My Rates (And the Thinking Behind Them)

Talking money is often seen as weird or deeply uncomfortable. I prefer to normalize this. We should always be able to discuss rates and revenue and cashflow and all the factors that affect these things. 

Because I work primarily with early-stage, local, and longevity-minded businesses, I base my rates on reality. What I charge a corporate entity just doesn’t make sense to offer to my chosen audience. That matters to me. So I base my rates on fair market value for my tenure in combination with the economics of each business. Fair to both sides. 

I also offer a reduced rate for founders who are in an early stage of building, and as their business grows, we adjust accordingly. I’ve intentionally set this rate at half of my standard for clients who meet specific, non-negotiable criteria. My work needs to be sustainable for both of us, so the structure itself is part of how I practice what I recommend.

I know how difficult it can be to invest in thinking space while you’re actively running a business, especially early on. I also know that advising only creates value when there’s enough room to engage with it. I don’t want anyone paying for support that adds pressure instead of relief. 

My model is meant to support founders who are truly in a growth phase and have the capacity to apply what we uncover together. And if now isn’t the right time, that’s okay. I trust your timing.

Okay, let’s talk numbers!

My Benchmarks

This isn’t a discount on my work. It’s a deliberate pricing choice that reflects the stage, risk profile, and cash realities of early-stage businesses, while still anchoring in the full value of the work itself.

Monthly Revenue	Approx. Business Phase	Recommended Rate
<$12K / month	Building/Bootstrapping	$400/month reduced advising rate*
$12K–$30K / month	Traction/Early Growth	$800/month standard advising rate
$30K+ / month	Growing/Established	Custom engagement

This lets me ensure the reduced rate is actually subsidizing early growth, not deprioritizing strategy. The tiered structure is designed with capacity and context in mind.

*Reduced Rate Eligibility

The early-stage advising rate ($400/month) is available to founders who meet both of the following criteria:

• Your business earns under $12,000/month in gross revenue, averaged over the past 3 months   → Total up your last 3 months of gross (pre-expense) revenue, divide by 3. That’s your average.

• You’re personally drawing less than $4,000/month from the business (this includes paychecks, distributions, or any personal income from the business)   → This is not a judgment. In fact, part of our work together is aimed at helping you grow to a point where you can increase this. We grow together.

This rate is designed to support viable early-stage businesses. It’s intended for founders who are resourcing themselves thoughtfully and are prioritizing this type of support. If you’re not quite here yet but working toward it, you’re welcome to  reach out,  I’m happy to share my perspective. 

Duration

This rate is available:

• For your first 18 months of business operation AND

• Until your revenue/draw exceeds the thresholds, whichever comes first.

Review & Reassessment

• We’ll reassess every 6 months (or sooner if your situation changes).I trust you to tell me when you’ve made a meaningful shift. If you’re not sure, just check in — we can figure it out together.

• As your business grows—or if broader factors shift—we’ll revisit this together to make sure the structure still makes sense for both of us.

Not Sure If You Qualify?

Let’s talk. If you’re in build mode and working toward these benchmarks, I offer free 30-minute discovery calls to help you assess what kind of support fits best. 

On that call I’ll:

• Ask a few light, strategic questions

• Share recommendations tailored to your goals and budget

• Point you toward other resources (including tools, approaches, or offerings from my ecosystem)

Sometimes that conversation alone is enough to get you unstuck. And if not, you’ll at least leave with more clarity and next steps.

Final Note

Please know: this rate philosophy is about my capacity and accountability, not your value.

I believe in building structures that support equity, without burning ourselves out. That means holding these boundaries with care, and with deep trust that people will come into this work when it’s truly the right time.