Max Richardson
Founder, eMBeR
I've been building technology solutions for over a decade — CRM platforms, workflow automation, financial systems, and everything in between. But when AI crossed the threshold from novelty to genuinely useful, I saw the opportunity I'd been waiting for: helping small businesses access the same tools that used to require enterprise budgets.
That's why I started eMBeR. Based in Tempe, Arizona, I work directly with small businesses to bring AI and automation into their day-to-day operations — practically, affordably, and without disrupting what's already working.
Most AI consultants are either business strategists who hand off to a developer, or developers who don't understand your business. I've worked in financial services, built integrations from scratch, co-founded a company, and I've been hands-on with the Claude API and MCP since they launched. I can scope honestly, build directly, and I already understand the world you're working in.
Background
My career has spanned finance, startups, and platform development. I've co-founded a technology startup, managed hedge fund operations, and built custom CRM platforms that streamlined complex workflows through automation tools like Zapier and Make.com alongside direct API integrations.
That range of experience is what I bring to every engagement. I understand business operations, not just code. Whether it's financial services, professional services, or any small team trying to do more with less — I've likely seen a version of your problem before, and I know how to solve it.
What drives me
I'm motivated by the intersection of technology, innovation, and real business impact. Not technology for its own sake — technology that makes a measurable difference in how people work. The kind where a business owner tells me they got two hours of their day back, or their team finally stopped dreading a process that used to be manual.
Small businesses are where that impact goes furthest. The right automation or AI integration can transform an operation overnight — without a six-figure budget or a six-month timeline.
How I work
When you work with eMBeR, you work with me. No account managers, no handoffs, no layers between you and the person building your solution. I keep communication clear, timelines honest, and scope focused on what will actually move the needle for your business.