M&J × noboxAI — Discovery Capture

Decision 1 of 6

What is M&J's most pressing technology challenge?

Based on what Ellis shared during discovery, which pain point resonated most strongly?

Post-merger platform unification

3 firms on different systems, 19+ offices, heterogeneous collaboration tools

Talent productivity / doing more with less

Can't hire fast enough, need to multiply existing capacity

Client service modernization

Technology as competitive differentiator in client delivery

Cybersecurity and compliance

Regulatory pressure, governance gaps post-merger

Other / unexpected priority

Something we didn't anticipate — document in notes below

Decision 2 of 6

What is the current state of Google Workspace Gemini?

Based on what was shared about their current technology stack and AI usage.

Not activated / not aware of Gemini

Have Workspace but Gemini features are not turned on

Activated but minimal adoption

Licenses exist but no formal enablement or training

Some power users, no formal program

Individual experimentation without organizational strategy

Active rollout already underway

Formal program exists — our role would be augmentation

Not on Google Workspace

On Microsoft 365 or mixed — changes the entire approach

Decision 3 of 6

Where should a pilot deployment focus?

Did Ellis indicate a preferred group, or should our assessment recommend one?

Audit teams

High document volume, standardized workflows, government/municipal audit strength

Tax teams

Research-heavy, deadline-driven, high client communication volume

Advisory / consulting

Client-facing, proposal-heavy, technology services practice

Administrative / operations

Email, scheduling, reporting — lowest risk, fastest visible wins

Let our assessment recommend

Ellis prefers data-driven recommendation over gut feel

Decision 4 of 6

What is the timeline signal?

Based on Ellis's language about urgency and next steps.

Immediate — wants to start within 30 days

"Send me a proposal" / "Let's get started"

Near-term — evaluating, decision by end of Q2

"This is interesting, let me think about it" / "What would a proposal look like?"

Planning phase — roadmap building, H2 execution

"We're still figuring out priorities" / "Maybe later this year"

Exploratory — just learning what's possible

"I'm gathering information" / No commitment language

Decision 5 of 6

What is the decision process?

Who else needs to approve, and what's the procurement path?

Ellis decides independently

CIO has budget authority for this scope

Ellis recommends, Managing Partner approves

Hanson Borders or executive committee has final say

Committee or board approval needed

Formal procurement process with multiple stakeholders

Unclear — didn't surface on call

Need to ask in follow-up

Decision 6 of 6

What was the agreed next step?

What did we commit to at the end of the call?

Send assessment proposal within 48 hours

Strong signal — Ellis wants to see scope and pricing

Schedule follow-up call

Interested but wants to bring in additional stakeholders or go deeper

Ellis will review internally and get back

Moderate signal — needs to socialize with leadership

Send info / materials for review

Educational phase — no commitment yet

No clear next step

Need to follow up proactively via Brandon

Open Capture

Key Quotes & Observations

Capture Ellis's exact words on pain points, any surprising insights, competitive mentions, or budget signals.