Fractional CIO for $10M to $30M B2B Companies
The Fractional CIO for COOs and CFOs Who Didn't Sign Up to Run IT
ClearStack provides part-time CIO leadership for companies that use an MSP, run internal IT, or use a mix of both. I review technology spend, hold vendors accountable, set security and AI priorities, and report to leadership in business language. I previously built and sold an IT services firm that served 350+ enterprise clients. ClearStack sells no managed services, hardware, or software, and takes no vendor commissions.
Engagement snapshot
Clarity Audit: $2,500 fixed fee, 2 to 3 weeks. Fractional CIO retainer: $9,500 per month. The audit fee credits toward your first month when you sign within 30 days of the findings presentation.
"Most COOs and CFOs I meet didn't get into finance or operations to run IT. By the time we start working together, they've usually been carrying that weight a lot longer than they should have."
— Chris McGlasson, Founder, ClearStack Advisory
Quoted in TechTarget
"Use Cybersecurity Awareness Month as a springboard, not a fire drill" (October 1, 2026)
Quoted in The Epoch Times
Cyber fraud story (October 3, 2026)
Client testimonial
"Chris brings a rare blend of strategic vision and hands-on experience that continues to deliver real value to our organization." Antonio Olivares, CEO, EGS & Associates
Who this is for: B2B companies at $10M to $30M in revenue. The buyer is the CEO, CFO, or COO. Common starting points: an MSP renewal coming due, a core system replacement, cyber insurance questions, a recent acquisition, a new finance or operations leader, board questions about AI.
What I Do
How I help your organization
Fractional CIO
The core engagement. Executive technology leadership for $10M to $30M B2B companies: strategy, team leadership, vendor oversight, and board-level communication without the full-time commitment. Retainer: $9,500 per month, 18 to 22 hours per month, after a Clarity Audit.
fractional CIOWork performed inside the retainer
MSP & Vendor Accountability
Independent oversight of the MSP contract you're already paying for. Contract review, spend audits, and performance accountability from someone who used to run an MSP and knows exactly where the corners get cut.
Learn more →AI Governance & Adoption
A clear-eyed read on what AI can actually do for your business, and the governance to roll it out safely. No platform pitch, no hype, just a realistic roadmap tied to ROI.
Learn more →IT Governance & Risk
Security posture reviews, Zero Trust gap checks, and compliance readiness, SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, that hold up under real scrutiny from a board or an auditor.
Learn more →Additional services
Fractional IT Director
Part-time IT leadership that owns the MSP relationship, directs the roadmap, and coordinates internal IT staff, without a full-time Director's cost.
Learn more →Fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO)
Secure AI strategy built for mid-market companies. Use-case discovery, rigorous governance frameworks, workflow automation, and vendor evaluation to capture the AI upside without the risk.
Learn more →Why ClearStack
What makes me different
No unnecessary upselling
I recommend what you need, and only what you need. My engagements are scoped to your outcomes, not my revenue targets.
Business metrics alignment
Every technology recommendation is tied to a business objective. I speak the language of the boardroom, not the server room.
Flexible engagements
Monthly retainers and project-based work, starting with a fixed-fee Clarity Audit. I structure engagements around your needs and budget.
Senior-only delivery
You get direct access to experienced practitioners, not junior consultants managed from a distance.
Client Results
"Chris brings a rare blend of strategic vision and hands-on experience that continues to deliver real value to our organization."
Antonio Olivares, CEO, EGS & Associates
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fractional CIO?
A fractional CIO is an experienced technology executive who provides strategic IT leadership to your business on a part-time or contract basis. Unlike a full-time CIO, they offer high-level guidance, budget planning, and roadmap development for a fraction of the cost, making executive expertise accessible to B2B companies at $10M to $30M in revenue.
What is a Fractional CAIO?
A fractional CAIO (Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer) is an experienced technology and AI executive who provides strategic artificial intelligence leadership to your business on a part-time or contract basis. Unlike a full-time CAIO, they offer high-level guidance on AI integration, governance, and data strategy for a fraction of the cost, making executive AI expertise accessible to B2B companies at $10M to $30M in revenue.
What is the difference between a fractional CIO and virtual CIO?
While often used interchangeably, a "Virtual CIO" (vCIO) is typically an account manager from your Managed Service Provider (MSP) focused on upselling services. A Fractional CIO is an independent executive who works solely for you, providing unbiased strategy and holding your vendors accountable without conflicts of interest.
How much does a fractional CIO cost?
ClearStack starts with a Clarity Audit at a $2,500 fixed fee (2 to 3 weeks). If the audit shows a fit, the fractional CIO retainer is $9,500 per month for 18 to 22 hours per month. The audit fee credits toward your first month when you sign within 30 days of the findings presentation. For a more in-depth view on the cost of a fractional CIO, see this blog post.
What is the difference between a fractional CIO and an MSP?
An MSP (Managed Service Provider) handles the day-to-day tactical IT support, helpdesk, and maintenance. A Fractional CIO handles the strategic leadership, planning, budgeting, and vendor management. I don't replace your MSP; I manage them to ensure they deliver value and align with your business goals.
Do I need a CIO if I already have a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
Yes, if you want strategic alignment. MSPs are excellent at fixing breaks and maintaining systems, but they rarely provide true business-aligned technology strategy. A Fractional CIO bridges the gap between your business goals and technical execution, ensuring your MSP is performing effectively.
How does a fractional CIO keep my MSP accountable?
I serve as your advocate and technical translator. I review MSP contracts, audit their performance against SLAs, ensure tickets are resolved effectively, and verify that their recommendations are in your best interest, not just their sales quota.
What size company benefits from a fractional CIO?
Companies at $10M to $30M in revenue, about 35 to 200 employees depending on industry, typically benefit most. At this size, technology complexity requires strategic oversight, but the budget does not justify a full-time CIO salary (often $200k+). I provide the right level of leadership for B2B companies in that range.
How do I know if my MSP is performing the services I am paying for?
Without technical expertise, it's hard to know. I conduct independent assessments of your IT environment, review ticket logs, check backup integrity, and audit security measures. I provide transparent reporting on whether your MSP is delivering on their promises and keeping you secure.
Why do you not service California-based organizations?
ClearStack Advisory does not currently accept engagements with companies headquartered or primarily operating in California. This is a deliberate scope decision tied to the regulatory complexity of multi-state service delivery, not a reflection of capability or interest. I periodically revisit this and will update this page if that changes.