6 - The Future of RFPs: Why AI Matters for Small Business Success
Unlocking Growth for SMBs: How AI is Transforming RFP Responses with Mark Shriner
In this episode of the Scaling Smarter: Concept to Cash Flow Podcast, host David Hirschfeld, Founder and CEO of Tekyz, sits down with Mark Shriner, Co-Founder and CEO of Breeze Docs. Mark shares how his company is using generative AI to revolutionize the RFP (Request for Proposal) process for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Their conversation explores the challenges SMBs face in competing for large contracts, the inefficiencies in responding to complex proposals, and how AI-driven solutions can level the playing field. For entrepreneurs, sales leaders, and startup founders, this episode offers clear insights into how automation can drive smarter growth.
Solving the RFP Bottleneck with AI
Mark explains that RFPs, RFIs, and security questionnaires are essential for winning business with government agencies and enterprise clients, yet they drain enormous time and resources from SMBs. Many smaller companies can only respond to a few RFPs each year, leaving millions of dollars in potential revenue untapped. Breeze Docs was created to address this pain point by simplifying and accelerating the process.
The platform leverages AI to match incoming questions with a company’s existing knowledge base, suggest accurate responses, and flag answers that need human review. For structured Q&A RFPs, Breeze dramatically reduces response time, while new features are being developed to handle narrative proposals as well. Mark emphasizes that Breeze is built specifically for SMBs—transparent pricing, no costly onboarding, and rapid deployment—allowing resource-constrained teams to compete more effectively.
The conversation also highlights how AI is changing the broader sales and marketing landscape. Buyers increasingly turn to AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT for solution discovery, while outbound outreach is losing effectiveness. Mark argues that SMBs must adapt by creating high-value educational content, leveraging referral networks, and positioning themselves where buyers are searching. By combining AI efficiency with relationship-driven sales, SMBs can unlock growth opportunities that were previously out of reach.
About Mark Shriner
Mark Shriner is the Co-Founder and CEO of Breeze Docs. With decades of experience helping businesses expand into international markets, Mark has built his career around solving complex sales and marketing challenges. Today, he focuses on helping SMBs streamline RFP responses and improve win rates through AI-powered automation.
About Breeze Docs
Breeze Docs helps small and mid-sized businesses save time and win more contracts by automating RFP responses with generative AI. Designed for simplicity and speed, Breeze eliminates hidden costs, reduces onboarding barriers, and empowers SMBs to compete with enterprise-level efficiency.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights
Why SMBs struggle with the time, cost, and complexity of RFP responses.
How Breeze Docs uses AI to automate and streamline the RFP process.
The importance of transparency and ease of use in designing SMB-focused solutions.
Why outbound cold outreach is declining—and how referrals and content marketing are filling the gap.
Emerging AI trends that will reshape the sales and marketing funnel in the coming years.
Conclusion
This episode with Mark Shriner reveals how SMBs can compete more effectively by pairing AI-powered efficiency with authentic sales strategies. By removing bottlenecks in the RFP process and focusing on trust, education, and adaptability, smaller companies can access opportunities once reserved for large enterprises.
If you’re ready to explore how smarter scaling can transform your software business, start by visiting Tekyz.com to learn more. And if you’re a founder, CEO, or software leader with a story worth sharing, apply here to be a guest on the Scaling Smarter: Concept to Cash Flow Podcast.
