Description:
In this solo episode of The Builders, Matt gets real about a turbulent start to 2025 — including client losses, tough contracts, and moments where he seriously considered shutting everything down.
But instead of walking away, he doubled down on what he truly loves: building. Fueled by a renewed passion and a surprising creative partner in Claude AI, Matt shares how he’s finding momentum again — through code, plugins, and clarity of purpose.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Claude AI as a coding partner: How Matt’s integrating Claude directly into his development process inside VS Code, transforming the way he works on plugins.
- Unified Plugins reboot: Why he’s prioritizing product development again, starting with Unified Leads and moving toward an AI-powered plugin suite.
- Rediscovering focus and passion: What stepping away from chaos and returning to the craft taught him about staying grounded.
- Diversifying and retooling the business: Lessons learned from recent client changes and how product development fits into long-term sustainability.
- Serving and reconnecting with clients: Renewing energy toward outreach and nurturing existing relationships for more stable growth.
Whether you're a developer, agency owner, or entrepreneur weathering your own storms, this episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the best move isn’t quitting — it’s building something new.
THE MEAT OF IT!
1. Facing Burnout and Questioning It All
- Reflecting on the emotional toll of recent setbacks
- Losing a long-term client to AI disruption
- The rise and fall of new contracts and agency momentum
2. Back to the Code: Where Passion Resides
- The decision to lean back into what truly excites you
- Picking up where Unified Leads left off
- Recognizing that “building” is the constant, not the business structure
3. Claude AI as a Creative Partner
- How Claude is integrated directly into your VS Code workflow
- The magic of “coding and prompting” as a new development rhythm
- Real examples of Claude generating files, fixing bugs, and speeding up dev work
4. Unified Plugins and Strategic Refocus
- UnifiedPlugins.com refresh and renewed clarity
- Rebuilding the plugin suite, starting with Unified Leads
- Teasing future innovation with Unified AI
5. Rediscovering Drive and Doubling Down
- Reengaging with long-time clients
- Restarting outreach efforts and relationship nurturing
- Choosing action, clarity, and creativity over doubt
Click to See Episode Chapters and Timestamp
| Timestamp | Summary |
| 0:00 | Using Claude AI as a Coding Companion |
| 3:52 | Resilience and Reflection Amidst Business Challenges |
| 9:40 | Adapting Business Strategies Amid AI Disruption and Networking Efforts |
| 14:25 | Revamping WordPress Plugins and Websites with Unified Leads |
| 18:33 | Exploring AI Tools for Code Review and Development |
| 21:39 | Lessons Learned from AI Mistakes in Code Management |
| 25:15 | Unified Web Design and Plugins Enhance Digital Projects |
| 26:42 | Enhancing Code Efficiency with AI Tools Like Claude |
| 40:16 | Resilience and Growth Amidst Business Challenges |
| 44:21 | Rapid Website Redesign and Plugin Launch Strategy |
| 49:00 | Building a Suite of Integrated Plugins for Seamless Website Functionality |
| 53:40 | Passion for Building Plugins and Integrating AI Features |
| 57:59 | Overcoming Business Challenges and Focusing on Positive Growth |
Check out these related Episodes:
- Episode 222: George McGillivray – Lifelong Learning & Growth: Never Too Late to Build, Write & Give Back
- Episode 219 – Guardians of the Build: 4 Yr Contract & Counting, Our Role as a Client’s Digital Defense Team
- Episode 216: Andreas Pettersson – Corporate Exec to Scrappy Builder: Master the Mindset of Growth & Action
Web Developer, WordPress & JavaScript Nerd at Unified Web Design, LLC
Matt is the Founder & Web Designer at Unified Web Design, Owner of UnifiedPlugins.com, blogger at MattLevenhagen.com ( who else would be? 😉 ) AND host of this amazing podcast, The Builders!
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