Agentic AI Systems
Agentic AI doesn't just respond, it acts. These AI agents run multi-step workflows on their own, with a person still checking the important steps. RGV and Texas businesses will be able to use this soon.
The Studio Blog
Real insights on AI automation and custom software. See what's actually working for businesses in South Texas and across the state.
Custom Software & AI Automation for Businesses in the RGV and Texas
Ruben Arevalo AI & Software Studio builds custom software and AI automation systems for businesses in the Rio Grande Valley and across Texas.
I'm Ruben Arevalo, a software engineer with 9+ years of experience. I design and build every system from scratch, no templates, no generic tools, so it fits how your business actually works.
I help you build web apps, automate repetitive tasks, and add AI where it saves real time. The result: less manual work, clearer data, and systems built to grow with you.
Your business deserves software built around how you work
I build custom web apps, AI workflow automation, and internal business software. Every system is designed from scratch around your operations, your team, and your goals. No templates. No generic solutions. Just software that works, while you focus on growing your business.
Proudly serving Hidalgo County, Cameron County, and Starr County across the Rio Grande Valley, Texas and businesses statewide across Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas
- McAllen, TX
- Edinburg, TX
- Mission, TX
- Pharr, TX
- Brownsville, TX
- Harlingen, TX
- Rio Grande City, TX
- Roma, TX
- Austin, TX
About Me
My name is Ruben Arevalo. I'm a software engineer and full-stack developer based in McAllen, Texas. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (Software Track) from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
I wrote my first line of code in 2017, in my junior year of high school, while working toward an associate degree in computer science. I've been building software ever since, and every project along the way has taught me something new.
I also focus on integrating generative AI and large language models into real products. One example is RAG, or retrieval-augmented generation: a technique that gives an AI system an outside source to reference, like company policies or a set of research articles, so its answers are more accurate.
I try to learn something new every day and keep sharpening my skills as a developer. My goal is simple: use what I learn to solve real problems that businesses face today.
Software Systems & Architecture Work
I design and build custom software systems. This includes CMS (content management system) platforms, payroll infrastructure, and AI-assisted workflows. Every system I build is scalable, modular, and automated. The goal: cut down hours of manual work and give you better data to make decisions.
Custom CMS (Content Management System)
Software Architecture Project
- Building a modular CMS to manage business data and workflows in one place
- Adding role-based access, so payroll and timesheet data stay visible only to the right people
- Laying the groundwork to plug in payroll and AI-powered modules later
Payroll Management System
Software Architecture Project
- Building payroll workflow logic that follows state and federal rules
- Building a scalable architecture for validation, reporting, and financial tracking
- Structuring data so it stays accurate and traceable, even during an audit
AI-Powered Pattern Detection
Machine Learning & Architecture Systems
- Building an AI layer that spots patterns, trends, and anomalies in customer data in real time
- Using predictive analytics to catch payroll anomalies early and surface deeper insights
- Connecting the CMS and payroll systems, so decisions are backed by real data
Internal Operations & Workflow Automation Systems
Business Process Optimization Tools
- Building internal systems that cut hours of manual admin work
- Structuring data flows so performance is easier to track
- Automating workflows for more consistent, reliable operations
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ruben Arevalo AI & Software Studio do?
We build custom software and AI automation systems for small and mid-sized businesses. That includes custom web applications, workflow automation, and AI integrations such as RAG pipelines and internal business tools, all built around how your business already works.
Where are your clients based?
Most clients are in the Rio Grande Valley, including Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties. We also work with businesses in Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas.
How is custom software different from off-the-shelf tools?
Off-the-shelf tools solve generic problems for a generic business. Custom software is built around your specific workflows, data, and goals, so you're not reshaping how your team works just to fit someone else's template.
What kind of AI automation do you build?
Multi-step AI agents, workflow automation, RAG-based knowledge systems, and internal tools that cut down hours of repetitive, manual work.
Education
The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley
August 2019 - May 2023
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley in May 2023, with my concentration focusing on software development.
Achieve Early College High School
August 2015 - May 2019
I earned my high school diploma in May 2019 from Achieve Early College High School, which came just after graduating with an associate's degree in computer science.
South Texas College
August 2015 - May 2019
I earned my Associate of Science in Computer Science from South Texas College in May 2019, just a few weeks before I graduated from high school.
Projects
%20(2)%20(1).jpg?alt=media&token=d6c6a9e2-2866-424b-8b8f-e62740ef214d)
J.A.L.E. (Job Automation & Logistics Engine)
June 2025 - Present
Managing content is only half the battle — executing the work is the rest. J.A.L.E. started as a personal content management system (CMS). It's growing into a full internal business software platform, including a Statement of Work (SOW) generator and an automated timesheet monitor that flags issues like missed clock-outs and missing lunch breaks. It's built to scale for studio creators and business owners, and it doubles as a reference architecture for full-stack developers and software engineers building their own internal business tools.
Next.jsReactTailwind CSSTypeScriptFirebaseMySQLPythonView Project
Ruben Arevalo AI & Software Studio — Website & Portfolio
October 2024 - Present
This website is the professional portfolio for Ruben Arevalo AI & Software Studio. It's built with Next.js, TypeScript, and Tailwind CSS, and shows real, working examples of what I build: AI integrations with RAG (retrieval-augmented generation), scalable web applications, and custom software systems. It also outlines the software development and AI automation services available to businesses in Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.
Next.jsReactTypeScriptTailwindGoogle FirebasePineconeGroq APIOpenAI APIRAGView Project
IncludiTrip
August 2024 - September 2024
A project currently in the general public beta stage and built during my Headstarter fellowship, the purpose of this product is to generate personalized itineraries--a feature currently in the works--for people with disabilities and who are looking to travel. Generative AI is used to analyze information such as travel dates, budget range, and destination to provide them with suggested destinations, hotels, and information on accessibility resources that the destinations may offer to accommodate their needs.
Next.jsReactTypeScriptTailwindGroq APIBooking.com APIGoogle FirebaseView Project
RateTeach AI
August 2024 - August 2024
Based and inspired by the concept used by the RateMyProfessor website, and built during my Headstarter fellowship, this AI-powered web application was built utilizing the concepts of retrieval augmented generation--also known as RAG--utilizing Python, Jupyter Notebook, and Pinecone, to store data embeddings in a vector database to use as an external source of information to provide personalized and accurate responses.
Next.jsReactTypeScriptTailwindPineconeOpenAI APIJupyter NotebookPythonView Project
BrainflashAI
August 2024 - August 2024
Built by me and my team of 3 during my Headstarter fellowship, this AI-powered flashcard app takes in a user prompt--whether it'd be a series of lecture notes, bullet points, or a question asked by the user--and transforms its content into easy-to-use flashcards, helping those using the product better memorize, understand, and retain concepts better and more efficiently.
Next.jsReactTailwindGoogle FirebaseClerkOpenAI APITypeScriptView Project
AI Chatbot
August 2024 - August 2024
Based on an early prototype of a hackathon project for my fellowship, which became the precursor to my team and I's final project, IncludiTrip, this AI chatbot project was built by me and my team of 3, with the Groq API being integrated with a system prompt that will help the user receive suggested travel destinations based on relevant information, such as travel dates, budget range, destination (city and state), etc.
Next.jsReactGoogle FirebaseTypeScriptGroq APITailwindView Project
FoodPantryInventory
July 2024 - August 2024
One of the first AI-powered websites I built during software engineering fellowship, this website revolves around storing items and the quantity of said item in a database. Furthermore, generative AI was incorporated to generate a list of 5 suggested recipes based on the current items stored in the pantry.
Next.jsReactTypeScriptTailwindGoogle FirebaseMaterial UIOpenAI APIView Project
Dating Web App
June 2023 - July 2024
I am currently building a dating web application based on a model helps promote self-esteem and laying down the proper foundation for a successful future relationship between two people.
ReactCSSTypeScriptPythonFastAPIExpress.jsPostgreSQLView Project
Personal Website (React)
July 2021 - September 2021
Before making my landing page, I built a personal website that would display information about me, provide announcements to those visiting the site, display works, and allow people to contact me for questions.
ReactCSSReact BootstrapFastAPIView Project
CV Website
June 2021 - July 2021
One of my first websites, I built this website using only HTML and CSS. This website contains basic, but important details about my background, such as who I am, my education, my work experience, what software projects I built, etc.
HTMLCSSView Project