Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using the website of Simplified Consulting (https://simplified.edetroit.net) or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our website or services.

Description of Services

Simplified Consulting, operated by Rick Ayres, provides professional consulting, strategic advisory, and fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO) services to founder-led businesses. Our service offerings include:

• Monthly retainer advisory engagements
• Project-based consulting (typically 3–6 months)
• Hourly advisory sessions
• Fractional COO services

All services are advisory and consulting in nature. We do not sell physical goods.

Engagement Terms

The scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and compensation for each engagement are defined in a separate written agreement or statement of work between Simplified Consulting and the client. Rates and terms are mutually agreed upon before any engagement begins. These Terms of Service apply in addition to any engagement-specific agreements.

Intellectual Property

Client Work Product: Any work product created specifically for a client during an engagement belongs to the client, as defined in the applicable engagement agreement.

Consultant Methodologies: Rick Ayres and Simplified Consulting retain all rights to proprietary methodologies, frameworks, tools, and general knowledge developed before or during an engagement. These may be used in future engagements with other clients, provided that no confidential client information is disclosed.

Confidentiality

Both Simplified Consulting and the client agree to maintain the confidentiality of proprietary and sensitive information shared during the course of an engagement. Confidential information shall not be disclosed to any third party without prior written consent, except as required by law. This obligation survives the termination of any engagement.

Limitation of Liability

Our services consist of professional advice and strategic guidance based on experience and expertise. Simplified Consulting does not guarantee specific business outcomes or results. Clients are responsible for their own business decisions and implementation.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Simplified Consulting shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to the use of our services or this website. Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the fees paid for the specific engagement giving rise to the claim.

Payment Terms

Payment terms, including rates, billing frequency, and payment methods, are established in each engagement agreement. Unless otherwise agreed, invoices are due upon receipt. Late payments may be subject to reasonable late fees as specified in the engagement agreement.

Cancellation & Termination

Either party may terminate an engagement by providing reasonable written notice as defined in the applicable engagement agreement. Upon termination, the client is responsible for payment of all services rendered through the effective date of termination. Any project-specific cancellation terms supersede these general terms.

Governing Law

These Terms of Service and any disputes arising from or relating to them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal proceedings shall be conducted in the appropriate courts of the State of Michigan.

Changes to These Terms

Simplified Consulting reserves the right to update or modify these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our website or services following any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: