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.

More About Dave

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

Oil and Gas

Power Generation

Aerospace

Product Services

Distribution

Consumer Goods

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

The steps taken by a fractional COO in your business

How Does a Fractional COO Work in My Business?

Fractional Services

May 28, 2023•3 min read

When you engage a fractional COO from Fractional Executive Solutions (FES), you get a senior-level executive who works with you for one or two days per week to provide strategic guidance and operational support. We can help with a wide range of tasks, including:

· Developing and implementing business plans

· Overseeing day-to-day operations

· Managing and owning the P&L and Balance Sheet with your controller / finance partner

· Develop and Optimize processes

· Developing and managing budgets

· Building and manage your team

But exactly how would we engage with you? How would we ensure maximum results while being there on a fractional basis? It will vary depending on the specific needs of the company, however there are some general steps that we typically follow:

1. Initial meeting: We will meet with the company's leadership team or key employees to learn about them, talk about our experience and then learn about what they need and want from us. It’s a two-way street. In these conversations, we will learn about the company's current operations and challenges.

2. Developing a JOINT plan: We will develop a plan to help the company achieve its goals. This plan will include specific tasks, timelines, and resources that include teaching, mentoring, training and creating JOINT accountability.

3. Executing the plan: The fractional COO will work with the company's leadership team to execute the plan. This will be done through weekly team meetings as well as one-on-one talks with each leader or key group. We will provide guidance and support and help to identify and overcome challenges.

4. Monitoring progress: We will set up a scorecard of KPIs to monitor our progress and make adjustments as needed. We will provide regular updates to the owner through Same Page meetings on a weekly basis. We take the owner’s guidance and requirements and execute them.

5. Evaluating results: If not in place, we will create a monthly financial review to ensure we are moving forward. We will provide color on the results and discuss course corrections if needed. We understand that, sometimes, change is difficult and will take time.

A fractional COO can be a valuable asset to any company that is looking to grow and improve its operations. By working with a fractional from FES, companies can gain access to the expertise and experience of a senior-level executive without having to commit to a full-time position.

Here are some additional tips for engaging with a fractional COO:

· Be clear about your goals and objectives. Because we will drive to achieve them

· Be open to feedback and suggestions. You may find out something you are not ready to hear.

· Hiring a fractional may very well cause your team to be uncomfortable, especially if they are not comfortable to accountability.

· Be willing to delegate. Do not create “end runs” from your team by allowing them to do so.

· Be prepared to make changes. That is why you hired us!

· Be patient. Change takes time.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your engagement with FES is successful.

David Baughman

David Baughman is the consummate Operating professional, who has brought P&L leadership experience to a broad range of sectors, stages of growth, and business environments. His experience includes aerospace, automotive, industrial, and oil & gas. In every engagement, David has dramatically, and profitably accelerated the company’s growth through his deep grasp of all functions and leverage points. Equity participants see virtually immediate acceleration of the topline, gross margin improvement, and EBITDA margin gains. Those quantifiable measures are his keys to unlocking shareholder value. David is a trained Lean Champion by the Lean Enterprise Institute consulting group and holds credentials for Positive Management Leadership from the Columbia University Emerging Leadership Development program. He resides with his wife in the Fort Worth area, and enjoys reading history, working outdoors, and golf.

Back to Blog