Welcome back to The COO Solution Podcast! In this episode, Derek Fredrickson sits down with Rocky Anderson, Founder of ADC Water, to share a candid behind-the-scenes look at how bringing on a fractional COO from The COO Solution transformed his engineering firm from a cash-burning, chaotic operation into a scalable, purpose-driven business.

Rocky opens up about the emotional toll of trying to scale alone, how he discovered the concept of a fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO)as his trusted second-in-command, and the massive operational and financial shifts that have occurred in just a few short months. From tripling revenue to reclaiming time with family, this conversation is a powerful case study on what’s possible when visionary CEOs get the right support.

In This Episode:

[01:25] From Lifestyle to Legacy: Why Rocky decided to scale—and how that decision almost broke the business.

[04:20] Discovering The COO Solution: How a conversation changed everything and led to a “no-brainer” decision.

[08:15] Visionary vs. Operator: The assessments that revealed Rocky’s true genius—and why stepping back was the key to moving forward.

[11:33] Systems, Structure, and Scaling: How Rocky’s team began hitting every project milestone with less of his involvement.

[13:22] The Financial Turnaround: From $65K to $350K/month and a projected 50% net profit—what changed?

[15:54] Scaling with Heart: Why this growth journey is more than numbers—it’s about serving more people and building deep relationships.

[20:43] Hiring & Team Clarity: The operational map that’s helping Rocky onboard the right people at the right time.

[24:17] Personal Wins: More peace, more presence, and a renewed sense of purpose as a leader and father.

[31:06] Advice to Entrepreneurs: Why every growth-minded business owner should consider fractional COO support—sooner rather than later.

📌 Why This Matters

This episode shows what happens when visionary entrepreneurs stop trying to do it all and start building the support structure their business needs to thrive. Rocky’s story is a blueprint for scaling smarter, not harder, while preserving the heart and mission behind the work.

✅ Action Steps for Listeners:

• What part of your business can’t run without you—and why??
• Explore the difference a fractional COO could make for your growth.
• Map out your visionary role—and start pulling back from the rest.

• Rocky Anderson’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wastewatermanagement/
• ADC Water website - https://www.adcwater.com/
• Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.com
• Podcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcast

Let’s connect:

➡️ LinkedIn

➡️ Instagram

➡️ Facebook

👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The COO Solution Podcast, the go-to resource for business owners, CEOs, and visionary entrepreneurs looking to scale smarter, lead better, and build businesses that run without bottlenecks. I’m your host, Derek Fredrickson, and today’s episode addresses one of the most critical mindset and strategy shifts in entrepreneurship—how to stop being the bottleneck and start building a self-managing business that can run (and grow) without you.

In This Episode:

• [01:05] Why Businesses Stall – How businesses outgrow their systems, leadership styles, and operations.
• [03:20] The Bottleneck Truth – Why the same strategies and systems stop working at scale.
• [04:43] Scaling with Leadership – The need to shift from doing it all to leading strategically.
• [06:08] Operator to Visionary – Why founders must become CEOs, not Chief Everything Officers.
• [07:28] Hiring a Second-in-Command – How a fractional COO or senior OBM can take the reins.
• [08:13] Leadership Culture – Empowering leaders to manage teams and drive accountability.
• [08:57] Operational Systems – SOPs, project management tools, and CRMs to streamline growth.
• [11:54] Living Systems – Why adoption and usage matter more than tools.
• [12:45] Accountability Culture – Establishing clear roles, KPIs, and performance reviews.
• [16:00] Bottlenecks to Break – Identifying operational, leadership, and system bottlenecks.
• [20:14] Evolving Business Models – Shifting models, pricing, and processes to scale smarter.
• [23:22] Summary of Growth Essentials – Six core areas to structure your business for the next level.
• [23:57] Action Assignment – Audit your time, identify bottlenecks, and revise your model for scale.

📌 Why This Matters

If your business can’t grow without you, you’re not scaling—you’re surviving. This episode guides you through the mindset shifts, structural changes, and leadership strategies needed to grow your business beyond your current ceiling truly.

✅ Action Steps for Listeners:

• Audit your calendar, emails, and tasks: What can be delegated?
• Identify where your business model feels stuck and why.
• Explore what systems and support (like a COO) you need for the next level.
• Reflect: “Where am I the bottleneck—and how can I systematize or delegate it?”

Resources & Links:

• Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.com
• Podcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcast

Subscribe & Stay Connected

New episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:

➡️ LinkedIn

➡️ Instagram

➡️ Facebook

👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of The COO Solution Podcast! This week, Derek Fredrickson is joined by marketing strategist and CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, Sara Nay. With over 15 years of experience helping small businesses simplify and succeed with smarter marketing strategies, Sara offers a candid look at how business owners can navigate today’s noisy marketing world with clarity, purpose, and efficiency.

In this episode, Sara breaks down why “less is more” is the new marketing mantra, how AI is reshaping execution and creativity, and why the most effective marketing teams are structured around clarity, not chaos.

In This Episode:

• [00:44] The Marketing Strategy Pyramid: How to align business strategy, marketing execution, and team roles for seamless growth.
• [03:24] AI’s Role in Elevating Team Capacity: Why AI isn’t replacing humans—it’s empowering them to lead and think more strategically.
• [12:09] Strategy First, Tactics Second: Why jumping to funnels, ads, or content before mapping a strategy is a costly mistake.
• [15:01] The Entrepreneur’s Role in Marketing: Sara shares how founders can stay involved without micromanaging every campaign.
• [20:50] From Intern to CEO: Sara’s journey through Duct Tape Marketing and how her all-hands experience makes her a better leader.
• [25:53] Marketing Horror Stories & Ownership: Why so many small businesses get burned—and how to protect yourself by owning your strategy.
• [28:57] Building Internal Marketing Assets: How to stop outsourcing everything and start taking control with the right guidance.
• [33:05] Sara’s Final Insight: “Do less, but do it better”—why human connection is the competitive edge that still matters most.

✅ Action Steps for Listeners:

• Audit your current marketing efforts—are they aligned with your business strategy?
• Involve your leadership team in building a customer journey map.
• Consider where AI can enhance—not replace—your team’s productivity.
• Focus on marketing activities that actually build relationships.

Resources & Links:

• Sara Nay LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/saranay
• Duct Tape Marketing Free Resources: DTM World Growth
• Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.com
• Podcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcast

Subscribe & Stay Connected

New episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Let’s connect:

➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson/

➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/

➡️ https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution

👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The COO Solution Podcast, the go-to resource for business owners, CEOs, and visionary entrepreneurs looking to scale smarter, lead better, and build businesses that run without bottlenecks. I’m your host, Derek Fredrickson, and today’s episode addresses one of the most critical mindset and strategy shifts in entrepreneurship—how to stop being the bottleneck and start building a self-managing business that can run (and grow) without you.

In This Episode:

[00:58] Why Being in Control Is Slowing You Down – The trap of being the go-to for everything and how it holds your team (and business) back.

[03:04] Why Most Founders Become Bottlenecks – The early hustle habits that hurt you at scale.

[05:20] What It Takes to Build a Business That Runs Without You – The three pillars: ownership culture, systems thinking, and trust over control.

[06:35] A Real Client Example – How handing over operations empowered one founder to scale without burnout.

[07:57] The Role of a Fractional COO – Why you need someone to operationalize your vision and create repeatable results.

[09:00] The Host’s Own Experience – How Derek’s business transformed with his COO's help.

[11:26] Real Outcomes of Letting Go – Strategic thinking, empowered teams, faster execution, and increased innovation.

[12:45] Action Challenge – The Calendar Audit: Find hidden hours in your week and reclaim your time.

📌 Why This Matters

You didn’t start your business to be stuck in every meeting, decision, and task. If your business can’t run without you, you’re not scaling—you’re surviving. This episode gives you the clarity and tools to build an actual business, not just a high-stress job.

✅ Action Steps for Listeners:

• Do a calendar audit for the past or next 2–3 weeks.
• Highlight meetings someone else could do if systems or people were in place.
• Circle 3 energy-draining tasks and have a delegation conversation with your COO, OBM, or trusted team member.
• Ask yourself: “If I disappeared for a week, what would break?” The answer reveals your true bottlenecks—and your opportunity to grow.

Resources & Links:

• Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.com
• Podcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcast

Subscribe & Stay Connected

New episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode!

Let’s connect:

➡️ LinkedIn

➡️ Instagram

➡️ Facebook

👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner ready to scale smarter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The COO Solution Podcast, the go-to resource for business owners, CEOs, and visionary entrepreneurs looking to scale smarter, lead better, and build businesses that run without bottlenecks. I’m your host, Derek Fredrickson, and today’s episode tackles one of the biggest game-changers in business leadership: knowing the difference between the visionary and the operator—and owning your zone of genius.

In This Episode:

[00:58] Why You Can’t Be Both – The common mistake visionary entrepreneurs make when they try to manage everything themselves.

[01:47] Visionary vs. Operator, Defined – A breakdown of the strengths, roles, and responsibilities of each—and why trying to be both stalls your growth.

[04:37] Why Most Visionaries Struggle Without an Operator – From bottlenecks to burnout, staying in the weeds drains your energy and slows your scale.

[07:57] What Changes When You Fully Embrace Your Role – How stepping into your visionary power unlocks freedom, revenue, momentum, and team alignment.

[10:36] Action Challenge – A step-by-step exercise to help you clarify your role and delegate like a pro.

Why This Matters

If your business still depends on you to function, it’s not a business; it’s a job. And the longer you play visionary and operator, the more you stay stuck in survival mode. This episode clarifies your role as a leader and gives you the permission and framework to focus on what you do best.

Action Steps for Listeners:

✅ List 10–15 tasks you’ve done in the last 3 days.

✅ Circle what only you, the visionary, can do.

✅ Underline what an operator (or team member) could take over.

✅ Stay focused on what’s in the circle. That’s your lane. That’s your edge.

Resources & Links:

• Free Quiz – Take the free 25-question quiz to see if your business is ready for the support of a Fractional COO: https://thecoosolution.com
• Podcast Page – https://thecoosolution.com/podcast

Subscribe & Stay Connected

New episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode!

Let’s connect:

➡️ LinkedIn: https:/linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson

➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/

➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution/

👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner who’s ready to scale smarter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The COO Solution Podcast, the go-to resource for business owners, CEOs, and visionary entrepreneurs looking to scale smarter, lead better, and build businesses that run without bottlenecks.

Today’s guest is Nicole Gallicchio-Elz, fractional COO and the Chief Operating Officer of The COO Solution. With over 15 years of experience building high-performing, process-driven organizations, Nicole brings a unique blend of analytical thinking, operational leadership, and heart-centered collaboration. This episode explores her journey to becoming a COO, what makes a great second-in-command, and how fractional leadership transforms how businesses scale.

In This Episode:

[00:36] Nicole’s Journey to COO From helping her father’s construction business as a teen to building her own company after college, Nicole shares how her love for structure and operations shaped her career.

[06:09] Blending Strategy and Tactics Nicole breaks down how her background in science and math helps her blend analytics with big-picture thinking for clients across industries.

[10:31] The Power of Fractional Leadership Why fractional COOs, OBMs, and VAs offer CEOs the support—without the full-time overhead.

[14:42] Task vs. Strategy: Understanding the Right Support Nicole explains how to determine whether your business needs a VA, OBM, or COO—and what each role brings.

[20:10] Common Challenges CEOs Face Discover the three recurring themes Nicole sees when supporting overwhelmed CEOs at the edge of growth.

[22:33] How to Build Trust Quickly as a COO Nicole shares her trust-building approach: Take one task off the CEO’s plate immediately—and deliver fast.

[26:01] Knowing When to Step Back Learn how seasoned COOs navigate the tension between diving into the weeds and leading from a higher level.

[28:32] Walking the Talk at The COO Solution Nicole shares what it’s been like stepping into the COO role for TCS itself—and how she and Derek are co-building a model for sustainable scale.

[32:31] Nicole’s Final Insight What would your business look like if you got just 10 hours back each week? Nicole explains how that shift in time and energy can change everything.

Why This Matters

Many entrepreneurs are stuck in reactive mode—overwhelmed, overextended, and unsure how to scale without burning out. This episode offers real-world insights into how hiring the proper support (and knowing when) can create freedom, momentum, and long-term success. Nicole’s experience reveals what’s possible when leaders focus on what they can do and empower others to do the rest.

Action Steps for Listeners:

• ✅ Ask yourself: What would you do with 10 extra hours each week?
• ✅ Review your business: Are you overwhelmed, stagnant, or on the edge of growth?
• ✅ Take the free quiz at TheCOOSolution.com to determine whether a Fractional OBM or COO is the right next step for you.

Subscribe & Stay Connected

Let’s connect:

➡️ LinkedIn: https:/linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson

➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/

➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution/

👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner who’s ready to scale smarter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The COO Solution Podcast, the go-to resource for business owners, CEOs, and visionary entrepreneurs looking to scale smarter, lead better, and build businesses that run without bottlenecks. I’m your host, Derek Fredrickson, and today, we’re tackling one of the hardest but most crucial leadership shifts: learning to trust your team and let go of control so your business can grow beyond you.

If you’ve ever felt like no one can do things as well as you can, struggled to delegate because you're afraid something will slip through the cracks, or if your team constantly comes to you for answers, this episode is for you. I’ll break down the hidden cost of micromanaging and share the four key shifts that will help you transition from control to confidence in your team.

In This Episode:

[00:14] Why You’re the Bottleneck in Your Business – The hidden cost of trying to do everything yourself.

[02:03] The True Cost of Not Trusting Your Team – How micromanagement slows growth and leads to burnout.

[03:34] Shift #1 – Trust Starts With You – Why hiring the right people and setting clear expectations is the foundation of delegation.

[04:50] Shift #2 – Delegation Isn’t Just Handing Off Tasks, It’s Creating Ownership – The difference between assigning tasks and empowering your team to take full responsibility.

[05:59] Shift #3 – Trust is Built Through Clear Systems & Accountability – How to create SOPs, define roles, and implement check-ins without micromanaging.

[08:17] Shift #4 – Letting Go Leads to More Growth & Ease – How stepping back allows your team to step up and helps you focus on the bigger vision.

[10:36] Actionable Steps to Implement Today – A step-by-step guide to identifying what’s holding you back, transferring responsibility, and empowering your team.

Why This Matters

Scaling your business isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about taking things off your plate. Trust and delegation aren’t just leadership buzzwords but; they are the key to sustainable growth. In this episode, I break down the mindset and systems you need to shift from doing everything yourself to leading a team that operates without your constant involvement.

Action Steps for Listeners:

✅ Identify what’s holding you back – What’s one thing you’re still doing that your team should own? Write it down.

✅ Choose one responsibility to fully delegate – Not just a task, but an entire area of ownership.

✅ Set clear expectations & step back – Train your team, provide resources, and resist the urge to micromanage.

New episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode!

Let’s connect:

➡️ LinkedIn: https:/linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson

➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/

➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution/

👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner who’s ready to scale smarter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The COO Solution Podcast, the go-to resource for business owners, CEOs, and visionary entrepreneurs looking to scale smarter, lead better, and build businesses that run without bottlenecks. I’m your host, Derek Fredrickson, and today, we’re diving into one of the most crucial mindset shifts for entrepreneurs: realizing that what got you to this point won’t take you to the next level.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like your business is running you instead of the other way around, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through five critical shifts that will help you break through your growth ceiling and build a scalable, sustainable business.

In This Episode:

[00:08] Why You Feel Stuck Scaling Your Business – The moment every entrepreneur realizes their old strategies aren’t enough to reach the next level.

[01:39] The Reality of Growth – Why the hustle mentality that got you here won’t work for long.

[03:57] Shift #1 – From Doing to Leading – Moving from being the executor of tasks to the visionary leader of your company.

[06:15] Shift #2 – From Reactive to Proactive Leadership – How to stop putting out fires and start building systems that prevent problems.

[08:33] Shift #3 – From More Work to More Systems – Why processes and frameworks, not more hours, will help you scale.

[11:00] Shift #4 – From Controlling Everything to Trusting Your Team – Why delegation and team alignment are essential for growth.

[13:24] Shift #5 – From Short-Term Thinking to Long-Term Strategy – How shifting your focus beyond daily operations will accelerate your business.

[15:48] How a Fractional COO Can Help – The right support structure can free you up to focus on growth instead of daily tasks.

Why This Matters

Every successful entrepreneur reaches a point where they must shift their mindset and approach to keep growing. In this episode, I break down how to transition from a hands-on operator to a high-level visionary leader.

Action Steps for Listeners:

✅ Identify your growth ceiling – Where are you personally holding your business back? Write down 3 tasks you should no longer be doing.

✅ Audit your operations – Pinpoint where your business runs smoothly and where it’s chaotic. Identify your biggest bottlenecks.

✅ Start building your support structure – Do you need a Fractional COO or an Online Business Manager (OBM)? Take the free quiz to find out.

New episodes drop soon—subscribe to The COO Solution Podcast so you don’t miss an episode!

Let’s connect:

➡️ LinkedIn: https:/linkedin.com/in/derekfredrickson

➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoosolution/

➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecoosolution/

👉 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a fellow business owner who’s ready to scale smarter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.