Okay so, let's be honest. When you're searching for AI consulting, you're probably seeing a lot of jargon and buzzwords. I get it. I try to keep things grounded. My goal isn't to revolutionize your entire company overnight; it's to find a specific, often small, problem that AI can actually help with, and then fix it. I'm not a big agency with layers of account managers and 'synergy meetings.' It's just me, and I focus on practical, measurable stuff.
### What I actually do for Rialto clients
Usually, when a Rialto business owner comes to me, they've got a specific pain point. Maybe they're drowning in customer support emails, or their sales team spends too much time doing manual data entry, or they just can't make sense of all the data they're collecting. I don't start with 'Let's build a large language model!' Instead, I start with, 'What's bothering you the most today?'
My typical projects involve things like setting up a smart chatbot to handle common customer questions, building a custom AI model to predict inventory needs more accurately, or automating some tedious back-office process that's eating up employee time. I don't promise magic; I promise a dedicated effort to solve a clear problem with AI. If AI isn't the right fit, I'll tell you that too.
### How a Rialto engagement usually goes
1. **Initial Chat (1 week):** We'll hop on a 20-minute call, no charge. You tell me what's on your mind. I'll ask some questions. If it sounds like something I can help with, I'll put together a brief proposal outlining how I think we can approach it. This isn't a commitment, just a roadmap. Usually, this takes about a week to get from initial call to proposal in your inbox. 2. **Deep Dive & Planning (2-3 weeks):** If you like the proposal, we'll dive deeper. I'll spend a few weeks really understanding your existing processes, your data, and what success looks like for you. This often involves interviews with your team and looking at what tools you already use. I'll refine the project scope and we'll nail down exactly what we're building and what the deliverables are. 3. **The Work (4-12 weeks, project dependent):** This is where I roll up my sleeves. I'll be developing and implementing the AI solution. I'll keep you updated regularly, usually with weekly check-ins, so you always know what's happening. The timeline here really varies based on complexity, but most pilot projects fall within this range. 4. **Handover & Support (Ongoing):** Once the solution is built and tested, I'll make sure your team knows how to use it. I'll provide documentation and, if needed, a little bit of training. I also offer a period of post-launch support to iron out any kinks. I'm not just gonna drop it and run; I wanna make sure it actually works for your Rialto business.
### What it costs, roughly
I work primarily on a fixed-fee basis for defined projects. That means you know the cost upfront, no surprises. For smaller, more focused pilot projects — think automating one specific workflow or building a proof-of-concept AI model — you're generally looking at somewhere in the mid-five figures. Larger, more integrated projects, well, those can go higher, but we'll always agree on a clear scope and price before any work begins. I don't do hourly billing much, I find it leads to too many unknowns for clients. My aim is to be transparent.
### Who I'm usually NOT a fit for
It's important to be upfront about this. If you're looking for someone to completely overhaul your entire organization with 'AI,' without a clear problem statement, I'm probably not your guy. I also don't work with companies that are looking for free consultations and then planning to take my ideas to another firm. And if you're expecting me to build the next big social media platform or solve world hunger with a single AI model, I'm gonna have to disappoint you. I focus on practical, achievable projects for small to medium-sized businesses in places like Rialto. I'm not a venture-backed startup trying to be the next Google.
### Getting in touch
If anything I've said here resonates, and you've got a specific problem in your Rialto business that you think AI *might* be able to help with, then I'd love to chat. There's no pressure, just a straightforward conversation to see if there's a good fit. The first step is easy: just book a 20-min call.
FAQs — Rialto
How do I know if AI is worth it for my Rialto business?
The best way to figure this out is to identify a repetitive task that takes up a lot of employee time, or a decision point that could benefit from better data analysis. If you have a clear problem, AI might be a solution worth exploring. We can chat about it on a call.
Do you work with companies outside Rialto?
Yes, absolutely. While I'm focused on helping businesses in places like Rialto, I work with clients remotely across the United States. Location isn't a barrier for most AI consulting projects.
What does the first 2 weeks look like after I decide to work with you?
After we agree on a project, the first two weeks are usually about me getting to know your business in depth. This involves gathering information, understanding your current processes, and refining the project scope to make sure we're aligned on what we're going to build.
I'm a small business in Rialto, can I afford AI consulting?
I tailor projects to specific needs and budgets. My focus is on delivering a clear return on investment for small to medium-sized businesses. We can discuss your specific situation and I can give you a transparent, fixed-fee quote before any work begins.
What kind of commitment is required from my team during an AI project?
Your team's input is crucial, especially in the initial discovery phase and for providing feedback during development. However, I aim to minimize disruption to your day-to-day operations. We'll agree on specific touchpoints and information needs upfront.