Helping Small Business Owners
Get Their Life Back!
Fractional Executive Solutions provides the experience and knowledge of a high powered operations professional for a fraction of the cost!
Meet David Baughman
"I help you get your life back"!
That's my pitch to a small business owner. One of the hazards of owning your business is trying to do everything yourself.
There are aspects of working on your business that are fun and exciting such as business development, exploring new markets and products as well and creating strategy. But what is not fun is making things happen to get the product or service “out the door”. The little things that have to be done can be hard. Like Operations management.
What you need is an experienced leader who enjoys doing those things. But you can't afford the cost of that leader. That’s where I can help you “get your life back”!
As a career operations executive who has led multiple operational turnarounds, I have seen so many different examples of chaos and poor performance by operations teams that nothing really stumps me. And usually, it is not the fault of the people or management. More often than not, it is systematic and process issues that holds teams back. I have seen it in many small companies and organizations. What some see as an impossible task, I see as an opportunity to have fun!
As a career operations executive who has led multiple operational turnarounds, I have seen so many different examples of chaos and poor performance by operations teams that nothing really stumps me. And usually, it is not the fault of the people or management. More often than not, it is systematic and process issues that holds teams back. I have seen it in many small companies and organizations. What some see as an impossible task, I see as an opportunity to have fun!
As a Fractional COO or Integrator, I can see what the owner may not. What is perplexing to them is an “ I got a process for that” moment for me. Because I have led organizations in both public and private companies, big and small across so many markets, I usually have a solution to most operational challenges. What I do is collaborate with the team to develop their skills and processes while creating a culture of accountability. By engaging with the owner and each manager weekly , I can get to the heart of the matter and provide immediate experienced leadership. All of this usually in one day per week. Coaching, teaching, mentoring and encouraging with my sleeves rolled up and helping do the work.
What I provide is solid experience: at a "fraction of the cost". So, you, the owner, can go to your child’s ballgame or dance recital.
WHAT I DO
Fractional COO
David is an accomplished Fractional COO who quickly evaluates and establishes an orderly process to ensure your operations run smoothly to allow you to do what you do best: grow your company. David provides leadership and guidance to your team to allow them to understand what it takes to provide “operational excellence” daily. With his extensive experience leading organizations across multiple markets, there are no operational challenges that David cannot help guide you and your team to accomplish your short- and long-term goals while developing and enhancing team health and execution.
Executive Coaching
There are numerous leadership coaches to choose from that work with CEOs and owners. At Fractional Executive Solutions, we offer leadership coaching for your team to ensure smooth delivery of your products or services to your customers as well as enhancing your bottom line. If you are an owner or CEO and you have an incumbent in the role of Manager, Director or even COO, we work with them exclusively to learn how to be a “pro,” while becoming a trusted advisor to you. We provide a structured and documented program that is created with your guidance and input to create goals, and skill sets to improve overall executive and leadership performance. Regular feedback is provided to you so you can see the development of your team as they start to leverage their newfound skills and help your your business thrive.
Emerging Leadership
There are numerous leadership coaches to choose from who work with CEOs and owners. At Fractional Executive Solutions, we offer Emerging Leadership Coaching for those who are about to embark on their first role as a manager or leader. For many, the first leadership role is hard because they must learn to be accountable for the performance of others as well as themselves while learning how to provide direction and guidance to a team. From learning how to manage through time constraints, difficult and often new challenges, or conducting “difficult” conversations, we help them learn the skills required to lead, manage, and hold others accountable. All in a structured process that includes a lesson plan and homework. Your new leader will appreciate the knowledge and the opportunity that they are provided to get a “head start” on their management career.
WHO I REPRESENT
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Andy Vawter, MPS Acoustics
“Working with Dave Baughman from Fractional Executive Solutions has been a tremendous benefit to our organization. He has helped us with process flow, hiring, quality improvement, material procurement, cost reductions, and many other areas. Our business is much healthier and efficient due to the improvements implemented by Fractional Executive Solutions.”
Brody Hulin, Cypress Fabrication
“Our Cypress Team hired David and Fractional Executive Solutions to be our fractional COO as well as a mentor our new Operations Manager. David quickly established a great bond with our leadership team as well as providing a structured presence within our company. David has provided steady counsel for myself and allowed me to spend more time building our business as he quickly took responsibility for our operational performance. David is an extremely knowledgeable operations executive that combined extensive leadership experience along with Lean Manufacturing skills to help us take the next step in operational excellence journey. He also has become part of the Cypress Family!”
EXPERTISE
Fractional versus Full-Time
I fired myself from my Fractional COO role with a long-time client.
No, not really, I scaled back the size of the engagement and restructured it due to the growth of the company and the changing needs of the business. In conversations with my client, we realized we need to make a few changes due to the growth of the company and complexity of the business. I am still the Fractional COO, but we pivoted to add a full-time role that strengthens the technical part of the business and has me spending more time developing the team and their skill sets. I’m still the COO and responsible for financial and operational results, but my role and scope has changed. And that is a great thing!
So, I thought we should explore this topic; when and why do you have a fractional versus a full-time?
Choosing between a full-time COO and a fractional COO depends on several factors specific to your business situation. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Full-time COO:
Pros:
Dedicated and immersed: Fully invested in your company, readily available for day-to-day operations and strategic planning. Available at all times versus one day per week.
Deeper understanding: Can develop a more nuanced understanding of your business and its needs over time. They are in the details!
Stronger team leadership: Provides consistent and direct leadership to your operational teams. Daily leadership, which is crucial as you grow.
Scalability: Can grow alongside your company and its expanding needs.
Cons:
Higher cost: Full salary, benefits, and potential stock options make this a significant investment.
May be overkill: Might be excessive for smaller companies or those in early stages. The trick here is what size makes sense to switch?
Less flexibility: Less adaptable to changing needs or project-based work.
Fractional COO:
Pros:
Cost-effective: Lower overall cost compared to a full-time employee. If you have revenue of $3.0 million per year, can you afford a COO at $300,000 total comp?
Scalability: Flexible engagement based on your current needs and budget.
Specialized expertise: Access to diverse skillsets and experience based on specific projects. The right Fractional brings a wealth of knowledge and “been there, done that” history.
Faster onboarding: No need for extensive recruitment and onboarding processes.
Cons:
Limited availability: Not readily available for day-to-day issues or emergencies.
Less involvement: May not develop as deep an understanding of your company culture and nuances.
Coordination challenges: Requires clear communication and project management to ensure continuity.
Potentially less stability: Reliant on external provider, which may offer less long-term security.
Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:
Company size and stage: Smaller companies or those in early stages might benefit from a fractional COO, while larger or established businesses might need a full-time presence. Really, can you afford the experience you need or can you afford NOT to afford it?
Complexity of operations: If your operations are intricate or require constant oversight, a full-time COO might be necessary.
Budget: Hiring a full-time COO requires significant financial commitment. Today and tomorrow. A Fractional can be let go easily and quickly.
Specific needs: If you need expertise for a specific project or period, a fractional COO might be more suitable.
Growth plans: If you anticipate rapid growth, a full-time COO might be a better long-term investment.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your unique circumstances. Analyze your specific needs, resources, and future plans to determine the most suitable option for your business success.
Remember, you can always start with a fractional COO and transition to a full-time hire later as your needs evolve.
GET IN TOUCH
Savannah, GA 31405 | (682) 514-9073
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