In the fast-paced business world, having the right marketing leadership can be the difference between staying ahead and falling behind. For businesses in Phoenix, fractional CMOs offer an affordable and effective way to access high-level marketing expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. These experienced professionals bring a fresh perspective, strategic insight, and the skills necessary to elevate your marketing efforts and drive growth. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, hiring a fractional CMO in Phoenix can be a game-changer.
What is a CMO and How Can They Help Your Business?
A Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing a company’s marketing strategy and efforts. They play a critical role in shaping the brand’s identity, driving customer engagement, and boosting overall revenue through various marketing initiatives. CMOs lead the marketing team, manage budgets, and collaborate with other departments to ensure the company’s goals align with its marketing strategy.
In smaller companies or those looking for flexibility, a fractional CMO can step in to provide the same level of expertise on a part-time or project basis. This allows businesses to leverage the knowledge of a seasoned marketing leader without the cost of a full-time position.
Discover NUOPTIMA’s C-Suite Connect: Elevating Your Financial Strategy
NUOPTIMA’s C-Suite Connect, founded by Alexej Pikovsky, is reshaping financial leadership for Phoenix businesses by providing access to pre-vetted, fractional CFOs who drive profitability through data-driven strategies. Specializing in founder-led companies, our CFOs are carefully selected through a rigorous vetting process overseen by Alexej himself, ensuring only the best talent is included in our network.
The selection criteria include:
- Background check: Verifying a proven track record of financial success.
- Financial modeling exam: Assessing expertise in strategic forecasting and analysis.
- Reference calls: Validating credibility and impact.
- Culture fit interview: Ensuring alignment with your company’s vision and values.
- Paid trial sprint: Demonstrating real-world execution and results.
Only the most exceptional CFOs make it into the C-Suite Connect pool, ready to offer transformative financial guidance.
What sets NUOPTIMA C-Suite Connect apart:
- Strategy + Execution: Our CFOs combine high-level financial planning with hands-on implementation.
- Phoenix Expertise: We bring a deep understanding of the city’s competitive markets, from tech to e-commerce.
- Rapid Matching: We connect you with a tailored CFO in 7-10 days.
- Founder-Aligned Precision: Alexej personally reviews each placement to ensure cultural and strategic fit.
With C-Suite Connect, we help Phoenix businesses optimize cash flow, scale efficiently, and align financial strategies with growth goals, all while leveraging our data-driven marketing insights.
Top Fractional CMO Experts in Phoenix
1. Duke Merhavy, MBA, Ph.D. | Fractional CMO
Duke Merhavy is a results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience in B2B marketing, specializing in helping businesses scale through strategic marketing leadership. As the President and Chief Marketing Officer at Fractional CMO, he provides small and mid-sized businesses with expert marketing leadership on a part-time basis. Duke’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including branding, lead generation, digital marketing, and operations management. With a passion for technology and creativity, he brings a strategic approach to driving growth and profitability.
Core Focus
Duke focuses on delivering hands-on marketing leadership to help businesses achieve sustainable growth. His approach integrates strategic planning, execution, and the optimization of marketing efforts to enhance ROI.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Expertise in branding and positioning for B2B companies.
- Proficient in lead generation, digital marketing, and marketing automation.
- Extensive experience in managing email campaigns, newsletters, and content development.
- Skilled in optimizing landing pages, conducting webinars, and managing events.
- Expertise in Google AdWords and mobile marketing campaigns.
- Strong background in feasibility studies, research, and public relations.
CMO Achievements
- Successfully led marketing teams at ICM Document Solutions, Strategic Technology Communications, and Able Information Technologies.
- Drove significant growth in lead generation and digital marketing performance for multiple companies.
- Contributed to technology and product launches, enhancing brand visibility and market share.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: Duke holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from California Pacific University and an MBA in Business Administration from Binghamton University.
- Work Experience: He is currently the President & Chief Marketing Officer at Fractional CMO. Previously, Duke was the Director of Marketing at ICM Document Solutions, Strategic Technology Communications, and Able Information Technologies.
Job History
- Fractional CMO at Fractional CMO (Mar 2015 – Present): Provides strategic marketing leadership to small and mid-sized businesses on a fractional basis, helping clients scale and optimize their marketing efforts.
- Director of Marketing at ICM Document Solutions (Oct 2012 – Mar 2015): Led marketing initiatives and digital campaigns for the company, driving brand growth and customer acquisition.
- Director of Marketing at Strategic Technology Communications (Nov 2010 – Oct 2012): Managed digital marketing efforts, ensuring effective communication of technology solutions to clients.
- Director of Marketing at Able Information Technologies (2007 – 2010): Oversaw marketing strategies and initiatives for the technology firm, leading campaigns that boosted brand awareness and client engagement.
- Chief Operating Officer at dBASE, Inc. (1999 – 2007): Led operations and marketing efforts, contributing to product development and brand positioning.
Other Experience
Duke is highly regarded for his ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution. His leadership has been instrumental in helping businesses optimize their marketing processes and improve their bottom line.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/dukemerhavy
- Location: Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
2. Susan Katz, Fractional CMO | Startup & Growth Advisor
Susan Katz is a fractional CMO with over 35 years of experience in consumer goods marketing, brand building, and digital strategy. She has worked across multiple industries, including skincare, health & wellness, food, pharma, and lifestyle brands, focusing on helping businesses scale. Susan’s approach combines strategic planning with marketing execution, driving growth across digital platforms like web, email, Amazon, and social media. She has launched multimillion-dollar products for companies such as P&G and increased sales by over 200% for small DTC brands.
Core Focus
Susan focuses on helping businesses clarify their brand identity, refine marketing strategies, and implement efficient systems to drive growth and improve marketing performance. She specializes in advising founders, small businesses, and startups.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Expertise in digital marketing, brand strategy, and e-commerce.
- Specializes in developing growth strategies for DTC brands.
- Strong background in building and executing email, Amazon, and social media marketing campaigns.
- Provides marketing insights and data-driven strategies to optimize business growth.
CMO Achievements
- Successfully launched and managed products for brands such as Henkel, Quaker Oats, and Kellogg.
- Drove a 200% sales increase for small DTC brands.
- Developed a forecasting template that improved sales predictions for clients.
- Played a key role in strategic decision-making and market research for high-profile clients.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: Susan holds a degree from Western Michigan University – Haworth College of Business.
- Work Experience: Founder & Fractional CMO at Susan Katz Consulting, previously held leadership positions in major consumer goods companies, including ACCO Brands.
Job History
- Fractional CMO at Susan Katz Consulting (Jun 1998 – Present): Works as a freelance consultant and fractional CMO, advising businesses on brand strategy, marketing, and growth.
- General Manager at SkinActives, LLC (Feb 2024 – May 2024): Led marketing strategies for the company, focusing on product innovation and digital marketing efforts.
- Director of Marketing at ACCO Brands (2010 – Dec 2018): Managed the marketing team for global craft and hand tool products, leading marketing strategies that reversed sales declines and launched successful new products.
Other Experience
Susan has a proven track record of helping both large corporations and small startups achieve significant growth through strategic marketing and brand development. Her experience spans across various industries, providing her with a diverse perspective on marketing challenges and solutions.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/susantudekkatz
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
3. Sean Klunder, Fractional CMO | Co-Founder of S3 Growth Partners
Sean Klunder is a fractional CMO with a strong track record of helping businesses accelerate growth and improve their marketing functions. As co-founder of S3 Growth Partners, he collaborates with CEOs to develop and implement growth strategies. Sean’s expertise includes brand strategy, digital marketing, and sales execution, focusing on creating sustainable growth for small and mid-sized businesses. He is also co-founder of Law Firm Fractional CMOs, a firm that helps law practices drive growth through advanced marketing strategies.
Core Focus
Sean focuses on partnering with business leaders to drive strategic marketing, brand differentiation, and digital transformation, ensuring sustained growth through effective execution and leadership.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Specializes in transforming marketing functions for growth-driven companies.
- Expertise in digital marketing, competitive analysis, and product development roadmaps.
- Provides strategic sales enablement and organizational alignment to optimize business processes.
- Works with businesses to create marketing strategies that generate and sustain growth.
CMO Achievements
- Co-founded S3 Growth Partners, where he helps small to medium-sized businesses unlock their growth potential.
- Played a key role in establishing Law Firm Fractional CMOs, which accelerates growth for law practices.
- Drove substantial growth through the application of cutting-edge digital marketing strategies for various industries.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: MBA in Business/Management/Marketing from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, Mini-MBA in Digital Marketing from Rutgers Business School.
- Work Experience: He is Co-Founder & Fractional CMO at Max Rev Growth, and previously served as Marketing Director at Semper Fi Heating & Cooling LLC and Digital Marketing Manager at Arizona Pain Relief.
Job History
- Co-Founder & Managing Partner at S3 Growth Partners (Mar 2025 – Present): Leads a team of fractional CMOs to help small to medium-sized businesses accelerate growth.
- Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Law Firm Fractional CMOs (Mar 2025 – Present): Specializes in marketing growth for personal injury, probate, and immigration law practices.
- Partner & Chief Marketing Officer at Chief Outsiders (2016 – 2025): Worked with CEOs and executive teams to develop growth strategies and execute marketing plans.
- Senior Vice President, Product Management & Marketing at Korn Ferry (2012 – 2014): Led product management and marketing teams, managing P&L responsibilities for products and digital marketing strategies.
Other Experience
Sean has successfully transformed marketing functions for a wide range of businesses, from small startups to established firms. He is particularly focused on providing digital marketing expertise that accelerates lead generation, brand positioning, and sustainable business growth.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/sklunder
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
4. Brianna Calero, Fractional CMO | Strategist | Founder of Pastel Creative
Brianna Calero is a fractional CMO and founder of Pastel Creative. She helps businesses grow by building effective marketing ecosystems that connect brands with their audiences. Brianna focuses on developing strategic, creative, and executable marketing plans that deliver results. She specializes in go-to-market strategies and content-driven SEO solutions that align with business goals and objectives.
Core Focus
Brianna focuses on helping founders and leaders build strong brands and sustainable growth through human-centered strategy, storytelling, and data-driven insights. Her approach integrates marketing strategy, creative design, and execution to drive success across multiple platforms.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Specializes in fractional CMO leadership, guiding businesses from strategy to execution.
- Expertise in strategic brand development and crafting compelling narratives.
- Designs customized marketing ecosystems that integrate marketing, sales, and operations.
- HubSpot optimization expert, helping businesses streamline operations and accelerate growth.
- Skilled in developing strategic content and SEO strategies that build authority and engagement.
CMO Achievements
- Successfully led marketing transformations for various businesses, focusing on scalability and sustainable growth.
- Helped clients create meaningful brand differentiation and drive customer engagement through strategic storytelling.
- Developed integrated marketing systems that foster long-term growth for businesses in diverse industries.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: Brianna holds a degree in Social Work from Arizona State University.
- Work Experience: Founder & Fractional CMO at Pastel Creative, Fractional CMO at Aldevra, Fractional CMO at Galson Research, and Fractional CMO at PARA Business Systems.
Job History
- Fractional CMO at Aldevra (Feb 2025 – Present): Provides fractional CMO services, helping businesses optimize marketing strategies and foster growth.
- Fractional CMO at Galson Research (Aug 2024 – Present): Works on marketing strategy, brand development, and lead generation to accelerate business growth.
- Founder & Strategist at Pastel Creative (Jan 2023 – Present): Founded Pastel Creative, focusing on building marketing ecosystems that align strategy, sales, and operations.
- Fractional CMO at PARA Business Systems (Jan 2022 – Present): Guides businesses in optimizing their marketing strategies for scalable growth and sustainability.
Other Experience
Brianna’s philosophy centers on understanding the unique needs and vision of each business. She combines creative strategy with practical execution to ensure that each project is aligned with her client’s goals, ensuring growth and impact.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-calero-996668276
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
5. Crissy Saint, Fractional CMO | Founder of Rad Dog Social
Crissy Saint is a fractional CMO and founder of Rad Dog Social, focusing on helping brands grow and stand out in competitive markets. With experience across both non-profit and for-profit sectors, Crissy develops marketing strategies that are creative, sustainable, and results-driven. She works with startups, established brands, and global enterprises, applying her expertise in business development, branding, e-commerce, and operations to drive long-term success.
Core Focus
Crissy focuses on partnering with brands and agencies to develop robust marketing strategies, blending creativity with data-driven insights. She helps businesses accelerate their growth by enhancing their marketing capabilities and creating brand experiences that resonate deeply with their target audiences.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Expertise in developing DTC e-commerce strategies, particularly with Shopify Plus and WooCommerce.
- Strong background in brand development, marketing leadership, and team coaching.
- Focuses on business development and partnership growth, ensuring long-term marketing success.
- Specializes in experiential events, programs, and building immersive brand experiences.
- Expertise in culture-building and leadership coaching to drive organizational success.
CMO Achievements
- Led marketing strategies for top-tier brands including Disney, Pepsi, and WNBA.
- Successfully bootstrapped a brand to a seven-figure revenue in three years, becoming a global multi-channel platform.
- Developed high-impact marketing strategies for non-profits and social enterprises, significantly increasing brand visibility and engagement.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: B.A. in Psychology from Arizona State University.
- Work Experience: She is the Founder & Fractional CMO at Rad Dog Social and the Founder & CMO at X Factor CMO. Crissy has also served as Chief Marketing Officer at KidsMenus, Director of Strategy + Fractional CMO at BRIDGE PHX, and Chief Growth Officer at Manley Creative.
Job History
- Founder at Rad Dog Social (Apr 2025 – Present): Founded Rad Dog Social, an innovative social space blending creativity and community engagement for dog lovers and culture enthusiasts.
- Founder & CMO at X Factor CMO (Feb 2024 – Present): Provides strategic advisory and fractional CMO services, focusing on scaling businesses and overcoming growth plateaus.
- Chief Marketing Officer at KidsMenus (Feb 2024 – Present): Leads marketing strategy for the world’s first SaaS platform offering custom kids’ menus for restaurants.
- Director of Strategy + Fractional CMO at BRIDGE PHX (Feb 2024 – Present): Drives strategic marketing for clients, helping businesses scale effectively.
- Chief Growth Officer at Manley Creative (Feb 2024 – Present): Focused on business growth and marketing strategies for clients in various sectors.
Other Experience
Crissy’s experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors has shaped her ability to create versatile marketing solutions. Her entrepreneurial journey, particularly with Rad Dog Social, exemplifies her deep commitment to fostering unique brand experiences that make an emotional connection with audiences.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/csaint
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
6. Hector Waldo, Fractional CMO | Marketing & Revenue Growth Expert
Hector Waldo is a fractional CMO specializing in revenue growth for service-based businesses, particularly in HVAC, home services, and high-ticket industries. He helps businesses optimize marketing efforts, increase lead flow, and improve conversion rates. With expertise in digital marketing, lead generation, and sales processes, Hector focuses on refining marketing funnels, implementing automation, and boosting customer retention to drive growth.
Core Focus
Hector focuses on optimizing marketing strategies that directly impact revenue growth. His expertise lies in lead generation, sales conversion, and the creation of efficient revenue systems that enhance business profitability.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Lead generation through Google Ads, Local SEO, and Facebook Ads.
- Conversion optimization strategies to turn more leads into paying customers.
- Revenue systems focused on follow-up automation via email and SMS.
- Building high-converting marketing funnels and improving ROI.
- Customer retention strategies through memberships and referrals.
CMO Achievements
- Led revenue growth strategies at Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, helping scale the business from $30M to $100M in just 2.5 years.
- Developed and implemented successful Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and SEO campaigns that reduced lead acquisition costs.
- Created automated follow-up systems that increased customer retention and repeat business.
- Established market domination for Semper Fi Heating & Cooling in Arizona through local SEO, referral programs, and hyper-local advertising.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: Hector Waldo studied Marketing at Glendale Community College.
- Work Experience: He is the Founder & Fractional CMO at Max Rev Growth. Previously, he was the Marketing Director at Semper Fi Heating & Cooling LLC, Digital Marketing Manager at Arizona Pain Relief, and Local SEO Specialist at V Digital Services.
Job History
- Founder & Fractional CMO at Max Rev Growth (Feb 2025 – Present): Focused on increasing revenue for home service businesses through optimized lead generation and conversion strategies.
- Marketing Director at Semper Fi Heating & Cooling LLC (Jun 2022 – Feb 2025): Led marketing and revenue growth strategies, achieving a 3X revenue increase.
- Digital Marketing Manager at Arizona Pain Relief (Oct 2021 – Jun 2022): Developed and implemented lead generation initiatives through Google Ads and Facebook Ads.
- Local SEO Specialist at V Digital Services (Jun 2019 – Oct 2021): Managed a diverse portfolio of over 315 clients, optimizing their SEO and marketing strategies.
Other Experience
Hector has extensive experience in optimizing digital marketing strategies, particularly for service-based businesses. His ability to identify gaps in marketing systems and implement effective solutions has helped clients significantly increase their revenue.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/hector-waldo-0084a7183
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
The Importance of a CMO in Phoenix
Phoenix is a rapidly growing market with numerous opportunities and unique challenges. In such a fast-paced environment, the role of a CMO becomes crucial for proper business adaptation, enhancing competitiveness, and ensuring sustainable growth. This section explains why having a CMO is essential in Phoenix.
- Regional Economic Growth: Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with many new businesses emerging. In this fast-changing market, the importance of an experienced CMO is invaluable for ensuring sustainable growth and staying competitive.
- Industry Diversity: The city attracts companies from various sectors, from technology to healthcare and real estate. CMOs in Phoenix help adapt marketing strategies to local markets and address the unique needs of the target audience.
- Digital Transformation: With the active integration of technology and online services, particularly in e-commerce and digital marketing, CMOs play a key role in adapting and implementing new tools for business growth.
- Customer Service Quality: In Phoenix, it is essential not only to attract customers but also to retain them. CMOs in this region help build long-term customer relationships through personalized marketing campaigns.
- Competitiveness: With the increase of new startups and major companies, standing out and maintaining customer attention is key. CMOs help brands position themselves effectively and differentiate from competitors.
How to Choose a CMO for Phoenix
Choosing a CMO for your business in Phoenix requires a tailored approach. This market has its own characteristics, and a successful CMO must deeply understand local trends and have experience working across various industries. In this section, we provide key recommendations for selecting the best CMO for the Phoenix market.
Understanding the Local Market and Region-Specific Factors
To succeed in the Phoenix market, it’s important that the CMO has knowledge and experience in the region. The ideal candidate should be familiar with consumer preferences, marketing trends, and the competitive landscape of the city.
Experience in Key Industries in Phoenix
Choose a CMO with experience in industries that are thriving in Phoenix, such as tech startups, healthcare, real estate, or business services. This will help quickly adapt marketing strategies to local needs.
Digital Proficiency and Innovative Approach
Phoenix is rapidly growing in digital technologies and online services. The right CMO should be experienced in digital marketing, including SEO, content marketing, automation, and using analytics to boost campaign effectiveness.
Strategic Planning and Execution Skills
Select a CMO who not only develops strategies but also knows how to execute them effectively. A successful CMO should be focused on long-term results, collaborating with teams, and tracking key performance metrics.
Local Network and Reputation
A strong CMO in Phoenix should have well-established professional connections with local partners, suppliers, and industry experts. Reputation and local ties are crucial for accelerating business growth and scaling operations.
Team Building and Development
An important trait of a CMO is the ability to effectively manage marketing teams, train staff, and create processes for long-term success. The CMO should be not only a strategist but also a leader for their team.
Conclusion
Hiring a fractional CMO in Phoenix can significantly improve your business’s marketing efforts, drive growth, and enhance customer engagement. Phoenix’s dynamic and competitive market demands a skilled CMO who can navigate its unique challenges, especially in digital marketing and industry diversification. A fractional CMO offers flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and expertise tailored to your business needs, making it an ideal solution for small to mid-sized companies looking to scale efficiently without the overhead of a full-time executive.
FAQ
A fractional CMO is an experienced marketing executive who works part-time or on a contract basis, providing high-level marketing strategy and leadership without the cost of a full-time hire.
Phoenix’s fast-growing business environment requires expert marketing leadership to stay competitive. A fractional CMO can offer specialized knowledge of the local market, digital trends, and scalable strategies while maintaining flexibility.
Fractional CMOs in Phoenix have experience in a wide range of industries, including tech, healthcare, real estate, e-commerce, and business services, which are key sectors in the region.
A fractional CMO brings strategic insights, improved lead generation, customer retention, and optimized marketing processes. They develop marketing plans and oversee execution to help businesses achieve measurable growth.
Hiring a fractional CMO provides flexibility, cost savings, and access to high-level expertise without the overhead of a full-time hire. It’s an ideal solution for companies needing specialized marketing skills without long-term commitment.
