1. Introduction
Bridgewater Business Advisory ("Company," "we," "us," "our," or "Bridgewater") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services, in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for applicable users.
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing and using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all the terms of this Privacy Policy.
2. Personal Information We Collect
A. Information You Provide Directly
We collect personal information you voluntarily provide when you:
- Fill out contact forms on our website
- Request information about our services
- Schedule a consultation
- Send us emails or communications
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Engage us for services
- Complete transactions or make purchases
Types of Personal Information Collected:
- Identification Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address, business name, and industry
- Financial Information: Billing address, payment method details, transaction history, and financial need indicators
- Communication Information: Content of emails, messages, and inquiry details
B. Information Automatically Collected
Device Information: We automatically collect information about the devices you use to access our website:
- Browser type and version
- Operating system and device type
- Device identifiers and IP address
- Mobile network information
Browsing Information: We track your interaction with our website through:
- Pages visited and content viewed
- Time spent on each page
- Referring website and exit pages
- Click behavior and link interactions
- Search queries and filters used
- Scroll depth and engagement metrics
Collection Methods:
- Cookies: Small text files stored on your device to track browsing behavior and remember preferences. We use both session and persistent cookies.
- Web Beacons/Pixels: Transparent images placed on web pages to track whether you've viewed specific content.
- Log Files: Server logs record access times, pages accessed, IP addresses, and browser information.
- Analytics Tools: Google Analytics and similar services to understand website usage patterns.
C. Purchase/Transaction Information
When you engage our services or make purchases, we collect:
- Full legal name
- Billing and shipping address
- Payment method and payment processing information (processed securely through third-party providers)
- Email address and phone number
- Transaction history and service records
3. How We Use Your Personal Information
We use the personal information we collect for the following purposes:
Primary Uses:
- Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve our consulting and advisory services
- Communication: To respond to your inquiries, process requests, and send confirmations
- Order Fulfillment: To process transactions, send invoices, and deliver services
- Relationship Management: To maintain client relationships and provide ongoing support
Secondary Uses:
- Risk Assessment & Compliance: Risk screening, fraud prevention, and compliance with legal obligations including anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements
- Marketing & Communications: To send promotional materials, newsletters, and updates with your consent. You may opt-out at any time.
- Website Improvement: To enhance functionality, user experience, and performance
- Analytics: To understand visitor behavior, usage patterns, and traffic sources
- Legal Compliance: To comply with legal processes, investigate claims, and protect our rights
- Legitimate Business Interests: To protect security, prevent fraud, and conduct legitimate business operations
4. Sharing Your Personal Information
We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.
However, we may share your information with:
- Service Providers: Third-party providers who assist us with services (payment processors, email providers, hosting providers) under strict confidentiality agreements and data processing terms
- Google Analytics: Usage data is shared with Google Analytics for website analysis and improvement purposes
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, regulatory authority, or lawful government request
- Business Transfers: In the event of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice to you when feasible)
- Protection of Rights: When necessary to protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property, or that of our clients or the public
- Explicit Consent: When you explicitly consent to sharing with a specific party
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our use of Cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality (session management, security)
- Analytics Cookies: Track user behavior to improve website performance (Google Analytics)
- Marketing Cookies: Track visits across websites to display targeted advertisements on third-party platforms
- Preference Cookies: Remember your choices and settings
Your Cookie Choices: You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- Accept or reject cookies
- Delete existing cookies
- Receive a notice when a cookie is being set
Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality and your experience.
6. Behavioral Advertising & Opt-Out Rights
We and our third-party partners use cookies and tracking technologies to display targeted advertisements across the internet. You can opt out of behavioral advertising:
Facebook: Update your Ad Preferences
Google: Use the Google Ads Settings tool
Microsoft/Bing: Visit Microsoft Privacy Settings
General: Opt out through the Digital Advertising Alliance
7. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" feature. Currently, there is no industry standard for recognizing DNT signals. We do not currently respond to DNT browser signals, but you can use other tools to limit tracking as described in Section 6.
8. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction, including:
- SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Secure password storage and authentication protocols
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Access controls and employee training
Important Note: While we implement security measures, no internet transmission or electronic storage system is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information. Your use of our services is at your own risk.
9. Data Retention
We retain personal information for the period necessary to:
- Provide services and fulfill contractual obligations
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Maintain business records and financial accounts
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
After the retention period, we securely delete or anonymize your information. You may request deletion of your personal information by contacting us, subject to certain legal and contractual limitations.
10. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the following rights:
For All Users:
- Right to Know: Request what personal information we collect about you
- Right to Access: Obtain a copy of your personal information
- Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Right to Opt-Out: Decline marketing communications and certain data uses
- Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to exceptions)
For European Residents (GDPR Rights):
- Right of Access: Obtain your personal data in a structured format
- Right to Portability: Receive and reuse your data with other service providers
- Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent at any time
To Exercise Your Rights: Contact us at velad@bridgewaterba.com or via mail. We will respond to verifiable requests within thirty (30) days or as required by law. We may require proof of identity to process requests.
11. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, products, and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of external sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing information.
12. Children's Privacy
Our services and website are not intended for or directed to children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child without parental consent, we will delete it immediately. Parents who believe their child's information has been collected should contact us immediately.
13. California Resident Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to Know: What personal information we collect and how it's used
- Right to Delete: Request deletion of collected personal information
- Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information
- Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights
To submit a CCPA request, contact us at velad@bridgewaterba.com with "CCPA Request" in the subject line.
14. Policy Updates & Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. Significant changes will be indicated by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy. We will notify you of material changes by posting the revised policy on our website or via email if required by law. Your continued use of our services following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
15. Contact Us & Data Protection Officer
For privacy-related questions, to exercise your rights, or to file a complaint, contact us:
Bridgewater Business Advisory
Address: 3901 Airport Frwy, Bedford, Texas 76021, United States
Email: velad@bridgewaterba.com
Phone: +1 (817) 874-9044
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT (Closed Weekends & Holidays)
For EU Residents: You have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority if you believe your rights have been violated.
Last Updated: April 2024
Effective Date: April 2024
