New book “The Hometown Advantage” sparks expanded demand for practical AI systems that protect local culture, grow loyalty, and help independent stores compete without racing to the bottom on price.
(PRUnderground) January 11th, 2026
Andy LaPointe, retail operator and founder of OnlineAssistant.AI, announced today he is now accepting a limited number of consulting clients focused on brick-and-mortar retail stores, downtown merchants, and small-town service businesses. The announcement follows the release of LaPointe’s new book, The Hometown Advantage: How Small Businesses Can Use Local Culture and AI to Outsmart National Competitors, a practical guide for Main Street businesses that want to win on community, not discounts.
LaPointe’s consulting practice is designed for owners who are tired of being told to “compete like the giants” and instead want a repeatable system that strengthens what big box and e-commerce brands can’t copy: local trust, relationship capital, and cultural connection—supported by low-cost, no-code AI tools.
“For too long, Main Street owners have been pressured to chase the playbook of national chains,” said LaPointe. “That’s a mathematical trap. You can’t outspend them. But you can out-serve them, out-connect them, and out-local them. My consulting helps owners use AI to reclaim time, sharpen messaging, and build a hometown brand that customers choose on purpose.”
What OnlineAssistant.AI Consulting Helps Small Businesses Do
OnlineAssistant.AI consulting focuses on practical implementation—not theory—so owners can see progress quickly.
Common outcomes include:
- Clear positioning that turns “local” into a premium advantage, not a price excuse
- AI-assisted marketing systems to produce consistent posts, emails, offers, and in-store signage faster
- Customer loyalty and repeat-visit campaigns built around community and hospitality
- Simple automation for follow-ups, FAQs, reviews, and lead capture—without hiring a large staff
- Owner time recovery so the business can grow without burning out the person running it
Who This Is For
LaPointe is currently prioritizing consulting engagements for:
- Independent retail stores (gift, food, specialty, boutique, farm markets)
- Downtown merchants and tourism-driven communities
- Local service businesses that rely on reputation and repeat clients
- Owner-operators who want AI support that protects the human touch—not replaces it
A Consulting Approach Built From Real Retail
LaPointe’s framework blends two worlds: hands-on retail operations and modern AI leverage. He is the owner of two retail stores and has built an AI-assisted support and marketing platform through OnlineAssistant.AI. His core message is simple: use AI to handle repetitive tasks so the owner can focus on relationships, community presence, and customer experience.
“The goal isn’t automation for the sake of automation,” LaPointe added. “It’s using AI to buy back your time—so you can do more of what only a local owner can do: be visible, be trusted, and be part of the town.”
About the Book: “The Hometown Advantage”
The Hometown Advantage is available now in paperback on Amazon (MSRP $14.95). The book outlines three critical shifts for modern business owners:
- Stop Fighting the Giants: Why competing on price, logistics, and ad spend is a losing battle
- The AI Equalizer: How small teams use AI to automate marketing and admin tasks
- Monetizing “Neighbor” Status: Practical ways to turn community trust into a defensible brand asset
Media Contact
Andy LaPointe
Phone: 1-231-533-8788
Website: OnlineAssistant.ai
Location: Elk Rapids, Michigan
About OnlineAssistant.AI
OnlineAssistant.AI is the dedicated AI partner for solopreneurs and Main Street retailers. Founded by retail veteran Andy LaPointe, we provide ”no-code” AI solutions designed to help smaller teams punch above their weight.
Focused on slashing costs and reclaiming your time, OnlineAssistant.AI equips you with the tools to attract new customers, strengthen loyalty, and increase revenue through automation. We give you the leverage to outsmart national competitors and streamline operations—effectively replacing the need for a massive staff. Visit www.OnlineAssistant.AI to grow your business today.
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Original Press Release.
