Best AI & ML Consultants in Tampa

Tampa Area AI & ML Consulting Services

Tampa Bay’s skyline tells a new story, one of innovation, data, and intelligent transformation. From Tampa’s financial hub to St. Petersburg’s engineering startups and Clearwater’s thriving digital agencies, the region is rapidly emerging as one of Florida’s most dynamic centers for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

AI and ML are no longer reserved for large tech corporations. Across Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater, engineering firms, financial organizations, and startups are leveraging data to drive smarter, faster, and more strategic decisions. Whether optimizing supply chains, predicting maintenance needs, or transforming financial forecasting, AI and ML consultants are the new architects of intelligent business systems.

Methodology - Identifying Tampa's Best AI Experts & ML Consultants

At Digital Reference, we’ve spent months identifying and evaluating Tampa’s top AI & ML consultants. These professionals combine deep technical knowledge with real-world problem-solving skills. Some lead their own firms; others consult independently. All share a commitment to advancing Tampa’s technological and engineering ecosystem.

Our evaluation methodology includes:

🔍  Reviewing case studies, published work, and AI/ML project results in finance, operations, and engineering.
💬 Gathering client feedback from the Tampa technology and business community.
⚙️ Evaluating measurable outcomes of process automation, forecasting accuracy, cost reduction, and innovation impact.
🌐 Assessing thought leadership through speaking engagements, mentorship, and community collaboration.

These Tampa-area professionals represent the intersection of business intelligence and technical innovation, transforming how local companies design, build, and scale through applied AI.

🌟Featured Tampa AI & ML Consultants‍

🔶 Steve Heckert

Business Ownership, AI Consultant and Co-Founder at Katalys AI 
🔗 LinkedIn

With over 20 years of financial leadership experience, Steve Heckert is one of Tampa’s most respected voices in AI-driven transformation. He helps engineering, construction, and digital firms integrate AI and ML into their financial systems to automate forecasting and identify efficiency opportunities.

Highlights:
⚙️ Implements AI-based financial management tools that improve forecasting accuracy.
🔩 Integrates ERP and ML systems to automate performance tracking.
💡 Designs real-time analytics dashboards for CFOs and project managers.
📊 Leads AI education programs for business teams adopting intelligent systems.

Steve’s work sits at the crossroads of finance and engineering innovation, enabling Tampa companies to become more agile, predictive, and scalable through applied intelligence.

‍

🔶 Samuel Rodriguez

Senior Data Engineer at Craft.co
🔗 LinkedIn

Samuel Rodriguez is a results-driven consultant specializing in machine learning and AI applications for finance. Based in Tampa, Samuel partners with engineering and energy firms to bring predictive insights and automation into their financial strategies.

Highlights:
⚙️ Develops ML algorithms for financial risk and forecasting models.
🔩 Builds real-time analytics dashboards to monitor profitability and project ROI.
💡 Introduces AI automation workflows for budget management and cost control.
📈 Consults executives on AI maturity and readiness strategies.

Samuel’s approach is as technical as it is strategic, empowering local firms to replace guesswork with data-backed clarity in every financial decision.

‍

🔶 Eric Putkonen

Founder at The AI Whisperers
🔗 LinkedIn

As the founder of The AI Whisperers, Eric Putkonen is known for demystifying AI and helping organizations harness its practical value. His consultancy focuses on making complex AI systems accessible, scalable, and strategically aligned with business goals.

Highlights:
⚙️ Designs AI-powered predictive systems for financial and operational efficiency.
🔩 Creates machine learning automation tools that streamline workflow management.
💡 Coaches leadership teams on AI readiness and responsible implementation.
📊 Develops AI maturity roadmaps for mid-sized firms in Tampa’s tech corridor.

Eric’s structured yet creative approach bridges engineering principles and AI intelligence, earning him a reputation as one of Tampa’s go-to consultants for digital transformation.

‍

🔶 Nathan (Nate) Espey

Founder & CEO at Farcelis AI Consulting

🔗 LinkedIn

Nathan Espey specializes in practical AI adoption for small and medium-sized engineering and manufacturing businesses. His focus is on creating customized AI systems that enhance operational precision and efficiency.

Highlights:
⚙️ Builds predictive maintenance solutions for industrial and engineering clients.
🔩 Implements AI-powered project tracking systems for process optimization.
💡 Designs automation frameworks that integrate machine learning into daily workflows.
📈 Guides Tampa startups through AI scaling and ethical deployment.

Nathan’s engineering-first mindset ensures that his AI solutions don’t just analyze data — they actively solve operational challenges that engineering firms face daily.

‍

🔶 Joel Sanchez

AI Business Strategy Consultant at Ardent Grey IT Consulting

🔗 LinkedIn

Joel Sanchez is part of Tampa’s new wave of AI engineers redefining automation and analytics. He focuses on applying ML algorithms to optimize processes, from financial modeling to system engineering.

Highlights:
⚙️ Builds AI-driven process automation tools for production efficiency.
🔩 Develops ML models for anomaly detection in data pipelines.
💡 Designs end-to-end data engineering solutions for AI deployment.
📊 Contributes to open-source AI education initiatives in Tampa.

Joel’s hands-on technical expertise and community involvement reflect the collaborative energy of Tampa’s fast-growing AI scene.

‍

🔶 Stephen Hnilica

AI Strategist,  Co-founder, InfiniteGame SEO Strategist and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Horizon AI

🔗 LinkedIn

Stephen Hnilica bridges AI, analytics, and marketing strategy. As co-founder of InfiniteGame SEO Strategist, Stephen integrates AI-powered content optimization with advanced data modeling, helping businesses make intelligent marketing and SEO decisions.

Highlights:
⚙️ Creates AI analytics dashboards that merge SEO data with predictive insights.
🔩 Applies ML algorithms for consumer behavior forecasting.
💡 Designs AI-powered recommendation systems for content strategy.
📊 Consults on responsible AI use in data-driven marketing.

Stephen’s combination of creativity, engineering-style precision, and AI knowledge has positioned him as one of Tampa’s most innovative digital consultants.

‍

🔶 JoAnn Wolloff

AI Consultant, Speaker
🔗 LinkedIn

JoAnn Wolloff is an AI and data strategy consultant with extensive experience in data ethics, governance, and organizational AI readiness. Her focus is on helping Tampa businesses align technology with people, culture, and compliance.

Highlights:
⚙️ Develops AI policy frameworks to ensure ethical data use.
🔩 Leads AI education initiatives for leadership and management teams.
💡 Designs AI governance systems to support scalable innovation.
📊 Advises corporations on data compliance and responsible automation.

JoAnn’s human-first approach to AI implementation ensures that innovation and integrity evolve together, a crucial balance for the growing Tampa market.

‍

🔶 Anthony V. Mastellone

AI Project Consultant, Co-Founder at Koast.ai
🔗 LinkedIn

Anthony Mastellone brings over a decade of experience in AI-driven financial systems and digital transformation. His consulting practice focuses on integrating machine learning into accounting, audit, and resource planning systems.

Highlights:
⚙️ Builds AI forecasting models to optimize financial performance.
🔩 Implements ML-based accounting automations for accuracy and efficiency.
💡 Develops AI integration roadmaps for engineering-focused enterprises.
📊 Trains financial teams on data visualization and AI literacy.

Anthony’s work demonstrates how AI can redefine precision and efficiency in finance, particularly in Tampa’s engineering and professional services sectors.

Tampa’s AI & ML Momentum and Why It Matters

Tampa’s economic transformation is increasingly powered by data and intelligent automation. The consultants featured here represent a new wave of professionals combining technical depth with strategic insight, helping local companies build smarter systems, better processes, and stronger outcomes.

AI and ML are not distant concepts anymore; they’re the engines driving innovation in finance, engineering, and business operations across the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater region. With growing infrastructure, startup energy, and a collaborative tech community, Tampa is rapidly establishing itself as one of Florida’s most promising hubs for applied intelligence.

At Digital Reference, we spotlight the most trusted consultants, firms, and innovators shaping the future of AI, ML, and digital transformation. Our mission is to connect businesses with verified experts who can help make technology meaningful and measurable.

Whether your company is scaling automation, improving operational performance, or rethinking its financial systems, Digital Reference is here to help you find the right partner.

🏈 Explore more resources from Digital Reference:

• Best AI & Machine Learning Consulting Services in the USA
• Best Fractional Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Services in the USA
• Best Software Engineering Services in the USA

Tampa’s future is bright, data-driven, and intelligently designed, and with the help of these AI & ML consultants, the city is building a smarter tomorrow.