Practical AI that saves time and protects your margins—no hype required.

In 12 weeks, we’ll identify your highest-ROI workflows and implement 1–3 automations your team will actually use—measured, documented, and governed so it sticks.

If AI feels like a noisy mix of tools, trends, and half-working experiments, you’re not alone. Most SMBs don’t fail because they “picked the wrong AI.” They fail because the workflow wasn’t defined, the risk wasn’t managed, and the team never adopted it.

The Accelerator is a done-with-you implementation program that starts with your business fundamentals, then ships practical automation with guardrails—so you get leverage without gambling on shiny tools.

Owner-friendly note: If you can run your business, you can run this. We’ll choose the simplest approach that works.

Takes ~5 minutes. We review every application.

Based on the methodology from The AI Strategist by Dr. John Schell | Limited to 50 members per cohort.

Brain Neural Animation

You're not imagining it.

The pressure is real!.

You've seen the headlines. You've watched competitors roll out AI-powered tools. You've sat through webinars and downloaded guides and maybe even tested a few apps. But somehow, you're still doing things the hard way—while the gap between you and the businesses that "get it" keeps widening.

  • Your team is maxed out.

    Finding good people is harder than ever. The ones you have are stretched thin. You can't afford to hire your way out of this—and you can't afford to keep burning out the people who got you here.

  • Your customers expect more.

    Instant responses. Personalized service. Seamless experiences. They're comparing you to Amazon and Netflix whether that's fair or not. "Good enough" isn't enough anymore.

  • The wrong move is expensive.

    You've heard the horror stories. Six-figure implementations that flopped. "AI solutions" that created more problems than they solved. You're not afraid of technology—you're afraid of wasting money on the wrong bet.

  • The window is closing.

    Every month you wait, your competitors get further ahead. The cost of inaction isn't zero—it's watching opportunities go to businesses that figured this out faster.

The issue isn't that you're not smart enough or tech-savvy enough. It's that you've been handed two bad options: expensive custom solutions built for enterprises, or generic courses that teach theory without support.

You don't need more information. You need implementation—with guidance, accountability, and people who understand what it's like to run a real business.

There's a Third Option.

The AI Strategist Mastermind is a 6-month implementation program for SMB owners and managers who are done with theory and ready for results. This isn't a course you watch alone at midnight. It's not a consultant who bills you into oblivion. It's a structured community where you actually implement AI in your business—with expert guidance, proven frameworks, and peers solving the same problems you are.

Built on the "business-first" methodology from The AI Strategist by Dr. John Schell, this Mastermind flips the script on how small and medium-sized businesses approach AI. We don't start with technology. We start with your problems—then match you with solutions that deliver measurable results.

Implementation, Not Information.

Every week, you're taking action. Selecting projects. Building solutions. Getting feedback. You'll walk away with AI actually working in your business—not a binder full of notes.

Guidance, Not Guesswork

Monthly sessions with Dr. John Schell and the Sarcodes AI team. Weekly calls with your cohort. Access to decision-making frameworks and chatbot advisors that help you evaluate every move before you make it.

Community, Not Isolation.

You're surrounded by 50 other business owners navigating the same challenges—sharing wins, troubleshooting setbacks, and holding each other accountable.

Members typically see their first AI win within 60 days of joining. Not a theoretical understanding. A real solution, running in their business, delivering real value.

This is for Action-Takers, Not Spectators.

The AI Strategist Mastermind isn't for everyone—and that's by design. We keep cohorts small and curated because the value comes from the room. When everyone is committed, everyone wins.

This is for you if:

  • You run or manage an SMB and you're responsible for decisions about operations, technology, or growth.

  • You know AI matters but you're overwhelmed by the options, unsure where to start, or skeptical of the hype.

  • You're done collecting information. You've read the articles, watched the webinars, maybe even bought a course. Now you want implementation.

  • You're willing to invest the time. This isn't passive. You'll show up to calls, do the work between sessions, and engage with the community.

  • You value collaboration. You're excited to learn from peers, share your own experiences, and help others succeed alongside you.

  • You can commit to 6 months. Real transformation doesn't happen in a weekend. You're ready to stay the course.

This is NOT for you if:

  • You're looking for a magic button that automates everything overnight.

  • You want to outsource all the thinking to someone else.

  • You're not willing to engage with a community—you just want to watch from the sidelines.

  • Your business isn't ready for any investment in growth right now.

  • You're a tire-kicker. We have limited spots and a waitlist of serious owners.

If you're nodding along, here's exactly what you get when you join.

Everything You Need to Go from Hype to Implementing.

The AI Strategist Mastermind is structured for action. Every component is designed to get you from "I know I should be doing something with AI" to "We just deployed our third automation and the team loves it."

Weekly Implementation Calls

What it is: Four calls per month, each with a specific purpose: 1 call to select and scope a new AI project as a group, 2 calls to share progress, troubleshoot challenges, and stay accountable, 1 training call on a specific aspect of AI implementation.

Why it matters: You're never more than a few days away from expert feedback and peer support. No more spinning your wheels in isolation.

Monthly Expert Sessions

What it is: Direct access to Dr. John Schell and the Sarcodes AI team for advanced training, Q&A, and strategic guidance on emerging AI opportunities.

Why it matters: You get the consultant-level insight without the consultant-level invoice. Ask your specific questions. Get real answers.

AI Automation for Business Course

What it is: A comprehensive curriculum covering what's possible with AI, how to decide what and when to implement, the risks to watch for, and how to build a culture where your team actively looks for automation opportunities.

Why it matters: You'll understand AI at the strategic level—enough to lead confidently, whether you implement yourself or hand it off to someone else.

Customizable Template Library

Why it matters: A growing collection of pre-built AI automation solutions you can adapt to your business - without starting from scratch.

What it is: Implement at less than 20% of the cost of a custom solution. These templates have been tested and refined. You're not the guinea pig.

Private Online Community

Why it matters: An exclusive space for mastermind members to connect between calls—share wins, ask questions, swap resources, and build relationships.

What it is: Your network becomes your net worth. These are peers who understand your journey and will be in your corner long after the 6 months end.

Full Call Recording Library

Why it matters: Access to recordings of all past calls—trainings, project discussions, and Q&A sessions.

What it is: Miss a call? No problem. Want to revisit a concept? It's all there. You're getting the accumulated wisdom of every cohort before you.

Plus, these Bonuses to Accelerate Your Results.

When you join the mastermind, you also get immediate access to these tools and resources—designed to collapse your learning curve and give you unfair advantages from day one.

Bonus 1: Private Strategy Session

What it is: A 60-minute one-on-one session with an AI automation expert, focused entirely on your business.

Why it matters: Before you even attend your first group call, you'll have a personalized roadmap. We'll identify your highest-impact opportunities and map out your first project together. No generic advice—just strategy built around your specific situation.

Bonus 2: Business Advisor Bot

What it is: An AI chatbot trained on insights and strategies from top business dealmakers, available 24/7 to brainstorm revenue ideas and strategic moves.

Why it matters: It's like having a strategic advisor on call whenever you need one. Talk through pricing decisions, new offerings, or growth opportunities—without booking a meeting or paying consulting fees.

Bonus 3: Consumer Insights Bot

Why it matters: A chatbot trained to respond to product and service offerings based on generational demographics—so you can test how different audiences might react.

What it is: Get instant feedback on messaging, offers, and product ideas before you spend money on ads or development. It's like a focus group in your pocket.

Bonus 4: AI Tool List with Evaluations

Why it matters: A curated, continuously updated directory of AI automation tools—with honest evaluations and recommendations.

What it is: Stop wasting hours researching which tools are worth your time. We've done the homework. You just pick what fits your needs.

Bonus 5: AI Prompts Quick-Start Guide

Why it matters: A ready-to-use collection of prompts to help you and your team start getting value from AI tools immediately.

What it is: No more staring at a blank chat window wondering what to type. These prompts get you productive from day one—and help your team see what's possible.

A business-first framework that actually works.

Most AI programs start with the technology and hope you figure out how to make it useful. We do the opposite. The AI Strategist methodology—developed by Dr. John Schell and battle-tested with real businesses—starts with your problems and works backward to the right solutions.

The Core Philosophy:

We don't chase shiny objects.

Every AI project in this mastermind is evaluated against real business criteria: Will it save money? Increase revenue? Improve productivity? Reduce risk? If it doesn't move the needle on at least one of these, we don't do it.

We believe in collective intelligence.

A room full of business owners facing similar challenges will generate better solutions than any single consultant. The mastermind format isn't a delivery mechanism—it's the strategy.

We prioritize action over theory.

You can read about AI anywhere. Here, you implement. Every framework, every template, every conversation is designed to get something working in your business—not just understood in your head.

How It Works in Practice:

Step 1: Identify the Problem

We start with what's actually costing you time, money, or sanity. Not what's trendy. Not what your competitor is doing. Your real operational pain points.

Step 2: Evaluate the Opportunity

Using our decision frameworks (and the Project Decision Bot), you'll assess whether AI is the right solution—and if so, which approach makes sense for your resources and risk tolerance.

Step 3: Implement with Support

You're never building alone. Use our templates to shortcut development. Get feedback on weekly calls. Troubleshoot with peers who've solved similar problems.

Step 4: Measure and Iterate

We'll show you how to track what matters—cost savings, productivity gains, revenue impact, risk reduction—so you know exactly what's working and what to optimize next.

Go as Deep as You Want:

Some members want to understand AI at a strategic level—enough to lead their team and evaluate vendors. Others want to roll up their sleeves and build solutions themselves. The methodology supports both.

You'll leave with the knowledge to make smart decisions and the confidence to take action—whether you're delegating implementation or doing it yourself.

MEET YOUR GUIDE

Dr. John Schell has spent over two decades at the forefront of technology—and he's watched the same story play out again and again: businesses get burned by overhyped solutions, expensive consultants, and AI projects that never deliver.

That's why he founded Sarcodes AI and wrote The AI Strategist—to give small and medium-sized business owners a smarter path forward. One built on business fundamentals, not tech industry buzzwords.

PhD in Engineering, University of Texas — His research focused on modeling complex systems—the foundation for understanding how AI actually works, and more importantly, when it doesn't.

Executive MBA, Quantic University — Because technology without business strategy is just expensive experimentation.

Post-Graduate Certificate in AI for Leaders, UT McCombs School of Business — Bridging the gap between technical capability and executive decision-making.

"I'm not interested in helping you chase the latest AI trend. I'm interested in helping you solve the problem that's been keeping you up at night and proving the ROI before you scale."u

- Dr. John Schell

The Mission:

John saw a growing gap between the promise of AI and the reality for most business owners. Enterprise companies had armies of data scientists. SMBs had YouTube videos and generic courses that left them more confused than when they started.

He built this mastermind to close that gap—to make the power of AI accessible, affordable, and strategically sound for businesses that don't have Fortune 500 budgets.

The Approach:

John's not here to impress you with jargon or sell you on the latest shiny tool. He's here to help you solve real problems. His "business-first" framework has helped businesses across industries cut through the noise and implement AI that actually moves the needle.

When you join the mastermind, you get direct access to John and his team at Sarcodes AI—the same experts who consult with businesses on high-stakes AI implementations every day.

Six months from now, everything is different.

You didn't join another program. You joined the one that finally moved the needle. Here's what members experience after going through The AI Strategist Mastermind:.

  • Transformation 1: From Hype to Clarity

    The noise is gone. You're no longer drowning in AI headlines, wondering what's real and what's hype. You have a framework for evaluating any new technology—and the confidence to say "not right now" or "let's do it" based on business logic, not fear.

  • Transformation 2: From Stuck to Implemented

    That first project you kept putting off? It's live. It's working. And it probably took less time and money than you expected—because you had the templates, the guidance, and the peer support to get it done right the first time.

  • Transformation 3: From Isolated to Connected

    You're no longer figuring this out alone. You have a network of business owners who've been through the same challenges—people you can call, message, and collaborate with long after the mastermind ends.

  • Transformation 4: From Behind to Competitive

    That fear of falling behind? It's been replaced by momentum. You've seen what's possible. You've proven ROI. Your team is engaged. And you're already planning your next AI initiative—not because someone told you to, but because you've seen what it can do.

  • Transformation 5: From Spending to Saving

    Instead of sinking money into expensive consultants or software that overpromises, you've implemented solutions at a fraction of the cost. The templates alone saved you tens of thousands. The decision frameworks saved you from costly mistakes.

  • Transformation 6: From Follower to Leader

    You're no longer reacting to what competitors are doing. You're the one your industry peers are asking: "How did you do that?" You've become the leader who brought AI into your business—and made it work.

This isn't hypothetical. It's what happens when you stop researching and start implementing—with the right framework, the right guidance, and the right people around you.

Try it for 30 days. Risk nothing.

100% Money Back Guarantee

We know investing in your growth can feel like a leap—especially when you've been burned by programs that overpromised and underdelivered. That's why we've made your decision completely risk-free.

30-Day No-Questions-Asked Money-Back Guarantee

Join the mastermind. Attend the calls. Access the resources. Implement the frameworks. Work with your cohort. If within the first 30 days you don't feel like this is the right fit—for any reason—just let us know and we'll refund your investment in full.

No hoops. No awkward conversations. No hard feelings.

Why We Offer This:

Because we've seen what happens when business owners actually engage with this material. They get results. They implement. They come back months later and tell us it changed how they run their business. We're not worried about refund requests. We're worried about you staying stuck because you weren't sure. This guarantee removes that obstacle.

What This Means for You:

You get to experience the mastermind—the calls, the community, the coaching, the templates—with zero downside. Either you get your first AI win and wonder why you waited so long... or you get your money back and lose nothing but a little time.

The only risk is doing nothing.

This isn't for everyone. By design.

The AI Strategist Mastermind is intentionally small. We cap each cohort at 50 members—not because we couldn't take more, but because the value comes from the room. When the group is tight, the conversations go deeper. The connections are real. The accountability actually works.

Why We Limit Enrollment:

Quality over quantity.

Every member is hand-selected through an application process. We're looking for action-takers who will contribute to the group, not just consume from it. Your peers matter—and we take that seriously.

Access stays meaningful.

With 50 members, you actually get face time with Dr. Schell and the Sarcodes AI team. Your questions get answered. Your projects get attention. You're not a name on a spreadsheet.

The community stays strong.

Smaller cohorts build real relationships. Members stay in touch long after the six months end. They refer business to each other. They collaborate. That doesn't happen in a 500-person Slack channel.

What this Means for You:

If you're reading this page, spots may or may not be available. We open enrollment periodically and fill cohorts on a first-qualified, first-accepted basis.

If you're accepted and the current cohort is full, you'll be offered a spot in the next one—but we can't guarantee timing or availability.

The Application Process:

Applying takes about 5 minutes. You'll answer a few questions about your business, your goals, and why you're interested in the mastermind. This helps us make sure it's a mutual fit.

Not everyone who applies is accepted—but if you've read this far and you see yourself in these pages, you're probably exactly who we're looking for.

You've read this far for a reason.

You know AI is the future of how business gets done. You've felt the pressure of falling behind. You've tried figuring it out on your own. And you're still here—because something about this feels different.

It is different.

What Happens When You Apply:

1. You complete a short application (about 5 minutes). Tell us about your business, your goals, and what you're hoping to get from the mastermind.

2. We review your application. We're looking for fit—business owners who are ready to take action, not just collect information.

3. If it's a match, we'll be in touch. You'll get details on the next cohort, how to secure your spot, and what to expect on day one.

No pressure. No awkward sales calls. Just a simple process to see if this is right for both of us.

Remember: 30-day money-back guarantee. You risk nothing but staying stuck.

"If you're serious about making AI work for your business, I'd love to have you in the room. Apply today—and let's build something together." - John

Questions? We've got answers.

How much time do I need to commit each week?

Plan for 2-3 hours per week. That includes attending one live call (about 60-90 minutes) and doing implementation work between sessions. Some weeks you'll invest more when you're deep in a project. Some weeks will be lighter. The structure is designed for busy business owners—not people with unlimited time.

What if I can't make every live call?

Life happens. All calls are recorded and added to the member library within 24 hours. You'll also have the community to catch you up on what you missed. That said, the magic happens live—so we encourage you to prioritize attendance when possible.

I'm not technical. Will I be able to keep up?

Yes. This program is designed for business owners, not engineers. We focus on strategic understanding—knowing what's possible, how to evaluate opportunities, and how to make smart decisions. You don't need to code. You don't need a technical background. If you can run a business, you can do this.

What if I'm just getting started with AI? Is this too advanced?

Not at all. Many members join with zero AI implementation experience—just curiosity and a willingness to learn. The methodology meets you where you are. You'll have templates, frameworks, and a community to guide you step by step. Your first win might be simpler than someone else's—and that's exactly how it should be.

What if I've already done some AI projects? Will this still be valuable?

Yes. More experienced members benefit from the peer network, advanced training sessions, and the structured accountability. You'll also gain access to frameworks and templates that can accelerate your next project. And frankly, teaching others what you've learned is one of the fastest ways to deepen your own expertise.

Is this relevant to my industry?

The methodology is industry-agnostic. We've worked with service businesses, e-commerce, manufacturing, professional services, healthcare, logistics, and more. AI automation principles apply across industries—and the diversity of the cohort is actually a strength. You'll see solutions from other sectors that spark ideas you'd never have found in your own bubble.

What size business is this for?

The mastermind is designed for small to medium-sized businesses—typically owners or managers with teams ranging from a handful of employees to a few hundred. If you're a solopreneur, you can still benefit, but know that some solutions are more impactful when you have a team to leverage. If you're at an enterprise scale, this likely isn't the right fit.

How is this different from online courses about AI?

Courses give you information. The mastermind gives you implementation. You're not just watching videos alone—you're working alongside peers, getting live feedback, and building real solutions with expert guidance. Most courses have a 5-10% completion rate. Our members show up because the accountability and community make it impossible to fall behind.

How is this different from hiring an AI consultant?

Consultants can cost tens of thousands of dollars—and when they leave, so does the knowledge. The mastermind gives you the strategic education to lead AI initiatives yourself, plus templates that let you implement at a fraction of the cost. You're not renting expertise. You're building it in-house.

What happens after the 6 months?

You have options. Many members choose to continue with an ongoing monthly membership to stay connected to the community, attend calls, and access new resources as they're released. Others take what they've learned and run with it independently. Either way, you keep access to the relationships you've built—those don't expire.

What's the investment?

We share full pricing details with qualified applicants. The application is free and takes about 5 minutes. If we're a good fit, you'll receive complete information on investment options before making any commitment.

What happens after I apply?

You'll complete a short application telling us about your business and goals. Our team reviews every application personally. If it looks like a fit, we'll reach out with next steps—including pricing, cohort timing, and how to secure your spot. No high-pressure sales calls. Just a conversation to make sure it's right for both of us.

Still have questions? Apply now and we'll be happy to answer them personally. Or email us at [email protected] and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

5 minutes. No commitment. See if you're a fit.

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