Frequently Asked Questions

Discovery Sprint delivers in 2 days virtual, Lightning Launch in 5 days strategy plus 1 week implementation (12 days total), and Strategic Transformation in 10 days strategy plus 2 weeks implementation (4 weeks total). All timelines include both strategy development and coordinated technical deployment with implementation partners.

Our proprietary three-phase methodology: Assess (map workflows, score AI readiness, identify ROI opportunities), Implement (coordinated partner deployment, tool configuration, Custom GPT development), and Enable (team training, performance measurement, optimization). Every engagement follows this proven framework to ensure consistent results whether you choose our $1,750 Discovery Sprint or $8,750 Strategic Transformation.

Keith provides strategy, assessment, Custom GPT development, and training. Vetted implementation partners handle Zapier/Make automation and technical deployment. This hybrid model ensures you get both strategic guidance and coordinated execution without paying for duplicate expertise.

Day 1: 60-minute consultation to understand your pain points and operational needs. Day 2: 30-minute follow-up walking you through your AI Opportunity Assessment, custom prompts, tool recommendations, and implementation cost estimates. You'll receive a 1-page roadmap, top 3 tool recommendations, 5 custom prompts, and clear next steps.

Your time investment is minimal compared to DIY implementation: 2 hours for Discovery Sprint, 6-8 hours for Lightning Launch (spread over 2 weeks), 12-15 hours for Strategic Transformation (spread over 4 weeks). Most of this is training sessions that directly benefit your team. You provide business context and workflow details during assessment, then we handle technical setup while you focus on running your business.

All services are delivered virtually via video calls and screen sharing. This keeps costs down and allows flexible scheduling. We serve Metro Vancouver SMBs remotely with plans to expand to Calgary and Toronto in Year 2.

Keith orchestrates the entire project while implementation partners execute technical builds. You get a single point of contact (Keith) managing strategy, partner coordination, quality control, and training - avoiding the chaos of managing multiple freelancers yourself.

A full-time AI specialist costs $80,000-$120,000 annually, takes 3-6 months to recruit and onboard, and requires ongoing management and benefits. Our packages deliver expert strategy and coordinated implementation in weeks, not months, at 5-10% of the annual cost with zero overhead, no recruitment process, and immediate access to proven methodologies.

We focus on proven, SMB-friendly tools under $200/month: LLMs (OpenAI ChatGPT, Custom GPTs, Google Gemini, NotebookLM, Anthropic Claude, Perplexity), Automation (Zapier, Make.com), and Supporting tools (Notion AI, Typeform, Tally). We avoid enterprise tools like Salesforce or HubSpot that exceed SMB budgets.

Most clients need ChatGPT Plus ($20 USD/month) and Zapier ($20-30/month). Total monthly tool costs typically run $50-100 CAD. All tools are month-to-month subscriptions with no long-term commitments. We provide specific recommendations during your Discovery Sprint based on your workflows.

No. We specialize in no-code/low-code solutions that work for non-technical teams. If you can use email, you can use our AI implementations. Training is included in every package to ensure your team can confidently use the tools.

Often, yes. Many recommended tools connect via Zapier, Make.com, or native integrations to your existing CRM/scheduling/email stack. We verify compatibility during your audit phase and design workflows around your current systems.

A Custom GPT is a specialized version of ChatGPT trained on your business-specific information (procedures, FAQs, product details, brand voice). It acts like a virtual team member who knows your business inside and out. Use cases: customer service, employee onboarding, document drafting, sales assistance. Included in Lightning Launch and Strategic Transformation packages.

ChatGPT excels at conversation, brainstorming, and general tasks. Claude (Anthropic) is better for analyzing long documents, maintaining context, and safer tone for external communications. We recommend specific tools based on your use cases - sometimes you'll use both for different workflows.

No. Most tools we recommend cost less than your monthly phone bill. The ROI calculation shows savings far exceed costs: if you save 5 hours weekly at $30/hour, that's $7,800 annually. Tool costs? Around $1,200 annually. Net benefit: $6,600+ per year.

All implementations include data governance protocols, privacy safeguards, and compliance alignment. We only recommend tools that meet Canadian PIPEDA standards and support GDPR/HIPAA contexts where applicable. We teach you what data to share with AI tools and what to keep internal.

Five sectors across Metro Vancouver: retail & e-commerce (1-50 employees), professional services like law/accounting (1-50 employees), healthcare & wellness clinics (5-75 employees), manufacturing & logistics (10-100 employees), and hospitality & food service (5-80 employees). Each engagement is tailored to your sector's specific workflows and compliance requirements.

Product description generation, GPT-powered customer service, inventory optimization alerts, personalized marketing emails, review management automation, supplier communication templates. Typical ROI: 2.0x with focus on speed to market and customer satisfaction improvements.

HIPAA-compliant AI assistants, automated appointment scheduling, intake form processing, patient communication templates, clinical documentation assistance, insurance verification workflows. Expected ROI: 1.8x with strict privacy safeguards and reduced administrative burden on clinical staff.

Contract drafting assistance, automated client intake, Claude document analysis for research, proposal generation, knowledge management systems, email response templates. Typically delivers 2.5x ROI by reclaiming billable hours from administrative work.

Demand forecasting based on historical patterns, predictive maintenance alert systems, supply chain optimization, automated documentation, inventory tracking alerts, quality control reporting. Targeting 2.0x ROI with minimal workflow disruption.

Menu optimization based on sales data, automated review monitoring and response, AI concierge services for guest questions, staff scheduling optimization, promotional content generation, supplier order management. Expected 1.8x ROI focused on service speed and guest satisfaction.

We've completed Discovery Sprint pilots in construction, retail, and food service, generating case studies showing significant ROI potential (up to 30.7x ROI for construction client with $46,800 annual savings identified). Additional case studies are being developed across all five target sectors during our pilot validation phase.

We prioritize tools aligned with Canadian PIPEDA requirements and support GDPR/HIPAA contexts where applicable. All recommendations include data governance protocols and privacy safeguards specific to your regulatory environment. We train your team on what information can and cannot be shared with AI tools.

Bring one real workflow or task you'd like to improve - we'll use it as a test case during assessment. Access to your current systems and processes for workflow mapping. Availability from key team members who'll use the AI tools daily (2-4 hours total during implementation).

Yes. All packages include hands-on training: Lightning Launch includes a 90-minute workshop, Strategic Transformation provides two 90-minute comprehensive team training sessions. You'll learn safe prompting techniques, workflow best practices, and adoption habits that stick. Training materials and documentation included.

Each engagement includes documentation of tools deployed, workflows automated, ROI estimates, adoption progress, and recommended next steps for continued growth. Post-implementation support: Discovery Sprint (handoff materials), Lightning Launch (7-day email support), Strategic Transformation (14-day email support plus 30-day optimization check-in).

We establish clear benchmarks upfront - time saved, tasks automated, accuracy improvements, cost reductions - and track progress through our ROI measurement framework (included in Strategic Transformation). All packages include before/after assessment to track actual results against projections.

Yes. Each engagement includes documentation of tools deployed, workflows automated, ROI estimates, adoption progress metrics, and recommended next steps for continued growth. You receive this as both PDF and editable formats for internal sharing.

Discovery Sprint: Handoff materials only. Lightning Launch: 7-day email support for troubleshooting. Strategic Transformation: 14-day email support plus 30-day optimization check-in. Response time: 24 hours for support requests during business days.

Yes. You can purchase additional Lightning Launch or Strategic Transformation packages for new workflow areas. Many clients start with 1-2 workflows, prove ROI, then expand to additional departments or processes. Volume discounts available for multiple packages.

During your included support period (7-14 days depending on package), email support is provided. We're committed to ensuring your implementations work smoothly and your team feels confident using the tools.

Highridge AI & Digital Consulting is based in Vancouver, Canada, serving Metro Vancouver SMBs across five key sectors. All services are delivered virtually via video calls and screen sharing.

Currently focused on Canadian businesses, starting with Metro Vancouver. Our tools and methods work globally, but our initial focus is building proven success in the Canadian SMB market before expanding internationally.

Yes. Year 2 expansion: Calgary and Toronto. Year 3: Full Canadian coverage. Year 4: Pacific Northwest USA. We're focusing on building proven success patterns in Metro Vancouver first before geographic scaling.

Yes, all services are delivered remotely. This keeps costs down and allows flexible scheduling. We serve clients across Metro Vancouver virtually, with plans to expand to other Canadian cities using the same remote-first model.

Contact us to discuss your current workflows and business challenges. We'll schedule a brief intro call (15-20 minutes) to determine if AI is a good fit for your needs. If it makes sense, we'll book your Discovery Sprint to identify specific opportunities and provide your roadmap.

Discovery Sprints can typically be scheduled within 1-2 weeks. Lightning Launch and Strategic Transformation projects start after Discovery Sprint completion or can begin immediately if you already know your priorities. Current availability and timeline will be confirmed during your initial consultation.

Yes. We offer free 15-20 minute consultation calls to discuss your needs and determine if our services are a good fit. No pressure, no sales pitch - just an honest conversation about whether AI makes sense for your business right now. Contact us to schedule.