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Fractional Expertise. Full Strength.

One team for security, technology and marketing leadership

The Executive Stack gives you fractional executives for the four roles most growing businesses need before they can hire them full-time: CISO, CTO, CIO and CMO. Start with one role from $2,500 per month, and add others as you grow.

Why the Executive Stack

Executive-level expertise, without the full-time cost

Fractional leadership.Senior executives who set direction, not just complete tasks.
Specialized services.A team of engineers and support staff behind every role, so strategy gets carried out.
Scalable engagement.Start with one role and a few hours. Add hours or roles when you need them.
One team.Your security, technology, IT and marketing leaders already work together. No hand-offs between vendors.
The four roles
Fractional CISO

Your security program, led by a CISSP. Cybersecurity, 24/7 security operations, compliance, risk assessment, and blue, red and purple team testing.

Led by Steven Groetken, CISSP, CC

Fractional CISO services →
Fractional CTO

Technology that fits your goals. AI integration, app development, web development and technology strategy.

Led by Steven Groetken, with our full-stack engineering team

Fractional CTO services →
Fractional CIO

IT that runs well and stays secure. IT management, ITIL service practices, architecture and Microsoft 365 management.

Led by Steven Groetken, with Matt Baack, Principal Systems Engineer

Fractional CIO services →
Fractional CMO

Marketing that brings in pipeline. Strategy, channels and dealer networks, social media, design systems and creative work.

Led by Paul Smith, Fractional CMO

Fractional CMO services →
Meet the team
Steven Groetken, CISSP, CC

Steven Groetken, CISSP, CC

Founder · leads security and technology (CISO, CTO, CIO)

30+ years in security and technology. Former Information Security Officer for a $1.6B DoD-aligned fintech platform. Has led NIST 800-53 programs and prepared a platform for DoD Cloud Computing SRG Impact Level 4.

More about Steven →

Matt Baack, Principal Systems Engineer

Matt Baack

Principal Systems Engineer (CIO pillar)

25+ years in IT: enterprise infrastructure, cloud, virtualization, networking, cybersecurity and disaster recovery, with deep expertise in Microsoft technologies, VMware and PowerShell automation.

Microsoft Certified since 2007

  • MCSE: Security
  • MCSA: Security
Show all credentials
  • Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
  • Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
  • Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
  • Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
  • Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
  • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
  • Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security (MCSA: Security)
  • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security (MCSE: Security)
Paul Smith, Fractional CMO

Paul Smith

Fractional CMO (CMO)

35+ years in sales, marketing and operations, with 12+ years in product management. Has led global and North American sales and marketing and grown revenue through dealer partnerships.

More about Paul →

Behind them: a dedicated team of engineers and technology support staff across the Midwest.

How it works
/01Free PulseA Security Pulse or a Growth Pulse: a 30-minute conversation about where you stand.
/02Pick your rolesWe recommend which role to start with, and how many hours.
/0390-day planWe agree on priorities, owners and how we report progress.
/04Grow or step downAdd hours or roles as you grow, or reduce them as your own team matures. Month to month after the first 3 months.
Pricing

One rate for every role

$2,500/month per role

Every fractional role starts at $2,500 per month: 10 hours at $250 per hour, with a 3-month minimum. After that, it is month to month. Add roles or hours at the same rate.

Fractional vs full-time

Executive Stack compared with full-time executives
ComparisonExecutive StackFull-time executives
CostFrom $2,500/month per roleA full salary and benefits for each executive
Time to startDaysOften months of searching per role
Commitment3 months, then month to monthPermanent hires
CoverageSecurity, technology, IT and marketing from one teamOne function per hire
SupportEngineers and support staff behind every roleHire a team separately
Results

What fractional leadership looks like in practice

Banking (CISO).A regional bank that had just crossed $1 billion in assets needed a new written information security program. We rebuilt it in under 90 days, aligned to FFIEC guidance. The FDIC called it one of the fastest turnarounds they had seen recently.
Accounting (CISO).A large accounting firm asked us to fix its penetration test findings. We fixed those and the technical debt we found along the way, and left the firm in a stronger security position.
Product launch (CMO).For OPTIWASH, a new product from a crushing and screening company in Ireland, we built the brand, the website and the marketing collateral from the ground up.
Technology (CTO).We serve as the fractional CTO for Local Rentz. We lead their technology direction and build their platform, including a partner storefront with catalog and checkout.
"I have been a CFO of organizations over $100 million in revenue before going out on my own. I supervised an IT department responsible for 30 separate buildings, over 2,000 employees, and when I went out on my own, I needed someone of similar capabilities for my organization... CyberCloak knocked my expectations out of the park."
★★★★★
Derek A., former CFO
"Using CyberCloak's services, I don't feel like I am wasting money. I feel like I am investing into my business. Their knowledge and expertise are invaluable."
★★★★★
Local Rentz
FAQ

Common questions

What is the Executive Stack?

It is our name for fractional executive leadership across four roles: CISO (security), CTO (technology), CIO (IT) and CMO (marketing). You can use one role or all four.

Are vCISO, vCIO, vCTO and vCMO the same as fractional roles?

Yes. "Virtual" and "fractional" mean the same thing: a senior executive who works with you part-time.

What's included in fractional CISO services?

Fractional CISO services include a cybersecurity program aligned to NIST CSF 2.0, security operations oversight, compliance readiness (HIPAA, GLBA, FFIEC, FDICIA, CMMC and SOC 2) and risk assessment. See the fractional CISO page.

How is a fractional CIO different from a managed IT provider?

A managed IT provider runs and fixes your systems. A fractional CIO sets IT direction: the roadmap, budget, vendors and architecture. We often work alongside your managed IT provider.

When does a company need a fractional CTO?

When technology decisions affect growth and nobody owns them: building an app or customer portal, adding AI to your operations, choosing platforms, or planning a major website or systems project.

Can we start with one role?

Yes. Many clients start with one role and add others later.

Who will we work with?

A named leader for each role, supported by our engineers and technology support staff. You always know who owns your work.

What does it cost?

Each role starts at $2,500 per month: 10 hours at $250 per hour, with a 3-month minimum, then month to month.

Do you support compliance like FFIEC, GLBA and HIPAA?

Yes. Compliance and governance are built into the CISO role, and the other roles follow the same standards.

Not sure where to start?

Start with a free Pulse. The Security Pulse looks at your risk; the Growth Pulse looks at your market and pipeline. Each takes about 30 minutes, with no cost and no obligation.