Technology strategy shouldn't require a translator
But for most restaurant owners, it does. I built this practice to change that.
Why I do this work
I've spent over two decades working at the intersection of technology and operations — first inside large enterprises, then as a fractional CIO for businesses that needed senior-level technology leadership without the full-time price tag.
What I kept seeing in restaurants was the same pattern: owners who were sharp, hardworking, and deeply knowledgeable about their craft — but completely overwhelmed by the technology decisions piling up around them. POS systems, delivery platforms, inventory tools, loyalty programs, kitchen display systems. Each one sold by a vendor with a pitch, none of them talking to each other.
I started The Strategic CIO to be the person in the room who isn't trying to sell you anything. Someone who can look at your whole operation, ask the right questions, and help you make decisions you'll actually feel good about a year from now.
What I bring to the table
20+ years in technology leadership
From enterprise IT to small business operations, I've seen what works and what doesn't across every scale of organization.
Deep restaurant industry knowledge
I understand the rhythms of a restaurant — the lunch rush, the inventory headaches, the staff turnover — and how technology either helps or gets in the way.
Vendor-neutral perspective
I don't have referral agreements or preferred partners. My only interest is helping you find the right solution for your specific situation.
Plain-English communication
No jargon, no acronyms without explanation. I've spent years translating between technical teams and business leaders — that's what I do here too.
How I work
Every engagement starts with listening. I want to understand your operation before I say a word about technology. What's slowing you down? What's costing you money? What are you afraid to touch because the last time you changed something it broke something else?
From there, I help you build a picture of where you are and where you want to go — and a practical path between the two. Not a 50-page report you'll never read. A clear, honest assessment and a set of next steps you can actually act on.
Some clients need a one-time strategy session. Others want an ongoing partner who's available when a vendor calls or a new system needs evaluating. I work both ways.
Let's have a real conversation
If any of this sounds familiar — the tech overwhelm, the vendor noise, the feeling that you're always one system away from things running smoothly — I'd love to talk.