Tom Wesołowski was no stranger to software development when he first learned about Bubble. In fact, he had spent most of his career in the traditional software industry before the pandemic inspired him to think about building software differently. Today, his entire career revolves around no-code. As the founder of Cluee.app, Tom’s carved out a niche in the no-code landscape helping professional no-coders optimize and troubleshoot their projects. With more than 50 Bubble apps under his belt, Tom shares what drew him to Bubble, how being a part of the Bubble community has “transformed” his life, and how he uses a hidden floating group as a helpful hack in his app projects.

Tell us your Bubble story

Before discovering no-code and Bubble, I ran a traditional software house, which I sold in 2014. I later founded an AI-related startup in 2016. 

The pandemic led me to explore new technologies and possibilities — that's when I stumbled upon Bubble. My “aha moment” came when I realized Bubble's unique capability as a full-stack, no-code platform that could practically bring any idea to life without the typical constraints. This was a game-changer, allowing rapid prototyping and deployment without worrying about backend issues, database connections, server setup, etc. 

What does your career look like today?

Today, my career is 100% centered on the no-code ecosystem. Thanks to Bubble, I successfully launched my new startup entirely on a no-code stack — and also got some VC funding. The project, Cluee.app, is a platform I developed specifically for no-code developers to track their time spent on no-code projects. 

Beyond building, I'm dedicated to mastering my skills on Bubble through coaching and supporting fellow no-code devs and agencies via nocoderefactoring.com. My passion lies in building — I genuinely enjoy creating new things, having fun turning ideas into reality, and leveraging the no-code approach to make development accessible and enjoyable.

How has becoming a Bubble Developer unlocked doors for your career?

Gone are the days of large teams and hefty software investments — now, I focus on lean, efficient, and problem-focused development. This shift has not only streamlined my processes but also introduced me to an amazing community of developers, agencies, and collaborations.

Being part of the no-code community has enabled me to independently build and refine my skills within a supportive network, transforming my life and opening up a world of new opportunities in digital product creation.

How many Bubble apps have you built to date? Which one was the coolest?

In total, I've built around 50 Bubble apps, with Cluee.app standing out as the coolest and most complex project. It evolved from a simple to-do app into a comprehensive no-code hub, featuring numerous external connections, database integrations, and a Chrome extension — all operating seamlessly together with a dashboard built with Bubble. 

Another notable mention is Summaletter, which is cool because I created it in just one weekend, showcasing the rapid development and scaling potential of no-code.

What excites you most about no-code and the future?

The prospect of a majority of apps being developed using no-code tools, further enhanced by AI. This evolution is transforming our interaction with software, akin to the monumental shift from text-based interfaces to graphical user interfaces (GUI). 

I see no-code as a GUI for programming, a perspective shared by a friend of mine, which I find to be a powerful analogy. In this evolving landscape, platforms like Bubble are poised to become the new “language” for software development, democratizing the ability to create and innovate by making programming accessible to a broader audience. This shift not only simplifies the development process but also opens up a world of possibilities for creators and entrepreneurs alike.

What’s your favorite Bubble hack or little-known tip?

My favorite Bubble hack involves creating a floating group labeled “addons” and positioning it beneath the page, invisible to users. I use this hidden space to store all elements that don't need to be located in a specific part of the page, such as expressions, repeating groups for preloading data, and more. This approach helps me keep the design workspace organized and ensures that I can quickly locate these elements when needed.

What would you say to someone who’s considering a career in no-code?

Just go for it! There are a lot of courses available that can get you started in just one weekend, enabling you to begin building your own projects right away. However, if you aim to make a significant income as a freelancer or by running an agency, it's essential to identify your niche and establish a strong personal brand within that space. The no-code field is highly competitive, so standing out is critical. 

For instance, I noticed many developers were encountering technical obstacles or reaching impasses in their projects. Seeing an opportunity, I chose to specialize in providing development and coaching services specifically for Bubble no-code platform users, a concept I termed “No-Code Refactoring.” This is just one example, but selecting a niche early on is vital. It positions you to rapidly become a recognized expert in that area, distinguishing you from the competition.

Anything else you’d like to add?

The community is crucial for Bubble and the no-code scene. BubbleCon was amazing — the no-code community should invest more in these in-person gatherings, not just big international meetups but also local events. 

An example of this is the NoCodeDrinks project, founded by Pierre Ntiruhungwa. It’s an international meetup series tailor-made for everyone intrigued by the world of no-code. I'm proud to be a part of it as a local ambassador and strongly encourage all people interested in no-code to attend our meetups!