What AI is actually doing inside small professional-services firms in 2026
Most professional-services firms now use AI for research, drafting and summaries. Here's what's working, what isn't and where people still matter.
Routes to GetToolRank
iSurge Media · Independent publisher · Katy, Texas
Useful information, clearly explained.
Plain-English articles on business and AI for people who run small and mid-size firms, plus the publications that go deeper for your kind of business. Useful information, clearly explained, without the hype.
Publisher of
Latest from the hub
New articles
Each one answers a real question for firm owners, then points you to the site that goes deeper.
Why your business doesn't show up in ChatGPT answers yet
Most small businesses aren't doing anything yet to show up in AI answers. Here are the plain-English reasons and the fixes that actually matter.
Routes to GetToolRank
Which business records may qualify for a license, and which usually don't
A plain-English guide to company-owned records: which kinds may qualify for licensing, which usually don't, and what to check before you talk to anyone.
Routes to BidMyData
Should a CPA firm use AI on client work?
Yes, with guardrails. How CPA firms are using AI on tax, close and advisory work, what the research shows and the confidentiality rules to respect.
Routes to BalanceSheetData
Where AI helps a small law firm, and where a lawyer still has to sign the work
AI can speed up drafting, summaries and intake at a small law firm. Here is what the ABA says, what went wrong in Mata v. Avianca and how to stay safe.
Routes to BlackGoldData
Project files, RFIs and field notes: an AEC owner's guide
What architecture, engineering and construction firms should know about who owns project files, how AI is being used on them and which may qualify.
Routes to LicenseMyFiles
Publications
What we publish
Each publication serves one audience and stays focused on what's useful to them.
Live
Small-business owners
GetToolRank
Practical AI tools for small-business owners, ranked in plain English on a published rubric.
Visit gettoolrank.com
Live
CPAs, advisors & agents
AdvisorAIStack
AI tools for CPAs, financial advisors and insurance agents, ranked with security and compliance in mind.
Visit advisoraistack.com
Live
Katy, Texas
KatyScoop
A local newsletter covering news, events and hidden gems in Katy, Texas.
Visit katyscoop.com
Coming soon
Katy homeowners
KatyHomeServices
A local directory for finding home services in and around Katy, Texas.
Launching soonNo. 04
Live
Established business owners
BidMyData
Helps established business owners see whether everyday company-owned records, like emails, support tickets and CRM history, may qualify for licensing.
Visit bidmydata.com
Live
Architecture, engineering & construction firms
LicenseMyFiles
Helps established architecture, engineering and construction firms see whether records they already own may qualify for licensing.
Visit licensemyfiles.com
Live
Oil & gas companies and law firms
BlackGoldData
Helps oil and gas companies and law firms see whether records they already own may qualify for licensing.
Visit blackgolddata.com
Live
Accounting & CPA firms
BalanceSheetData
Helps established accounting and CPA firms see whether records they already own may qualify for licensing.
Visit balancesheetdata.com
How we publish
Built for people who need results, not hype.
01
Plain English
Useful information, clearly explained, without the hype.
02
One audience each
Each publication serves one audience and stays focused on what's useful to them.
03
Rankings you can check
GetToolRank ranks tools on a published rubric. AdvisorAIStack ranks them with security and compliance in mind.
Dan SmedstadFounder & Publisher, iSurge Media
Founder & Publisher
Dan Smedstad
Dan Smedstad has spent 35+ years as a petroleum landman, working leases and title across 12 states, from the Permian Basin and South Texas to Williston, North Dakota. He's been a hands-on student of all things AI since 2023 and calls himself an AI Nerd. He's the Founder & Publisher of iSurge Media and lives in Katy, Texas.
- 35+years in oil & gas
- 12states of title work
- KatyTexas, home base
Partners
Partners
Separate from the publications, Dan works with a small number of partner organizations.
Referral partner
Dreams Business AgencyDan is a referral partner of Dreams Business Resources.
Visit dreamsbusinessagency.comQuestions, corrections or ideas?
The quickest way to reach Dan is through the publication your question is about. Each one has its own inbox.