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
How can a Fractional COO really impact my business?
What is a fractional COO when you get right down to it? It is a high-level executive who provides strategic leadership and operational guidance for a business. They do this by having direct oversight, usually, over the P&L and complete ownership of the results. They collaborate with the owner to develop and execute plans to grow the business, improve efficiency, and enhance the bottom line. They are the glue of the business and a true business partner of the owner.
Here are the 5 most powerful impacts that I think a fractional COO can have on a business:
1. Improved strategic planning and execution. A fractional COO can help a business develop and execute a clear and concise strategic plan. They can also help the business identify and execute on opportunities for growth and improvement. Because they tend to come from larger companies, they have picked up a few things along the way to help the owner accelerate success.
2. Increased operational efficiency. A fractional COO can help a business improve its operational efficiency by streamlining processes, reducing costs, and improving customer service. This is “Job1 “ for a fractional.
3. Enhanced risk management. A fractional COO can help a business identify and mitigate risks. If a fractional has 25 years’ experience in business, imagine what they have seen since 1997 – Dot Com explosion, Automotive meltdown, Aerospace rapid growth, 2008 recession, Oil / Gas crashes of 2014 and, well, Covid. There are lessons along the way that are useful today.
4. Improved decision-making. A fractional COO can provide independent and objective advice to the owner without bias. This can help the business make better decisions that are in the best interests of the company.
5. Experience. Many executives carry tools, processes, and vast experience as well as an exceptionally long Rolodex. There are not too many opportunities for improvement that they have not seen.
If you are looking for a way to improve your business, a fractional COO can be a valuable asset. They can provide the strategic leadership, operational expertise, and risk management skills that you need to take your business to the next level.
Here are some additional benefits of hiring a fractional COO:
· Cost-effective: Fractional COOs are typically on a one or two day per week fixed fee. Although one might think their fee is high for those hours, when compared to a full-time employee, with less experience, the fractional is actually cost effective.
· Flexibility: Fractional COOs can work with your business on a flexible schedule, which means that a one-day engagement would actually have you exposed to them three of four days per week.
· Expertise: Fractional COOs typically have a wealth of experience in a variety of industries, which can be invaluable to your business.
If you are considering hiring a fractional COO, it is important to find someone who has the experience, skills, and expertise that you need for your business. You should also make sure that the fractional COO is a good fit for your company culture and values.
GET IN TOUCH
Savannah, GA 31405 | (682) 514-9073
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