Lakes Consulting

1. Retail Marketing & Brand Ambassador Program Consulting

We specialize in helping brands build brand ambassador and lead-generation programs designed specifically for their needs, reaching customers in major retail big-box stores. Retail marketing director-level consulting from someone who has built and run these programs.

• In-Store Program Audit: store coverage, promoter / ambassador scripts, lead flow, store relationships
• Program Launch & Team Build: recruit, train & deploy ambassadors, promoters & appointment setters; store-manager relationship playbook
• Ongoing Advisory: monthly coaching, performance tracking, scaling to new stores and markets
• Custom Brand Ambassador Programs: training, pay structure, store strategy and rollout tailored to your company, products and retailers
• Advertising & Content Consulting: what to say and show in TV, radio, internet and social media ads (consulting only; your team or vendors handle production)
• Sales Strategy, Training & Coaching: for in-store, in-home and customer-facing sales teams

Pricing: Every brand ambassador and retail advisory program is custom-built, so pricing is customized to fit what your program needs, such as the number of stores, team size, training and how long you need support. We will talk through your goals first and then give you a clear quote. Your first appointment is always free.

2. Web Consulting & Website Building

We specialize in helping you optimize and streamline your web services at an affordable price.

Free Website Review: send us your website address. We will take a quick look and give you a list of improvements, such as speed, phone layout, contact buttons and how easily people find you on Google.

Social Media Review: when we build your website, we also look at your social media pages so they match your site and point customers to you.

Web Design

• One-page site: $300–$400
• Up to 5 pages: $500–$800
• 8–10 pages: $900–$1,200
• Monthly upkeep: $50–$100/month

Client separately pays for the domain (about $11–$18/yr) and hosting.

3. Personal Financial Coaching & Strategies

General coaching on budgeting, cash flow and planning. Sessions are held by Zoom or another video call. In-person meetings are available within 25 miles of Charlotte.

Coaching for families and individuals includes:

• Family budgeting and spending plans
• Building an emergency fund and savings goals
• Paying down debt with a clear payoff plan (snowball or avalanche method)
• Understanding and improving your credit
• College planning: how 529 plans work, FAFSA basics and avoiding too much student debt
• Getting ready to buy a home: down payment savings and mortgage readiness
• Retirement basics: how 401(k)s and IRAs work and why to start early
• Teaching kids and teens about money
• Planning for big life changes: marriage, a new baby, job loss or divorce
• Insurance basics: what kinds of coverage a family should think about
• Getting organized: wills, beneficiaries and important papers
• Side income and small business money basics

Lakes Consulting is not a financial advisor, registered representative or insurance agent. We do not, and never will, handle your personal finances, pay your bills or have access to any of your bank accounts. All services draw on the expertise and 30+ years of sales and management experience of James P. Lake.