What to Look for in a Fractional CTO: Don’t Let Your Business Get Stuck in the Tech Trap

So, you’re running a business, and you’re killing it—but then you hit that wall. You need technology to take you to the next level, but the thought of bringing on a full-time CTO? That’s a massive commitment. The salary alone is enough to make you sweat, not to mention the time it takes to find the right person. This is where a Fractional CTO comes in—a part-time, high-impact solution that gives you the expertise you need without the full-time burden.

But here’s the catch: not just any CTO will do. You need someone who’s been in the trenches, who understands the ins and outs of not just tech, but your entire business. Someone who gets that technology isn’t just a shiny toy—it’s the backbone of your operation. And trust me, picking the wrong person can lead to all sorts of headaches, from wasted money to lost opportunities.

What Makes a Great Fractional CTO?

So, how do you avoid the pain of a bad hire? Here’s what you should be looking for in a Fractional CTO:

1. Broad Knowledge Across All Business Functions: A CTO who only knows tech is like a chef who only knows how to bake. They need to understand every aspect of your business—marketing, sales, operations, finance—because if they don’t get how each function works, they’re just going to throw random tech solutions at problems without any real strategy. And guess what? That’s not going to get you anywhere.

2. Technology Agnostic: You don’t need someone who’s religious about their tech choices. A good CTO should be tech-agnostic, which means they’re not tied to one particular system or platform. They’re going to choose the best tools for your business, not just the ones they’re most comfortable with. The last thing you need is someone pushing a solution that doesn’t really fit your needs just because it’s their favorite.

3. Hands-On Experience: There’s no substitute for experience. You want someone who’s been in the trenches, who’s done the work, and who knows what it takes to get things done right. This isn’t about theory—it’s about knowing what actually works because they’ve done it themselves. If your CTO hasn’t coded, managed servers, optimized databases, or led DevOps teams, they’re not going to be able to help your team when the going gets tough.

4. AI Expertise: For the past decade, I’ve been laser-focused on AI. I don’t just know how it works—I know how it can work for your business. Whether it’s automating tasks, enhancing customer experiences, or driving data-driven decisions, AI is transforming industries, and if your CTO isn’t on top of it, you’re missing out. But here’s the kicker—AI isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It needs to be tailored to fit your business, and that takes someone who knows what they’re doing.

5. Proven Track Record: Look for someone who’s been trusted by the big players. I’m talking about companies like U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, NVIDIA, Homeland Security, ABC, and Disney. When you’ve worked with organizations at that level, you’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly. And that experience means they’re going to be able to steer you clear of the pitfalls that can sink a project before it even gets off the ground.

6. Entrepreneurial Alignment: Here’s where it gets real. As an entrepreneur, you need a CTO who gets the hustle, who understands the pressure of making things work with limited resources, who knows what it’s like to build something from the ground up. I’ve been there. I’ve created and supported countless small companies, so I understand the unique challenges you face. And because of that, I can align technology with your vision in a way that makes sense for your business—not just today, but as you grow.

7. Mentorship Ability: A great CTO doesn’t just bark orders—they roll up their sleeves and mentor the team. They’re there to guide, to teach, to make sure that everyone is aligned with the technology strategy and capable of executing it. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about having a plan—it’s about making sure that plan is carried out flawlessly.

8. Strategic Vision: Finally, a great CTO has a clear vision of where your business needs to go technologically. They’re not just reacting to problems as they arise; they’re planning for the future. They make sure your technology strategy is aligned with your long-term business goals, and they adapt that strategy as your company evolves. Because if your CTO isn’t thinking ahead, you’re just waiting for the next crisis.

Why I Fit the Bill

With 40 years in the industry, experience in 28 programming languages, and a decade of deep focus on AI, I’ve had the privilege of working across almost every aspect of technology. I’ve been in the trenches—I’ve coded, I’ve managed networks, I’ve optimized databases, and I’ve led DevOps teams. But more than that, I’ve walked the path of an entrepreneur. I know the challenges, the struggles, the wins, and the losses.

My job isn’t to do your team’s work for them—it’s to make sure they’re doing it right. To guide them, mentor them, and ensure that your technology strategy is rock solid. If you’re at the stage where you need high-level tech expertise but don’t need a full-time CTO, a fractional CTO could be the perfect solution.

But let’s not just jump in bed together right away. If you’re an established company with employees and customers, you probably need a Tech Audit first. If you’re a visionary just getting started, then you probably need a Prospectus to help define your vision. Let’s do a discovery session to figure out what your needs are and get you the right first step before we commit to a long-term relationship.