Engagement Models

Straightforward engagements.
No surprises.

We don't do bloated retainers or vague hourly estimates that balloon. Every engagement starts with a clear scope, a clear structure, and a clear understanding of what done looks like.

Our work is priced for businesses that value outcomes over the cheapest option. Technical engagements typically start at $100 / hour — scoped to what you actually need, not padded to fill a budget. We'll tell you up front what something will cost and why, and we won't start work until we agree.

How We Engage

Three ways to work together.

Defined Scope

Project-Based

Fixed price · Fixed scope

Best for well-defined problems with a clear start and end. We agree on scope, deliverables, and price before anything begins. No surprises at the finish line.

  • Scope of Work document before work begins
  • Fixed deliverables and acceptance criteria
  • Session Summary Report on completion
  • Defined handoff — everything yours to keep
Fits well for Network builds Remote access setup One-time configurations
Flexible

Hourly & Retainer

Hourly from $100 · or monthly block

Best for ongoing work, evolving scope, or businesses that need a reliable technical partner available on short notice. Retainer blocks are pre-purchased at a slight discount and roll month to month.

  • Transparent time tracking and reporting
  • Priority scheduling for retainer clients
  • Rules of Engagement document for ongoing work
  • No lock-in — pause or stop with notice
Fits well for Ongoing support Multi-phase builds Advisory relationships
Embedded Leadership

Fractional CIO & COO

Milestone-based · Monthly engagement

Best for growing businesses that need senior operations and technology leadership but aren't ready for a full-time hire. We step in, set direction, own the roadmap, and stay until the business is running the way it should.

  • Dedicated point of contact — Blake or Matt
  • Milestone spine with clear deliverables at each stage
  • Vendor management and tool selection
  • Clean handoff when the engagement ends — no lock-in
Fits well for Growing SMBs Automation builds Operational overhauls

Transparency

What drives the cost.

No engagement is priced the same way. These are the factors that move the number up or down — knowing them helps you come to the conversation prepared.

Scope clarity A well-defined problem costs less to solve than an open-ended one. The more you know about what you need, the tighter we can scope it.
Technical complexity A single device configuration is different from a multi-site network build or a full automation stack. Complexity is scoped honestly, not padded.
Timeline Rushed timelines cost more. If you have flexibility, we can often find a more cost-effective path through the work.
Ongoing vs. one-time Retainer and fractional engagements carry a slight discount over pure hourly work in exchange for scheduling commitment.

Not sure which model fits?

Most engagements start with a 30-minute conversation. We’ll listen to what you’re working on, tell you what we think it takes, and give you a straight answer on what it would cost.

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