Okay so, you're on a city page. You probably saw 'digital transformation' and thought, 'Here we go again.' I know the drill. Most of these pages are written by big agencies trying to impress you with jargon. My approach is… different. I focus on practical applications of AI and automation for small to medium-sized businesses. Think of me as your neighborhood shop for figuring out how AI can actually make your Chicago business run smoother, not just sound fancier.
I'm not gonna promise to revolutionize your entire company overnight. What I will do is sit down with you, understand your specific pain points, and then figure out if and how a bit of AI or automation can really help. Maybe it's automating some tedious data entry, setting up a smart chatbot, or building a small model to predict something useful for your operations here in Chicago. My goal is to deliver tangible value, not just a flashy presentation.
## What I actually do for Chicago clients
For most Chicago businesses I work with, it starts with a specific problem. Maybe you're spending too much time on customer support inquiries that could be handled automatically. Or your sales team is bogged down by manual lead qualification. I come in, identify those bottlenecks, and then design and implement a targeted AI or automation solution. It's usually a pilot project, a specific model, or a custom automation script built to address that one, clear issue.
I'm talking about things like creating a custom AI to summarize long documents, setting up an intelligent system to route customer emails, or building a small predictive model to optimize inventory levels. These aren't abstract concepts; they're concrete tools designed to save time, reduce errors, and improve efficiency for your business right here in Chicago.
## How a Chicago engagement usually goes
1. **Initial Chat & Problem Definition (Week 1):** We'll have a 20-minute call to see if I'm even a good fit. If it seems promising, we'll schedule a deeper dive. I'll ask a lot of questions about your specific challenges, what you've tried, and what your goals are. This helps me understand if AI or automation can genuinely help, or if I should point you somewhere else.
2. **Proposal & Scope (Week 2):** Based on our chat, I'll put together a straightforward proposal. It'll outline a specific project, a clear scope of work, expected deliverables, and a fixed-fee cost. No vague hourly rates or open-ended timelines. I prefer fixed-fee because it keeps things clear for both of us.
3. **Development & Implementation (Weeks 3-8, varies):** This is where I actually build the solution. I'll keep you updated regularly, probably once a week, showing you progress and getting your feedback. My aim is to be transparent and iterative. You'll see the solution taking shape, and we can make adjustments as we go.
4. **Hand-off & Support (Week 9+):** Once the solution is built and tested, I'll hand it over to you and your team. I'll provide documentation and make sure everyone understands how to use it. I also offer a period of post-implementation support to make sure everything is running smoothly and to iron out any unforeseen quirks.
## What it costs, roughly
Alright, so pricing. I'm not gonna play games. Most of my fixed-fee projects for small to medium businesses land somewhere in the range of `[low five figures]` to `[mid five figures]`. It really depends on the complexity of the problem and the scope of the solution. A small automation script is obviously less than building a custom AI model from scratch. What I can promise is a clear, fixed price upfront. You'll know exactly what you're paying for before any work begins. I aim for transparency because that's what I'd want if I were in your shoes.
## Who I'm usually NOT a fit for
I'm not for everyone, and that's okay. I'm usually **not** a good fit for:
* **Companies looking for a 'digital transformation strategy' document to sit on a shelf.** I'm about doing, not just planning. * **Organizations needing massive, multi-year, multi-department overhauls.** I'm a solo operator; I excel at focused, impactful projects. * **Businesses that aren't willing to adapt or provide access to data/systems.** My work requires collaboration and a bit of flexibility. * **Anyone expecting a 'magic bullet' for all their problems.** AI is a tool, not a miracle worker. It solves specific problems well.
If you're a large corporation with a huge budget and a need for a big consulting firm, I'm probably not your guy. But if you're a Chicago business owner or manager with a specific problem you think AI or automation could help with, and you appreciate a direct, no-nonsense approach, then we should talk.
## Getting in touch
If anything I've said here resonates with you, and you're a business in Chicago, Illinois that's tired of buzzwords and ready for practical results, then let's connect. I'm not gonna give you a hard sell. Just an honest conversation about your challenges and if I can actually help. Go ahead and book a 20-min call right from my website. I look forward to hearing from you!
FAQs — Chicago
How do I know if AI is worth it for my Chicago business?
The best way to know is to identify a specific, repetitive task that consumes a lot of time or is prone to human error. If you have a clear problem like that, AI or automation is often a good candidate for a solution. We can discuss your particular situation on an initial call.
Do you work with companies outside Chicago?
Yes, I work remotely with clients across the U.S. and beyond. While this page is for Chicago businesses, my services are available regardless of your location. I'm based out of Florida, and modern tools make remote collaboration very effective.
What does the first 2 weeks look like after I reach out?
After your initial contact, we'll schedule a brief introductory call to discuss your needs. If there's a good fit, I'll then prepare a tailored proposal outlining a specific project, timeline, and a fixed-fee cost, usually within that two-week timeframe.
Can you integrate AI with my existing systems?
Often, yes. My goal is to build solutions that work within your current tech stack where possible, minimizing disruption. I'll assess your existing systems during the discovery phase to determine the best approach for integration.
What kind of ongoing support do you offer after a project is done?
Once a project is completed and handed over, I provide a period of post-implementation support to ensure everything is running smoothly. For longer-term or more extensive support, we can discuss a separate, agreed-upon maintenance arrangement.