Frequently Asked Questions

How do engagements typically start?

With a free 30-minute discovery call. We use it to understand what you're trying to solve, whether we're the right fit, and what format would make sense — a short sprint, a 90-day engagement, or ongoing advisory. If it isn't a fit, we'll say so and point you toward someone who is.

What does an engagement cost?

Strategy sprints start at $9,500. 90-day engagements are fixed-fee and quoted after the discovery call, typically in the $28,000–$65,000 range depending on scope. Advisory retainers start at $3,200 per month. We invoice monthly; no long-term lock-ins.

Do you work with companies outside California?

Yes. Roughly half of our clients are outside California. Most engagements are hybrid — an on-site kickoff (when travel makes sense) followed by weekly video sessions and shared workspaces.

What size companies do you work with?

Most clients are between $500K and $80M in annual revenue with 5 to 250 employees. We occasionally work with pre-revenue founders on positioning and financial modeling, and with larger companies on specific projects.

What industries do you specialize in?

B2B SaaS, DTC and e-commerce brands, professional services, light manufacturing and distribution, wellness and consumer services, and founder-led family businesses in transition.

Will I work with Jill directly or with a junior consultant?

Directly with Jill. On engagements that need specialist depth (deep financial modeling, quantitative research, technical assessments) we bring in one of a small bench of trusted subcontractors — and you always know who is doing what.

Do you sign NDAs?

Yes. We're happy to sign your NDA or provide our standard mutual NDA. We also carry professional liability insurance and can share a certificate on request.

Do you take referral fees from software vendors?

No. We take no referral fees, no reseller commissions, and no software kickbacks. Our only source of revenue is our client fees, so our advice stays independent.

How do you handle confidential information?

Client materials are stored in a dedicated, access-controlled workspace and deleted or returned at the end of the engagement per your instruction. See our Privacy Policy for details.

What if the engagement isn't working?

You can end any engagement with 15 days' written notice. We'll pro-rate the fee, hand over all work product, and — if we didn't deliver what we promised — issue a partial credit. It's happened twice in eleven years. We'd rather make it right than argue about it.

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