WE BUILD

The operating system that runs your business — without making you the bottleneck.

The operating system that runs your business — without making you the bottleneck.

We install the system that holds ownership, decisions, and execution together, so progress doesn’t depend on the founder’s memory, presence, or follow-up.

We install the system that holds ownership, decisions, and execution together, so progress doesn’t depend on the founder’s memory, presence, or follow-up.

We install the system that holds ownership, decisions, and execution together, so progress doesn’t depend on the founder’s memory, presence, or follow-up.

Three layers. One system. Installed in sequence.

Three layers. One system. Installed in sequence.

Three layers. One system. Installed in sequence.

Investment: $2,000 - $12,000 depending on scope

Investment: $2,000 - $12,000 depending on scope

Investment: $2,000 - $12,000 depending on scope

Typical ROI: 4-10X in Year 1

Typical ROI: 4-10X in Year 1

Typical ROI: 4-10X in Year 1

Every engagement starts with a $497 diagnostic audit

Every engagement starts with a $497 diagnostic audit

Every engagement starts with a $497 diagnostic audit

Get Your Operating System Audit - $497

Get Your Operating System Audit - $497

See Pricing Details ↓

Get Your Operating System Audit - $497

Get Your Operating System Audit - $497

See Pricing Details ↓

Get Your Operating System Audit - $497

Get Your Operating System Audit - $497

See Pricing Details ↓

WHAT THE SYSTEM INCLUDES

WHAT THE SYSTEM INCLUDES

WHAT THE SYSTEM INCLUDES

The operating system is installed in three layers.

Each layer solves a different execution problem.

Each layer builds on the one before it.

LAYER 1

Base Operating System

Clarity, cadence, and accountability at the leadership level.

LAYER 2

Function Optimization

How work actually moves through the business.

LAYER 3

Tools & Technology

Systems that support real workflows — not chaos.

WHY THE ORDER MATTERS

WHY THE ORDER MATTERS

WHY THE ORDER MATTERS

Most execution problems aren’t caused by lack of effort.

They’re caused by fixing the right things in the wrong order.

When structure is missing, teams compensate with effort.

When clarity is missing, processes break.

When process is missing, tools automate confusion.

Structure carries execution. Technology only accelerates what already works.

No foundation

Execution collapses onto the founder. Decisions escalate. Accountability stays informal.

Process before clarity

Work depends on people, not systems. Handoffs break. Rework and chasing increase.

Tools too early

Confusion gets automated. Tools get blamed. Noise increases, clarity drops.

Execution doesn't fail because people don't care.

Execution doesn't fail because people don't care.

It fails because the foundation was never installed.

It fails because the foundation was never installed.

This is why First Ground combines organizational systems thinking, process optimization, and agile execution — but tailors them to YOUR business, not a one-size-fits-all template.

LAYER 1 — BASE OPERATING SYSTEM

LAYER 1 — BASE OPERATING SYSTEM

LAYER 1 — BASE OPERATING SYSTEM

The foundation that allows execution to run without constant founder involvement.

Processes or tools only work on a solid foundation.

Layer 1 installs clarity, cadence, and accountability at the leadership level — so decisions don't bottleneck, priorities don't drift, and issues don't recycle.

AFTER LAYER 1 IS INSTALLED, YOUR BUSINESS HAS:

AFTER LAYER 1 IS INSTALLED, YOUR BUSINESS HAS:

• Clear ownership — every function has one accountable owner

• Decision rights — teams decide at the right level without escalation

• Weekly execution rhythm — 90-minute meeting that surfaces reality

• Performance scorecard — 6-8 metrics showing problems before they burn

• Issue resolution system — problems solved permanently, not repeated

• Quarterly priorities — 3-7 focus areas with clear owners, reviewed weekly

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN LAYER 1:

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN LAYER 1:

STRATEGIC CLARITY

STRATEGIC CLARITY

→ Vision & Direction Document (10-year target, 3-year picture, 1-year plan)

→ Culture Manifesto (values, behaviors, standards documented)

→ Quarterly Vision Tracker (progress toward long-term goals)

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

→ Ownership Chart (every function has ONE owner, no gaps)

→ Decision Rights Matrix (who can decide what without asking you)

→ Role Clarity Documents (responsibilities, authority, success metrics)

EXECUTION RHYTHM

EXECUTION RHYTHM

→ Weekly Leadership Meeting System (structured 90-minute agenda)

→ Performance Scorecard (6-8 leading metrics, updated weekly)

→ Issue Resolution System (problems logged, prioritized, solved permanently)

→ Quarterly Priority Planning (3-7 focus areas with owners, reviewed weekly)

CAPABILITY TRANSFER

CAPABILITY TRANSFER

→ Leadership team trained until they own the system

→ First meetings run together (we facilitate until rhythm holds)

→ Adoption verification (we don't leave until it runs without us)

TYPICAL RESULTS (LAYER 1):

TYPICAL RESULTS (LAYER 1):

TIME RECLAIMED: 12-15 hours/week

TIME RECLAIMED: 12-15 hours/week

Founder no longer the decision bottleneck

Founder no longer the decision bottleneck

Annual Value: 15 hrs × 52 weeks × $50/hr = $39,000

Annual Value: 15 hrs × 52 weeks × $50/hr = $39,000

ESCALATION REDUCTION: 60-70%

ESCALATION REDUCTION: 60-70%

Fewer decisions reaching founder

Fewer decisions reaching founder

Team makes decisions at the right level

Team makes decisions at the right level

VACATION CAPABILITY: 2+ weeks

VACATION CAPABILITY: 2+ weeks

Business runs without founder present

Business runs without founder present

Weekly meeting happens independently

Weekly meeting happens independently

HOW WE DELIVER LAYER 1:

We offer three engagement options.

The outcome is the same — a system that runs without you.

The difference is HOW we get there.

Blueprint

Blueprint

We diagnose and design the system.

Your team implements.

Timeline: ~14 days

Your time: 8-10 hours total

Team time: 40-50 hours (implementation)

Best for:

• Teams with strong execution capability

• Internal project manager who can drive adoption

• Budget-conscious businesses

What you get:

• Complete system design (all documents/templates)

• Implementation roadmap

• 3 training sessions with leadership team

What you build:

• Team implements the design

• Founder facilitates first meetings

• Team owns adoption

Success rate: ~30%

(Most teams struggle with self-implementation)

Starting at $2,000

(Price varies by team size and complexity)

FULL INSTALLATION (Recommended)

FULL INSTALLATION (Recommended)

We build WITH your team until the rhythm holds.

Timeline: ~60-75 days

Your time: 5-7 hours/week

Team time: 3-5 hours/week

What we do:

• Design system together

• Facilitate first 6-8 weekly meetings

• Train leadership until they own it

• Verify adoption before handover

What you get:

• System running independently

• Team capability (not just documents)

• Verified adoption (not just completion)

Success rate: ~85%

(We don't leave until it works)

Starting at $5,000

(Price varies by team size and complexity)

ACCELERATED

ACCELERATED

Same outcome as Full Installation, faster timeline.

Timeline: ~45 days

Your time: 8-10 hours/week (higher commitment)

Team time: 6-8 hours/week

What's different:

• Compressed timeline (45 vs 60-75 days)

• More intensive sessions (2x/week vs weekly)

• Train leadership until they own it

• Faster handover (requires highly engaged team)

Best for:

• Urgent need (investor deadline, rapid growth, crisis)

• Committed leadership team

• Willing to prioritize this over other initiatives

Success rate: ~85%

Starting at $6,500

(Price varies by team size and complexity)

Variables that affect pricing:

- Team size (5-10 people = standard, 15-20 = +25%)

- Business complexity (single entity vs multi-division)

- Number of functions (core 4 vs all 8)

- Timeline urgency (standard vs accelerated)

BEFORE LAYER 1,

GET THE AUDIT

Every Layer 1 engagement starts with the Business Operating System Audit.

What you get:

Founder Dependency Score (0-100, where you are today)

Time & cost analysis (what founder dependency is costing)

3 critical bottlenecks (ranked by ROI impact)

Recommended path (Layer 1 scope + exact pricing for YOUR situation)

BEFORE LAYER 1,

GET THE AUDIT

Every Layer 1 engagement starts with the Business Operating System Audit.

What you get:

Founder Dependency Score (0-100, where you are today)

Time & cost analysis (what founder dependency is costing)

3 critical bottlenecks (ranked by ROI impact)

Recommended path (Layer 1 scope + exact pricing for YOUR situation)

Investment: $497 (2-week diagnostic)

Deliverable: 12-page report + 45-min video presentation

Credited toward Layer 1 if you proceed within 60 days

Get Your Audit — $497

Get Your Audit — $497

Get Your Audit — $497

Get Your Audit — $497

BEFORE LAYER 1,

GET THE AUDIT

Before fixing anything, see where the business still depends on you.

What you get:

Founder Dependency Score (0-100, where you are today)

Time & cost analysis (what founder dependency is costing)

3 critical bottlenecks (ranked by ROI impact)

Recommended path (Layer 1 scope + exact pricing for YOUR situation)

Investment: $497 (2-week diagnostic)

Deliverable: 12-page report + 45-min video presentation

Credited toward Layer 1 if you proceed within 60 days

Get Your Audit — $497

Get Your Audit — $497

LAYER 2 — Functional Optimization

LAYER 2 — Functional Optimization

LAYER 2 — Functional Optimization

Stabilize how work moves through the business — one function at a time.

Once the base system is holding, real bottlenecks become visible. Layer 2 fixes how work actually flows through the business — so execution no longer depends on individuals, memory, or constant follow-up.

Each Layer 2 engagement focuses on one critical function at a time. We fix the weakest link first.

After Layer 2 is applied, a function has:
After Layer 2 is applied, a function has:

• Process documentation — anyone can execute, not just you

• Quality built-in — 50-60% fewer errors, less rework

• Clear handoffs — work flows without chasing people

• New hire readiness — productive in 2 weeks, not 8 weeks

• Performance visibility — metrics show where work slows or breaks

COMMON FUNCTIONS WE OPTIMIZE:

COMMON FUNCTIONS WE OPTIMIZE:

• Sales — Pipeline flow, follow-up rhythm, ownership, visibility

• Operations — Workflows, handoffs, quality control, capacity planning

• Finance — Cash flow visibility, invoicing discipline, margin clarity

• Marketing — Lead generation, campaign tracking, ROI accountability

(The audit identifies which function is the weakest link)

(The audit identifies which function is the weakest link)

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN LAYER 2:

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN LAYER 2:

DIAGNOSIS & DESIGN

DIAGNOSIS & DESIGN

• Function Audit (where time and money bleed, quantified)

• Bottleneck Map (which problems cause 80% of the drag)

• Current-State Documentation (how it actually works today)

• Future-State Process Design (how it should work, streamlined)

PROCESS DOCUMENTATION

PROCESS DOCUMENTATION

• Core SOPs (5-8 per function, step-by-step, screenshot-level)

• Checklists & Templates (daily tools that enforce quality)

• Quick Reference Guides (1-page cheat sheets for common tasks)

• Decision Trees (when to escalate, when to decide, when to defer)

PERFORMANCE & TRAINING

PERFORMANCE & TRAINING

• Function KPIs (what 'good' looks like, tracked weekly)

• Function Dashboard (visibility without asking)

• Team Training (current team trained until they own it)

• Onboarding Materials (for future hires)

TYPICAL RESULTS (LAYER 2 - PER FUNCTION):

TYPICAL RESULTS (LAYER 2 - PER FUNCTION):

TIME SAVED: 10-12 hours/week

TIME SAVED: 10-12 hours/week

Eliminating rework, chasing, errors

Eliminating rework, chasing, errors

Annual value: 12 hrs × 52 weeks × $25/hr = $15,600

Annual value: 12 hrs × 52 weeks × $25/hr = $15,600

ERROR REDUCTION: 50-60%

ERROR REDUCTION: 50-60%

Quality built into process, not dependent on person

Quality built into process, not dependent on person

NEW HIRE RAMP: 8 weeks → 2 weeks

NEW HIRE RAMP: 8 weeks → 2 weeks

75% faster onboarding with documented processes

75% faster onboarding with documented processes

HOW WE DELIVER LAYER 2:

We offer three engagement options.

The outcome is the same — a function that runs consistently without depending on you.

The difference is HOW we get there.

Blueprint

Blueprint

We diagnose and design the system.

Your team documents.

Timeline: ~21 days

Your time: 6-8 hours total

Team time: 30-40 hours (writing SOPs, creating templates)

Best for:

• Teams with process documentation capability

• Someone on team can write clear SOPs

• Budget-conscious businesses

What you get:

• Complete process design (future-state maps)

• SOP templates (structure, not written content)

• KPI framework (what to measure)

• 2 training sessions on how to document

What you build:

• Team writes the SOPs

• Team creates checklists/templates

Team implements the new process

Success rate: ~35%

(Most teams struggle with self-documentation)

Starting at $1,200 per function

(Price varies by function complexity)

FULL INSTALLATION (Recommended)

FULL INSTALLATION (Recommended)

We redesign and document WITH your team.

Timeline: ~45-60 days

Your time: 3-5 hours/week

Team time: 4-6 hours/week

What we do:

• Map current state together

• Redesign process (eliminate waste, clarify handoffs)

• Write 5-8 core SOPs with your team

• Create checklists, templates, quick guides

• Train team until they own the process

• Verify adoption (process is being used)

What you get:

• Function running consistently

• Team trained (not just documented)

• Verified adoption (not just completion)

• Onboarding materials for future hires

Success rate: ~80%

(We don't leave until it's working)

Starting at $2,800 per function

(Price varies by function complexity)

ACCELERATED

ACCELERATED

Same outcome as Full Installation, faster timeline.

Timeline: ~45 days

Your time: 6-8 hours/week (higher commitment)

Team time: 8-10 hours/week

What's different:

• Compressed timeline (45 vs 45-60 days)

• More intensive sessions (2-3x/week vs weekly)

• Faster documentation cycle

• Faster handover (requires highly engaged team)

Best for:

• Urgent need (critical function breaking)

• Committed team availability

• Willing to prioritize this over other work

Success rate: ~80%

Starting at $3,500 per function

(Price varies by function complexity)

Each engagement covers ONE function.

After completing one, we assess if another function needs optimization.

Variables that affect pricing:

- Function complexity (sales = simpler, operations = more complex)

- Number of sub-processes (3 vs 8)

- Team size using the function (5 vs 15 people)

- Integration with other functions (standalone vs interconnected)

LAYER 3 — TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY

LAYER 3 — TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY

LAYER 3 — TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY

Technology accelerates what already works. It does not fix what isn’t built.

Most businesses introduce tools too early. They automate confusion, add noise, and then blame the software. Layer 3 is applied only after ownership is clear and processes are stable — so tools support real workflows instead of fighting them.

Layer 3 is never implemented without Layers 1 and 2 holding.

After Layer 3 is installed, your systems:

After Layer 3 is installed, your systems:

• Support real workflows — tools match how work actually happens

• Move data automatically — fewer handoffs, less manual entry

• Create visibility — dashboards reflect reality without asking

• Reduce friction — fewer tools doing overlapping work

• Get adopted — built into daily execution, not ignored

What's Included in Layer 3:

What's Included in Layer 3:

TOOL AUDIT & OPTIMIZATION

TOOL AUDIT & OPTIMIZATION

• Tool Stack Audit (CRM, project tools, spreadsheets, communication platforms)

• Tool-to-Process Map (which tool supports which workflow from Layer 2)

• Consolidation Plan (eliminate overlapping tools, keep what works)

• Stack Recommendations (if new tools needed, with rationale)

WORKFLOW AUTOMATION (5-10 Automations)

WORKFLOW AUTOMATION (5-10 Automations)

• Lead Routing (new leads → assigned → follow-up scheduled)

• Status Updates (task completed → team notified automatically)

• Data Handoffs (invoice paid → accounting updated → customer emailed)

• Deadline Tracking (overdue task → owner reminded → manager notified)

• Report Generation (end of week → scorecard auto-generated)

COMMAND DASHBOARD

COMMAND DASHBOARD

• Single View of Reality (see metrics without asking anyone)

• Connected to Actual Workflows (not generic templates)

• Leading Indicators (problems visible before they burn)

AI ENABLEMENT (Agentic Workforce)

AI ENABLEMENT (Agentic Workforce)

• Research Agents (market data, competitor analysis, customer insights)

• Data Extraction Agents (pull data from emails, PDFs, forms into systems)

• Report Generation Agents (weekly summaries, performance reports)

• Built on Your Documented Processes (from Layer 2)

TYPICAL RESULTS (LAYER 3):

TYPICAL RESULTS (LAYER 3):

TIME SAVED: 8-10 hours/week

TIME SAVED: 8-10 hours/week

Eliminating manual data entry, chasing updates

Eliminating manual data entry, chasing updates

Annual value: 10 hrs × 52 weeks × $25/hr = $13,000

Annual value: 10 hrs × 52 weeks × $25/hr = $13,000

ERROR REDUCTION: 70%

ERROR REDUCTION: 70%

Automation eliminates human error in data flow

Automation eliminates human error in data flow

RESPONSE TIME: Instant

RESPONSE TIME: Instant

No waiting for manual updates or status checks

No waiting for manual updates or status checks

HOW WE DELIVER LAYER 3:

We offer three engagement options.

The outcome is the same — tools and automation that support real workflows.

The difference is HOW we get there.

BLUE PRINT

BLUE PRINT

We audit and recommend.

You implement.

Timeline: ~14 days

Your time: 5-6 hours total

Team time: 20-30 hours (implementation)

Best for:

• Teams with technical capability

• Internal IT or operations person who can configure

• Budget-conscious businesses

What you get:

• Tool stack audit (what to keep/kill/consolidate)

• Automation plan (5-10 workflows documented)

• Setup guides (step-by-step instructions)

• Dashboard design (what metrics to track)

• 1 training session on implementation

What you build:

• Team configures tools

• Team builds automations

• Team creates dashboard

Success rate: ~40%

(Most teams get stuck on technical implementation)

Starting at $1,000

(Price varies by function complexity)

FULL INSTALLATION (Recommended)

FULL INSTALLATION (Recommended)

We configure and automate WITH your team.

Timeline: ~30-45 days

Your time: 3-4 hours/week

Team time: 4-6 hours/week

What we do:

• Audit tool stack together

• Configure 1-2 core tools to your workflows

• Build 5-10 automations (we do the technical work)

• Create command dashboard

• Train team to maintain and modify automations

• Verify adoption (process is being used)

What you get:

• Tools working as intended

• Automations running daily

• Team knows how to maintain it

• Documentation in your context (not generic)

Success rate: ~85%

(We build it, you maintain it)

Starting at $2,200 per function

(Price varies by complexity)

ACCELERATED

ACCELERATED

Faster setup, deeper automation.

Timeline: ~21-30 days

Your time: 5-6 hours/week (higher commitment)

Team time: 6-8 hours/week

What's different:

• Compressed timeline (21-30 vs 30-45 days)

• More automations (up to 15 vs 5-10)

• Tighter integration between tools

• More intensive training sessions

Best for:

• Urgent need (manual processes breaking at scale)

• Complex tech stack requiring deep integration

• Team ready to commit time to learning

Success rate: ~85%

Starting at $2,800

(Price varies by complexity)

Scope boundaries: maximum 2 tools configured and 10 automations per engagement.

Scope boundaries: maximum 2 tools configured and 10 automations per engagement.

For larger tech stacks, we do multiple Layer 3 engagements.

Variables that affect pricing:

- Number of tools to integrate (2 vs 5)

- Number of tools to integrate (2 vs 5)

- Complexity of automations (simple triggers vs multi-step logic)

- Complexity of automations (simple triggers vs multi-step logic)

- Data migration required (clean data vs messy spreadsheets)

- Data migration required (clean data vs messy spreadsheets)

- Custom dashboard requirements (standard metrics vs complex)

- Custom dashboard requirements (standard metrics vs complex)

HOW TO START

HOW TO START

HOW TO START

EVERY ENGAGEMENT STARTS WITH AN AUDIT

Before we recommend a layer, we diagnose the business.

Before we recommend a layer, we diagnose the business.

Before we recommend a layer, we diagnose the business.

The Business Operating System Audit shows:

The Business Operating System Audit shows:

Where execution actually breaks (Decisions, handoffs, ownership gaps)

Where execution actually breaks (Decisions, handoffs, ownership gaps)

Where execution actually breaks (Decisions, handoffs, ownership gaps)

What’s causing founder dependency? (Structure gaps, unclear decision rights, missing rhythm)

What’s causing founder dependency? (Structure gaps, unclear decision rights, missing rhythm)

What’s causing founder dependency? (Structure gaps, unclear decision rights, missing rhythm)

Which layer creates the most leverage (and exact pricing for YOUR scope)

Which layer creates the most leverage (and exact pricing for YOUR scope)

Which layer creates the most leverage (and exact pricing for YOUR scope)

If Layer 1 isn't the right starting point, we'll tell you. If we're not the right partner, we'll say that too.

Business Operating System Audit — $497

Business Operating System Audit — $497

Most founders guess where the bottleneck is. We measure it.

Most founders guess where the bottleneck is. We measure it.

WHAT YOU GET (2-Week Deliverable):

WHAT YOU GET (2-Week Deliverable):

Founder Dependency Score (0-100)

Quantified measure of where the business depends on you

Time Audit Analysis

Where your hours go vs. where they should go (with cost calculation)

Decision Bottleneck Map

15+ decision types that escalate to you (that shouldn't)

Team Ownership Gaps

Which functions lack clear owners, where roles overlap

3 Critical Fixes (ROI-Ranked)

Exact bottlenecks to fix first + expected time/cost savings

System Readiness Assessment

Are you ready for Layer 1, 2, or 3? (We'll tell you the truth)

DELIVERABLE:

12-page diagnostic report + 45-minute video walkthrough

Recommended path with exact pricing for your situation

TIMELINE: 2 weeks

YOUR TIME REQUIRED: 5-7 hours (interviews + review session)

INVESTMENT: $497

(Full amount credited toward Layer 1/2/3 if you proceed within 60 days)

Business Operating System Audit -- $497

Most founders guess where the bottleneck is. We measure it.

WHAT YOU GET (2-Week Deliverable):

Founder Dependency Score (0-100)

Quantified measure of where the business depends on you

Time Audit Analysis

Where your hours go vs. where they should go (with cost calculation)

Decision Bottleneck Map

15+ decision types that escalate to you (that shouldn't)

Team Ownership Gaps

Which functions lack clear owners, where roles overlap

3 Critical Fixes (ROI-Ranked)

Exact bottlenecks to fix first + expected time/cost savings

System Readiness Assessment

Are you ready for Layer 1, 2, or 3? (We'll tell you the truth)

DELIVERABLE:

12-page diagnostic report + 45-minute video walkthrough

Recommended path with exact pricing for your situation

TIMELINE: 2 weeks

YOUR TIME REQUIRED: 5-7 hours (interviews + review session)

INVESTMENT: $497

(Full amount credited toward Layer 1/2/3 if you proceed within 60 days)

Get Your Audit — $497

Get Your Audit — $497

Get Your Audit — $497

Get Your Audit — $497

Get Your Audit — $497

Get Your Audit — $497

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