Menton Builders — AI-Powered Operations Platform

Development Progress Report

Last updated: April 9, 2026· Reporting period: March 30, 2026 – Present · Samuel Holley AI Consulting

What's New

NEW

Work shipped and decisions locked since the April 7 report — two days of battle testing, architecture design, and production fixes. 7 critical bugs fixed, 22 feedback items audited, full offline-first architecture approved.

Session Metrics — April 7–9

30+

AI agents dispatched

24

Deliverables produced

7

Critical bugs fixed by red team

8

Supabase migrations applied

12

Proposals & strategy docs

22

Feedback items audited

3

Permission tiers locked

62

Activity codes with icons

1. Shipped to Production

NEW
Live$120/hr

All items below are live at admin.mentonbuilders.com as of April 9, 2026.

Delivered:

  • Employee roster fix — 21 employees now visible (was showing 4 due to a permissions/query bug)
  • Tyler Aguilar record merged, legal name corrected for QuickBooks payroll
  • Activity code icons on all 62 codes with search — faster code selection in the field
  • Lunch break persistence fix — lunch data was silently lost on every timecard submission
  • Billing report rewrite — was showing fake/placeholder data, now shows real timecard records
  • California overtime calculation — daily OT (over 8 hrs), double-time (over 12 hrs), weekly OT (over 40 hrs)
  • Travel/per-diem dedup fix — duplicate entries were inflating billing totals
  • QuickBooks payroll CSV export with full CA overtime breakdown
  • 3-tier permissions: Admin / Lead / Crew (Foreman role retired)
  • Clock-in/clock-out flow with activity code enforcement and lunch enforcement
  • Red team battle testing — 7 critical bugs found and fixed across the full app
  • 22 feedback items audited and triaged by 5-agent council
  • Password-protected development dashboard at admin.mentonbuilders.com
  • Website copy rewritten per Joe's content direction

Access: admin.mentonbuilders.com

2. Proposals Approved

NEW
Approved — building next$120/hr

These proposals were reviewed, discussed, and approved during the April 7–9 sessions. They define the next phase of development.

Delivered:

  • Activity code enforcement at clock-out — end-of-day ritual: review codes, confirm hours, submit
  • Offline-first architecture using Dexie.js + sync queue — app works without cell service in the field
  • UX minimum-click redesign — reduce flow from 11 taps to 2–5 taps for common actions
  • Permission tiers finalized — 3 roles (Admin / Lead / Crew), 5 clarifying questions answered by Joe
  • Agent council design for quality assurance — 5-agent review before major feature releases

Next steps:

— Begin offline-first architecture implementation (Dexie.js sync layer)

— UX redesign sprint — clock-in/clock-out as the entry point

— Code enforcement at clock-out — modal review flow

3. Architecture Designed

NEW
Design complete$120/hr

Strategic architecture documents produced this session. These define the long-term intelligence layer of the platform.

Delivered:

  • World model database — 10 tables for organizational intelligence (skills, incidents, decisions, equipment, etc.)
  • Incident AI pipeline — autonomous assessment → owner review → auto-implement pattern
  • Maximum artifacting — passive skill tracking from timecards + AI Growth Coach sessions
  • Skill taxonomy mapping activity codes to career development pathways
  • CompanyCam/Sage replacement analysis — build-vs-buy decision framework

Next steps:

— World model schema review with Joe before implementation

— Skill taxonomy mapping (first pass, using existing 62 activity codes)

4. Key Decisions Made

NEW
Locked$120/hr

Decisions that were debated and finalized this session. These are locked — no revisiting without a new proposal.

Delivered:

  • 3 tiers only: Admin / Lead / Crew — Office role dropped (Aimee uses Admin)
  • Owners (Joe, Estok, Laban) get superpermissions with domain-aware warnings for destructive actions
  • Activity codes entered at clock-out, not clock-in — reduces friction and improves accuracy
  • Lunch enforced at 5:45 hrs worked — California law compliance, app prompts automatically
  • Employees table is the permanent roster — not all employees need app accounts
  • 30 min/week paid AI Growth Coach sessions included in the platform offering

Previously Delivered

All work completed from project start (March 30, 2026) through April 7, 2026.

1. Internal Operations App — Major Feature Build (April 7)

Live — actively used$120/hr

The ops app went from foundation to daily use in one week. Melissa and Aimee are actively submitting feedback, managing jobs, and testing features. All modules below are live at admin.mentonbuilders.com.

Delivered:

  • Timecards completely redesigned — dual-layer system: day clock (insurance record) + activity code breakdown by hours. Multi-job timecards per day.
  • 72 real Menton activity/cost codes imported (replacing 20 generic placeholders) — codes 11 through 215 covering all trades
  • AI receipt scanning — camera capture, auto-fills vendor/amount/date/type via OpenAI Vision. FBO (Furnished By Owner) recognition built in.
  • Photo module wired up — camera access on mobile, file picker on desktop, Supabase storage with gallery view
  • Interactive schedule — click any day to assign crew to jobs, week and month views, planned (teal) vs actual timecard data (gray)
  • Multi-phase jobs — a job can be in Interior + Exterior + Decking simultaneously. Phase chips with toggle UI.
  • Job editing with full audit trail — pencil icon on every job to edit name, number, phase, address, client info. Every change logged.
  • Auto-incrementing job numbers (YY-NNNN format) — year prefix rolls automatically on Jan 1
  • Lead role — Tyler, Chad, Laban, Logan marked as leads with permission to update job phases and manage schedules
  • Date range picker in billing tab — from/to calendar, quick presets (this week, last week, last 2 weeks, this/last month), job filter, live stats
  • Date filter on per-job timecard lists
  • Home button added to desktop sidebar navigation
  • Admin panel rebuilt — Manage Jobs with edit/complete/archive, Billing with live data, System with QuickBooks bridge status
  • Travel selector updated — None/Drive/Ride (replacing old boolean toggle that was causing database errors)
  • Password recovery flow — magic reset links routed through admin.mentonbuilders.com

Access: admin.mentonbuilders.com

Next steps:

— Schedule → timecard pre-fill: scheduled crew assignments auto-populate draft timecards for workers to confirm

— Activity codes moved to database with per-job overrides (resolving code conflicts on codes 35, 150, 153, 198)

— QuickBooks Desktop integration — starting with CSV export, then approval queue, then auto-sync via Web Connector

— Reports module for Aimee — format and delivery TBD (PDF, Excel, scheduled email)

— Crew availability sidebar on schedule (see who is unassigned each day)

— Invoice/billing generation from timecard + receipt data

2. Data & Employee Management (April 7)

Live$120/hr

Complete employee roster imported and maintained. 21 employees with correct legal names, roles, and contact info. Job data fully populated with real job numbers.

Delivered:

  • 21 employees imported — full names verified by Melissa (Boston Smith, Logan Onstott, Juan Antonio Vasquez-Sanchez, etc.)
  • Roles assigned: 4 admins (Joe, Aimee, Melissa, Samuel), 4 leads (Tyler, Chad, Laban, Logan), office (Miskel), rest crew
  • 13 jobs with real Menton job numbers (YY-NNNN format, e.g. 25-3503, 26-3520)
  • Melissa and Aimee upgraded to admin accounts with branded welcome emails and optional password reset
  • Samuel admin account created for development and support
  • Employees table decoupled from auth — roster exists independently, auth accounts created when ready
  • Outstanding questions tracker (OUTSTANDING_QUESTIONS.md) for items needing human answers

Next steps:

— Create app accounts for leads (Tyler, Chad, Laban, Logan) so they can update phases and schedules

— Resolve remaining name questions (Tyler A. not on latest roster — confirm status)

— Collect real emails for Ruben, Colby, Miskel (currently placeholders)

3. Email & Communication System (April 7)

Live$120/hr

Branded transactional email system via Resend, sending from alerts@mentonbuilders.com. All emails use the Menton Builders logo and teal brand gradient.

Delivered:

  • Resend integration with mentonbuilders.com domain
  • Branded email templates — logo, teal headers, professional layout
  • Feedback response emails to Melissa & Aimee covering all actioned items
  • Admin upgrade notification emails with optional password reset links
  • Password reset links routed through admin.mentonbuilders.com (avoiding spam filter triggers)
  • All emails CC Joe and Samuel for visibility

Next steps:

— Investigate CC delivery for sam@samuelholley.com (may need custom domain DNS)

— Automated feedback acknowledgment emails when users submit feedback

4. Developer Infrastructure (April 7)

Active$120/hr

Claude Code configuration, shared memory system, and project documentation set up so that both Samuel's and Joe's Claude Code sessions have full project context.

Delivered:

  • .claude/settings.json added to repo — safe permissions for any collaborator's Claude Code
  • Shared memory files synced to claude-config repo (project context, accounting notes, feedback preferences)
  • Architecture council process established — 3-5 agent review before major decisions
  • OUTSTANDING_QUESTIONS.md — tracks pending questions with why-needed, what's-blocked, and action-on-answer
  • Supabase auth config updated — site_url and redirect allow list pointing to admin.mentonbuilders.com
  • Pre-commit hook active — blocks .env files and scans for hardcoded secrets

Next steps:

— Unify employee/auth user ID references across tables (data integrity)

— Set up Joe's Claude Code environment for independent development

5. QuickBooks Desktop Integration Planning (April 7)

Planned — Thursday meeting$120/hr

Researched all integration options for QB Desktop. QB Desktop confirmed as the right choice for Menton's multi-code job costing. Alternatives (Foundation, Sage, QBO) researched and ruled out.

Delivered:

  • QB Desktop validated — better than QBO for construction job costing with 72 codes
  • Alternatives researched: Foundation ($500-700/mo), Sage ($500-1000/mo), HCSS/ComputerEase ($400-600/mo) — none justify migration
  • Integration plan: Phase 1 (CSV export) → Phase 2 (approval queue) → Phase 3 (Web Connector auto-sync)
  • Vision: shift Aimee from data entry to quality control — she reviews and approves, not types
  • Conductor ($500/mo) ruled out as too expensive for 18 employees

Next steps:

— Thursday 11am meeting with Joe and Aimee to scope integration

— Build 'Download for QuickBooks' export button after meeting

— Design approval queue UI for Aimee's review workflow

6. Company Website — mentonbuilders.com (April 7)

Live — major updates$120/hr

Significant design and content improvements to the public-facing website. About page rewritten multiple times with Joe's input, 182 real project photos imported, contact form overhauled, and hero section redesigned.

Delivered:

  • 182 real project photos imported from legacy WordPress export into gallery
  • 6 additional curated project photos added, 10 duplicates removed
  • About page completely redesigned — versatility focus, icon-driven layout, Performance-Based Design positioning
  • About page copy rewritten multiple times to sound human (not AI), with Joe's approved copy
  • Added timber/pole structures and historic restorations to services
  • Hero section redesigned — earth-tone gradient, optimized photo order (rammed earth → straw bale → timber beam)
  • Hero photo quality boosted (95% for hero, 90% site-wide)
  • Contact form overhauled — free-text project type and budget (replacing dropdowns), visible box borders, placeholder text removed
  • CTA changed from 'Get a Quote' to 'Start a Conversation' → 'Get in Touch'
  • Working quote form with Resend email integration — sends branded confirmation to customer + internal alert to aimee@mentonbuilders.com
  • Phone auto-formatting with international support, inquiries saved to Supabase
  • Terms & Conditions and Accessibility Statement pages added
  • Transparent logos added, navbar contrast improved with gradient scrim
  • Testimonial ticker restored with horizontal scrolling
  • Logo: full size at top (h-36), compact on scroll
  • Dedicated /contact page added alongside homepage contact section

Access: mentonbuilders.com

Next steps:

— Import remaining project photos from CompanyCam

— Joe and Melissa to continue refining written content

— SEO optimization once content is finalized

— Transfer DNS to live domain when fully ready

7. Company Website — Initial Build (March 30)

Live preview$120/hr

Professional marketing site showcasing Menton Builders' 50+ years of experience. Designed to bring in new business and give existing clients confidence.

Delivered:

  • Full-screen rotating project photo slideshow
  • Photo gallery with category filters (residential, commercial, renovations)
  • Client testimonial ticker
  • Contact form with project intake
  • Mobile-optimized, fast-loading
  • Custom branding from Menton logo colors

Access: mentonbuilderscom.vercel.app

Next steps:

— Import all project photos from CompanyCam and select which ones go on the site

— Joe and Melissa to flesh out written content — project descriptions, service details, company history

— Samuel builds new features as needed — Menton team drives the content

— Transfer DNS records to new site when ready to go live on the domain

— Search engine optimization once content is finalized

8. Internal Operations App — Foundation (March 30)

Live — foundation built$120/hr

Custom field and operations app for Menton crews and office. Infrastructure built with login, job management, timecards, and screens laid out for all remaining modules.

Delivered:

  • Login with Face ID / biometric lock screen — built
  • Job management — create, activate, complete, archive, delete — built
  • Timecards — employee, job, activity code, time in/out, drive/ride, per diem, notes, attestation — built
  • Quick timecard entry from anywhere in the app — built
  • Feedback recording (audio + photos + transcription) — built
  • Offline capability — built
  • Screens laid out for: photos, notes, receipts, schedule, crew, assets, change orders, incidents, safety

Access: admin.mentonbuilders.com

9. Construction Drafting & Plan Sheets (March 30)

In progress$120/hr

AI-assisted drafting tools producing professional construction documents for the 760 Apple Ave satellite office project. Each document exports to PDF for printing and DXF for CAD software.

Delivered:

  • T-1 Cover Sheet — building data, sheet index, vicinity map, 3D rendering
  • S-1 Site Plan — AI-transcribed from hand-drawn paper drafts into precise digital format
  • Floor plan schematics with fixture library (doors, windows, plumbing, electrical)
  • ADA-compliant accessible parking detail
  • E-1 Electrical plan — circuits, panels, outlets, lighting
  • All sheets export to PDF and DXF (standard CAD format)

Next steps:

— PlanForge drafting app (in development) — scan or photograph paper drafts, AI converts to digital, then use an interactive editor to refine before exporting

— Goal: Menton generates its own A-sheets and S-sheets in-house, then sends to architects or engineers for review — reducing outside drafting costs and speeding up delivery without waiting on external contractors

10. Senior Center Thrift Store Remodel (March 30)

Active$80/hr (reduced rate)

AI-powered project management and feasibility work for the Ukiah Senior Center thrift store remodel. This is a line item in the Senior Center's approved feasibility assessment budget — Menton distributes the payment but does not absorb the cost.

Delivered:

  • Feasibility assessment and documentation
  • Cost estimation and budgeting
  • 3D conceptual model of proposed remodel layout
  • Document drafting for board and stakeholder review
  • Attending planning meetings on behalf of the project
  • Coordination between Senior Center board and Menton Builders

Next steps:

— Prepare budget for site development permit application

— Reach out to Grid Alternatives about solar panel funding assistance

— Redo 3D concept model based on northern expansion direction

— Research ADA requirements for the remodel

— Finalize feasibility report for board presentation

11. Executive Coaching — Estok Menton (March 30)

Ongoing$120/hr

One-on-one technology coaching and personal IT support for founder Estok Menton. Hands-on help adopting modern tools for both business and personal use.

Delivered:

  • Slovenia business trip — booked flights, built an interactive trip planner with tour scheduling
  • Set up WhatsApp and LinkedIn for reaching extended family in Slovenia
  • Activated Verizon global calling plan
  • Configured ChatGPT voice mode for Slovenian language practice

Access: Trip planner app

Next steps:

— Continued coaching as needed

12. IT & AI Services (March 30)

Ongoing$120/hr

General IT support and AI training for the Menton team — getting systems working and teaching the team to use modern tools independently.

Delivered:

  • Transferred DNS MX records from Pacific.net to Google Workspace — email now works on the system Menton was already paying for
  • VS Code + Claude Code setup on Joe's machine for website and app edits
  • How to update text, photos, and content on mentonbuilders.com
  • How to make simple changes to the operations app
  • Understanding what can be done independently vs. what needs Samuel

Next steps:

— Train 5 Claude for Business users on Claude and Claude Cowork for daily work

— Goal: Menton handles day-to-day content and minor updates in-house

— Samuel available for new features, complex changes, and ongoing support

Samuel Holley AI Consulting

Mendocino County, CA · sam@samuelholley.com