The principles that guide everything I do
I believe the best technology products are built by people who understand both the art and science of building things that matter. My philosophy is rooted in military discipline, technical precision, and real results. I have spent over a decade in software, program management, and as a solo founder.
Every product I build is crafted with precision, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence. Great software is not just functional. It is beautiful, intuitive, and a pleasure to use.
I spend extra time on the details that matter: micro-interactions, error states, loading animations, and documentation. I choose the right technology stack, not just the popular one. I write clean, maintainable code that lasts.
I operate with transparency, honest communication, and data-driven decision making. No fluff, no spin. Truth is the foundation of trust, and trust is the foundation of great relationships with customers and partners.
This means being honest about what I don't know, admitting when I make mistakes, and sharing both successes and failures openly. I make decisions based on data and evidence, not opinions or politics. I have difficult conversations when needed.
Small, focused teams or solo founders can accomplish more than large, bureaucratic organizations. I prove this every day. The best work happens with clear ownership and accountability.
I avoid unnecessary processes and meetings. I focus on outcomes, not outputs. I build for impact, not for show.
I measure success by impact, not vanity metrics. Every product must solve real problems for real people. I am not interested in building features for the sake of building features or chasing metrics that do not matter.
I focus on customer outcomes, not just product outputs. I measure what matters: customer satisfaction, retention, and business impact. I am willing to cut features that are not working. I prioritize work that moves the needle.
Technology can solve real problems. But it takes focus, clear values, and the willingness to do hard work—even solo—to build products that matter.
My journey from military service to software development to program management taught me that the best solutions come from understanding both the technical and human sides of complex problems.
I'm building tools that will finally make veterans' benefits accessible. Not because it's easy, but because it's necessary.
— Richard M. Hughes
If our philosophy resonates with you, we'd love to hear from you. Let's build something extraordinary together.