Okay so, you’ve landed here because your Columbus business needs something more from its data. Maybe you’re drowning in spreadsheets, or you know there’s gold in those numbers but you just can't quite dig it out. That's where I come in. I’m not gonna promise some magical, instant fix, but I can help you build practical systems to understand what’s going on and make better decisions. Think of me as that experienced, slightly world-weary neighbor who knows how to fix your leaky data pipes, not sell you a whole new plumbing system you don't need.
I focus on getting real work done, whether that’s setting up dashboards that actually tell you something useful, or helping you predict future trends based on your past performance. No fancy buzzwords here, just honest work to make your data work for you. It's kinda my thing.
## What I actually do for Columbus clients
Most of my engagements for Columbus businesses involve building out specific data analysis tools or automating reporting processes. For example, I might work with a local retail shop to analyze sales data to identify peak purchasing times and popular product combinations, helping them optimize staffing or inventory. Or I could help a service-based business in Columbus track client acquisition costs and lifetime value, giving them a clear picture of their marketing ROI.
Another common project is setting up a pilot business intelligence model. This isn't about some huge, sprawling system. It’s usually about taking one key business question, finding the relevant data, cleaning it up, and then building a visual dashboard or a predictive model that answers that question clearly. We start small, prove value, and then you decide if you want to expand. It's a much less risky way to get started than diving headfirst into a massive project.
## How a Columbus engagement usually goes
My process is pretty structured, so you know what to expect. This isn’t some open-ended, never-ending project. I like clarity, and I bet you do too. Here’s how it usually plays out:
1. **Discovery Call (1 week):** We'll have a 20-minute chat to see if I can even help. If it looks promising, I send over a quick questionnaire to understand your goals and your current data situation better. We might have one more follow-up call, about an hour, to dig into the details. I'll then put together a project proposal, outlining the scope and a fixed fee. 2. **Data Dive & Setup (2-3 weeks):** Once we agree on the scope, I'll need access to your data sources. This involves a bit of back-and-forth as I get things connected and start cleaning and structuring your information. This is where most of the heavy lifting happens, getting the foundation solid. 3. **Build & Refine (3-5 weeks):** I'll start building out the actual analytics tools, dashboards, or predictive models. I'll share early versions with you for feedback. This isn't a 'big reveal' at the end; it's an iterative process, making sure what I'm building truly addresses your needs. 4. **Deployment & Handoff (1 week):** Once everything is built and refined, I'll help you get it deployed and ensure you understand how to use it. I'll provide any necessary documentation and make sure you're comfortable. My goal is for you to be self-sufficient, not dependent on me forever.
## What it costs, roughly
I operate on a fixed-fee basis. This means no hourly billing surprises, no hidden costs. Once we agree on the project scope, that's the price. For data analytics and business intelligence projects for a Columbus-based small to medium-sized business, you're usually looking at a range starting from $7,500 and going up to $25,000 for a well-defined project. Smaller, more focused projects can sometimes be a bit less. This isn't cheap, but it's an investment in getting real, actionable insights from your data, and you'll know the exact cost upfront.
## Who I'm usually NOT a fit for
I'm pretty upfront about this: I'm a solo consultant, not a large agency. So, if you're a massive corporation looking for a team of 50 to redesign your entire global data infrastructure, I'm probably not your guy. I also don't do ongoing managed services where you need someone 'on call' 24/7 for support. My sweet spot is well-defined, project-based work for businesses that understand their data challenges and want a practical solution, not just a flashy presentation. If you need hand-holding for every single step or aren't willing to put in the time on your end to provide data and feedback, this probably won't work out.
## Getting in touch
If any of this sounds like it aligns with what your Columbus business needs, and you're ready to actually get some answers from your data, then I'd love to chat. It's low pressure, no sales pitch, just a quick conversation to see if I can genuinely help you out. Go ahead and book a 20-min call. It's the best way to start.
FAQs — Columbus
How do I know if AI is worth it for my Columbus business?
It's worth exploring if you have a recurring business problem that involves a lot of data, and you suspect that better insights could lead to better decisions or saved time. We can discuss your specific situation on a call to see if there's a good fit for data analytics or AI.
Do you work with companies outside Columbus, Ohio?
While I'm focusing this page on Columbus, I do work remotely with clients across the U.S. My processes are designed to be effective regardless of geographical location, so don't hesitate to reach out if you're not in Columbus.
What does the first 2 weeks look like for a data analytics project?
The first two weeks are usually about getting to know your data. I'll be working on connecting to your data sources, cleaning up any inconsistencies, and structuring it in a way that makes it ready for analysis. There will be some back-and-forth with you to clarify data points.
What kind of data do you usually work with?
I work with all sorts of business data – sales figures, customer demographics, operational metrics, marketing campaign results, inventory levels, financial records, and more. As long as the data is accessible and reasonably structured, I can likely work with it.
Can you help me set up a Google Analytics dashboard for my Columbus business?
Yes, I can absolutely help with that! Setting up custom dashboards, especially for web analytics like Google Analytics, is a common request and fits well within my data analytics service offerings for businesses here in Columbus.