🎙️ Your Business Concierge Podcast - Episode 1: “From Lockheed to Launch: An AI Scientist’s Guide to Smarter Business”

What if the guy building your AI system was literally one of the original AI scientists? In this powerful and practical episode, host Debbie Merrick sits down with her husband and business partner, Darrell Merrick, to talk about how artificial intelligence went from science fiction in the 90s to business survival in 2025.

Darrell shares rare, first-hand stories from his early work at the Lockheed AI Center in Silicon Valley, back when AI was built by hand with rule-based logic—long before prompts, machine learning, or ChatGPT existed.

Fast forward to today, and he’s still building—but now with tools that can automate sales funnels, build intelligent bots, and save clients tens of thousands in staffing costs.

This episode is a must-listen for business owners, consultants, and marketers who are tired of hearing AI buzzwords and ready to understand how to actually use it.

You’ll hear how Darrell:

* ​Helped choose materials for satellites using early AI decision systems​

* Built a custom CRM from scratch that streamlined data for over 500 clients.

* ​Used Python and automation to reduce workload equivalent to a $50K+ hire​

* Sees today’s AI not as a replacement, but as a force multiplier for your team​Spots the BS in the industry—and shares how to avoid overpaying for empty promises​.

* Believes in building custom, intelligent systems that fit your business stage and goals.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Merricks run DM Business Advisors, and how they’re helping small business owners implement real-world AI and automation—without getting overwhelmed or wasting money.

As Darrell says, “Some people think AI is replacing humans. But it’s really about amplifying people—doing the work of 10 with a team of 2.”

Whether you’re an early-stage entrepreneur or running a multi-million-dollar operation, this episode will open your eyes to the scalable, sustainable, and smart way to integrate AI into your business now—not someday.

🎧 About Darrell Merrick

Darrell Merrick is a systems strategist and former AI scientist with deep roots in both aerospace and business automation.

He began his career at the Lockheed AI Center in the early 90s and has since worked across five programming languages, building everything from early expert systems to modern AI-enhanced CRMs.

Today, he leads technical strategy at DM Business Advisors' newest division, Rocketship Labs AI, where he helps clients scale through AI-powered sales systems, CRM automation, and custom tech stacks. He’s also affectionately known in the company as the “AI Mad Scientist”—and proudly owns the domain to prove it.

Connect with guest, Darrell Merrick of DMBA's Rocketship Labs AI.

🚀 * Website:

⁠rocketshiplabs.ai⁠

🚀 * Email:

madscientist@rocketshiplabs.ai

🚀 * LinkedIn:

⁠⁠@darrellmerrick⁠⁠

⁠@rocketshiplabsai⁠

Subscribe to Your Business Concierge Podcast for more personal conversations about receiving expert guidance to navigate the complex world of business growth tailored to your journey.

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This episode is brought to you by:

DM Business Advisors, LLC

Host: Debbie Merrick

Produced by: DM Business Advisors team