Who We Are
Why We Exist
Because AI is either overhyped or underdelivered. We’re neither. We build and embed AI where it works — and prove it with results.
We’re Studio98’s AI crew. We’ve been building custom solutions for 20+ years. Now, we’re laser-focused on making AI actually usable and profitable for real businesses.
How We Work
No fluff. No slides. No wasted hours. We show up, fix what’s broken, and leave your business leaner, faster, and better equipped to scale.
HOW IT WORKS
Your 30-Day Rescue Timeline
Day 1–2: The Profit MRI
We start by listening. Then we dig. A fast, two-day deep dive uncovers where the money’s leaking, where the friction lives, and where your team’s drowning in repeat work. You walk away with a map of your top three profit blockers — no guesswork.
Day 3–7: Digital Disciples Drop In
We drop in 3–5 bespoke AI agents — a Finance Clerk, a Sales SDR, an Ops Runner, maybe a Reporting Assistant. These aren’t theoretical bots. They’re trained, tested, and tailored to your tools and workflows. No extra logins. No confused staff. They quietly shadow your systems and get to work.
Day 8–15: Shadow Mode & Trust Building
Every AI move is signed off by a human. Your team sees the magic without losing control. Skeptics get curious. Champions emerge. You start getting your hours back, without any of the risk.
Day 16–30: The Command Cockpit Goes Live
Now the data’s real. Your live dashboard lights up with cash gains, KPIs, and margin lift. Our Sherpa Support crew is on standby, answering every question and guiding your people as they adapt. No chaos. No overwhelm. Just traction.
Our Team
The Operators Behind the Systems
Executive Team
David Lively
CEO
David is a lifelong entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience owning, operating, and selling companies. He previously built the 23rd largest retail home furnishings company in the USA before selling it to a publicly traded entity in 2001. Following that success, he co-founded a SaaS ecommerce platform that scaled to over 3,000 customers across 46 states and six countries. While he is passionate about business strategy, his most important work is his 35+ year marriage to his wife, Amy. When he isn’t in the office, David can be found fly fishing in the mountains of Colorado or enjoying the backcountry.
Words to Live By: “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” – St. Catherine of Siena
Emma Fenimore
President
Emma oversees strategy, operations, and product direction at Studio 98, focusing on building scalable systems and aligning teams with an AI-first mindset. She specializes in connecting big ideas to execution to ensure the company effectively ships software and services. Outside of work, she is an avid reader who finished 104 books last yearA secret talent of mine is performing Freddie Mercury’s choreography flawlessly. Passion, confidence, and all(just without the legendary voice)..
Words to Live By: “Your life is ultimately measured by your outcomes, not your intentions.”
Sarmad Makhdoom
VP of Custom Software
Sarmad is a computer scientist and veteran software architect with over 14 years of professional experience in the technology industry. A programmer since 1998, he specializes in understanding the internal mechanics of complex software systems and translating them into scalable business solutions. As Vice President, he oversees the technical direction of custom development projects, ensuring that all builds are grounded in deep architectural knowledge and continuous technical innovation. Outside of his professional work, he is a dedicated father of two who enjoys spending time with his family and exploring new educational adventures.
Words to Live By: “Learning never exhausts the mind.” — Leonardo da Vinci
Melissa Klidies
VP of Finance
Melissa leads financial strategy and operational discipline, turning financial data into decisions that move the business forward. She manages cash flow and strategy for Studio 98’s growing digital and AI-focused ecosystem. In the summer, she can be found paddleboarding or hiking near waterfalls.
Words to Live By: “Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.”
Claudio Machine
VP of Account Services
Claudio leverages an extensive background in customer service to build meaningful connections and ensure successful client journeys. He views every interaction as an opportunity to help others reach their operational goals. He is a history buff and amateur archaeologist who has participated in various dig sites.
Words to Live By: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
Jodee (JoJo) Heyder
Director of Operations
Jodee brings over 38 years of retail management experience to Studio 98, specializing in backend operations that help businesses thrive. She is known for her impeccable organizational skills and her ability to bring creativity and fun to professional environments. Outside of work, she is a talented party host who enjoys bowling and karaoke.
Words to Live By: “If it is to be, it is up to me.”
Account Specialists
Yolene Heenen
SaaS Account Specialist
Yolene specializes in managing e-commerce websites at Rave Retailer, ensuring brands remain active and accessible in the digital marketplace. Her work focuses on making the technical side of business feel effortless for clients while meeting critical store goals. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening and perfecting the art of coffee brewing.
Words to Live By: “Where there is no Struggle, There is no Strength.”
Louise Ackermann
AI Account Manager for Studio98 and Rave Retailer
Louise is an AI Specialist who builds and refines proprietary AI agents to ensure brand voices are accurate across multi-channel strategies. She is a technical builder at heart, specializing in e-commerce websites and troubleshooting growth-stopping technical hurdles. She is a dedicated mother who finds joy in cooking and traveling with her family.
Words to Live By: “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Kaeio Alberto Gloria
Expansion and Sales Specialist
Kaeio leads onboarding, internal systems access, and the development of company training content and SOPs to keep teams aligned. With nearly four years at Studio 98, he also serves as a sales specialist helping clients adopt AI and digital marketing solutions. He is a film enthusiast and an avid reader who enjoys immersive storytelling.
Words to Live By: “Matter, how tiny my share. Time, how brief my allotment. Fate, how small my role to play. Self, all that can be mastered.”
Patrick Bell
Senior Strategic Advisor - Artificial Intelligence
Patrick helps leaders identify where AI fits within their business architecture to build frameworks that actually scale. He maps out AI systems so leadership teams can make clear, long-term strategic decisions. Outside of the office, he is a husband and father who enjoys building lasting relationships and playing golf.
Words to Live By: “Hustle without intelligence is just expensive motion.”
Jaen Saunders
Director of Software Support & Knowledge
Jaen works closely with clients to solve technical challenges across software and AI agents to ensure they deliver real value. She manages the company knowledge base to empower clients through onboarding and continuous learning. She is a social explorer who loves South African destinations, Marvel movies, and performing Freddie Mercury choreography.
Words to Live By: “Never Take Advice From Someone You wouldn’t Trade Places with.”
Custom Software Specialists
Ammar Zafar
Scrum Master
Ammar guards the Scrum framework, ensuring disciplined execution across development sprints and accurate documentation of tasks. He coordinates key ceremonies and reports to keep the technical team on track. To reset away from screens, he enjoys routine, reflection, and flying RC planes.
Words to Live By: “The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is Now.”
Juan Jansen
Software Project Manager
Juan is a Senior Project Manager and full-stack developer who helps deliver software solutions from discovery through launch. He translates business needs into structured execution and measurable outcomes for both clients and developers. He is a multi-instrumentalist who enjoys working on cars and computer networking.
Words to Live By: “The obstacle is the way.”
Hayder Ali
Senior Full Stack Developer
Hayder is a computer scientist and skilled full-stack developer with over seven years of experience architecting computer programs and implementing emerging technologies. At Studio 98, he focuses on navigating complex technical challenges and collaborating across departments to build scalable digital solutions. He is driven by a commitment to excellence and a culture of continuous learning within the field of software engineering. Outside of his development work, he is a fan of classic cinema and the art of professional negotiation.
Words to Live By: “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.” — Al Pacino
Abdul Jamal
Senior Team Lead
Abdul is a veteran programmer with over 14 years of experience in the technology industry. He specializes in backend development and technical architecture, focusing on the implementation of emerging technologies and scalable software solutions. Since beginning his career in 2001, he has remained committed to continuous technical evolution and staying ahead of modern development trends. Outside of work, he is a dedicated father and husband who enjoys living close to nature and participating in community service.
Words to Live By: “Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and set free the captives.” — Prophet Muhammad (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Saad Ali
Senior Developer
Saad is a Senior Developer who specializes in building high-performance web applications. He focuses on solving complex structural problems before translating them into efficient code. In his spare time, he enjoys playing and watching cricket.
Words to Live By: “First, solve the problem. Then, write the code.”
Arham Saqib
Senior Full Stack Developer
Arham specializes in backend systems, website development, and mobile applications. He builds scalable, reliable solutions that form the backbone of business infrastructure. In his spare time, he enjoys learning engine assembly and car mechanics.
Words to Live By: “Success unshared is failure.”
Nabeel Ahmed
Senior Developer and Team Lead
Nabeel builds and improves web-based systems with a focus on scalable features, performance, and smooth user experiences. He supports the development team through code reviews and solving complex technical bottlenecks. Off the clock, he focuses on personal growth, fitness goals, and exploring new AI tools.
Words to Live By: “Stay consistent, even when it’s boring.”
Rizwan Ali
Senior Developer
Rizwan is a Full-Stack Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience building secure, scalable web applications. He specializes in Laravel and React/Next.js to deliver end-to-end solutions, including SaaS platforms and automation systems. Driven by solving complex problems, he spends his time exploring new technologies and mentoring others.
Words to Live By: “Code is like humor. When you have to explain it, it’s bad.”
GUARANTEE DETAILS
30-Day ROI Trigger
If your Command Cockpit doesn’t show hard-dollar cash gains by Day 30, you get a 125% refund. No fine print. No “time saved” fluff. Just dollars back.
We don’t do theory. We do proof.
David Lively, CEO
David lives in the sky-high mountains of Colorado & the flatlands of Florida when Colorado snows him out.
He is the epitome of an entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience owning, running and selling companies and helping others do the same.
He built the 23rd largest retail home furnishings company in the USA, and sold it to a publicly traded company in 2001. He then founded a Software as a Service (SaaS) ecommerce company with partner Rafferty Pendery and together they grew it to over 3,000 customers in 46 states and 6 countries globally.
While he is passionate about business, the most important work in his life is his incredible and happy 35+ year marriage to wife, Amy.
Favorite Song
I Should Have Been a Cowboy by Toby Keith
Favorite Movie
A River Runs Through It
Favorite Food
Street Food in Naples
Hobby
Fly fishing and all things backcountry
Emma Fenimore, President
About Me — Work
I’m the President of Studio98, where I oversee strategy, operations, and product direction across our software and services platforms. I focus on building scalable systems, aligning teams, and pushing the company forward with an AI-first mindset. In short: I connect big ideas to execution and make sure we actually ship.
Outside of Work
When I’m not working, I’m very much out living life—staying active, traveling when I can, and spending time with people who make me laugh. I like a full calendar, great food, and experiences that don’t involve a screen or a meeting—unless it’s getting lost in a really good book, which is my favorite way to unplug.
Favorite Song
It’s Now or Never – Elvis Presley
Favorite Movie
10 Things I Hate About You
Favorite Food
Any kind of pasta
Hobby
Reading – I finished 104 books last year!
Sarmad Makhdoom, VP of Custom Software
Sarmad lives in Lahore, Pakistan, and has done a master’s in Computer Science. He is a born programmer, started very early with computers, and was curious about how things work under the hood. He wrote his first program in 1998 in school and since then he is crazy about it. His passion, study, and job revolve around the same thing after that.
He is working in the industry for the last 14 years during the time of his studies and since then he is continuously learning new skills unfolding new adventures in his life and expanding his vision about the domain. He is a loving father of two and after work, his life just spins around them.
He considers himself a person with a hunger for knowledge and always looking for new ideas to improve his skills and help people around him to outgrow in their areas.
Favorite Song
Fairytale by Alexander Rybak
Favorite Movie
Sherlock
Favorite Food
Streaky Cream Pasta
Hobby
Watching comedy
Melissa Klidies, VP of Finance
Melissa is the VP of Finance at Studio98 LLC, where she leads financial strategy, cash flow management, and operational discipline for a growing digital and AI-focused business. Melissa focuses on turning financial data into decisions that actually move the business forward.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys reading and spending time outdoors hiking trails and exploring waterfalls. She lives for summer, when she can be found paddleboarding the lakes in her area and soaking up as much time on the water as possible.
Favorite Song
Taylor Swift
Favorite Movie
Count of Monte Cristo
Favorite Food
My tacos
Hobby
Reading is my favorite hobby, especially romantasy. I love getting lost in immersive worlds that blend magic, adventure, and romance, it’s the perfect escape and reset.
Claudio Machine, VP of Account Services
At Studio98, I leverage my extensive background in customer service and management to build meaningful connections and ensure our clients’ journeys are successful. I’m a firm believer that every interaction is an opportunity to learn something new and help others reach their goals. Outside of work, I am a passionate history buff and amateur archaeologist who has spent time on various dig sites, always eager to uncover the stories of the past.
Favorite Song
I rotate through many genres but spend most of my time around classic rock and blues, music with grit, soul, and timeless energy. Anything that feels authentic and a little rebellious usually does the trick. Eric Clapton is usually in the rotation amongst many, many others!
Favorite Movie
My go-to is anything that captures a great story. To me, The Shawshank Redemption is one of those. It’s a timeless reminder that resilience, patience, and integrity matter, especially over the long haul.
Favorite Food
The 3 P’s – Pizza, Pasta and Popcorn!
Hobby
Off the clock, I enjoy time with family, good coffee with friends, staying active, and reading. I’m also known for being able connecting easily with people and believe each and every person has a unique story to tell.
Jodee Heyder, Director of Operations
Jodee, affectionately known as “JoJo” by her family, is the ultimate family manager and party host, always bringing people together with her talent for organizing and celebrating life’s moments.
With over 38 years of experience in retail management, specializing in back end and operations, she has played a pivotal role in helping businesses grow and thrive.
Outside of her professional achievements, Jodee’s greatest joy is found in her family, her love of Christmas, where she decorates with multiple trees throughout her home, and her favorite hobbies like bowling, karaoke, and binge-watching Netflix.
Known for her impeccable organization skills and signature style of matching her reading glasses to her outfit of the day, she brings creativity, passion, and a touch of fun to everything she does.
Her signature trait is her contagious laugh, the kind that fills a room and makes everyone laugh along with her.
Favorite Song
Alanis Morissette
Favorite Movie
Top Gun
Favorite Food
Pizza & Cheeseburgers!
Hobby
Gift Wrapping, Being Creative, Visualizing & bringing it to life!
Yolene Heenen
At Work: As an Account Specialist, I specialize in managing e-commerce websites at Rave Retailer, where I ensure our clients’ brands stay active and accessible in the digital marketplace. My focus is on meeting store goals while making the technical side of business feel effortless for the people I work with. I love being the person who makes a client’s day a little lighter and reminds them why they love what they do.
Outside Work: My personal time is usually fueled by a great cup of coffee; I’m currently deep-diving into the art of making different styles at home. When I’m not perfecting my latte art, I’m usually in the garden learning how to keep my growing plant collection thriving. Nothing beats a quiet weekend at home spent with my family.
Favorite Song
While I enjoy a wide variety of genres rather than a single song, I am particularly drawn to Country music and oldies. I especially love the Annie Lennox era, a time when music truly had something meaningful to say.
Favorite Movie
P.S. I Love You will forever be a story, not just about love, but about how to be courageous and motivated to find yourself, no matter how hard life knocks you down.
Favorite Food
I love seafood of any kind — whether it’s fish fillets, calamari, or even sushi!
Hobby
Apart from the love for perfecting my coffee art and gardening, I have two kiddos that take up most of my free time! That’s more than enough. Apart from the love for perfecting my coffee art and gardening, I have two kiddos that take up most of my free time! That’s more than enough.
Louise Ackermann
Professional (The “”What I Do””)
I am a SaaS Account Manager and AI Specialist at Studio98. My mission is to bridge the gap between human intuition and machine intelligence; I build and refine proprietary AI agents, ensuring every brand voice is pinpoint accurate while leading our multi-channel marketing strategies, from email and social to high-performance websites. Beyond the strategy, I am a technical builder at heart, specializing in building robust e-commerce websites and troubleshooting the complex technical hurdles that stand in the way of growth.
Personal (The “”Who I Am””)
Outside of work and at the center of my life is my faith in God; He is the foundation of my strength and the compass for everything I build. My most cherished role and true “calling” is being a Mother and Partner.
I find my greatest joy in experiencing life alongside my family, whether we are traveling to new places or exploring local gems together. Lately, I’ve discovered a new love for cooking, and I’ve become quite the chef! Much like building a perfect AI agent or a custom website, I’ve found that the best meals require a mix of precision and soul. I strive to live out the truth of 1 John 3:18, choosing to love not just with words, but through genuine action and sincerity in every part of my life.
Favorite Song
Anything Fleetwood Mac
Favorite Movie
A show that I have watched 3 times over, The Chosen.
Favorite Food
Marry Me Chicken
Hobby
While I spend my days building AI, my heart belongs to a much higher calling: being a Super Mom. I genuinely feel God crafted me for motherhood, and my little boy and girl, Malan & Emma are the greatest ‘builds’ I will ever be a part of. I find my deepest sense of pride and purpose in raising my two miracles.
Kaeio Alberto Gloria
Kaeio is a core Studio98 team member who supports both operations and revenue growth. He leads establishment work across onboarding, internal systems access, and building the company’s training content, SOPs, and policies to keep teams aligned and consistent. He also serves as a sales specialist, managing inbound inquiries and helping clients adopt AI and digital marketing solutions, with nearly four years at Studio98.
Favorite Song
Cough Syrup by Young the Giant
Favorite Movie
The Godfather
Favorite Food
Buffalo Wings or Pesto Pasta
Hobby
Reading mostly. When I’m not reading, I watch movies (I love film) or play video games. Anything that involves a good story.
Patrick Bell
At Studio98, I help leaders see where AI truly fits in their business—and where it doesn’t. I map out the AI architecture and frameworks so leadership teams can make clear decisions and build systems that actually scale.
Outside of work, I enjoy building things that last, whether that’s ideas, relationships, or faith. I’m a husband, father, and follower of Jesus, shaped by years of living and working around the world and a focus on long-term impact over quick wins.
Favorite Song
Cody Carnes
Favorite Movie
Lord of the Rings – Extended
Favorite Food
Anything desserts
Hobby
Golf
Jaen Saunders
At Studio98, I work closely with our clients to solve technical challenges across our software and AI agents, making sure everything runs smoothly and delivers real value. I’m passionate about empowering people through knowledge, and I manage our knowledge base to support clients from onboarding through continuous learning, helping them get the most out of our technology every step of the way.
Outside of work, I’m a highly social person who loves spending time with family and friends and exploring South Africa’s incredible destinations. I’m an avid reader who enjoys constantly learning, a proud Marvel geek, and someone who enjoys staying active through sport, even if I’m not the best, I always bring the enthusiasm.
Favorite Song
Manchester Orchestra
Favorite Movie
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Favorite Food
Pizza
Hobby
A secret talent of mine is performing Freddie Mercury’s choreography flawlessly. Passion, confidence, and all (just without the legendary voice).
Ammar Zafar
I guard the Scrum framework for the development team, ensuring disciplined execution across sprints. I coordinate key ceremonies, compile sprint reports, and ensure all task updates are accurately documented in ClickUp and GC.
Outside of work, I value time away from screens and deadlines. I enjoy activities that allow me to reset mentally, spend quality time with people close to me, and maintain balance through routine, reflection, and personal interests.
Favorite Song
Ed Sheeran
Favorite Movie
Back to the Future
Favorite Food
Biryani
Hobby
Flying RC Planes
Juan Jansen
At work, I’m a Senior Software Project Manager and full stack developer, helping deliver software solutions from discovery through launch. I work closely with clients and dev teams to turn business needs into clear requirements, structured execution, and measurable outcomes.
Outside of work, I’m someone who enjoys building things and staying sharp with new tech, tools, and systems. I’m also really into cars, computers, and anything networking-related.
Favorite Song
Reminder – Mumford and Sons
Favorite Movie
Dead Poets Society
Favorite Food
Pizza
Hobby
I’m good at playing multiple instruments, and working on cars.
Hayder Ali
Meet Hayder Ali, a talented computer scientist from Sahiwal, Pakistan. With 7 years of experience working with computer programs and new technologies, Hayder is a skilled full-stack developer. With Studio98, Hayder appreciates the company’s culture of accepting new challenges and learning new things every day. He takes pride in being a part of the team and enjoys collaborating with his colleagues to achieve common goals. With a passion for technology and a commitment to excellence, Hayder is always seeking out new opportunities to expand his skills and expertise in the field.
Favorite Song
Rap God – Eminem
Favorite Movie
Friends & Big Bang Theory
Favorite Food
Steamy Mixed Veg and Spices
Hobby
Cricket
Abdul Jamal
Abdul Jamal, is a dedicated father and husband who resides in a small village in Pakistan. His passion for computers dates back to 2001 when he first started exploring the domain. He pursued his studies in computer science and has been working in the industry for the past 14 years while continuously honing his skills and expanding his vision. As a programmer, Abdul is always exploring new technologies and embracing new challenges. He is committed to learning and adapting to stay on top of the latest trends and advancements in the field.
Favorite Song
Don’t Let Me Be The Last To Know – Britney Spears
Favorite Movie
Friends
Favorite Food
Chicken Rotti & Spices
Hobby
Gardening, Cricket & Swimming
Saad Ali
Professionally, I am a Senior Developer specializing in building high-performance web applications.
Favorite Song
Atif Aslam
Favorite Movie
Conjuring
Favorite Food
Biryani
Hobby
Playing and watching cricket
Arham Saqib
I’m a Senior Developer specializing in backend systems, website development, and mobile applications. I focus on building scalable, reliable solutions and collaborating with teams to deliver high-quality products. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, learning new skills, and focusing on personal development.
Favorite Song
Tom Odell – Another Love
Favorite Movie
The Avengers
Favorite Food
Beef Steak
Hobby
Got into car stuff a couple years back. My new hobby is learning engine assembly.
Nabeel Ahmed
I work as a Senior Developer and Team Lead, building and improving web-based systems, focusing on scalable features, performance, and smooth user experience. I also support the team with planning, code reviews, and solving complex technical issues.
Outside of work, I enjoy learning new tech, exploring AI tools, and working on personal growth. I like keeping things simple, staying consistent with fitness goals, and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite Song
Atif Aslam, always in the playlist.
Favorite Movie
The Dark Knight, never gets old
Favorite Food
Naan chanay, classic desi comfort food.
Hobby
watching tv
Rizwan Ali
What I do at work
I’m a Full-Stack Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience building secure, scalable web applications. I specialize in Laravel on the backend and React/Next.js on the frontend, delivering end-to-end solutions such as SaaS platforms, APIs, automation systems, and integrations. I enjoy architecting clean, high-performance systems that are built to scale and last.
Who I am outside of work
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new technologies and continuously improving my technical skills. I’m driven by solving complex problems and creating solutions that bring real value to people and businesses. I also enjoy learning, mentoring, and staying curious about how technology can simplify everyday challenges.
Favorite Song
Hall of Fame by The Script ft. will.i.am
Favorite Movie
The Social Network
Favorite Food
Traditional Pakistani dishes like biryani and mutton & chicken karahi
Hobby
Designing clean, modern UIs with TailwindCSS