Interview with Taylor Ohlsen, President - JPLoft

Taylor Ohlsen  

President, JPLoft

Give us a quick overview on JPLoft. When and how did you begin this journey and what were your motives to be successful?

JPLoft is a top mobile and web app development company based in Denver, Colorado. Over the past decade, we've been at the forefront of turning bold ideas into impactful digital solutions. We've partnered with global brands like Nike, Red Bull, and Whirlpool, as well as passionate entrepreneurs, to build groundbreaking products and businesses.

My journey with JPLoft began when I hired the company to help develop products for my sports technology business. Following working with them for several years, I sold the company and decided to build my own software development firm. My vision has been to bring the same level of passion, focus, and execution I applied to my own product companies to help guide and support the success of other businesses. Eventually, I merged that firm into JPLoft to create a stronger, more global reaching company.

What is your role in the management and development of JPLoft?

My role at JPLoft is centered on developing our talent and fostering continuous improvement across our teams. I focus on expanding our client base in both the US and Europe, financially investing in select projects, and ensuring we consistently build outstanding applications and products with our clients. Above all, my priority is creating a culture of excellence that drives innovation and delivers value to every partnership.

Tell us about your biggest achievement in the industry.

My biggest achievement was co-founding the largest issuer of B2B prepaid Visa and MasterCard debit cards. We secured over 200 Fortune 500 clients, including Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, AT&T, T-Mobile, Mercedes-Benz Group, and more than 6,000 other companies. While I was CEO, I also actively contributed to coding and led the development of our ERP system, which ran our manufacturing and service operations and enabled the fastest turn times in the industry for custom cards and incentive programs.

How do you schedule your pricing model? How do you fix your budget?

For each project, designate a senior engineer or architect to estimate the development weeks. Then, the assigned business analyst and I review the estimate to ensure it aligns with our understanding of the project. Together, we arrive at the final timeline. We then translate this duration into a fixed price and timeline for our client. We honor the agreed price even if challenges arise that require more development time. Our clients truly appreciate the transparency and commitment.

What do you think will be the future of software technology?

The future of software technology is being shaped by the rapid rise of AI in both the software development process and the products that can be built. Currently, AI is great for code review and for exploring complex challenges. Soon it will be more useful in assisting with more meaningful development contributions. The biggest impact we’ve seen, which will continue to grow, has been how AI greatly enhances what the software can do for users to enrich the value of the products we build.

How do you schedule the development phases of the apps to promise the timeline to your clients?

We've developed so many apps that we've honed the process into something close to a science. The design phase is the most critical, so we allocate as much time as needed to ensure our clients are fully satisfied with both the aesthetics and functionality. Once the design is finalized, engineering follows smoothly. We also assume our clients' success, which is why we take an architectural approach that enables us to extend and scale the application while not overbuilding.

How well are you prepared to manage any crisis that may arise during the development process?

We have a skilled, well-trained team that follows consistent methodologies across all projects. This allows us to quickly fill any gaps if a key person is unavailable and work diligently to stay on track with our timeline. In the event of a critical system failure, we respond promptly to resolve it. We also prioritize proactive communication with our clients, ensuring they’re informed when key decisions or inputs are needed to keep the project on schedule.

What according to you are the best practices to attain client satisfaction?

To attain client satisfaction, the best practices are simple: set clear expectations, deliver on promises, and maintain constant communication. Keeping clients informed throughout the process helps build trust and ensures they feel valued.

How do you update your business system to be in pace with the technological advancements?

I believe that if you're not constantly improving, you're falling behind in today’s competitive global market. When we discover a better way to do something, we foster a culture that embraces change and adapts quickly. Additionally, we prioritize hiring team members who are curious and passionate about innovation, ensuring a continuous flow of improvements to keep us ahead of technological advancements.

How do you ensure that your company stays competitive in the market?

We ensure our company stays competitive through a culture that is passionate about building great products and cultivating strong relationships. When we stay focused on these two pillars, everything else naturally falls into place and drives our success!"

Your quick feedback on the services of TopDevelopers:

TopDevelopers is an excellent resource for helping companies of all sizes find the right development partners. We greatly appreciate being listed and recognize the value they provide in connecting businesses with top-tier development firms.