Fractional CEO
Helping Founder-Led Companies Break Through Growth Ceilings
Founder-led companies eventually reach a point where what got them here won't get them there.
Growth slows. Execution becomes inconsistent. Decisions bottleneck around the founder. The leadership team struggles to keep pace with the business.
These aren't usually sales problems.
They're CEO problems.
I step in as a Fractional CEO to provide the leadership, alignment, and execution needed to help companies move confidently through their next stage of growth—without the cost or commitment of hiring a full-time CEO.
When Companies Call Me
Most clients don't call because they need another consultant.
They call because something important has changed.
- Growth has stalled despite strong market demand.
- The founder has become the bottleneck.
- The leadership team isn't aligned.
- Execution is inconsistent.
- The business has outgrown its operating model.
- A board or investor needs experienced executive leadership.
- A private equity portfolio company isn't performing to plan.
- AI is changing the business faster than the organization is adapting.
These are leadership challenges—not functional ones.
What I Do
As your Fractional CEO, I become part of the leadership team—not an outside observer.
Together we:
- Clarify strategy and priorities.
- Build an aligned leadership team.
- Improve execution and accountability.
- Strengthen organizational structure.
- Make better executive hiring decisions.
- Prepare the business for its next stage of growth.
- Help recruit and transition to a full-time CEO when the time is right.
My objective isn't to become a permanent fixture.
It's to leave behind a stronger leadership team and a healthier business than the one I inherited.
My Approach
I've spent more than 30 years leading businesses across engineering, technology, sales, operations, and executive leadership.
I've served as CEO, COO, VP of Sales, Chief of Staff, consultant, and executive partner across startups, founder-led businesses, and established organizations.
That experience allows me to recognize patterns quickly.
In my experience, when companies hit a growth ceiling, the breakdown usually shows up in one of four areas: vision, leadership, culture, or incentives. My focus is identifying the primary constraint and stepping in to restore alignment so the business can execute and scale.
Leadership in an AI Economy
Artificial intelligence is changing how companies operate, compete, and grow.
The challenge isn't simply adopting AI.
It's leading an organization through change.
I help leadership teams evaluate where AI creates real business value, integrate it into operations and decision-making, and build organizations that remain adaptable as technology continues to evolve.
AI should strengthen leadership—not replace it.
What Leaders Say
"Don is laser focused on generating value for clients. He possesses the unique gift of being both a luminary and a tactician — communicating both vision and detail with great clarity. He's the kind of person you'd fight to have in your inner circle."
— Mike Hummel
"Don took on a complex project for our startup, helped us focus, and was a real business coach during and after execution. He delivered on time and worked closely with us to fine-tune every detail."
— Robert Bredehoft, Enterprise Executive
"From our very first conversation, it was clear that Don brings deep expertise and genuine care for people and organizational culture. He has an impressive ability to translate data-driven insights into practical, human-centered strategies that leaders can actually use."
— Executive Advisor Client
Ideas From the Field
Real-world observations from working with founders, CEOs, and leadership teams navigating growth, execution challenges, organizational change, and AI transformation.
These are practical insights drawn from three decades of operating, leading, and advising organizations across industries.
The Moment a Company Outgrows Its Founder The most dangerous inflection point in any growing business — and how the best founders navigate it.
When Growth Stalls Revenue plateaus are almost never a sales problem. Here's what's actually happening and what fixes it.
Why Your Best Hire Isn't Performing Most performance problems aren't skill problems. They're fit problems.
What a Fractional Executive Actually Does Not a consultant. Not an interim hire. Here's what the engagement actually looks like.
Ready for Your Next Stage?
If your company has reached a point where growth has stalled, leadership has become stretched, or execution isn't keeping pace with opportunity, let's have a conversation.
Whether you're a founder, board member, investor, or private equity firm, I'll help you determine the leadership needed to move the business forward.