Marketing requires different AI tools than HR. HR requires different tools than financial reporting. I help mid-market companies align AI by department, skill level, and operational maturity – instead of chasing tools. As a former e-commerce CEO, I know the difference between a tech demo and daily operations.
Book a free AI Intro CallTraditional consultancies thrive on "Yes". Every yes means a new billable project. This creates a built-in incentive to find reasons to keep going, recommending whatever services they sell while rarely advising a client to stop.
This is standard business logic. A firm dependent on the next assignment can rarely afford to say no.
NO/AI takes the opposite stance. I say No when No is the right answer. That independence is the foundation of my credibility – and the reason my work adds real value for you.
I do not sell software, platforms, or vendor licenses. My recommendations are tailored to your company – your budget, your strategic goals, and your team's skills. If a tool fits, I recommend it. If none fits, I say so clearly.
800 SEO categories built in 36 hours. Internationalization from 700 to 1,600 product categories across 7 languages. An AI-first company featured in leading tech press (t3n). I recommend only what I have built and operated myself.
As a former e-commerce CEO, I understand operational reality: limited budgets, real teams, and high-stakes decisions. No buzzwords or consultant jargon – just clear language and solutions that work.
Before any sprint, we start with a free 30-minute AI Intro Call. Larger initiatives like Corporate LLM or custom AI architecture are discussed once the baseline is established.
View all servicesWith over 15 years of experience in e-commerce, D2C, and pet health, I understand the unique dynamics of this market. Working with 120,000 pet owners in owned communities and with brands like Pets Deli serves as a real-world testing ground for AI workflows that deliver value across industries.
Explore AI in the pet market →| Criteria | Marco Herten | Software Vendor | Agency | Inhouse Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommends what fits | Yes | Pushes own product | Sells billable hours | Limited market scope |
| Aligns AI by department | ✓ | One tool for everything | Sells what they know | Siloed view |
| Understands executive reality | 15+ years e-commerce CEO | Knows own software | Superficial broadness | Knows company internally |
| Proven AI results | Featured press, real metrics | Feature demos | Logo walls | Early stage |
| No vendor lock-in | Yes | Proprietary lock-in | Retainer lock-in | Fixed overhead |
| Says no to ineffective efforts | Yes – clear "Not-To-Do" list | Always upsells | Sells more hours | Follows internal hierarchy |
The first step is a 30-minute conversation. No sales pitch, no script. A direct executive dialogue to evaluate if AI is relevant for your company and whether we are the right match.