Sometimes you just need the right person to think with.
You don't need a full engagement. You need sixty minutes with someone who's done this before — at Trek, at Bird, at companies like yours — to help you see the path forward.
One question. One conversation. A plan you can act on.
The Format
- 60-90 minute video call, 1:1 with Michael
- Screen-sharing welcome
- I review your organization beforehand and come prepared
- Written recap with action steps delivered within 48 hours
What We Cover
- AI strategy and readiness
- Marketing systems and digital presence
- Content automation and workflows
- Tool selection and vendor evaluation
- Grant strategy and organizational readiness
Who It's For
- Chambers of commerce
- Destination marketing organizations
- Municipalities and local government
- Economic development organizations
- Growing companies exploring options
Not sure which one you need?
Discovery Call
Free · 30 minutes- For companies exploring a build engagement
- We talk about your business and determine fit
- If we're aligned, I send a proposal
- No deliverable — this is a mutual assessment
Strategy Session
$350 flat fee · 60-90 minutes- For organizations that want expert guidance now
- I review your situation beforehand and come prepared
- We go deep on one specific question or challenge
- You get a written recap with 3-5 prioritized next steps
- A standalone deliverable — not a pitch for more work
Twenty years of operating. Not consulting.
I built the marketing that drove a $350M division at Trek. I cut customer acquisition cost by 96% at Bird Rides. I've launched products, killed products, and sat in the room when leadership wanted answers. I bring that same instinct to every strategy session — plus AI fluency that compresses months of work into weeks.
"Michael is smart, innovative and relentless. He works from first principles to get to the root of an opportunity, and builds something that will actually capitalize on it. You get an A+ partner who says what he says and does what he says."
— Jarrod Beglinger, Creative DirectorYou bring one question. I come prepared. You leave with a written plan you can act on.
Includes: Pre-session research, 60-90 minute video call, and a written recap with prioritized action steps delivered within 48 hours.
Stripe-secured checkout. The moment you pay, you'll land on a confirmation page with my scheduling link — pick a time that works. 60-day credit: if we move into a build engagement within 60 days, your session fee is credited toward it. Money-back guarantee: if we don't get to real value together, full refund minus Stripe transaction fees (in place of the credit). Many regional organizations bill this to their technical assistance or professional development line.
Common questions.
What if I'm not sure what my one question is?
That's normal. We'll spend the first ten minutes framing the right question together. Most people know what's keeping them stuck — they just haven't had someone to sharpen it with.
Can I expense this or bill it to a grant?
Yes. You'll receive a proper invoice and receipt. Strategy sessions qualify as technical assistance or professional development under most grant and organizational budgets.
Will you try to sell me something during the session?
No. The session is a standalone deliverable. The written recap may note where a build engagement would help, but there's no pitch. You paid for guidance — that's what you get.
What if I need ongoing support?
I offer an advisory retainer — two sessions per month with async email access between calls. Most people start with a single session and decide from there.
What if I just have a quick question?
Email me at [email protected]. Quick questions are free. The Strategy Session is for when you need depth, not a quick answer.
Ready to think it through?
One conversation. One question. A written plan you can take to your board, your team, or your next decision.