Meet Andrew Coelho: A Quinnipiac University Grad Learning AEO at Develomark

Develomark • August 3, 2026

Andrew Coelho is from Southbury, Connecticut and recently graduated from Quinnipiac University. This summer he joined the Develomark cohort program looking to sharpen his skills in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), LLM visibility strategy, and client-facing relationships. In the video below, Andrew explains what AEO actually means, how he's using it for real clients, and what he's learned about sales and client relationships along the way.

Meet Andrew Coelho: From Quinnipiac University to Develomark

Andrew came to Develomark's cohort program fresh out of Quinnipiac University, based in Southbury, Connecticut. Going into the program, his goals were clear: sharpen his skills in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and LLM visibility strategy, and get stronger at building relationships with clients face to face rather than working behind the scenes.

Creating AEO and SEO Content for Real Clients

Since joining the cohort, Andrew has gained hands-on experience creating blogs and AEO and SEO content for a range of Develomark clients. That work has come alongside real client-facing experience, including on-site visits and interviews, plus helping work toward signing a masonry company as a new client.

What Is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), In Andrew's Words

Andrew explains AEO simply: it's about how well large language models like ChatGPT and Claude can pick up on a company and recommend it. As he puts it, if someone asks an AI tool something like "masonry company near me," the goal of AEO is to make sure the right client's business comes up first, not buried somewhere down the list.

Using SplashDash to Turn Customer Sentiment Into Content

Over the past several days, Andrew has been using SplashDash, a software platform Develomark created, to pull customer sentiment from multiple clients. He's used that sentiment data, drawn from real reviews and customer feedback, to build AEO blog content based directly on what customers are actually saying about each business.

Building Real Client Relationships: BBB Attorneys, Lion's Den Coffee Shop, and Learning From Ruan

Andrew has an upcoming project with BBB Attorneys, turning video transcripts into videos and advertisements around topics like car accidents. He's also working on a newly signed client, Lion's Den Coffee Shop, where the cohort is building out a full website, planning a video shoot for content, and running more in-person customer interviews to shape the site direction. Along the way, Andrew has learned how to use Claude to automate everyday tasks, and he credits Ruan with teaching him sales skills built around meeting people in person to build a real relationship, not just doing strictly business.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Develomark's cohort program?

    Develomark's cohort program is a hands-on internship where students work directly with real clients on live AEO, SEO, and marketing projects. Cohort members like Andrew Coelho gain experience through on-site visits, client interviews, and real content creation, rather than practicing on sample assignments in a classroom setting.

  • What is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)?

    Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of helping a business get picked up and recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity when someone asks a relevant question. For example, if someone asks an AI assistant for a masonry company nearby, AEO is what helps the right business come up first instead of getting overlooked.

  • How does Develomark use customer sentiment to create content?

    Develomark uses SplashDash, an internally built software platform, to pull customer sentiment from reviews and feedback across its clients. That sentiment data is then used to create AEO blog content that speaks directly to what real customers are saying, rather than guessing at what matters to them.

  • Do cohort members work on real client projects?

    Yes. Cohort members work on live client projects rather than sample work. Andrew Coelho, for example, has helped work toward signing a masonry company client, is building a new website for Lion's Den Coffee Shop, and is preparing a video and advertising project for BB Attorneys.

  • How can I get client-facing marketing experience like Andrew?

    Students and early-career professionals interested in gaining real client-facing experience in AEO, content creation, and sales can learn more about opportunities with Develomark on the careers page. The cohort program is built around direct client contact, real projects, and mentorship from Develomark's existing team.

If you're a student or recent grad who wants that kind of hands-on marketing experience, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to Develomark to learn more about current openings and future cohort opportunities.

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