Brendan Lopes – AI Is Coming for Your Industry (Here’s How to Stay Ahead)

Brendan Lopes is the founder and CEO of Multipli Tech, a Greenville, SC-based full-service technology development agency. His diverse background in finance, accounting, consulting, and tech sales provides him with strategic and entrepreneurial strengths.

The Human Side of AI Adoption

Many business owners hesitate to embrace AI due to loyalty to their teams or fear of the unknown. Brendan Lopes argues, however, that freeing employees from repetitive tasks actually lets them focus on areas where human insight and empathy are irreplaceable.

As Brendan Lopes tells Mark Savant, his wife left healthcare because the demands of paperwork eclipsed her desire to help people. With automation, employees spend less time on “charting” and more time serving where only humans can make a difference.

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From Consulting to Custom Solutions

Brendan Lopes’ journey with MultiplyTech highlights how AI and automation have driven organizational growth. Initially, most projects began with a planning or consulting phase—similar to creating blueprints before building a house. Only after this did Brendan’s team implement large-scale custom solutions.

This deliberate, step-by-step approach built trust with clients. As a result, MultiplyTech gained referrals and organic growth, setting the stage for a bigger impact. Brendan Lopes notes that sometimes off-the-shelf automation solutions can unlock immense value, while other times custom-built software is the answer.

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Cloud-Based Transformation for Companies

A major opportunity, according to Brendan Lopes, lies in moving organizations to cloud-based systems. Many ten-million-dollar companies still rely on office-bound, outdated methods. Some process orders using manila folders and paper, limiting remote work and restricting talent acquisition.

Transitioning to the cloud means businesses are no longer tethered to a specific location. With cloud-based architecture, companies can hire the best talent regardless of geography. This, in turn, drives both scalability and flexibility.

However, transitioning is not always simple. As Mark points out, selecting the right cloud tools and CRMs can be overwhelming and expensive. Implementation costs, poor reporting features, or steep learning curves often frustrate business owners who never intended to be tech experts. Brendan Lopes advises working with consultants or fractional CTOs to design and roll out these systems as painlessly as possible.

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AI’s Impact: Filling the Gaps and Boosting Efficiency

AI’s strongest role, Brendan Lopes observes, is filling the “gaps where humans can’t.” In practice, this means automating sales lead generation, streamlining workflows, and improving customer support.

For example, AI-driven phone systems or chatbots can respond instantly to customer inquiries, even during off-hours. This rapid engagement is crucial—responding to leads within five minutes can drastically increase conversion rates. Mark shares that in advertising, a missed call can mean thousands of dollars lost. AI ensures every opportunity receives immediate attention, even if a human is unavailable.

In Brendan’s view, AI does not eliminate jobs. Instead, it reduces busywork and lets employees deliver value only humans can. For instance, while AI can confirm appointments and answer basic inquiries, it cannot replace deep empathy, complex problem-solving, or relationship building.

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Preserving the Human Element

Both Brendan and Mark agree that companies ultimately succeed when people buy from people, not just from AI-powered systems. Storytelling, understanding a client’s needs, and forging relationships remain cornerstones of success. AI simply makes it easier for humans to do their best work.

In this fast-changing environment, playing it safe—or ignoring AI—poses risks to growth and competitiveness. As Brendan and Mark emphasize, automation and technology must serve business values, not replace them. Those willing to adapt will find more time for creativity, strategy, and the conversations that truly matter.

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Conclusion

To thrive in the AI era, entrepreneurs need to blend new technology with irreplaceable human qualities. By focusing on impact, stewardship, and innovation, leaders like Brendan Lopes are setting a powerful example for businesses of any size.

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