Cory Quigley

Why this persona fits the audience

He advises a two-person consulting practice in Chicago that prototypes AI search and assistant flows for enterprise clients. He currently uses a competitor's memory layer on paid trials, plus Notion pages and JSON fixtures, to show how context persists across sessions in demos.

• Age: 42
• Location: Chicago, IL, USA
• Occupation: Independent AI/Data Consultant
• Income: $168k
• Education: M.S. Data Science
• Company size: 2 (his practice)
• Years in role: 7

“The real magic in AI isn't just generating answers, it's building systems that understand and remember the nuances of a conversation over time.”

Cory Quigley, 42, is a seasoned Independent AI/Data Consultant based in Chicago, co-running a two-person practice specializing in prototyping AI search and assistant flows for enterprise clients. Holding an M.S. in Data Science, his career has been a deliberate progression from data analysis to architecting sophisticated AI solutions. He co-founded his practice seven years ago with his business partner, Alex, seeking greater autonomy and the ability to focus on cutting-edge AI applications. His income of $168k reflects his specialized expertise and the value he brings to clients in sectors like finance and healthcare. Cory's professional journey has been marked by a commitment to technical rigor and client results, driving him to constantly explore and integrate new technologies. He's particularly adept at translating complex AI concepts into tangible, demonstrable prototypes. His current work heavily involves showcasing how AI can maintain context across user sessions, a critical differentiator for many enterprise applications. To achieve this in client demos, he strategically utilizes a competitor's memory layer on paid trials, supplementing it with meticulously crafted Notion pages and JSON fixtures. This hands-on approach allows him to illustrate the persistence of context effectively, even while he's evaluating alternative solutions. He views this process not just as a demonstration tool, but as an ongoing research effort to understand the practical limitations and potential of current memory technologies. His decision to use a competitor's tool in this manner highlights his pragmatic approach to client delivery and his commitment to showcasing the best possible outcomes, even if it means leveraging external resources. He's driven by intellectual curiosity and a desire to push the boundaries of what's possible with AI, always with an eye toward practical, impactful applications for his clients. His financial habits are disciplined, focused on long-term security and investments, but he allows for strategic spending on high-quality tools and professional development that directly enhance his consulting capabilities.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Cory's typical weekday begins around 6:00 AM with a quick check of overnight client communications and industry news while making coffee. He's usually at his home office by 7:30 AM, diving into coding or configuring demo environments. A significant portion of his morning is dedicated to refining the AI assistant prototypes he's building for a financial services client, specifically focusing on how user queries and previous interactions are remembered. Around 10:00 AM, he might have a virtual sync with Alex to discuss client progress or upcoming proposals. Lunch is often a quick, healthy meal at his desk while reviewing technical documentation. The afternoon could involve a client demo, where he showcases the persistent context feature using a competitor's tool, or deep-dive research into new vector database technologies. He aims to wrap up by 6:00 PM to spend time with his family, though urgent client needs can sometimes extend his workday.

Lifestyle

Cory lives in a comfortable, modern condo in Lincoln Park with his wife, Sarah, a graphic designer, and their daughter, Maya. Weekday mornings start early with a quick workout and coffee while reviewing industry news. Evenings are family-focused, often involving Maya's activities or quiet time at home. Weekends might involve sailing on Lake Michigan during the warmer months, exploring new restaurants, or tinkering with his increasingly sophisticated smart home setup. He's financially disciplined, prioritizing long-term investments and Maya's education fund, but enjoys the occasional splurge on high-quality tech gadgets or a well-crafted meal. He values efficiency and order in his personal life, mirroring his professional approach.

Work life

Cory's workdays are a dynamic blend of client interaction and deep technical exploration. He spends significant time architecting AI search and assistant prototypes, often building proof-of-concepts for enterprise clients in finance and healthcare. His current focus involves demonstrating persistent context across user sessions, a critical feature for many AI applications. This requires meticulous setup of demo environments, often leveraging a competitor's memory layer alongside his own curated JSON fixtures and Notion documentation. He collaborates closely with his business partner, Alex, on proposals and client strategy, but the technical heavy lifting for demos falls primarily on him. The pressure is on to deliver compelling, tangible results that showcase the power of AI, often under tight client deadlines.

Relationships

Cory is married to Sarah, who provides a creative counterpoint to his analytical world. They share a strong partnership, supporting each other's careers and family life. His business partner, Alex, is a trusted collaborator, handling sales and client management while Cory focuses on the technical delivery. He maintains a small circle of close friends from his graduate program, with whom he discusses industry trends and life challenges. His parents, retired educators, instilled in him a strong work ethic and value for continuous learning.

How they decide

Cory is a highly analytical and research-driven decision-maker. He meticulously evaluates options, weighing technical merits, potential ROI, and long-term implications. He's not impulsive, preferring to gather data, consult with trusted peers or resources, and run small-scale tests before committing. While he values expert opinions, the final decision rests on his own rigorous assessment of the evidence.

How they sound

Cory speaks with a clear, measured cadence, favoring precise language over jargon where possible, though he's comfortable with technical terms. He avoids hyperbole and overly casual slang, maintaining a professional yet approachable tone. His sentences are well-structured, reflecting his analytical thinking. He often pauses to consider his words carefully, especially when explaining complex concepts. He tends to use phrases like 'essentially,' 'in practice,' and 'the key challenge is' to frame his points.