Tenex is an NYC-based AI transformation and engineering firm that helps at-scale companies (over $25M revenue) shift from AI-absent to AI-native. They offer AI strategy, custom transformation partnerships, and subscription-style engineering squads with 10x engineers. Their clients include VC-backed startups and multi-generational enterprises. They are also explicitly not built for a 35-person fire sprinkler company. Tenex requires $25M+ revenue to engage. Ironback was built for the market Tenex deliberately left behind.
Specialty trade businesses doing $1M–$20M that need AI-powered operational improvement at a price point that makes sense for their revenue. If Tenex would not take your call, Ironback was built for you.
Companies above $25M revenue that need holistic AI transformation — custom software development, organizational change management, and enterprise-grade engineering — and have the budget and internal structure to support a multi-year transformation initiative.
Real Cost Comparison
Year-one total cost of ownership — including setup, ongoing fees, and hidden management costs.
Flat $8,000/month retainer, 3-month minimum, month-to-month after. Trade-specific, ongoing operational management.
Tenex: custom pricing for transformation partnerships and subscription engineering squads. Targets $25M+ revenue companies. Based on NYC engineering talent and enterprise positioning, estimated $15,000–$50,000+/month for transformation engagements.
Tenex: estimated $180,000–$600,000+/year for a full transformation partnership with engineering squads. Built for companies with the revenue to justify that investment. Ironback: $49,500–$85,500/year. You could run Ironback for 2–7 years for the cost of one year of Tenex.
Common Questions
Ironback has engineering capability — we build and deploy automations, integrations, and AI systems. But trade businesses do not need 10x engineers building custom software. They need operational systems that answer phones, send estimates, schedule crews, and track compliance. That is a different skill set. Tenex builds software products. Ironback builds operational infrastructure. Your fire sprinkler company does not need a custom React app — it needs its phones answered at night.
Ironback promises a Month 1 operational audit with EBITDA impact projections, and ongoing operational improvement measured in concrete metrics: calls answered, estimates sent, follow-ups completed, compliance documents filed. We do not promise to transform your company over a decade. We promise to make your operations measurably better starting in weeks.
If you grow past $25M and need custom software development, organizational change management, and enterprise AI strategy, a firm like Tenex makes sense. But most trade businesses that grow from $5M to $25M do so by getting their operations right — answering every call, sending estimates fast, following up consistently, and keeping compliance current. That is what Ironback does. Get the operations right first, then worry about enterprise transformation.
Industries Where This Decision Matters Most
These specialty trades see the biggest impact from choosing the right AI operations approach.
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Ironback is a dedicated AI operations partner for service businesses doing $1M–$20M. Flat $8,000/month, 3-month minimum. We find where AI unlocks value, build it, and run it. Start with the free Operations Scorecard — it quantifies waste across 7 categories in under 5 minutes.
Or see full pricing · Explore AI for service businesses