Scaling Past Founder Dependency

You’re the bottleneck. Every security and technology decision waits on you. What worked at $3M is breaking at $10M. I embed as your fractional CIO or CISO to build the operating systems that let you step back.

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Why Act Now

The longer you stay the bottleneck, the more you limit your growth ceiling. Every month of delay compounds the problem.

You Might Be Experiencing This If…

  • You’re still the answer to most questions and the decision-maker on most issues
  • What worked at $3M is breaking at $10M
  • Operations run on heroics and tribal knowledge instead of systems
  • You can’t take a real vacation without things falling apart
  • Security and compliance feel like a game of whack-a-mole
  • You’re firefighting instead of focusing on growth

What Success Looks Like

Your business runs without you being the bottleneck. In 90 days, you’ll have a documented security program with KPIs, governance rhythms, and a clear roadmap. In 6 months, decisions happen without you in the room, your team knows what “good” looks like, and you’re focused on growth instead of firefighting.

How I’ve Helped Companies Like Yours

$15M -> $50M Scale

Scaled a PE-backed MSP platform as CIO/CISO while building the operating systems that made growth sustainable

8 Acquisitions Integrated

Led post-acquisition security integration, designing frameworks and playbooks used across all deals

Improved Retention

Redesigned operating model that improved client retention and reduced voluntary turnover

He fundamentally changed what we offer as an MSP. He built and productized a full cybersecurity program suite, including our security operations center, turning security from a one-off service into a repeatable offering. That work didn’t just improve client protection, it became a growth engine for the company.

Zandy McAllister, vCISO, Anatomy IT

Related Resources

Embedded Executive

Build the security and technology infrastructure that lets you step back. Embedded leadership for 6+ months.

Learn more

30-Day Executive Impact

Know exactly where you’re exposed and what to fix first. A focused diagnostic with prioritized roadmap.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Most clients see meaningful progress within 90 days: documented governance, clear KPIs, and reduced firefighting. Full transformation, where decisions happen without you in the room, typically takes 6 months. The timeline depends on your starting point and how much change your organization can absorb.

Typically $3M to $75M in revenue. Below $3M, you probably don’t have enough complexity to justify fractional executive leadership. Above $75M, you likely need (and can afford) a full-time hire. The sweet spot is founder-led or PE-backed companies with 15-250 employees where the founder is still the bottleneck.

Embedded Executive retainers run $10,000-$14,000 per month with a 6-month minimum. Compare that to a full-time CIO or CISO at $250,000-$400,000 loaded cost. If you want to start smaller, the 30-Day Executive Impact ($6,500-$8,500) gives you a diagnostic and roadmap before committing to a retainer.

Start with The Operator’s Take, a complimentary 20-30 minute conversation. I’ll give you a senior-level read on whether your structure is aligned with where you’re headed and what kind of leadership makes sense. Many companies need elements of both; we scope accordingly.

I don’t replace your MSP or IT team. I provide the strategic oversight and governance they need to be effective. Many companies have capable technical resources but no one asking whether the work aligns with business goals. I build the leadership layer that’s missing.

Get an Operator’s Perspective

The Operator’s Take is complimentary. Let’s talk about getting you out of the bottleneck.

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