We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Olin Lafontaine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen Olin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As a certified Project Management Professional and throughout my operations experience, I recognized a growing need for flexible and strategic operational leadership. Many small to medium-sized businesses and startups often face challenges in affording a full-time, experienced COO. Recognizing this gap, I decided to start a Fractional COO business to offer organizations the opportunity to access high-level operational expertise on a part-time basis.

Why should companies consider a Fractional COO?

Cost-Effective Solutions: SMEs may not have the financial resources to hire a full-time COO. By offering fractional services, businesses can access seasoned professionals at a fraction of the cost, optimizing their operational budgets.

Flexibility: Small, growing businesses may not require a full-time COO in the early stages. Fractional COOs provide the flexibility for organizations to scale their operational leadership as needed, adapting to changing business requirements.

Instant Thought Partner: Organizational leaders need a thought partner to work through growth strategies while keeping the best interest of the company at hand.

Project-Based Support: Fractional COOs can be engaged for specific projects or initiatives, providing targeted support without a long-term commitment. This allows businesses to address particular operational issues or improvements without a prolonged contractual arrangement.

Leadership Support: Most growing companies get to a point where the CEO is pulled too much into the day-to-day and unable to spend time working on the business, instead of in the business. A Fractional COO allows an extra level of support for the internal team so the CEO can get out of the day-to-day challenges.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My professional journey started by being inspired by a women-owned staffing agency in Raleigh, NC, called The Greer Group. Working at The Greer Group, throughout college allowed insights and knowledge into the many career paths available, resume writing, interviewing, and the power of connection and resources.

After college, I came home to Charlotte, NC, to help my parents grow their privately owned homecare agency. This 10-year experience allowed me to become a leader and manager throughout the growth of the company. Making mistakes, learning from them, and building a beautiful business based on customer service and our reputation, I was able to help grow the business from 10 caregivers and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and 2 clients to 125 caregivers and CNAs and 100 clients in the Charlotte community when we decided to sell to a National Organization.

As a Fractional COO and Certified Project Manager, I harmoniously integrate the major functions of your business with an objective outside view. I serve as your accountability partner while moving your projects from vision to completion. My passion lies in team collaboration, business operations, human resources, sales, marketing, and innovative solutions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love that Charlotte is ever-changing. My husband and I enjoy finding new places with craft cocktails and great food. Ther expanding experiences and opportunities make it an enjoyable place to live.

The Whitewater Center
A Hornets, FC, or Panther game
The Artisan Palate
Humbug
The AutoPour
Brawley’s Beverages
Osteria Luca
CreativeMornings

And a 3-day, 2-night trip to Asheville!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who have contributed to the success of my first year in the business. My husband, Kevin Lafontaine, gave me the support and courage to leave a job without a job and take a leap of faith in the experience and skill set I have formed.

My brother and sister-in-law, Matt and Sarah Olin, gave me a sounding board to understand that I could create something that was needed within businesses and to lean into the simple ask for help and support.

Last but not least, my parents and kids stepped up to be sure I never felt alone and took on more responsibility to allow me the time and energy to get things started.

Website: https://www.jenolinlafontaine.com/

Instagram: @jenolinlafontaineconsulting

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-olin-lafontaine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.olin.22

Image Credits
Magen Scarboro Instagram: @magenmarie

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