Scale your business without breaking the bank
Get 25+ years of CTO expertise for a fraction of the cost. Strategic leadership that grows with your business, starting with a free 30-minute consultation.
  • Save $200K+ annually compared to full-time CTO hiring
  • Bridge gaps between accounting, operations, IT, and development
For 25 years I’ve worked directly with CEOs and CFOs to derisk, modernize and scale operations. You can put my experience to work for you at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.
Let’s Talk
What is a Fractional CTO?
A Fractional CTO provides experienced, strategic technology leadership at a fraction of a full-time executive's cost. This model delivers high-caliber expertise exactly when your business needs it.
Think of it as plug-in leadership for technology roadmapping, critical project launches, and team mentorship. The flexibility of a part-time engagement and no long-term commitment.
What I Do
Strategic Planning & Oversight
  • Tech project support and guidance
  • Operations de-risking, unclogging and scaling
  • Product development oversight & MVP launches
Technical Evaluation
  • Vendor selection and management
  • ERP migration evaluation and planning
  • Technical due diligence and audits
Team & Infrastructure
  • Team hiring, coaching, and process improvement
  • Excavating tribal knowledge
  • Security assessments and cloud strategy
  • Common-sense AI integration
  • Infrastructure optimization
Hi, I’m Joel Dueck.
I’ve spent literal thousands of hours in most of the key chairs that exist in your company, understanding how technology decisions ripple through accounting, operations, sales, and manufacturing. I've seen what works, what fails, and why.
★ Successful initiatives include CRM/ERP migrations, overhauled cybersecurity postures, unclogged operations and modernized CAD and file infrastructure, all while helping executives translate business goals into clear technical plans.

I work best with engineering-driven companies where the CEO recognizes that technology strategy is business strategy and needs someone who can operate at both the boardroom and server room level.
Some personal trivia:
  • My personal interests include writing and publishing.
  • I built my own house in Minneapolis from the ground up.
I bring the same blend of craftsmanship and systems thinking to every engagement: steady hands, thoughtful questions, and practical outcomes.
My Approach
People First
Technology should serve people, not the other way around. I prioritize human needs and organizational goals before evaluating technical solutions.
Stability Over Trends
I prefer mature, proven solutions that create a stable foundation for your business. The best technology often isn't the newest or trendiest — it’s what reliably supports your operations with minimal disruption and dependencies.
Cross-Domain Expertise
With experience across accounting, operations, IT, and software development, I bridge gaps other technical leaders can't.
This breadth of experience allows me to see connections and implications that specialists in a single domain might miss, particularly at the critical interfaces between business functions.
Independent Advocacy
With no financial ties to vendors or implementation partners, my recommendations are based solely on what’s best for your business.
This independence is essential for genuine advocacy, allowing me to challenge vendor claims, negotiate better terms, and protect your organization from unnecessary complexity or expense.
Trusted By
How I Engage
Advisory
Low Monthly Retainer
  • Unlimited consulting, strategy sessions and roadmapping
  • Project guidance
  • Vendor evaluation and selection guidance
  • Quarterly technology assessments
  • Priority email support
Strategy Workshop
One-time fee
  • Intensive on-site technology assessment
  • Comprehensive systems audit and documentation
  • Custom strategic technology roadmap
  • Implementation plan with prioritized actions
  • 30-day follow-up support
Engaged CTO
Monthly Retainer
  • Fully accountable project oversight
  • Team leadership (hiring/firing)
  • Direct vendor management and negotiation
  • 24/7 priority support for critical issues
Ready to Accelerate Your Tech Vision?
Take the first step toward strategic technology leadership. Book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your challenges and opportunities.
At the lowest ebb
You can leave dryshod
This fitful island
— Gael Turnbull