FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I price on a fixed price basis 95% of the time. Only when it's very very difficult to scope the project will be be forced to do hourly. It's usually better/more comfortable for the client and all parties.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Always takes a bit of time to ramp up on your business - my job is to get up to speed as quickly as possible so we can be on the same page/I can make suggestions based on the business need..
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 15 years experience in strategy consulting, loyalty/rewards marketing, and have created several successful businesses. I've consulted to numerous startups at various stages from pre-seed through Series D. I have a strong breadth of industry expertise having completed projects and built businesses in travel, financial services, real estate, retail, grocery, gas. I've created rewards programs around the world and managed Membership Rewards partnerships at American Express as well as the Black, Platinum, and Gold Cards and developed a portfolio-wide strategy. I have my MBA from Yale University and my BA from Cornell University. I'm fast and hyper-reliable (that's the New Yorker in me) and pride myself on my multitasking ability (I used to have a day "corporate" job with four of my own successful businesses on the side). I believe in developing a tight plan up front for every project and really focus on iterative development - I very much like establishing checkpoints with clients as I want them to be part of the process. In terms of industries, there's not an industry I haven't advised on - everything from retail to financial services to advertising to media to sciences. I love having diversity in my projects and developing the optimal business strategy. I'm also a game theory expert so I always very much focus on the competition and making sure the businesses I advise on are positioned appropriately. Personally, I'm a lifelong athlete (basketball, football, soccer, tennis), avid traveler (100+ countries and counting), and love food. I also used to be a professional poker player which paid for both college and grad school. - Hablo español - Je parle français As I'm newer to Thumbtack, here are a few blurbs from my clients: "Athan just gets business. I've worked with him on several different projects and he always has an incredible way of distilling the problem and developing a smart strategy." - Tara, Brand/Business Model Agency Owner "Athan is the consummate New York business person - it's no coincidence he's so good at helping others. He's gritty and reliable. He always delivers" - Kevin, Real Estate Business Owner "Hire him and give him some working space - he will surprise you." - Brian, former boss. "There are not many people who can wear so many hats simultaneously - Athan is a rare person." - Tom, Strategy Consultant