Uncommon Creative started in 2008 as David Hoos's design and marketing studio. It built websites, set up search, and designed for small businesses and nonprofits until 2017, when David moved into growth roles and later started his own consulting firm.
The name is back because the problem is the same one it always solved. A small business owner is good at the work and short on time for everything around it. In 2010 the answer was a website that did some of the selling for you. Now the answer is an agent that does some of the admin for you.
Why David is writing this
David runs his own consulting business on AI agents. Every morning one writes his brief. Others watch for new leads, draft follow-ups, keep his records clean, and flag what needs him. He sets them up, breaks them, and fixes them, so you don't have to start from zero.
He's not selling software, and he isn't paid by the tools he mentions. When a guide names a tool, it's the one he'd use, and it says what it costs.
What these guides won't do
They won't tell you AI will run your business. It won't. They'll tell you which jobs it handles well today, which it doesn't, and how to check its work so you stay in charge.
Get in touch
The best way in is the email list. If you run a service business and want to tell us which job is eating your week, reply to any email. Those replies decide what the next guide covers.
The studio years, 2008 to 2017
Uncommon Creative was David Hoos's design and marketing studio from 2008 to 2017: websites, search, and visual design for small businesses and nonprofits. A few of the projects:
Tapped Taphouse & Kitchen
Website and search setup for a new gastropub in Moscow, Idaho, built before construction finished so it could open with its menu, taps, and hours online.
Circular Calendar
A year-at-a-glance calendar for a nonprofit coordinating events with other nonprofits and the local academic calendar, printed at 27 by 40 inches.
Recraft Media
Website and search work for a small firm that makes marketing videos for colleges.