About

About

About2025-03-31T16:00:47-04:00
info-4
Interim Executives | Free From Office Politics

Where Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Our executives and project teams walk into tough situations and employ world-class strategic and tactical abilities to get a company to where it needs to be in the shortest amount of time possible. Once a fix is complete a company doesn’t need to worry about what to do with an interim executive long-term.

At Peak Road our execs aren’t worried about climbing the corporate ladder. We’ve already held top positions at leading firms. Instead, we have chosen to be an interim executive leaving behind corporate politics for a profession that maximizes our minds and many talents. Our main mission – leaving your company in a better place than when they came.

Need An Interim Executive or Fractional C-Level Leader?

Best Practices Delivered

Knowledges is power, but too much information without structure is just confusing.

At Peak Road we help business owners and senior leaders cut through the clutter to quickly craft company’s strategies that improve profit and performance.

In today’s dynamic, competitive marketplace even the strongest companies ignore the consumer, market factors and competitors at their own peril.

We provide services that help CEOs and senior leaders rise above the tyranny of the urgent to focus on the things that drive their business to gain sustainable growth.

banner-15
banner-15
Best Practices Delivered

Knowledges is power, but too much information without structure is just confusing.

At Peak Road we help business owners and senior leaders cut through the clutter to quickly craft company’s strategies that improve profit and performance.

In today’s dynamic, competitive marketplace even the strongest companies ignore the consumer, market factors and competitors at their own peril.

We provide services that help CEOs and senior leaders rise above the tyranny of the urgent to focus on the things that drive their business to gain sustainable growth.

Trusted Guidance

CEO & Board Advisory Services

Governing and advisory boards are crucial for a company’s long-term success. Whether you’re building a new board or enhancing an existing one, Peak Road is here to help. We recognize the challenge of finding board members with both real-world experience and cultural fit. Our team of senior leaders, have diverse experiences and extensive networks. We excel at identifying and presenting highly qualified, culturally aligned candidates. By leveraging our connections with past clients, former colleagues, and professional associations, we find candidates willing to provide counsel and support to any U.S. market, ensuring the perfect fit for your organization.

Tell us more about what you need and we’ll present you with a few perfect-fit prospects.

Trusted Guidance

CEO & Board Advisory Services

Governing and advisory boards are crucial for a company’s long-term success. Whether you’re building a new board or enhancing an existing one, Peak Road Partners is here to help. We recognize the challenge of finding board members with both real-world experience and cultural fit. Our team of senior leaders, have diverse experiences and extensive networks. We excel at identifying and presenting highly qualified, culturally aligned candidates. By leveraging our connections with past clients, former colleagues, and professional associations, we find candidates willing to provide counsel and support to any U.S. market, ensuring the perfect fit for your organization.

Tell us more about what you need and we’ll present you with a few perfect-fit prospects.

Some Of Our Amazing Team

Our team is dedicated to helping your business grow

With Peak Road, you’re not just hiring a consultant; you’re gaining access to experienced leaders who have been in your shoes and have navigated companies to success. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Melissa Fisher

Managing Director

Paul Gordon

Senior Partner | Sales Optimization

Melih Oztalay

Senior Partner | Digital Marketing

David Haupt

Early Stage Business Advisor

Jacqueline Voss

Marketing Management

Terence LeMaster

Business Process & Strategy

Ken Steven

Performance Coach

Maria Haan

Franchise Business Coach

Stephanie Bickel

Speak By Design

Julie Vogler

Marketing Implementation

Elizabeth Lamont

Human Resources & Development

Amy King

Market Research & Insights

Nancy Terrell

Branding & Marketing Strategy

Rex Burr

Strategic & Financial Planning

Geoff Kowalski

Media Strategy & Planning

Peak Road FAQ’s

Empowering entrepreneurs to scale globally

Find answers to common questions about our services and results.

What is Peak Road’s approach to scaling businesses?2025-02-20T13:49:09-05:00

At Peak Road, we take a hands-on, strategic approach to scaling businesses by combining deep industry expertise with tailored growth frameworks. We focus on identifying key opportunities for expansion, optimizing operational efficiencies, maximizing marketing and leveraging our network of experienced executives and investors to fuel sustainable growth.

How does the fractional executive program work?2025-02-20T14:08:03-05:00

Our fractional executive program provides businesses with high-caliber leadership on a part-time or project basis. This allows companies to access top-tier expertise—such as successful CEOs, CMOs, CFOs, and COOs—without the long-term financial commitment of a full-time hire. These executives integrate seamlessly with your team to address critical challenges and drive results. Unlike a consultant who recommends what to do, we take the initiative to implement our ideas, increasing your ultimate success. When we’ve achieved a goal, we can help you hire our replacement, mentor a member of your team or plan and implement your next move.

What specific expertise can Peak Road offer my business?2025-02-20T14:07:52-05:00

We offer expertise in strategic growth, operational efficiency, financial structuring, leadership development, marketing, technology adoption, and market expansion. Our team consists of experienced entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and industry specialists who provide tailored guidance and hands-on-help based on your unique needs. Our project teams can tackle a problem or provide outsourced department management and implementation.

How do you align business strategies with ethical goals?2025-02-20T14:07:39-05:00

We believe that sustainable success is built on ethical business practices. Our approach ensures that growth strategies align with social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and corporate governance best practices. We help businesses implement purpose-driven strategies that resonate with stakeholders and customers alike. We strive to create win-win-win strategies where consumers win, businesses benefit, and we provide value to our stakeholders.

What are the benefits of partnering with Peak Road?2025-02-20T14:07:22-05:00

Businesses that partner with us gain access to a powerful combination of strategic insight, executive mentorship, financial flexibility, and operational expertise. We help accelerate growth, improve profitability, and co-create resilient companies that can thrive in dynamic markets with us and long after us. We are selective of the clients we collaborate with as we strive to ensure our work will help world-changing concepts grow and deliver impact beyond any individual.

How can your firm help improve my business’s profitability?2025-02-20T13:51:56-05:00

We focus on optimizing 8 key revenue drivers, streamlining operations efficiency, improving financial management using facts/data, and implementing scalable growth models for sales/marketing. Our team works closely with you to identify unique value, drive inefficiencies, and leverage opportunities, ensuring long-term profitability and value creation.

What is involved in the strategic infusion of expertise?2025-02-20T13:52:22-05:00

Strategic infusion involves embedding the right mix of industry experts, advisors, and fractional executives into your organization at critical moments. Whether it’s a leadership transition/succession, product launches, or market expansion, we provide targeted expertise to navigate complex challenges for as long as you need us. Our goal isn’t to say there is only one-way but rather expand organizational thinking to the many strategies that can help scale your business.

Can you provide examples of businesses you’ve helped grow?2025-02-20T13:52:46-05:00

We have worked with startups, mid-sized firms, and enterprises across various industries, helping them scale operations, secure funding, and execute strategic pivots. While client confidentiality prevents us from disclosing specifics, we are happy to share anonymized success stories upon request. We also are happy to connect you with past clients who can choose the level of details they wish to share. Just like if we worked together, we’d never openly share the secrets we helped craft for your success.

How does Peak Road support sustainable business practices?2025-02-20T13:53:10-05:00

Sustainability is a core part of our strategy. We help businesses implement sustainable supply chains, ethical labor practices, and environmentally conscious policies that balance ROI with corporate citizenship. Our team ensures that growth initiatives align with long-term sustainability goals and the core values of your organization.

What makes your financial contributions flexible?2025-02-20T13:53:32-05:00

Unlike traditional investors, in our Peak Road Ventures group we offer financial solutions that align with your business’s needs. This includes performance-based investments, revenue-sharing models, and milestone-driven funding. Our approach ensures that financial support is structured to maximize your company’s success and tied to company objectives.

How do you ensure a shared commitment to purpose?2025-02-20T14:05:40-05:00

We prioritize working with businesses that align with our values of integrity, innovation, and long-term impact. Our partnerships are built on mutual trust, shared goals, and a commitment to sustainable growth. We communicate regularly, addressing any disconnects promptly to ensure we stay on track.

How does mentorship through your program work?2025-02-20T13:56:16-05:00

Our mentorship program pairs business leaders with experienced entrepreneurs and executives who provide hands-on guidance. Mentorship includes regular strategy sessions, leadership development, 360-degree feedback systems, and access to a broad network of industry connections. From being a sounding board to helping think through human challenges when championing change, we strive to not “tell or sell” our ideas but elevate the abilities of the individuals we support.

What actionable frameworks does Peak Road provide?2025-02-20T13:56:39-05:00

We utilize proven frameworks for business scaling, operational efficiency, market positioning, and leadership development. For example we use frameworks from proven systems like the Entrepreneur Operating System framework (EOS), Strategic Coach (SC), Pragmatic Institute (PI), Project Management Institute (PMI), Story Brand (SB) and many others. These include proprietary growth playbooks, financial modeling tools, and customized strategic roadmaps tailored to your business goals.

How long does it take to see results from your partnership?2025-02-20T14:27:03-05:00

Timelines vary based on the scope of engagement and business maturity. However, most of our clients see measurable improvements in efficiency, revenue, and strategic clarity within 3 to 6 months. It all starts with a discovery call to determine the optimal approach and each deployment comes with a game plan outlining the objectives, deliverables and estimated timelines you should expect.

What is required to apply for your program?2025-02-20T13:57:24-05:00

Businesses looking to partner with Peak Road should have a clear vision, scalable business model, and openness to strategic collaboration. We assess each application based on potential impact, leadership capability, and market opportunity. We do not accept all that ask for help, but we strive to point everyone to helpful resources regardless if we agree to work together. To hire Peak Road interim/fractional executives or project eams visit our contact us page if you’re seeking venture funding or in-kind support visit our Peak Road Ventures site for more information.

What kind of leadership training do you offer?2025-02-20T13:59:17-05:00

We offer executive coaching, leadership development workshops, executive speaking and personalized mentoring programs. Our network of trainers, coaches and mentors focuses on decision-making, strategic thinking, team management, lean management principles and resilience in high-growth environments.

How do you measure the impact of your interventions?2025-02-20T13:59:38-05:00

We use objectives by key results (OKRs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) tailored to each business, tracking metrics such as revenue growth, customer acquisition, operational efficiency, and leadership effectiveness. Regular progress reviews ensure continuous improvement is achieved. Check out our ultimate guide to establishing OKRs and KPIs.

What are the outcomes for businesses that partner with you?2025-02-20T14:27:41-05:00

Companies that work with Peak Road typically experience increased profitability, improved operational efficiency, enhanced leadership capabilities, and stronger market positioning. Many also secure funding, expand into new markets, and achieve sustainable growth that leads to next-level success.

How do you tailor your services to fit different businesses?2025-02-20T14:00:28-05:00

We take a customized approach, assessing each business’s unique challenges and opportunities before designing a tailored strategy and recommending specific resources. Whether it’s fundraising, restructuring, or go-to-market strategy development, our solutions are adapted to fit your needs and seek to apply seasoned talent with comparable work experience in your industry or equivalent business models.

What ongoing support does Peak Road offer?2025-02-20T14:00:49-05:00

We provide continuous strategic advisory, mentorship, and access to our network of talent if you want us. Our long-term support typically takes the form of retainer-based work, ensuring that businesses remain supported, agile, and competitive even after our initial engagement. From phone a friend advisor to ongoing support services for basic marketing needs, the terms and types of help you have it ultimately up to you.

Forget the Corporate Politics

We’re Focused On Actions
& Results For Our Customers

“One of the best business partners I have ever had the pleasure of working with.  We’ve shared a history of multiple successes across multiple companies.  I am proud to say Melissa is an outstanding executive with whom I have worked for more than a decade.”

Rita Drucker, Sr Executive | Snapchat, Yahoo, Fox

“I enjoyed working with Melissa for the 8 years she was our CMO (until the company was acquired). She provided sound and executable strategy while at the same time providing an achievable vision for the brand.”

Bill Disbrow, CEO (retired) | Cox Target Media

“For over 25 years, I have recruited candidates from Harvard and Wharton, coming into contact with hundreds of very talented people. Based on my personal experiences, I would put Peak Road’s founder, Melissa Fisher, at the top of all those with whom I was involved. She is extremely intelligent, has an exemplary work ethic, and has outstanding leadership skills that would benefit any company.”

Hal McMenamin, Chairman | Corning  

“In the first 30 days, we closed a distribution deal with Gannett/USA Today (the first-ever gaming content on their channel), scored our first major sponsor, and upgraded all our brand, promotional, and sales assets. They helped us accomplish more in a month than we’ve done in a year going it alone. If you’re thinking about whether you should work with them? Do it; you won’t be disappointed. Their advice has been spot-on, and hands-on help has consistently delivered results.”

Drew Beausoleil, Founder & CEO | ITGtv

“The bandwidth of experience of our Peak Road Partner has in all facets of business is quite remarkable. She can span the industrial sector as well as marketing while commanding the P/L and balance sheet. She does it with confidence and determination. When I need to calibrate my views in a certain area, Melissa is one resource that I know will give me a different and new perspective. She brings knowledge, balance, optimism and persistence to any situation.”

Christopher Hubert, former CEO | Aerospace, Rail, Defense, and Automotive Industrial

“Well known for leadership abilities, extensive experience and business knowledge. I have personally enjoyed coaching, advice, and consultation, as they have helped me steer my company in a positive direction. I recommend Melissa and Peak Road Partners without reservation.”

Sreedhar Kaluva, CEO | Unique Solutions of Advanced Technologies 

“The guidance we received was invaluable. Peak Road Partners truly helped us unlock potential we didn’t know we had. We expanded and successfully exited in significantly less time than I ever dreamed possible —at a 10x multiple!”

Rick Mandelbaum, CEO | American Saver (now dbaCardlytics)

“Peak Road Partners didn’t just tell us what to do, they rolled up their sleeves and made it happen. The impact on our expansion was immediate and significant, securing an elusive deal with Amazon Prime Video, Freevee, and Fire TV in their first 90 days.”

Eric Yoon, CEO | ESTV — Esports Television

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with our Peak Road executive for over 5 years. An exceptional leader with a proven ability to use critical thinking to gain influence and confidence of others and to help execute business strategies. They were a skillful negotiator and business strategist who understands how to expand a suite of solution offerings to better address consumer demands. They were not only my boss, but my mentor. I will miss their courage to challenge the status quo, creativity and sense of humor! ”

Martha Tobolski, Director of User Experience | Clarity Voice

“Melissa Fisher is a maverick. We have benefitted greatly from her business coaching over the last 7 years. She has been instrumental in guiding us through significant growth periods, consistently delivering outlier results with her marketing expertise. Melissa is an indispensable asset to any organization seeking growth guidance.”

Stephanie Bickel, Managing Director | Speak By Design

“Creative solutions matched with a premium understanding of measurement and analytics, Our Peak Road Partner executive can solve the most complex problems while providing long-lasting solutions that helps businesses thrive intro the future. I have learned immensely.”

Geoff Kowalski, CRO, OTSMOn the Spot Media 

“The marketing team that Peak Road recruited and led did more than drive consumer awareness and build the brand, they made Valpak the easiest-to-sell b2b advertising product I have ever worked with.”

David Flash, Vice President | Formerly Spectrum

“Passion comes through in everything they do, inspiring organizations and people to continually outperform expectations.”

Harry Pianko, CFO | Formerly Pwc 

“I strongly recommend to anyone who feels a need for a very capable business leader or business advisor to engage Melissa. In the 8 years that I have had the pleasure of knowing Melissa, I have found her to be a  strong strategic discussion partner and a trusted advisor given her breadth & depth of experience as CEO of a $300MM private company.”

Jeffery Miller, Program General Manager | GE

“4 years ago and my first impression was she has one of the most brilliant minds. 4 years later, she continues to amaze me with her creative, strategic vision.  She strived to empower her team to make decisions while always being available to brainstorm. She helped us to think differently and challenged us to be better leaders.”

Nicole Yesh, VP of Operations & Culture, People.Health

Our Peak Road Partner holds a rarity to be able to blend together strategic vision, effective communication, and an ability to inspire and motivate teams. During our time together (6 years), I observed firsthand their capacity to navigate complex challenges with poise and determination, consistently delivering results that exceeded expectations.

Heather Conely-Spangler, former Vice President | Clarity Voice 

“Our fractional CMO from Peak Road thrives on bringing out the best in individuals and teams. Her astute insights, wide-ranging knowledge of marketing and sales, and her true heart for people propelled our team into new and exciting ways of thinking and doing. In just a year’s time she identified strengths and weaknesses in our organization and provided a roadmap to institutional health and growth and kept our enrolment steady in a market during drastic declines.”

Jeff Babbitt, Director of Marketing & Communications | Houghton University 

“Peak Road executive strong leadership delivered organizational alignment and support for perfect supply chain execution to a complex network of approximately 27,000 retail locations as COO. Their strategic vision as CEO created unique consumer items that increased income for national retail partners and the company. Our Peak Road executive’s solution-focused leadership style respected others’ efforts, which helped build client relationships. Our Peak Road boss was a mentor and a pleasure to work for.”

Mike Svetina, VP Retail Sales | HealthSmart International

Our Peak Road executive was a brilliant marketer who saw the relationship between marketing and sales as an opportunity to align and grow the firm. (Unlike many marketers who avoid the field or have hostile ties.) Marketers must get creative to engage with customers and differentiate their products and services in today’s hyper-commoditized market. Our Peak Road exec was bold in finding new ideas, pushing them in an organization, rallying stakeholders, making a business case, and executing. The last point being the biggest. They get the job done! ”

Tim Riesterer, Chief Strategy Officer | Corporate Visions 

“For six years working with our Peak Road exec, and part of the team, I was directly involved in development of marketing plans, rebranding products and developing multi-million-dollar promotional plans and partnerships. Our Peak Road CMO direction is textbook accurate and street smart applicable. Their management style is one of mentoring staff, enabling them to make decisions while holding them accountable, with an open door and always listening to ideas and concerns equally.”

Chris Bilotta, Head of Partnership Marketing & Promotions | Valpak

“Our Peak Road executive has demonstrated excellent leadership skills in the midst of a very challenging business environment at EP. She has managed to make the critical and tough decisions needed to affect growth and change, while still treating employees with a level of grace and kindness you rarely see in the senior ranks of Corporate America these days. ”

Marcena Chapman, Marketing  Management | Kelly Services  

“Our company had complex eco-systems, and our Peak Road executive leveraged their intellect, experience and skills to develop business models, new products and operational strategies to maximize the impact of our unique competitive advantages. They also has the rare instinct for unlocking the passion and potential of her team, in order to drive exceptional results. ”

Mike Stolarski, Vice President Entertainment  

“Melissa’s a talented and brilliant CEO. Great collaborator and intellectual powerhouse. Known for her diverse skills, she is a collaborative leader who prioritizes people’s needs, drives change, and is proficient in traditional business, marketing, and sales, as well as digital, mobile, and new media. Melissa thinks differently than others.

Anyone who works with Melissa can expect strategic thinking, creativity, and exceptional leadership!”

Yosi Heber, Former Exec | Kraft, Dannon, IAC

“I’ve found our Peak Road executive to be as a great visionary, great mentor, incredibly smart and a very genuine person. You can be really open and honest with them no matter what the situation may be and they even encourages people to be like that. We’re lucky to work with them.”

Vijay Pallaigar, VP Executive Services Technology | Fidelity 

“I grew more and learned more working with Melissa than at any point in my career. If you have the opportunity to work with/for Melissa, you should take it.”

Mike Monacelli, LOB CFO | dentsu

“The Peak Road executive was pragmatic approach on everything from strategic planning to program management to staff development was very well received and conducive to driving success within the business. Personally, they served as an extremely valued mentor/partner who helped me better understand my strengths and identify opportunities for career growth. ”

Mark Sawicki, SVP | Guidant Global 

“My mentor’s strategic insight remains instrumental in my professional development and aids in leveraging the skills and experience I possess as a next-level consultant! They not only provided solid advice but a marketing roadmap that aligned with my vision. My mentor from Peak Road is a trusted advisor! I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who requires next level assistance in their business endeavors!”

“I wasn’t sure how best to navigate the transition from higher education to a career that would put my B.A. in Studio Art to good use. With my mentor, I was able to map out actionable steps toward several potential career paths, and I’m thrilled to report that I recently landed a design role with my dream employer, Penguin Random House! ”

Kaylah Bozkurtain, Designer | Penguin Random House

“My mentor saw something in me, and in doing so, provided me with an opportunity to move into the Engineering. I took the opportunity, and I have never looked backwards since! I worked with my mentor for about five years, and in that time, they have assisted in elevating my career to a level I never would have imagined today. ”

Bret Laughlin, Network Engineer | RingLogix

“The Peak Road executive we worked with was instrumental in my career development. They consistently brings out the best in our team, enables and equips them with exactly what they need, and could not have been a better leader. ”

Ryan Dinkler, SR Product Manger | Miratech

“The best mentor that I’ve had so far hands down. She has been able to relate to me in the business world and has been dedicated to ensuring my success. Thanks to their counsel, insights, and hands-on help, I have been able to learn about myself professionally and focus on areas of opportunity to develop myself and advance my career. If you want to work with someone with both integrity and keen business insights, look no further.”

Derrick Williams, Government Affairs, Sr. Analyst | Cox Communications 

“Melissa is able to combine her marketing genius with a distinct focus on the bottom line and creating shareholder value. As CEO of Entertainment Promotions, Melissa was able to significantly improve not only the bottom line but also product identity, customer focus, and employee morale. ”

Harry Pianko, CFO | Entertainment Promotions

“Melissa is the one of the smartest and most strategic leaders I have worked with in over 25 years. Her ability to understand complex business issues, and then quickly analyze how best to handle to the benefit of her team, is unmatched. I learned more about Marketing from Melissa than from any leader in all my years in business – she has such amazing domain expertise and experience. Most importantly – Melissa truly cares.”

Michale Periard, CFO | IGS – Integrated Global Services

“Visionary. Mentor. Caring Leader. These are some of Melissa’s traits, which is why I was honored to join her teams at two firms. She made Cox Target Media’s marketing team world-class. As COO and CEO of Entertainment Promotions, her strategic vision inspired the company. Melissa’s enthusiasm for empowering her team to thrive drives her ability to inspire others.”

Jennifer O’Leary, Director of Marketing | Educational products Inc

“Melissa is more than a CEO or CMO, she is an industry expert and pioneer.”

Dainon Haggard, Sr Director | Microsoft 

Go to Top