Best Fractional CMOs in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Interim & Fractional Chief Marketing Officers

Minneapolis is a city of innovation, blending a strong corporate presence with a thriving startup ecosystem and a creative community that stretches from the North Loop to Uptown. Businesses here aren’t just competing—they’re defining the future of industries ranging from tech and healthcare to consumer goods and professional services. In this dynamic environment, Fractional CMOs are increasingly pivotal. They bring executive-level marketing leadership without the overhead of a full-time hire, helping companies scale smarter, execute faster, and innovate continuously.

At Digital Reference, we’ve spent months researching the Minneapolis market to curate a list of standout consultants. Our methodology combines deep analysis of track records, client success stories, thought leadership, and hands-on implementation. We only feature professionals physically located in the Minneapolis area who exemplify excellence, creativity, and measurable impact.

🌟 Spotlight on Minneapolis’ Fractional CMO Experts

Patrick Hurley

Fractional CMO / Founder, Fraction-Able
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Patrick Hurley is a visionary leader who helps Minneapolis companies align strategy with execution. As the founder of Fraction-Able, Patrick specializes in transforming marketing operations and implementing scalable growth strategies.

✨ Highlights of Patrick’s expertise:

🟢 Strategic Marketing Transformation – Patrick has guided multiple organizations through marketing reorganizations that improve efficiency and ROI.
🟢 Cross-Industry Leadership – His experience spans tech, professional services, and consumer-focused businesses.
🟢 Data-Driven Decisions – Patrick combines analytics and insights to craft strategies that deliver measurable business results.
🟢 Mentorship & Team Development – Beyond strategy, he helps internal teams build marketing capabilities for sustained growth.

Patrick’s work reflects a balance of creative vision and analytical rigor, making him a sought-after consultant for Minneapolis companies aiming to scale with confidence.

Dr. Bradley K. Canham

Fractional CMO / Marketing Consultant, The Marketing Blender
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Dr. Bradley Canham brings a unique academic perspective fused with practical experience, helping companies develop marketing strategies that are both innovative and evidence-based.

✨ Key contributions:

🟢 Integrated Marketing Strategies – Bradley specializes in aligning brand, digital, and customer experience efforts to achieve measurable outcomes.
🟢 Thought Leadership – With publications and workshops in marketing science, he elevates organizational knowledge.
🟢 Startup & Growth Expertise – He guides startups and mid-sized companies to optimize marketing spend for maximum impact.
🟢 Analytical Approach – Bradley emphasizes data-informed decision-making while keeping creativity central to campaigns.

Through his work, Dr. Canham demonstrates how marketing leadership can be both strategic and practical, helping Minneapolis businesses succeed in complex, competitive markets.

Amy Abt

Fractional CMO / Principal, Canary Group
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Amy Abt is known for bridging marketing strategy and operational execution, ensuring that businesses not only plan effectively but also implement with precision.

✨ Amy’s standout capabilities:

🟢 Brand Development & Positioning – She helps companies clarify their identity and messaging to resonate in crowded markets.
🟢 Marketing Roadmaps – Amy creates actionable, step-by-step plans for scaling growth and reaching new audiences.
🟢 Cross-Functional Leadership – She collaborates with sales, product, and executive teams to integrate marketing into broader business goals.
🟢 Client-Centric Solutions – Known for tailoring strategies to the unique needs of each business, delivering practical, results-driven outcomes.

Amy’s approach ensures Minneapolis organizations receive marketing leadership that is strategic, adaptive, and highly personalized.

Eric Rudolf

Fractional CMO / Founder, CG TMO
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Eric Rudolf specializes in data-driven digital marketing and customer acquisition strategies. His consultancy, CG TMO, focuses on helping companies scale efficiently while improving ROI and marketing performance.

✨ Eric’s key strengths:

🟢 Performance Marketing – Expert in digital channels, paid media, and growth marketing.
🟢 Customer Acquisition & Retention – Builds strategies that improve lifetime value and engagement.
🟢 Marketing Infrastructure – Implements systems for tracking, reporting, and optimizing campaigns.
🟢 Hands-On Leadership – Works closely with internal teams to ensure strategies are actionable and results-oriented.

Eric’s expertise makes him a go-to consultant for Minneapolis organizations looking to combine growth strategy with executional excellence.

Lori Schaefer

Fractional CMO / Marketing Strategist, Marketing Matters MN
🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Lori Schaefer is celebrated for her strategic brand guidance and marketing leadership across diverse industries, from healthcare to professional services.

✨ Lori’s contributions include:

🟢 Brand Strategy & Storytelling – Helps businesses clarify messaging and differentiate in competitive markets.
🟢 Full-Spectrum Marketing Leadership – Provides end-to-end oversight, from planning to execution.
🟢 Team Enablement – Mentors in-house teams to build marketing capabilities and sustain long-term growth.
🟢 Local Market Expertise – Deep knowledge of Minneapolis industries ensures strategies are locally relevant and effective.

Lori’s work empowers businesses to execute marketing strategies that drive measurable impact and long-term growth.

Wrapping It Up: Minneapolis’ Fractional CMO Landscape & Digital Reference

Minneapolis is a hub of innovation, creativity, and business growth—and the city’s Fractional CMOs are central to that progress. The consultants featured here—Patrick Hurley, Dr. Bradley Canham, Amy Abt, Eric Rudolf, and Lori Schaefer—showcase the diversity of expertise available, from data-driven strategy and performance marketing to brand storytelling and integrated leadership.

At Digital Reference, our mission is to connect businesses with marketing leaders who deliver strategy, execution, and measurable results. Through our research-based methodology, we highlight professionals who demonstrate proven impact, thought leadership, and a commitment to helping local businesses succeed.

✨ For more insights and resources on marketing leadership:

🍎 Marketing Consultants in the USA to Watch‍

🛒 Marketing Strategy Consulting Services in the USA

🧺 Customer Research Consulting Services in the USA

Minneapolis companies deserve marketing leadership that combines vision, creativity, and execution. In 2025, these Fractional CMOs are helping shape the city’s marketing future—guiding teams, building strategies, and delivering growth that truly makes a difference.