How it works Book

Field Notes

Practical AI,
minus the hype.

Plain-spoken, proof-led writing for owners of local service businesses. Where to start, what actually saves time, and whether it's worth it, from someone with no software to sell.

A small-business owner writing a list of repeat tasks by hand at their desk, late afternoon
Getting Started Cornerstone 9 min read

Where to Start With AI When You're Too Busy to Figure It Out

A practical first step for HVAC, dental, and law shops who tried ChatGPT and got nowhere. Not a list of 50 tools, but a decision framework that starts with your actual work.

Read the cornerstone
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A business owner reviewing numbers on paper at a home-office desk in the evening
Is AI Worth It

Is AI Worth It for a Small Business? The Honest Answer (With Math)

7 min read
An owner working through a stack of paperwork at a desk beside a wall clock at the end of the day
Saving Time

How to Save 5+ Hours a Week as a Business Owner (With AI)

8 min read
A plumber taking a phone call in a work truck cab with job paperwork on the dash
Trades

AI for Plumbing Companies: What Actually Saves Time (Not the Enterprise Price Tag)

7 min read
An HVAC technician at the back of a service van with a tablet, parked at a suburban curb in morning light
Trades

AI for HVAC Companies: What Actually Works (From Someone Not Selling Software)

8 min read
A dental front-desk coordinator working at the reception computer in a warmly lit office
Trades

AI for Dental Practices: The Admin Hours You Can Actually Get Back

7 min read
A printed quote and reading glasses on a desk under a warm task lamp, a hand resting beside it
Is AI Worth It

How Much Does AI Consulting Cost for a Small Business? (2026)

7 min read

Your next step

Not sure where you stand? Start with the free 2-minute Scorecard.

The Scorecard places your business on a five-stage operational maturity scale and tells you what's realistic to expect at your stage. No email gymnastics, no sales call, just an honest read on where to start. When you want the specific 3 to 7 moves named for your business, the $999 Assessment is there.

Take the free AI Scorecard

Want the moves named for your business?

$999
one time · no retainer, no subscription

5+ hours a week back, or a full refund. A recorded call, a custom shortlist of 3 to 7 moves, and a 4-day plan.

Book the 45-Minute Assessment