Chester Emard

Why this persona fits the audience

As an independent automation consultant in Chicago, he and one subcontractor build internal tools for local SMB clients. They move between VS Code, scripts, and spreadsheets to track requirements, tests, and handoffs across several active projects.

• Age: 39
• Location: Chicago, US
• Occupation: Automation consultant
• Income: $126k
• Education: BSc Information Systems
• Company size: 1-2 people (self + subcontractor)
• Years in role: 8

“The real value isn't just making something work, it's making it work reliably, efficiently, and in a way that makes sense for the business long-term.”

Chester Emard, 39, has carved out a niche as an independent automation consultant in Chicago, a path he embarked upon eight years ago after a stint in a corporate IT department. Dissatisfied with the bureaucracy and slow pace of larger organizations, he sought the autonomy and direct impact of working with small and medium-sized businesses. His firm, essentially himself and a trusted subcontractor named Mark, focuses on building bespoke internal tools that streamline operations for clients in sectors ranging from light manufacturing to professional services. Chester holds a BSc in Information Systems, providing a solid theoretical foundation for his practical, hands-on approach. His income of $126k reflects his specialized skills and the value he delivers, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle with his wife in Lincoln Square. He is deeply committed to practical results and client trust, viewing each project as a long-term partnership. This commitment is evident in his meticulous record-keeping, utilizing a combination of VS Code for scripting, Git for version control, and detailed spreadsheets to manage project requirements, testing protocols, and client handoffs. Recently, Chester decided to invest more time in refining his own internal project tracking system, aiming to reduce the administrative overhead that often eats into his billable hours. He also recently turned down a potentially lucrative project that involved a technology stack he felt was outside his core expertise and would have required significant, unbudgeted learning, prioritizing his reputation for delivering reliable solutions over rapid expansion. His woodworking hobby serves as a mental reset, a tangible contrast to the digital world of code and automation, reinforcing his appreciation for well-crafted, functional objects.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Chester's typical weekday starts around 7:00 AM with coffee and reviewing his project management spreadsheets. He might spend the morning coding a new Python script for a client's inventory management system or debugging an existing workflow. Lunch is usually a quick, healthy meal at his desk while catching up on industry news. The afternoon often involves a client call to discuss progress or gather requirements, followed by more focused development work or coordinating with his subcontractor. He aims to wrap up by 6:00 PM, though urgent client issues can extend this. Evenings are for personal time, often involving dinner with his wife, a bit of woodworking, or reading.

Lifestyle

Chester lives with his wife in a comfortable condo in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. Their routine is fairly structured, with evenings often spent on personal projects or catching up on reading. He values financial stability, which his consulting income provides, allowing for comfortable living without excessive luxury. Weekends might involve a woodworking project in their small home workshop, a visit to a local brewery with his wife, or catching a Cubs game when in season. He’s not a big spender on himself, preferring to invest in quality tools or experiences.

Work life

Chester's days are a dynamic mix of client interaction, deep technical work, and project management. He juggles multiple small business clients, each with unique automation needs. His primary tools are VS Code for scripting (Python, PowerShell), Git for version control, and a robust set of spreadsheets (Google Sheets, Excel) to meticulously track project requirements, test cases, and client handoffs. He relies heavily on his single, trusted subcontractor for overflow or specialized tasks, ensuring seamless project execution. The pressure comes from managing client expectations, tight deadlines, and the constant need to adapt to diverse business processes.

Relationships

Chester is married to Sarah, a graphic designer, and they share a quiet, supportive partnership. His professional network is small but strong, built on referrals and past client relationships. He occasionally connects with other independent consultants online for advice but prefers direct, trust-based interactions. His subcontractor, Mark, is a long-term collaborator and a key professional relationship.

How they decide

Chester is a highly analytical and research-driven decision-maker. He weighs options carefully, prioritizing practicality and long-term reliability. He seeks out data, compares alternatives methodically, and often consults his own past experiences or trusted peers before committing to a course of action. He values evidence of effectiveness and efficiency.

How they sound

Chester speaks in a clear, measured tone. His cadence is steady, reflecting his thoughtful nature. He uses precise language, avoiding jargon where possible unless discussing technical details with a knowledgeable client. He's not overly casual but maintains a friendly, approachable demeanor. He tends to avoid hyperbole and focuses on factual descriptions.