Brent Cranmer, Fractional COO

Optimizing Operations for Peak Performance and Productivity

Transform Operational Challenges into Strategic Advantages

Many mid-sized, privately held, and family-owned businesses, particularly in operationally intensive industries like manufacturing and distribution, feel frustrated by persistent inefficiencies and a sense that their operations could be far more productive.

They often know there’s “room for improvement” but lack the internal expertise or clear roadmap to identify and solve critical gaps in operations. Private equity firms also seek seasoned COOs to optimize performance within their portfolio companies.

Brent Cranmer, Fractional COO provides the expert guidance to eliminate waste, streamline processes, and unlock new levels of productivity, ensuring your operations are aligned for sustained growth.

Implementing Proven Methodologies for Operational Excellence

As a fractional COO, Brent Cranmer specializes in driving operational excellence through the implementation of proven methodologies and a deep understanding of how operational decisions impact the bottom line. Combined with his extensive background as CFO means he intrinsically understands how to integrate financial and operational strategies for cohesive and impactful results.

Efficiency & Productivity Enhancement: Implementing lean manufacturing principles such as Six Sigma to significantly improve operational efficiency and productivity.

Global Operations Management: Managing multi-site manufacturing operations and a large global workforce, ensuring processes are streamlined and effective across diverse locations.

Process Streamlining & Automation: Focusing on improving processes and exploring automation opportunities from a machine and employee perspective.

Talent Development in Operations: Championing initiatives focused on employee retention and talent development within operational teams.

Fractional COO FAQs

When does a company typically need a Fractional COO?

Companies typically seek a Fractional COO when they are experiencing inefficiencies, bottlenecks, or a general sense that their operations could be more productive but lack the internal expertise to achieve it. This is particularly common in manufacturing, distribution, and other industries where operational processes are central to success. They often need help identifying and solving blind spots and implementing proven methodologies.

What are the primary benefits of bringing in a Fractional COO?

A Fractional COO can:

Significantly improve operational efficiencies and productivity.
Identify and resolve critical challenges within operations.
Implement lean methodologies like Six Sigma and 5S.
Reduce waste and optimize resource utilization.
Ensure that operational strategies are cohesively linked with financial goals, leveraging an “operational CFO” perspective.

How does Brent Cranmer approach operational improvement as a Fractional COO?

Brent approaches operational improvement by first taking a comprehensive look at the business to identify areas where efficiencies can be gained. He then implements proven methodologies such as lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S and emphasizes talent development within the workforce to sustain improvements. His unique background allows him to connect operational decisions directly to financial outcomes, ensuring that improvements drive overall enterprise value.

Impactful Partnerships

What Leaders and Colleagues Say

“As the CEO, I brought Brent on to be my right-hand man, helping me manage the businesses' rapid growth. Brent originally oversaw the finances and helped prep the business for an acquisition. Brent was an extremely hard-working and intelligent individual. Within a few short months, he quickly proved his ability to be operationally minded too, ultimately serving as both the CFO and COO.”

“His work ethic and attention to detail was inspiring. He did a fantastic job of managing the operations and fulfillment center of a very seasonal business. He taught me how to maximize profits while reducing overhead by renegotiating shipping contracts, reducing manufacturing costs, and maximizing labor hours. He wore so many hats that he became the guy to go to whenever you had a question and needed an answer.”

“Brent is exceptional. He stands above the rest with his ability to understand the numbers & the business needs and a constant focus on identifying areas of growth. He also provides excellent analysis, which any level of employee can understand. Brent is an outstanding asset to any leadership team.”