1168: Building out CUSTOM SOFTWARE solutions & managing client relationships with a global team w/ James McNamara

In this episode, we dive deep into the mind of James McNamara, founder of 8 Penny Labs, who brings a refreshingly practical approach to digital transformation. James shares how he helps mid-sized businesses modernize their systems, improve efficiency, and unlock growth—without the overwhelm. His expertise blends strategic clarity, tech insight, and business pragmatism, making this a must-listen for entrepreneurs navigating tech choices.

Whether you're wrestling with outdated tools, thinking about custom software, or just trying to get smarter about tech, James offers real-world advice that will help you move faster and make smarter decisions.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🚀 How to stop making do with legacy tools and decide when to build custom solutions
• 🤖 The truth about low-code platforms—and when they’ll actually cost you more
• 💰 Why offshore development can give you a budget and speed advantage
• 🧭 How to roadmap tech upgrades even if you don’t know what you don’t know
• 💬 The strategic questions that uncover what your business really needs
• 🔄 How agile development (done right) keeps clients informed and projects under control
• 🔍 Why transparency—not tech—is the real key to happy clients and successful builds

📝 About the Guest

Jim McNamara is the founder of 8 Penny Labs, where he helps companies turn vision into value—faster, cleaner, and with a laser focus on client success.

Jim works with leaders who know that in today’s marketplace, digital transformation isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a requirement. But that doesn’t mean it has to be risky or overwhelming. From modernizing legacy tools to launching entirely new digital products, Jim and his team help mid-sized businesses unlock growth with real, usable solutions.

His clients aren’t chasing shiny objects—they’re shortening sales cycles, breaking into new markets, building stickier customer experiences, and improving employee satisfaction. And with 8 Penny Labs, they’re doing it with speed and clarity.

🎯 James’ BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs

“Stay focused on the problem you’re trying to solve—not the technology of the day.”

📢 Memorable Quotes

“If everybody’s using enterprise software the same way, how will you stand out?” – James McNamara
“The dirty secret in this industry is that too many companies just build what you ask for… even if it’s not what you need.” – James McNamara
“Transparency isn’t just good business—it’s how you earn the right to build something meaningful.” – James McNamara

💡 Actionable Takeaways

✅ Audit your current tech stack—where are you compromising and losing efficiency?
✅ If something feels painful or inefficient, it’s probably worth exploring a custom solution
✅ Don’t just hire a dev shop—find a strategic partner who starts with your business goals
✅ Use two-week sprints and daily updates to stay aligned on long-term builds
✅ Think of your software partner as a translator between your vision and the tech reality

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit 8 Penny Labs’ Website
• Follow 8 Penny Labs on LinkedIn
• Find 8 Penny Labs on X
• Connect with James on LinkedIn
• Follow James on X