Not every business needs a full-time Chief Marketing Officer, but every business needs smart marketing leadership. If you’re a small or mid-sized company in Indianapolis trying to grow without hiring a full-time executive, bringing in a fractional CMO could be a great option. It’s a practical way to get expert help without overextending your budget.
What Is a Fractional CMO?
A fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) is a marketing expert who works with your business on a part-time or contract basis. They bring the same strategic thinking and leadership as a full-time CMO, but without the high cost or long-term commitment.
Instead of hiring someone full-time, you get a seasoned pro who helps guide your marketing efforts just when you need them. This could be a few hours a week, a few days a month, or during key stages like launching a new product, entering a new market, or fixing a struggling strategy.
Here’s what a fractional CMO usually helps with:
- Creating or refining your marketing strategy
- Leading your internal marketing team or outside agencies
- Helping you reach the right audience with the right message
- Making sure your marketing spend actually drives results
- Aligning your marketing goals with overall business growth
It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to get senior-level marketing leadership, especially if you’re not quite ready for a full-time executive but still want to grow with confidence.
NUOPTIMA’s C-Suite Connect: Driving Growth in Indianapolis
At NUOPTIMA, we understand that impactful marketing leadership drives sustainable growth. That’s why C-Suite Connect, led by founder Alexej Pikovsky, offers Indianapolis businesses access to elite, pre-vetted fractional CMOs who deliver real results through data-led strategy and execution.
Our network is tailored for founder-led companies looking to scale effectively without the overhead of a full-time executive. Every fractional CMO in our pool is personally vetted by Alexej through a rigorous selection process designed to ensure strategic depth, operational excellence, and cultural alignment.
Our evaluation process includes:
- Background check: Verifying a proven history of marketing leadership and measurable success.
- Strategic planning exam: Assessing ability to create and execute scalable marketing frameworks.
- Reference calls: Confirming credibility, leadership impact, and results from past roles.
- Culture fit interview: Ensuring the CMO shares your company’s vision, pace, and style.
- Paid trial sprint: Testing performance in real-world conditions to confirm alignment and effectiveness.
Only the most outstanding candidates join our C-Suite Connect network, ready to guide Indianapolis companies through growth-focused marketing transformation.
What makes NUOPTIMA C-Suite Connect the clear choice for Indianapolis businesses:
- Strategy + Execution: CMOs who don’t just build marketing plans but lead their successful execution.
- Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of Indianapolis’ unique business environment, from tech startups to B2B services.
- Rapid Placement: Match with a handpicked CMO in as little as 7-10 days.
- Founder-Centric Approach: Every placement is reviewed by Alexej to ensure alignment with your company’s goals, values, and pace of growth.
Through C-Suite Connect, NUOPTIMA equips Indianapolis businesses with the marketing leadership needed to sharpen brand positioning, drive qualified leads, and scale efficiently, fully backed by our expertise in performance marketing and data-driven decision-making.
Top Fractional CMOs for Businesses in Indianapolis
1. Abby Thompson, MAPR
Abby Thompson is a seasoned fractional CMO and marketing strategist based in Indianapolis, offering high-impact marketing leadership to businesses that need results without the overhead of a full-time hire. Through her company, Bloom Marketing, Abby helps companies move the needle with smart, customized strategies and hands-on support.
Industry Experience
With over 15 years of experience spanning corporate, higher education, and small business marketing, Abby brings a diverse and practical perspective to the table. She has led successful marketing efforts for organizations such as:
- Butler University’s Lacy School of Business: She managed marketing for graduate and undergrad programs, executive education, and strategic initiatives.
- Soul Provider, Inc.: Overseeing marketing for multiple brands in the automatic pool cover space, from manufacturing to e-commerce.
- ATD Central Indiana Chapter: She currently serves as VP of Marketing and Communications.
Areas of Expertise
Abby offers strategic and tactical support in areas including:
- Marketing Strategy & Campaign Planning
- Content Marketing & LinkedIn Ads
- Email Marketing & Growth Marketing
- Brand Positioning & Messaging
- ROI Tracking & Performance Analysis
- Team Coaching & Leadership Development
She is also a certified LinkedIn Marketing Solutions professional, bringing added value for companies looking to elevate their B2B presence.
How Abby Works with Indianapolis Businesses
Abby is especially effective with small to mid-sized businesses that are either scaling quickly or struggling to find direction in their marketing efforts. Her fractional leadership style is both collaborative and flexible, allowing her to serve as a strategic advisor while also jumping in to help with execution when needed.
She works particularly well with founders who are looking for a marketing co-pilot, businesses that are operating on lean budgets or limited internal resources, and brands that need help standing out in a competitive landscape. Abby also brings tremendous value to teams that lack senior marketing leadership and need someone to guide strategy while keeping day-to-day efforts moving forward.
Above all, Abby focuses on building systems and strategies that deliver real, measurable results, never just plans that sit in a document and go unused.
Education and Recognition
- Butler University – B.A. in International Management, Spanish, and Italian
- Indiana University Indianapolis – Master’s in Public Relations
- Named one of Indy’s Most Pivotal Leaders (2021) by Open Pivot
- Fluent in Spanish and Italian, adding global communication skills to her toolkit
Abby’s dedication to strategic clarity, thoughtful execution, and real results makes her a top choice for Indianapolis companies seeking fractional marketing leadership with heart, skill, and a proven track record.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/abbythompson2
2. Bobbie Garner
Bobbie Garner is a highly specialized fractional CMO based in Indianapolis, known for her deep expertise in credit union marketing. As the founder of CuCurator, she supports credit unions across the country with both strategic guidance and hands-on marketing solutions. With over 18 years of experience in the industry, Bobbie is dedicated to helping small marketing teams operate with confidence, creativity, and efficiency.
Industry Experience
Bobbie brings nearly two decades of focused experience within the credit union space. Her career includes impactful roles such as:
- CuCurator: Where she has served as a fractional CMO and marketing lead since 2007, helping credit unions across 19 states build smarter campaigns with ready-to-use tools, expert support, and strategy-first solutions.
- Health Care Professionals Federal Credit Union: Where she has worked as an operations consultant, contributing to internal workflows and member communication improvements.
- Radio and Television Experts, LLC: Where she led the creation of an internal digital marketing division, developing new products and client support processes.
- Procter & Gamble: Where she gained global marketing insights while supporting international teams across the US, Tokyo, Geneva, and Australia.
Her unique niche focus makes her one of the few fractional CMOs in the Indianapolis area with such targeted and long-standing success in financial services marketing.
Areas of Expertise
- Credit Union Marketing Strategy
- Member Engagement and Communication
- Campaign Development and Execution
- Visual Communications and Creative Direction
- Team Enablement and Peer-to-Peer Support Models
- Workflow Optimization and Digital Tools
- Social Media and Content Development
- Marketing Automation and Compliance
How Bobbie Works with Indianapolis Businesses
Bobbie thrives in helping small, community-focused financial institutions overcome the resource and bandwidth limitations that often hold their marketing back. She works closely with internal teams, often just one or two people, to provide clear strategy, structure, and support so they can focus on execution with confidence.
She understands the unique pressures of limited budgets, compliance requirements, and the need for genuine member connection. Through CuCurator, she offers a blend of personalized marketing leadership and scalable tools, making her especially valuable for Indiana credit unions that want big results without big teams.
Education and Recognition
- Purdue University – B.S. in Computer Graphics and Visual Communications
- Certified Digital Marketing Consultant (CDMC) – Radio Advertising Bureau
- Certified in Advanced Facilitation and Team Effectiveness – Contemporary Consulting
- Recognized as a trusted consultant by credit union leaders across the U.S.
Bobbie Garner is not just a marketing consultant, she’s a strategic partner for credit unions who need reliable, creative, and thoughtful leadership. Her work helps financial institutions across Indianapolis and beyond amplify their voice, serve their members better, and grow with purpose.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiegarner
3. Aaron Douglas
Aaron Douglas is a multidisciplinary fractional CMO and marketing strategist based in Indianapolis, with over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, organizational development, and growth consulting. As founder of Auspicious LLC, Aaron bridges the worlds of psychology, technology, and business to help companies evolve with clarity, confidence, and measurable results. He is especially effective at aligning marketing with broader business goals in industries facing rapid change, including those exploring AI integration.
Industry Experience
Aaron’s background spans consulting, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing leadership. His work reflects a rare fusion of technical skill and psychological insight. Key roles include:
- Auspicious LLC: Where he leads strategy for fractional CMO services, organizational alignment, and digital transformation. He developed ReadyAssess, a proprietary diagnostic tool that helps companies measure AI readiness and build human-centered transformation plans.
- Deep Ripples: Where he spent over 15 years as president of a digital marketing agency focused on SEO, content, and lead generation.
- A Place To Float LLC: Where he founded and operated a wellness spa that introduced flotation therapy to Indianapolis, demonstrating his operational and marketing range.
- The Preferred Network: Where he led web development and interactive marketing before transitioning fully to strategy consulting.
Aaron’s work consistently merges marketing expertise with leadership psychology, creating solutions that help both businesses and teams thrive through transition.
Areas of Expertise
- Fractional CMO Leadership
- AI Readiness and Digital Transformation
- Marketing Strategy and Analytics
- Organizational Development and Alignment
- Team Culture and Change Management
- Business Process Optimization
- Growth Planning for SMBs and Startups
- Technology-Driven Innovation
How Aaron Works with Indianapolis Businesses
Aaron brings a unique lens to fractional CMO leadership, one that combines executive-level marketing strategy with deep insight into team dynamics and organizational health. He’s especially valuable to companies navigating periods of change, whether integrating AI tools, repositioning their brand, or aligning scattered teams under one vision.
His Indianapolis-based consultancy works closely with leadership teams, often serving as a translator between high-level vision and practical marketing execution. Aaron helps clients uncover what’s holding them back, align internal processes, and implement solutions that are both strategic and sustainable.
His style is hands-on, human-centered, and focused on long-term growth, making him a strong partner for founders and executives ready to evolve their business with intention.
Education and Recognition
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis – M.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Christian Theological Seminary – M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Graduate of Marine Officer Candidate School (USMC) – 4th in class with honors
- Creator of ReadyAssess, a strategic platform for AI readiness and organizational alignment
Aaron Douglas stands out as a rare blend of strategist, systems thinker, and marketing leader. For Indianapolis companies that want to align their growth with purpose, adapt to new technologies, and empower their people along the way, Aaron delivers the clarity and leadership needed to make it happen.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aaronddouglas
4. John O’Haver
John O’Haver is a seasoned fractional CMO with over 20 years of experience driving results for companies in B2B, B2C, and D2C markets. Based in Indianapolis, he is the founder of Fractional SMB CMO, where he helps small and mid-sized businesses scale with confidence by delivering strategic marketing leadership tailored to their growth stage and industry demands. His approach is rooted in performance, collaboration, and sustainable revenue generation.
Industry Experience
John’s career is built on a track record of leading marketing transformations across diverse sectors. His previous leadership roles include:
- Fractional SMB CMO: Where he has worked with fast-scaling businesses since 2022, helping clients grow through data-driven strategies, customer acquisition programs, and brand optimization.
- Rare Bird, Inc.: Where he served as Head of Marketing and a member of the leadership team, directing strategic planning and KPI reporting for all clients and building out the digital marketing team.
- Genuine Parts Company: Where he introduced B2B ecommerce to NAPA Auto Parts and turned a $3M loss into $7M in revenue in just one year. He also helped generate over $50M in new sales through strategic marketplace expansion and digital innovation.
- Zesco Products Inc.: Where he transitioned the business from catalog to ecommerce, implemented data-driven campaigns, and built a five-person digital marketing team.
- Bottom-Line Performance: Where he shaped market strategy through research, serious game development, and corporate event execution.
With experience across startups, large enterprises, and ecommerce-focused companies, John brings both agility and enterprise-level insight to the table.
Areas of Expertise
- Fractional CMO Services
- B2B, B2C, and D2C Marketing Strategy
- Digital Transformation and Ecommerce
- Customer Acquisition and Lead Generation
- Performance Marketing and Optimization
- Marketing Automation and Funnel Development
- Brand Development and Messaging
- KPI Tracking and ROI Reporting
How John Works with Indianapolis Businesses
John partners with small and mid-sized businesses that need executive-level marketing direction without hiring a full-time CMO. His work is ideal for founders and executive teams looking to create structure, scale revenue, and improve marketing performance through clear, measurable strategy.
He collaborates closely with internal teams to ensure alignment and implementation, creating strategies that reflect both the goals of the business and the needs of the market. With a focus on growth, operational efficiency, and long-term impact, John helps Indianapolis-based companies move past marketing guesswork and into data-backed execution.
Education and Recognition
- Indiana University Bloomington – B.S. in Informatics and M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction
- Creator of strategic frameworks for digital marketing and conversion funnel optimization
- Led ecommerce transformation efforts generating multimillion-dollar gains
- Recognized for building and leading cross-functional teams in high-growth environments
John O’Haver is a trusted strategic partner for companies looking to grow smarter, scale faster, and lead with data. His expertise across digital platforms and industries makes him a standout choice for Indianapolis businesses ready to unlock their next level of performance.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johnohaver
5. Alison Roach
Alison Roach is a dynamic marketing executive and entrepreneur based in Indianapolis, bringing a rare mix of startup grit and executive leadership to the companies she supports. Through her consultancy, Alison Lane, LLC, she serves as a fractional CMO and marketing advisor, helping businesses build and optimize their marketing functions from the ground up. A recognized leader in Indiana’s tech community, Alison combines strategy, mentorship, and hands-on execution to drive measurable growth.
Industry Experience
Alison has spent her career leading marketing efforts for some of Indiana’s most recognized tech brands, while also launching and scaling her own ventures. Her roles include:
- Alison Lane, LLC: Where she currently works with companies as a fractional CMO, providing strategy, department-building guidance, and team mentoring.
- 120Water: Where she scaled the marketing department after Series A funding, led the go-to-market strategy, and positioned the brand on Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies.
- hc1.com: Where she served as Chief Marketing Officer, overseeing demand generation, ABM strategy, brand positioning, and all revenue-aligned marketing initiatives.
- Compendium (Oracle Content Marketing): Where she co-founded a B2B content platform acquired by Oracle, building a team of 50+ and signing over 500 customers, including Expedia and Sears.
- Resort Condominiums International (RCI): Where she led North American email marketing strategy and identified cost-saving campaign opportunities.
Alison is frequently tapped to lead early-stage growth initiatives and has a proven track record of turning vision into execution for SaaS, enterprise, and mid-sized businesses.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic Marketing Leadership
- SaaS and Startup Growth Strategy
- Brand Development and Rebranding
- Demand Generation and ABM Programs
- Marketing Team Development and Mentorship
- Product Marketing and GTM Strategy
- Revenue Alignment with Sales
- Investor-Backed Growth Planning
How Alison Works with Indianapolis Businesses
Alison partners with growth-stage and investor-backed companies that need both structure and speed in their marketing. She excels in building marketing teams from scratch, mentoring emerging talent, and creating ROI-focused strategies that scale with the business. Her leadership style blends analytical rigor with a human-centered approach, helping companies find clarity and momentum in competitive markets.
As a fractional CMO, she embeds herself into teams, identifies gaps, and builds systems that produce measurable results. From refining messaging to launching new products, Alison brings executive presence and startup energy to every engagement.
Education and Recognition
- DePauw University – B.A. in English, Management Fellows Program
- Honored as one of IndyStar’s 10 Influential Women in Tech
- Named to IBJ’s 40 Under 40
With a rare mix of entrepreneurial success and marketing leadership, Alison Sales Roach is a standout choice for Indianapolis companies seeking a fractional CMO who can build, guide, and accelerate. Whether you need help launching a new brand, building a team, or aligning your marketing with revenue goals, Alison delivers with precision, experience, and impact.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alison-s-roach
6. Douglas Karr
Douglas Karr is a leading fractional CMO and marketing technologist based in Indianapolis. He brings more than two decades of hands-on experience helping Martech, SaaS, and AI-driven companies scale with purpose, precision, and performance. Through his firm DK New Media and his work with organizations like OpenINSIGHTS, Douglas advises founders and leadership teams on go-to-market strategy, marketing infrastructure, and digital transformation.
Industry Experience
Douglas has built a career at the intersection of marketing strategy, enterprise systems, and innovation. His leadership roles and consulting engagements include:
- OpenINSIGHTS: Where he leads marketing strategy, brand development, and demand generation as fractional CMO. His work includes AI-powered content creation, advanced go-to-market planning, and full-funnel ABM execution.
- Martech Zone: Where he shares industry insights through content, newsletters, and podcasts, helping marketers and executives stay ahead of tech trends.
- DK New Media: Where he delivers workshops, keynote speeches, and transformation consulting to companies navigating growth, change, or platform adoption.
- Dell Technologies: Where he co-hosted the Dell Luminaries podcast, highlighting stories of innovation from within the company and its partners.
- CircuPress: Where he co-founded an email service provider built specifically for WordPress users.
From scaling startups to advising global enterprises, Douglas’s experience spans the full lifecycle of marketing maturity.
Areas of Expertise
- Fractional CMO and Marketing Leadership
- Go-to-Market and Product Launch Strategy
- Marketing Technology Stack Architecture
- AI-Driven Campaigns and Content Automation
- ABM Strategy and Demand Generation
- Martech and Digital Transformation
- Team Leadership and Organizational Alignment
- Strategic Positioning for SaaS and Enterprise
How Douglas Works with Indianapolis Businesses
Douglas partners with high-growth startups and mid-market companies in Martech, SaaS, and AI spaces that need immediate, senior-level marketing expertise. His approach combines clarity, systems thinking, and execution discipline. Whether launching a new product, restructuring a funnel, or aligning messaging with market needs, Douglas helps companies take action and scale with confidence.
Known for rolling up his sleeves, he brings a builder’s mindset and strong technical fluency to every engagement. Douglas embeds deeply with leadership teams, creating high-impact strategies that turn into measurable outcomes.
Education and Recognition
- University of Phoenix – Business Management
- Tidewater Community College – Business Administration and Electronics Technology
- Founder and Editor of Martech Zone, a top global source for marketing technology insights
- Official member of the Forbes Agency Council
Douglas Karr stands out as a rare combination of strategist, technologist, and teacher. For Indianapolis businesses navigating complex markets and evolving technology, Douglas offers the vision, systems, and leadership needed to scale smarter and faster.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/douglaskarr
7. Jason Noel
Jason Noel is a high-impact fractional CMO based in Indianapolis who specializes in helping B2B companies unlock sustainable, scalable growth. With over 20 years of experience across marketing strategy, revenue architecture, and cross-functional leadership, Jason partners with organizations to accelerate brand visibility, improve marketing performance, and foster engaged, high-performing teams. He brings both strategic vision and executional excellence to every engagement, blending deep technical knowledge with a human-first leadership style. Jason works best with companies ready to align marketing, sales, and customer experience under a unified go-to-market approach.
Industry Experience
Jason’s career spans multiple sectors and growth stages, from startups to enterprise brands. His recent leadership includes:
- Fractional CMO at Multiple Companies: Where he develops and leads full-funnel, data-driven marketing strategies tailored to each company’s growth stage and goals. His engagements emphasize demand generation, go-to-market precision, and collaborative alignment across departments.
- myCOI: Where he served as Vice President of Marketing, transforming marketing into a revenue engine that sourced over 90% of the pipeline. His leadership helped drive multiple record-breaking quarters and establish scalable channels including ABM, SEO, and partner programs.
- FileWave: Where he led global marketing as Senior Director and Director of Marketing, expanding into APAC and EMEA, building the company’s first full-scale marketing infrastructure, and increasing ARR by 233%.
- Marketing Consultant: For nearly two decades, Jason advised companies across SaaS, tech, and B2B services on GTM strategy, revenue growth, and marketing operations.
- Early Career in IT and Communications: Including roles where he led district-wide technology and PR initiatives, giving him a strong operational backbone and unique understanding of infrastructure and messaging.
Jason’s ability to scale teams, implement effective marketing architecture, and drive measurable results makes him an ideal partner for Indianapolis businesses with big goals and lean resources.
Areas of Expertise
- Fractional CMO and Executive Marketing Leadership
- Go-to-Market Strategy and Launch Planning
- Demand Generation and ABM Execution
- Brand Development and Messaging
- Cross-Functional Revenue Alignment
- Leadership Development and Team Building
- SaaS, Recurring Revenue, and Growth Model Strategy
- Martech Stack Optimization and Data Analysis
How Jason Works with Indianapolis Businesses
Jason helps growing companies find clarity in complexity. His approach is equal parts strategic and operational, helping founders and executive teams define the right growth targets, align marketing with sales, and build repeatable systems that scale.
He is especially effective in environments where marketing must prove ROI quickly or where internal marketing leadership is underdeveloped or overstretched. Jason partners deeply with teams to uncover gaps, align departments, and develop programs that increase revenue without adding unnecessary overhead.
With a reputation for trust, accountability, and performance, Jason brings both leadership presence and technical fluency to every stage of the engagement.
Education and Recognition
- Purdue University – B.S. in Technology
- Pavilion’s Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) School – Certificate in Revenue Strategy, Unit Economics, and GTM Leadership
- Certified in leadership frameworks focused on team engagement, accountability, and trust
Jason Noel is a strategic partner for Indianapolis companies that need to grow fast without losing focus. His fractional leadership model gives companies executive-level expertise without the full-time commitment, allowing them to move quickly, build smarter, and scale with confidence.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/j-noel
8. Paul Burkhart
Paul Burkhart is a seasoned marketing executive with over 30 years of experience helping businesses build iconic brands and drive measurable growth. As a fractional CMO based in Indianapolis, Paul blends strategic leadership with creative vision, offering companies a powerful mix of brand strategy, storytelling, and revenue-focused marketing. His approach is both hands-on and collaborative, shaped by decades of working with local startups, national brands, and everything in between.
Industry Experience
Paul’s marketing journey reflects a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and enterprise expertise. Over three decades, he has helped shape brands across industries like aviation, healthcare, construction, tech, nonprofit, and professional services.
- Fractional CMO at Branding For Hire: As a fractional CMO, Paul offers senior-level marketing leadership to both startups and established companies. He crafts long-term brand strategies and directs integrated campaigns that improve visibility and revenue without the overhead of a full-time executive. His style is tailored, resource-savvy, and highly collaborative.
- Founder and CEO at Burkhart Marketing Partners: For over 25 years, Paul led one of Indianapolis’ top marketing agencies, serving both local and national clients. Under his leadership, the firm delivered results such as 20% market share growth, 50% brand awareness increases, and 35% e-commerce sales boosts for clients across industries.
- Marketing and Advertising Director at ATA Airlines: At ATA Airlines, Paul managed a $13.6 million national media budget, led a corporate rebrand, and developed campaigns that increased visibility by 40% and drove customer inquiries up by 30%. His leadership impacted revenue per available seat mile and strengthened brand affinity.
- Creative Director and Marketing Strategist Roles: Earlier in his career, Paul held creative leadership positions at firms like Semaphore Design Group and Lilith & Associates, where he focused on brand identity, B2B marketing, and customer journey strategy.
Paul’s depth of experience enables him to step into any organization and quickly build strategic clarity, creative direction, and executional momentum.
Areas of Expertise
- Fractional CMO Leadership and Brand Strategy
- Integrated Campaign Development and Execution
- Creative Direction and Brand Identity
- Multi-Channel Marketing and Media Strategy
- Messaging, Storytelling, and Content Planning
- Customer Journey Mapping and User Experience
- Marketing Leadership and Team Management
- Cross-Industry Experience: Aviation, Healthcare, Nonprofit, Education, and B2B
How Paul Works with Indianapolis Businesses
Paul thrives when working with organizations that want to stand out in a crowded marketplace. His approach is brand-forward but business-savvy, helping companies clarify their value, connect with the right audiences, and drive sustainable growth through thoughtful marketing strategy.
He is especially effective with founder-led businesses or those undergoing brand transitions, marketing realignment, or leadership turnover. Paul’s fractional model gives companies access to senior-level expertise without a full-time hire, making him an ideal partner for budget-conscious companies seeking meaningful change.
With a strong emphasis on community, collaboration, and purpose-driven marketing, Paul delivers impact that goes beyond campaign metrics. His work helps businesses tell their stories well, and succeed because of it.
Education and Recognition
- Herron School of Art + Design – BFA in Design and Visual Communications
- Indiana University Bloomington – Business and Marketing Studies
- Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
- Multiple Healthcare Advertising Awards and National Mature Media Awards
- Volunteer leadership roles with the Alzheimer’s Association and The ALS Association
Paul Burkhart is a trusted strategic partner for Indianapolis businesses that want to refine their brand, reconnect with their audience, and elevate their marketing impact. His combination of creative thinking, business acumen, and decades of experience makes him one of the most respected fractional CMOs in the region.
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/burkhartpaul
What Makes a Fractional CMO a Great Fit for Indianapolis
Hiring a fractional CMO can be a game-changer for growing companies in Indianapolis. Whether you’re a startup, a small business, or an organization in transition, having part-time executive marketing leadership gives you the expertise you need without the full-time price tag.
Access to Senior-Level Marketing Without the Overhead
Hiring a full-time CMO in Indianapolis can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses. A fractional CMO gives you access to the same level of experience and strategic thinking, but at a much lower cost. You only pay for the time and support you need.
Flexible Support That Fits Your Growth Stage
Indianapolis’s business scene includes everything from early-stage startups to family-owned businesses. A fractional CMO is a flexible solution that grows with you. Whether you’re just getting started or expanding into new markets, they can step in at the right time with the right level of support.
Fresh Perspective and Outside Insight
Sometimes, internal teams are too close to the day-to-day to see what’s missing. A fractional CMO brings an outside point of view that can help identify new opportunities, spot blind spots, and bring a fresh approach to your marketing efforts.
Faster Execution with Proven Experience
Because fractional CMOs typically work with several businesses, they bring a wide range of experience and ready-to-use strategies. That means you can get your marketing efforts moving quickly, without long onboarding periods or trial-and-error decision-making.
Strategic Alignment with Business Goals
Marketing should never operate in a bubble. A good fractional CMO helps connect your marketing plan to your bigger business goals. Whether it’s driving more leads, increasing customer retention, or building your brand in the Indianapolis market, they focus on what really moves the needle.
How to Choose the Right Fractional CMO
Not all fractional CMOs are the same. The right one for your business should bring the right mix of experience, communication style, and alignment with your goals. Here’s how to make a smart choice.
1. Start with Your Business Goals
Before you start looking, get clear on what you want to achieve. Are you trying to grow your brand, generate more leads, or fix what’s not working in your current strategy? Your goals will help you find someone with the right background and focus.
2. Look for Industry Experience
A CMO who understands your industry will already know the trends, challenges, and audience behavior. This saves time and helps them start delivering results faster. Bonus points if they’ve worked with businesses similar to yours.
3. Ask for Case Studies or Success Stories
A strong fractional CMO should be able to share past wins. Ask about real examples where they helped a company grow, solve a marketing challenge, or launch something new. Look for results that match the kind of help you need.
4. Check Communication and Collaboration Style
You want someone who can work well with your team, not just someone who sounds impressive. Pay attention to how clearly they explain things, how they listen, and whether they feel like someone your staff could trust and follow.
5. Understand Their Availability and Workflow
Make sure their schedule fits with your needs. Some fractional CMOs work a set number of hours per week, while others focus on project-based work. Be clear about your expectations and make sure they align with how they operate.
6. Review Costs and Value
Price matters, but value matters more. Don’t just compare rates – look at what you’re getting for the money. A more experienced CMO might cost more per hour but deliver stronger, faster results that save you time and money in the long run.
7. Go with the Right Fit, Not Just the Flashiest Resume
At the end of the day, you’re choosing a partner. The right CMO should understand your vision, fit into your company culture, and help you make smarter marketing decisions. Choose someone who feels like a natural extension of your team.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fractional CMO can be the difference between marketing that merely looks good and marketing that actually drives growth. Indianapolis is home to a deep bench of marketing leaders who bring executive-level strategy, real-world execution, and industry-specific expertise to companies that need to scale smartly and efficiently.
Whether you’re a founder in search of marketing clarity, a growing company feeling the strain of limited resources, or a team ready to align brand, demand, and revenue, these fractional CMOs offer exactly what you need, strategic partnership without full-time overhead.
FAQ
Fractional CMOs are ideal for startups, small to mid-sized businesses, and organizations in transition, such as after a funding round, during rapid growth, or while searching for a full-time CMO. They’re also useful when internal teams lack senior marketing leadership.
Look for someone with experience aligned to your industry and growth goals, a clear track record of results, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work flexibly within your existing structure. Cultural fit and communication style also matter, your fractional CMO will be part of your leadership team.
Engagements can range from a few months to ongoing partnerships depending on your needs. Some companies bring in a fractional CMO for a launch or transformation period, while others retain them long-term to maintain consistent strategic leadership.
Hiring locally offers advantages like market familiarity, access to local talent and partners, and the option for in-person collaboration. Indianapolis also has a strong ecosystem of startups, tech firms, and B2B companies, making it an ideal region for fractional marketing leadership.
