Third Wag

Engagement Models

How We Work Together

Choose the model that matches your stage: AI and security advisory support, fixed-scope delivery, CompanyOS, or a monthly partnership where we build and maintain your solution.

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Abstract strategy, security, and decision mapping visual for hourly consulting

Strategy + Security

Hourly Consulting

Pay for hours used

Best for: Leadership and product teams who need senior AI, architecture, or security judgment quickly without committing to a full build.

Includes

  • AI product and roadmap strategy
  • Architecture and technical decision support
  • Security consulting, threat modeling, and secure architecture review
  • Team enablement, code review, and implementation guidance
  • Fast unblock sessions for key decisions

Not ideal for

Teams that need fully owned delivery with fixed scope and timeline.

Structured delivery visual showing milestones and product assembly

Defined Scope + Delivery

Fixed-Fee Build

Fixed project fee

Best for: Teams that want a production feature or product delivered against agreed scope.

Includes

  • Discovery and technical plan
  • Milestone-based implementation
  • Testing and deployment
  • Launch handoff and transition docs

Not ideal for

Projects with constantly shifting scope and no clear priority order.

Long-term product operations visual with continuous optimization

Build + Maintain + Improve

Boutique SaaS Partnership

Monthly subscription

Best for: Organizations that want a long-term product partner without staffing a full internal team.

Includes

  • Custom product buildout over time
  • Ongoing maintenance and reliability ownership
  • Continuous roadmap delivery and optimization
  • Proactive support and feature iteration

Not ideal for

One-time prototype work with no need for ongoing ownership.

Bespoke CompanyOS platform connecting business systems with AI workflow modules

Bespoke Operating Stack

CompanyOS

Scoped platform program

Best for: Businesses that need their tools, data, workflows, and AI capabilities merged into one custom operating stack.

Includes

  • Technology and workflow inventory
  • Custom AI-enabled operating system architecture
  • Data, automation, and system integration layer
  • Role-specific dashboards and decision workflows

Not ideal for

Teams looking for a generic off-the-shelf SaaS tool instead of a bespoke business stack.

Quick Comparison

Hourly Consulting

Fast access to senior AI, architecture, and security guidance.

  • ScopeFlexible and evolving
  • Budget modelPay for hours used
  • Time to startFastest
  • Delivery styleAdvisory, review, and unblock sessions
  • Ownership levelClient team executes with support
  • Best whenYou need decisions, security review, and momentum now

Fixed-Fee Build

Defined scope with milestone-driven execution and launch.

  • ScopeDefined upfront
  • Budget modelFixed project fee
  • Time to startFast after scoping
  • Delivery styleMilestones, QA, launch handoff
  • Ownership levelDelivery partner to completion
  • Best whenYou want predictable output and timeline

Boutique SaaS Partnership

Long-term product ownership with continuous improvement.

  • ScopeRoadmap evolves over time
  • Budget modelMonthly subscription
  • Time to startFast with continuity
  • Delivery styleBuild, operate, optimize
  • Ownership levelOngoing product and maintenance
  • Best whenYou want a fractional product team

CompanyOS

A custom business operating stack that connects tools, data, workflows, and AI.

  • ScopeBespoke business stack
  • Budget modelScoped platform program
  • Time to startStarts with systems mapping
  • Delivery styleIntegrate, automate, unify
  • Ownership levelShared architecture to owned stack
  • Best whenYour tools need to become one operating system

Operating Rhythm

From First Decision to Ongoing Improvement

Every model uses the same disciplined path: align on the right problem, build against visible milestones, then operate the product with real feedback.

  1. DiscoverScope the problem / Map stakeholders / Choose architecture
  2. BuildPlan milestones / Ship implementation / Validate launch
  3. OperateMonitor reliability / Support users / Improve roadmap
Visual process map showing discovery, build, and operate stages

FAQ

How do we decide which model to start with?

We use a short discovery call to determine urgency, scope clarity, systems complexity, security needs, and desired ownership level. If you need strategic or security direction first, we start hourly. If scope is clear, fixed-fee is usually best. If disconnected tools and workflows are the core issue, CompanyOS is the fit. If you want long-term product ownership, monthly partnership is the fit.

Does hourly consulting include security consulting?

Yes. Hourly consulting can cover cybersecurity advisory, secure architecture review, AI security concerns, threat modeling, vendor risk, code review, and executive decision support.

Can we change models later?

Yes. A common path is hourly consulting into fixed-fee execution, then into a monthly partnership for ongoing operation and improvements.

Who owns the code and product assets?

You do, unless otherwise specified in a separate licensing agreement for shared platform components.

Do you provide support after launch?

Yes. Post-launch support can be structured as hourly blocks, a short stabilization package, or as part of the boutique SaaS monthly option.

Start With a Discovery Call

We will define the right model, next milestones, and what success should look like in your context.

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