About Mike Kapin

AI Systems Builder with Deep Operational and Technical Expertise

Professional Background

I'm a multidisciplinary technologist who builds AI-powered systems for real-world business operations. My work spans custom AI integration, full-stack application development, and workflow automation — backed by 20+ years of hands-on industry experience.

MK

AI Systems Builder & Automation Consultant

I build AI-powered systems that solve real operational problems. With a background in running businesses, teaching technical content, and developing production software, I bring a builder's mindset to every project — from concept through deployment.

AI Systems Full-Stack Developer Automation

Current Role

Currently serving as HVAC Program Coordinator at Fanshawe College's Woodstock/Oxford Regional Campus, where I coordinate the Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning (HRAC) and Residential Air Conditioning Apprenticeship (RAS) programs. I combine traditional skilled trades instruction with cutting-edge educational technology to deliver exceptional learning experiences.

Educational Philosophy

"Technology should serve people, not the other way around"

This philosophy drives everything I do. I believe in leveraging technology to enhance (not replace) human instruction, making complex technical concepts accessible through innovative tools, continuous learning and adaptation in rapidly evolving fields, and building systems that empower both educators and learners.

My Journey

AI Systems & Software Development (2025 - Present)

Building on decades of operational experience, I dove deep into AI systems, software development, and automation architecture. Through intensive self-directed learning and hands-on building, I now develop:

  • Custom AI agents and intelligent automation systems
  • 15+ production MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers with domain-specific knowledge
  • Full-stack applications (JavaScript, Python, TypeScript, React, Next.js)
  • Claude API integration and LLM-powered workflow automation
  • Progressive Web Apps with offline capability and serverless deployment
  • Automated document processing and content generation pipelines

This technical capability, combined with real operational experience, is what I bring to consulting clients — the ability to understand your workflows and build the AI systems to transform them.

Industry Operations (20+ Years)

My career foundation is in hands-on industry operations. I successfully operated my own business (Mike's Heating and Home Comfort) for 11+ years, earning TSSA G2 certification and building deep knowledge of operational workflows, compliance requirements, and customer-facing service delivery.

This real-world experience means I understand the problems automation needs to solve — not from a textbook, but from having lived them.

Education & Program Leadership (10+ Years)

Currently serving as Program Coordinator at Fanshawe College, I've taught all CSA modules for G2 and G3 certification, developed comprehensive curriculum materials, and coordinated multiple programs.

Academic recognition includes Dean's Honour List, Highest Academic Achievement Award, and 2nd place in the Ontario Technical Skills Competition.

What Sets Me Apart

Most AI consultants are technologists who've never run operations. Most operations people don't build software. I do both — which means I build AI systems that actually solve the right problems.

Builder, Not Advisor

I deliver working systems, not strategy decks. Concept to deployment, including the infrastructure.

Operational Experience

20+ years in industry, 11+ years running my own business. I understand real workflows and bottlenecks.

AI Systems Expertise

15+ production MCP servers, custom AI agents, Claude API integration, LLM workflow automation.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Founded businesses, managed budgets, built teams. I think about ROI, not just technology.

Education & Credentials

2022 - 2025

College Educator Development Program (CEDP)

Fanshawe College

Advanced certification in post-secondary pedagogy, instructional design, and program development. Directly applicable to consulting work — designing learning systems, training programs, and user onboarding experiences.

2009 - 2011

HVAC Technician & Gas Technician II

Fanshawe College - HRAC Program

Dean's Honour List | Highest Academic Achievement Award | 2nd Place Ontario Technical Skills Competition | Valedictorian Nominee

Previous

Electronics Engineering Technology

Sheridan College

Professional Development

Industry Certifications & Training

  • TSSA Certified G2 License - Current and active
  • HRAI Course Development Team Member - Heat Pumps 8-week training program (2024-2025), successfully rolled out to 8 Ontario Colleges
  • Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Exposition (CMPX) - Regular attendee (2024, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012)
  • LAARS Boiler Training Certification (Kerr, September 2014)
  • Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) - Card Certified (November 2010)

Business & Management

  • Ontario Small Business Certificate (OSBC)
  • Canadian Business Management Certificate
  • Train the Trainer Course Certification
  • Health and Safety Certification - IAPA

Independence Statement

All independent technical work and personal professional development projects are developed on personal time using personal resources and represent continuous professional development separate from institutional employment. Technical expertise is maintained through self-directed learning and exploration of emerging educational technologies.

Let's Build Something

Looking for someone who can actually build the AI system your business needs?

Get in Touch