Fractional CEO & CFO Services
Your Business Deserves More Than Just Advice. It Needs Executive Leadership.
We provide integrated, fractional leadership across strategy, finance, and operations to help established Portland businesses scale with confidence. Get the C-suite expertise you need to drive growth, optimize performance, and achieve your vision.
Stop Juggling. Start Leading.
You’ve built a strong business in Portland – you know what it takes to succeed. But as you grow, new challenges emerge: the drag of inefficient processes, the weight of critical financial decisions, and the overwhelming task of choosing the right technology. You’re not looking for another outsider; you need a strategic partner who truly understands.
At m2square Consulting, that’s precisely what we offer. We become an integrated part of your team, cutting through the complexity to provide clarity, control, and the confidence to drive your business forward.
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 →The Right Blend of Expertise for Portland Businesses
We combine visionary, data-driven strategy with rigorous financial and operational leadership. German precision meets American practicality—a partnership built to deliver results for your SME.
Meet Our Partners
Experienced leaders dedicated to your business’s strategic growth and operational excellence.
Michael Zelenka
Partner & Lead Strategist
(Former CEO | Visionary | Lead Transformation Strategist)
As a former CEO of a medium-sized European manufacturing and construction group, Michael Zelenka has a decade of experience leading from the front. He held ultimate P&L responsibility, architecting the long-term strategic vision that delivered exceptional results. His creative, out-of-the-box thinking was key to achieving an 187% increase in average net income margin and expanding market share by ~20% through key acquisitions.
More than a strategist, Michael is an architect of execution. He masterminded the company’s digital transformation, not by simply installing software, but by designing an integrated technology ecosystem with the clear goal of breaking down data silos. By unconventionally planning and connecting systems like ERP and CRM, he forged a single, reliable data stream that turned isolated departments into one efficient, data-driven operation.
Today, Michael brings this unique blend of real-world C-suite experience and executive leadership to your Portland business through m2square Consulting. He helps companies move beyond conventional thinking to implement practical, ROI-focused strategies. He excels at:
- Translating complex challenges into clear, actionable roadmaps.
- Identifying and implementing practical AI-powered strategies using proven, existing technologies for maximum ROI.
- Applying a Lean mindset to resource management, ensuring every investment of time and capital delivers maximum impact.
- Driving operational optimization and fostering sustainable, profitable growth.
- Blending German precision in analysis and strategy with American practicality and innovation 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
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.
We Understand Portland. We Understand Your Business.
Leverage our deep local insight and proven executive experience to achieve your most ambitious goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a “Fractional CEO” or “Fractional Executive”?
A Fractional Executive is an experienced C-level leader (like a CEO, CFO, or COO) who works with a company on a part-time or “fractional” basis. This model provides your business with access to top-tier strategic expertise, guidance, and hands-on leadership without the cost and commitment of a full-time executive hire. It’s the ideal solution for businesses that need strategic direction to navigate growth, overcome challenges, or scale effectively but aren’t yet ready for a full-time C-suite.
Who is the ideal client for m2square’s advisory services?
We typically partner with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and established businesses facing a point of significant change. Our ideal clients are leaders who are looking to scale, improve profitability, navigate complex market challenges, or prepare for a major event like fundraising or an acquisition. If you need expert strategic guidance but lack the internal resources, m2square is designed for you.
How is m2square different from a traditional management consulting firm?
While traditional consultants often analyze a problem and deliver a strategic report, m2square goes a step further. We embed ourselves as a dedicated partner. Our approach is more holistic and hands-on, focusing on practical implementation and execution. We don’t just provide a roadmap; we help you navigate the journey, acting as an integrated part of your leadership team to drive tangible results.
What specific service areas does m2square cover?
We offer a holistic suite of advisory services designed to address the core pillars of your business. Our key areas of expertise include:
- Fractional CEO & Strategic Advisory: High-level leadership for overall business strategy, growth, and execution.
- Financial Consulting & Advisory: Strategic financial planning, CFO-level insights, fundraising support, and M&A guidance.
- Operational Excellence & Efficiency: Streamlining processes, optimizing supply chains, and improving overall business performance.
- Strategic Technology & Software Advisory: Aligning your technology stack and digital tools with your core business objectives for maximum ROI.
We have a specific problem in one area, like finance. Can you help with just that?
Absolutely. While our greatest strength is our holistic approach, we understand that businesses often face acute challenges in a single area. We can tailor our engagement to focus specifically on your most pressing needs, whether it’s financial consulting, operational improvements, or technology strategy. Our goal is to provide the precise value you need, when you need it.
How is pricing for your services structured?
We believe in providing value, not just selling hours. Therefore, our pricing is not based on a simple hourly rate. We structure our engagements on a project-based or monthly retainer model, customized to the specific scope, duration, and depth of the partnership. This ensures predictable costs for you and allows us to focus entirely on delivering results.
What kind of ROI or results can we expect from working with you?
Clients partner with m2square to achieve significant, measurable outcomes. While results vary based on the specific engagement, common outcomes include:
- Clarified strategic direction and a clear path to growth.
- Improved profitability and enhanced financial controls.
- Streamlined operations and increased team efficiency.
- Successful fundraising rounds or business acquisitions.
- A technology stack that truly supports and accelerates business goals.
What industries do you serve?
Our strategic, financial, and operational principles are applicable across a wide range of industries, including technology (SaaS), manufacturing, professional services, e-commerce, and more. Our expertise lies in the business lifecycle and its challenges, allowing us to adapt our proven frameworks to the unique context of your specific market.
How can we get started with m2square?
The best first step is to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation discovery call with us. This allows us to learn more about your vision and challenges, and for you to determine if we are the right strategic partner for your business. You can reach out to us directly through our contact page.
Ready to Achieve a New Level of Clarity and Control?
Let’s discuss your business objectives and explore how a practical, integrated approach to strategy, technology, and finance can help you achieve them. A confidential, no-obligation consultation is the first step.