The Math of Scaling: Fractional vs. Full-Time Executive Hires

    Data-Verified

    The Math of Scaling: Fractional vs. Full-Time Executive Hires

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    Problem

    A $250K salary becomes $400K+ with benefits, taxes, recruiting, and the 40% failure risk.

    Solution

    AI-matched fractional leaders deliver focused strategic work from Day 1 at 1/3 the cost.

    Outcome

    $60-120K/year. No ramp-up. No severance risk. Scale quarterly.

    Diagnose

    AI identifies where executive-level attention delivers highest ROI

    Match

    Specialist matched to your exact problem and industry

    Resolve

    Results from Day 1—no recruiting fees, no ramp, no overhead

    Resolution Scorecard

    Metric
    Full-Time Hire
    Sobo Fractional
    Speed
    3-6 months ramp
    Productive Day 1
    Data Usage
    Resume review
    AI problem-to-expert matching
    Cost
    $350-450K/year all-in
    $60-120K/year

    The Hidden Costs of Full-Time Hires

    • Benefits: +$50-75K (20-30% of salary)
    • Payroll taxes: +$17-25K (7-10%)
    • Recruiting: +$50-75K (25-33% of first-year salary)
    • Onboarding: 3-6 months before full productivity
    • Failure risk: 40%+ fail within 18 months

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    Side-by-Side Comparison

    MetricSobo ModelTraditional Consultant/Employee
    Annual Cost
    $60-120K
    $350-450K
    Benefits & Overhead
    Included
    +25-35% of salary
    Recruiting Cost
    $0
    $50-75K
    Time to Productivity
    Day 1
    3-6 months
    Termination Risk
    None
    Severance + legal
    Focus Quality
    100% strategic work
    Mixed priorities

    The Focus Advantage

    A fractional CFO spending 15 hours/month often delivers more than a full-time CFO at 160 hours/month. Full-time executives get pulled into meetings, politics, and admin.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

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    Robert Burke

    Founder & CEO of Sobo.ai

    Robert is a multi-generation entrepreneur with 20+ years helping SMBs scale through operational excellence and fractional leadership.

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