Top 12 fractional CMOs in the Midwest
12 fractional CMOs in the Midwest that are practising today, each checked against its own site and at least one independent source. Who leads them, the work they can show, what they cost where they publish it, and the reason each one made the list. Nobody pays to be ranked.
- firms, ranked
- 12
- sources cited
- 48
- median years in business
- 10
- with a named leader
- 12/12
The list at a glance
Scroll sideways →| # | Firm | Based in | Since | Team | Led by | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | AuthenticProfile | Minneapolis, MN | 2017 | 11–50 | Jennifer Zick | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote. |
| 02 | yorCMOProfile | Omaha, NE | 2016 | 11–50 | Joe Frost | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote. |
| 03 | Digital Authority PartnersProfile | Chicago, IL | 2016 | 11–50 | Michael Reddy | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote. |
| 04 | Treefrog Marketing | Kelly Rice Fractional CMOProfile | Lafayette, IN | 2000 | 1–10 | Kelly Rice | Done-for-you digital marketing from $3,200/month and fractional CMO engagements from $7,500/month, plus media budget, per its site. |
| 05 | Epiphany MarketingProfile | Marion, IA | 2000 | 1–10 | Christa A. Nelson | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote. |
| 06 | Maven MarketingProfile | Eden Prairie, MN | 2022 | 1–10 | Kristyan Mjolsnes | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote. |
| 07 | HPZ MarketingProfile | Minneapolis, MN | 2019 | 1–10 | Jessica Kelley | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote. |
| 08 | Daniel IncandelaProfile | Indianapolis, IN | n/a | 1–10 | Daniel Incandela | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote. |
| 09 | Devra Callaghan, Fractional CMOProfile | Indianapolis, IN | n/a | 1–10 | Devra Callaghan | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote. |
| 10 | Bootstrap CreativeProfile | Clinton Township, MI | n/a | 1–10 | Jake Lett | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote. |
| 11 | Eppo MarketingProfile | Urbandale, IA | n/a | 1–10 | Andy Erickson | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote. |
| 12 | CMO To-GoProfile | West Des Moines, IA | n/a | 1–10 | Sarah Oyibo | Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote. |
Where a firm has not published a price, the figure is a typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- 01
Led by Jennifer Zick, Founder
- Minneapolis, MN
- Since 2017
- 11–50 people
Authentic is a Minneapolis firm founded in 2017 by Jennifer Zick that places embedded fractional chief marketing officers with growing companies, typically for 8 to 20-plus hours a week over 12 to 24 months, using its Authentic Growth methodology. Its site says it has served more than 160 clients across 29 states and seven countries in professional services, technology, manufacturing, CPG, financial services, healthcare, construction and nonprofits. The company is 100 percent woman-owned and lists Inc. 5000 and Minnesota Fast 50 recognition.
Why it’s hereAn Inc. 5000 honoree and one of the Midwest's earliest dedicated fractional CMO firms, with 160-plus clients served since 2017 per its site.
Best forGrowing companies with roughly $5M to $50M in revenue, especially those run on EOS/Traction, that want a part-time CMO matched within days and working from a set marketing methodology.
authenticbrand.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional CMO · B2B professional services · manufacturing and distribution · SaaS · marketing team leadership
- Named clients
- UpStart
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources authenticbrand.com, clutch.co, nogood.io
- 02
Led by Joe Frost, Founder
- Omaha, NE
- Since 2016
- 11–50 people
yorCMO is an Omaha-based fractional CMO company founded in 2016 by Joe Frost that embeds senior marketing executives in companies with roughly $5 million to $50 million in revenue. Its site lists 23 senior CMOs, a Six Fundamentals operating system and an AI-supported CORE Growth Platform, and carries case studies for Xiid Corporation, K9 Resorts, Body Basics and Market Dwellings. The firm positions its CMOs as sitting on the client's side of the table rather than acting as an agency or coordinator.
Why it’s hereA Nebraska-headquartered network of 23 fractional CMOs operating since 2016, cited in third-party fractional CMO provider roundups.
Best forSmall and mid-size B2B and B2C companies without a marketing executive that want a part-time senior CMO to set strategy and run a marketing plan.
UpdateFounded by Joe Frost in 2016; runs a bench of 23 senior fractional CMOs and lists a P.O. box in Omaha as its address.
yorcmo.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional CMO · B2B and B2C mid-market · marketing systems · CEO-facing growth planning
- Named clients
- Xiid Corporation, K9 Resorts, Body Basics, Market Dwellings
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- P.O. Box 241685 · Omaha, NE · 68124
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources yorcmo.com, flyingvgroup.com, inbeat.agencyLinkedIn ↗
- 03
Led by Michael Reddy, President
- Chicago, IL
- Since 2016
- 11–50 people
Digital Authority Partners is a Chicago digital marketing agency founded in 2016 with additional offices in Las Vegas and San Diego. Its fractional CMO service pairs a CMO-for-hire with the agency's SEO, content, paid media and marketing automation teams for strategy, team training, budget oversight and KPI monitoring, and its site names clients including Everbridge, Geode Health, ConnexPay, Unity Communications, Kilwins and Huffy. The company lists Inc. 5000 recognition and Clutch, MarCom and WebAward honours.
Why it’s hereAn Inc. 5000 Chicago agency with a named fractional CMO practice and a published client list spanning healthcare, SaaS, fintech and consumer brands.
Best forHealthcare, life sciences and B2B software companies that want a fractional CMO backed by an in-house SEO, paid media and web team in Chicago.
digitalauthority.me · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional CMO · SEO and demand generation · healthcare · SaaS and fintech · legal and professional services
- Named clients
- Everbridge, Geode Health, ConnexPay, Unity Communications, Kilwins, Huffy, Brinks Gilson and Lione, Signature Analytics
- Selected work
- Dickson. Fractional CMO engagement that the firm says raised online leads 50% for the device and SaaS maker. case study ↗
- Bella Canvas. Fractional CMO work the firm reports produced a 9.65X return on marketing spend. case study ↗
- Everbridge. Fractional CMO support the firm credits with a 27% increase in online revenue. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 420 West Huron, 1st Floor · Chicago, IL · 60654 · (312) 820-9893
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources digitalauthority.me, strategicpete.com, movingminds.io
- 04
Led by Kelly Rice, Founder and Chief Marketing Strategist
- Lafayette, IN
- Since 2000
- 1–10 people
Treefrog Marketing is a Lafayette, Indiana firm founded in 2000 by Kelly Rice, who describes more than 25 years of marketing leadership and now works with owners as a fractional chief marketing officer. Its site says she sets direction, decides where resources go and oversees existing teams and vendors for companies with roughly $2 million to $15 million in revenue, with a focus on plumbing, HVAC, roofing, electrical and construction businesses, and lists clients including Vista Manufacturing, Purdue CEM and Ciriello Plumbing. Clutch records the firm as founded in 2000 with 2-9 staff.
Why it’s hereA 25-year Indiana practice with named trades and manufacturing clients and a fractional CMO model priced and described in detail on its site.
Best forHome-service and trades companies such as plumbing, HVAC, roofing and remodeling firms with roughly $2M to $15M in revenue that want a part-time CMO and a StoryBrand-based marketing plan.
treefrogmarketing.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional CMO · home services and trades · B2B · marketing strategy for $2M-$15M companies
- Named clients
- Vista Manufacturing, Robert Goodman Jewelers, Purdue CEM, Premier Auto Detailing, Ciriello Plumbing
- Selected work
- Full-service remodeling company (unnamed). Marketing program the case study credits with $612K in new-customer revenue and an 11:1 return. case study ↗
- Auto detailing company (unnamed). Built the marketing foundation as the business grew from $250K to $3M in revenue, per the case study. case study ↗
- HVAC company (unnamed). Growth marketing case study for an HVAC contractor. case study ↗
- Published pricing
- Done-for-you digital marketing from $3,200/month and fractional CMO engagements from $7,500/month, plus media budget, per its site.
- Office
- 17 S 6th St, Suite T · Lafayette, IN · 47901 · (765) 588-5808
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources treefrogmarketing.com, clutch.co, linkedin.comLinkedIn ↗
- 05
Led by Christa A. Nelson, Co-founder; fractional CMO
- Marion, IA
- Since 2000
- 1–10 people
Epiphany Marketing is a strategic marketing firm based in Marion in the Cedar Rapids metro, led by Christa Nelson, who also teaches as a professor and describes more than 25 years in marketing. Its site lists three services: strategic marketing, fractional CMO leadership described as expanding a client's C-suite at a fraction of the cost, and creative team building drawn from its Spark Team Collaborative, a database of independent subject-matter experts. The firm works from home offices, serves businesses and nonprofits, and its founder's letter dates the practice to January 2000.
Why it’s hereA Cedar Rapids-area practice in operation since 2000 whose site names fractional CMO leadership as one of its three core services.
Best forEastern Iowa nonprofits, foundations and small businesses (clients include Linn Mar Foundation and Veterans Legal Support Network) that want a part-time CMO for strategic planning plus help with branding, PR and team training.
sparkanepiphany.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional CMO · strategic marketing planning · creative team building · nonprofits and higher education
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 319-431-9720
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources sparkanepiphany.com, linkedin.comLinkedIn ↗
- 06
Led by Kristyan Mjolsnes, Founder
- Eden Prairie, MN
- Since 2022
- 1–10 people
Maven Marketing is a fractional CMO practice at 7353 Ann Court in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, founded in 2022 by Kristyan Mjolsnes, who describes more than 20 years in B2B technology marketing including head-of-marketing roles across technology, cybersecurity and financial services companies. The site offers fractional CMO engagements, strategic advisory and half-day strategy sessions aimed at aligning marketing with business goals for B2B technology, SaaS and services companies. It also publishes case studies and guides on how a fractional CMO works.
Why it’s hereA Twin Cities practitioner with 20-plus years as an in-house B2B technology marketing head, recognised by Marquis Who's Who per her site.
Best forGrowing B2B companies in technology, cybersecurity and financial services that want a fractional CMO to build demand generation and account-based marketing.
mavenmarketingmn.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional CMO · B2B technology and SaaS · cybersecurity · strategic advisory
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources mavenmarketingmn.com, theorg.com, linkedin.comLinkedIn ↗
- 07
Led by Jessica Kelley, CMO/CEO
- Minneapolis, MN
- Since 2019
- 1–10 people
HPZ Marketing is a Minneapolis fractional and interim CMO practice founded in 2019 and run by CEO Jessica Kelley, with a second office in Malta serving European clients. Its site describes building the strategic marketing plan, executing it alongside the client's team and owning the results for B2B companies under about $10 million in revenue, with additional offerings for private equity, healthcare and startups. Kelley states that clients work directly with her and that she keeps a deliberately small roster.
Why it’s hereA Minneapolis owner-operated fractional CMO practice with a stated focus on small B2B companies and a published, direct-engagement model.
Best forSmall businesses, startups and private equity portfolio companies that need a part-time or interim CMO for a few hours a week, from a WBENC-certified women-owned practice.
UpdateA one-person fractional CMO practice founded in 2019, with a second base in Malta.
hpzmarketing.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional and interim CMO · small B2B companies · demand generation · private equity and healthcare
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- +1 (612) 512-1595
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources hpzmarketing.com, linkedin.comLinkedIn ↗
- 08
Led by Daniel Incandela, Fractional CMO, Brand Strategist and Messaging Architect
- Indianapolis, IN
- 1–10 people
Daniel Incandela is an Indianapolis-based marketer whose site describes him as a six-time chief marketing officer with more than 20 years leading marketing transformation, brand strategy and company messaging at organisations in the arts, motorsports and SaaS, from $10 million startups to $400 million global companies. He now offers fractional CMO leadership, brand strategy and messaging work through DI Inc LLC. His site's tags reference ExactTarget and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway among past subjects.
Why it’s hereA six-time in-house CMO, per his site, now working as a fractional and interim marketing leader out of Indianapolis.
Best forCompanies between roughly $10M and $400M in revenue, especially in SaaS, motorsports and the arts, that want a six-time CMO and StoryBrand Certified Coach to sharpen brand messaging on a fractional basis.
danielincandela.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional and interim CMO · brand strategy · company messaging · SaaS, arts and motorsports
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- (1) 317 616 8918
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources danielincandela.com, linkedin.com
- 09
Led by Devra Callaghan, Fractional CMO
- Indianapolis, IN
- 1–10 people
Devra Callaghan is an Indianapolis-based fractional chief marketing officer who describes 30 years of experience across automotive SaaS, technology, financial services, healthcare and manufacturing, combining agency work with corporate roles leading national marketing teams. Her site offers executive-level marketing leadership on a flexible part-time basis alongside speaking and leadership-development programmes branded LeadHERship and The First Seven. RocketReach lists her practice as operating under her own name since 2024.
Why it’s hereThree decades of corporate and agency marketing leadership, per her site, applied as a solo fractional CMO for automotive-tech and SaaS companies.
Best forAutomotive tech, SaaS and other B2B companies that want a part-time senior marketing leader with 30 years of experience across tech, financial services, healthcare and manufacturing.
cmodevra.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional CMO · automotive SaaS and technology · financial services and healthcare · leadership development
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- +1 317-965-6917
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources cmodevra.com, rocketreach.co, linkedin.comLinkedIn ↗
- 10
Led by Jake Lett, Senior Consultant
- Clinton Township, MI
- 1–10 people
Bootstrap Creative is a solo marketing consultancy in Clinton Township, Michigan, run by Jake Lett, a HubSpot-certified consultant and Google Ads specialist. Its site offers a fractional marketing director service for companies that need someone setting overall strategy and managing other vendors rather than executing a single channel, alongside HubSpot CMS development, digital marketing and technical SEO. Clutch lists the firm among fractional CMO service providers with 2-9 employees.
Why it’s hereA Detroit-area solo practice listed on Clutch's fractional CMO rankings whose site spells out a fractional marketing director offer.
Best forIndustrial manufacturers that want Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads and HubSpot website work handled by a small consultancy, with a part-time marketing director option.
UpdateConsultancy led by Jake Lett that bills itself as a B2B manufacturing marketing agency.
bootstrapcreative.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional marketing director · HubSpot and Google Ads · technical SEO · B2B small business
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- (586) 894-8024
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources bootstrapcreative.com, clutch.coLinkedIn ↗
- 11
Led by Andy Erickson, Fractional Marketing Director
- Urbandale, IA
- 1–10 people
Eppo Marketing is a fractional marketing director practice led by Andy Erickson, listed at a Urbandale address in the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Urbandale Chamber directories. Its site describes a model in which one experienced marketing director sets strategy and manages a coordinated team of vetted independent specialists for designers, writing, social media, digital ads and SEO, as an alternative to a full-time hire or a traditional agency. It serves small and mid-sized businesses in home improvement, construction, manufacturing and professional services, and lists membership in the Des Moines Home Builders Association.
Why it’s hereIts whole site is built around a fractional marketing leadership model, and its founder came from in-house marketing leadership in home improvement, manufacturing and professional services.
Best forDes Moines-area small and midsize businesses that need a part-time marketing director to plan strategy and manage digital, advertising and social vendors instead of hiring full-time staff.
eppomarketing.com · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional marketing director · marketing strategy and planning · digital advertising · home improvement and manufacturing
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources eppomarketing.com, members.dsmpartnership.com, businesses.uniquelyurbandale.com
- 12
Led by Sarah Oyibo, Chief Executive Officer
- West Des Moines, IA
- 1–10 people
CMO To-Go is a West Des Moines fractional marketing leadership practice led by CEO Dave Makin, listed at 4907 Valley View Lane in the Urbandale Chamber and Greater Des Moines Partnership directories. Its site says it has delivered fractional marketing leadership to founders for years and that it has now merged into xMachina as that company's managed services division, pairing a human strategist with a stack of AI agents for execution. Services listed include strategic brand development, content strategy, budget management, market research, social media, web, video, SEO and paid advertising.
Why it’s hereThe only West Des Moines firm found whose site and chamber listings both describe a fractional chief marketing officer offer, now operating inside the AI consultancy xMachina.
Best forOwner-led small businesses, including physical therapy and other healthcare practices, that want part-time executive marketing and business strategy help without hiring a full-time CMO.
cmotogo.io · homepage on September 28, 2026 - Known for
- fractional CMO · brand strategy · content strategy · AI-assisted marketing execution
- Selected work
- Evexia Physical Therapy. Business and marketing consulting the case study credits with a 63% revenue increase in four months. case study ↗
- PractiSynergy. Consulting engagement documented in a case study. case study ↗
- Western Trio. Consulting engagement documented in a case study. case study ↗
- Estimated cost
Estimated: $8,000–$15,000/mo, typical for Midwest fractional CMO retainers; not a quote.
Typical industry estimate, not a quote from any firm on this list.
- Office
- 515-850-0890
Site checked live September 28, 2026Sources cmotogo.io, businesses.uniquelyurbandale.com, members.dsmpartnership.comLinkedIn ↗
478,200 advertising, public relations and related services jobs in the United States, September 2026 (preliminary).
Every firm here was checked twice.
- 01Find
Firms come from industry directories, business press, award lists and the client rosters of firms already known to do the work.
- 02Verify
A firm's own site has to be live and describe the work. A second, independent source has to agree that it exists and does it.
- 03Record
Leaders, addresses, founding years, awards and case studies are copied from a page we loaded, and each carries its link. A field stays blank until a source states it.
- 04Rank
The order is editorial: longevity, named clients, scale and a clear specialism, in roughly that weight. Firms cannot buy a position.
- 05Re-check
Every entry was re-checked on September 28, 2026, homepage captured, ownership confirmed. Firms that closed, stopped doing this work or changed hands are removed or noted in the change log below.
The featured card is paid placement for Fracs, which shares this list’s publisher. It sits outside the ranking. Read the full editorial standards, or write to lists@primortul.com with a correction or a firm we missed.
What changed at the September 2026 check
- Corrected · CMO To-Go (xMachina)
Dropped the xMachina name, which the firm no longer uses.
Questions before you hire a fractional CMO in the Midwest
- How many fractional CMOs in the Midwest are on this list, and where are they?
- 12. The 12 firms are spread across Minneapolis, Omaha, Chicago, Lafayette, Marion, Eden Prairie and 4 other cities. Each was checked against its own site and at least one independent source. Nobody pays to be ranked.
- How do I choose between fractional CMOs in the Midwest?
- Write down what done looks like. Read why each firm is on the list and keep the two or three whose reason matches your job. Ask each for one piece of work like yours, and the name of the person who would do it. 12 of the 12 here are under 50 people, so the people you meet are usually the people who do the work.
- Did any of these firms pay to be listed?
- No. Nobody pays to be ranked. The order weighs how long a firm has done the work, clients it can name, its size, and how clear its specialism is. The one paid card is marked Featured. It sits outside the ranking. It is Fracs, which shares this list's publisher.
- How long have these fractional CMOs been around?
- The oldest firm on this list states 2000 as its founding year. A year is shown only when the firm states one.
- What should I bring to a first call with a fractional CMO?
- What you sell, what is not working, what done looks like, a budget range, and when you want to start. The form on this page asks for those. Asking is free. You do not have to hire anyone.
- How is this list kept current?
- Re-checked September 28, 2026. Dead sites come off. Mergers and renames are updated. Firms that belong are added. Send a correction to lists@primortul.com. If you are the firm, use the For partners form.
What the trade press is writing about fractional CMOs.
Headlines, the source, the date, and a link. The article stays on the site that published it. If a feed is down, it is left off.
On fractional CMOs
Google News. Headline and link only.
- GameOn strengthens Fractional CMO team with appointment of Laura Taylor - People - iGBiGaming Business · 11d ago
- GameOn Appoints Laura Taylor to Strengthen Fractional CMO TeamiGamingToday.com · 11d ago
- GameOn Laura Taylor Joins Fractional CMO TeamiGamingFuture · 11d ago
- Dylan Mazzei Consulting Launches Fractional CMO Program Backed by Operating Agency TeamsThe National Law Review · 13d ago
Marketing Dive
National trade feed. Headline and link only.
- Amazon’s ad revenue growth decelerates due to Prime Day tweaksMarketing Dive · today
- The changing CMO role in 3 numbersMarketing Dive · today
- Warner Bros. chases ‘Cat in the Hat’ across Amazon’s ad ecosystemMarketing Dive · yesterday
- Sociable: Meta says its expanded processing capacity is driving ad resultsMarketing Dive · yesterday
How to choose, what it costs, and where these firms are based.
Describe the job. One fractional CMO writes back.
Tell us what you sell, what is not working, and what done looks like. We read it and ask one provider — from this list, or from the publisher’s bench — to contact you within a business day. Asking is free. You do not have to hire them. Nobody else gets what you wrote.