Consulting FAQ

If you’re considering working with me, here are answers to common questions. If you’re still unsure, feel free to reach out and we can chat.

What are your rates?

Rates vary depending on the type of engagement.

Project-based or retainer pricing is available for longer-term work. These rates reflect my time, experience, and the level of ownership involved. That said, I’m still refining how I structure engagements and pricing. I’m open to discussing arrangements that are mutually beneficial—especially for compelling or early-stage work. If you’re unsure which category your needs fall under, let’s discuss during the intro call.

What’s the typical engagement process?

Most engagements follow a simple structure:

1. Free 30–60 minute call to understand your ideas and business, ask questions, and see if it’s a fit.
2. Focused design or architecture session — typically a few hours or a flat-fee phase to define the problem, scope, and options.
3. Implementation discussion — whether I build it, your team does, or we bring in a contract firm.

This lets us move quickly while ensuring clarity and alignment at every step.

What’s your availability?

I take on a limited number of clients to ensure high-quality work.

I’m not overbooked, but I’m also not looking to fill every available hour. If the work is interesting and impactful, I’ll find time for it.

Can you take on larger projects?

Yes — depending on the scope.

While I don’t currently operate a firm, I have a trusted network of engineers and collaborators I can ramp up if needed. For the right project, I’m open to scaling involvement.

What are your strengths?

My core expertise is in backend and infrastructure engineering, with a focus on:

• Distributed systems at scale
• Non-relational databases (e.g. DynamoDB, Redis)
• Cloud-native architecture (especially AWS)
• High-efficiency, high-performance systems using >80% resource utilization
• API design for performance, availability, and maintainability

I’m pragmatic, biased toward simplicity, and driven by measurable results.

What’s your consulting philosophy?

I aim to deliver impact, not billable hours.

Every project and product is different. Some need to be scrappy and fast, others need to be bulletproof from day one. I help you navigate what matters most for your stage and goals.

My style is transparent, direct, and collaborative. I don’t oversell, if something is out of my depth, I’ll say so. If I know someone better suited, I’ll gladly make the intro.

Whether I’m writing code, reviewing architecture, or helping set technical direction, my goal is the same: to make things better in a way that lasts.

Do you work under NDAs?

Yes. I’m happy to review and sign mutual NDAs as part of the onboarding process.

Do you do one-off consultations?

Yes. If you just need an hour of my time to review something, provide an opinion, or ask technical questions; I offer ad hoc sessions at the above hourly rates (based on role).

What types of clients do you work with?

Most of my experience is with startups and large tech companies. I’m open to early-stage founders, product teams, technical leads, or executives who need a helping mind/hand.

What industries have you worked in?

I’ve worked across:

• Aerospace
• Telecom
• Crypto / Fintech
• Advertising

My approach focuses more on solving hard technical and product problems than any one vertical.

What’s your typical engagement model?

This varies by project, but common formats include:

• Short-term advisory (1–5 sessions)
• Architectural design & review (1–3 weeks)
• Ongoing technical support (monthly retainer or block hours)
• End-to-end development sprints

How do I get started?

Start by reaching out. Include a short note about what you’re working on and what kind of support you’re looking for. I’ll follow up to schedule a short intro call.