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Questions, answered plainly
Short answer: Answers to common small-business questions about IT support, AI tools, security, pricing, data safety and what happens when you reach out.
Getting started
What happens when I contact you?
You send a short message. I reply within one business day to set a free 20-minute call. After that you get a written scope and a fixed price. Nothing is billed until you approve it.
Do I need a long contract?
No. Care plans are month to month. Projects are fixed price with a written scope.
Who are your clients?
Small businesses of roughly 3 to 25 people with no IT department: professional offices, trades, studios, nonprofits and solo professionals.
Do you work outside Charlotte?
Yes. Most work is remote, so anywhere in the US works. Onsite visits are for the Charlotte area.
IT support
What is the difference between managed IT and break-fix?
Break-fix means you call when something breaks and pay by the hour. Managed IT means a monthly fee covers prevention and support. Break-fix costs less when nothing goes wrong; managed IT is steadier and catches problems early. Both are offered.
Is there 24/7 support?
No. I am one person. Replies come within one business day. If you need round-the-clock coverage, I will tell you honestly and suggest a larger provider.
Can you work with my current IT person or vendor?
Yes. I can cover gaps, take second opinions, or act as co-managed support alongside an existing person.
Who owns our accounts and passwords?
You do. I use my own named admin account, and the credentials are documented and handed to you.
AI
Is it safe to use ChatGPT or similar tools at work?
It depends on what goes in. Free consumer accounts can use inputs differently than business plans. A short written rule about what staff may paste, plus approved business-grade tools, makes it much safer.
Will AI replace my employees?
The projects I take on remove repetitive tasks so people can spend time on work that needs judgment. I will not recommend an automation I would not want applied to my own business.
What does an AI project cost?
An AI Quick Start is $1500 fixed over two weeks. Larger builds start at $4000 and are fixed-price after scoping.
Security and data
My business is small. Am I really a target?
Yes. Attacks are largely automated, and small businesses often have fewer defenses. Most incidents come through stolen passwords, phishing and missing backups, which are all fixable.
Do you do HIPAA or compliance certification?
No. Regulated compliance work needs specialists, business associate agreements and sometimes legal counsel. I will tell you where my scope ends.
What happens to my data and what you collect through this site?
The contact form sends your message to me by email and nothing else. See the privacy note.