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CASE STUDY: From Corporate Layoff to $15K+ Monthly Revenue

How 1stContact.ai CRM transformed CoreTactic's business operations and accelerated growth
500%
Revenue Growth
$1,500+
Monthly Savings
100%
Business Transformed

From Corporate America to Entrepreneurship

After 25 years of leadership experience in corporate America, Nick Rustad faced something completely unexpected: a layoff. For someone with Nick's impressive track record, working with prestigious organizations like Accenture, The Pillsbury Company, and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this sudden transition was unprecedented.

Rather than viewing this as a setback, Nick saw an opportunity to transform his extensive expertise into something new. In July 2023, he founded CoreTactic LLC, a comprehensive coaching ecosystem designed to address every aspect of career and professional development.

What began as a modest venture quickly evolved into a dynamic team of 6 expert professionals offering integrated services in life and career coaching, business strategy consulting, personal branding, executive leadership development, and recruitment services.

Nick Rustad, Founder of CoreTactic
When I was laid off, I never imagined it would lead to the most fulfilling chapter of my professional life. But starting CoreTactic meant I needed to quickly learn how to manage a growing business with limited resources. The early days were overwhelming until I discovered 1stContact.ai.
— Nick Rustad, Founder & CEO, CoreTactic LLC

Early Business Challenges

Like many new business owners, Nick faced significant challenges in setting up efficient operations. With his expertise primarily in leadership and coaching, the technical aspects of managing a modern service business proved particularly challenging.

  • Managing multiple software platforms and tools for different aspects of the business
  • Spending excessive time on administrative tasks instead of focusing on client work
  • High monthly costs for various software subscriptions eating into profit margins
  • Difficulty tracking client interactions and maintaining consistent follow-ups
  • Lack of integration between marketing efforts and sales processes
  • Revenue capped at around $3,000 per month due to operational inefficiencies

The 1stContact.ai Solution

Everything changed when Nick discovered 1stContact.ai, the all-in-one sales and marketing platform designed to streamline business operations. Instead of juggling multiple tools and platforms, CoreTactic was able to consolidate their entire tech stack into one comprehensive solution.

  • Centralized CRM system to manage all client relationships and communications
  • Automated email and SMS marketing campaigns for consistent client touchpoints
  • Integrated appointment scheduling that synced seamlessly with their calendar
  • Custom landing pages and sales funnels to capture and convert leads
  • Pipeline management tools to track client progress and opportunities
  • Consolidated reporting and analytics to measure business performance

The Transformation Timeline

July 2023

CoreTactic Founded

After an unexpected layoff, Nick Rustad establishes CoreTactic LLC with a vision to transform career coaching and professional development.

August 2023

Early Operational Challenges

CoreTactic struggles with managing multiple software platforms and achieving operational efficiency, with monthly revenue around $3,000.

October 2023

1stContact.ai Implementation

CoreTactic implements 1stContact.ai, consolidating their tech stack and automating key business processes.

December 2023

First Signs of Growth

Monthly revenue doubles to $6,000 as operational efficiency improves, allowing more time for client acquisition.

February 2024

Team Expansion

Increased efficiency enables CoreTactic to expand from two managing members to a team of six professionals offering comprehensive services.

April 2025

Revenue Milestone

CoreTactic achieves over $15,000 in monthly revenue, representing a 500% increase from their starting point, with monthly operational costs reduced by $1,500.

Transformative Results

The implementation of 1stContact.ai completely transformed CoreTactic's business operations, leading to dramatic improvements in efficiency, capacity, and ultimately, revenue. By consolidating multiple tools into one platform, Nick and his team were able to focus on what really mattered: delivering exceptional service to their clients.

500%
Increase in monthly revenue, growing from $3,000 to over $15,000 per month
$1,500+
Monthly savings on software and tools that were replaced by 1stContact.ai's all-in-one platform
300%
Increase in team capacity as administrative tasks became automated and streamlined
1stContact.ai didn't just save us money – it completely changed how we operate. What used to take hours now happens automatically. We've been able to scale our client base without scaling our workload, and that's been the real game-changer for our revenue growth.
— Nick Rustad, Founder & CEO, CoreTactic LLC

Key Features That Made the Difference

  • All-in-One Platform: Eliminated the need for multiple subscriptions and tools, saving both time and money.
  • Automation Workflows: Client follow-ups, email sequences, and appointment reminders now happen automatically.
  • Pipeline Management: Clear visualization of the sales process helped identify bottlenecks and opportunities.
  • Landing Page Builder: Created professional landing pages without needing design or coding skills.
  • Client Portal: Improved client experience with personalized dashboards and resources.
  • Reporting & Analytics: Data-driven decisions based on real-time business performance metrics.

Ready to Transform Your Business?

Experience the same growth and efficiency that helped CoreTactic achieve a 500% increase in revenue. Start your 14-day FREE trial of 1stContact.ai today.

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Career and Business Blog Frequently Asked Questions

What services does CoreTactic provide it's clients?

CoreTactic offers advanced professional coaching in career development, business growth, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to help individuals and companies achieve clarity, strategy, and measurable results. With 25+ years of consulting and 2,500+ clients served, we specialize in actionable plans that create real success.

Why is coaching important for professionals and businesses?

Coaching provides structure, accountability, and outside perspective. Whether you’re looking to transition into a new career, expand your business, or strengthen your leadership skills, the right coaching program accelerates progress and helps you avoid costly mistakes. CoreTactic combines proven methods with personalized guidance.

How does CoreTactic’s approach stand out?

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Each client receives a customized plan built around their strengths, goals, and challenges. Our coaching blends strategic business insights with practical career development, helping professionals and companies scale with confidence.

How can I get started?

Getting started is simple. Schedule a free discovery call at call.coretactic.net. We’ll discuss your goals, outline a plan, and help you decide the best next step. Most clients see clarity and results within the first few sessions.

How can CoreTactic help me build a resume that passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?

We guide you to create resumes that are both human-friendly and ATS-compliant. That means optimizing with relevant keywords, using clean formatting, structuring sections for easy parsing, and tailoring each resume version for the job you’re applying to. Clients often see better recruiter response rates within weeks.

What is life coaching, and how is it different from career or business coaching?

Life coaching focuses on your overall well-being, values, and fulfillment—not just work or income. Career coaching zeroes in on your job path and professional identity, while business coaching concentrates on growth and strategy. Life coaching integrates mindset, relationships, and purpose with your career and business path for lasting success.

If I already have a business idea, how does CoreTactic help me validate it before launching?

We reduce risk by guiding you through market research, hypothesis testing, minimum viable product (MVP) design, financial modeling, and customer feedback loops. This process prevents wasted effort and ensures your business launches with data-driven confidence.

What kinds of results can I expect from career coaching with CoreTactic, and in what timeframe?

Results often include clearer direction, improved resumes and LinkedIn profiles, more interviews, stronger offers, and faster transitions. Many clients see tangible progress in 4–8 weeks, with momentum building significantly over 3–6 months.

How does business coaching with CoreTactic differ for a startup vs. an established company?

For startups, we focus on idea validation, lean marketing, and MVP development. For established companies, we emphasize scaling, leadership, team building, and process optimization. Every coaching plan is tailored to your stage and challenges.

What if I’m uncertain about what career or business I want to pursue? Can you help me find clarity?

Yes. We use assessments, reflection exercises, and structured exploration to uncover strengths, patterns, and passions. From there, we identify practical, viable directions that align with your goals and lifestyle. You don’t need to have the answers when you start—just openness to explore.

How much time should I expect to invest per week while working with a coach?

Typically 1 coaching session per week (60–90 minutes) and 2–4 hours of focused work or reflection. This structure ensures steady progress without overwhelming your schedule, and we adapt to your availability and goals.

How do you measure the success of a coaching engagement?

We establish key performance indicators (KPIs) such as job interviews, salary improvements, revenue growth, or milestone achievements. We also track qualitative shifts like confidence and clarity. Progress is reviewed regularly and plans adjusted to ensure measurable impact.

Can I combine business coaching and career coaching services?

Yes. Many clients pursue both career and business goals simultaneously. For example, an executive might launch a side business while advancing in their corporate role. We adapt coaching focus as your priorities evolve.

What type of clients do you typically work with, and who is best suited for CoreTactic coaching?

We partner with mid-career professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, and individuals seeking holistic success. If you’re ready to invest time, take consistent action, and want measurable results, you’ll find CoreTactic a strong fit. Transformation requires commitment, and we walk with you every step.

CoreTactic Professional Coaching

Nicholas T. Rustad, MBA, CSM,CSPO
CEO and Principle Coach

3436 Laura Lane

Minnetonka, MN. 55305

Office: 952-395-2030

Cell: 952-452-1306

concierge@coretactic.net

Whats App: +19524521306

Hours:

Monday - Thursday 7am - 7pm CST

Friday - Sunday 9am - 3pm CST

We are amazing career business coaches!

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"Let us give you a boost to exceed your goals! Faster..."

- Nick Rustad, Co-Founder

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