FAQs

I help companies fix or improve their marketing—usually starting with the strategy. That might mean clarifying your brand, auditing your current efforts, building a smarter plan, mentoring your team, or steering the whole thing myself. It depends on what you need. But I don’t just “do stuff”—I help you figure out what actually needs to be done.

All the time. I don’t replace your team—I help them get better and see opportunities more clearly. Whether you’ve got an in-house crew, an outside agency, or a Frankenstein of freelancers, I can help align the work to real business outcomes. No drama, no turf wars—just sharper direction and stronger results.

That's okay. I've worked with companies that were either just starting out, or just getting a marketing operation going. We typically agree on what is the best course of action first, and then figure out how to get it executed. It turns out to be both a fun and rewarding process.

I've had clients that fall anywhere between “just hired our first marketing person” and “have a full-blown marketing department but want a fresh perspective.” If you’re a startup, a mid-sized firm, or an established company that’s stalled out, I can help. I'm especially good with startups and reorganizations. See the PE and M&A questions below.

It's different for every company, because it depends on your situation. But we start with a conversation. Then a diagnosis. I’ll dig into what’s working, what’s not, and what might be missing. From there, we build a practical plan based on your goals, your resources, and your timeline. Some clients keep me on retainer for the long haul. Others need a three to six month sprint. It depends—but it always starts with gaining clarity.

I’m not cheap—but I’m a lot less expensive than another year of “meh” marketing. Most of my clients work with me on a monthly retainer. Some need more hands-on involvement; others just want smart oversight and direction. Either way, you’ll know what you’re getting, and what it’s worth. Remember, the idea is that you don't want to pay full freight for a CMO - that's why you get a portable one!

It always starts with a conversation. No pressure, no pitch, just talking about your business. You tell me what's going on, I'll tell you if and how I think I can help. If it makes sense, we move forward. 

When companies are going through transitions, or getting rolled up or acquired,  that’s where I can add some of the most immediate value. When a business changes hands, marketing often gets left behind—or worse, becomes a mash-up of old assets, outdated positioning, and no clear message. I help define (or redefine) the brand, sharpen the strategy, and build a marketing foundation that supports your goals—whether it’s growth, integration, or exit.

I've helped with fast turnarounds many times. You’re under pressure to move quickly, make the brand look better, sound better, and act like a modern business. But you also don’t want to waste money on fluff or cosmetic changes that don’t stick. I bring a clear process for brand audits, stakeholder alignment, and fast, strategic rollouts—so you can make the company look as good as you plan to make it perform.

Because not every business needs a full-time CMO—but almost every business needs what a CMO does. Also, “Senior Marketing Expert With Decades of Experience and Zero Patience for Marketing Theater” didn’t fit on a business card. I’m someone you can plug in when you need clarity, strategy, and execution—without waiting months to hire or wrangle a big agency. Portable means I go where I’m needed, slot into your team, and get to work. Fast.