Date: 2026-10-06 Decider(s): Michael Houck, Rafael Status: decided Source meeting: Hockey Stick Sync
Decision
Rye Valley will package its Hermes setup - skills, system architecture, tool integrations, and founder interaction model - as a “company brain” installation service sold to other companies. Rafael’s independent agent-implementation service will be subcontracted through Rye Valley client projects. Rafael will own build and ongoing management for new clients; Michael will source clients through the Hard Calls founder audience.
Context
Investor pressure is pushing founders to become “AI native” without knowing how to do it. Rye Valley has already built this internally. Michael and Rafael independently arrived at the same idea on this call - strong signal. First client: Adam Gilman (personal brand build, site goes live Oct 12).
Options Considered
- Continue as content/marketing agency only (no change to current model)
- Add AI service through Rye Valley with Rafael as lead builder (chosen)
Consequences
- Rafael’s role shifts toward product-manager-plus-builder: understand client goals, direct Hermes, own resulting code
- Michael keeps sourcing clients from Hard Calls audience
- Near-term subcontract arrangement possible between Rafael’s independent service and Rye Valley
- Adam Gilman project is the first proof point; remaining build due by Monday Oct 12