Terms of Service

Professional Services Agreement for Fractional Executive & AI Consulting

1. Acceptance and Scope of Terms

By accessing, using, or contracting for Sophizo services, you ("Client") accept and agree to be legally bound by these Terms of Service. These terms apply to all fractional executive services, AI consulting, assessments, and paid engagements provided by Sophizo.

Contract Formation for Paid Services: A binding service agreement for paid consulting services is formed when (a) you submit a signed Statement of Work, (b) make payment for services, or (c) begin receiving paid deliverables from Sophizo.

Free Resources: Access to free tools, calculators, and gated content is governed by Section 3 (Free Resources License) and does not create a consulting engagement. By downloading gated content, you agree only to those limited terms and our Privacy Policy.

2. Services Description

Sophizo provides specialized fractional executive and AI-augmented revenue intelligence consulting services operating under the "Build, Train, Exit" philosophy, designed to build systems, train your team, and transition ownership to you.

2.1 Fractional Executive Services

  • Fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO): Pipeline optimization, revenue operations, sales process engineering, and growth strategy at $5,000/month
  • Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): Demand generation, brand strategy, marketing operations, and multi-touch attribution at $5,000/month
  • AI Revenue Officer (Add-On): AI vendor selection, implementation oversight, scaling strategy, and governance frameworks at $3,500/month
  • Engagement Model: Player-coach approach with hands-on execution and strategic oversight

2.2 Modular Execution Pods

  • Data Science Pod: Predictive analytics, forecasting models (ForecastIQ), business intelligence dashboards
  • RevOps Pod: CRM optimization, process automation, tech stack integration
  • Custom Pods: Tailored engagement models based on specific business needs

2.3 Assessment & Diagnostic Services

  • Foundation Assessment: Stakeholder interviews and 30-day action plan ($1,200)
  • Technology Deep Dive: Complete tech audit with 60-day roadmap ($2,800)
  • Complete Transformation Blueprint: Market analysis with 12-month roadmap ($2,997)

2.4 Service Levels and Guarantees

  • 48-Hour Response Guarantee: Initial analysis and recommendations within 48 business hours for crisis assessments
  • Performance Standards: Deliverables meet McKinsey-level consulting standards and agreed specifications
  • Quality Assurance: Senior expert review of all strategic recommendations
  • Response Time SLA: Email responses within 4 business hours, urgent issues within 1 hour
  • Limitation: Guarantees apply to service delivery, not business outcomes which depend on implementation and external factors

2.5 Performance Metrics and Remedies

  • SLA Failure Remedies: Service credits equal to 10% of monthly fees for each SLA violation
  • Escalation Process: Formal performance review after two consecutive SLA failures
  • Benchmarking: Performance measured against industry consulting standards
  • Quarterly Reviews: Systematic service quality assessments and optimization

3. Free Resources and Lead Magnets

3.1 Gated Content and Tools

Sophizo provides free resources including but not limited to:

  • Revenue Chaos Scorecard
  • AI Transformation Pricing Calculator
  • Business Diagnostic Assessments
  • ROI Calculators and Benchmarking Tools
  • Playbooks, Templates, and Guides
  • 90-Day Onboarding Checklists

3.2 Terms of Free Resource Usage

  • Email Registration: Access to gated content requires valid email registration and acceptance of these free resource terms
  • Communication Consent: By downloading, you consent to receive relevant educational and promotional communications in compliance with CAN-SPAM, GDPR, and applicable marketing laws
  • Unsubscribe Rights: You may unsubscribe at any time via link in communications; we honor all opt-out requests within 10 business days
  • Privacy Policy: Your data is handled according to our Privacy Policy
  • Personal Use Only: Free resources licensed for individual business use, not resale or redistribution
  • No Warranty: Free tools provided "as-is" without guarantees of specific business outcomes
  • Limited Agreement: Downloading free resources does not bind you to paid service terms, arbitration clauses, or indemnification provisions

4. Testimonials, Case Studies, and Social Proof

4.1 Testimonial Collection and Usage

  • Voluntary Participation: Testimonials collected only with explicit client consent
  • Accuracy Requirement: All testimonials represent genuine client experiences and outcomes
  • Results Disclaimer: Individual results vary; testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes
  • Right to Decline: Clients may decline testimonial requests without impact on services

4.2 Case Study Development

  • Written Approval: Case studies require separate written client approval before publication
  • Anonymization Options: Clients may request anonymized case studies protecting company identity
  • Review Rights: Clients may review and approve case study content before publication
  • Revocation: Clients may request removal of case studies with 30 days written notice
  • Metric Verification: All performance metrics in case studies are verified and documented

4.3 Logo and Brand Usage

  • Client Logo Display: Requires separate written permission
  • Usage Scope: Limited to Sophizo website, presentations, and marketing materials
  • Brand Guidelines: Client logos displayed according to client brand guidelines
  • Removal Request: Clients may request logo removal at any time

5. Payment Terms and Billing

5.1 Fractional Executive Fees

  • Monthly Retainer: Fractional CRO and CMO services billed monthly in advance
  • Add-On Services: AI Officer and modular pods billed according to engagement agreement
  • Payment Methods: Stripe secure processing, ACH transfer, or approved corporate accounts
  • Currency: All fees in USD unless otherwise specified

5.2 Assessment and Project Fees

  • Fixed-Fee Projects: Due 50% upon engagement, 50% upon delivery
  • Hourly Engagements: Billed monthly in arrears, net 15 days
  • Late Payments: 1.5% monthly interest on overdue amounts after 30 days

5.3 Refund Policy

  • Satisfaction Guarantee: If deliverables fail to meet specified professional standards, full remediation or refund available
  • Service Delivery Issues: Full refund if deliverables not provided within agreed timeframes
  • Client Cancellation: Prorated refund for unused retainer with 30 days notice
  • Exclusions: No refunds for business results, market conditions, or client implementation issues

5.4 Subscription Services

  • Billing Cycle: Monthly or annual as selected
  • Cancellation: 30 days written notice required for fractional engagements
  • Auto-Renewal: Retainers continue unless cancelled
  • Price Changes: 60 days notice for retainer price modifications

6. Intellectual Property Rights

6.1 Sophizo Intellectual Property

  • Proprietary Methodologies: Build-Train-Exit framework, mathematical models, assessment tools remain Sophizo property
  • Wall Street-Grade Frameworks: McKinsey-style analytical methodologies are licensed for client use, not owned
  • Software and Tools: All digital tools, calculators, and platforms are licensed, not sold
  • Content and Materials: Training materials, playbooks, and templates are Sophizo intellectual property

6.2 Client Intellectual Property

  • Client Data: All client business data, processes, and confidential information remain client property
  • Custom Implementations: Client-specific configurations and customizations belong to client
  • Derived Insights: Business intelligence derived from client data belongs to client
  • Build-Train-Exit Transition: Systems built during engagement transfer to client ownership upon exit phase completion

6.3 Work Product and Deliverables

  • Reports and Analysis: Client receives unlimited use rights for internal business purposes
  • Strategic Recommendations: Client may implement and modify as needed
  • Training Materials: Licensed for internal client use only
  • Restrictions: Client may not resell, redistribute, or compete using Sophizo proprietary methodologies

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

7.1 Mutual Non-Disclosure

  • Confidential Information: Business data, strategies, financial information, and proprietary processes
  • Protection Standard: Same level of care as party protects its own confidential information
  • Duration: 5 years post-engagement or indefinitely for trade secrets
  • Exceptions: Publicly available information, independently developed, or legally required disclosure

7.2 Competitive Safeguards

  • No Sharing: Client strategies and data never shared with competitors
  • Industry Separation: Reasonable measures to prevent conflicts of interest
  • Disclosure: Sophizo will disclose potential conflicts and obtain client approval

7.3 Data Security

  • Security Standards: Enterprise-grade infrastructure, encryption, access controls
  • Data Processing: Compliant with GDPR, CCPA, and applicable privacy laws
  • Breach Notification: Immediate notification of any security incidents
  • Data Retention: Client data retained only as long as necessary for service delivery
  • Cyber Security Insurance: Professional liability coverage for data breaches

8. AI & Technology Specific Terms

8.1 AI Officer Services Scope

The AI Revenue Officer add-on focuses specifically on:

  • Vendor Selection: Evaluation and recommendation of AI tools and platforms
  • Implementation Oversight: Project management and quality assurance for AI deployments
  • Scaling Strategy: Frameworks for expanding AI capabilities across the organization
  • Governance Frameworks: Policies, compliance, and risk management for AI usage
  • Exclusion: AI Officer does NOT provide forecasting services (handled by Data Science Pod)

8.2 Algorithm Transparency

  • Methodology Disclosure: Framework descriptions available upon request
  • Bias Protection: Regular algorithm auditing for bias detection
  • Technology Evolution: Updates to methodologies based on AI advancement

8.3 AI Training Data Protection

  • Client Data Exclusion: Client data will not be used for AI model training without explicit consent
  • Output Ownership: All AI-generated insights belong to client
  • Competitive Safeguards: No cross-client data sharing

9. Professional Standards and Disclaimers

9.1 Professional Services Standards

  • Industry Best Practices: Services performed according to recognized consulting standards
  • Qualified Personnel: Work performed by experienced professionals with relevant expertise
  • Wall Street Rigor: AI experience since 2016 with enterprise-grade methodologies
  • Professional Liability Insurance: Coverage for errors and omissions

9.2 Business Advice Disclaimer

  • Advisory Nature: Recommendations are professional opinions, not guarantees of business outcomes
  • Implementation Risk: Client responsible for implementation decisions and execution
  • Market Conditions: Results may vary based on market conditions, competition, and external factors
  • Due Diligence: Client should conduct independent evaluation of recommendations
  • Results Variance: Metrics cited (e.g., "95% accuracy," "10x output") are based on specific client scenarios and may not be achievable in all situations

10. Industry-Specific Compliance

10.1 SaaS and Technology Clients

  • Integration Standards: API and data integration following industry best practices
  • SOC 2 Awareness: Services designed with security compliance in mind
  • Scalability: Recommendations consider growth trajectory and technical debt

10.2 PE Portfolio Companies

  • Value Creation Focus: Engagement aligned with PE investment thesis
  • Reporting Standards: Board-ready documentation and metrics
  • Exit Preparation: Build-Train-Exit methodology supports eventual exit scenarios

10.3 Healthcare and Financial Services

  • HIPAA Compliance: Business Associate Agreements when handling PHI
  • GLBA Compliance: Enhanced data protection for financial information
  • Enhanced Security: Additional safeguards for regulated industries

11. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification

11.1 Liability Limitations

  • Maximum Liability: Total liability limited to fees paid for the specific service in the preceding 12 months
  • Excluded Damages: No liability for indirect, consequential, incidental, special, or punitive damages
  • Business Losses: No liability for lost profits, business interruption, or opportunity costs
  • Time Limitation: Claims must be brought within 12 months of service completion

11.2 Client Indemnification

Client agrees to indemnify Sophizo against claims arising from:

  • Client's implementation of recommendations
  • Client's use of deliverables beyond scope of license
  • Client's breach of confidentiality or intellectual property terms
  • Third-party claims related to client's business operations
  • Testimonials or case study content approved by client

12. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including:

  • Natural disasters, pandemics, government actions
  • Internet outages, cyber attacks, infrastructure failures
  • Supplier failures, material shortages
  • Labor disputes, transportation disruptions

13. Termination

13.1 Termination for Convenience

  • Either Party: May terminate with 30 days written notice
  • Build-Train-Exit Transition: Upon termination, Sophizo will provide reasonable transition support
  • Work in Progress: Sophizo will complete current deliverables or provide prorated refund
  • Final Invoice: Payment due for completed work within 30 days

13.2 Termination for Cause

  • Immediate Termination: Material breach, non-payment, confidentiality violation
  • Cure Period: 15 days to remedy breach before termination
  • Effect: Immediate cessation of services, payment due for completed work

13.3 Survival

These provisions survive termination: confidentiality, intellectual property, testimonial rights, payment obligations, limitation of liability, dispute resolution.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1 Informal Resolution

Parties agree to attempt good-faith resolution through direct communication before formal proceedings.

14.2 Mediation

Unresolved disputes will first be submitted to mediation before arbitration.

14.3 Mandatory Arbitration

  • Binding Arbitration: All disputes resolved through binding arbitration
  • Rules: American Arbitration Association Commercial Arbitration Rules
  • Location: Arbitration conducted virtually or in mutually agreed location
  • Arbitrator: Single arbitrator with relevant business consulting experience

14.4 Class Action Waiver

Client agrees to resolve disputes individually and waives rights to participate in class action lawsuits or collective arbitration proceedings.

14.5 Exceptions

  • Intellectual property disputes
  • Confidentiality violations
  • Collection of undisputed fees
  • Injunctive relief for irreparable harm

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

  • Governing Law: Delaware State Law (without conflict of law principles)
  • Federal Law: Federal law applies where relevant
  • Jurisdiction: Delaware courts for matters not subject to arbitration
  • International Clients: These terms apply regardless of client location

16. General Provisions

16.1 Entire Agreement

These terms, together with signed service agreements and statements of work, constitute the entire agreement between parties.

16.2 Modifications

Terms may be modified only by written agreement signed by both parties. Website updates to general terms effective with 30 days notice.

16.3 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder of the agreement remains in full force and effect.

16.4 Assignment

Client may not assign rights without written consent. Sophizo may assign to affiliates or in connection with business sale.

16.5 Waiver

Failure to enforce any term does not constitute waiver of future enforcement.

16.6 Independent Contractor Relationship

  • No Employment: Sophizo and its personnel are independent contractors, not employees, agents, partners, or joint venturers of Client
  • No Fiduciary Duty: This agreement does not create a fiduciary relationship; Sophizo provides professional advice but Client retains all business decision authority
  • Tax Responsibility: Sophizo is solely responsible for its own taxes, insurance, and benefits
  • No Authority to Bind: Neither party has authority to bind the other to contracts or obligations with third parties
  • Client Control: While Sophizo provides strategic guidance, Client maintains full control over business operations and personnel

17. Contact Information

For questions about these terms:

  • Legal Inquiries: legal@sophizo.net
  • Contract Questions: Use contact form marked "Terms of Service"
  • Dispute Notice: Must be sent via certified mail to registered business address

Last Updated: January 2026
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Version: 3.0 (Fractional Executive & AI Consulting Services Agreement)
Jurisdiction: Delaware, USA