FAQ
Straight answers about AI for small businesses.
What owners ask us most, answered plainly. If yours isn't here, ask it on the free call.
How can a small business start using AI?
Start with one workflow, not a tool. Pick the part of your week that eats the most time, like calls, quotes, scheduling or paperwork, and look at how it actually gets done today. That is what our free 30-minute workflow call is for: you walk us through a normal week, and we tell you where AI would fit first and where it wouldn't help.
What does the free workflow call cost?
Nothing. It's 30 minutes with Derek or Anthony, on Zoom, by phone, or in person in the Northland, and the written note we send by the next business day is yours either way.
What happens after the free call?
By the next business day you get a short written note: where we'd start, roughly what each piece would take, and anything you could do yourself. If you want us to build any of it, we scope it and put a flat price in writing before we start. For a bigger picture, there's the Workflow Assessment.
How much does AI automation cost for a small business?
It depends on the workflow, so we price per project. You get a flat price in writing before any work starts, and nothing is built until you approve it.
Do we have to replace our software?
Usually not. We start with what you already use and build on top of it or into it. We only build something new around it when nothing off the shelf fits.
What's the difference between an AI assistant, an automation and a custom system?
An assistant sits on top of the tools you use and answers questions or drafts work. An automation sits inside them and moves information between systems so nobody retypes it. A custom system is built around your process when no existing tool fits. Most businesses need a little of each.
What is the Workflow Assessment?
It's the deeper, paid step. We map your two or three biggest workflows with you and up to three of your people, then give you a written report ranking three to five changes by the hours each gives back. If we can't find five hours a week to give back, you get your money back, and the full cost is credited toward any build that follows.
Is our information safe with you?
Two people can see your material: Derek and Anthony. We don't sell it, share it, or publish it. If you want an NDA before you send us anything, ask and we'll sign it. The full answers are on our Your information page.
Will our team know how to use what you build?
Yes. Every project ends with your team hands-on with what we built, plus a recorded walkthrough and plain notes on how it works and how to turn it off.
What kinds of businesses do you work with?
Local businesses of about 5 to 50 people, in most industries: trades and home services, professional offices, wellness, property management, shops and restaurants, nonprofits and local manufacturers. We don't work with medical or dental offices or law firms.
Do you work outside Duluth?
Yes. We work on-site across Duluth, Superior, Hermantown, Proctor, Cloquet and the Northland, and remotely anywhere in the United States.
Do you build websites?
Yes. We redesign websites to bring in work: a clear offer, fast on phones, and lead capture that gets every inquiry to the right person, with AI built in where it helps.
What if AI isn't the answer?
Then we'll tell you. Sometimes the highest-payoff fix is a better phone setup or one app instead of four.