Back to Home

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the model, the audit, pricing, commitment, what gets built, who it's for, and how it differs from agencies, hiring, or consultants.

The Model

What is a forward deployed engineer?

A software engineer who embeds in your business (either part-time or full-time equivalent) and builds your revenue systems. We do the planning, the building, the deploying, and the early support. We're not a consultant team that writes a report and leaves. We stay accountable for the result.

What does "forward deployed" mean?

It means we're inside your operation, not outside it. At Embedded ($6,500/mo) that's about a day a week plus async. At Forward Deployed ($11,000/mo) that's two days a week on-site where we can, plus a seat in your leadership cadence. Either way, we own the deployment roadmap and you see working software every Friday.

Do I need to hire someone full-time?

No. The retainer model costs $6,500–$11,000/mo. A full-time senior engineer is $180K + 6 months ramp. An agency is $10K/mo for decks. We ship inside your walls, and you own everything we build.

The AI Deployment Audit

What is the AI Deployment Audit?

Questionnaire, 90-minute discovery session, 48-hour research sprint through your funnel and operations, then a working prototype demoed live. You leave with a systems teardown, security assessment, data framework, AI usage policy, and a 90-day deployment plan. $3,500, credited toward your first month.

Every engagement starts with an audit?

Yes. We don't build blind. The audit answers what needs building, how long it takes, and what it costs before you commit to a retainer. Then you can pick Embedded or Forward Deployed.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes. 7-day guarantee. If the deliverables don't meet your expectations, you get a full refund.

What if I don't want to proceed after the audit?

You keep the assessment, the framework, the policy, and the prototype. The $3,500 is a credit only if you sign a retainer.

Pricing & Commitment

What's the cost?

Audit: $3,500. Embedded retainer: $6,500/mo (~1 day/week + async). Forward Deployed: $11,000/mo (2 days/week + leadership seat). 90-day initial commitment billed monthly, then quarterly at a preferred rate.

Why is the commitment 90 days?

The first 90 days is build-heavy. You go from discovery to production systems. After 90 days, maintenance and iteration drop to quarterly billing. That structure lets you validate it works before locking in long-term.

Can I cancel early?

After the 90-day initial commitment, yes. You own everything we build, so you can pivot or wind down anytime. During 90-day initial, early cancellation is rare but we can discuss it.

What happens after 90 days?

Moves to quarterly billing at a preferred rate. We stay embedded (at the same cadence), the systems keep compounding, and you have a team that answers the phone.

What Gets Built

What systems do you build?

CRM & pipeline architecture (yours, not rented). AI intake & reception (calls and forms answered in minutes, qualified, booked). Content engine. Outbound & campaigns. Reporting & attribution dashboards. Every system documented, every account and asset owned by you.

Do you use platforms like HubSpot or Salesforce?

Platforms work when they're deployed right. Most teams buy them and adoption dies in week two. We build CRM inside your existing operation (could be Salesforce, could be a lightweight custom system, depends on your size and complexity). You own it and use it.

What about private AI deployment?

Most businesses that need "private" AI are genuinely better served by enterprise cloud AI (Azure OpenAI) with proper data agreements. Real on-prem hardware needs $200K+ to run serious models. But if your data truly can't touch a third party, it's an add-on we scope during the audit.

Who This Is For

Who is this model built for?

Operators with real revenue, real customers, no technical leadership on staff. Industrial, trades, equipment, construction, logistics, B2B services. If your CRM is a contact list, your pipeline is in email, leads wait days for reply, and reporting is a spreadsheet, you're the ICP.

Is this for startups?

No. This is for businesses with revenue and margins, not unvalidated ideas. You need a business model that works, just systems and deployment that don't.

Do you work with service businesses?

Yes. Roofing, plumbing, construction, equipment dealers, B2B services. The pattern is the same: intake automation, CRM, reporting, revenue clarity.

How This Differs

How is this different from hiring a full-time engineer?

A full-time engineer is $180K + 6 months ramp. We deliver start to finish for $6,500–$11,000/mo, and you own the code. At 90 days you have systems and a team who knows them. If you hire someone later, they inherit working code and documentation, not a blank slate.

How is this different from an agency?

Agencies deliver decks and recommendations. We deliver working software and stay accountable. An agency is $10K/mo for strategy. This is strategy + execution + support + ownership.

How is this different from a fractional CTO?

Fractional CTOs advise. We build. We design the architecture and execute it. We also run growth alongside systems (the Forward Deployed tier explicitly — we're your fractional CMO and systems engineer, same team).

Working With Us

Where are you located?

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We serve the Inland Northwest (Coeur d'Alene, Spokane, Post Falls, Hayden, Sandpoint, Moscow) and clients across Idaho and the U.S. via remote. Forward Deployed (on-site) is available for North Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Who does the work?

Kyle Cunningham. No account managers, no subcontractors. The person who designs your system is the person who builds and maintains it.

Timeline from audit to live?

Audit: ~1 week. Build & deploy: 4-8 weeks depending on scope. Most clients are live and shipping by week 12.

Do you work with organizations outside the U.S.?

Remote engagements work anywhere. On-site is limited to North Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Ready to explore?

Schedule a 15-minute call to talk about your business. No pitch. If the model fits, we schedule the audit.