There’s something deeply satisfying about helping people bring their ideas to life by turning passion projects into thriving businesses and new technologies into solutions that truly change lives. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with businesses at every stage: startups raising venture capital, funded startups, those just breaking ground, those decades old but ready to scale, and everything in between.
One of my earliest ventures about one year out of college was co-founding Construction News Corporation with two partners. What started as a small construction trade publication in a few Ohio counties grew into two offices, 50 employees, and coverage across three states competing with the likes of McGraw Hill’s Dodge Report and Builders Exchange. We scaled it for sale, which proved that a focused vision, persistence, and teamwork can build something far bigger than what we imagined at the start.
That experience lit a fire in me. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to help a wide range of companies scale, including established companies, but this story is about the startups near and dear to my heart:
- Manufacturing Resource Group, gathering a consortium of manufacturing service partners supporting growth in the industrial sector
- Seraphina Safety, positioning an innovative flame-resistant safety brand for market success
- Pillar Vertical Plank System, refreshing the brand for better visibility
- Brixx Technology, conducting market research and brand presence
- HP+P, complete marketing stand up of a new brand
- Advising an AI-driven manufacturing efficiency software company from India, guiding U.S. entry, business development, and strategic partnerships
- Supporting nutraceutical and skincare manufacturers, navigating competitive markets and crafting entry strategies
- Barracuda B2B Marketing, my own company built to help B2B organizations find clarity, strategy, and scalable growth
- Board and equity fractional CMO roles, being invited to guide startups at the leadership level, not just as a consultant
Scaling startups isn’t just about marketing plans, sales strategies, hiring strategically, product development, or technology investments (though those matter). It’s about believing in founders, investing time and energy, and walking alongside them on the hard road of growth. It’s about seeing an idea that has the power to improve industries, or even lives, and helping ensure it reaches the people who need it.
That’s why I choose to work with startups. Not every idea succeeds, but every founder I’ve worked with has poured heart, vision, and grit into what they’re building. When it does work it’s life-changing: for them, their teams, their customers, and often their communities.
If it’s B2B, it’s in my wheelhouse. And if it’s about growth, scaling, or bringing something new into the world, it’s where my passion lies. Helping businesses scale is more than work for me; it’s a calling. And I wouldn’t trade the opportunity to be part of these stories for anything.