industry Expertise and AI Solutions

32:24 Maximizing Productivity with AI Tools

33:42 Building Internal Solutions vs. Buying SaaS

34:45 Reevaluating Software Subscriptions

35:44 The Future of SaaS in the Age of AI

37:12 Innovations in Safety Technology

43:02 The Role of AI in Enhancing Safety Protocols

47:46 Transforming Technology from Cost Center to Revenue Stream

48:59 Democratization of AI for Small Businesses

54:01 Identifying Pitfalls for Small to Medium Businesses

01:00:12 The Future of Lean Businesses in the AI Era

01:03:12 Navigating AI Safely and Effectively

01:05:30 Understanding the Adoption Process

01:07:59 Experiment, Explain, Evaluate: A Framework for AI

01:10:11 The Importance of Strategic Thinking in AI Implementation

01:13:02 Building Lasting Relationships in AI Consulting

01:15:03 Rapid Fire Insights and Tools in AI

01:18:43 Overhyped Trends in AI: A Critical Look

01:21:34 AI in Creative Fields: The New Frontier

01:23:53 Addressing Skepticism Towards AI

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