About Steven H. Buckley, Fractional Strategic Advisor for CEOs
Fractional COO Services | 30+ Years Experience | Steven H. Buckley
Steven H. Buckley offers business management advisory services to mid-market CEOs facing critical decisions on AI, transformation, and growth. Occasionally serving as a Fractional COO, he provides the senior-level counsel these companies need but often lack.
With 30+ years spanning finance, operations, technology, and organizational strategy, Steven delivers integrated expertise through fractional COO and other management consulting services. Additionally, his background includes six COO positions in venture capital-backed companies and public offerings. As a result, he brings proven frameworks to help mid-market organizations scale systematically.
Steven H. Buckley's Background: C-Level Experience
COO, National QSR Chain
Spearheaded growth and infrastructure development, both company-owned and franchised, over approximate five-year tenure ending 2019. Consistently increased profitability, culminating in a $100 million public offering for this fast-casual, "better-burger" chain.
COO, National PetCare (90-Unit Veterinary Hospital Chain)
Created leadership systems, processes, M&A integration, and stellar operational execution for venture-capital-backed, 90-unit, veterinary hospital company later acquired by VCA - operator of 750 animal hospitals.
COO / Acquisition Group Principal, Nathan's Famous
Led acquisition team that initially took this publicly held company private. As COO, conceived strategies driving Nathan's expansion through franchising, innovative site development in airports and toll roads, and the rapid growth of a major consumer packaged goods (CPG) licensing program.
CEO, Gianna Rose Atelier (luxury products manufacturer and e-commerce company)
Acquired and expanded couture soap and home fragrance business, establishing key partnerships with Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Pottery Barn, HSN, QVC, Neiman Marcus, Disney, Martha Stewart, and Williams-Sonoma. Strategic growth led to company's acquisition by renowned luxury products firm.
SVP / Division Head, 500-Unit Recreation Chain | $1.4 Billion Acquisition by Goldman Sachs
Revitalized AMF Worldwide's 500-unit food, beverage, and entertainment division, driving significant profit and cash flow improvements following its $1.4 billion acquisition by Goldman Sachs.
SVP, Chock Full o' Nuts Corp. (formerly NYSE traded) F&B manufacturer
Directed strategic M&A and brand extensions for then NYSE coffee roaster and distributor Chock Full o' Nuts (CFON). Following its acquisition by Sara Lee, CFON became a division of global coffee powerhouse, Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group.
Our Fractional COO/Strategic Advisory Approach
As a fractional strategic advisor, we provide ongoing executive leadership without the full-time cost or commitment. Unlike traditional consultants who deliver reports and exit, we embed ourselves in your business as a strategic partner—bringing COO-level expertise to the decisions that shape your company’s future.We Focus on Three Critical Areas:
1- Strategic Clarity
We help mid-market CEOs cut through complexity. With 30+ years spanning finance, operations, technology, and organizational strategy, we provide the integrated perspective that isolated functional experts cannot. Additionally, we ensure your AI investments align with operational reality, your growth plans match your infrastructure capacity, and your transformation initiatives deliver measurable ROI.
2- Systematic Implementation
Strategy without execution is just planning. According to research from MIT Sloan, more than 80% of strategies fail at the implementation stage. Therefore, we bring proven frameworks—including our Big 3™ methodology—that transform strategic vision into operational reality. Moreover, we establish the KPIs, processes, and accountability systems that ensure sustained progress.
3- Flexible Partnership
Our fractional model delivers executive-level counsel precisely when you need it. Whether through in-person collaboration in DC Metro or virtual partnership nationwide, we adapt to your business rhythm. As a result, you gain strategic guidance during critical growth phases without the overhead of a full-time executive.
This approach transforms how mid-market companies access senior-level strategic counsel—making it practical, affordable, and immediately actionable.
Ready to Scale Your Mid-Market Company?
If you’re a CEO of a mid-market company ($5M-$50M revenue) facing critical decisions on AI integration, operational transformation, or strategic growth, let’s discuss how fractional strategic advisory can help you achieve your objectives.
Steven brings 30+ years of COO-level expertise spanning finance, operations, technology, and organizational strategy. With experience in venture capital-backed companies and public offerings, he delivers the integrated perspective your business needs to scale systematically.
Current Availability
– In-person engagements: DC Metro area (Potomac, Bethesda, Rockville, Washington DC)
– Virtual consulting: Nationwide
Schedule Your Complimentary Strategy Session
Contact us to discuss your business objectives and explore how fractional strategic advisory can accelerate your growth.
Steven H. Buckley, Founder & Senior Consultant
Corporate leader and entrepreneur whose senior-level experience spans six companies (publicly and privately-held). Deep and diversified expertise in strategic planning, operations, finance, AI, real estate, franchising, M&A, legal, and digital marketing. Currently Founder & Senior Consultant at Profit Objective LLC.
Education & Credentials
– BBA | Finance, Hofstra University, Long Island, NY
– Additional studies: American University, Washington, D.C.
– 30+ years of executive leadership across six companies (public and private)
– Expertise: Strategic planning, operations, finance, AI integration, franchising, M&A, digital transformation