About North Idaho AI
Your local AI partner bringing enterprise capabilities to North Idaho businesses
What Makes Us Different
We're the only AI provider in the region who combines enterprise technology expertise with real business ownership experience.
Most AI consultants have either deep tech credentials or business experience. We have both—and it fundamentally changes how we approach your problems.
How We're Different from Other AI Providers
We Think Like Business Owners, Not Just Technologists
Most AI consultants have impressive tech credentials but have never worried about making payroll, managing cash flow, or justifying every dollar spent.
We've built and run businesses. When we recommend an AI solution, we're thinking about your payback period, opportunity cost, and bottom-line impact—not just cool technology.
We Integrate with What You Have (No Platform Replacement)
Most AI providers want to sell you new platforms, dashboards, or "AI-powered" software that requires migrating your data and retraining your team.
We unlock the intelligence already trapped in your existing systems. QuickBooks, Shopify, Procore, CCC ONE—we integrate directly, so you keep using what works while gaining AI capabilities.
We Deliver Enterprise AI at SMB Pricing
Most enterprise AI providers charge $50K-$200K+ for implementations that take 6-12 months and require dedicated IT staff.
We bring Fortune 500-level AI capabilities to North Idaho SMBs with implementations starting at $999 and measurable results in 30-60 days—no IT department required.
We're Local & Accountable
Most AI consultants fly in from Seattle, charge consulting fees, implement something, and disappear.
We're based in North Idaho. You can meet us for coffee in CDA. We understand your market, your challenges, and we're here for the long term—not just a quick project.
What is AI as a Service?
Think of us like AWS—but for artificial intelligence.
You don't buy servers from Amazon. You consume computing power as a service.
You don't buy AI software from us. You consume AI capabilities as a service.
We integrate directly into your existing platforms:
You pay monthly. We handle the AI infrastructure, training, monitoring, and optimization. You just get results.
No new platforms. No IT headaches. Just AI that works.
Why We Focus on Integration
After 100+ conversations with North Idaho business owners, one pattern became clear: your software isn't the problem. Underutilization is.
You're sitting on years of data—purchase patterns, customer behavior, operational inefficiencies, profitability signals—and it's just... sitting there.
We don't sell you new platforms. We unlock the intelligence already trapped in QuickBooks, Shopify, Procore, CCC ONE, and 50+ others.
Think of us as data liberation specialists.
Our Proven Methodology
We bring Fortune 500 frameworks refined over decades to North Idaho SMBs—without the Fortune 500 price tag or complexity.
Standardized, Repeatable Frameworks
Our approach is built on proven enterprise frameworks that turn AI complexity into predictable, measurable results. We don't reinvent the wheel for every client—we adapt battle-tested methodologies to your specific business needs.
This means faster implementations, lower risk, and outcomes you can count on—not experimental "pilot projects" that go nowhere.
Production-Grade AI, Not Demo Projects
We've built and deployed AI systems that handle real customers, process actual transactions, and operate in production environments—not just proofs-of-concept that never go live.
When we recommend an AI solution, it's based on what actually works in the real world, not what looks good in a demo.
Business Outcomes Over Technology Hype
Having built and operated a successful retail business, we understand that technology is a means to an end—not the end itself. Every solution we recommend is evaluated through a business lens: payback period, ROI, opportunity cost, and bottom-line impact.
We speak your language: revenue, profit margins, cash flow, customer acquisition costs. Not just AI jargon.
Founded to Bridge a Gap
Enterprise AI capabilities at prices North Idaho businesses can afford
North Idaho AI was founded with a simple mission: make enterprise-level AI accessible to small and medium-sized businesses in our region through hands-on consulting. We believe North Idaho companies shouldn't have to choose between expensive AI providers flying in from Seattle or DIY solutions that don't deliver results.
Based in the heart of North Idaho, we serve businesses throughout Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, and the greater Spokane region. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that businesses face in our market—from seasonal fluctuations in tourism to workforce availability in manufacturing to the challenges of competing with larger markets while maintaining local character.
Our approach is different. We don't just implement technology and disappear. We educate, empower, and partner with businesses to ensure AI adoption is successful and sustainable. Whether you're taking your first steps with AI or scaling across your organization, we meet you where you are—with solutions that fit your budget, timeline, and technical capabilities.
Founded by John Hynds
I'm John Hynds, founder of North Idaho AI. I've spent 40 years in high tech and have owned my own small business. Like you, I've signed the front of paychecks. When I talk about AI, I understand more than just the technology—I understand your P&L, your cash flow challenges, and what it's like to make payroll every month.
This combination of enterprise technology expertise (Polycom, Device Authority, multiple patents) and real business ownership experience (built and operated LoCarb Outlet to $500K+ first-year revenue) shapes everything we do at North Idaho AI. We don't sell you software—we teach you how to own it. Every automation tool we build belongs to you, on your own Abacus AI account. No middleman. No markup. Just honest consulting and hands-on help.
Serving North Idaho & Eastern Washington
We proudly serve businesses throughout the region, with a focus on Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, Spokane Valley, and Spokane.
Not in the area? We'd still be glad to help you. We work with businesses nationwide through virtual consultations and remote implementation.
Let's Start the Conversation
Ready to unlock the intelligence hiding in your existing business software? Request a free data audit today.