Everyone is talking about AI.

Almost nobody agrees on what an AI agent actually is.

In this episode of ChatGTM, Michael Beck and Chad Horn sit down with Sterling Douglass, Co-Founder & CEO of Chowly, for a conversation that cuts through the hype and focuses on what AI is actually doing inside real businesses today.

Sterling explains the difference between AI workflows and AI agents, why most companies are implementing AI incorrectly, and how Chowly is using AI to help restaurant operators drive more revenue through marketing, online ordering, SEO, Google Ads, and customer engagement. Rather than chasing flashy demos, Sterling shares what it takes to build AI systems that deliver measurable business outcomes.

The conversation also explores Claude Code, prompt engineering, leadership during technological change, AI adoption inside organizations, and why critical thinking has become even more valuable in an AI-first world.

If you're a restaurant operator, founder, technology leader, marketer, or simply trying to understand where AI is headed, this episode is packed with practical insights you can put to work immediately.

In This Episode

• What an AI agent actually is
• AI workflows vs. AI agents
• Why most AI projects fail
• Claude Code and "vibe coding"
• How Chowly is embedding AI into restaurant marketing
• Building products that create measurable outcomes
• AI adoption inside growing companies
• Leadership during rapid technological change
• The future of restaurant technology
• Why critical thinking matters more than ever

About Sterling Douglass

Sterling Douglass is the Co-Founder & CEO of Chowly, a restaurant technology company serving more than 17,000 restaurant locations across the United States. Since founding Chowly in 2015, Sterling has helped transform the company from a POS integration platform into an AI-powered digital commerce and marketing platform focused on helping restaurants grow revenue through online ordering, SEO, Google Ads, loyalty, and guest engagement.

Sterling is also the co-host of the AI for Restaurants podcast alongside Aaron Newton, where they explore practical AI implementation, automation, and the future of restaurant technology without the hype.

Connect with Sterling

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlingddouglass/

Learn more about Chowly
https://www.chowly.com

Listen to AI for Restaurants
https://aiforrestaurants.ai

About ChatGTM

ChatGTM brings together founders, operators, investors, technologists, and industry leaders who are building the future of hospitality, retail, AI, and go-to-market strategy. Hosted by Michael Beck and Chad Horn.

Follow the ChatGTM Podcast:

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/chatgtm-podcast

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