Table of Contents
1. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
2. In this episode…
3. Resources Mentioned in this episode
4. Sponsor for this episode…
Ben Wolf

Ben WolfBen Wolf is the Founder and CEO of Wolf’s Edge Integrators, a leading fractional COO firm specializing in helping businesses scale efficiently. He began his entrepreneurial journey by building operations at a healthcare startup, transforming it into the largest organization of its kind in New York State within three years. Recognized as a pioneer in fractional executive leadership, Ben authored the bestselling book Fractional Leadership: Landing Executive Talent You Thought Was Out of Reach and hosts the Win Win Podcast.


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Tune In

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [02:37] Ben Wolf shares his journey from a healthcare startup to founding Wolf’s Edge Integrators
  • [07:45] Clarifying the confusion around various operations titles in business
  • [14:19] What a self-driving business is and how to build one
  • [19:54] How fractional leadership works in day-to-day business operations
  • [29:29] The growing popularity of fractional leadership and its impact on businesses
  • [32:15] Revenue model and pricing structure of Wolf’s Edge Integrators
  • [36:40] Challenges of hiring and retaining experienced fractional executives
  • [46:03] Why Ben suggests using a 12-month rolling budget for better decision-making

In this episode…

Many business owners struggle to step away from daily operations, making it difficult to focus on long-term growth. Fractional leadership offers executive-level support without the high cost of full-time hires. But how does a fractional integrator actually help a business scale?

According to operations expert Ben Wolf, a fractional integrator ensures smooth execution across all functions, allowing the owner to focus on strategy instead of daily operations. Instead of hiring a full-time executive for $250,000 or more, businesses can bring in an experienced leader part-time to drive execution, align teams, and remove operational bottlenecks. Ben explains that many companies remain stuck in trial-and-error mode for years, testing different strategies without real traction; whereas a fractional integrator brings proven systems that accelerate growth. This approach helps businesses scale efficiently without the financial burden of a full-time hire.

In this episode of Financial Clarity, Hannah Smolinski and Ben Wolf, Founder and CEO of Wolf’s Edge Integrators, explore the benefits of fractional leadership, the challenges of hiring experienced executives, and how business owners can create a self-sustaining company. Ben shares actionable advice on building a strong leadership team, reducing operational bottlenecks, and using a 12-month rolling budget to improve financial decision-making.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

Quotable Moments

  • “A self-driving business means the owner isn’t needed for daily operations, allowing them to focus on growth, strategy, and big opportunities.”
  • “Fractional leadership provides experienced executive talent at a fraction of the cost, helping businesses scale without the burden of full-time salaries.”
  • “Operations and running the business aren’t the same. An integrator ensures execution across all functions, not just managing internal processes.”
  • “Hiring the right people means finding those who fully own their function, driving both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic goals.”
  • “A 12-month rolling budget is a game-changer. It shifts decision-making from reactive guesswork to proactive, confident financial planning.”

Action Steps

  1. Assess whether your business needs a fractional leader: Identify if your company lacks executive leadership but isn’t ready to hire a full-time COO.
  2. Clarify roles and responsibilities within your leadership team: Define distinctions between operations, integrator, and executive functions to improve efficiency and eliminate confusion.
  3. Develop a plan for a self-driving business: Build a leadership structure where key team members own their roles, reducing owner dependence in daily operations.
  4. Consider a fractional integrator for strategic execution: If scaling feels overwhelming, bring in a fractional leader to drive execution without the cost of a full-time executive.
  5. Adopt a 12-month rolling budget: Improve financial decision-making by planning expenses and investments ahead, rather than relying on reactive budgeting.

Clara CFO is dedicated to providing financial clarity and profit-maximizing solutions to small businesses. The team at Clara CFO are seasoned accounting professionals with a heart for small business. We help growth-minded entrepreneurs thrive through Fractional CFO services and financial education.

Whether you’re grappling with hiring decisions, profit margin concerns, or ambitious growth plans, Clara CFO provides insights, recommendations, and a clear financial roadmap to achieve your goals.

To learn more about Clara CFO Group and how we can help your business, visit ClaraCFO.com.