Okay so, you're probably wondering what's different here. Most consultants will hit you with a lot of jargon and vague promises. I'm just one guy, doing practical AI work for businesses. I'm not here to sell you a multi-year, million-dollar overhaul. I'm here to help you solve a specific problem with AI, see if it works, and then figure out what's next. It’s kinda like getting a good mechanic; you want someone who knows their stuff, gets it done, and doesn’t upsell you on things you don’t need. That's my approach to AI consulting.
## What I actually do for Chicago clients
When a business in Chicago comes to me, it's usually because they have a specific pain point they think AI might help with. Maybe they're drowning in customer support emails and want to automate some responses. Or they've got a ton of data they can't make sense of and need a custom model to spot trends. Sometimes, it's as simple as needing to get a small AI pilot project off the ground to prove its worth internally. I focus on those tangible, measurable outcomes. We pick a problem, we build a solution, and we see if it helps.
Think about it this way: instead of a big, nebulous 'digital transformation,' I'm helping you build a smarter widget or streamline a particular process. For example, I might help you set up an AI that sifts through your online reviews to categorize sentiment, saving a ton of manual labor. Or perhaps you're in real estate here in Chicago and need a system to quickly analyze property listings against market data. My goal is always to deliver something concrete that makes a difference, not just theoretical advice.
## How a Chicago engagement usually goes
Here’s the straightforward way I typically work with clients, including those right here in Illinois. I like to keep things transparent and focused:
1. **Discovery & Scoping (1-2 weeks):** We start with a 20-minute intro call. If it feels like a fit, we'll schedule a deeper dive. I'll ask a lot of questions about your business, your challenges, and what you're hoping AI could do. From there, I'll put together a clear, fixed-price proposal outlining the problem we'll solve, the deliverables, and the timeline. No surprises. 2. **Pilot Project & Initial Build (4-8 weeks):** Once we agree on the scope, I get to work. This usually involves setting up the necessary tools, gathering data (with your help, of course), and building out the initial AI solution. I'll be checking in regularly, usually weekly, to show you progress and get your feedback. 3. **Testing & Refinement (2-4 weeks):** We'll put the AI to the test in a controlled environment. This is where we fine-tune everything, making sure it’s performing as expected and addressing the original problem effectively. Your team’s input during this phase is crucial to getting it just right. 4. **Deployment & Handoff (1-2 weeks):** Once we're satisfied, I'll help you get the solution integrated into your existing workflows. My aim is always to leave you with a working system and the knowledge to manage it, or at least a clear path forward if you decide you need ongoing support. I'm not interested in creating a dependency.
## What it costs, roughly
I operate on a fixed-fee project basis for most engagements. Why? Because it keeps everyone honest about the scope and avoids those nasty hourly billing surprises. For a typical pilot project, you're generally looking at somewhere between $8,000 and $25,000. Larger, more complex projects can certainly go higher, but I'll always provide a clear, upfront quote before any work begins. I'm not the cheapest guy out there, but I'm definitely not the most expensive, and I try to deliver real value for every dollar. If you're comparing me to a big consulting firm, you'll find I'm a fraction of the cost for similar (or often, better) focused work.
## Who I'm usually NOT a fit for
Look, I'm just one person, and I can't be everything to everyone. So, to save us both time, I'm probably not the right fit if you're:
* A huge corporation looking for a massive, multi-departmental AI strategy overhaul. My wheelhouse is more focused on specific projects within small to medium-sized businesses. * Only interested in hype or 'just trying out AI' without a clear business problem. I need a real challenge to sink my teeth into. * Expecting me to handle all your data infrastructure from scratch. While I can advise, I work best with businesses that have some existing IT capabilities or are willing to invest in getting their data house in order. * Looking for free advice or a quick 'AI assessment' without a commitment to a project. My time's valuable, just like yours.
## Getting in touch
If you're a Chicago business owner or manager with a specific problem you think AI might help with, and you appreciate a direct, no-nonsense approach, then I'd love to chat. The first step is pretty simple: book a 20-min call. We'll talk about what you're facing, and I can tell you honestly if I think I can help. No hard sell, just a conversation.
FAQs — Chicago
How do I know if AI is worth it for my Chicago business?
The best way to figure that out is to start with a specific problem or a task that's taking too much time or money. If you can clearly articulate a challenge, we can then explore if AI offers a practical solution that justifies the investment for your business here in Chicago.
Do you work with companies outside Chicago?
Yes, absolutely. While I'm highlighting Chicago on this page, I work with businesses across the U.S. My consultations and project work are all done remotely, so location isn't a barrier.
What does the first 2 weeks look like?
The first two weeks usually involve a detailed discovery call to understand your specific needs and challenges. From that, I'll craft a clear proposal outlining the project scope, deliverables, timeline, and a fixed price.
What kind of data do I need to have ready?
It depends on the project, but generally, having access to relevant operational data, customer information, or process documentation is a good start. We'll discuss the exact data requirements during our initial discovery phase.
Will I own the AI solution after the project is done?
Yes, you will. My goal is to build and hand off a working solution, along with any necessary documentation, so you have full ownership and control over the AI developed for your business.