Operational Architecture for the AI Era
I don't sell "magic buttons." I build the systems that allow 1 person to do the work of 10. Practical, empirical guidance from a founder who runs real businesses.
Here's the reality:
Most small business owners know they should be using AI, but they're overwhelmed by the options and unsure where to start. You've probably tried a few tools, maybe ChatGPT or some automation software, but you're not sure if you're actually getting value from them or just adding more complexity.
I treat my own companies (HawaiiGuide, GardenandBloom, GroveTop) as a laboratory. I test these tools on my own P&L statement before I ever recommend them to you. If I suggest a workflow, it's because it's currently running on my server, paying my bills. You get the survivor's manual, not the brochure. I've spent 25+ years building web systems and the last decade running multiple online businesses. This isn't theory for me-it's operational reality.
Ready to start?
Email Victoria to discuss your project: victoria@guideofus.com
Victoria handles initial triage and client coordination. I focus on the systems architecture work.
What I Help With
Cognitive Scaling & Agentic Workflows
Stop trying to write faster. Start building agents that write for you. I help you transition from "using ChatGPT" to building autonomous workflows that handle research, drafting, and data analysis while you sleep. This isn't about churning out content-it's about cloning your decision-making process so your business runs without you micromanaging every task.
Operational Leverage Systems
Every hour you spend on repetitive tasks is an hour you're not spending on growth. I help you identify the highest-value bottleneck in your operation and build a system to eliminate it. Email responses, customer service, data entry, scheduling-these should run automatically. We build the infrastructure that lets you scale revenue without scaling headcount.
Tool Stack Architecture
There are hundreds of AI tools out there. Most are vaporware. I cut through the hype and recommend tools I've actually stress-tested in production environments. If I suggest a platform, it's because I've already broken it, fixed it, and verified it works at scale. You get engineering assessments, not sales brochures.
Systems Architecture & Roadmapping
Every business is different. What works for a content site won't work for e-commerce. What works for a service business won't work for SaaS. I analyze your current operation, identify the highest-leverage intervention point, and design a system that solves your actual constraint-not the constraint you think you have. You get a blueprint based on your current reality, not a five-year fantasy plan.
Who This Is For
You're probably a good fit if:
- You view your business as a system to be optimized, not just a job to be done
- You're hitting capacity constraints and need leverage, not just "more hours"
- You're tired of AI hype and want empirical engineering
- You value logic, efficiency, and measurable results over motivational speeches
- You're ready to replace bloat with infrastructure
This is systems architecture work, not hand-holding. I'm not going to log into your account and set everything up for you. I design the blueprint-you (or your team) build it. If you want someone to "do it for you," you need an implementation partner, not an architect. If you want to understand how to think about these systems so you can build and maintain them yourself, we should talk.
Common use cases:
- Automating repetitive email and customer support responses
- Building a content pipeline that doesn't consume the entire week
- Choosing an AI tool stack that matches your budget and team capabilities
- Creating SOPs so your team can use AI consistently
- Scaling operations without proportionally scaling headcount
How It Works
1. Initial Email Triage
Victoria handles the initial intake. Send her your current bottleneck, what you've tried, and your business model. She'll coordinate with me to assess whether a systems-level solution exists.
2. Constraint Analysis
I analyze your operation (via written documentation, async communication) and identify the highest-leverage intervention points. This is where we separate signal from noise.
3. Roadmap Delivery
You get a written, prioritized plan: which tools, what steps, and what to ignore. Based on your current reality, not a five-year fantasy.
4. Optional Ongoing Support
Lightweight advisory while you implement. Some clients need one roadmap and they're off to the races. Others want ongoing guidance via email. Either works.
Ready to start?
Email Victoria: victoria@guideofus.com
FAQ
Do you implement this for me?
No. I design the system architecture-you (or your team) build it. If you need someone to handle implementation, I can recommend people. But my role is to give you the blueprint and teach you how to think about these systems.
What kinds of businesses are a good fit?
Small businesses (1-10 people) hitting capacity constraints. You're doing well but maxed out on hours. You value systems and efficiency over "hustle." Content businesses, service businesses, e-commerce-all work if you're serious about operational leverage.
What tools do you work with?
Whatever actually solves your problem. I'm not affiliated with any specific platform. Claude, ChatGPT, Make, Zapier, custom APIs-I use what works. I test everything on my own businesses first, so you get engineering assessments, not vendor pitches.
What does a typical engagement look like?
You start by emailing Victoria with your situation. She coordinates with me for the constraint analysis. I work primarily through written documentation and async communication (I'm autistic and prefer this format-it also produces better technical outcomes). You get a written roadmap. Some people implement it themselves and we're done. Others want ongoing advisory via email. Project basis, not retainers.
How quickly will I see results?
Depends on the constraint and your implementation speed. Some workflows (like email templates or content drafting) can be running in days. Larger system redesigns take weeks. I won't promise overnight transformations-this is engineering, not magic.
What if I'm already using AI tools?
Good. That means you understand the potential. Most people using AI tools are either (1) not using them to full capacity, or (2) using too many without a coherent system. I help you optimize what you have and cut what you don't need.
Initial Triage
If you want to explore working together, email Victoria: victoria@guideofus.com
Include: (1) Your current bottleneck, (2) What you've already tried, (3) Your business model. Victoria will coordinate with me for the technical assessment. You'll get a response within 24-48 hours with an evaluation of whether a systems-level solution exists for your constraint.
This isn't a sales pitch. It's a triage. We work primarily through written communication (better for technical accuracy anyway). If I can't design a system that solves your specific problem, we'll tell you directly and point you in a better direction.
