About m2square Consulting
Tired of complexity holding your Portland Business back? So were we.
At m²square Consulting, we believe Portland businesses deserve more than just advice. They need experienced, integrated executive leadership to navigate complexity and achieve ambitious goals.
You’ve built a successful business from the ground up. You understand the grit and vision it takes to thrive in the dynamic Portland Metro Area. But as you scale, new challenges arise – the kind that demand seasoned C-suite expertise to ensure your hard work translates into sustainable, profitable growth.
That’s where we come in.
Founded by Michael Zelenka and Michelle Dion Zelenka, m²square Consulting was born from a shared vision: to provide established Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) in our community with the fractional executive leadership they need, precisely when they need it. We saw a gap between generic consultancy and the very real, hands-on strategic, financial, and operational guidance that empowers businesses to not just survive, but to lead their industries.
We are not just consultants; we are your partners, embedding ourselves with your team to bring clarity, drive efficiency, and build resilient strategies for the future. Our approach combines German precision with American practicality – a results-oriented blend that cuts through the noise to deliver tangible outcomes.
Meet Your Senior Partners: A Synergy of Strategy & Execution
Michael Zelenka and Michelle Dion Zelenka bring a potent combination of CEO-level strategic vision and CFO-level financial and operational acumen. Together, they offer a holistic perspective that addresses the interconnected challenges and opportunities your business faces.
Michael Zelenka
Senior Partner & Lead Strategist
(Former CEO | Visionary | Lead Transformation Strategist)
Michael’s journey to executive leadership is built on a foundation of driving growth from every angle. Before taking the helm as CEO, he served as the Lead Business Development Director for a multi-million dollar European manufacturing and construction group, where he was instrumental in shaping market strategy, spearheading sales initiatives, and aligning marketing efforts to fuel expansion. This hands-on experience in cultivating growth from the ground up provided the strategic insights that later defined his impactful tenure as CEO. In that role, Michael understood the weight of ultimate responsibility and the power of a clear vision. He didn’t just create 1, 5, and 10-year strategic plans; he executed them, leading to an 187% increase in average net income margin and significant market share expansion.
He’s a firm believer that the right technology, strategically implemented, is a powerful catalyst for growth. Michael championed enterprise-wide digital transformations, leveraging ERP, CRM, and data analytics to unlock operational efficiencies and embed data-driven decision-making. Today, Michael brings this real-world C-suite experience to your Portland business. He excels at:
- Translating complex challenges into clear, actionable roadmaps.
- Identifying and implementing practical AI-powered strategies using proven, existing technologies for maximum ROI.
- Driving operational optimization and fostering sustainable, profitable growth.
- Blending German precision in analysis and strategy with American practicality in execution.
Michael’s focus is to help you cut through the noise, make confident technology decisions, and build a resilient business ready for what’s next.
Michelle Dion Zelenka, CPA
Senior Partner & CFO Strategist
(Former Big Four Director | SMB CFO | Financial Excellence Leader)
Michelle Dion Zelenka is the financial architect Portland SMBs trust to build resilient foundations for growth. Drawing from over 13 years of Big Four discipline at PwC and a transformative tenure as CFO where she spearheaded a 400% revenue increase for a private construction firm, Michelle offers an unparalleled blend of strategic financial planning and hands-on operational expertise. She excels in translating complex financial data into actionable strategies, ensuring your business is not only compliant and efficient but also primed for ambitious scaling.
For businesses seeking high-level financial guidance, Michelle provides critical insights for robust decision-making. Her experience encompasses comprehensive financial strategy, meticulous risk management, and the implementation of scalable systems (ERP, HRIS) with a sharp focus on internal controls. She’s adept at optimizing cash flow, developing insightful forecasting models, and ensuring investor-ready financials. Michelle’s leadership across Finance, HR, and IT departments gives her a unique ability to integrate financial strategy seamlessly throughout your organization.
At m²square, Michelle focuses on:
- Building robust financial foundations to mitigate risk and fuel growth.
- Embedding financial integrity and operational excellence deep within your company.
- Leading system implementations (ERP, HRIS) with a keen eye for controls and efficiency.
- Leveraging her multi-departmental leadership experience (Finance, HR, IT) to ensure strategies are integrated and effective.
Michelle equips your business not just to navigate challenges, but to confidently seize growth opportunities with a clear view of your financial landscape.
The m²square Difference: Portland Focus, Executive Insight
We’re not just familiar with the Portland business scene; we’re part of it. We understand the unique opportunities and challenges faced by SMBs in manufacturing, family businesses, logistics, and construction in our region. Why choose m²square Consulting?
Executive Perspective, Not Just a Playbook
Our strategies come from decades of real-world CEO and CFO experience. We’ve managed P&Ls, architected corporate strategy, allocated capital, and led digital transformations because we’ve sat in your chair.
Integrated Leadership for Holistic Solutions
We bridge the critical gap between strategy, finance, operations, and technology. You get a cohesive approach, not siloed advice.
Growth That’s Both Ambitious & Disciplined
We know how to ignite growth (like Michael’s 187% net income margin increase or Michelle’s 400% operational scaling) and manage it with financial integrity and robust systems.
Practical Innovation, Tangible Results
We focus on leveraging existing, proven technologies – including practical AI applications – to deliver measurable ROI, improve efficiency, and foster sustainable growth without unnecessary complexity or cost.
Unmatched Credibility
Having navigated board relations, financing, audits, and major stakeholder management from every angle, we bring a level of credibility that instills confidence.
Tailored Portland SMB Focus
Our solutions are specifically adapted for the unique landscape and spirit of Portland-area SMBs, ensuring relevance and local market understanding.
Integrated Expertise for Sustainable Growth
We bridge the gap between your operations, technology, and finances, providing the integrated leadership you need to scale effectively.
Executive & Strategic Advisor
For leaders fighting daily fires instead of scaling strategically, we provide experienced, CEO-level guidance to move forward. Navigate complexity, make confident decisions, and drive key initiatives with over 20 years of real-world CEO experience.
Learn more →Financial Consulting & Advisory
When financial strategies can’t support ambition, we bring clarity. Combining Big 4 discipline with practical CFO knowledge, we build robust financial foundations to mitigate risk and drive sustainable growth.
Learn more →Operational Excellence & Efficiency
If hard work isn’t yielding better results, we find and fix hidden inefficiencies. Applying Lean, Six Sigma, and CEO experience, we streamline workflows for reduced costs, increased capacity, and scalable growth.
Learn more →Strategic Technology & Software Advisory
Stop guessing on software and avoid costly mistakes. As independent advisors, we translate business needs into technical requirements, vet vendors, and guide implementation to ensure you get full value from your investment.
Learn more →Unlock Your Business Potential
Curious how m2square Consulting can help optimize operations or navigate digital transformation? Schedule a free, no-obligation 30-minute call to explore tailored strategies for your SMB.